Interlude with More Testing and a Visit from Meagan

After returning from Spain in mid-March of 2023, Will had more tests and doctor visits. First, he had a PET Scan, which is a test to identify signs of cancer, involving injecting a safe radioactie tracer to identify presence and local of diseased cells. This scan is used to help diagnose the type and stage of the cancer. While we were awaiting results, he also had another brochoscopy/biopsy. He had another consultation with an ENT. At this point, we knew he had cancer, but we were awaiting further details. He was actually feeling quite well during this time frame.

This waiting period was made much more pleasant because Meagan came for a few days to visit. She and Carolyn had just spent a week in the Azores with friends. Unfortunately, Carolyn had to return to the US immediately but we had a great time showing Meagan around Cascais and introducing her to our friends. This picture of Will and Meagan (which is not great) shows our visit to nearby Guincho beach. Happy times.

It was a quiet time for us. We were so lucky to have wonderful neighbors in our building -- Mara and Juan Peralta -- who offered support, friendship, wine, Aperol, and general comfort. They were with us at every step in Will's health process. It is not possible to express what they meant to us -- and still mean to me. We really enjoyed hosting their kids -- Matias and Lizzy -- who came up to our apartment for movies and (most importantly) McDonald's. Matias is a student of the American space program and hopes to be an astronaut one day. He is also a gifted musician. He would come up to watch space movies with Will. Then they would end up on our balcony listening to the Beatles. They were best of friends and their time together was precious for them both.