Day one is tomorrow
Tomorrow, Monday is a big day. It all begins for real. Up until now we have been in shock. The fog is lifting and we are counting our blessings and allowing help in. BIG TIME. Tomorrow is our first consult with a top, experienced surgeon to discuss images on the MRI and help us find out what has ahold of Rocco's brain. Thank you Sid. We will begin to strategize the absolute best way into this storm that will leave us all as whole as possible on the way through and as we point ourselves to Friday's surgery. I will have to go to school so I am bringing my 3 ring binder, a sharp pencil and our friend and "business partner in crime" Annie to help us take notes. We will share them here, we promise you that. Rocco is resting today. No symptoms of discomfort to report. Cognition and memory issues are subtle. He is in a blissful state of relaxation and is just chill'in. The Zen Dal Vera Sage Master is in his happy place, which is a blessing when the brain is getting this kind of pressure put on it. The mass has a additional tumor attached. Frontal lobe. Speech, vision, emotion and mobility are all still okay. So much so, we spent time with good friends Friday and yesterday we went to the Star Wars exhibit and eating at Melt in Northside which has the best waiter ever -thanks Aaron. :) Kendall is doing amazing. She is my real teacher. Today was full of important hugs from friends.
Comments (24)
Prayers, thought, and good energy going Rocco's way. He has been so kind to me in the short time that I've known him. Thanks for the updates, and love, hugs, and good vibes all around for your family.
Oh my. My head and heart are filled with so many thoughts and feelings. Prayers of grace for your family. Prayers of razor sharp precision for the doctors. If there is one thing I know, it is that your triangle of love and support is encircled with the love and prayer of family and friends. Please let us know what we can do to ensure you are surrounded. Much love to you all!!!
Thoughts and many, many prayers for a successful surgery and a complete recovery Rocco!!! Hope to see you soon at CPIP!!!
Sending prayers, love and healing thoughts to Rocco. He is a very special person to all of us. Please let us know if you need anything. Thank you for sharing the updates. Dee Anne Bryll
My love, prayers and thoughts are with you all. Rocco's such a revered, respected, beloved teacher and soul. And you are such a special trio. Keep faith and hope and all will be as it should. I'm sure all of his former students and colleagues at Wright State would say the same. --- Bruce Cromer
spreading a blanket of prayers and healing thoughts over all of you. Diane Carr
John and I send our love and positive thoughts to the three of you - we'll be pulling for you on Friday, Rocco!
Sending you love and support from San Francisco. Rocco is one of the most amazing people I've ever met and I am grateful for the time we had him as an instructor.
Love, prayers, positive vibes, and any other good thoughts to send your way, Rocco!
My prayers are with you all - wisdom to doctors and surgeons; strength, courage, and healing to Denise, Kendall, and especially, Rocco. May God be with you constantly during this time. Sherri Sutter, former Wright State University colleague
Thinking of you Rocco and your family. Sending you all much love, light and positive thoughts.
Thinking of you Rocco and your beautiful family. Sending much love, light and positive energy.
We are putting the power of prayer and positive thoughts into action for you, Rocco! Please know that many people in the Alba community are thinking of you and your family right now, enveloping you in love. -- Laura Facciponti Bond
Rocco is one of my heroes. I loved learning from him and watching him teach while in Grad School - and now that I'm a professor - I use what I learned from him (and his excellent book co-written with Joe Deer) - all the time. I used to joke that I wished someone would make a "pocket Rocco" so we could ask him a question whenever necessary. He's a gift. Sending so much love to you all - big hugs from Chicago. We'll keep you in our prayers - thanks for sharing this. Ashton Byrum
My love, prayers, and thoughts for a speedy recovery are with you..... and the family. Much love to all, Catherine
Sending you lots of love to you, Rocco, and your family. You have such a special place in my heart for all you have taught me over the years. Will be thinking of you this week.
Love you, Rocco. I send you whoopie cushions and inappropriate jokes. See you soon. Joe
Words can't even begin to express the sadness I feel from hearing this news. Rocco, know that you're in my heart and on my mind. You've had such a profound impact on my personal and professional growth these past 4 years I've had the pleasure of working with you. I'll be sending all my thoughts, prayers, wishes, energy and anything else I can muster up for Friday to be a wild success and to get you on the fast road to recovery. - RJ
The brain is amazing but no more amazing than the person/soul/essence it serves! Wishing you all serenity, courage, and smooth-sailing. Joanna
Although it may be awhile before Rocco sees these messages, I can tell you from experience that they matter a great deal. Rocco is the most true, beautiful, honest soul I've ever known. I carry his wisdom and his seemingly endless reserve of joy into every classroom I've ever stepped. He is a super hero to so many of us, as you can see. I don't have to wish Rocco strength or tenacity: he helped instill those things in me. But the advice that I would give for getting through this terrible storm is to find every possibility to laugh. Tumors hate that. Even on the darkest days. Laugh in its face. Friday is the day this SOB sees what it's really up against: Rocco Dal Vera and the combined will of everyone who loves him. I wish I could see its face when the doctors tell it what to go do with itself. Thank you for keeping us in the loop. I love you, Rocco. You got this. :)
Rocco you are one of those special people in this world that through their brilliance, kindness and beauty of spirit makes an impact on people that stays with them forever. I adore and admire you and am sending you all my love and prayers. Love to you and Denise and Kendall!! Praying for healing, strength and peace through this difficult time.
With a heavy, but hopeful heart, I send love and strength from Brooklyn. Rocco is a wonder of a human, living outside and beyond any box there ever was. Sending all the vibes that his capacity for shattering expectations with grace will extend to this unanticipated chapter too. xoxoxo-franny
Hi Rocco. Pat and I are pulling for you. Just think real hard, and with your magnificent brain you will push that evil sucker right out of there 😉 With D and K and all your friends, and the great UC medicos, you've got the best team in the world behind you. We await good news! Love you.
Rocco!!!! Hang in there, good sir! I haven't seen you since you came to Indiana University with Hank McDaniel, but your constant advice, support, encouragement has been nothing short of amazing... lots of love!