Ann Anderson Ann Anderson's Community

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In 2016, I was plagued with fatigue, joint pain and migraines finally diagnosed as occipital neuralgia started in August 2016.

In April 2017 I was diagnosed with lung cancer, (adenocarcinoma) in the right lung. I am almost as surprised as you are, though my mother did have this, and I haven't been feeling well for awhile; I've been very fatigued, and I have a small cough.  Even during our trip to Norway last May, hiking was difficult .

I have the known adenocarcinoma, but I also have scattered, very small non-solid ("ground glass") lesions throughout both lungs.  None of this lit up on PET scan, and this is a good thing. It is not metastatic disease, but  on May 22 the opacities were finally biopsied and determined one was bronchoalveolar carcinoma, which makes my diagnosis multifocal adenocarcinoma, by definition stage 4 disease.

In March I had also just found out that I had a large, benign, rare cyst in my abdomen (mesenteric cyst) which was mechanically causing me problems by pressing on my stomach and small intestine.  In fact it was this problem, combined with (and worsening) a gall bladder attack, that landed me in the ER in Waimea on spring break where the imaging was done that alerted my Alaska doctors to the lung nodule.  I ended up losing 30 pounds during this time, which I have gained back.  The cyst was surgically drained twice, and has not returned!

Here's my good news:  I have my Redeemer Jesus, who is closer than a brother,  the Holy Spirit lives in me, and my Creator has me in the palm of his hands.  I have an absolute treasure trove of family and friends all over the world who love me, and I feel loved.

I am currently being treated through MD Anderson in Houston, and I take a genetically targeted chemotherapy pill as well as Immunotherapy  infusions for two years, which is complete.  The tumors are stable.

I never returned to work after the initial crisis.  I have mixed feelings about that, but I am for sure getting plenty of rest and taking care of the kids.  It is a huge adjustment, missing so many things that I want to do with my family.    As always , I'm happy to be alive and trying to stay that way!