Thank you EVERYONE for your amazing support and encouragement for my aunt. Many of you wrote with treatment ideas, and all of it went straight into the big binder that my mom and Aunt Terry are keeping everything organized in. Everything will be brought up to my aunt’s team of doctors.
Yesterday, Aunt Kathy saw an oncologist. This particular doctor had seen Kathy in the hospital last week and she really liked him. He had all her test results and was very positive and upbeat. He feels that staying positive while treating cancer is the first step. The doctor said she has three things going in her favor. First, the tumor in her lungs is not a melanoma (these are fast growing and hard to treat), second is Kathy is in good health and third, she is a non smoker. They are going to treat the brain tumors first and then the lungs. On Thursday, my mom is taking my aunt to the Radiology Oncologist, who will evaluate all the info and recommend the treatment. It could range from localized radiation on the tumors to whole brain radiation. The latter more intense and has more serious side effects, so we’ll have to hear all of the doctor’s reasons for that particular treatment. Later on Thursday she’s getting another opinion from another oncologist.
And then Kathy will have to decide what she wants to do. The radiation would probably take place for 10 days and then that is it…The lung cancer can hopefully be treated in a pill form rather than full blown chemo. There are more tests to be done this week, so we won’t really know the whole picture until the end of the week, if not later.
As you can see, it’s a lot to process.
We are all hanging in there, hoping for good news. We’re taking it all as it comes…we’ve all been through so much. That’s not to say we’re expecting the worst by any means – we just unfortunately know that the worst is possible.
That being said, we are focusing on our positive:
She also has a new celebrity boyfriend.
Next stop, People Magazine!
It’s time for another birthday giveaway! Hop on over and enter to win!
Becca_Masters says:
OMG! is that Mr Big from SATC?!?!
Good news about your Aunt. I’m glad that she is getting treatment straight away. My fingers are crossed that she will make a full recovery and into remission.
big love to you all.
x
p.s. your Annie is just too adorable!
Alice says:
Annabel’s dress is just gorgeous, as is she!
I’m glad to hear the positive things about your aunt. Thinking of you guys.
Catherine Lucas says:
Your aunt is lucky to have such a tight knit group around her for support. You will all have to lean on each other…
Hope that the suggested treatments will work and that your Aunt will see Annabel grow up…
Gemini-Girl says:
That top looks amazing on you if I do say so myself.
Gemini-Girl says:
BTW Mr. Big is HAWT
Becca_Masters says:
i must say though, i’m not overly keen on that moustache. it’s like he’s trying to be Tom Selleck!
still, Mr Big. mmmmmmmmmmm.
Kim says:
OMG!!! I loooove Mr Big!! Glad everyone is staying positive and hopefully she can beat this shitty cancer.
((Hugs))
Amy K says:
Oh, so THAT’s who it is! I never watched SATC, and when I saw the moustache I assumed he was either a NASCAR driver or baseball player.
Neeroc says:
ROFL! I thought NASCAR or C&W singer.
Lynn from For Love or Funny says:
I think that is the first picture I’ve ever seen of Annie when she is crying. Perhaps she doesn’t want to be so far away from her new celebrity boyfriend… shades of things to come when she’s a teen, my friend!
Will continue to keep Kathy in our prayers!
habanerogal says:
Will be thinking about your Aunt and hope that everyone’s positive thoughts go to her. Kind of a basket case right now my son is getting his leg operated on tomorrow, really bad break.
dawn says:
@gemini-girl amen sister. Amen.
nancie says:
how funny…i thought that i saw y’all in some photo’s on matt logelin’s site – i couldn’t tell for sure – i thought i saw you, mike and annie in the background in a few of his shots…so guess i was right…just curious, what event was that?
positive thoughts going out to your aunt…she’s definately in my prayers..
Jessi says:
Where is that at? Matt Logelin has pics from that same event! I found you guys in 2 of his pics as well!!
I am happy for the results of your aunt!! Praying for her and your family!!
Cathy K. says:
Prayers and lots of positive thoughts for you Aunt – and a very Happy Birthday to you!
jen says:
Staying positive is a biggie- for everybody. Lots of prayers going up for your Aunt Kathy; please keep us posted on how things are going.
