Oh dear, I can't believe it's been almost a month that I last put in an appearance here. I'm sure my continuing absence from blogland has got some of you worried, but in spite of my best intentions I haven't been able to summon up the energy to virtually put pen to paper and post another update.
Things have taken a turn for the worse, you see. When we went to the hospital for a follow-up appointment on the 4th of February - a rare sunny day, and coincidentally our 31st wedding anniversary - we were given some devastating news which needless to say has knocked us both for six.
When Jos was hospitalized back in January, a routine test revealed some fluid around his lungs in which some atypical cells were discovered. He thereupon got keyhole surgery during which some lung tissue was taken for further testing.
Unfortunately, the biopsy results showed that he's got mesothelioma or asbestos-related cancer. It's still in the very early stages, so that he's eligible for chemotherapy, eventually followed by complex surgery which, if all goes well, is expected to take place somewhere in June.
Hardly a day goes by without another worry to add to our load and it feels as if our lives are no longer our own. But some days are better than others and on the better ones we are determined not to lose hope.
My wise friend Sheila has told me that self-care isn't selfish, which I'm adopting as my motto. As part of my self-care package I am mentally preparing for my return to blogland, although I suspect I won't be able to be around as much as I used to.
However, with my 10th Blogiversary coming up in March - where did that time go? - it would be a shame to call it a day.
Hope to be joining you again soon!
My dear friend, bless your heart ❤️ 💙
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing this update.
I have been concerned and I am glad you have shared what is happening.
You continue to be in my thoughts.
Your photos are beautiful.
Thank you for giving us an update. It's great that you're not giving up on the blog, even though this is a difficult time.
ReplyDeleteAll the best to Jos and his upcoming chemotherapy.
Sending you a hug from afar.
God bless you and Jos. What difficult news to receive. I’m glad you were able to share an update, I was wondering what was happening. Thinking of you both xxx
ReplyDeleteOh, I'm so sorry to hear that cancer cells have been found on his Jos lungs. I remember reading about his health problems in your last post and I assumed that it is why you continued to be absent, but I hoped it is not something serious. I'm sorry to hear that it is very much serious. Mesothelioma is rare, but as all asbestos related illnesses it is aggressive. At least you caught onto it in the early stages. Cancer is never good news, but when we can catch it on time, this odds improve and this gives us hope. Hard times are ahead, and there are sure to be bad days, so it is very important that you make the most out of the good days.
ReplyDeleteIt is understandable you have no time and energy for blogging. Thank you for keeping us updated. Please, let me know what I can do to help! Sometimes little things can help a bit.
The photographs you took are beautiful. As always, I enjoyed seeing your outfit. Sending you xoxo! Take care of yourself as well. We must take care of ourselves to be able to take care of others.
Dear Anne, thanks for taking time to post!. Totally agree with Sheila about self-caring! and I only can recommend what worked for me in the past, when Mr.A. went through chemo and surgery: keep on doing whatever you usually do, even those little hobbies that bring some joy!. Lovely to see your beautiful photos, lovely to read you back!
ReplyDeleteSending hugs for your little family! and I'm open for a chat or whatever you need!
besos
Sorry, I mispelled your name!. Probably because rushed to comment!
DeleteOnce more, sending hugs!
this morning the BW and i were asking whats happened to you and jos.... and now you are answering!
ReplyDeletewe wish all the best for jos´ upcoming therapy!! and for you we send strenght to help him thru..... and yes - please take care of yourself too - go for walks, take beautiful photos, play with your wardrobe... and post from time to time.
tons of hugs!!! xxxx
I can understand the lack of energy to get around to putting together an update at a time like this. I will continue to keep you both in my prayers and I agree with the others that you will need to look after yourself, as well as Jos. (((HUGS))) for you both!
ReplyDeleteOh Ann, that's not good news. All the best and thank you for the update.
ReplyDeleteI think continuing the blog can help; it's a distraction. A very big hug Tina
Ann, I have been thinking about you and Jos and hoping that no news meant good news. I'm so sorry to hear that is not the case. Take all the time you need to build you both up for the chemotherapy to come. Hugs to you both. 💗
ReplyDeleteThinking of you both (((hugs)))
ReplyDeleteBest wishes to Jos and love to you. My Dad had that cancer but it was found too late.
ReplyDeleteI'm sure he will be well looked after. I worked with a lot of lung cancer surgical patients in my last years of nursing. One step at a time and keep pushing through.
Thank you for updating us. So sorry about the news. Good luck with treatment. If you have the time and energy to blog I will always read. Maeve xx
ReplyDeleteSending you both so much love. I hope you both manage to build up the strength and resilience for the months ahead, self-care is so important for you both and I hope you do squeeze in a little blogging, I know - like I do - how much pleasure you get from writing.
ReplyDeleteSending you, Jos and Bess loads of love. xxx
I'm so crossing my fingers for both of you. I hope the surgery is asap. And that you two are able to keep your head up and enjoy nature on days that it's possible. You know that's healing. Sending you lots of love!
