This past Friday Anna went in for an unplanned MRI. She was having some symptoms that concerned her doctor. The breast cancer in Anna’s brain has grown exponentially. The three most recent tumours that had shrunk initially after whole brain radiation have grown again, along with the initial tumour from last January when she had the craniotomy. The tumours are focused in the left temporal lobe causing extensive edema (swelling) which has led to her most recent symptoms of nausea and head aches.
She has started back on steroids, which will help control the swelling and should relieve the symptoms. If you have been following her over the last year you will recall that steroids cause her blood sugars to spike. This means she will likely be back on insulin.
After discussing her options with her medical team. Her treatment is somewhat limited based on the tumours sizes, locations, type, and overall aggressiveness of her cancer. In order to extend her life while balancing the quality she will be doing another round of whole brain radiation (WBR). Baring any miracle, we are talking about months versus years.
Anna is taking this news hard. We all are. Even though we understand the realities of metastatic disease and truths about survival rates and treatment options; nothing can prepare you for the real conversation of how much time you have left. Months versus years. This isn’t what we wanted to hear. I don’t want to be misunderstood as being hopeless, we aren’t hopeless. Our hope isn’t for long term survival now, it is about spending as much quality time as possible. If you have an opinion on this, I would ask you keep it to yourself. I did say baring a miracle.
After focusing on the holidays, our current plan is to start WBR on January 4. She will do 10 treatments, over a two week period. We expect that she will respond to the radiation as she did last time and this will buy her some more time. Time, we all want and need.
Thank you for all your kind words and love. If Anna is unable to to regularly update her situation in the coming months, I will do my best to keep everyone in the loop. I would ask that if you reach out to her, understand it may take some time to get back to you. This is a very difficult time, filled with hard emotions and frightening realities.
Enjoy the holiday season with family and friends. Thats what we will be doing. Love from all of us.
Categories: guest blog- IAN, Stories
Anna Craig 
all my love to each of you, can’t imagine the pain your mind, heart and soul are going through… xoxo Tammy.
Thank tammy. Love yah. Anna
Dear Ian and Anna,
Quality for life will be most important to you and your family!Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Dear Ian and Anna. All my thoughts and hopes are with you this holiday. Love from home. xo
I am so sorry to read this news! Cancer sucks!! Hugs and much love from South Dakota!
Think of all of you! Enjoy the family this Christmas, I will be hoping for your miracle!!
so glad I got to meet Anna however briefly and cherish every moment as I’m sure you do. Love, Jerry Hanson
We are sending your entire family so much love right now. Please, if there is anything you need, we are always here. We love you guys.
Anna – I knew you once a long time ago in Yellowknife (back in the days with Tammy and Celeste). I have no words because I can’t even imagine the feelings that you and your family are dealing with. Just wanted to say hello and let you know that I’m thinking of you and your family.
Enjoy your time as a family, savouring every single drop of heartache, joy, up’s and downs.
Time.
A luxury, not a given. I pray and hope you get more than what the medical team is giving you!
In my thoughts.
X
We think of you both so often. Sending our love, hugs and wishes. xo
I am right there with you. You are not damaged. You are whole and glorious.
May peace be with you. May love surround you.
People are praying for you and Anna. You have taught us how to become strong and live life to the fullest.
Anna and Ian,
Sending love and big hugs 💕 When I think of you Anna I see your beautiful family, laughter, creativity and boundless love surrounding you. Maureen
Love and hugs. May you enjoy many wonderful moments with your family!
Sending good wishes and hope you were able to enjoy the holidays together and escape for a moment. Thinking of you both.
I wish I had the same talent that you do for expressing what is happening with my cancer. It’s so similar to Anna’s story. Thank you for sharing your story. I will be prying for your family.