Btw, Annie’s dress is beautiful.
(((Hugs))) from here!
annie says:
Praying for your family…you’ve all been through so much.
Amélie says:
Fingers crossed for your aunt.
Annie’s dress is gorgeous btw!
Sue says:
Again,,,,,I will be keeping your Aunt Kathy in my thoughts, and wishing the very, very, best outcome for her as she has her treatments!
Jen says:
Keeping you and your family in my thoughts and prayers! I know she will get the best care and have the best outcome!!
edenland says:
I’ve wondered how your aunt was going. Heather, when Dave was diagnosed, he had tumors in his intestines the size of grapefruits. They were actually poking out of his tummy. When he had his scan, they were all up near his chest and some had gone into his lungs.
Last Friday – two years on, he had a big official check-up scan and he remains in remission. Totally cancer-free. It was such a surreal time back then – even the thought of him having an oncologist is just crazy.
Unfortunately, more and more people in the world are getting some form of cancer. Here in Australia the odds are 1:2 – but the treatment for it is getting more effective and sophisticated.
Staying positive and full of hope will help your aunt so much. Love to you all.
Eden
xo PS That dress looks exquisite on Annabel!
Hope says:
I am keeping your family in my thoughts and prayers. Positive thinking is extremely important! I love Annabel’s little dress! So pretty!!! What a lucky girl she is to be surrounded by such love!
Beth says:
Just catching up on my blog reading now. I am so sorry to hear about your Aunt. You can tell by her smile (in your last post) what an incredible woman she is. I think the doctor that she met with yesterday sounds so positive — such an important thing. Thinking of you and your family and sending lots of xoxo throughout CyberSpace to you all!!!
Kate @ UpsideBackwards says:
Fingers crossed for wise doctors, effective treatment, and the best possible outcome. As always, lots of love and hugs to you and yours.
Anna Marie says:
Sending good vibes to your whole family. It is a lot to deal with, but you have the advantage of the love you all obviously share.
jean says:
Oh, I am glad to hear it’s not melanoma. That is very good news.
A pill form of chemo would likely have a lot less side effects so that is hopeful news as well.
Mary Ann says:
Wow Annabel really has a knack for spotting celebritites. Look out Brad and Angie here comes the Annirazzi.
Susan says:
Heather,
Please tell your aunt that, regardless of her treatment choices, the American Cancer Society is a very valuable resource to both the patient and her family. My grandmother contacted them right before she started treatment and they gave her advice and a wig (she had to do the nasty chemo). Just a thought….
Now, as to your photos, tell Annie to back off of my celebrity boyfriend! I saw pictures of him (and Brooke trying NOT to show excitement) on Matt’s blog. Chris Noth is just dreamy!!!
Prayers for your aunt, uncle, and caregivers.
AmazingGreis says:
Continuing to send good thoughts to your Aunt!!! (((hugs)))
Love Annie’s dress and that hair bow….too cute!
Elizabeth says:
Annie is so adorable and I’m super jealous of her new boyfriend.
Continued prayers for your family.
Sarah says:
Seeing that photo of Annie being NEAR Chris Noth = First time I’ve been jealous of a baby for reasons other than getting to sleep when and where you want and having NO responsibilities apart from being adorable.
Sending love and best wishes to your aunt and the rest of your family x
Kelly says:
Ha! Truer words have never been spoken, Sarah. I’m feeling a little jealous of Annie myself.
I would LOVE to be that close to Chris Noth in person. And although I adored Tom Selleck in his prime, Mr. Big needs to lose the mustache. He’s perfect just the way he was….delish! Sigh…
Sarah says:
Ohhh… Selleck. Nice.
java says:
Will continue praying!!!
That pic of Annie and Mike is just adorable!
Margie says:
The news is encouraging. I’ll be thinking about all you guys.
Tammy says:
She is sooo cute. She reminds me so much of my daughter at that age. I love all the rolls.
Kristen McD says:
Saying a prayer for your aunt. I’m glad she’s got so many people taking care of her.
And – Chris! Noth! ZOMG.
