Hello Team Annie's Army!
Another post to let you know how we're doing, which, all things considered,
is pretty freakin' great!
Had our last CT scan on Thursday and were told by our oncologist on Friday that he has never seen a patient with lms respond to treatment as well as Annie. Tumors continue to shrink and, in some cases have disappeared. Though there is still evidence of multiple tumors, ALL are smaller, and we are very encouraged that this regimen is working so well.
Our biggest challenge now is to keep Annie strong to handle the next four rounds of chemo. The cumulative effects of this regimen have been increasingly hard on her system, but with the psychological shot in the arm this last CT scan has given us, and because our docs feel we shouldn't mess with what's obviously working, we have decided to stay the course and continue with the current regimen, at the same dosage and on the same schedule - two weeks on and a week off - and do two more cycles (4 treatments), with our next CT scan on Thursday, December 4th; results on Friday the 5th. Then, as usual, we will re-evaluate and see what's next.
We have fully grounded ourselves in what we were told, but didn't fully understand in the early days of this diagnosis: that we are involved in a marathon, not a sprint, and that we need to try to stay grounded and strong for the long haul.
The News we've been getting is HELPING!!!... :-)
Annie gets up every day and practices yoga, with Gabriel's....um.... help, and has become especially proficient at Downward Dog (Gabe, not Annie, though her down dog is pretty good too). Hazel is our household Halloween and Harry Potter expert, as well as our unbelievably helpful Big Girl/Big Sister. I am just trying to keep up with everybody.
We are so grateful for the chemo doing it's work and know that, in conjunction with the complementary medical and spiritual practice Annie is focused on accounts for a big part of the reason she is doing so well. The rest is all about Love, Hope & YOU.
Thanks for standing with us. Forward. All our love, Anita, Annie, Hazel & Gabriel
12 comments:
Great news! Richard and I are thinking of you and sending multiple good thoughts your way. The marathon vs. sprint thing can be hard to deal with--at least I know it was for us--but it can sometimes be a comfort, too, just knowing that you gotta keep putting one foot in front of the other. How wonderful that your spiritual practice, complementary medicine, and all are meshing so beautifully with your conventional medical treatment. More power to you! Much love,
Chris & Richard
Thank God you posted, I haven't exhaled in a week!!! Hey there ladies and gent - this is so what it needed to be. So what we wanted it to be. So sorry it's such a haul. Hang in there sweet woman - great pic of you and Gabe on the terrace. Master Gardeners taking over the universe - one bucket o' moss at a time!!! all my love, all my strength, ludicrousness and laughter - XOXO belle
We are sending lots of hugs and kisses across state lines! We are thrilled to hear the good news and will keep our prayers, positive thoughts and occasional care packages coming!ANNIE YOU ROCK!
love you all!
Kassie (and fam!)
A million kisses sent your way. We are dancing a jig. Hang in there, Annie. Sending you strength to get through the long haul.
Love you all madly.
That's my girl! You are truly a warrior! The Hurd family is sending you strength and love to run beside you during this marathon.
You are my goddess Annie!
I LOVE YOU, Moshell
P.S. You look HOT in that picture....
We love you all so much!!!! This gem of a piece of news made my day!
Hat number two just needs a button and then it's in the mail to you, my dear.
Love, your New Mexican cheering section - can you hear us from there?
dear hearts -- writing left-handed. still hoping for a february-ish [depends on shoulder, for gabe-hefting] annie's army visit to help out. ABSOLUTELY FABULOUS, TERRIFIC, WONDERFUL, JUST-RIGHT NEWS!!! !! !!! !! i think marathon will turn out to be ok, 'cause you get to choose a lot of paces, instead of one manic one: sometimes you get to walk and take in all the beauty. but then i know, o wise ones, you've figured that out.
many, many prayers of assorted varieties for you out there, my sweet, including those from my cousin's daily temple visits [wrong word] and 2 congregations [again, wrong word...]. no doubt about it, spiritual works. tell hazel i can't wait to share reading back and forth. annie, love, you look as beautiful as always. you are all in my heart every moment, every day. i love you so -- josie
Thank you so much for the update. I'm delighted with the good news. Sending love and continuing thoughts of healing,
Sid
Such wonderful news and SPIRIT! I've been thinking good good thoughts your way and hard.
Love to the four of you!
Home stretch, girlfriend - Dec. 4th almost in sight. How you hanging in? Sending you warm bleamies from softly snowed in Berlin. Love & lovelove to Ms. Hazuelle, Mama Anita and Gorgeous Boy! xxo christa
ZenBreak:
You are no different from Buddha.
There is no other Dharma.
Simply let your mind be carefree.
You do not need to contemplate
your action and to purify your mind.
Let your mind be boundless
and without any obstruction.
Be free from going and coming.
Whether you walk or stay,
sit or lie down, and whatever
you see or meet,
all are the subtle functions of Buddha.
It is joy without sorrow.
This is called Buddha.
- Fa-yung (593-657)
as posted today on dailyzen.com
xxxo
Love and LoveLove to you on The Day. Hope it's more gorgeous there (Seattle) than here (Berlin) where shades of grey argue with each other over who goes first... sheesh.
xxxxo belle
Post a Comment