Hello everyone,
I have some bad news to share. In my last post, I wrote about feeling vey fatigued. I had also been struggling with some headaches. To be safe, I had an MRI on Sunday and unfortunately, the results were not what we had hoped for. The scan showed that a mass was growing on the right side of my brain. I was told to go directly to the hospital and that I would likely need to have brain surgery. It looks like the cancer has returned. I know this sounds like catastrophic, bad news. And, yes, it is horrible, but there are some good things – the tumour appears to be contained to one spot (on my right side), and it isn’t affecting my speech or vision and the operation is unlikely to disrupt these things in any long-term way, which is great. The fact that it is one, localized tumor, as opposed to many small ones, also makes the chances of a successful surgery much better. The neurosurgeons here are excellent and do this procedure often. The fact that it is operable is very good. And the fact that it is being treated quickly is also very good. The doctors have told us that many people recover well from this procedure and go on to live long, healthy lives. This is our hope.
To manage expectations, I want to say that the surgeon expects that they will be able to remove a large majority of the tumor but because of its location, they may need to leave some (so as not to cause damage). The rest will be treated by radiation, which is very effective and could shrink it to nonexistence. (It is so effective that they call if radio-surgery.)
I am at the hospital now and will likely be having surgery today. We don’t know the exact time yet, but they are saying around mid-day, and it will likely last about 3 – 4 hours, but could be longer. Everything is happening very quickly. It seems I was premature in titling my last post, “after cancer,” as it appears that I was only “between cancers.”
A while ago, someone asked me what advice I would give to someone newly diagnosed with breast cancer, and I had a hard time answering. I thought about it for a while and decided that I would say, “It is going to be hard, but you will learn that you are stronger and more loved than you could ever know.” So, I am taking my own advice to heart. And friends, let me say this, “I feel strong, and loved, and I am ready to fight!”
And, I know I’ve posted this photo of Nate before, but it seems pretty perfect for the moment:
You know it!
Friends, we are staying positive, so please stay positive with us. I love you.
We will try to update people when we can.
Everybody Hearts 
Love you and thinking of you, dear Naomi! Your words are inspirational, and so is your positive attitude. We will be thinking of you today and will send you back good energy, love, and strength.
Awful news Naomi, but am relieved to hear that the procedure and treatment has a very high success rate. I will be thinking of you and sending you and the fam a lot of positive energy. This is just the next step in your journey in overcoming that f*cker, cancer. Lots of love, Dillon.
Naomi, Mitch and Nate- count us in on the biggest group hug for you today. We are thinking of you. Keep up your positivity and strength- tout est possible!! xo
ARGH. We are so sorry you have to go through this.
We love you! Will be thinking and cheering for you all day. XOXOXOXOXOXOOXOXOX
Hey Naomi,
Fran here. Robin forwarded your blog post. Tears running down my face thinking of you having to go through this but at the same time crossing every finger and toe, knowing that the hospital team will be doing their best and you are strong enough to face this.
LOTS of love.
Courage, ma belle ( as they say in Quebec)
Fran
We are thinking of you, hugging you from Montreal and sending enormous amounts of love and positive thoughts. Jenna even said the ‘shma’ last night for you. Hebrew school is paying off! Keep fighting, we know you are going to kick this thing. We LOVE you!!!!
My dad is back in the comforts of home recovering from his brain surgery, as you will soon be too. All of my energy is focused on sending positive thoughts and love your way! No one fights alone!big hugs
I’ll be sending you every ounce of good juju I can muster! I’ve been following your blog ever since my own diagnosis a few months back, you’ve been quite an inspiration. You can totally kick this, you have to.
Oh, Naomi, I’m so so sorry to hear this. 😦 I mean, I am very positive that you will beat this, but I can’t help but think this is so unfair. After all you’ve been through. You are an amazing, strong woman, and please know that we are rooting for you out here in Alberta/BC. Sending you heaps of cancer fighting vibes ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The Rimers heart Naomi! Anything is possible. We believe in you 110%. Love love love.
Sent from my iPhone
You are strong. You are tough. You are amazing. And you are loved to the ends of the earth and back. All your family and friends are lined up to fight alongside you.
My three heros – the Angel-Praws. So much love is being sent your way from so many people from all over the world. I have so much faith in the three of you. With my whole heart.
Naomi, you got this! Sending all the love in the world from our fam to yours. Infinite hugs, group hugs, and high fives!
all our love and hugs to you, Mitch and Nate.
Naomi and David
Giant hugs from over here!! You are the bravest I know. My thoughts and best hopes and fighting spirit is with you. xoxo Diane
We are in the giant hug too! Thinking of all of you and your positivity and courage is just incredible…
Love you so much, Naomi! I’m so sorry to hear about this and will keep you and Mitch and Nate in my thoughts today, as always. All the positive energy in the world, to you!!!!!
Dear Naomi and Mitch,
All our love and good wishes! Myra and Izzy
You’re such a strong, amazing, astonishing person Naomi – we’re all with you!
hmmmm….not sure I can even write anything..but I will…Been thinking about you all day, my thoughts are with you, I have brought an army of friends and family on board to keep happy thoughts. Love you guys so much, and will only think happy thoughts. In two weeks, I will be doing my part to help drop kick these disease like there is no tomorrow….Love you….be strong.
We believe in you and know you will kick the Big C’s butt. We love you and are sending big hugs and positive thoughts and energy your way. Love you both. Mike and Marilyn
Naomi – You are the most courageous and inspirational person I’ve ever known. I know without a doubt that you’ll get through this.
Shannon and I were already running for you this Sunday (Run for the Cure), but now we’ll be doing so with renewed purpose.
Love you both and see you soon.
This is the last hurdle to get over this once and for all. We are cheering for you! Big hugs and lots of love to you, Mitch and Nate.
Naomi, your strength, love and fighting spirit are inspiring – sending some healing your way, and wishes for a speedy recovery.
Staying positive and anxiously awaiting an update. You are amazing, Naomi. Much love to you and your family. I agree: tout est absolument possible!
Wishing you a speedy recovery. We all love you and are thinking about you.
Love Ilene and family
Lots of hugs Naomi! You are inspirational. Keep fighting and have hope. I’ll be thinking of you. xoxo