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Fighting Medullary Thryroid Cancer
Started by: Allison Bran
Fighting Medullary Thryroid Cancer
In September 2015, Anna was diagnosed with a rare and serious form of thyroid cancer, Medullary Thryroid Cancer (MTC), that has spread to her lungs and liver. In the first two months, the family has amassed $10,000 in medical expenses and can expect up to $12,000 more. Donations will alleviate the financial burden and provide practical support like house keeping and food while Anna recovers from major surgery and spends any energy she has with her family. This is the beginning of a long road.
Latest Update
Anna is on an intense journey. On Nov 11, she underwent a very involved surgery that was supposed to be a few hours and turned into 12. Doctors removed her thyroid and cancerous tumors in her neck, lymph nodes, around her heart and lungs, and had to break her sternum to remove tumors wrapped around a nerve and vain and surrounding areas of her diaphragm. There are still tumours in her liver and lungs that can't be addressed with surgery so, for now, Anna is fully focussed on healing from surgery so she can move on to additional treatments to address the cancer left in her body. She's been in the hospital far longer than expected, in some pretty serious pain, recovering from surgery and addressing a "chyle leak" (a blood clot specific to cancer). Through this all, Anna has been a powerhouse, "staying the course" as she keeps saying.
Posted by Allison
November 21 at 5:52pm
For those who don't know Anna but have stumbled upon this page, perhaps it has touched your heart. What you need to know about Anna is that she not only needs our help, she deserves our help. Anna is generous in heart and in action. For example... The months prior to her diagnosis were spent many states away from home at the bedside of her newborn nephew who was born drug-addicted. As a loving mother who knows the power of touch, she crossed the country to hold and comfort a baby who would be in terrible withdrawal pain and she even taught the nurses how to wear babies so that the countless addicted babies could get more love during their cruel battles, rather than laying alone in pain. Before Anna found out she had cancer, she was exploring adoption to give her nephew the chance he deserved. She had to pass that torch when she was diagnosed. Just one example why we love our Anna.
Posted by Allison
October 25 at 12:11am
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Esabel De Sousa — 8 years ago
Dear Anna, I just stumbled upon this page and want to tell you Cancer Sucks. I myself am 5 weeks post op Thyroidectomy. Though my cancer is papillary I do have a gene mutation that can spread as yours did. At this time we will monitor until... But praying it will never come to that. My heart aches for you and your family. You have today. I focus on one day at a time and am thankful for each day. It's ok, cry, yell, get angry whatever you feel and let it out. If you don't feel like being brave or tough sometimes that's ok, lean on someone. Pray, meditate, sleep, eat chocolate, have wine. Do whatever the heck you want when you want to. F**k Cancer!
Adrienne Cousins — 8 years ago
Anna! You made it to this checkpoint with enough grace to write us an update. Now rest, draw strength, listen to the words in songs. You are being held and heard. I love you ...
Roberta Walter — 8 years ago
My prayers are with you Anna and your family. You sound like an amazing woman fight a hard fight. Stay strong!
Tina Nolte — 8 years ago
We are one body. We are many parts but we belong to one body. It is love that will cure all. Allison it is through your intense love and passion that you followed your heart and started this beautiful link to love on Anna /support Anna. Love in action pierces your heart and healing starts. Thank you thank you thank you for following your heart.
Karen Mellott — 8 years ago
Anna and I met just over two years ago, but I feel like we've been friends forever. Anna brings such positive energy and light to our life. She is one of the most patient, responsive parents that I know. Anna reminds me of my very own local L.R. Knost. There have been many times that she has inspired me to be a better parent and given me emotional support when I need it. She is kind and nurturing. She is generous to a fault - I cannot count the number of times that we have "argued" over money in the past because she was not willing to accept reasonable payment for watching my daughter, insisting that it was her pleasure. Speaking of my daughter, Anna is like an aunt to her. My daughter has a small circle of adults with whom she is comfortable, but she loves Anna and asks to go to her house. Anna is so gentle and loving with my daughter. I am incredibly lucky to have Anna in my life and so is everyone who meets her.
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- Charles Edlund7 years ago Best wishes.
- Uncle Joe & Auntie Jean7 years ago Hi Anna. Sending you more hugs and best wishes for a full recovery. Love You!
- John and leslie7 years ago Xxxxx
- Susan Lowther7 years ago Best wishes, Anna
- Michael and Lauren7 years ago We love you, Anna.
- Stefanie and Tyler7 years ago Thinking of you and the family. Keep fighting!!
- Karrie7 years ago Sending hearts and hugs! You are the toughest BAB I know! Love you friend!
- Anonymous7 years ago
- Carol Tremble7 years ago Best wishes for a blessed Christmas.
- Maria7 years ago Best wishes.
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