Saturday, June 14, 2008

This post will definitely pop a few eyes out.

After being sick all last weekend, I was admitted to the hospital Mon morning.
Dr Seidel (the surgeon) is monitoring my care until surgery. After having a myriad of tests (x-rays, CT scans, a MRI, a PET scan, and bloodwork), we had a difficult choice to make.

The first choice was the amputation of my leg, which would remove the tumor and infection at once. This is because the tumor inoperable because it was so large and twisted around muscle, nerves, and tissue. This option would have a faster and easier recovery.

The 2nd choice was to "leave it alone", "enjoying the time I had left", and "going whole". After discussing w/ Dr. Seidel what the prognosis was for "time left", I realized that if I just left it alone, I wouldn't see a lot of "time left" because the infection was so bad that it would be a matter of a few weeks not years.

So… we have decided on getting the amputation done. It will happen Monday morning at 8am. I am scared, but I feel so at peace with this. And that did NOT happen overnight. J There are 3 Orthopedic Oncological Surgeons in the State and none of them take the insurance we have, so we will have to figure that out, too. I am still in the hospital and will be until after the surgery – about 3-5 days after. I don't have a lot to do, but the pain medication makes me loopy and VERY sleepy, so I spend a lot of time sleeping. I am afraid I haven't been good company for anyone who has come to visit, since I have either been crying or falling asleep when they come.

We told Caleb and Emma on Thursday afternoon. Emma started to cry and Caleb's eyes got very large and he got very serious for a minute. Then, he aksed, "Mom, will you get one of those robotic legs?" Emma got very interested in the conversation at that point. Caleb was disappointed that I wasn't getting a robotic leg, but then he said, "Well, at least you can get one of those Handicap Parking things for going anywhere." J I love that!

Here is a list we came up with of reasons that having one leg is great or why using a wheelchair or crutches are better:

I only have to shave one leg
Maybe pedicures will be ½ price for me
My socks will last twice as long
Going to a place like Sea World or the San Diego Zoo will be great: we will have a place to hang bags, etc and a lap for little people to sit on for a ride when their legs get tired of walking.
If I fly Southwest, I can always pre-board if I want to.

Here is our challenge to YOU:

We want you to send as many reasons that I will have it so easy. I could use reading them, and what a great list it could be. SEND THEM IN!

I have some really cute pictures of the kids. I will get them on soon.

29 comments:

Unknown said...

Dear My Anna,
I know with all the talks and visits we had, this is not the road you wanted to travel. I am so sorry!!! The Lord is very aware of you and He has confirmed this to me once again today. This will be ok. We all love you here in Texas and our thoughts and prayers will be constantly with you. When you take the kids to Disney World, anyone in a wheelchair gets to go to the front of the line. No waiting in lines. I love you Anna. Thank you so much for all you have taught me as you have weathered this trail so valiantly, bravely, and with such grace.

Your friend,
Audra

Corbett Family said...

Anna--You are definitely in my thoughts and prayers. I will be in Arizona next weekend and will definitely come to see you. Another advantage--you can get twice the wear out of a pair of socks/nylons because you will only need half at a time.

Love,
Jody

chelon:) said...

what an amazing spirit you have! you are so strong. you and your family are in our prayers. as for the positives on only having one leg, you get to ride in those carts at the grocery store that actually beep when you back up!! i have always wanted to try that out :) you are such a wonderful person anna. stay strong. xoxo

Strong Family - said...

Oh Anna we'll be praying for you like always!!! I will be seeing you next month and cannot wait to feel your sweet spirit again. Here's another plus...Savannah is really into standing and hopping on one foot lately. When you get back you and she can have a little contest. I'm sure you'll win. :-) Love ya! Lauree

Tammy said...

Dear Anna,
You are such an inspiration to me and my family. You truly have the most amazing attitude. We love you so much and will continue to pray for you, your doctors, and your family.
So you want to know a good reason for only having one leg.
First you will have immediate weight loss.(what girl wouldn't want that)Second if you ever become homeless and need to beg for money your sure to rack in then most money. Third it's one less foot your husband has to step on while dancing with you. Fourth one less foot your husband get's to massage.(that one was for him)
Last but not least when getting your shoes on you'll beat everyone.
I hope those were good.

Sheyenne said...

Anna, I know this isn't what you planned on, but it'll be okay. And you obviously know that this is the right decision because of the peace you already feel. I'll be praying for you and your doctors, especially so on Monday. Okay, two pros of having only one leg: 50% reduction in the chances of an ingrown toenail. I hate those! Also, you will have to learn to balance, which will be great for your abs. Before long you'll have a 6 pack!

Unknown said...

