December 30, 2008
Yesterday was a very difficult day for the children and me. Our beloved German Shepherd Attila passed away. He died peacefully in our backyard.
Attila was almost 13 years old. I gave him to Ana as a birthday present back in 1996.
Yesterday after lunch I could tell he wasn’t feeling well and I wanted to take him to the vet. I was organizing how and where to leave the kids when suddenly Chiara yells from the backyard “Daddy come quick, Attila is very sick he’s lying down with pee pee all around him”. I went running outside, got down on my knees right next to him and was able to hold Attila in my arms while his body twitched for the last few times and became lifeless.
Chiara, Eric, Sophia and I started to cry. I’m very sad about Attila; he was such a big part of our lives. The children were really shaken up. They were already under enough emotional stress and now the dog that’s been part of our family even before they were born is no longer around.
Last night I couldn’t sleep, our house seems so empty. Ana has been at the hospital for more than a month and now Attila is gone. He has been a huge source of personal comfort over the last month. Lately it’s not been easy to sleep and just lying down on the couch with Attila pressing his weight into my chest has been my “sleeping pill”.
He was an incredibly loyal and good friend to all of us. He was a very beautiful, big, strong and a tremendously dominant alpha male. Even though he was not as active as he used to be, every time he saw another male dog, he still wanted to pick a fight. His bark was quite imposing, so if you didn’t know him you really didn’t want to ring our doorbell. On the other hand he was very affectionate, warm and loving with all of us, as with any friend of the family who would walk in to the house with Ana or me. If we accepted you, he automatically accepted you. We never ever had a single incident of him being aggressive to friends, acquaintances or other children.
Our children could literally take the food out of his mouth, pull his tail, yank his ears and he wouldn’t even complain. At the most he’d get fed up and simply stand and walk away. In fact the biggest hazard for the children was when he got up and walked away. His weight was close to 100 pounds so over the years he did knock the kids down a few times but never with the intent of hurting them.
In Argentina they say if a dog’s owner is very sick and the dog passes away during that illness what is really happening is that the dog is enacting the final act of love and loyalty. The dog is really taking his master’s sickness with himself, thus helping his master to recover. It’s too much of an incredible coincidence that Attila passed away on December 29th exactly one month after Ana was admitted to the hospital on November 29th and at the same time of day that the ambulance picked her up. If this Argentine belief is true, Attila’s life and his years of friendship will have acquired a whole new significance, far greater than ever imagined possible. He will live on with us for many more years.
His life and Cancer are a very entwined.
When I gave Attila to Ana, I had to retrieve him from the breeder earlier than normally allowed. We were living in Argentina and my dad was in Illinois going thru his second battle against Cancer. I was leaving home for more than a month to assist my dad during the most intense part of his cancer treatment. During that month Attila became Ana’s most loyal friend. Attila came to us during my dad’s cancer treatment and he left us during Ana’s. If his leaving us will result in the same outcome as my dad’s, his loyalty and friendship will acquire legendary status.
Goodbye dear friend I will miss you deeply. I’m in peace that I was there with you when you parted.
A few people have already offered us puppies. As much as I love dogs, I have to say no and will turn down any future offers for the time being. First of all we need to get over Attila’s loss first. Second I’m in no position to accept the responsibility of taking care of and raising new puppy right now. I really appreciate the offers but please not for now.
Ana is responding very well to the cancer treatments. She’s not really suffering the side effects of the chemotherapy or the radio therapy. Her blood count remains very strong, her skin is not getting damaged and her hair is not falling out.
The big tumor in her right breast has shrunk and softened significantly.
These are GREAT steps in the right direction and give us hope that Ana will continue to improve.
Best regards
Victor
Wednesday, December 31, 2008
Monday, December 29, 2008
Ana Updates 014 December 29th 2008 (English)
December 29, 2008
The last message I wrote was on December 24th
Today is one month that Ana was admitted to the emergency room at Kendall Regional with the headaches and vomiting. I just can’t believe all that’s happened since November 29th.
The last 30 days seem like a blur in which time has no real meaning. At times I feel that this whole ordeal started a long time ago and has been part of our lives for at least 10 years, and at the same time I feel that it just started a few hours ago.
I’ve learned and experienced so much over the last 30 days. Incredibly extreme emotional highs and lows come and go within seconds of each other. You learn small things like Sophia’s socks are in the top right hand drawer and not the left hand one. You learn invisible things like the incredible support and love we have received since day one. There are so many things racing thru my mind right now that I could write pages and pages of stories and examples.
The flow of prayers, help, support and hospital visitors have been incredible and are so deeply appreciated and cherished. All I can say is thank you a million times over to each and everyone of you.
I know it’s unfair that I only mention one person since so many have helped so much. However Jorgelina Allende has been such a driving force over these last 30 days that I really want to mention and thank her. Today is Jorgelina’s birthday so please send her greetings jorgitalapayasita@hotmail.com or her Facebook profile
www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=818724025&v=feed&story_fbid=51463369084#/profile.php?id=698232041
Ana has been doing very well for the last few days.
We had a very special Christmas gift. One of the initial signs to know if Ana is responding well to her treatments is seeing improvements in her pain management. Up until Christmas Day Ana was getting her pain killers every 2 hours, on that day she went from 3PM until 8:30AM of the following day with no need for pain killers.
On the 25th at approximately 10PM when out of pure curiosity I asked the nurse when had her last doses been applied and realized that seven hours had gone by I just started to cry and celebrate. I felt like running down the hospital halls just yelling for joy. This was such an awesome Christmas present.
Ana is currently receiving pain killers every 8 hours on average, a significant improvement if compared to the every 2 hours up until a few days ago.
Ana has lost a lot of weight, is physically very weak and looks frail in her bed, but when you look her in the eyes you can clearly see the glow and fire inside. Her eyes are as strong, bright and as beautiful as ever.
The children have been visiting quite a lot in the last few days and it’s always great to see them with her. However yesterday was definitely the best visit to date. At 7PM on the spur of the moment I decided to take them to see Ana. When we arrived she was awake and very alert. To make a long story short instead of the normal 15 or 20 minutes that they visit we stayed for about 90 minutes. It was great.
Last night Chiara was so happy that she actually went to sleep with a smile on her face. Her smile was a very beautiful sight to see after being absent for so many weeks.
Best regards
Victor
The last message I wrote was on December 24th
Today is one month that Ana was admitted to the emergency room at Kendall Regional with the headaches and vomiting. I just can’t believe all that’s happened since November 29th.
The last 30 days seem like a blur in which time has no real meaning. At times I feel that this whole ordeal started a long time ago and has been part of our lives for at least 10 years, and at the same time I feel that it just started a few hours ago.