ReplyDeleteOh, that is awful news! I'm glad it was caught early, and that there are treatment options. Sending lots of love to both of you.
ReplyDeleteThat's such hard news, my thoughts are with you. Although I don't usually comment, I really enjoy your blog.
ReplyDeletePlease know that there are so many people around the world sending you both love and well wishes. You both deserve happiness and health. I am grateful for your update and hope you know how much you matter.
ReplyDeleteSending you and Jos and Bess hugs from afar.
ReplyDeleteOh sweetheart... I'm sending love and prayer to both of you! When we found out about Larry's bladder cancer, we were simply in shock. Time will soften those ragged edges, I promise.
ReplyDeleteTry taking 1 teaspoon of baking soda with i/8 cup of lemon juice, mix together...twice a day to help with reducing his PH levels, twice a day. And hang on until June. Wondering why so far out? Oh well...just know I'm sending tons of love and prayer.
BIG HUG
Donna
Ann, so sorry to hear this news. Sending all good wishes to you and of course Jos too. I hope that the treatment begins soon and that it is not too awful for him. Stay strong and look after yourself too. Carole R.
ReplyDeleteDear Ann, thinking of you both and sending all my love. Self care is so very important for you at this time as its also difficult for the partners as well as the patients.
ReplyDeleteI know from my personal experience how overwhelming and confronting this can be so please take care of you too. xxx
You have been missed in blogworld and now I know what has been happening. Thank you for taking the time to post an update. So sorry about the bad news it must be so upsetting and stressful for you both. Sending you all my best wishes for what is to come. I'll have you in my thoughts. xx
ReplyDeleteI am so soŕry to read this and can absolutely relate. All the very best to you bothxx
ReplyDeleteThis reads so honestly and warmly — very relatable! 💛
ReplyDeleteI love how you acknowledge your absence with a touch of humor and humility. The way you describe “not being able to summon up the energy” makes it feel human and real, not just an empty apology. Readers will appreciate your honesty and will likely be glad to see you back, even after a break.
It strikes the perfect balance between accountability and self-compassion — very inviting and easy to connect with.
So sorry to hear about Jos diagnosis but it's a blessing that it was caught early. I pray for you both. You will get through this..
ReplyDeleteOh, please accept big (((virtual hugs))) from the blogosphere! I am sorry to hear of this development, but very happy it was caught early! I wish the absolute best for the both of you (and Bess). As a caregiver myself, I can state with certainty that self care isn’t an option, it is an absolute necessity.
ReplyDeletePlease take time for you, if even to lose yourself in a book or online blogs. Your brain needs the down time and bits of joy in order to sort itself.
Sending many healing thoughts- ReaderRita
This is honestly the hardest thing we can go through in life. Medical struggles, with all their accompanying consequences are so hard. My sympathy to you and Jos for your current challenges. Do your best, hang in there and try to find any kind of joy that's available. And thank you for keeping us posted.
ReplyDeleteI am just thinking about you today. <3
ReplyDeleteI’m so sorry I’ve not been around Ann. I do want to send you both all our love. Take care lovely friends we know how hard this type of illness can be. Get plenty of self care xxx
ReplyDeleteI was thinking about you and Jos. I’m sending best wishes! Xxx Regula
ReplyDeleteI am sending you the biggest hug right now. I was honestly wondering where you were, but I can totally see why you needed some space. It is so heavy to hear that kind of news, especially on your anniversary, but you are seriously so strong for sharing this with us. I really love what your friend Sheila said because self-care is literally everything right now, and you should definitely take all the time you need.
ReplyDeleteThinking of you today and am therefore sending you all the best. I hope things are going well for you, Jos and Bess. Healing vibes galore~~~~ ReaderRita
ReplyDeleteSending good vibes to you and Jos, dear Ann. I'm glad that resonated for you - seize the moments of joy when you can, and routine, like writing, can be very soothing, and can help you sort out your feelings. You are always welcome to reach out to me.
ReplyDeleteTake comfort in dear Bess - purr therapy is real. Big hugs to you and Jos.
Don't mean to bother...just hoping things are getting better? Just worried about you sweetheart.
ReplyDeleteTake care and I'm sending prayer and love.
hugs
Donna
The two of you (well three cause I'm thinking of Bess as well) are in my thoughts. I hope you are all well or...at least as well as can be expected in these trying times. Hang in there and take care of yourself, Ann.
ReplyDeleteMissing your blogposts very much but wishing you all the best in recovering and staying strong, best wishes, Jane
ReplyDeleteI appreciate the effort behind this post. It’s clear and full of useful insights. citrine stone price in Pakistan
ReplyDeleteAnn, hello, another typically silent visitor who has enjoyed seeing your colorful world. I'm so sorry for what your family are going through, and wanted to mention that if you haven't heard of Paul Kraus, you might want to look him up. In addition to his medical treatment, he adopted a health protocol after his asbestos-related mesothelioma diagnosis that possibly protected him from the worst ravages of the disease for 20+ years. I've said a prayer for you and Jos.
ReplyDelete