Heather says:
I was visiting Lee’s blog at Mysentimentexactlee.com the other day, and she had a Lung Cancer post. It was about her friend who has the disease and is being aggressively treated with a new drug called Tarceva. He had to be transfered to the Dana Farber Cancer institute, and the doctors there offered him this medication to try. They are very hopeful that this is working for him. Maybe you could put this in the binder and bring it up to your Aunt’s Oncologist.
Wendy says:
OMG, IS THAT BIG!? I love him!! Annie, you GO girl!!
Barnmaven says:
Oh em gee! Chris Noth! swooooon… Please let Annie know that if she doesn’t want him to send him along to me. I’ll take good care of him, I promise.
I am glad that things are looking better for aunt Kathy. That initial diagnosis is so frightening and the minute you hear the word “cancer” everything sort of freezes into this huge, cold nightmare. It sounds like she has a very wonderful, very positive doctor. You all remain in my prayers!
Lisa says:
I’m so glad the doctor’s had encouraging reports for your aunt. I hope she continues to get positive news and that the treatments go smoothly and without too much trouble. I’ll be keeping Kathy and your family in my thoughts.
Wow, Annie, Mr. Big, I”m impressed
Nikki says:
Big looks MUCH better clean shaven. Oh well, he’s still hot!
Annie is adorable and she looks just like Mike. I love seeing pics of the two of them.
Sooooo glad to hear the positive prognosis about your aunt!! Hopefully the treatment path will be the easier of the options and she’s well on her way to a speedy recovery! Thanks for keeping us updated – we’ll continue to send well wishes into the universe for your aunt.
XOXO from GA,
Nikki
Catherine says:
How fortunate you are to have access to great healthcare options. Praying for the best and knowing you will all come out the other end with grace and inspiring words no matter what.
angela says:
Love your family photo….Annie cooperated so well!
Praying for your Aunt~ things look positive, keep thinking that way!!!!
Lisa says:
i see you were at the same party as madeline logelin….very lucky girls. i wish your aunt the very best. i’m praying for her.
Andrea says:
Your aunt sounds like an amazing woman, I’m glad to hear there is some positive news. Annie is beautiful, as always, Mr. Big is one lucky guy.
Michelle says:
I don’t know that I’ve ever posted before, but I read your blog often and love it. I’m so sorry for your aunt’s medical problems, but hope I can provide a source of help to explore.
My husband has a benign brain tumor (but really, what is benign when it’s in the brain?!) and along with surgery, he had undergone the Gamma Knife Radiation treatment which to date has continued to be successful for him.
I realize the tumors are different, but the Gamma Knife is amazing and it’s worth looking into as an option. It’s so exact, there isn’t damage to the surrounding areas of the healthy brain.
Also, it sounds like your family has set up a great way to keep records of docs visits, etc, but this book is fantastic giving tips for something like this:
The Power of Two by Brian and Gerri Monaghan
Brian also had a brain tumor (I believe his primary cancer was melanoma). He’s from the southern California area and they researched many options for treatment.
Nicole says:
Stay positive, and I will continue to pray for your family! Beautiful pictures, Annie is so precious!
Ashley says:
OK, on a lighthearted note, I am way jealous of Annie and all her celebrity BFFs. First Paula Deen, then Chris Noth!?
I am grateful that your Aunt appears to have good doctors and lots of support-I think a key component to overcoming any illness is positive energy and competent people in your wing. Will keep praying for her and all.
Jeannine says:
i just might have to steal annie’s boyfriend! She’s a lucky girl.
Aunt Becky says:
Annie has the best taste in men. But if she touches Dexter, we’re going to have words.
Kristin says:
I didn’t get to comment yesterday as it was such a busy day, but I wanted to say I have your Aunt and your whole family in my thoughts and prayers. And today I am glad to hear that things look a little better and there is positive for your Aunt. But she and your whole family will still remain in my thoughts and prayers.
And I swear every time I see Annie she just keeps getting more adorable. I love the inquisitive look in her eyes in a few of the photos. And LOVE her new celeb boyfriend. I see magazine covers for Annie very soon.
kate says:
I am keeping your aunt and family in my prayers. She is a strong woman and I am sure she will do everything to stay with her family.