I’ve learned and experienced so much over the last 30 days. Incredibly extreme emotional highs and lows come and go within seconds of each other. You learn small things like Sophia’s socks are in the top right hand drawer and not the left hand one. You learn invisible things like the incredible support and love we have received since day one. There are so many things racing thru my mind right now that I could write pages and pages of stories and examples.
The flow of prayers, help, support and hospital visitors have been incredible and are so deeply appreciated and cherished. All I can say is thank you a million times over to each and everyone of you.
I know it’s unfair that I only mention one person since so many have helped so much. However Jorgelina Allende has been such a driving force over these last 30 days that I really want to mention and thank her. Today is Jorgelina’s birthday so please send her greetings jorgitalapayasita@hotmail.com or her Facebook profile
www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=818724025&v=feed&story_fbid=51463369084#/profile.php?id=698232041
Ana has been doing very well for the last few days.
We had a very special Christmas gift. One of the initial signs to know if Ana is responding well to her treatments is seeing improvements in her pain management. Up until Christmas Day Ana was getting her pain killers every 2 hours, on that day she went from 3PM until 8:30AM of the following day with no need for pain killers.
On the 25th at approximately 10PM when out of pure curiosity I asked the nurse when had her last doses been applied and realized that seven hours had gone by I just started to cry and celebrate. I felt like running down the hospital halls just yelling for joy. This was such an awesome Christmas present.
Ana is currently receiving pain killers every 8 hours on average, a significant improvement if compared to the every 2 hours up until a few days ago.
Ana has lost a lot of weight, is physically very weak and looks frail in her bed, but when you look her in the eyes you can clearly see the glow and fire inside. Her eyes are as strong, bright and as beautiful as ever.
The children have been visiting quite a lot in the last few days and it’s always great to see them with her. However yesterday was definitely the best visit to date. At 7PM on the spur of the moment I decided to take them to see Ana. When we arrived she was awake and very alert. To make a long story short instead of the normal 15 or 20 minutes that they visit we stayed for about 90 minutes. It was great.
Last night Chiara was so happy that she actually went to sleep with a smile on her face. Her smile was a very beautiful sight to see after being absent for so many weeks.
Best regards
Victor
Tuesday, December 23, 2008
Ana Updates 013 December 23rd 2008 (English)
December 23, 2008
I just woke up after sleeping at the hospital next to my beloved Ana. She’s had a very peaceful night; she’s been so calm that I actually slept very well too. It’s as if simply being here calms her and having her next to me calms me also. It’s what real marriage is all about.
Yesterday the children were here visiting for a while. A lot of love and positive energy were interchanged. Batteries were recharged
Ana has a very important day today.
She will have her radiation therapy applied at 9AM. This will be her 3rd application.
Since Saturday’s MRI we have discovered that the cancer has affected Ana’s meninges and her bones. The meninges are the membranes that envelop the brain and central nervous system. This is a big setback and a new hurdle.
To attack the cancer cells in her meninges Ana will need chemotherapy applied directly to her cerebrospinal fluid. So today at 1:30PM a special port called an Ommaya reservoir will be placed on the left side of her skull to deliver chemotherapy to the central nervous system. The first application of chemotherapy will be done as soon as the port is in place.
I know this is an incredibly dangerous situation for Ana so please I don’t want to hear lamentations or pity from anyone right now. We need to keep our sights on our target no matter how difficult things may seem. I go back to what I said in the very first e-mail I sent “Great battles prize the brave with great victories. Ana is as brave and stubborn as they come, and motivated by the love of all she will become even braver and stronger, so I know we will overcome and taste sweet victory at the end.”
I stand by these words.
We need the power of prayer, love, positive energy and good vibrations there is no room for anything other than these elements.
Thank you
Victor
I just woke up after sleeping at the hospital next to my beloved Ana. She’s had a very peaceful night; she’s been so calm that I actually slept very well too. It’s as if simply being here calms her and having her next to me calms me also. It’s what real marriage is all about.
Yesterday the children were here visiting for a while. A lot of love and positive energy were interchanged. Batteries were recharged
Ana has a very important day today.
She will have her radiation therapy applied at 9AM. This will be her 3rd application.
Since Saturday’s MRI we have discovered that the cancer has affected Ana’s meninges and her bones. The meninges are the membranes that envelop the brain and central nervous system. This is a big setback and a new hurdle.
To attack the cancer cells in her meninges Ana will need chemotherapy applied directly to her cerebrospinal fluid. So today at 1:30PM a special port called an Ommaya reservoir will be placed on the left side of her skull to deliver chemotherapy to the central nervous system. The first application of chemotherapy will be done as soon as the port is in place.
I know this is an incredibly dangerous situation for Ana so please I don’t want to hear lamentations or pity from anyone right now. We need to keep our sights on our target no matter how difficult things may seem. I go back to what I said in the very first e-mail I sent “Great battles prize the brave with great victories. Ana is as brave and stubborn as they come, and motivated by the love of all she will become even braver and stronger, so I know we will overcome and taste sweet victory at the end.”
I stand by these words.
We need the power of prayer, love, positive energy and good vibrations there is no room for anything other than these elements.
Thank you
Victor
Sunday, December 21, 2008
Ana Updates 012 December 21st 2008 (English)
December 21st
Right now I’m with Ana in her room. She’s sleeping.
Her room number is 5217. Visiting hours are from 8AM to 9PM. Visitors are very welcome. The warmth and motivation she receives from a constant flow of people who care is great for her.
I wanted to share the sign that’s on the wall at the cancer ward at Baptist Hospital with all of you. I have rarely read something so powerful and inspirational.
WHAT CANCER CANNOT DO
Cancer is very limited;
It cannot cripple love
It cannot shatter hope
It cannot corrode Faith
It cannot destroy peace
It cannot kill friendship
It cannot suppress memories
It cannot silence courage
It cannot invade the soul
It cannot steal eternal life
It cannot conquer the spirit
Anonymous
Each line applies 101% to Ana and to all the love and support we’re getting from all
The last few days at Baptist Hospital have definitely been a very positive change in terms of the quality of care and the sense of urgency to get things done.
Ana had her first session of radiation therapy yesterday morning. Doctor Lewin’s radiation oncology team came in on a Saturday morning just for Ana and to get her started immediately. They didn’t even doubt about coming in on a non working day to get her started ASAP instead of waiting until Monday. Dr. Lewin already told them they will also have to come in on Christmas day and New Years day to apply her daily radiation.
This kind of dedication is priceless and I’m so grateful.
