the 'a' team (six strong)

most of you know these outstanding people, but i wanted to give a shout out to the 'a' team: my amazing family. although we've only just scratched the surface of this journey, the support and help my family has provided me already has been unbelievable... from holding my hand, to washing my hair :), to helping me make difficult decisions.  from the first moment we received troubling news, they have been by my side, constantly reminding me that i'm not facing this alone.

when we beat this, the success will be every bit theirs, as it will be mine. in addition to being my family, they are the most amazing individuals i know, my best friends, favorite people to spend time with, and my inspiration... i am the luckiest girl in the world.

my mom & dad

brother, tim, & fiancee, erica

and, last but not least, peter!

no definitive news today. since the biopsy (still in process) revealed hodgkin's and (potentially) non-hodgkin's cells, i went in for more blood work yesterday to provide additional data in support of a final diagnosis. the first test showed that my 'sed rate' was elevated (pointing towards hodgkin's), while the second showed that my 'ldh' count was normal (high would have pointed towards non-hodgkin's)... a little glimmer of hope that, although complex, the biopsy results may be in line with my wishes.