The first of many updates....
For about the past month, Anna had been dealing with a number of aches and pains that had significantly reduced her energy level. She had been back and forth to her primary care doctor and the emergency room. This was initially diagnosed as Parvovirus and was expected to go away in a couple of weeks.
This past Monday, she was in significant discomfort and we went to the Emergency Room at St Barnabas in Livingston, NJ. Her blood work in the ER showed an abnormally high white blood cell count and low platelets, which was not present on the prior tests. The doctors decided to admit her for further evaluation.
After a couple days where they ran a variety of tests, she has been diagnosed with Pre-B Cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL). This is a fast growing cancer of the white blood cells. She is scheduled for surgery today to prepare for chemotherapy treatment to begin next week. She will likely remain hospitalized for the next 30 days during the initial phase of chemotherapy treatment. Assuming the disease is brought to remission, we will then enter additional phases of treatment which may be performed on an outpatient basis.
Anna remains in good spirits and with the help of God, she will get through this. We have an outstanding team of doctors and nurses. The primary oncology doctor is optimistic because of Anna's young age and good health.
At this point, visiting hours are pretty liberal; however, it really depends more on how Anna is feeling and what tests/treatments are scheduled for a given day. The best thing to do in the near-term, is to call my mobile the day of any potential visit and I will advise you as to whether or not a visit would be appropriate.
Thank you for your support,
Tom and Anna
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Thinking of you guys
Hey! Not sure what happened to my last entry but I wanted to make sure you knew we are thinking about you and praying for all of you. I've called in prayer reinforcements from the cousins...some of which Anna has met. They are all wishing you well. Brian and I want to wait a few more days before we schedule our visit since we realize you are probably a little overwhelmed at the moment. However, rest assured, we'll be there to cheer you on soon! Lots of love! Please let Doña Carmen and Don Frankie know that they are heavily in my thoughts as well. Hugs and kisses! Janet, Brian and Lucas.
Good Thoughts
Tom & Anna,
Our good thoughts and prayers are with you.
Let us know if you need anything.
Steph & Luke
Dear Anna, Tom & TJ - Ira
Dear Anna, Tom & TJ -
Ira shared your email with me, Tom. I was so saddened to hear the news, but wanted to let you know I was thinking of you all. A rough road ahead for you to be sure Anna, but with so much love and support from your friends and family (not to mention from each other), it will make it a bit easier to get through the tough days ahead. Please know that my thoughts and prayers will continue to be sent your way. May you take comfort in knowing that so many are praying for you, pulling for you and can't wait to see the note on Tom's blog that we can cheer and celebrate your good health again soon! All the best to you three. Take care, Shannon
Our love and prayers are with you
Anna is a glorious woman with a strong mind and with God's help she can be delivered from this. Gidi and I are sending positive thoughts and energy your way in the hope that it embraces and strengthens you all during this difficult time. And I'm gonna to ask Tammi to deliver my hugs and kisses to Anna for me until I have the opportunity to do so myself. Please know that we are thinking of you.
Nichole & Gidi
You are the strongest,
You are the strongest, smartest people and undeserving of this trouble. But, if ever there was a family that was up to the task of beating this horrible disease, it is the three of you. I wish you patience and hope and I expect to be back in your backyard for the next celebration when this is all over.
You will have an army of friends and family at your beck and call. We will be here whenever you need us.
Take good care of each other. Our hearts are with you.
Hebrew Prayer for Healing - "Mishabeyrach"
Hello all-
There is a beautiful song that we sing in or out of temple to pray for healing. I want to see you and sing it for you so that its special powers envelope you with healing. My heart goes out to all of you at this time. Prayer, support from family and friends will help you get through this challenge with even more positive results. Please let us know what we can do to help you during this time.
Wishing you healing and strength-
Ira and Chris
I'm saying a prayer to the Virgin Mary
I'm a big believer in the power of the mother of Jesus: so here goes my prayer for the Gaffneys.
Dios te salve María,
llena eres de gracia,
el Señor es contigo,
Bendita tu eres entre todas las mujeres,
y bendito es el fruto de tu vientre Jesús.
Santa María, madre de Diós,
ruega por nosotros pecadores,
ahora y en la hora de nuestra muerte,
Amén.
And the power be with you!!!
Best regards,
Charlie Deane
Director - Latin America
KIT Digital
In my Thoughts and Prayers
I got the email today and my heart is hurting. If you need anything please let me know, you have been there for me through some really rough times and I will always be there for you. Anna is the glue that keeps everything together. Please give her my love and I am praying for her and you T! My Dad and Terell are praying for you too and they send their love too. We will leave it in God's Hands and I have faith in him. I would like to see her on Tuesday if it is okay and if she is feeling up to it. Please give my love to Ms Carmen and Frankie. I will keep checking for updates. Tell Anna I love her so much and keep her faith strong. Lots of Love Tammi. Tell Anna I spoke to Nikki too and she will send an email. Kisses for TJ!