Hey everyone! Yesterday I did post 2 times. I want to share something that I have learned in the past few weeks. We, including me, don't need much. Everyday I wore my $10 Walmart pants...my softest shirt...about 10 bucks I would guess at a Thrift Store or Garage Sale...and my comfy slippers from Tuesday Mornings $9.99. As soon as I feel up to it, my closet will be cleaned and donated, my chest of drawers, same thing. However, I am really excited to go to a Garage Sale. Not sure what that means but there it is. SAM PRUITT...I TRIED TO EMAIL YOU BUT IT CAME BACK TO ME....PLEASE CALL ME....JUST EMAIL ME FOR MY NUMBER HONEY!!!! I HAVE SAME EMAIL..
annastone1@cox.net. Still a bit dizzy today so I'm gonna take it eazy. More later!

My post went away...the web site is cafepress.com

DONE, DONE, DONE, DONE!!!! Not sure if I'm ok with it or not cause at treatment...I new something was being done. Now, I just start feeling better and wait. I have to say that I cried almost the whole time I was in treatment. While I was there, I met the most amaizing people. Both getting treatment and the staff. I hugged my team and just balled. I asked them how they do it all day every day not knowing if the patients live or die. They all said the people they meet make it all worth it. So here is a special thanks to Mellisa, Amy, and Brenton. Also to Mrs. R, and Mrs. P both of whom are in treatment. I am well aware of the HIPPA laws and do not want to violate there right to privacy. The doctor said I should start feeling so much better for the Spring and Summer!!! I can't wait. I'm ready to Garage Sale again. I do think I will keep posting for a while if you all don't mind. BIG thanks for all of you that have followed this blog and have supported me! LOVE TO YOU ALL EVERYDAY!!!
May God Bless you and your families!
Warmest Regards
Anna

Hey! second post of the day. I went to church today and was overwhelmed...I hadn't been in so long that I cried thru almost every song. As usual! After the service, several people came up to me to say that they had been praying for me. One girl, whom I knew from college thru a friend named Carol came up and said she had prayed for me almost the whole service. She said she knew the signs...I wore a hat and not the wig. Turns out she finished her own treatment for breast cancer in December. Her wig was beautiful and I would have NEVER known it was a wig unless she told me. She dated one of my friends...Sam P. And we talked about how he comes to town and never calls us or wants to get together. Shame on you Sammy!! Anyway...it was great to get to go today, I do realize that some of my exciting events are everyday things for most. But right now for me...they are a big deal. Thanks for reading! Love to you all!

I have big news! Friday...I took a shower all by my self, standing up!! (well, honestly I had Dean standing in the bathroom just in case) I had the best time last night. My brother and dad came over for pizza and some appetizers and I felt normal. We talked about old times like when we all used to walk 3 miles to school in the snow up hill. LOL I'm thinking we all told our kids that one. And how my brother used to make me clean his room, hold me down and pop my toes, make me smell his stinky socks. All true!! Spencer got such a kick out of it all that he asked Uncle Robert.."What does it feel like to have your toes popped?" and boy did he show him. Spencer got a good laugh until everyone left and he started to cry and say "gosh moma, I'm gonna miss this if you have to go." Boy to they know how to get ya right in the heart don't they. When everyone was gone, I was so tarred. Yes I know it is tired, that is just a funny was my sister and I say it sometimes. I slept really well and gonna try to get to church this morning. More later today. Oh ya...ONE MORE DAY FOR MY TATOR!!!!

Happy Saturday to everyone!!! I'm really glad it is the weekend. My brother is coming down today and I am very excited to spend some time with him. Here is some advise....DON'T WAIT TO SPEND TIME WITH THE PEOPLE YOU LOVE AND CARE ABOUT BECAUSE YOU NEVER KNOW WHEN OR IF YOUR LIFE WILL CHANGE FOREVER! SO IF YOU LOVE SOMEONE...TELL THEM...IF YOU NEED TO SAY YOU'RE SORRY...SAY IT. IF YOU WANNA LAY IN THE GRASS AND ENJOY ONE OF GOD'S MIRACLES...DO IT...AND LASTLY BUT MOST IMPORTANTLY...HUG YOUR CHILDREN AND TELL THEM THEY ARE AMAIZING!! I think I will go lay in the grass now...love to all!

