Annie’s Story

Site created on November 14, 2021





For many reasons it's very emotional to have created this page. I feel extremely fortunate that there are so many people over the years that my life has interacted with that would even put me in a position to use this method of connection. But it's also heavy news that I'm sorry to have to share with all of you. 

A couple of weeks ago I was diagnosed with Invasive Breast Cancer that has begun to spread elsewhere. Thankfully that area has been caught early and can also be treated.  It's been a whirlwind few weeks with lots of Dr. appointments, tests, paperwork etc. the gathering information and waiting has been intensely difficult but "knowledge is power" and is creating the path out of this life interruption. 

And that is what I'm referring to it as, an "interruption" but also an opportunity to find every single silver lining that I can through this and WILL. I know I have a journey ahead of me that won't be completely easy but I'm incredibly fortunate to have the opportunity to make it to the other side of this unexpected challenge and have such tremendous support and people  in my life to love me through it. 

I have chosen to seek treatment at Dana Farber Cancer Institute for the beginning part of this journey (& not just because there's a Bloomingdales & Cheesecake Factory across the street :)  I will begin this in 2 weeks, every Monday for 12 weeks. (Finished on Valentines Day .) My medical team is truly brilliant and I am grateful beyond words to be in their exceptionally, capable care. 

If it’s required (still tbd but most likely) I will then have the surgery locally with an incredibly gifted Dr. who I felt immediately connected with & is more than experienced with my situation. I am eternally grateful for her following some areas that she felt suspicious about and  pushing further testing to discover things that were originally missed. I simply can't say enough about every single human at the PRH Breast Center. I had some very dark days in the beginning and they took the best care of me & 
supported me through it, not just with their extraordinary skills but on a very personal level that I will never forget. 

I wish so much that I could have shared this news personally with everyone, there's just no way that was possible so I apologize for this method of communicating the situation. Having making faces & the girls being so active in the community I knew many of our friends would hear the news and be concerned so this seemed the best way to hear the condition of things directly from me. 

The most important thing is Taylor & Parker and how they navigate through this time of their lives. Telling them that their mama was facing this was honestly the hardest thing I've ever done. But they are strong & resilient and I'm so proud of how they are handling it. The most critical piece that I impressed upon them is this isn't something I am "going through" rather something I am "getting through." This storm has "interrupted" our path but we WILL correct the course, it's just going to take some time. 

I can't wait to share the COME BACK story, until then I will give any updates that seem worthwhile. If you see a little Loomis Girl in your path, be sure to give her an extra hug. 

with love, annie



Newest Update

December 2, 2021

Journal entry by Annie Loomis —

Dear Cancer, 
 
You picked the wrong bitch and I’m coming for you! 
 
Today is the 1st day of the rest of my life and the 1st day of the last days of Cancers life in my body! 
 
Last night I received the BEST NEWS since this nightmare began, literally in the final hour that my Full Body Scan came back NO MORE CANCER anywhere else so it hasn’t spread and where it is will be GONE so here’s to checking off week 1 with only 11 more to go! Eviction notice has been served!!
 
I’d be lying if I didn’t say I’m the most scared I’ve ever been in my entire life but I’m so ready to face this and to get back to my life! 
 
There is simply NO words to thank each and every one of you for the overwhelming support I’ve received I’ve the past few weeks. Texts, emails, cards, incredible gestures in so many ways that I’m really still finding it hard to process.
 
From the bottom of my heart, 
I am humbled by these expressions.  I have read every single message, hundreds and hundreds and I truly don’t know what I’ve ever done in this lifetime to be showered with such an Ocean of Love. With each message, I’ve thought of the person sending it & how our paths have crossed and how grateful I am to know you and that whatever our friendship story is, it was enough to make you reach out with care.
 
I’m going to hold onto a & use it to ride right out of this storm! I am the luckiest girl to have the enormous village that I do. Someone very close to me referred to it as TEAM ANNIE 
and I love the strength of that! 
 
I also intend to respond back to every single message, I just haven’t had the time trying to prepare for today and also get my life in order for this journey but I’m about to have a lot of time that I know I need to take to focus on letting my treatments do their job. 
 
Accepting help has never been easy for me. I’ve always had the attitude that I can do things on my own and never want to impose or burden people. But I realized by changing up my usual stradegy of “I can do it on my own” and pushing myself too hard that I can be BIGGER than Cancer by surrendering to what I need to get through it and that isn’t being weak or letting it get the best of me. instead taking a step back to allow this process to do its thing then I WILL win in the best way. There’s many ways to get to the top of the mountain.
 
Today is going to be a long day but by tonight Week One ✔️,
Only 11 more to go!! Let’s do the damn thing!!!!
 
Sending Holiday Cheer & my love,
annie
 
ps. Don’t forget to SHOP LOCAL 😉
Read More of the journal titled "December 2, 2021"
Patients and caregivers love hearing from you; add a comment to show your support.
Help Annie Stay Connected to Family and Friends

A $25 donation powers a page like Annie's for two weeks.

If you donate by April 17, your gift will doubled, up to $30,000, thanks to a matching gift by former CaringBridge board members.

Leave a comment of support for Annie

Did you know? A quick comment, no matter the situation (positive or negative), can boost morale by 28.2%.

Comments Hide comments

Load more comments
Read More Journal Entries

Show Your Support

See the Ways to Help page to get even more involved.

Personal Fundraiser
Support Links
Helpful Requests
Go to Ways to Help
SVG_Icons_Back_To_Top
Top