The Good News (and the Fine Print)
(Mostly) Good News!!!!
I had my 6-week follow-up yesterday and I am officially cleared to get back to work!! Yay!!
But… we also went over the pathology of my tumor, and I will need to do radiation.
It was a Grade 2, which we already knew. But because they had to leave a portion of it behind, radiation is the next step—hopefully to shrink it and/or slow any regrowth. The part they couldn’t remove is attached to the main vein running through my brain… which basically makes it a “too risky to take out, but also not ideal to leave alone” situation.
And this is what I mean when I say: benign is not fine.
Right now, I don’t have a ton of details. I need to meet with a specialized oncologist and get another MRI first. And, of course, insurance is adding its own layer of ✨fun✨ to the process.
So now we wait while my surgeon finds someone in-network that he actually trusts… because naturally, his go-to specialist is out of network. 🙃
RANT TIME
I am very grateful to have insurance. Truly.
But mine ONLY covers in-network. Period.
Which means if I see the wrong doctor or have the wrong procedure done in the wrong place… I’m responsible for 100% of it. And with something like this, that’s just not realistic.
So yes—I’m pushing hard for someone who is both qualified and covered.
Okay. Deep breath. Moving on.
Here’s the plan (so far):
I’m coming back to the salon!! 🎉
Some of you already know this, but my schedule is going to look different for a while. I’m (mostly) cane-free now, and my physical therapist even set up a little “salon” for me to practice in before signing off on me going back—which honestly feels very on brand for me. 😅
That said… I’m going to be working every other day and shorter hours.
A double whammy.
As much as I would LOVE to jump right back into my normal schedule, my body (and brain) are not there yet. So this does mean that some appointments—especially ones that were booked while Jenn was covering for me—may need to be moved or possibly canceled.
I hate that. Truly.
But I’ve also had to accept that I just spent the last several weeks relearning how to walk and balance… so expecting myself to bounce back instantly was a little optimistic.
If you can give me a little extra grace right now, it will allow me to build back up the right way—so I can show up fully for you long-term.
The last thing I want is to overdo it and end up canceling even more later.
For now, I’m only adjusting things a few days at a time.
Partly because it’s overwhelming… and partly because I’m still figuring out my limits.
I get tired very easily right now—physically and mentally.
(Seriously… look up neuro fatigue. It’s a real thing and can last for months… sometimes longer 😳)
And then there’s the small detail of upcoming radiation, which is just kind of… looming in the background for now.
I won’t know more until I meet with a specialist, but my goal is to get that started as soon as possible. There’s a chance I may be able to continue working during treatment—we’ll just have to see.
So for now… it’s a bit of a “hurry up and wait” situation.
What this means for you:
If I need to make any changes to your appointment, you will hear from me directly.
If you don’t hear from me—assume your appointment is staying as is!
I’m not booking anything new beyond what’s currently scheduled just yet.
If you have questions, please feel free to text me!
And if I’m not able to make something work…
I am so, so sorry. I’ve truly done my best to juggle all of this.
Meredith is happy to help cover where I can’t, and I will absolutely make sure you’re taken care of one way or another.
Thank you all (again) for following along with me through all of this—and for the constant support, kindness, and patience you’ve shown me.
It means more than I can put into words. 💛
