2nd Opinion

Typical for us: "are you waiting to be seen?" "Yes my appointment was at noon" "hmmm" she says as she walks away at 1:00!!!!
We did eventually get to see Dr. Salgia and it went well. Stac was able to participate over the phone. The Dr. actually held the phone and addressed her directly several times. I will have her post some time this weekend a better understanding of what we found out. The bottom line Chad & I both got out of it is that he wants to be aggressive, he feels  like we have several options, and he is happy to work with Dr. Le-Lindqwister's group so treatment can be local as much as possible. All good news.
It is not hereditary so there is no extra concern for my children or siblings. Of course, there is now a family history so there will be precautions, but no immediate concerns. There is a high risk clinic at the University if famliy members are concerned, but he said no need for worry now.
He also addressed some concerns we had about the radiation and going off the steroid. I had a lot of anxiety about going off the steroid and worrying that the brain swelling would come back. He assured us it's good to go off the steroid and gave us better direction on what to look for in the way of the swelling returning.
We really liked what he had to say about each case being individual and not believing in statistics and I signed paperwork to add whatever information they can to the research they do. We were assigned a person to watch over our case and be our specific contact person that we can call any time and directly when working with the University.
I know these are terrible circumstances we are facing and the fight ahead will get ugly, but it is still amazing to me to meet some of the people who fight this battle for us on a daily basis. I know people say it takes a calling to be a teacher and that even different grades require different callings, but cancer treatment is such a calling and the people who have come along our side have been amazing! I am in awe of the medical community!
The current order is to spend now until the 10th resting and playing. On the 10th, chemo or an alternative plan created by the dr.s together with some new information they are waiting on, will begin.

Typical for us: amtrak:"the 5:00 train you booked has been cancelled. If you report to the station a bus will be available for you." Arrive at the station and ask "where do we catch the bus that is replacing the 5:00 train to Bloomington?" Amtrak:"Is there a bus?" Long story short: we caught a bus home from Chicago and made it to Bloomington by 8. We are SOOO glad to be back home and with our kids!