Anna Update 6 (In her own words)
Hi there,
I can’t sleep. URG
I had 3 days of chemo this week ending yesterday. I was really sick on Monday so we didn’t start until Tuesday. My white and red blood counts are down. This is to be expected and will increase my tiredness and vulnerability to infection. Next Thursday I have the HDR treatment [that's the internal radiation on the tumor in her left lung...it's done by sticking the radiator down her throat] starting at 8 a.m. I am getting better about having my port accessed [the port allows her to get regular shots without getting needle tracks...her port is near her collar bone]. I don’t like needles. My cough is worse. This is to be expected. The cough syrup that really helps I accidentally spilled a bunch. So we have to get more today.
I will have one more round of chemo and then CT scans to test for results. The last round of chemo should be the week of 5/24. We have talked with Dr Roschal, my medical oncologist, about having me go straight on Taresva (sp) instead of waiting for the cancer to come back. There is a clinical trail I might be able to get in. So, the drug has not been used like this. But hopefully I can do that.
I am not sure if or when my lung will be removed and the tumor in my leg.
Virginia has been a big help. The volunteer support team we have is amazing. So helpful.
Have I told you about the quilts I am working on? I am working with a 78 year old friend from church to make 9 patch quilts for the kids in case something happens to me they will be able to sleep under my love. They are made from scraps of fabric from Patty’s leftover materials. Today I am hoping to go and learn how to put the binding on Alyssa’s. The top for Ian’s is done. Now I have to do Emma’s and Jason’s.
The cards, flowers, massage gifts have all been wonderful beyond words.
Love,
Anna
In the next email Anna says…
I have some unpleasantness. I now look like a cancer patient. I have lost a lot of hair. I am nauseous most of the time. Energy level is low. Throat hurts. Prayers and thoughts help. I really like watching my birds. I got a new humming bird feeder. No birds yet. Oh yeah…I have lost some feeling in finger tips. I don’t like to talk about all my little aliments which some days render me useless. It is boriiinnnnngggg.
Hearing about others lives is much more fun. So drum up some cute kiddo stories. [If you're wondering how to help Anna...dropping her a line telling he what you're doing...she also likes receiving pictures of kids or kids artwork. Postcards from the places you're visiting are a fun distraction, too.]
Please tell Steph [Reggie's sister-in-law who runs safaris in Botswana (just north of South Africa)] I love being on her mailing list. Pictures are just breath taking. New goal is to get well enough to go visit [Africa] with Steph as my guide.