The Radiation Oncology is applied to attack the frontal brain tumor and any bits that maybe left of the occipital tumor that the surgery didn’t take care of. When brain tumors are removed they are really scrapped away leaving the out layer intact. If the surgeon were to try and remove that layer he or she would also remove a small amount of brain tissue, thus causing brain damage. It’s sort of like when you eat a grapefruit you scrape away almost all the fruit with your spoon, you don’t get the very last part because you’d end up eating the bitter white part of the skin. The radiation takes care of those remaining bits and pieces. Ana also has possible cancerous seeds; these are tiny hot spots that have the potential to become real tumors. The radiation should wipe those away also.
Ana’s sister Nunzia arrived from Italy yesterday so it’s great to get some extra support and help with the children from her. The last time we saw her was in the summer of 2007 when we took a family vacation to Italy. Ana was very happy to see her and so were Chiara and Eric. Sophia really didn’t remember who she is, at the age of 3 you don’t remember people you’ve seen a year and a half before.
Ana remains very weak but stable. She had a full body MRI done yesterday after the radiation therapy to see exactly what’s going on in her body and to see what new issues may have appeared. Some suspicious things are going on but I want final confirmation before speaking of them.
Once again we need your continuous prayers, love and support
Sincerely
Victor Gospodinoff
Right now I’m with Ana in her room. She’s sleeping.
Her room number is 5217. Visiting hours are from 8AM to 9PM. Visitors are very welcome. The warmth and motivation she receives from a constant flow of people who care is great for her.
I wanted to share the sign that’s on the wall at the cancer ward at Baptist Hospital with all of you. I have rarely read something so powerful and inspirational.
WHAT CANCER CANNOT DO
Cancer is very limited;
It cannot cripple love
It cannot shatter hope
It cannot corrode Faith
It cannot destroy peace
It cannot kill friendship
It cannot suppress memories
It cannot silence courage
It cannot invade the soul
It cannot steal eternal life
It cannot conquer the spirit
Anonymous
Each line applies 101% to Ana and to all the love and support we’re getting from all
The last few days at Baptist Hospital have definitely been a very positive change in terms of the quality of care and the sense of urgency to get things done.
Ana had her first session of radiation therapy yesterday morning. Doctor Lewin’s radiation oncology team came in on a Saturday morning just for Ana and to get her started immediately. They didn’t even doubt about coming in on a non working day to get her started ASAP instead of waiting until Monday. Dr. Lewin already told them they will also have to come in on Christmas day and New Years day to apply her daily radiation.
This kind of dedication is priceless and I’m so grateful.
The Radiation Oncology is applied to attack the frontal brain tumor and any bits that maybe left of the occipital tumor that the surgery didn’t take care of. When brain tumors are removed they are really scrapped away leaving the out layer intact. If the surgeon were to try and remove that layer he or she would also remove a small amount of brain tissue, thus causing brain damage. It’s sort of like when you eat a grapefruit you scrape away almost all the fruit with your spoon, you don’t get the very last part because you’d end up eating the bitter white part of the skin. The radiation takes care of those remaining bits and pieces. Ana also has possible cancerous seeds; these are tiny hot spots that have the potential to become real tumors. The radiation should wipe those away also.
Ana’s sister Nunzia arrived from Italy yesterday so it’s great to get some extra support and help with the children from her. The last time we saw her was in the summer of 2007 when we took a family vacation to Italy. Ana was very happy to see her and so were Chiara and Eric. Sophia really didn’t remember who she is, at the age of 3 you don’t remember people you’ve seen a year and a half before.
Ana remains very weak but stable. She had a full body MRI done yesterday after the radiation therapy to see exactly what’s going on in her body and to see what new issues may have appeared. Some suspicious things are going on but I want final confirmation before speaking of them.
Once again we need your continuous prayers, love and support
Sincerely
Victor Gospodinoff
Friday, December 19, 2008
Ana Updates 011 December 19th 2008 (English)
December 19h
Today was a very good day.
It’s 4:00 AM and I just arrived from Ana’s new hospital.
At 5:30PM we transferred her from Kendall Regional to the Baptist Hospital of Miami to start her actual cancer treatment.
Things worked out in a different way. At the last moment I decided on taking Ana to the Baptist Hospital instead of Jackson. I couldn't really decide which one was better from a scientific and medical point of view, it's like trying to decide between a top end Mercedes or BMW, some details may vary but both are excellent.
The balance tipped towards Baptist for a very humane reason. Jackson Memorial is quite far from home and I felt that if we were there we would lose a lot of the visits and would make juggling my limited time between Ana and the children a lot more difficult. If Ana is going to survive this ordeal she needs to feel the warmth, love and support of many people and I fear that at Jackson we'd lose a lot of that.
Ana is doing a lot better she’s alert and in good spirits.
Once again I was not able to attend the special Mass that was held for Ana at the Good Shepherd church at 7:30PM but I was in the middle of the process of getting Ana admitted to Baptist Hospital. We will have another special Mass set up for her next week and I’m hoping I can go with our children. I’m going to see if I can get it done for December 24th in the afternoon.
As each day goes by I’m totally in awe of the support and love we are getting from so many people. I really can’t even start to list them all and I know I’m leaving people so please don’t be offended. Jorgelina, Marcela, Gustavo, dad, Guillermo P, Alexia, Raquel, Sandra and the Pine Crest mom’s, the Montessori gang (Maria, Natasha, Sarah etc) Colleen (you are truly one in a million)all of you do wonders day to day and there’s no way I’d even be near handling this whole situation if it weren’t for all of you and many others. Thank you with all of my heart.
Today 4 very specific people made a world of difference in advancing with this struggle.
I’d like to send special thanks for Ana Espinar, Zulema, Angela Beato and Jose Figueredo on behalf of Ana, my children and myself. Thank you with all of my heart.
It has been a long day, but a very fruitful one so I’m happy
Sincerely
Victor
Today was a very good day.
It’s 4:00 AM and I just arrived from Ana’s new hospital.
At 5:30PM we transferred her from Kendall Regional to the Baptist Hospital of Miami to start her actual cancer treatment.
Things worked out in a different way. At the last moment I decided on taking Ana to the Baptist Hospital instead of Jackson. I couldn't really decide which one was better from a scientific and medical point of view, it's like trying to decide between a top end Mercedes or BMW, some details may vary but both are excellent.
The balance tipped towards Baptist for a very humane reason. Jackson Memorial is quite far from home and I felt that if we were there we would lose a lot of the visits and would make juggling my limited time between Ana and the children a lot more difficult. If Ana is going to survive this ordeal she needs to feel the warmth, love and support of many people and I fear that at Jackson we'd lose a lot of that.
Ana is doing a lot better she’s alert and in good spirits.
