I can’t believe I am writing this so soon. I think we knew it was a possibility because once you are in the cancer world you don’t ever really leave it, but at least you hope you will get some years between the battles. Unfortunately, in life, timing is not something we can always control. We didn’t get the break we expected and Anne is fully in the battle with cancer again.
As I wrote in the last post, we decided in January to define our new normal. It was time for me to get a real job, it was time for Anne to embrace life beyond cancer and it was time for our kids to become more of a focus.
I was thrilled to see Anne embrace life. She emerged from her chemo fog and started planning trips with the kids. I’m not sure how they came up with a round-the-world cruise as a goal, but they did. She started buying books again and I started referring to the UPS guy as her boyfriend because he brought her a present from Amazon every day.
She started taking a computer science class with Kieran at www.udemy.com. When the class proved to be too difficult for Kieran, she kept going and, true to her Phi Beta Kappa roots, she made getting an “A” in the class a goal.
I was fortunate enough to get a few professional options and decided to take a job with AEG as the SVP and GM of Axs.com. It is a great company and I am excited about the team and the opportunities we have to improve the ticketing and live event experience.
Again, timing is not within our control and the week I started, work, Anne had a test alerting us that her cancer had spread. After my first day and happy hour, Anne and I ended up spending the night in the emergency room with her 4th or 5th intestinal blockage. The previous blockages have all resolved in a couple of days, but this one is holding on and will require surgery.
Unfortunately our kids are not getting to be the focus, but they are blessed with great friends and grandparents who are helping to keep their lives going. They also are coming together for each other.
This isn’t an easy post to write. By nature, I don’t like sharing negatives with the world, however during round 1 and round 2 we felt prayers, good wishes and thoughts from everyone and we know they helped Anne recover. It’s time to add her name back to the prayer roles and circles, plant flags in mountains for her, stick prayers in walls, light candles, wish her well in your heart and reach out spiritually, however you are comfortable.
We are aggressively pursuing treatment. Anne has a regiment of alternative and conventional medicine she follows. She has added radiation for the first time and will be working with doctors to find the state of the art treatment for her.
Feel free to leave comments, although we will probably be unable to respond.
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Comment. Wow. Don’t know what to say, Uncle Tom, except the same is always true… we deeply love you all, we pray for you all, especially Ninety, DAILY! Baby Kate hasn’t missed a beat on that front since it all began. My little 90 cent is a FIGHTER and she can make Round 3 a total KO! WE are with you in spirit always. Please know we are here for you for ANYTHING! Much love, the Ohlsens. xx
Every time when I get an update from you I hope to be a positive one. But but life is not fair every time. Stay strong Anne! You are in my prayers. Simona
Every time I receive an email from you, I am hoping to read good news. I am sorry to hear that Anne’s cancer has returned. I know that Anne is a fighter and is giving everything she has to beat the big “C” for good. Our thoughts and prayers are with you, Anne, and your entire family . . not only today, but everyday! We truly appreciate you keeping us up to date with the good and bad. Best of luck in your new job and don’t forget to take care of yourself. All the best, Catrell
Anne just came to my mind this morning and I felt the urge to pray for her, and then I read this post. I am so sorry. I am praying for her and your family.
So very sorry to hear this latest development. There are no easy words, but keeping you all in our prayers and in our hearts is what we’ll continue to do. As Catrell said above, Tom, please remember to take care of yourself during this stressful time as well. Everyone else is being cared for so please don’t neglect yourself. Keep us posted as you are able and let Anne know that there are many in her corner.
Thoughts and well wishes to Anne, you and the family! Hang in there, anything you need lemme know. Happy to chip in anyway I can.
Oh Tom & Anne, our thoughts & prayers are definitely with you.
Stay strong. Keep the faith. Hugs to you both & the kids.
Hey Tom,
I’m wishing you guys the best and never give up! You can make it through this. Just like the commenter above, every time I see a new post, I’m always hoping it will be the next big plan of another round the world trip of adventure.
I’ve really enjoyed following you guys through all of the amazing memories you created and hope to see more to come. Hopefully cruising will be the next big thing! They’re definitely a lot of fun and might give Anne some nice relaxation while still getting around the world.
All the best.
Anne I love you and I am praying for you!!! My dear friend!!!
I love you Anne!!! Praying for you and your family!!!
Thanks for sharing, Tom. So sorry to hear about Anne’s setback, but pleased to hear of your new career opportunity. Will include you both on my prayer list for success in your respective endeavors. Radiation proved to be a wonderful therapy for my two girls. Hugs to sweet Anne from the Grand Poobah.
Praying for sweet Anne and all of you. Sending much much love from Georgia.
Stay strong Tom and Anne! Our thoughts and hearts are with you!!
I have nothing but the greatest admiration for you and your amazing, beautiful family. While we haven’t seen each other in a while, I think of you often and what you all have accomplished. You have all my prayers and intentions that Anne comes through this, as well as you and the kids. We’ve had a lot of cancer in our family and I am with you in your challenge. If there’s anyting that I can do, anything, please do not hesitate to call. Old friends are always friends. My love to you, Anne and the kids.
Sending thoughts for strength and healing for you all from San Diego…..
Tom and Anne – thanks for the update. You all are in our prayers and on the Temple roll as I write this. Love to you both. Keep on fighting Anne.
