Just a brief note to update you. I have just spoken to the oncologist who reported that the results from the lumbar MRI (Tues) and the CT chest scan (Wed) have shown more cancer.
The spine is definitely worse with more spots or larger ones, but no fracture and no tumor. Dr. Heyer was concerned and thinking radiation as possibly the next step.
The lung shows only a subtle change but lots of new very, very tiny nodules. Not dramatic, but probably enough to cause my increased shortness of breath and occasional tickling cough.
Although he had initially thought of relieving my spinal pain with radiation, I feel able to easily control the pain with Tylenol and occasional Vicodin; so he will defer to my greater concern: my lung (tickle cough and shortness of breath). I will begin the standard “next step” of another chemotherapy: Taxotere (“taxoteer”). It will be similar to the Alimta in terms of what to expect. I begin next Tuesday on a three week cycle as before. It will address all cancer cells in my body, so can treat the spine as well. I get to again take Decadron (steroid) the day before, the day of, and the day following the chemo. But Energy! to clean or work at night as it hypes me up! Then a few days of exhaustion. Will see.
My pulmonologist has called as well and made some recommendations for easing the symptoms. How wonderful to be able to have personal contact with doctors at times like these! Compassionate, helpful, and knowledgeable – all of them.
I was looking for a good cartoon to add here but will let you find one for me! All this was truly expected so I’m not in shock. 🙂 Please remember me in your meditation practices, yoga, beads, bowls, vibrations, tai chi, whatever, and heartfelt prayers. It is your intention that counts, not how or how well you do it! Love to all you dear friends.
Ann's Hummingbird
Ann, I am including you in all of my prayers……all of the kinds!!! :). Mary
I was happy to hear that there weren’t any signs of fractures or tumors…Always keeping you in our prayers. I am not sure if my cartoon of a fish sitting in a doctor’s office complaining of shortness of breathe was accurately posted…you are much better technologically than I am.
http://www.cartoonstock.com/newscartoons/cartoonists/mly/lowres/mlyn1148l.jpg
dear Ann,
i simply HATE this latest news.
AND i join you in gratitude for the attention and intentions of your doctors.
i thank you, again, for your generous spirit in sharing this part of your life with us.
i don’t know much, but i do know that bad news is just that. it has nothing to do with your spirit. you are the same Ann, at this moment, as you were before you got that report from your doc.
i join The Many celebrating you and continuing to hold you in my heart and prayers.
with so much gratitude and love…
I will be leading a retreat next weekend on “healing.” You will be in my thoughts and prayers.
So let’s pray these new sites out of your body! And pray for a way to continue to keep you moving and be Ann!!!
Dear Ann,
Lisa Richey says it so well—you are the same resourceful, faithful person in spite of the unwelcome news. Even as you amaze us with your stamina and ability to keep on with all of your worthwhile projects, we really should expect nothing different! I’m so sad that you will be facing further treatments, but so grateful that your medical team is so supportive.
Your impact on my life is so significant—I can’t begin to thank you.
Many prayers throughout the day are sent your way.
Hi dear Ann,
Ah, spots seen. The cartoon I’d write would have a leopard with the bubble saying, “out dammed spot”.
You are always in my heart prayer with the ” sacred heart” around you.
I’m on my way to prison tomorrow for a 2 day retreat on HOPE so you will get some of those women’s prayers —and WOW..! love you. jeanie
Oh, my, Ann…..not great news for the New Year on the one hand……but generously compassionate health care providers to help keep your symptoms under control on the other hand……a great blessiing.
We will continue daily prayer for you. We have the cute little paper “bird” from your birthday party sitting on the window sill over the kitchen sink who reminds me several times each day to lift you in prayer.
With hopeful love ~ Maureen Jenkins
Prayers and then more prayers for you.
I have lots of meditation and prayer time here in the Keys….so the dolphins and osprey wil hear your name a lot …my warmest wishes for your continued determination and inner peace. Your journey is an inspiration …..I treasure your friendship……especially at the keyboard. Love ya, Nancy
.
Sorry to hear of this news. You are in our prayers and hope that you can be relieved of your pain and can breathe easier.
Thanks, Ann, for sharing. You do have wonderful doctors, but then, you are a wonderful patient!
They must appreciate your understanding of the process, and your determination to forge ahead! May all the prayers sustain you as you continue these treatments.
Love, Betty
I was reading in one of my books yesterday, and came across this delightful quote:
Hope is the thing with feathers
That perches in the soul
And sings the tune without the words
And never stops at all… ~Emily Dickinson~
Hoping ‘n praying that whatever method the docs use to help you will work, and that you won’t be in pain.
These words from Ephesians 1:18-19
I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritancein the saints, and his incomparably great power for us who believe.
I know that you have courage and hope and so do we…
God bless, Jan
Please know that you are in our prayers, Ann! Hope that the treatments will relieve the pain that makes you uncomfortable.
Over all these months, we have marveled at how you have taken grains of sand and transformed them into glorious pearls. We pray for more of the same.
I looked for a nice cartoon of an oyster, and came up with this one. I don’t know how to copy and paste it here. But here’s a link:
http://www.morecoloringpages.com/coloring_pages/sm_color/oyster.jpg Maybe this sort of says something appropriate!)
Namaste, you fabulous creature. Your courage (said with a French accent) avec (!) humor and humility is something to strive for. May you have pickle ball dreams. XOX
You are remembered in my prayers.
Love,
Chris
Precious Ann,
I marvel at how you so graciously take unwelcome news and create a welcome mat for us to enter your journey. If we could, I am sure each person would take some amount to lighten your load and cast each cancerous cell out into the stars. A black hole would certainly make them disappear!
Remember that no matter what condition or state our bodies are in, we house an element of eternal and infinite Divinity. That very radiance continues to shine through you as we witness this journey.
Know that you are surrounded and embraced in loving prayers.
Regina
You are in my prayers for sure, Ann.
Much love, Monica
Ann, we just returned from our trip to Panama and received your latest news, which certainly is a bit worrisome. However, you somehow deal with these setbacks as they occur and amazingly your uplifting spirit overcomes most of the obstacles put in your path. Of course you remain in my prayers. Hope to see you on the Pickleball Court, even if it’s just that you and I have a chance to chit-chat and watch the great players compete here at Greenspring!
Love you,
Lynn
as my daddy would say, ‘spit in your hand and grab a new hold.’
blessings,
a
Darling Ann,
Thank you for letting us share your journey, the highs and the lows. I’m in awe of your friends! You must feel so comforted by this extraordinary group of friends and the outpouring of love for you. Loved the cartoons!
You are in my heart tonight and all through each day.
Allison
Dearest Ann
We were so very sorry to receive your news that your spinal pain is so much worse & new little tiny nodules were found on the lung scan. We will continue to think of you brave Ann starting a different type of Chemo on Tuesday, & keep praying for its effectiveness to work on these unwelcome developments in a more effective manner than the last type of Chemo and as a result ease that back pain .
Wish we were closer to come and visit as find it very hard to express on email or be of support to you from so far. Our hearts are with you on this difficult journey.
Sending our love
Elizabeth & David
Dear Ann,
You are a superb mother and wife and friend to many. Your talk with your daughter sounds like one I hope to emulate. As for your news, I ache, and rejoice with your ability to laugh in these moments. Surely, goodness and mercy and laughter will follow you always.
I remember the sign you wanted to put on the nursery door at APC: we shall not all sleep but we shall be changed (not a very verbatim quote). And better yet, I remember you doubling over with laughter at the thought.
Peace like a river,
Rebecca