In most normal circumstances, “progress” or “progression” is a positive, desirable thing; but when paired with “cancer”, “progression” is a “dirty” word no one wants to hear.

In May this year, I switched to the second line of hormone treatment after cancer progression was detected in the liver. In the latest series of scans done at the beginning of December, more new cancer growths are seen in my liver and my spine, with one particular spot in the lumbar area that is beginning to press on my nerve roots, causing literal “pain in the butt” and pain in my thigh.

After consultations with medical oncologist, neuro-oncologist and radiation oncologist, I will receive radiation treatment again to first target the tumors in the spine (from T12 to L5). Thankfully, this is the area that have not been touched by previous radiation back in 2016, so should be safe to treat. The first radiation session is scheduled for this coming Monday. 10 sessions in total.

Additionally, I’ll switch from hormone therapy to chemotherapy (oral chemo drug Xeloda). Hopefully, the new drug will keep the tumors in my liver and lungs in check.

Thanksgiving –
1. The past several weeks have been very eventful. We had some unexpected challenges dealing with the COBRA Administrator who wrongfully terminated our insurance. We were shocked and outraged, to say the least. It was very upsetting dealing with unprofessional people who clearly had screwed up but refused to acknowledge their mistakes. Thankfully, our insurance has been rightfully reinstated with no lapse. Since we now have bigger issues to deal with, we will leave that frustration aside for now.

2. While I was busy getting insurance reinstated and getting different parts of my body scanned, I was also busy with choir rehearsals in preparation for the concert last week. I was very thankful that amidst the bad news of cancer progression, I got to fill my mind with beautiful music and divert my thoughts to pleasant things. I felt loved by all those who came to the show to support me.

3. As always, I’m grateful for Siang, who is my diligent advocate, medical record keeper and researcher. I thank God for his anal retentiveness, his intellectual curiosity, his never-ending quest to understand the myriad of medical terms, drugs, treatment options, how to read MRI and PET scan images, etc. My cancer journey would be very different without him by my side.

4. I’m thankful for all my family and friends, near and far, for your thoughts and prayers, words of encouragement, and your care and support for me and Siang.

Supplication –

1. Please pray that radiation treatment will be successful in zapping the cancer cells with minimal damage to nearby organs (e.g., bowel, kidneys).
2. Please pray that the new oral chemotherapy will be effective in destroying the cancer cells in my body.
3. Please pray for protection against side effects from these new treatments.
4. Please pray for wisdom and attentiveness for all the doctors and medical staff who will be involved in my treatments.
5. I need to switch to a different insurance plan starting January. The applications are in process. Please pray that everything will go through smoothly as I change treatments while transitioning to a new health plan.
6. I’m losing a bit of steam and feel that my “tank” is a bit empty after 3 weeks of packed “excitement”. Please pray for renewed faith, strengths and energy for both of us to face what’s to come.

With gratitude,
– annie