Now onto the positive of Annie’s boyfriend! Let’s just say a girl in Philadelphia is super jealous of her new man! OH Chris Noth, he is so much more than Mr. Big! YUM! He is my celebrity crush 100%! Mustache and all and well that is saying a lot because well mustache…ewww…need I say more…I think not!
Glenda says:
Heather, you and Mike with Annabel look great in these pictures. Praying for your aunt and hoping at the pills and radiation take effect as soon as possible. Stay positive and keep us posted! sending you hugs XXX Annable is gorgeous!!!
Alison says:
Positivity is so important. I like that doctor’s advice.
And Annabel is SO ADORABLE.
xoxo
Stacy says:
OMG…the description of what ur aunt has is the same that my Aunt has. She has lung cancer and is a non smoker. She has had it for 2 years. She had chemo and that has helped so far. The cancer in her lungs has not grown in 1 year! Yeah for that! Then just recently, she has almost the same tumors and lesions as ur aunt. They wont operate, but the radiation is kicking her but so she had to be hospitalized! It just sucks cuase I live in LA and they live in COnn. If u ever want to talk, just e-mail me ur number!
PS. I love ur blog I have been reading it forever! LOVE the videos of Annie!
Stacy
Amanda/babya says:
Best wishes and lots of love
(Annie is sooo adorable in that outfit!)
Alissa says:
*hugs* I really hope that things do go better and that the treatment is sucessful!
Alissa
Meghan says:
Your family is amazing.
And Annie looks thrilled to be posing for a family picture.
Sarah says:
Wow, Annie is getting to meet more celebrities in her first year than most of us in a lifetime! What’s awesome is that you guys will have all these photos of it for her to remember by, so that’s great.
Haha, I’m glad I’m not the only one who did a double take at the photos and finally realized it was the same location as in Matt L’s photos. You guys should have gotten a group photo – now that would have been cool for the blogs! (PS – I love your shirt and Annie’s dress/headband combo! Both very pretty ladies!)
I’ll keep your aunt and all of your family in my prayers for strength and healing. You guys seem like such a great support system!
Amanda says:
Man, you walk a strong path. May the numbers of us standing on the sides offer some degree of strength.
Kim says:
I’m finally able to comment !! I’m thinking and praying for your aunt and for you !
And Chris Noth !! SWOON! He’s been my celebrity boyfriend for about 15 years, I’ll happily share him with Annie !!
c.c. says:
that’s chris noth! holy hell! you have so much luck with those celebrity run-ins. can you let me tag along on your adventures?
Alyssa says:
Yes, lots to process, but here’s hoping for the good news just around the corner.
You guys were at the same party at Matt & Maddy Logelin. Annie may have some competition because I hear Matt’s gf Brooke is a huge Mr. Big fan herself; but since she seems like such a nice person I’m sure she’ll share!
Jen C. says:
Look, I’m not in the business of threatening babies, but hands off Annabel! I have luved Noth since L&O days, and I hear he is into girls that are potty trained. Yeah…I said it.
All the best to your aunt and family.
Kristin says:
Continuing to keep y’all in my thoughts and prayers.
Yolanda says:
Heather –
Good afternoon. Thank for the update on your Aunt, I am sending her rainbows and unicorns.
Annabel and Big does Carrie know?
Krissa says:
I am so glad to read this about your aunt. I have a friend who is one of the miracle stories so I know firsthand they do happen. Cancer, no matter what stage, can most definitely be beaten! I’m sure your aunt and your family know that though. She has an excellent chance to beat this and I will pray that that is exactly what happens. … More great photos of Annabel – she looks beautiful as ever. What a little sweetie.
Nanette says:
Stay strong, Aunt Kathy!
And come on over, Mr. Big! Rawr!
Kimh449 says:
Cyberknife treatments help rid my Father of 18 brain tumors! It might be worth mentioning?
mandie says:
OMG! Will you please explain why/how yall are standing there by Big like it’s no big thang?
Continued thoughts and prayers for your aunt.