Anna,

I know you don't know me but I am in the ward and wanted you to know I'm thinking of you and your family at this time and praying for everything to go smoothly!!! May God bless you and your family!! You have a beautiful spirit - I am quite in awe.

Take care!!!
Jenny Watters
p.s. I like the 1/2 off pedicure idea! That's awesome!! :)

Julie M. Smith said...

Anna,

I've been thinking about you a lot lately. Our family will be praying for you.

meleah said...

Anna, I can't imagine what you might be going through right now. Our family will keep you in our prayers.

As for a plus for only having one leg, you'll never have to go looking for that other shoe. :)

Robin said...

Anna,
You will be in my thoughts and prayers this coming week especially. I am grateful that peace has come as you have made this difficult decision.

Love,
Robin M.

You will never be late to anything because you had trouble finding a matching pair of shoe. You probably never were anyway, but think of the extra space you will have in your closet! Room for more shoe! :)

Sheen Family said...

Anna, you're such an amazing person and you continue to astonish me with all that you handle and the positive view that you keep!! It helps me to keep things in perspective!! You know you're always in my thoughts and my prayers and you and the family and surgeons will be especially today and tomorrow!!

I'm not too creative - but I LOVE the immediate weight loss and half price pedicure ideas!! And of course the coolest mom will get her kids straight to the front of every line at any park!!

Love you and keep us in the loop - I can't wait to hear how it goes and to see you again!

Unknown said...

Anna,
You are so amazing! Your patience and positive attitude are such an example to me- I hope I can grow up and be like you! As always, we will be praying for you, your family and the medical team that will be working with you. I know this will all work out. I really really miss you- your great smile, beautiful eyes! You will be in our minds especially over the next few days!
I think all the good things about having one leg are all taken but here's one:
Like Caleb mentioned- the great parking spots.
Fewer toenails to keep painted.
You don't have to worry about your thighs touching when you wear a swim suit.
Love ya girl,
Erin

Byron and Tara said...

Anna,
good luck, I love you and am praying for you!!

Tara

Kimberly said...

My heart goes out to you and your family Anna. You will be in our prayers, especially for tomorrow and the days that follow.

To go along with Tammy's idea of instant weight loss, and the shaving, and the shoe tying, well, I guess all of it...you will be able to save time so you can hug your kids a little longer, spend a few more minutes in prayer, read an extra page in your scriptures, and be able to do all the things you love just a little bit longer!

You and your family are wonderful people and we are better for knowing you!

Heather Magnusson said...

Anna, our sweet Texas friend,
You are amazing! Keeping your sense of humor will help you heal faster!! You are in our thoughts and prayers, and know you are in good hands! As for the good reasons for one leg: Well, the muscle tone in the one remaining leg will be sweet! All the rest are great, and let us know when you hit Disneyland again, we'll want to tag along :) We like the front of the line deals!
We love you tons Anna!
Hugs,
Heather and Wayne

Taylor Chase Graham said...

Sweet Anna, I think of you constantly, and my heart hurts for all that you are enduring. But as Aunt Etie and I both say, angels on the other side of the veil are jumping up and down and cheering for you. You are passing many tests with flying colors. I love you so much and send up constant prayers for you and your Mom and your sweet family. Please feel our love. I wish I were there in person to hug you tight and cry and laugh with you, but please know that I am there in spirit. One positive thing, you will only have to be bothered with slivers in one foot!
I love you so much, Lish

Luke Graham said...

Anna we love you and we are praying for you every day. We miss you and your family so much. Half as many toes is half as many stepped on and stubbed toes! An in your old age your insurance company will only have to cover 1 knee replacement instead of two. That is of course if your one knee holds up to double the work :) You are so strong Anna and you come from a strong family (especially your mommy).Here is a little quote I found about courage that I thought you might like: "Courage is fear that has said its prayers." ~Dorothy Bernard

Luke, Jen, Gwen, and Jeffer

violabuddy said...

Anna,
I will be fasting and praying for you tomorrow. This is a hard sacrifice to make, but it will be worth it! Everything is going to work out. My cousin lost his leg in a car accident several years ago and it has been amazing how well he has adapted. (He also lost his wife and year-old son in the accident.) Ultimately it will be a small price to pay for more time with your family and friends and relief from much of the pain and stress that you have had to bear for so long.
Here's some of the lemonade that can come from this lemon:
1. You'll always have a conversation starter and a great story to tell (Amy and I both thought of this one independently.)
2. You can dress up as a peg-leg pirate for Halloween.
3. You'll be an instant friend to children because you'll be able to look at them eye to eye in your wheelchair...and flash them that winning smile of yours up close!
4. You'll be a master at arm wrestling with the muscular arms you'll get from spinnning your wheels.
5. You'll get to zoom down that cool ramp at the church...which sounds like so much more fun than just taking the stairs.
We love and miss you, Anna!
Hugs,
Sara

Jean said...

