I had the MRI today, and the news was not good. I did not have a stroke, as the doctor had thought. A diagnosis of stroke stroke would have been preferable to the diagnosis of metastatic cancer. "Although some types of metastatic cancer can be cured with current treatments, most cannot. Nevertheless, treatments are available for all patients with metastatic cancer. In general, the primary goal of these treatments is to control the growth of the cancer or to relieve symptoms caused by it. In some cases, metastatic cancer treatments may help prolong life. However, most people who die of cancer die of metastatic disease."
I had an IV of steroids today, which will hopefully reduce the swelling in my brain so I may regain the use of my right hand, and they will begin aggressively treating the cancer tomorrow morning. I'm afraid I've given up all hope of having a garden now, but my two indoor tomato plants have several small fruits for me to attend to and hopefully enjoy soon.
You, my dear blogging friends, have given me so much joy these past few years. I am so very grateful for the love you have shown.
Goodbye for now. If typing gets easier in the future, I'll attempt an occasional update.
Love you all,
Granny
Today has been a very hard day for you and for your family. I hope that the shot helps your hand and that the treatments are tolerable. I will miss hearing about your garden as well as updates on the family-not to mention the antic of Annie and Otto. I will think of you often--Blessed be.
ReplyDeleteOh Granny, I'm stunned. You are my hero. Hugs to you and Mr. Granny, and all your wonderful family. I've so enjoyed reading your blog and watching your garden grow each year since I started blogging.
ReplyDeleteSo sorry to hear this news. I will really miss reading your blog. Yours is the one I go to first every day. Praying that the Lord will hold you in his arms through all of this and that you will feel his presence and that he will heal you. You are amazing and I hope to be as good of a gardener and friend as you. Hugs!!!!!!!!!
ReplyDeleteI am so very sorry to hear this! {{{hugs}}}
ReplyDeleteGranny! I have only just discovered your blog and fallen in love with it. Please know that all the seeds of inspiration, know-how, humor, and wisdom that you have sown here in your blog have germinated. We are transplanting these seedlings to our pots and boxes and furrows and beds. Your garden has spread far and wide, and we will think of you as we tend it. Thank you so much for blessing all of us in this way.
ReplyDeletePrayers and blessings to you and yours. May your treatment bring you speedy relief!
Beautifully said, I couldn't agree more.
DeleteGranny, I have enjoyed your blog and will miss your posts :(
You've been so very much to me for so many years now. I wish there was something I could do to help you through this. I'm praying for you and thinking of you constantly. I love you. Big hugs to you, Mr. Granny and the kids. (<3)
ReplyDeleteGranny, sweet sweet granny, my eyes are filled with tears for you. I wish I could do something for you. What I will do is my best in the garden this year to make you proud. You are my garden hero. I can't put it any simpler, we love you.
ReplyDeleteThat we do.
DeleteWith love from the Hibachi running man above and Colorado pool/cabana boy!
You have really been such an inspiration to so many. You, dear lady , are a class act.
ReplyDeleteI will be wishing you the very best of luck in this. Please keep us posted. We all love you so much! Many hugs and best wishes!!
I can't say it any better than Sue. We wish you and your family the best!
DeleteI second that, Edward, and am sending best wishes and prayers your way, Granny. Your blogging voice has brought warmth and friendship to a cold bit of technology. Love.
DeleteSuch a heart breaking news and can't imagine what you're going through. :( Everyone was hoping for best and hoped for good news, and of course will keep warm thoughts for you and your family. I've enjoyed every one of your posts and pictures and will miss it greatly.
ReplyDeleteMy best wishes go to you Granny until you return to blog once more
ReplyDeleteI've learned so much from reading your blog, Granny. Every post impresses and teaches me something about gardening. This is time to tend YOU. Many prayers and blessings!
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ReplyDeleteOh no, I am so sorry to hear this sad news! But it is good to see that you have taken the news so stoically. I wish you well. Here's hoping that the "counter-attack" is successful.
ReplyDeleteOh Granny, my bestest cyber buddy. You hang in there and do what YOU need to do.... no more, no less. As you know "The Italian" had three very good years with brain mets.....so, you never know. I'm going to miss reading your posts. You'll be in my thoughts and prayers. Take care and god bless you. Luv You!
ReplyDeleteOh, I am a big fan of your blog! Please google backing soda + cancer . It really helps. Get well soon!