Steph in Bklyn says:
Sending prayers and wishes for comfort to your extended family.
Jenn says:
I am sooo glad to hear the good news about your Aunt. You have all been in my thoughts since you posted about her yesterday.
and um, yeah…Mr. Big is yummy!!
So is Annie She looks adorable as always!
simplelifemommy says:
Mr. Big!!! I’m honestly more excited about Annie’s cuteness, though. The whole getup is just too much! I love her so! What a cuddle bug!
Praying for your Aunt. I remember Jackie being so upbeat and positive and that’s what they said about the mom on Gossip Girl. LOL. Like you need a TV reference, but it came to mind.
Lynnette says:
Cancer is such a scary word. I will pray for you and your family while your Aunt walks this path. Staying positive does have a healing effect, but is sometimes hard to do. I’ll also pray that your family can find the uplifting in all the little things of life.
Sue says:
Sending healing vibes your aunt’s way. Stay strong and focus on the positive. I’m sure she’s surrounded by love.
Annabel is such a little darl………OMG!!!!!! Is that Mr. Big?!?! SQUEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!!
BK says:
Something’s in the water; non smoking, non drinking 82 y/o aunt was diagnosed with lung CA a couple of months ago…….she’s doing some sort of chemo every three weeks and so far ( knock on wood ) it’s working……fingers crossed for your aunt
Laurie SL says:
That is so cool. I saw the pics on Matt’s flickr site. Chris Noth looks so good, he looks like he lost weight too. That party looks like so much fun!
Best wishes to you and your family.
Janice says:
I’m really sorry to hear about your aunt and I SWEAR I’m not trying to do a shameless plug. It’s not my company but they make really awesome t-shirts for cancer survivors…anyway…just wanted to pass it along. http://www.alsoasurvivor.com. I wish your aunt a speedy road to recovery and remission!
Kim says:
What great news for your Aunt and family. I am so glad that her doctor is so hopeful. Lovely.
Annabel is going to be in People Magazine? What???? That sweet Annabel makes me smile. I can’t wait to nibble her cheeks in just 2 weeks!!!
Ray says:
I had no idea that chemotherapy could be substitued with a pill! You learn something new everyday. I hope that, that’s the route for your aunt. She and your family will continue to be in my prayers (as you always are).
On another note: "OMG, MR. BIG AND PEOPLE MAGAZINE?!?!?!" I can't wait to read more about that!
Annie is just so scrumptious in that dress! Beautiful. =D Beautiful family.
Jessica says:
Heather, I wanted to put my two cents into the ring about positive attitudes and battling cancer.
My aunt, who I love like a second mother, is currently battling cancer. Her breast cancer came back, but before they knew it was back it had spread everywhere. On the last Monday in September they did a scan and found a brain tumor (and cancer everywhere) and on Oct. 1 they did emergency surgery to remove it. Her attitude, and the attitude of her doctors, from the very beginning of this ordeal has been nothing short of amazing … it has blessed all of us who have been worried, all of us who have struggled to find a way to help her through it.
I’d like to give you my aunt’s caring bridge site if you are interested in passing it along to your aunt. There may be nothing on there that will help her, but you never know what someone will see or hear that will comfort them. I guess it helps to know people are going through the same thing.
Your family is in my thoughts!
Erin says:
I LOVE Chris Noth and am so jealous you were that close to him.
Annie’s dress is so beautiful.
Praying for Aunt Kathy, hang in there you guys.
Jenny @ http://motherlawyercrazywoman.blogspot.com/ says:
Thinking of your whole family during this time.
Those pictures of your little girl make me smile, she is just so sweet. I see why Mr. Big has a crush on her.
Again, have becaome a (reluctant) brain tumor pro patient, so contact me if you have any ?s about doctors/etc. I’ve been there, done that, and may be able to provide some support from the trenches.
All my best, J
Jenny @ http://motherlawyercrazywoman.blogspot.com/ says:
Heather – Here is one more point, sorry to be so stalky. One thing I wish I had known early on was that many of the major medical centers can provide remote brain tumor consults. Meaning, you can send your scans to them – via Fed Ex or email – and then talk to their neurosurgeons about options, without having to travel to that center. Many have “tumor boards” that meet once a week to review the scans and cases; therefore many doctors and different sets of eyes/viewpoints review the case.