Dear Anna,
You are in our thoughts and prayers. You are so awesome, can't wait to see you again!

Love,
Jean

John and Amy said...

Dear Anna,
I am thinking and praying for you everyday, but today especially. Thank you for keeping us updated... I know that it is difficult and you are not feeling well.
Reason #_: You spend half as much on sunblock.
Reason #_: Now you have an excuse not to drive a manual transmission!
Reason #_: You can be the biggest hit on the skate floor - your spins will be waaaay better than mine! :)
Reason #_: You never have to take the stairs again! Whew!
Reason #_: Underwear will be way easier to put on.
And, the best reason of all: I can see a swimming pool in your backyard in your future!

We Love You! Please take care.
John, Amy, Victoria, & John

Geoff and Emily said...

We love you, Anna! I hope that this eventually helps you feel better, and that they can get all of the other cancer under control. I am praying for you so much, and can't wait to see you - hopefully next month you will feel up to visitors (and will still be in AZ)... at least that is my selfwish wish for you. You probably would prefer to be back home! Love you!! Emily

Linda H said...

Dear Anna,
You are in my thoughts and prayers. I know you have tried everything to keep from having this surgery, but it means more fun times with your family. I loved the picture of praying with the dolls. :)
We are all rooting for you here in McNeil Ward! May the Lord bless you and your family.
Linda H :)

Kaye said...

Anna,
I am sorry it has taken me so long to set up an account. I want you to know that we are thinking of you and praying for you often. I feel this surgery could be a good thing to get rid of the pain. Keep your spirits up. I found this song that I would like to pass on to you to listen to. I will see if I can find away to attach it or email it or something. It is a very powerful song that really touched my heart and I thought you might be enjoy it too. I will keep watching to see how you are doing. I feel you are going to be doing better now. We love you very much and will keep you in our thoughts and prayer. Love Kaye Bokman & Family
P.S. Here is the link to the song.
http://davidarchuletafanblast.com/2008/06/02/fan-video-david-singing-be-still-my-soul-at-a-youth-camp-yesterday/

Bev said...

You and your family are in our thoughts and our prayers! We love you and hope you have a speedy recovery!

- one more advantage- you won't have to worry about keeping your legs crossed.

Stephanie T said...

Hi Anna,
We hope and pray your surgery went well today. We think of your wonderful family often and are astonished at your storng spirit and the grace you carry your medical trials with. Darin wants me to say that he misses Brother Daies and Caleb at Cub Scouts.
So here was my good reason to only have one leg... You can finally do the splits! Everyone will want to be your partner in a 3 Legged Race. You'll never have to worry about having a Pear Shaped figure again.
We miss you guys,
The Tietjen's

Daryl Gibson said...

Anna,
There must be an easier way to lose weight! If you find it, let me know. In the meantime, I'll be watching at the gym for other one legged runners so you can share the treadmill. Which brings to mind another advantage... You'll never need a partner in a sack race.
As always, you have been and continue to be in my prayers daily.
Love Daryl Gibson

Katie said...

Anna,
You're in my thoughts and prayers. I know the McNeil Ward is behind you, as well as your ward and many family and friends!
Katie Bartow
katie.bartow@gmail.com

Susanne said...

Rick and Anna,
You and your family have been on my mind so much since I last emailed with Anna before she left for Arizona. I love you both and always wish the best for you! My husband and I came up with a few pros for your list, so please bear with me on these:
- 1/2 off on shoes from now on. Shoes shoes and more shoes :)
- everyone will now help you accross the street, even the old people
- I know it's been mentioned, but INSTANT WEIGHT LOSS.
- you now have an excuse to own a "leg lamp" like the one in "A Christmas Story" and no one will make fun of you for it.
- this is a bonus for your kids: more of a head start when they get in trouble; sorry, I had to throw them a bone.
- No more hocky pocky dancing for you, lucky!!
Anna, we love you!

Love always,
Susie

Lonette said...

Anna and Rick,
I am type-less. Aside from the mushy thoughts of love and friendship, etc. that come to mind, I am reminded of the scene in Mary Poppins where Mr. George Banks is called in to see the trustees of the bank he works for regarding the run on the bank his son caused. You should watch it, definitely. It has a great joke that is very timely to your situation.
As for a plus to oneleggedness (is that even a word?)... General Conference! You will always have PRIME seating and are almost certain to attract the attention of a general authority who will want to shake your hand. Now that is way cool!

Love and hugs to all,
Lonette Janes and family