Hi there, it’s Annabel again. I know many of you have been following my journey closely and have also been incredibly generous, and for that I thank you from the bottom of my heart.
If you don’t know my story, I was diagnosed with salivary/pituitary gland cancer in August ’23 and subsequently had extensive surgery. After that, I had 6 weeks’ radiation then, in October/November of last year I had 3 months’ targeted chemo and I’ve been cancer-free for the past 6 months.
This week, I had a routine CT scan and unfortunately, it revealed that the cancer had returned and spread to my brain. Now, I know that’s a terrible thing to hear, but I’m relieved to know what’s going on and to be getting the help I need. I’ve been feeling really ill for about 2 months and extremely nauseous the last couple of weeks. Weirdly, I don’t have headaches or hearing and vision problems, and for that I’m incredibly grateful, but no doubt that would be the next thing if I’m not treated.
My oncologist wants to do another round of chemo which will start this coming Tuesday, 24th June. So that will likely be how I’ll spend the next 3 months of my life.
I will survive this. I know it’s not my time and I still have much to do, but I need to get through this somehow.
I hate to ask for financial help yet again, but I have nowhere else to turn. My mother is old and lives on a small fixed income, and the meagre inheritance I received was gone a long time ago and my credit cards are maxed out. I have no means of financial support right now, and there’s been no production work here this year, due to the fires etc. I also had to give up my dream of creating a food delivery service for cancer patients as it soon became very clear that I simply didn’t have the energy to start a new business, or look for financing alone.
If you are in a position to help, please do. It’s pretty humiliating having to lay myself bare once again, but needs must. Every donation, however large or small keeps Grommet and I going.
If you can’t help financially, I also need help with dog-walking (we are in Burbank) and if anyone can cook, I need soft, easy to eat sugar- and salt- free, non spicy food like soups and rice pudding, stuff that I can keep refrigerated and easily prepare by myself.
The first week after chemo is the worst (I do it every 3 weeks) it’s when I’m most jelly-fish like and poor Grommet needs his walks. I also need help this coming Tuesday with a ride to Kenneth Norris Hospital in Boyle Heights at 10 am then I’ll need to be picked up sometime in the afternoon TBD. (It’s a long process with a lot of hanging about).
Thanks in advance, your love and support make all the difference when going through this. And I will get through this #sofuckyoucancer.