ReplyDeleteOh Granny I just want to give you a big hug right now. I hate being on the other side of the country while you go through all this. I wish I could be there. But you will forever be in my heart.
ReplyDeleteI don't like hearing this one bit. Ever since I started reading and enjoying your blog, I've thought of you often. You have a way with words that makes you seem like an old friend, as if we could each sit down and talk with you very comfortably -- and get a lot out of that conversation. Now, I'll be thinking of you even more often and hoping that those treatments do you a world of good.
ReplyDeleteI am so sorry to hear this news. I wish you the best with your treatments and hope you will be better soon. I have only been blogging for a short time, however I have always enjoyed reading your blog posts and looking at your pictures. I wish you the best.
ReplyDeleteGod be with you as you come to terms with what lies ahead. Saying prayers for you and your family. I will certainly miss reading about your garden exploits. I have always been amazed by your energy level and accomplishments.
ReplyDeleteGranny, I am so sorry. You and your family will continue to be in my thoughts.
ReplyDeleteOh, we are so sorry and feel for you. You are indeed at the top of my blogging friends list and your posts will be missed so very much. We will pray fervently that your case will be an exception and you will be relieved of pain and live many more years. God does not pay attention to medical reports. He has his own plans for you. I pray you turn to him. His will is always best.
ReplyDeleteIf you can, please continue reading my blog. I still have many challenges ahead as well, and I covet your prayers, even in the midst of your storm.
God richly bless you ,Mr Granny and your whole family.
I am so sorry to hear this. You and the family will be in my thoughts and prayers!
ReplyDeleteWe love you, Gran. oxox.
ReplyDeleteI am so sorry to hear about what you are going through. I hope the treatments are tolerable and will provide you with some relief and control the problems. Your garden is something I will never forget.
ReplyDeleteI am so sorry to hear about this and will be thinking about you.
ReplyDeleteI will miss your posts and gardens but will be thinking of you and hoping for good results from your treatment. Sending all of the best wishes and energy I can. Take care.
ReplyDeleteYou and your family are in my thoughts. I am sending positive energy to you all.
ReplyDeleteI am so sorry to hear this not good news and will be praying for you and missing your blog. Put all your energy into getting better!!!! Nancy
ReplyDeleteCopied from personal email from my friend , Frank from VA:
ReplyDeleteCarol,
I write this with a heavy heart and eyes that are so full that the screen is blurry. But I am at the same time mad as hell. To have someone of your quality stricken in such a way is just not right. There are so many evil and useless people in the world that nothing seems to ever happen to. I have grown very close to you in the short time that we have been talking on line. I have never met someone with your strength and drive before. Use that strength and drive to beat this. Don't ever say you are giving up on anything. One plant IS a GARDEN. It may not be a big one but it is a garden non the less. Do not give up on yourself. You have much to give to that little great grand kid and to that lovely granddaughter that loves you so much. Fight with all your strength and then use the strength of each of your many, many cyber friends. We will be here just beyond the keyboard thinking of you. If you are not able to type, just look at the keyboard and think of all of us thinking of you. Gods hand has to truly be on you and will stay on you until you recover. You can do this. A big old bear hug from Virginia.
Frank
I think you just got used to sitting around and will do anything to remain doing so. Gardening is such hard work, especially when you garden the way you do. When you decide to quit laying around the house, we'll all love to hear about your couple of plants, your dear Annie and Otto, and Mr. Granny. Now, get back to your nap and quit yer bragging about how big your brain is and how you have to take shots to get it down to the size of us normal folks! ;)
ReplyDeleteI figured you didn't need to hear how I cried as I sat here and read your news. Or how I'll miss your beautiful pictures of your perfect garden. Or even how I'll miss seeing your posts on your cute grandkids.You have become such a dear friend and my kids ask how you are doing all the time now. You are our sweet Granny. Love you!
Granny, you are in my thoughts. Your blog was always the first gardening blog I would go to every day. Hopefully the treatments help and find you feeling well enough to garden even if just a plant or 2. I will continue to check on your blog daily, just in the hope of a positive update. Feel better soon.
ReplyDeleteOh Granny, I'm so sorry to hear that! You will continue to be in my prayers. I'll think of you every time I look at those gorgeous lilies you sent me! We all love you!
