To paraphrase, Dr. Heyer (the oncologist) tries to send the message that Mom is not the results of the tests that she took on Tuesday. Mom looks good and sounds good. She rebounded from the post-chemo side effects quickly this time around and has had a very busy, active week. She turned in her Spirit Windows, second-and-spruced-up edition yesterday! Her only health concern this morning worth noting were swollen ankles and feet in the last couple of days. But, the reports that we met to discuss didn’t reflect all of this positive activity and wellness that Mom is living. Nope. Instead, the MRI shows that she has multiple tiny tumors in her brain that are splattered like paint throughout different areas of her brain. The tumor that she had zapped last July is now twice the size at 10 mm. The PET scan shows no conclusive growth or change in her lungs or bones and absolutely no sign of metastases in her liver or adrenal glands which is the good news. She has finished up all the chemotherapy that can be offered to her and that doesn’t address the brain anyway. The next step will be whole brain radiation. We will meet with the radiation oncologist tomorrow morning to learn more and schedule the procedures but just the term gives me the heebie-jeebies. You all know how fearless and brave Ann is. She accepts the whole brain radiation as the reasonable next necessary step.
Our next stop is to get an ultrasound a couple of buildings away in order to rule out a blood clot in her legs. The results are positive for a small blood clot in her left calf which explains the pain and swelling. We returned to Dr. Heyer’s office to find out what his recommendation is for treatment. He eliminates the choice to do nothing, the choice for a full dose of blood thinner because we don’t want the tumors in her brain to bleed, and the choice to insert a vascular filter into the vena cava because the tumor is small and BELOW the knee which means it is much less likely to travel to her lungs. The final determination is that she will go on low dose blood thinner, Lovenox, which she has to self-administer as a daily injection. Being the fearless and brave Ann, she sticks the needle into the side of her leg before we leave the office to reassure the nurse and herself that she can do it.
So, the news from today wasn’t the best but Mom continues to do well and be well. It really is important to use the test results as a tool but they do not define or describe her. She is so much more!
One of us will report back with any additional news from the radiation oncologist. She will be busy preparing for her visit to David’s on Saturday. We just keep moving forward…
Karen
Ann's Hummingbird
Dear Ann and Karen ~
GREAT news that Spirit Windows is off and running! What a great push to get it done! You DID IT !!!
As for all the various test results, well, you are you and they are just numbers.
We are all praying for you and know that God is with you in this journey.
Much love and hugs,
Maureen Jenkins
Thanks Karen. Your mom is much much more than the tests results and it’s important to be reminded of that and put it in the forefront above all else. You both are in our hearts and I will be thinking of you both, especially tomorrow !
Karen, thanks so much for taking the time and energy to keep us posted. your role of Daughter is holy and tender one i share. so i send you deep and humble bows.
and i couldn’t agree more with your post title and powerFULL message! in ’91 i was told i had MS. by ’92 i figured-out that my body has MS, not me. so know i join the MANY celebrating wellNESS for Ann and all of you with her face-to-face on this journey.
and i’m thrilled about the Spirit Windows news! it’s a book i return to at least weekly as i look forward to Spirit Windows ed 2!
with MUCH gratitude, prayer and love…
I feel so honored to know Ann. Holding all of you in God’s Loving Presence.
Therese
What a loving and brave mother/daughter you are , Ann and Karen.
Prayers and more prayers.
I’ve self-injected Lovenox quite a few times, in the belly, as the beginning of using a blood thinner. It’s really not all that scary; it’s amazing how something like that can become sort of routine. And it is a very helpful protection.
We’ll look forward to the revised edition of “Spirit Windows.” What a most marvelous achievement!
And I’ll see that a copy goes to the library of the Near East School of Theology in Beirut; they have the first edition and should have this up-dated one.
Ann and Karen,
Ann, you positively inspire awe; you’re so radiantly courageous. And Karen, you are a blessing. Just keep moving forward, you two dear ones.
Allison
A woman to be admired! And a daughter to be adored. Bless you both.
Karen,
Thanks for the update…give your brave mom a hug for me and tell her there’s lots of prayers ascending! You are all an amazing family – so glad you can be there for her now.
Thinking of you here in Paris, with love. Ann is an inspiration to all who know her. As we say in France, “Courage!”
Karen — Thanks for the update. Wishing Ann a wonderful visit with David and his family and continuing to hold Ann in prayer.
Thank you Karen for the update on your brave Mum. Was a real character at 19 and still is – beats everyone else at being so positive. Hope she can get to David;s and enjoy her time there.
sending strength and endurance and patience and hope and love. and the greatest of these is love.
blessings,
a
You are both brave, courageous, loving and models of embracing life! Always in our love and prayers, Leah
Thanks for keeping us posted, Karen and Ann, as you are in our thoughts and prayers every day.
Seeing you, Ann, at pickleball is so inspirational to me personally because I see in you the love of God shining through your eyes and your smile. I have always believed in enjoying each day because it is a gift, and to see you on that court reinforces for me the truth of that statement. Having you as a partner is an honor and I hope to see you on the court again whenever you feel up to it. Just remember to bring your tissues to keep your nose under control!
Lynn
Hi Karen and Ann,
Thanks for the update, Karen. Yes, you are brave and fearless, Ann! Have a wonderful time at your son’s, and enjoy each day. You will be in my thoughts and prayers.
Love you, Betty
Great comments have already been made, reminding you both of your precious relationship and how you are “moving forward” with the strength of God and so many friends (around the world!) and family to support and shower love on you. Ann, enjoy your time with David, Tamara and crew!! Hope to see you soon. Love and hugs, Linda