Hello everyone! ONE MORE TO GO!!! I am so happy that my tator tot head will start healing soon. It is bad, I don't care about my hair anymore and don't really care if I go out in public. It is what it is. I read my facebook page today and you all have no idea how wonderful my husband is. I adore him! Sometimes I feel like he has always taken care of me the whole time we have been married. Thru 9 months of morning sickness X 2. and now all of this crap without one complaint. He has done everything from bathing me, feeding me and everything else that goes with taking care of someone. He is my angel and hero. If this cancer takes me, his next wife or girlfriend will get a gem of a man. He is really gonna be mad at me for saying that but it is true. I am finally feeling better and sat outside today for some vitamin D. Dean said, put some sunscreen on your tator! Like it is gonna matter now. LOL I wanted to say a big THANK YOU to Billy Burke for all of his kind word of encouraging Facebook posts...they meant a lot! All of the well wishes lifted my spirit everyday. I'm going to spend some time with the family tonight...so talk to ya tomorrow...Love to all.

GOOD MORNING EVERYONE!! I think I drank regular tea all day instead of de-caf again because I have been up all night. After being shamed by Dean for not posting last night I thought I would post early today. Only 3 more treatments to go and I am so glad it is over. It is kinda a hassle going everyday and having to have someone drive me. Although Dean has been a great driver I don't like loosing my independance. I must say I have met some wonderful people at HOG and will miss them and always wonder how they are doing. Not just staff but other patients too. I do realize that some of us will not make it thru this stupid cancer fight so let me just say for the record again...CANCER SUCKS!!!! I am going to set a meeting with my boss to see if I can go back to work soon. I really miss everyone at the hospital. I'll let you all know if I get to go back. My beautiful sister and niece came over last night and it was so great to see them. If only my brother would come see me....just kidding honey. TXTed with my nephew Jason last night and that was great too. Now I need more coffee so I will post again this afternoon unless I crash after treatment and take a very long nap. Love Ya!

Hi to all! Another treatment down and 4 or 5 to go. Today is Tuesday so we have our support group tonight. It is really geared for the younger group of kids so Zachary goes just to make me happy. Spencer really likes it and seems to get alot out of it. He is really having a hard time. He tells me at least 5 times a day that he is gonna miss me. And WHY does this have to happen to us. All I can say is that this must be God's plan and we have to have faith that things will all work out. I will try to post again after we get home tonight...might be too tired but I will try. As always..love to you all.

Good Evening everyone...first I must say HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO MY BIG BROTHER!!! So sorry I forgot honey but my brain don't work so well right now. (thinking that is a good excuse) lol. anyway...didn't make it to church yesterday cauce of over a foot of snow on the first day of spring. I had my treatment today with only 5 left until I find out if it worked or not. Not sure if I wanna know. My head looks like a tator tot and if I knew how to post photos I would because it is kinda funny looking. I don't use my walker anymore but my balance sure isn't what it used to be. So all of you be ever so grateful for the little things. It is supposed to be a great week, nice and warm and I wanna get out in the sunshine. If any of you know how to post a pic...please email me and let me know and I will have Dean figure it out for me and post one. As always...love you all and thanks for the well wishes and prayers.
Nighty night.

Good Morning!! It is Sunday morning and I am hoping to go to church today but the weather might not let me go. Dean is making sure that I take all of my meds with food as told so I am doing better and getting stronger everyday. Can't wait till all of these treatments are over so I can get on with living. Not sure if I should wear my wig to church or try a scarf...I'll let you know. I tried to put the wig on and Spencer (my 11 year old) could not stop crying so I'm thinking the scarf. I know this is scarry for my family and friends and for me too. BUT I do know that the lord has a plan for me and just have to trust that it is the best. If he takes me soon, who is gonna say no to God right? I would love to wait to see my grandchildren but time will tell. Still praying for a cure everyday. Love to all!