Once again I was not able to attend the special Mass that was held for Ana at the Good Shepherd church at 7:30PM but I was in the middle of the process of getting Ana admitted to Baptist Hospital. We will have another special Mass set up for her next week and I’m hoping I can go with our children. I’m going to see if I can get it done for December 24th in the afternoon.
As each day goes by I’m totally in awe of the support and love we are getting from so many people. I really can’t even start to list them all and I know I’m leaving people so please don’t be offended. Jorgelina, Marcela, Gustavo, dad, Guillermo P, Alexia, Raquel, Sandra and the Pine Crest mom’s, the Montessori gang (Maria, Natasha, Sarah etc) Colleen (you are truly one in a million)all of you do wonders day to day and there’s no way I’d even be near handling this whole situation if it weren’t for all of you and many others. Thank you with all of my heart.
Today 4 very specific people made a world of difference in advancing with this struggle.
I’d like to send special thanks for Ana Espinar, Zulema, Angela Beato and Jose Figueredo on behalf of Ana, my children and myself. Thank you with all of my heart.
It has been a long day, but a very fruitful one so I’m happy
Sincerely
Victor
Wednesday, December 17, 2008
Ana Updates 010 December 17th 2008 (English)
December 17th
Ana is stable but very weak.
She has been transferred from ICU to a regular room to help make the transfer from Kendall Regional to Jackson Memorial easier and start with the oncological treatments.
Since the seizure on Saturday morning she hasn’t been able to eat normally and is being tube fed.
She is in a true moment of need.
On Thursday December 18th at 7:30PM a special Mass will be held for her at Good Shepherd Catholic Church
The address is 14187 SW 72nd Street Miami FL 33183
http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&hl=en&geocode=&q=14187+SW+72nd+Street+Miami+FL+33183&sll=37.0625,-95.677068&sspn=31.784549,78.75&ie=UTF8&ll=25.701924,-80.421939&spn=0.008817,0.019226&z=16&g=14187+SW+72nd+Street+Miami+FL+33183&iwloc=r0
Sincerely
Victor
Ana is stable but very weak.
She has been transferred from ICU to a regular room to help make the transfer from Kendall Regional to Jackson Memorial easier and start with the oncological treatments.
Since the seizure on Saturday morning she hasn’t been able to eat normally and is being tube fed.
She is in a true moment of need.
On Thursday December 18th at 7:30PM a special Mass will be held for her at Good Shepherd Catholic Church
The address is 14187 SW 72nd Street Miami FL 33183
http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&hl=en&geocode=&q=14187+SW+72nd+Street+Miami+FL+33183&sll=37.0625,-95.677068&sspn=31.784549,78.75&ie=UTF8&ll=25.701924,-80.421939&spn=0.008817,0.019226&z=16&g=14187+SW+72nd+Street+Miami+FL+33183&iwloc=r0
Sincerely
Victor
Monday, December 15, 2008
Ana Updates 009 December 15th 2008 (English)
December 15th
The last few days have been a very emotional roller coaster.
Wednesday afternoon was a great day. Ana and the children finally saw each other. She was so happy and the kids were thrilled. I had warned them that Ana’s hair had been shaved off for the brain surgery, that they would notice that she was weak and talking a bit different. I also had warned that they would see a few bruises on her arms due to the IV’s.
All the warnings and setting of expectations functioned so when Chiara, Eric and Sophia saw her they weren’t scared. I did get a few questions from Chiara later at night but she was ok with my explanations.
Thursday and Friday Ana progressed very well. She was eating well and becoming “Ana” again. Her real personality was showing, she was just being her beautiful self. We were looking forward to multiple visits from the children over the weekend. I went to bed on Friday very happy.
Regretfully Ana had a seizure on Saturday at about 4:30AM caused by the second tumor she has in her brain. The CAT scan has shown that there was no damage to the brain however now she’s very groggy again. She can’t eat now and the whole weekend she was basically sleeping.
Friday was exactly 2 weeks that this ordeal started. It’s almost impossible to believe all that has happened. It seems this started a decade ago. It also seems it has never really started.
We’re hoping to transfer her to next hospital within the next 24 to 48 hours so we can start with the ray and chemotherapy as soon as possible.
Tonight was very difficult. For the first time the children really broke down. All 3 started to cry very hard. All of them saying how much they missed mommy, how much they love her etc. Thank God my sister Alexia and my dad were at home so among the 3 of us we were able to contain and console them. It was really heartbreaking.
Please keep the support and prayers flowing. We need it.
We’ve started to receive the first cards after my request the other day. There were like 15 cards in the mailbox on Saturday and the kids loved to see them. So please keep sending them.
Just in case our address is:
5350 SW 154th Court
Miami FL 33185
Sincerely
Victor
The last few days have been a very emotional roller coaster.
Wednesday afternoon was a great day. Ana and the children finally saw each other. She was so happy and the kids were thrilled. I had warned them that Ana’s hair had been shaved off for the brain surgery, that they would notice that she was weak and talking a bit different. I also had warned that they would see a few bruises on her arms due to the IV’s.
All the warnings and setting of expectations functioned so when Chiara, Eric and Sophia saw her they weren’t scared. I did get a few questions from Chiara later at night but she was ok with my explanations.
Thursday and Friday Ana progressed very well. She was eating well and becoming “Ana” again. Her real personality was showing, she was just being her beautiful self. We were looking forward to multiple visits from the children over the weekend. I went to bed on Friday very happy.
Regretfully Ana had a seizure on Saturday at about 4:30AM caused by the second tumor she has in her brain. The CAT scan has shown that there was no damage to the brain however now she’s very groggy again. She can’t eat now and the whole weekend she was basically sleeping.
Friday was exactly 2 weeks that this ordeal started. It’s almost impossible to believe all that has happened. It seems this started a decade ago. It also seems it has never really started.
We’re hoping to transfer her to next hospital within the next 24 to 48 hours so we can start with the ray and chemotherapy as soon as possible.
Tonight was very difficult. For the first time the children really broke down. All 3 started to cry very hard. All of them saying how much they missed mommy, how much they love her etc. Thank God my sister Alexia and my dad were at home so among the 3 of us we were able to contain and console them. It was really heartbreaking.
Please keep the support and prayers flowing. We need it.
We’ve started to receive the first cards after my request the other day. There were like 15 cards in the mailbox on Saturday and the kids loved to see them. So please keep sending them.
Just in case our address is:
5350 SW 154th Court
Miami FL 33185
Sincerely
Victor
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
Ana Updates 008 December 10th 2008 (English)
December 10th
First of all thank you for the continuous flow of messages full of love and support, please understand that I just don’t time to answer each one individually, but I do read and enjoy every single one.
