Well, it seems we have a little bit of a surprise this June. I had to have a second fluid draw in a two week period, which is unusual in this saga.

I realized I wasn’t feeling well, and finally said to Mike that I didn’t think the last chemo was doing what it should, since I seemed to be breathing worse instead of better. Finally, about 10 days out I realized it was really getting worse. I woke up in the night feeling like something was sitting on my chest, so I called Dr. Lanier’s office and made an appointment. After he listened to me and then did an x-ray, he said I was pretty full on the left side (same side we’ve been doing). The right side is still very low. Anyway, we went ahead and did another draw and got quite a bit off. His theory was that we didn’t get enough off last time. I had my doubts about that, but went with his theory. The next day I had a scheduled visit with Dr. Smith. I knew he would change the chemo and he did. As he said, we were watching this one carefully to see if it did anything (I’d had a couple of rounds and was getting ready for found four). Having to revisit pulmonology that quickly was all the sign we needed. I have been put on Gemzar now, as of yesterday. So, here we go again, folks. Everyone say a prayer for this drug. We will find the right one!

I am still kind of weak, because the last one left me feeling pretty bad for a while. I hope just it doesn’t take too long to get back up to feeling better. I had actually been able to go as much as half hour without the oxygen here in the house, but now I can’t go without it at all. We’ll see how we recoup that loss. I did get quick relief after he drained it this time. More so than ever before. It usually takes a little while to feel the results. This time I felt so crummy it was almost instant. A good thing. I hope I regain some energy. I had been pretty tired, trying to conserve energy for breathing, I guess.

This, too, shall pass. I’m counting on this one turning the corner and I’ll feel better again pretty soon. Sitting around gets old, lol.

That’s about all there is to add right now. It hasn’t been long since updating everyone, so there’s not a lot of ground to cover, is there? I did get an unexpected treat one evening. My friend at the library was trying to come up with a place to take Mary McDonough (Erin, on The Waltons) for dinner when she was in town for a speaking engagement. Our friend Pam entertained her at her house with a small dinner party and was kind enough to include us. Mike Grubbs was in heaven. He loved the show, especially since he lived in Charlottesville a couple of years while in school, which is near “Walton’s Mountain.” He knew people that had known the family. She was very interesting and a lot of fun to meet. We immediately got her book and read it, too. Fun to read about the back stage views of shooting a tv show.

Oh! We had a nice visit with our friends from Kansas as they came through town last weekend. I felt good enough to go out to dinner both evenings, and even made it through the tour at the Corvette Museum (thanks to Keith Ossello). I felt pretty good while they were here, so it was a nice time. Just long enough to enjoy seeing them. And while we are at it I’ll send up a prayer for Chuck and Diana, as he gets ready to face some medical challenges when they get back home.

Prayers for Jacquatta and Dale Summers. Dale has stopped his chemo, as it wasn’t really doing anything for him any more. He is enjoying his time with his family. And prayers for the gentleman next to me in the chemo room yesterday. He was pretty bad off, just doing comfort drugs. Continued prayers for brother-in-law Bill, and for Edna Cashman. And thanks to all the friends who have taken me out to lunch lately. I enjoyed being with you and spending time. We’ll do it again soon. It won’t be long.

Take care everyone. Love to all. Anne

VISITORS COMMENTS FOR THIS POST

By Linda Leigh — Jun 18, 2014 2:16pm
Thank you dear lady….think of you (especially in prayer) often and it’s good to hear the latest information. May you begin to feel better and have more energy very soon.

By terry caturano — Jun 17, 2014 1:30pm
I had a great trip to Africa, and loved every minute of it. Got home on Thursday June 12. I think you posted this update a few days ago, so I’m praying the good effects of the drawing off fluid and the new meds have begun to make an impact. Enjoyed the report about Walton’s Mountain. Our family are all fans of the Waltons. Praying for you and the folks you mentioned.

By Mari Medura — Jun 16, 2014 3:09pm
Praying for you in your continued fight and for Mike in his role as caregiver. My thoughts are always on you, even if I don’t communicate as often as I should. Love y’all. HUGS!!!!!!!

By Voletta Havener — Jun 16, 2014 9:54am
Anne you keep on keeping on lady! You are strong! Prayers!
Love ya!

By Cheryl Allen — Jun 16, 2014 8:05am
Thoughts and prayers are flowing……………..

By Alecia Marcum — Jun 14, 2014 11:32pm
Prayers for you my friend that you are going to feel better really soon. Love you!

By Amy DeCesare — Jun 14, 2014 10:34pm
I pray this new drug works better quickly! Keeping you in our prayers. Much love.
Amy and Jimmy and kids

By Betsy (Hirst) Sheppard — Jun 14, 2014 10:12pm
I saw a couple photos of Mary McDonough online when she was visiting the area. How awesome to be able to meet her. I really liked that show, The Waltons. She was also in an interview saying how close everyone on the show was to each other. Anyway, wow.. That is so great. And I hope this new chemo works a lot better. AND glad that you felt better right after they took fluid out. I feel lucky that I was able to join this page with you, as I have always liked you and consider you a special friend. I also hope that you will feel lots better soon, and can have renewed energy to do what you want to do. I will be thinking of you and your friends with medical challenges you have shared info. about here. I am also sending prayers and the best of wishes that things will improve this week.

By Doug Wilcox — Jun 14, 2014 7:06pm
: Anne I continue to include you and Mike in my prayers daily. I am praying now that this new medicine will do the trick. It is always a challenge at our age to maintain stamina. I know it is even harder for you, when you are saddled with these treatments. Know that I am always thinking of you guys and wishing only good news.

By Beth Bishop — Jun 14, 2014 1:24pm
Dearest Sis, I wish you lots of luck and drying out with the new drug. I think about you often and send up a prayer for y’all every night. Keep on kicking (but gently) and having your optomistic thoughts!! Love to all 4 of you from up north!

By Floyda Sullivan — Jun 14, 2014 12:15pm
Anne you are one of the most courageous people I know. You are a shining star for all of us to follow. You and Mike are always in my prayers. You know you both are always welcome to come and visit us in Florida. Gill and I both love to cook so we could fatten you up. (It certainly worked for me.) 🙂 Many many blessing to both of you. <3 By Mary Lou Kirby — Jun 14, 2014 12:02pm
Another blip on the radar screen I’m sure. Prayers for better success with the new chemo drug!

By Rhonda Bartley — Jun 14, 2014 11:14am
Hoping this new drug will be the one! and that you are feeling better very soon. Love to you, and the fam!

By Marilyn Weaver — Jun 14, 2014 11:09am
Wishing you well Anne and praying this new drug will help.

By John Peters — Jun 14, 2014 11:08am
Dear Anne, John and I have you and Mike in our thoughts and prayers. We will see Bill Sunday night. Love, Lynne

By Jean Secrest — Jun 14, 2014 10:52am
Still praying for you my friend!

By Jean Secrest — Jun 14, 2014 10:51am
Still praying for you my friend!

By patsy sloan — Jun 14, 2014 10:50am
Thanks for the update Anne. Praying for successful treatment.