HEALTH UPDATE SEPT. 2022

 Here is the health update that  was sent to family and friends once I’d recovered my equilibrium after last week’s test results had been fully absorbed:

Dear family and friends,

As I’ve not sent out a health update for quite a while, I hope to place a positive spin on ‘the not-so-good-news‘ that Will and I received, last week.

First off, as Will received a diagnosis that no one wants to hear, his dermatologist reassured him of the fact that the melanoma, located between his right eyebrow and ear, is shallow and slow to grow.  His surgery is scheduled for Sept. 19th.

As for me, last week’s PET scan revealed a small mass in my neck, and thus has an ultrasound guided biopsy been scheduled for Wed., Sept 7th.

Being that my oncologist and thoracic surgeon believe this mass is another malignant tumor, here is the tentative plan of action that has been laid out:  On Wednesday (tomorrow), a biopsy guided by ultrasound is scheduled.  If the mass is malignant then I’ll start oral chemo with the expectation of scheduling surgery close to the end of December—just in time to bid the old year adieu and celebrate a brand new year in which to enjoy precious time with family and friends whom Will and I love beyond measure—inclusive, of course, of you.

Chemo will precede surgery in hopes of shrinking this mass while attacking cancer cells traveling through my blood stream before these unwelcome intruders can develop into additional tumors.

As to the strength of my spirit, upon awakening, together, every morning, Will and I smile at each other, and my husband says—I love you, my dolly—to which I reply—I love you, my sweetheart, and as we both continue to feel grateful to be so lovingly supported by beloved family, treasured friends and our medical team, that’s how each new day begins.

As to Will’s strength of spirit, when asked how he’s doing, my husband replies—If Annie’s doing well, so am I.

And pretty much, daily, both of us remind ourselves to focus our minds on living one day at a time …

With hopes that all of you and your loved ones are well, Will and I are hugging each of your hearts close to our own,
💖Annie

PS ‘Dolly’ is the endearment that my father had lovingly called me.  Upon my father’s death, Will called me Dolly, and as our eyes met, my husband, seeing my smile appear while tears cascaded down my cheeks, adopted my father’s pet name for me as his own.  And every time Will calls me ‘Dolly’, my spirit, feeling twice blessed with love, smiles as naturally as if my husband and I and my parents have enjoyed a group hug …