ReplyDeleteOh vivo em Portugal,há 2 anos que visito seu Blog, hoje estou triste mas peço a Deus que lhe dê todas as forças necessárias para lutar Vou lembrar-me de si em minhas orações. Que Ele a abençoe.
ReplyDeleteGuida
Google translation: Oh live in Portugal, 2 years ago I visit your blog, I am sad today but I ask God to give you all the necessary forces to fight I'll remember of themselves in my prayers. May He bless you.
DeleteI am planning a small garden in my front yard this spring. I am dedicating it to you. As I work in it, with your past blog posts beside me, I will pray for God's healing hands to be upon you. I will keep you updated of my progress. I adore you. Ginny
ReplyDeleteHealing, comforting and all the blessings I can muster I send your way. Even though it's only through the blogosphere, I pray you can feel some of them.
ReplyDeleteI for one am not ready to say goodbye to Annie's Kitchen Garden! Keep your hopes up, miracles happen everyday and you are certainly deserving of one.
ReplyDelete..forgot to mention all the peppers you sent are growing well. They have all grown their first set of true leaves and are in need of a thinning now. Thanks again!
ReplyDeleteI'm so sad to hear this. I will keep you in my prayers.
ReplyDeleteAnnie, I want to thank you for your beautiful and educational blog. I've been reading it for years and have thoroughly enjoyed your writing and photographs. I'm so sorry to hear about your diagnosis. I wish you and your family the best in the time ahead. I hope you find beauty in spring even if you aren't planting. God bless you.
ReplyDeleteOh Carol. What heavy news. :( After getting attached to you after these few years... Even if you do not post here any longer, please feel free to send a note or hello. senior pickles at y.
ReplyDeleteI have just popped over from 'Two men and a little farm' blog. I am quite new to this blogging thing and while I hadn't got round to read your blog, I had enjoyed reading your comments on theirs. It must be hard to be positive at this point in time but you really never know the outcome of these things despite all the best medical information. Please hold onto a bit of hope. Thinking of you and wishing you the best.
ReplyDeleteGranny - 1st Man forgot to mention that he put up a blog post calling on all of us to "Garden for Granny" this year. you can find his post here:
ReplyDeletehttp://twomenandalittlefarm.blogspot.ca/2014/03/gardening-for-granny.html
i think it is a mighty fine idea. we can all send our warmest thoughts and prayers your way...and we can all work our gardens and think of all that you have taught us here. i hope that you get the use of you hand back in order to do updates, but at the very least you can stop by all of the blogs that will be "Gardening for Granny" and see how we are all doing.
i know that you are strong. and i know that all of the love and prayers coming to you from all around the world will work magic. i wish you all the best.
from someone who has read and learned much here, but never commented before.
kymber
Here from Two Men and a Little Farm.
ReplyDeleteYou are in my prayers. Healing does happen.
It is so sad to hear that. I wish you always keep hope in heart and God bless you! All my best wishes!
ReplyDeleteI will (and have already) pray for you.
ReplyDeleteGo do what you need to do, You are so full of life and vitality-this is mind boggling.
Not only do I pray for you I also have hope that you will have a full recovery and enjoy many decades with your brand new grandchild.
God Bless You and thank you for so freely sharing your life with me and my fellow readers. You make my life (and the world) a better place.
I am so sorry to hear:-) God Bless you Granny, I will keep you in my prayers. Robbie:-) You are special to many people...hope to see you soon across the cyber fence:-)
ReplyDeleteThis must be heartbreaking to you, not to have your large garden to plan and write about. I will miss hearing about how your plants and garden are doing. Wishing you the best of health as you journey through the struggles cancer treatment brings, I will think and pray for you and your family ever time I go to my garden blogs to read.
ReplyDeleteArgh!! I am so sad you are having to deal with this crud yet again.. but I agree wholeheartedly with Frank.. even a single plant is a garden. I know you will put your all into this fight just like you do with everything in your life. I will miss you dearly but know that we, and alot of my gardening groups on FB are all praying for you and sending you loads of love and strength and good wishes!! Please check in when you can, love you lady!! <3
ReplyDeleteI just came here from Two Men and a Little Farm. I am so sorry for your recent diagnosis. I wish you all the best fighting it. I have started reading your blog from the beginning, and am loving it! What a truly remarkable person you are. Interesting, informative text, beautiful pictures, humor, and recipes to boot! I am reading excerpts to my husband, it's that funny. I look forward to catching up on the past eight years, and probably learning a lot at the same time. Thanks. Many prayers for you. Wendy from NY
ReplyDeleteOh man...