The struggle for Ana’s wellbeing will be long and difficult. There will be better moments and difficult moments but we can’t lose sight of our North.
The updates are mixed.
We have the biopsy results and we have confirmation that Ana has breast cancer with brain ramifications. We were hoping that the brain tumors had nothing to do with the tumor in her right breast. The type of tumor she has is very aggressive.
Obviously this is tough news, but we were expecting it. We will offer an even tougher fight.
I don’t want to hear or read any laments. Like Winston Churchill said “I am an optimist. It does not seem too much use being anything else.”
Everybody has given us so much love and incredible support that I’m almost embarrassed to ask for more, but it’s what we need to help Ana.
We need even more positive energy, more prayers, more blessings, more good vibrations and more faith from all of you.
Ana is a fighter. Her firmness and serenity are admirable. Obviously Ana is scared but we need your help to transform that fear into motivation. That fear must become strength and energy to overcome this. She will accomplish that if she feels the love and support of every person who reads this message or learns of her struggle.
Ana needs a few days to recover strength so that next week she can start with her ray therapy and then the chemotherapy. Ana has always been a very balanced and healthy person so I’m positive she will respond well to the therapies.
I’m back to Churchill “Success is not final, failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts”.
The latest CAT scan of her skull was very good. It’s the first time we see a significant reduction of pressure in her brain. She’s eating well which will help her recover strength to initiate the new stage of this struggle.
My dad arrived from Buenos Aires which is great support. Our children went nuts when they saw their grandfather.
We can only succeed in this process if we take it step by step and if we all generate positive energy
We need God’s blessing and your support.
Thank you
Victor
First of all thank you for the continuous flow of messages full of love and support, please understand that I just don’t time to answer each one individually, but I do read and enjoy every single one.
The struggle for Ana’s wellbeing will be long and difficult. There will be better moments and difficult moments but we can’t lose sight of our North.
The updates are mixed.
We have the biopsy results and we have confirmation that Ana has breast cancer with brain ramifications. We were hoping that the brain tumors had nothing to do with the tumor in her right breast. The type of tumor she has is very aggressive.
Obviously this is tough news, but we were expecting it. We will offer an even tougher fight.
I don’t want to hear or read any laments. Like Winston Churchill said “I am an optimist. It does not seem too much use being anything else.”
Everybody has given us so much love and incredible support that I’m almost embarrassed to ask for more, but it’s what we need to help Ana.
We need even more positive energy, more prayers, more blessings, more good vibrations and more faith from all of you.
Ana is a fighter. Her firmness and serenity are admirable. Obviously Ana is scared but we need your help to transform that fear into motivation. That fear must become strength and energy to overcome this. She will accomplish that if she feels the love and support of every person who reads this message or learns of her struggle.
Ana needs a few days to recover strength so that next week she can start with her ray therapy and then the chemotherapy. Ana has always been a very balanced and healthy person so I’m positive she will respond well to the therapies.
I’m back to Churchill “Success is not final, failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts”.
The latest CAT scan of her skull was very good. It’s the first time we see a significant reduction of pressure in her brain. She’s eating well which will help her recover strength to initiate the new stage of this struggle.
My dad arrived from Buenos Aires which is great support. Our children went nuts when they saw their grandfather.
We can only succeed in this process if we take it step by step and if we all generate positive energy
We need God’s blessing and your support.
Thank you
Victor
Sunday, December 7, 2008
Ana Updates 007 December 7th 2008 (English)
December 7th
I haven’t sent any updates for 2 days because honestly I needed a breather.
Ana is having a very good evolution.
On Friday she had her central port put in place for the upcoming chemotherapy. It’s like a permanent valve that will allow the drugs to be administered without having to sticking needles into her veins.
Friday morning one of my sisters arrived to help with our children Chiara, Eric and Sophia. This is difficult for adults to deal with imagine what it’s like for children of 9, 7 and 3.
In a few days the radiation therapy to eliminate the 2nd brain tumor will begin and in the near future the chemotherapy to attack the primary tumor in her right breast and the cancerous spots she has in different parts of her body.
Ana is in good spirit but is still a bit weak.
Today she was able to speak with her sister Nunzia who lives in Italy, with her best friend Ana Ines who lives in Argentina and she also spoke to our children Chiara and Eric. She hadn’t spoken with the children since Friday November 29th. The joy in her face was immense.
She speaks perfectly but her voice sounds a bit strange due to the irritation the ventilator tube caused. Even though the tube was removed it takes a while for the vocal chords to recover completely. Until today her voice was sounding very weird we thought it was better that she didn’t speak to the kids because they might get scared.
Once again I must express my gratitude for the incredible support and the huge amount of love everyone has given us. This is just the beginning so we will need a lot more of same during the many months that Ana’s recovery process will take.
Thank you very much
Victor
I haven’t sent any updates for 2 days because honestly I needed a breather.
Ana is having a very good evolution.
On Friday she had her central port put in place for the upcoming chemotherapy. It’s like a permanent valve that will allow the drugs to be administered without having to sticking needles into her veins.
Friday morning one of my sisters arrived to help with our children Chiara, Eric and Sophia. This is difficult for adults to deal with imagine what it’s like for children of 9, 7 and 3.
In a few days the radiation therapy to eliminate the 2nd brain tumor will begin and in the near future the chemotherapy to attack the primary tumor in her right breast and the cancerous spots she has in different parts of her body.
Ana is in good spirit but is still a bit weak.
Today she was able to speak with her sister Nunzia who lives in Italy, with her best friend Ana Ines who lives in Argentina and she also spoke to our children Chiara and Eric. She hadn’t spoken with the children since Friday November 29th. The joy in her face was immense.
She speaks perfectly but her voice sounds a bit strange due to the irritation the ventilator tube caused. Even though the tube was removed it takes a while for the vocal chords to recover completely. Until today her voice was sounding very weird we thought it was better that she didn’t speak to the kids because they might get scared.
Once again I must express my gratitude for the incredible support and the huge amount of love everyone has given us. This is just the beginning so we will need a lot more of same during the many months that Ana’s recovery process will take.
Thank you very much
Victor
Friday, December 5, 2008
Ana Updates 006 December 5th 2008 (English)
December 5th
Ana is awake.
Even though she was totally sedated she pulled her breathing tube out on her own will. From a pain management point of view it would have been better that that she remain sedated a day or two more, however from a human point of view it shows great will to surpass this ordeal and this is the most important thing in a situation like hers.
She has a lot of pain in her neck and her head. This is normal. When we get a wisdom tooth removed we’re sore for a few days. Ana had a hole the size of a dollar coin made in her skull, the tumor was removed and the bone piece put back into place. It sounds amazingly simple if it’s said this way.
