September 29, ,2009

I wanted to send a quick note. I have about 5 minutes to get my clean stuff together and back to the hospital. Yes I got to come out for a few hours today. A long trip home and back but worth the change of environment. It took an adjustment to be back in the house without getting into cleaning. I did get to take a nice salt bath and enjoy hanging out with Richard and Julian.
I have had a new trach tube put in today and tomorrow the plan is to put a feeding tube directly into my stomach. The whole idea with the trach tube is to help me breath as when I lie down for radiation, my throat closes up and the airways get blocked. I am still unsure about this feeding tube idea. I know I have not been able to eat much, much given time I know that will come back. While at home today I nibbled on some fine chopped chicken and potatoes. This has been a first in some time. That decision is for tomorrow.

You know it is interesting, it is not the challenge of the cancer that is so hard, it is all the invasion in the body to take the treatment. The trach tube is very umcomfortable with tons of flems coming out and unfortunately, I have to say it smells. The body's natural way of trying to get rid of a foreign object. The interesting thing is I am beginning to pick up smells again as my nasel was completely blocked privious to this.

I was told today the tumor in my mouth has shrunk dramatically about 30 -40 % after 7 radiation treatments. I had a sense that would happen, just give it time without the whole fire hose treatment. I had been preparing my body with lots of healing herbs prior to this and was given the heads up it may move out quickly.

I had some great visits and thank you for those who did come by. I am particularly enjoying any form of energy work, touch or whatever. Vera and Tony (my sister and brother from Montreal) came in as a nice surprise over the weekend. We had some good laughs and hugs.

I must go as my girlfriend is coming to pick me up to bring me back in the hospital. But wanted to take a few minutes to update you.

Love
Ann









September 26, 2009

This was an email Richard sent out.

The latest about Ann: she is now at Princess Margaret (17 A) or the weekend and early next week at least. That's the good news. She's having some difficulty with the trach tube and is is some discomfort

Is there anyone who can offer some body work or energy work today?

If you are planning a visit, this weekend looks good - no treatments on Sat or Sunday. She will welcome some familiar faces. "Word On The Street" is Sunday at Queen's Park, so avoid University between College and Bloor.

Richard Diver