Hey....its Dean....Anna is resting so i thought i would drop post this before it got to late in the day...."Donuts"..yes that is the keyword today...Anna told me she had a yen for chocolate donuts.. so off i ran to the donut shop.....1 dozen chocolate
she had a couple and relaxed on the couch,drank her coffee and smiled.....God the little things in life......she is taking her meds..able to get around the house without the walker.....she is on the rebound...only 6-7 more radiation sessions....ya-hoo
looking forward to getting out with her and going for a nice drive...looking forward to spending some quality time with her...im sure we all are..hope all is well with everybody.....they say it may snow here in Fayetteville...(i really do miss San Diego)
the weather that is.....................Dean

Morning!! It's me, Anna!! I am feeling a bit better and even carried the walker to the living room and left it there while I got my coffee. Still a bit shakey but doing better. Not sure if Dean told you all but I did stop taking the Temodar (chemo pill) cause I couldn't keep anything down. Now I can and starting to feel better. I can now take my steroids which helps with the swelling in the brain. My Doc also gave me a script for Clonipin so I don't set around and cry all day, now I just sleep and wake up to eat. I only have 8 more treatments left and starting today they get smaller and narrow in on the tumor. Yehh!!!! Still on my knees and fingers crossed that this will work and give me a cure or at least more than a year. Well that is all for now...got to get ready for treatment all by my big girl self. (which is huge) Love to all!!

Hello....sorry so late.I was out and about all day after Anna's session..Anna is doing much better today,she is up and around alot more..(this morning she was up and in the living room at 4;30am) and she made her own coffee...in my book that is a sure sign that she is feeling better. she is taking her all the meds needed and keeping them in her system...i came home around 7 pm and she was in living room hanging out and she looked great...right now she is getting ready for bed. i will soon follow ..burned out..looking forward to warmer days and my wife feeling better....goodnite

Hello this is Dean...Nothing new today...Anna's radiation session went with no problems...she is taking all medicines needed and they are staying in her system,,she is resting and feeling better(her words).she is catching up on her sleep and her sense of humor is returning...Paige dropped off some awesome soup Tuesday afternoon and i think that did the trick...thanks Paige!!!..i am not turning down any food drop offers...waiting for the 20 oz porterhouse to show up but that has not happened..hint hint...Anna is finishing her soup(4th bowl in 2 days)...and asking for a shower...i must go and im hoping Anna will be able to return t her blogging on Thursday...
thank you to all ...Dean
i

Dean here...Anna's day was a little better(she slept most of the day)has been keeping her meds in(even the ever so needed steroids) ...and she did have a few small meals.seems to me that she is alot better than Monday...i brought Spencer(our 11 year old) up to the Cancer Climb in Springdale..(its a support group for families going thru what we are )(Zachary stayed home with Anna)..he is able to relate with some other kids who's moms and dads are going thru treatment...i also benefit from it in relating with the caregiver role.My mom has been so great in helping us out here at the house we are so grateful for this...FYI when we spoke to the Dr. yesterday he told us that if Anna does not take the Tamadar(chemo drug)...studies show that Tamadar adds 1 month to a persons life..(Anna feels its not worth it ..with all the vomiting and sickness)..I dont feel the same way...Then we asked him about the TIME?? how much???
how long???Maybe 12 month to 18 months... he told us that the radiation was not the one to give up on...thats a cold cup of reality.....we will take each day as it comes and will fight with all we have to have as much time as we can....love to all...will talk wed

Monday March 15

Hello all this is Dean, took Anna for her radiation today. spoke to Dr and was told that most the problems Anna is having are due to her lack of ability to keep the steroids in her system. they brought her next door to the clinic for an IV of fluids and prednisone ...after about 2 hours i was able to bring her home...she has been resting ..in addition to the IV the doctor also prescribed some meds to help her relax.(its working)...will update on Tuesday.....thanks Dean

Sunday March 14th 2010

Hello all..this is Dean(Anna's husband)im going to try to keep all of you updated until Anna is feeling better..she wanted me to tell all of you that she is hanging in there and that this is kicking her butt!!!!she has been getting sicker and sicker each night.. today i borrowed a walker from a friend so she could able to get back and forth to the bathroom easier...her appetite has been next to nothing ..and even when taking all her meds she is struggling to keep that in her system...we continue with the treatments on Monday and will see Dr's on Tuesday...we have many questions for them..why is her vision blurred,why are her hands twitching...why she is having a hard time walking...WOW this is not happening....i wish i could wake up and this would be just a bad dream(Dean)....goodnite..will talk on monday..