She is totally lucid. She knows where she’s at; she knows she had surgery done, the day of the week etc... If you speak to her in Spanish she answers in Spanish, if you speak to her in English she answers in English, ditto if you speak to her in Italian which is her native language.
As soon as she starts giving orders we’ll know she’s completely recovered no matter what the doctors say. Ha ha ha if she reads this remark she’ll kill me.
It’s difficult for her to speak since her throat is really irritated due to the ventilator tube and pulling it out prior to disinflation is not helpful. At 4:30PM Paula Maril one of Ana’s best friends called my cell phone from Uruguay and was able to speak about 10 minutes with her.
In the evening she drank some apple juice, it’s the first thing she ingests since Friday and she tolerated it just fine. Maybe tomorrow she’ll try some apple sauce or mashed potatoes. If all goes well in two or three days they’ll make her walk again. She has been bed ridden since Friday of last week.
I’m very grateful for the special Mass that was held asking for Ana’s health and recovery. I was told that there was a very nice group of people participating. I’m sorry I couldn’t attend but I hadn’t seen my children for about 36 hours and I thought it was really important for them that we do something as simple as take them home and have dinner together. I honestly don’t know if it was them or I that needed this more. To avoid pointless debates I’ll declare the issue a draw.
Bottom line it was a very good day
Victor
Ana is awake.
Even though she was totally sedated she pulled her breathing tube out on her own will. From a pain management point of view it would have been better that that she remain sedated a day or two more, however from a human point of view it shows great will to surpass this ordeal and this is the most important thing in a situation like hers.
She has a lot of pain in her neck and her head. This is normal. When we get a wisdom tooth removed we’re sore for a few days. Ana had a hole the size of a dollar coin made in her skull, the tumor was removed and the bone piece put back into place. It sounds amazingly simple if it’s said this way.
She is totally lucid. She knows where she’s at; she knows she had surgery done, the day of the week etc... If you speak to her in Spanish she answers in Spanish, if you speak to her in English she answers in English, ditto if you speak to her in Italian which is her native language.
As soon as she starts giving orders we’ll know she’s completely recovered no matter what the doctors say. Ha ha ha if she reads this remark she’ll kill me.
It’s difficult for her to speak since her throat is really irritated due to the ventilator tube and pulling it out prior to disinflation is not helpful. At 4:30PM Paula Maril one of Ana’s best friends called my cell phone from Uruguay and was able to speak about 10 minutes with her.
In the evening she drank some apple juice, it’s the first thing she ingests since Friday and she tolerated it just fine. Maybe tomorrow she’ll try some apple sauce or mashed potatoes. If all goes well in two or three days they’ll make her walk again. She has been bed ridden since Friday of last week.
I’m very grateful for the special Mass that was held asking for Ana’s health and recovery. I was told that there was a very nice group of people participating. I’m sorry I couldn’t attend but I hadn’t seen my children for about 36 hours and I thought it was really important for them that we do something as simple as take them home and have dinner together. I honestly don’t know if it was them or I that needed this more. To avoid pointless debates I’ll declare the issue a draw.
Bottom line it was a very good day
Victor
Thursday, December 4, 2008
Ana Updates 005 December 4th 2008 (English)
I just wanted to remind you all that today Thursday December 4th at 7PM Miami time, a special Mass will be celebrated for
Ana. This will be at the Saint Thomas Apostle Church in Miami.
The address is 7377 SW 64th Street
If other people you know want to receive updates regarding Ana they can sign up for this list by simply sending an e-mail to
anaupdate-subscribe@yahoogroups.com
For those who use Facebook a group named COURAGE ANA has been set up
too.
http://www.facebook.com/groups.php?ref=sb#/group.php?gid=37653846669
Thank you
Victor
Ana. This will be at the Saint Thomas Apostle Church in Miami.
The address is 7377 SW 64th Street
If other people you know want to receive updates regarding Ana they can sign up for this list by simply sending an e-mail to
anaupdate-subscribe@yahoogroups.com
For those who use Facebook a group named COURAGE ANA has been set up
too.
http://www.facebook.com/groups.php?ref=sb#/group.php?gid=37653846669
Thank you
Victor
Ana Updates 004 December 4th 2008 (English)
December 4th
Ana is doing ok, her pupils are responding perfectly, she can move her legs and arms; and she can breathe without the help of a ventilator. Her vital signs are stable and normal.
Today they did a cat scan to check the area where surgery was done.
Everything in her brain looks normal but the surgeon decided to keep her totally sedated. In the space that was once occupied by the tumor a little bit of blood has accumulated so it’s better to keep her sedated or in medically induced coma.
The reason is that blood clots can form and if she’s awake sudden body movements such a simple sneeze or cough could cause problems.
She will get a new cat scan tomorrow and if they like the evolution they will wake her up. There’s no reason to be alarmed if she is kept a few extra days in that induced coma state.
Obviously I’d rather have seen her awake, but this is not bad news. Her recovery must go according to what’s best for her and not our anxiety. This is going to be a long trip and this is just the beginning.
This evening a special Mass will be celebrated for Ana. This will be at the Saint Thomas Apostle Church in Miami. The address is 7377 SW 64th Street
If other people you know want to receive updates regarding Ana they can sign up for this list by simply sending an e-mail to anaupdate@yahoogroups.com
For those who use Facebook a group named COURAGE ANA has been set up too.
http://www.facebook.com/groups.php?ref=sb#/group.php?gid=37653846669
Thank you
Victor
Ana is doing ok, her pupils are responding perfectly, she can move her legs and arms; and she can breathe without the help of a ventilator. Her vital signs are stable and normal.
Today they did a cat scan to check the area where surgery was done.
Everything in her brain looks normal but the surgeon decided to keep her totally sedated. In the space that was once occupied by the tumor a little bit of blood has accumulated so it’s better to keep her sedated or in medically induced coma.
The reason is that blood clots can form and if she’s awake sudden body movements such a simple sneeze or cough could cause problems.
She will get a new cat scan tomorrow and if they like the evolution they will wake her up. There’s no reason to be alarmed if she is kept a few extra days in that induced coma state.
Obviously I’d rather have seen her awake, but this is not bad news. Her recovery must go according to what’s best for her and not our anxiety. This is going to be a long trip and this is just the beginning.
This evening a special Mass will be celebrated for Ana. This will be at the Saint Thomas Apostle Church in Miami. The address is 7377 SW 64th Street
If other people you know want to receive updates regarding Ana they can sign up for this list by simply sending an e-mail to anaupdate@yahoogroups.com
For those who use Facebook a group named COURAGE ANA has been set up too.
http://www.facebook.com/groups.php?ref=sb#/group.php?gid=37653846669
Thank you
Victor
Wednesday, December 3, 2008
Ana Updates 003 December 3rd 2008 (English)
First of all I want to tell you the most important parts of today’s update.
