I write this blog with blurry and bleary eyes as my vision has been troubling me from the chemo for the past month. I use lots of artificial tears. Eyelids stick together, and the ointment at night doesn’t seem to wear off by morning. All doctors say it is from the chemo. But I’m soon due for a break from the chemotherapy – one more treatment scheduled, I get the 17th treatment in three weeks – it’s been a year. I was told that for tolerance of chemo I am in the 90%ile of those my age with this diagnosis, not quitting after just two! Yesterday Dr. Heyer called me a rock star for chemo! Very nice to hear, especially when I’m in the few-days-after-chemo stage of muscle fatigue and weakness, weariness, and blurred vision!
Other good news this week was discovering that my white blood cells had recovered completely – and to an all time high! So I don’t need to be as cautious about contracting colds, viruses, infections, etc.
CT Scan: There is a tiny but stable pleural effusion….remaining from the surgery last year but contributes to my breathlessness after exertion (walking or talking!). As a result I haven’t played pickleball for weeks due to huffing and puffing. There is a new “non-specific” density being observed in mid-lung, probably inflammation. The previously noted lymph node under arm has enlarged but isn’t a concern at present. Thankfully the bone metastases are stable and have not changed. 🙂
I am now off of decahedron except when a chemo week… which means I will have more breathlessness. However, steroids are known for their multiple bad side effects and I’m no longer having those irritating coughing attacks and congestion. So we’ll see.
My third week of the chemo cycle was not as “up” last week as I’d hoped, which could be from this chemo not continuing to be effective. Will determine in three weeks if one more, then a PET scan, and then – – – a planned holiday from chemo for part of the summer! I hope to be with David’s family in the Berkshire, MA foothills in early June, then I get to attend my granddaughter Kate’s graduation at Constitution Hall. Can’t believe it! And the following week my “Danny Grad” friends from ’55 will be gathering for a reunion at a retreat center in Marriottsville, MD for four days. Wasn’t sure last year this time that I could count on this event!!
Thank you – so many of you – for your thoughtful messages, cards, and calls. I’m definitely in ‘low gear’ a lot of the time but am trying to rev up some energy to address the many odds and ends of tasks that always seem to confront me. My spirits are good as long as I’m not overwhelmed with all the boxes, piles, and desires that have stacked up in my head. The lazyboy beckons way too often!
With the observation of holy days this week, I am enclosing a lovely song that originates in Guatemala and has come by way of the Iona Community in Scotland.
27 The Peace of the Earth be with you, the peace of the heavens too;
the peace of the rivers be with you, the peace of the oceans too.
Deep peace falling over you. God’s peace growing in you.
Peace to all…..
Ann's Hummingbird
Thank you for the peace song. May the peace that surpasses all understanding be yours.
Dear Ann,
You are a trouper with a Capitol “t”! I think that by now, with all the knowledge you have acquired, you would qualify to be a physician! Along with your other friends, I am rooting for you, and am glad to hear the good reports.
I wish you serenity as you endure the bad stuff, and pray for your continued
courage during this journey. It is good you have so much to look forward to.
Wishing you a blessed Easter!
Love, Betty (writing from Austria)
Good to hear from you as always. Sounds like u r holding your own and then some. You must have a strong constitution and willpower…
Just got home from spending time w/Janet having tea and coffee cake after the Good Friday devotionals. She had the “last word,” which was very powerful and inspiring. We were standing in the parking lot and mentioned you and what an amazing and wonderful person u r, so it was serendipitous to have your blog waiting when I got home. I hope u have a lovely and loving Easter day… God bless, Jan xo
And also with you.
You are a rock of ages star.
Keep up you amazing and nourishing spirit.
Happy Easter!!!
Congratulations Ann, very good news. Keep on . May you have a very blessed and happy Easter.
Much love
Patricia
You are even better than a rock star in my mind. I don’t look to rock stars for inspiration or life lessons. I wish you a lovely Easter weekend and pleasure and fun at all your upcoming family events. Thanks for being my friend!
Dear Ann,
Thank you for the lovely music. I have just listened to it several times and it is so beautiful and peaceful.
Sending you many Easter blessings from England from the Colyer family.
We celebrated Emily’s birthday this week and she was in very good spirits, enjoying an American streusel cake, which I made and Emily had not had for a long time. Thankfully she said it tasted exactly like streusel cake should taste ! Spring is definitely here and the cherry blossom and bluebells are looking beautiful.
That’s great news about your white cell count 🙂
Mary Colyerx
So good to hear your chemo is coming to an end. It is a joyous time and also a little scary, thinking maybe I should be doing more, but your doctors know best and your body could certainly use the rest. Let’s keep our fingers crossed for good news from the PET scan. Glad to hear of the wonderful events planned. I know you’ll enjoy them all. It was so good to see you earlier this month. Just like “old times.” Always enjoy our visits, even though they are few and far between. My little crane sits in my dining room and reminds me of our time together. Thanks for writing. I know that takes a lot of energy. The Joyce Rupp lecture was great and so good to do it with my daughter. Bought three more of her books. After you are back and rested, we’ll have to think about that trip to Pennsylvania together. My love and prayers surround you.
Dear friend….so glad to hear from you…..I have landed back in MD after many months ending in a glorious week with family in the Keys house. So proud of you and let me know if you need a bed when you come to Marriotsville for the retreat…..seems only yesterday that we toured the grounds….probably not your perception !…we’ll talk soon…loved the peace music….and love you,
Nancy
Well hello Rockstar. You certainly amaze me with the way you are coping. I am sure it is down to that high powered brain you have.
Do hope you can do all the things you want to in June as it sounds as if they require a lot of energy.
It is lovely spring weather here mostly just now so I am enjoying the garden and countryside.
At the end of next week i am off to Apulia for a week. That is the heel of italy with several old towns.
I do count myself as fortunate to still be able to get around and travel and play racket ball, and i have just won a racket for something i wrote about it mentioning my great age!! I really do not want my next birthday (that is a most unfortunate thought to send your way now that i thing about it!.
Love Ann