Sorry!!! It has been a few days of not posting. I have had a few bad days. Threw up for hours last light...even the zofran. Couldn't keep it down for even 15 mins. I think from now on my husband will post when I can't so you guys don't worry. Typing is getting harder too. Hands are twitching too much. Anyone know Dr. Kavorkian's phone number? Not kidding, I do not want to go out like this...twitchy and not able to control myself. Dean had to give me a bath yesterday. More later. Promise

14 more radiation treatments to go!!! I can't wait. I am so sick of taking all of these meds you guys have no idea. The meds I was given for the dizzyness keeps me awake at night so I am going on no sleep today. I have to take the steroids twice a day so I'm not sure a nap is in the cards but you bet I am gonna try. Maybe now! I'll post again later. Oh...My mother-in-law gets here today!!! One more quick note...crap now I can't remember.

I did get new meds for the dizzies but it hasn't worked yet! I can't wait, this is awfull. Had my treatment today, my father took me..(thanks op) and my wonderful mother-in-law in coming to town tomorrow afternoon, and I can't wait. No, really!! She is wonderul. The only time my head is not spinning is when my eyes are closed so I think I will be doing a lot more sleeping. Plus, the radiation makes you tired or as my sister would say tarred. Gonna go now, try to be back later. Wanted to post before my brother texted me "How you doing" love it.

My awesome friend Rhonda took me to treatment today! Thank you Rhonda! My husband was working which I'm so greatful for. My doc is gonna start me on steroids to help with the shaking and dizziness so let's hope they work. Just took another 3 hour nap and I'm still tired. Still bald and still have cancer.

just took a 3 hour nap and I am still tired!!! Classic radiation symptom (as have read).Oh yes and one more...my hands are twitching when I bend my wrists. so typing is very hard. Dean might be typing this blog from now on. My bald head is very itchy too and there is a rule on what you can put on it so I better read up on that one before tomorrow. Gotta run..thinking I'm gonna throw up.

Don't know if this is a symptom of the cancer or the radiation but both hands and arms are very weak. I'm still dizzy and now wabbly. Did I say this sucks yet? I woke up this morning with a headache like no other. My surgeon told me that these type of headaches are the spinal fluid collecting in the back of my head. I go to sleep on my side and wake up on my back. The headaches are right at the base of my head, not neck so I'm guessing that is what is going on. I woke up sometime during the night and just for a second thought...this was a dream (nightmare) but quickly realized it wasn't. My hair is still gone (not all of it yet) and as I walked to the bathroom, I'm still a bit shakey. So this is my NIGHTMARE!!! Not a dream at all. Have I mentioned that this SUCKS!!!! I am hoping that my pastor doesn't get up set with me for these words but if he knows any other words that will work for this situation...please let me know. Don't know how I'm gonna show up to church with my hair list this. Maybe Wig shopping is in the cards for today. I'll let you know.
Hangin on,
Anna

Today there is a new symptom!!! I am very dizzy and hope I can continue typing this blog. Dean asked me to try to explain how it feels...it is like spinning around for about 20 minutes then stopping and trying to walk and talk and type! Oh...and there is the hair issue. It is falling out like crazy! In big clumps so I think tonight we will all gather in the bathroom for the shaving of the head. Spencer is having a really hard time with the hair loss but Zachary will shave his head too, Dean, well I think he will keep the hair he has for now. LOL I love that man...I feel like he has been taking care of me the whole time we have been married. He has cleaned up my barf, bathed me, washed my clothes and everything in between. I have been so blessed to be married to him and that he is the father of my children. (will at least one of them) just kidding!! I'm gonna go now cause I have made so many typos I'm tired of typing. Love you all!!