Thank God, Ana’s surgery went very well.
Eric ended up having a wonderful birthday
I wanted to send this last night but I was so exhausted that I simply went to bed.
I went to the hospital in the morning with mixed feelings. I had a very unique salad of fear, confidence, anxiety, optimism, hope and despair.
I'm feeling totally confident in Ana’s strength, will power and serenity to get thru this. Also I'm feeling very comfortable with the neurosurgeon Dr. Acebal and his team of professionals. However there is always that uneasy sensation of uncertainty that any operation implies, and especially when brain or open heart surgery is involved.
Ana was sent to the operating room at 11:45AM and was in the recovery room at 5:30PM.
When I spoke to Dr. Acebal he told me he was very happy with the outcome of Ana’s surgery. He said there were no unexpected problems such as excessive loss of blood or difficulties with the tumor or its location. He felt that all of it had been completely removed from Ana’s brain.
When I went to see her she was still unconscious since the doctors will keep her in an induced coma state for 12 to 24 hours as a post surgery safe guard. They do this so they can keep her blood pressure deliberately very low allowing all the vessels in the intervened are to heal a lot better and avoid excess bleeding.
I’m so happy that step one was successful, now we need to start with the next stage as soon as possible.
I am so grateful for your response to Eric’s birthday. He got close to 120 e-mails with greetings. He couldn’t believe his eyes when we opened his mail box and there were so many messages and e-cards.
On top of that 2 friends of ours (Jorgelina and Marcela) ended up organizing a birthday party for him at Dandy Bear and a whole lot of people showed up. Mainly kids from his school. The amount of gifts Eric received barely fit into the trunk of my car. Amazing.
He was so happy last night. After we went thru all the e-mails he said “Daddy I had a lot of fun today even though mommy wasn’t here”.
Once again I can only say thank you for so much love and support. Thank you for sending Ana so much energy. Thank you for making Eric feel so good on his birthday.
After I take the children to school I will go to the hospital to see Ana. Hopefully she will be awake and if not I’ll simply wait until she is, but I’ll do the waiting knowing that the troops are fighting and supporting her with all their might.
Totally amazed and completely grateful to all
Victor
Thank God, Ana’s surgery went very well.
Eric ended up having a wonderful birthday
I wanted to send this last night but I was so exhausted that I simply went to bed.
I went to the hospital in the morning with mixed feelings. I had a very unique salad of fear, confidence, anxiety, optimism, hope and despair.
I'm feeling totally confident in Ana’s strength, will power and serenity to get thru this. Also I'm feeling very comfortable with the neurosurgeon Dr. Acebal and his team of professionals. However there is always that uneasy sensation of uncertainty that any operation implies, and especially when brain or open heart surgery is involved.
Ana was sent to the operating room at 11:45AM and was in the recovery room at 5:30PM.
When I spoke to Dr. Acebal he told me he was very happy with the outcome of Ana’s surgery. He said there were no unexpected problems such as excessive loss of blood or difficulties with the tumor or its location. He felt that all of it had been completely removed from Ana’s brain.
When I went to see her she was still unconscious since the doctors will keep her in an induced coma state for 12 to 24 hours as a post surgery safe guard. They do this so they can keep her blood pressure deliberately very low allowing all the vessels in the intervened are to heal a lot better and avoid excess bleeding.
I’m so happy that step one was successful, now we need to start with the next stage as soon as possible.
I am so grateful for your response to Eric’s birthday. He got close to 120 e-mails with greetings. He couldn’t believe his eyes when we opened his mail box and there were so many messages and e-cards.
On top of that 2 friends of ours (Jorgelina and Marcela) ended up organizing a birthday party for him at Dandy Bear and a whole lot of people showed up. Mainly kids from his school. The amount of gifts Eric received barely fit into the trunk of my car. Amazing.
He was so happy last night. After we went thru all the e-mails he said “Daddy I had a lot of fun today even though mommy wasn’t here”.
Once again I can only say thank you for so much love and support. Thank you for sending Ana so much energy. Thank you for making Eric feel so good on his birthday.
After I take the children to school I will go to the hospital to see Ana. Hopefully she will be awake and if not I’ll simply wait until she is, but I’ll do the waiting knowing that the troops are fighting and supporting her with all their might.
Totally amazed and completely grateful to all
Victor
Monday, December 1, 2008
Ana Updates 002 December 1st 2008 (English)
Over the last 24 hours things are definitely looking better.
The first real step towards recovery will start Tuesday December 2nd at 11:30 Miami time.
The spots that initially appeared on Ana’s liver and at the base of her spine were ruled out as cancerous. So we are facing 3 malignant tumors and not 5. She has one at the base of her skull, one at the frontal region of her skull and the primary tumor in her right breast.
This may sound bad, and I’m not saying that it’s going to be an easy path to follow but it’s a lot better than the news from Saturday afternoon.
My greatest fear has also been set aside. I was terrified that the tumor at the base of the skull could get so intertwined with the spinal cord that it would be one of those untreatable or inoperable types of tumors. However it’s location is not central, it’s actually on the right side which makes it operable. This is the tumor that is causing the terrible headaches and it will be removed thru surgery. In spite of being in a very bad area it’s in the best place it could be.
This tumor needs to be removed urgently since it’s the one causing the terrible headaches and could cause a respiratory collapse within the next 15 days. Normal ray therapy takes about 30 days to start reducing the size of the tumor. So if we wait for the rays to take effect we risk that the pressure the tumor is generating over those 30 days could cause breathing problems, seizures, hydrocephaly or other types of irreversible neurological damage.
The surgery will demand about 5 hours and it will start at 11:30 AM Miami time.
The tumor in the frontal region will be treated thru ray therapy and the primary tumor in her right breast will be treated initially by chemotherapy and later removed by surgery.
Ana started to cry when I informed her of the need to operate, because December 2nd is our son’s 7th birthday and she won’t be able to even see him for a birthday kiss. I told her that she was actually giving Eric the most beautiful birthday gift he will ever get from her, which is taking the first step in the path of recovery.
When I told Eric he wouldn’t see mommy for his birthday he did start to cry. I calmed him down by asking him what he thought was more important. Mommy be there for his birthday or if it was better that she recovers and doesn’t have anymore of those horrible headaches. He agreed that getting rid of the headaches was better.
Everyone’s support has been so beautiful that I couldn’t ask for more, however I would like to request a small favor. Please send Eric birthday greetings to his e-mail address ericgospo@bellsouth.net
Maybe that will help ease his pain about mommy not being with him.
