A number of you have requested the latest news, so this is “hot” … you can decide how to interpret that in a minute!
Yesterday I had a whole body bone scan at the nuclear medicine center of Fairfax Radiology. It was ordered when I was experiencing some mild spinal pain in early November. The purpose was to see if the results would give more information than the PET scan which had noted “activity” in the lumbar area and femur. 
The oncologist had hoped it might deny such devilish suggestions, but alas, the results only verified the earlier report. There is an “abnormal uptake” (meaning there is cancerous activity) in the lumbar area – L1,L2,L4,L5 – and in the right femur.
This news is not surprising since my spinal pain has increased in the past two weeks so that I need 2 Extra-Strength Tylenol for sleep and to begin the day. That said, though, we’re not talking about pain all day, or narcotics to address the problem. 🙂 The oncologist is not convinced that a change of therapy is warranted at this time because there is stability in both the lung area and the cerebellum site. I will have my next chemo on Dec. 3, my Xgeva injection on the 10th, and will meet with him on December 12 for further discussion about treatment options related to how I’m doing at that time.
FYI: Such a bone scan test requires a three hour wait between the radioactive injection and the scan – so Karen and I had a date for shopping and lunch at Tysons! We discovered that La Madeleine has relocated INTO the mall now… and we had the most exquisite turkey and melted brie sandwich on a crisp (but not heavy or tough) bread, which also included caramelized onions and apples! Like to die for! We strongly recommend it!
I have been working hard to finish packing up the lifetime memorabilia I had assembled for Karen and David and trying to catch up on notes and e-mails. It has been a most exciting month. Now I am about to “get down to brass tacks” and work on the two Shalem projects that have been unfortunately gathering dust while my cohorts there are working away on my behalf! I get easily distracted (‘chasing rabbits’ as Paul used to say) and tend to blame it on the chemo and being 80, but I know it’s always been my nature. 🙂
Please keep me on your “continuing care” list. I had my name put back on the church list this week; I will learn one day not to jump to conclusions! Still…. “all shall be well, and all manner of thing shall be well” (Julian of Norwich). Or should I be singing “Que sera, sera?!” (sung by Doris Day in 1956)
When I was just a little girl
I asked my mother, what will I be
Will I be pretty, will I be rich
Here’s what she said to me.
Que Sera, Sera,
Whatever will be, will be
The future’s not ours, to see
Que Sera, Sera
What will be, will be.
When I was young, I fell in love
I asked my sweetheart what lies ahead
Will we have rainbows, day after day
Here’s what my sweetheart said.
Que Sera, Sera,
Whatever will be, will be
The future’s not ours, to see
Que Sera, Sera
What will be, will be.
Now I have children of my own
They ask their mother, what will I be
Will I be handsome, will I be rich
I tell them tenderly.
Que Sera, Sera,
Whatever will be, will be
The future’s not ours, to see
Que Sera, Sera
What will be, will be.
AMEN!
Ann's Hummingbird
Loved seeing the words to Que Sera Sera, Ann! The future may not be ours to see but we do believe that God is already there waiting for us and is with us every step of the way. It was so good of you to bring the delicious desserts for Howard’s Retirement party this afternoon. You are held tenderly in prayer!
somehow this quotation from today’s sojourners seems apt here:
Only by learning to live in harmony with your contradictions can you keep it all afloat.
– Audre Lorde
i love it that you were able to give a restaurant review in the midst of your medical report.
sorry the news is what it is, but i’m hoping your therapy will kick in big time right now!
blessings,
a
Precious Ann,
Your ability to combine both the scientific knowledge of this journey with the movements in your inner life radiate such grace-filled wisdom. It is a gift to us. But more so, please know that you are indeed held in loving prayer, healing thoughts and energies of harmony. I chased a rabbit once when I was younger and it led me to a hidden meadow filled with daisies! May all your days be filled with beauty and tenderness. Hugs, Regina
I’ve never known the words to Que Sera, Sera buts they are perfect not only for you but for all of us! i’ve never taken you off my “Care List”, and will wait trustingly that this latest situation will be handled by the upcoming chemo. You do defy ALL ODDS! God’s blessings on you. Much love, Debbie
It’s always so good to hear from you. Just wish you had much better news, and I know that you are living life to the fullest as you are able each and every day. I got the book you suggested by Florida ? (can’t think of the title at the moment). “God is able through his mighty power at work within us, to acomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think.” Ephesians 3:20 Our God has not promised smooth sailing.. just a safe landing,. “Blessed are those who trust in the Lord and have made the Lord their hope and confidence.” Jeremiah 17:7… May God continue to give you healing, comfort, strength, ‘n peace… Luv, Jan
Thank you for keeping us posted…First of all, I used to sing this song when I was a little girl and loved it. Thanks for the restaurant review, it is good to hear that your appetite is fine. I think people should always be on our continued care list, no matter what the condition…so of course, we are rooting for you to be in less pain and to tackle this problem as it arises as well. Also, skipping ahead, thanks to your DIL for the lung cancer awareness article…
Sorry to hear the news, but as Ann, God’s precious child, you will deal with it just as you have every other setback! Yes, I remember the song from my youth too. Your blogs are amazing and give all of us strength and hope for our journeys too! Thank you. Much love and continued prayers, Linda
Thanks for keeping your promise to let us know what’s happening with you.
I”m glad there will be no change in your meds or chemo treatment….you seem to be on a positive roll with what your body can handle just now. If the docs decide something more is needed in your spine, I’m certain God will help you handle it.
You have a wonderful daughter – Karen knows how to keep you entertained. Who can resist a visit to Tysons – thanks for the tip about Le Mad…inside is a good location!
If Spirit Windows needs help, please say the word and I’m there. I probably can’t help with Shalem projects, but let me know if I might be able to do something for you.
Dear Ann:
Yolu are an inspiration! Keep up the high spirits. You are in my heart and prayers
Dear Ann, I read your news and you are on my continuing care list forever. You have an outrageous sense of humor. Hope that you and Karen go back to La Madeleine for the feast.
Thank you for your communication. I truly enjoy reading your stories.
So sorry things are getting challenging….your previous month was so full of great moments…..I’m thinking and praying for you and maybe Doris Day was right….enjoyed hearing all the words to that old song we loved so much…takes on a whole new meaning at 80……thnx again for keeping us informed…love ya, Nancy
Dearest Ann,
Thank you for sharing your “hot” news. You’re not always radioactive but in my book you’re always radiant!
It’s challenging to receive the news. I often say my version of Que Sera, Sera: It is what it is.
In addition to my own private prayers, each time I am at services you are included in our Mishabeirach prayer, which we sing. (Here’s a youtube link to hear it–skip the ad: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pHKo3CjuzpY)
The L’Madeline sandwich sounds SO yummy.
Love and hugs galore,
Kit