Much Love
Kitty and Ramon Stewart
So sorry to hear the news Tom. But she has dominated this thing before and I know she’s going to do it this time! Sending all my love and good thoughts to Anne and all of you guys.
Wow, Tom – sorry to hear the news. Another chapter in the long story though. Travel and life are like that – the unexpected always pops up.
We have you and the whole family in our thoughts from up here in Seattle.
I’m so sorry to hear the news Tom, but we’re all rooting for her.
Tom and Anne-our thoughts and prayers from across the miles. We think about you always.
Love to all Pat and George – Annapolis, MD
Our love, support and prayers are with you.
As difficult as it was, thank you so much for sharing this with us, Tom. Collectively, you, Anne, and your family have all the love and support in the world. You’ll all be in my constant thoughts and prayers. Stay strong and continue to be an inspiration to us all.
Dear Tom and Anne,
Thanks for sharing Anne’s health news and her plans to right the cancer. You already though have the best defense. You have each other, you have children you love and who love you and you have your families on each side. Perhaps most of all, you have Christ-like love for each other and for so many others. I will share this news with my wife, youngest son (10th grader) and my oldest (junior at Georgia Southern) adding more people to pray for Anne. We know God hears those prayers.
Please let Anne know we are concerned for her and love her.
Steve
Dear Tom and Anne, we admire you and love you and miss you and are inspired by your courage and your faith and thank the loving God that we have the privilege of knowing you and don’t have your courage or your faith but will pray anyway.
Praying for you.
Tom & Anne & the rest of the family – you are all in my thoughts. I never stopped hoping and wishing that things will improve. Just keep the positivity flowing and we’ll send as much love and good vibrations that the universe will allow.
Life is not fair and this cancer roller coaster sounds terrible, to put it mildly. You seem to weather these challenges with grace even though it probably doesn’t feel like it. I love that you are willing to share your journey with all of us and we are better for it. My prayers will go out to you and your family , sending lots of love and heart felt hugs to you.
Love to you and your family. Thinking of you.
My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Joan
Stay strong! Prayers for your family. I just found the link to your blog through Twitter.
Tommy and Anne – We love you all and will continue praying for you for as long as we need to. Anne is strong and so are you.
Tom, my best wishes and prayers are with you and your family.
Hi Tom.
Thank you for deciding to share your thoughts with all of us.
It cannot have been easy but it gives a context that we can all understand.
If there is anything at all we can do to help, you know you only have to call.
Evan is coming down for Spring Break sometime around the 9th or 10th.
I am sure he want to see the kids.
Your family is always in our prayers.
Hi Tom and Anne,
I’m so sorry to hear this news but glad to know how you are. We’re sending good wishes hopes and prayers that you feel better soon, the cancer disappears forever, and you get back to doing the things you love.
Love,
Annie & Julian
I am so sad to hear this news. Anne is in my prayers. She kicked cancer’s butt before & she can do it again!!
Wow, life tests the strongest of us and your wife must be one of them. Fight the fight & stay the course. Pulling for her.
Lorelie guided me to your blog and I am so impressed with all the well wishers. You have so many wonderful friends and family to see you through this difficult time and I am sure you feel surrounded by their faith, love and prayers. Count us among those that are also praying as hard as we can and hoping for more miracles to get you through this.
Best of wishes to Anne, you, and the family. Live strong, as they say “f&$! cancer”.
Prayers indeed.
So sorry to hear of this Tom. Our thoughts and hearts are with your wife, you, and your family.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family … keep fighting the good fight!!!
Oh Tom I am so sorry to read this post. . . but like Annie, so glad you wrote it. Thinking of you guys and sending thoughts and prayers your way. With lots and lots of love, Stephanie
I am sorry to hear that Anne’s cancer has spread. She’s a fighter and I feel confident she’ll give this round everything she’s got.
We are praying not just for Anne, because when one family member is suffering all of you suffer.
Enjoy the memories together of the trip you took. Maybe even review your journey as it unfolded on a day by day basis with each other. Talk about the joys and trials as they happened. Relive all those moments you spent together as a family. Devote just 30 minutes each and every day to be together for this virtual journey.
God Bless all of you and especially Anne ((((hugs))))
May God be with you all, and bring you support, love and comfort. Most of all, may he bring healing!
Go Team Anne!
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
I’m so sorry to hear that this battle with cancer continues for your family. We met Anne in Sedona a couple of years ago and after spending just a little bit of time with her,we could tell that she is someone special. We have followed this story, in hopes that things will turn around soon. My mother has been battling cancer on and off for years and recently had a life-changing trip to visit John of God in Brazil. Keep the faith, keep up the fight! Here is a link that my Mom recommends: http:///www.cancertutor.com/Cancer/Laetrile.html
Tom,
Anne, you and the kids have never left our thoughts and prayers. It’s been a tough road for a while now, and throughout it you guys are an inspiration for making this journey one filled with hope and love.
Dear Tom & Anne,
our thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family. Third time lucky Anne.
Our greetings from sunny South Africa.
Tom, I will pray for Anne, you and your family. I feel great love for you and the fight that you will continue to make. I am excited for your new job and the possibilities and friends that will help support you there. You have all of us thinking and praying for you here. May you feel the love and support from family, neighbors and friends that I have felt. I also send love to Lou and Lorelie for all the love support the have given me in the past. Jerry
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