He’s turning 7 so please keep in mind that mommy is “sick”, I never mentioned words like tumor or cancer. He knows that a “little ball” the size of a ping pong will be removed from the back of her head.
Once again I can’t stop thanking everyone for the incredible support and out pour of affection for Ana and my family. The offerings of help, prayers and pure hearted concern are amazing.
Thank you so much for making us feel that our family is actually a lot larger than we knew.
Sincerely
Victor
The first real step towards recovery will start Tuesday December 2nd at 11:30 Miami time.
The spots that initially appeared on Ana’s liver and at the base of her spine were ruled out as cancerous. So we are facing 3 malignant tumors and not 5. She has one at the base of her skull, one at the frontal region of her skull and the primary tumor in her right breast.
This may sound bad, and I’m not saying that it’s going to be an easy path to follow but it’s a lot better than the news from Saturday afternoon.
My greatest fear has also been set aside. I was terrified that the tumor at the base of the skull could get so intertwined with the spinal cord that it would be one of those untreatable or inoperable types of tumors. However it’s location is not central, it’s actually on the right side which makes it operable. This is the tumor that is causing the terrible headaches and it will be removed thru surgery. In spite of being in a very bad area it’s in the best place it could be.
This tumor needs to be removed urgently since it’s the one causing the terrible headaches and could cause a respiratory collapse within the next 15 days. Normal ray therapy takes about 30 days to start reducing the size of the tumor. So if we wait for the rays to take effect we risk that the pressure the tumor is generating over those 30 days could cause breathing problems, seizures, hydrocephaly or other types of irreversible neurological damage.
The surgery will demand about 5 hours and it will start at 11:30 AM Miami time.
The tumor in the frontal region will be treated thru ray therapy and the primary tumor in her right breast will be treated initially by chemotherapy and later removed by surgery.
Ana started to cry when I informed her of the need to operate, because December 2nd is our son’s 7th birthday and she won’t be able to even see him for a birthday kiss. I told her that she was actually giving Eric the most beautiful birthday gift he will ever get from her, which is taking the first step in the path of recovery.
When I told Eric he wouldn’t see mommy for his birthday he did start to cry. I calmed him down by asking him what he thought was more important. Mommy be there for his birthday or if it was better that she recovers and doesn’t have anymore of those horrible headaches. He agreed that getting rid of the headaches was better.
Everyone’s support has been so beautiful that I couldn’t ask for more, however I would like to request a small favor. Please send Eric birthday greetings to his e-mail address ericgospo@bellsouth.net
Maybe that will help ease his pain about mommy not being with him.
He’s turning 7 so please keep in mind that mommy is “sick”, I never mentioned words like tumor or cancer. He knows that a “little ball” the size of a ping pong will be removed from the back of her head.
Once again I can’t stop thanking everyone for the incredible support and out pour of affection for Ana and my family. The offerings of help, prayers and pure hearted concern are amazing.
Thank you so much for making us feel that our family is actually a lot larger than we knew.
Sincerely
Victor
Sunday, November 30, 2008
Ana Update 001 / November 30th 2008 (English)
I needed to start this mailing list because it’s humanly impossible for me to answer all the e-mails we’re getting. I read and cherish each one, but I have so many things to do that this is the only way I can respond to all.
I’m simply overwhelmed with the e-mails, text messages, phone calls and personal visits we are receiving since this ordeal started. 3 days ago we had no suspicion of anything remotely similar to a dangerous illness.
The news from the MRI is not good. Ana has 2 brain tumors, a tumor in her right breast, a spot on her liver and a spot on her spine in the lumbar region.
This is such a shock.
Today I’m meeting with the oncologists to get a more detailed explanation of what we are up against. I know further testing will be done to determine the exact therapy that needs to be followed.
As soon as I know something or have any updates I will post them here for all of you.
You have no idea how much it means to me all the love you have expressed for my family, the incredible positive energy I have received has been a real blessing in this difficult battle that we are starting. Some people need to be alone in times of trouble; I do better when I’m in touch with people. That’s my personality.
We have a huge battle with a monstrous enemy in front of us.
Great battles prize the brave with great victories. Ana is as brave and stubborn as they come, and motivated by the love of all she will become even braver and stronger, so I know we will overcome and taste sweet victory at the end.
I know this because we received so much support from all of you already and I know it will continue to pour in.
Each message we receive, each phone call we get, each person that comes to visit at the hospital makes us feel that we have another soldier among our troops lining up to help us fight this monstrous enemy. The army of faith and love that we have on our side is becoming so powerful that it can only result in overwhelming victory.
Once again I’m so overwhelmed by the love and support we are getting that I feel that the words gratitude and thank you fall so short of what you’re making me feel right now. They almost sound like clichés, but what beautiful clichés.
Ana, our 3 children and I need all the prayers, good vibrations, positive energy, collective goodwill etc.. that we can get. So please continue to send it to us.
Thank you from the bottom of my heart.
Victor
I’m simply overwhelmed with the e-mails, text messages, phone calls and personal visits we are receiving since this ordeal started. 3 days ago we had no suspicion of anything remotely similar to a dangerous illness.
The news from the MRI is not good. Ana has 2 brain tumors, a tumor in her right breast, a spot on her liver and a spot on her spine in the lumbar region.
This is such a shock.
Today I’m meeting with the oncologists to get a more detailed explanation of what we are up against. I know further testing will be done to determine the exact therapy that needs to be followed.
As soon as I know something or have any updates I will post them here for all of you.
You have no idea how much it means to me all the love you have expressed for my family, the incredible positive energy I have received has been a real blessing in this difficult battle that we are starting. Some people need to be alone in times of trouble; I do better when I’m in touch with people. That’s my personality.
We have a huge battle with a monstrous enemy in front of us.
Great battles prize the brave with great victories. Ana is as brave and stubborn as they come, and motivated by the love of all she will become even braver and stronger, so I know we will overcome and taste sweet victory at the end.
I know this because we received so much support from all of you already and I know it will continue to pour in.
Each message we receive, each phone call we get, each person that comes to visit at the hospital makes us feel that we have another soldier among our troops lining up to help us fight this monstrous enemy. The army of faith and love that we have on our side is becoming so powerful that it can only result in overwhelming victory.
Once again I’m so overwhelmed by the love and support we are getting that I feel that the words gratitude and thank you fall so short of what you’re making me feel right now. They almost sound like clichés, but what beautiful clichés.
Ana, our 3 children and I need all the prayers, good vibrations, positive energy, collective goodwill etc.. that we can get. So please continue to send it to us.
Thank you from the bottom of my heart.
Victor
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