Mayo & Pittsburgh (one of the top centers for endoscopic brain surgery) both provide that service. A way to put together multiple opinions from various experts in the field very quickly.
– JS
Erin Woods says:
Thinking about you, your aunt and the rest of your family during this difficult time. I wish you all the best.
Jamie says:
Thinking about you, your aunt and your whole family during this stressful time.
mags86 says:
I wish I could make it all better…….thoughts and prayers are with you.
Molly says:
Thinking good thoughts for Aunt Kathy and your family. So glad Annabel is there to keep things light!
Amy Collen says:
OMG!!! Mr. Big!!!!
Sounds like a little bit of good news for your aunt and your family. Yay! Will be thinking good thoughts as well.
Gail says:
I am sorry to hear about your Aunt, but it sounds like she is getting good care. I have been an Oncology Nurse for 14 yrs and the best advice is to get more then one opinion. Don’t worry about offending the doctor. A good doctor just wants what’s best for their patient and understands their need to feel comfortable with the treatment plan. You are a wonderful support for her. I admire your families strength and grace.
Steph says:
First I’m probably the only person on here who thought “oh that’s the guy from The Good Wife”. SATC didn’t even enter my mind! I know I fail on a womanly scale!!
Second I am glad to hear some of the news is positive!! If they decide traditional treatments aren’t available, my aunt sought treatment in a facility in New York when her cancer wasn’t treatable by chemo, radiation, etc… In her case it wasn’t meant to cure her but to give her some extra time and it did. It’s based on vitamin supplements and a specific diet. Anyway, if you want to know more feel free to e-mail me. I don’t have all of the details but I can get them.
Kelly says:
Just sending hugs…
Katie C. says:
Sending lots of prayers your way!!!!!
Neeroc says:
Good news that your Aunt has so many people looking out for her and that she is comfortable with her onc. I am hoping her treatment is the least invasive possible and that she totally kicks butt.
Chantel says:
Gosh Annie is so popular. I’m jealous!
I’m keeping your Aunt in my prayers Heather!!
gorillabuns says:
praying for your Aunt to recover quickly and without pain.
Krissa says:
I don’t know if this is already in the comments anywhere so if it is, sorry for repeating… I’ve heard a little about sugar in relation to cancer and also oxygen so I looked around the internet a bit and I guess I don’t have to tell you that you can find anything supporting or opposing pretty much any idea out there. But it might be worth asking the oncologist about oxygenation therapy (a lot of info says that cancer can not survive in an oxygen-rich environment). And low-sugar diets might be something to ask the doc about too. … Sorry if this is a repeat. Sending good vibes and positive thoughts your Aunt’s way. Oh, laughter therapy too, but you guys probably already have that covered.
Maria Delgado says:
Y! She has a picture with a celebrity! AWESOME!
Monkey's Mama says:
Lots of love to you as always.
Can’t EVEN believe you saw Big. However did you keep your hands off him???
Robin says:
A coworker just sent this as a friend is battling cancer:
Cancer I did not give you the right,
To invade my body and take a bite.
This is my body and with all my might,
I will prevail with one hell of a fight.
Two Makes Four says:
Just caught up on your post about your aunt. Scary stuff, and I’m so sorry. Your family sounds awesome. Thank god you all have each other to see her through this. Hugs.
Monnie says:
Long time reader, first time comment-poster! Love the blog and your sweet, beautiful girls.
My father is currently undergoing treatment for a grade 2-3 oligodendroglioma. He lived with a grade 1 tumor for 9 years! Just after giving birth to my own sweet girl, he underwent brain surgery to remove the now-growing mass…He’s currently in his 5th week of radiation and oral chemotherapy meds and is handling the therapies well. He will lose what little hair he has remaining, but has had absolutely no other side effects from the chemo. (Hard to believe, I know!) He has a nice tan (well, reddish) head courtesy of radiation.
Know that you are a great support for your aunt and for whatever route your aunt decides, I’m sending positive vibes.