How to save paths

I used quick select to select the subject. I clicked the paths panel, and clicked the paths button/icon at the bottom. I changed the name of the path from work path to "Subject." I edited the path to make it fit more closely to the intended selection. 

How do I save the edited version of the path? I right-clicked the path in the list, and there is no option to save. I clicked on the paths panel menu, and there is no option to save. I tried "New Path," and all my editing work disappeared.  Grrrrr.... Luckily I was able to retrieve it through the History panel. 

I don't think exporting the path to Illustrator is the answer. 

It seems to me like a path is simply a sequential list of X/Y coordinates, which wouldn't take up much memory. I don't understand why it should be so hard to save and re-use them.

Scott