Here's the latest on Ann McKay.

Peggy>
> 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.
>
>
>