(email update)

Dear friend,
Thank you for thinking of Annie, thought I would write a brief update. I have been admittedly too lazy to solve the tech issues with writing to the blog.

About six weeks ago, a scan revealed progression, indicating that the chemotherapy she was on had ceased to be effective. The predominant areas of concerning progression this time around are the liver, hip, and cervical spine.

Systemically, she has started her fifth line of treatment a few weeks ago. Switching to a different chemotherapy called vinorelbine, originally derived from the periwinkle plant. The previous treatment was derived from the pacific yew tree, which you might see walking around WA state.
Most pressing is the area at C4 of the cervical spine, which leaves her susceptible to avulsion fractures. And with nerves in that area controlling breathing function, it has to be addressed a little quicker. A tad more serious than the compression fractures in other spots she’s had.

So starting this Thursday for a week, she’ll have Cyberknife radiation to that area. We’re told that two months after, it’d be alright to try some low impact easy hikes, making that something to look forward to for the beginning of summer. Right now, the doc orders are basically house to car, with a neck brace. Though we’ve only done the neck brace in the car, and still do neighborhood walks :).  Hopefully radiation/scheduling goes smoothly, and no accidents/falls/fractures occur.
This is just part of the process so everything is being taken in stride; spirits are still good despite days of fatigue.

Thank you for your support, thoughts, well wishes, sending of positive vibes or lifting her in prayer. I’ve been and am very grateful for you through these years.

much love and wishing you well,
–siang