Good Morning! Just an FYI....my hair is now falling out. All day yesterday, I couldn't figure out why I had hair all over me. Then last night I was sitting in bed and it hit me. So I reached up and just barely tugged on a strand of hair and most of it came out. I'm stuck between just shaving it all off before it falls out or letting it fall out on it's own. Still thinking this morning and will let you know as soon as I know what I'm going to do. Threw up half the night so I am very tired this morning and thinking I'll take a nap again today. I wish I was at work!! I wish I didn't have cancer...it really sucks. Sorry, but I can't think of any other work that describes it other that it "sucks". All I can do is take my meds/treatment and keep on praying. I would really like to know what my purpose is and was on this earth before I die. I'm thinking it was to have my children but who knows...it could be something tiny. I guess the "Big Guy" will tell me when I get there. More later! Love to you all!

Well, I didn't get sick last night!!! I slept all night without waking up even once!! I did the usual, went to radiation and even stayed a few minutes after to work on the puzzle that they put out in the waiting room. We all went to the support group last night and I was a little bit disapointed that their weren't more kids there. Only 2 and they were younger than Spencer so no one for Zachary to relate to. Maybe I'll keep looking for something else for them and myself. One thing I did learn is that the other women that were there, they too are worried about their children. We all agreed that it would be a lot easier if we didn't have children. But we do and there in lies the pain and the scare factor. More later!
'

When I started this Blog, I decided to put it all in, the Good, the Bad, and the Ugly. today is the UGLY!! I took my chemo pill when I went to bed last night thinking it might not make me sick. WRONG!!! I woke up at 1:15, and threw up. Had a cold sweat and was freezing. Got back into bed and 15 mins later...same thing. This happened for over an hour. The second time with the vomiting being so violent, I wet myself. The third time I thought I was gonna loose control of my bowels so I quickly sat down and grabbed the bucket that was in the bathroom. So glad I did cause there they go!! (my bowels) My dear sweet brother will get a kick outa that. He taught me what LMAO meant yesterday and I would bet that is what he is doing right now. Anyway, I thought I wouldn't get any sleep but I did and woke up late around 5am. I used to get up at 4am but I do go to bed at 9pm. I have a long day today...radiation, then I'm gonna take lunch to Spencer and stay for him play. Then I think we have our first support group meeting in Springdale tonight. I need to decide if I want to throw up at night or during the day. I'll keep you all posted. Have a blessed day.

Went to radiation today and also saw both oncologist. I am back on all meds and don't have to see one of the for 4 weeks. I see the Doc that does my radiation every Monday. I do feel better. Just got through making brownies!!! I love brownies!!! Anyway, I even did some cleaning today..I know...those of you who know me KNOW that cleaning is NOT one of the things I like or do often. My wonderful mother-in-law is coming out from California for a visit and I am really excited!! Really! She is wonderful and the boys are very excited to see Oma. Tomorrow will be an exciting day, Spencer has a play at school that I will be going to and we start the support group that I signed us up for. I hope it will help the boys deal with all of this cancer crap. Still not sure if it has "hit" Zachary yet but it will soon enough. Spencer asked me the other day, "What do I tell my kids about his grandma if you aren't here? They won't know that you are the best mom ever!" Talk about a heart-breaker, right? I have been thinking about that and today I saw a Hallmark commercial. The one with the books you can get and record your voice reading them...that would be perfect. If this stupid cancer takes me before I see my grandchildren, they will have a book with my voice! Now if I could only drive to the mall..I bet I could order them online...I'll look later. That's all I got for today guys, thanks for reading and love to all.

Good Morning to all! It is Monday morning and I do feel a bit better. I was thinking about how I feel and one of my boys said..."Mom, did't you feel sick like this last year around your birthday?" Then it hit me...YES!!! I did!!! So now I'm thinking that it is not all the meds...it is allergies. All of the drainage, nausea..etc. gonna talk to my Doctors this morning. I have an appointment with both Oncologists after radiation. BUT I'm still doing what I was told and NOT taking my chemo pill. I want to get that started again. I know that that with the radiation will give me a fighting chance. I missed church this Sunday which I was really pissed about! (sorry) I haven't missed church in a long time. I have been very constipated and my brother said it perfectly..."it is now confirmed...I am full of sh*@!!" I would have to agree with that. But Saturday I did take several laxitives just in case one of them didn't work and late yesterday and this morning I did have some relief. So those of you who know what it feels like to not poop for 6 days can feel my pain. Gotta get ready for my apts! As always...love you all!