ReplyDeleteI am very sorry to hear this news and hope that you are doing your best to practice some self care. You are in my thoughts as I hope for comfort and healing for you.
We will be here when/if you can return. In the meantime, I hope the outpouring of love here gives you comfort and a bit of happiness <3
i've been so sad since i read this and wish i could help you in some way. i emailed a friend about a voice to text program that i think she used when she was unable to type and will get back to you when i hear from her. i know how much you love to garden and blog so this is heartbreaking.
ReplyDeleteVisiting from Two Men and a Little Farm. Sending you a cyber hug and I wish you comfort as you deal with such a devastating diagnosis. I am sorry I only lurked and never commented before. Peace be with you.
ReplyDeleteGranny, Your news has saddened me greatly.Take care of yourself and your family. Your blog has been an inspiration and resource for me. I've been dealing with prostrate cancer for 2 years now and the goal of the treatments is to keep it from going metastatic. Hopefully your treatments help and we have have your humor and wisdom for a few more years.
ReplyDeleteI've not been around, but you have always been an inspiration. You still are. You, and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
ReplyDeleteAnnie,
ReplyDeleteI'm a years long lurker but never commented. (See? We're all coming out of the compost pile now!) I am so sorry to hear of your diagnosis. And to have it so sudden and unexpected makes it a double whammy. Do what is right for you, sit back and let your lovely family pamper you and make your garden a wonderful healing place for you to enjoy. Know that you have touched many more lives than you can imagine.
May God's blessings be upon you and Mr. Granny,
Sandra
Coming over from Two Men and a Little Farm blog.
ReplyDeleteYou and your family are in my prayers.
Will miss your posts, and photos of tomatoes. Taking care of yourself is much more important.
ReplyDeleteVal
Oh Grannie! My heart is breaking. I don't need to tell you that I am praying for a miracle here. Thank you for all these years of inspiration you've been to me.
ReplyDeleteI am going to pray for a miracle and since I know you via your garden blog and your emails, I think you will surprise people. I am shocked as I’m guessing you were and saw this after the grandkids video but I’m also with you that grand babies are far more of a focus to be drunk in with glee than to put your energy and worry into this Cancer with a capital C. Live. Live hard and as long as you have. Noone knows how long they have. We never know if we can get hit by a car tomorrow. We just don’t. We all need to learn from this. Fight your cute little granny buns off but don’t fight so hard you are forgetting to just stop and smell the roses. Smell the roses, walk the garden, sit with the tomatoes, sample the lettuces, and supervise carefully each of the kids’ who are offering to help as they are your legacy someday. BUT that is not as important as just feeling good each day. Rest when tired, get a hug when u need it and get a quiet alone room when you need space. You are an amazing person and your presence is felt here every time I walk into my garden. I’m just getting to planting my seeds for the season and I’ll send pics as soon as things start coming to fruition. In the meantime, hang in there. I will pray for you, Mr G , the family and fur babies. The garden will live on whether it’s in the family or spread thru the world of people you’ve touched. I’m really scared for you but I still believe that you are very strong and can find a way. DO not give up. Don’t give up unless that’s your only only last choice. In the meantime, stay yourself, as much as you can, and we’ll all be here to hold your hand, watch your family and be your friends no matter what happens.
ReplyDeleteDO NOT think we’re not thinking of you b/c you’re unable to write or post.
HUGS!!!!!! PS if your family needs anything while over here in seattle direction or if you have to come this way for any treatments, let us know. We’re in Issaquah as you know.
Oh Granny,
ReplyDeleteI'm so sorry to hear your news! Sending you HUGS from Wyoming!!! So glad to hear your determination and see the beginnings of your garden come together.
Toni
Granny,
ReplyDeleteI have been reading your blog for some time now and all I can say is you're my inspiration! We will be starting our very first garden (all the way over here in Canada ) this year and I am so glad to have stopped by here to read all of your wonderful posts. You've cared for your garden...now it's your gardens turn to care for you - let the wonderful food that you have been producing help keep you strong and well.
God Bless
Chantal
I send you healing light/energy and lots of get well to go with it!!! :O)... Keep those hands in the dirt as much as you can... there is something very zen and energizing to the soul as I know you know when it comes to gardening :O)....
ReplyDelete