[nfbwatlk] Ann Update (fwd)

[Mike Freeman]

---------- Forwarded message ----------
Date: Thu, 7 Sep 2006 07:33:05 -0700
From: Debbie Cook <deb.cook at earthlink.net>
To: Wcb-l at wcbinfo.org
Subject: [Wcb-l] Ann Update

I haven't reported for a few days, because Ann asked me to wait until we
could give you the most complete picture. It has been a busy week with lots
to report so let's get started.



Ann has done really well from the surgery. We have pictures of her head
proudnly displaying the 16 staples necessary to keep her head together after
the surgery. Those were removed yesterday, and I think that she's well on
the way to full recovery from that aspect of her treatment which is great
news. Of course she's still tired but that's to be expected given that it
has only been a week.



There's bad news and there's good news. They found a malignancy. The other
piece of bad news is that the treatment is long. But there really is a lot
of good news too. The tumor is very small, 1.3C, and was on the edge of the
left parietal lobe and occipital lobe. No one wants  brain cancer, but if
you're going to have it, this would be absolutely the best place for the
tumor to be. They got everything, but because the tumor is undefined-hard to
determine the edges-it could come back if not thoroughly treated. The good
news is that these are very responsive to treatment and all of the medical
team is quite optimistic.



The treatment plan is really long-about eight months. This week we've been
touring the Puget sound cancer Center making a stop at each and every area
to fill out forms and show them her insurance card. On the 18th, Ann will
start six weeks of daily radiation and chemotherapy. Then there will be two
weeks off. Then, for the next six months she will receive chemo one week of
every month. She'll probably be off work the entire time, and that
translates to about the end of April. The good news is that although
prolonged, the treatment does not have some of the traditional side effects
such as hair loss. Nausea, short term memory loss and weakening of the
immune system are the most likely short-term side effects. Also because of
where the tumor was located, there is a possibility of hearing loss in her
left ear resulting from the radiation and she's very concerned about this as
you can imagine.



Ann and I both continue to appreciate your prayers, thoughtfulness, and
help. Transportation, meals, walks for Marcina, donated leave-and everything
else has been very appreciated. The most unusual diversion has been looking
at an issue of the Matilda Ziegler Braille magazine from 1924 which is a
family heirloom of one of our friends. It is still readable though you have
to be very careful with it.



Just a reminder that if you are in the WA State employment system, Ann is
eligible for Shared Leave. The donated hours are being used to continue her
medical benefits, etc. until she can return to work.



Ann will continue to stay with me. Marcina is doing really well. People are
taking her for walks which she is really enjoying. I am a bit overwhelmed
with all of the tasks and activities, but hopefully we'll sort it all soon.
Ann's brother will be here for a brief visit on Tuesday and we're looking
forward to that. Her sister was here for the surgery and until last
Saturday. Her mom is not in great health so will be unable to come. Lots of
decisions, lots of tedious things to read. Most of the reading materials are
not very accessible but we're getting through them.



Cancer is a scary thing. But scary as it is, God has been good so far-early
diagnosis, good recovery from surgery, wonderfully supportive friends, all
of our needs met so far.



As one of the financial consolidation measures, Ann is dropping her email
and DSL with Verizon wireless and I will give her one of my Earthlink
addresses. She is not on any mailing lists, but does enjoy getting email so
as soon as I get through the stupid graphic now required to sign up an email
address, I'll send that along to you. Visits and phone calls are fine. And
yu can leave voice messages on my comment line which are forwarded to her
email: 206-888-4332.



I will probably not send an update until the chemo and radiation are started
during the week of the 18th. Please continue to keep us in your prayers and
thoughts. And again, thanks for all the support. We truly feel loved.



*** For GREAT listening variety, check the schedule at
http://interactive.acbradio.org to find live broadcast times for: Deb's
Oldies Mix, Deb's Country Mix, and A New song.***


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