A Few Good Memes

Hi all,

A number of people have been added to the distribution list for updates on Anna since I sent out the first update on 4/4, just a few short days again. If you didn’t get the first email and want a copy (it provides lots of background information), please let me know. Please feel free to forward this message to family and friends who may be interested. If they want to be added to the distribution list, they should email me. If you want to be taken off the distribution list, please let me know.

Here’s the medical update…
1. On Wednesday Anna had a port put into her chest (near the bottom of her rib cage, I believe). The port allows the Chemotherapy doctors to give her a high volume of drugs without creating needle tracks in her veins. She also underwent some additional tests.
2. On Thursday Anna had her first radiation treatment. Radiation is applied locally (only in a specific area). Right now they are only radiating the tumor in her lung. They want to use the tumor in her right thigh almost like a control. That way they can tell if the radiation is or the chemo is what’s shrinking (hopefully) the tumors. Anna wears a custom brace that positions the radiation precisely so that it’s blasting the tumor and not the rest of her organs. Anna had some problems with the nausea after the radiation treatment.
3. Monday Anna starts chemo. The protocol for her treatment says she goes in for 3 days of chemo in a row and then has 18 days off. Then she starts the next cycle. Three plus 18 = 21 days. So every 3 weeks, she has another chemo cycle. Anna sat through a couple hours of discussion of what chemotherapy will be like. She heard that her hair might thin, but with the particular drugs she’s going to be taking, she might not lose her long, curly, red hair. (This is different that breast cancer where the prescribed drugs would
definitely make someone lose their hair.) Just in case, Anna has a wig.
4. Next Wednesday, Anna has an appointment with a specialist from IU Medical Center. He’s an expert in chemo for tumors of unknown origin and other unusual cases, such as Anna’s.

Support team information…
1. Frieda E. Worrall, Anna’s (and my) Mom, is in W. Lafayette helping out with Anna’s kids and doctor’s appointments. Frieda is staying with some friends. She is trying to pace herself so that she doesn’t get burned out. But that’s often easier said than done.
2. A church friend of Anna’s has been organizing local volunteers. Many of the volunteers have been truly wonderful. Sometimes there are frustrations when someone no-shows and doesn’t call to let them know they can’t make it.
3. Anna and Jason also have a number of childcare arrangements in place: school, pre-school and day care.
4. All of you. Anna and Jason truly appreciate all the support they’ve been getting from everyone. Prayers help. Cards or pictures of your kids or trips or garden or whatever help. And the many other things you’ve been doing help. Thanks! Anna and Jason are so busy with doctors they may not be able to say thanks properly right now. Please know they really appreciate it all.

Other information…
1. Some people have asked about Wills, Medical Directives, Living Wills, etc. Anna and Jason have worked with a lawyer to put all these documents in order. Hopefully, they won’t be needed them for a good long time, but just in chance they’ve got them.
2. You’ve asked about the kids. Anna and Jason have talked to their kids about Anna’s condition and treatment. They will be talking to them periodically. Anna and Jason have also secured professional help so the kids can work through the questions and concerns they have. So far the kids are as good as can be expected. Alyssa (7), Ian (2), and Emma (7 mos.) are wonderful. Feel free to send them a card now and then.

Ideas for ways to help…
1. Please ask me your questions to reduce the strain on Anna, Jason, Frieda and the kids. Anna, Jason and Frieda are trying to reduce the number of conversations that happen with their kids are around.
2. Liz Bowes-Spiegel, a breast cancer survivor and the wife of Anna’s cousin Mark Spiegel, has suggested that massages are very helpful for the achiness and fatigue that comes from chemotherapy. She has offered to organize a collection to help pay for massages. If you would like to contribute, please contact Liz. Her email address is bowesspiegel@comcast.net. Her U.S. Mail address is Liz Bowes-Spiegel, P.O. Box 420, Boulder, CO 80306. If we each give a little, then added together it might be of real benefit to Anna.

That’s all for now. Thanks again for caring for and loving Anna and her family. Best to all of you.