The Lastest News

I had an appointment with my oncologist last Monday and nothing unexpected came up. She confirmed that I would have no need for chemo or radiation treatment. I will be starting a drug treatment that will last five years to deal with the estrogen since they know that my cancer is hormonal based. I had blood work preformed to determine what stage of menopause that I am in, because this will determine which medication I will be put on. I should find out the results today and will begin taking the medication today or tomorrow. The side affects vary depending on which medication that I am put on.

I have felt strong enough and the pain is controlled enough that I have been able to do a bit of light house work now and then. Who knew that I would be happy about that. I am just so ready to get back into life that even housework makes me happy.

I'm still working on stretching those back, chest and arm muscles. I can now lift my arm a little above my shoulder and was actually able to shave my arm pit two days ago. (I know, too much information. I just need to celebrate the small victories!) I also need to work on posture. With the muscles so tight and sore, it's easy to curve your shoulder in and raise it higher than normal. I've asked people to remind me when they see me doing it...

The twelve inch incision on my back is healing nicely. The skin looks good and the swelling has gone down completely except for the top where the top of the muscle was severed. I still have a lot of swelling under my arm and chest and a bit of bruising. In one area the incision on my chest has not yet healed.

Friends and family have been so wonderful in keeping my spirits up. I have had some "blue" moments because I had expected to bounce back a little faster than I am. I don't know what I was thinking.

On a side note, my dad was admitted to the hospital a few days ago. They suspected some kind of blockage in his stomach. After running some tests, it was discovered that he has a growth in his stomach a little larger than the size of a large orange. We received the results of the biopsy today and it has malignant cells. At this point, they don't know if it has spread outside of the tumor. He is going to be moved to Vanderbelt hospital in TN and he will have surgery.

I hope that you all are doing well and am hungry for fellowship and news. If anyone has a moment I would love to hear from you...

Kathy

Feeling Truly Blessed

Dear friends and family,

Well, I finally feel like I'm beginning to recover. It's going a bit slower than I would like, but there seems to be an improvement each day now.

A lot of you already know this, but the pathology report came back and the cancer was completely contained in the ducts. So, I guess you could say, I'm cancer free. God has truly blessed me in this.

The surgery went well, and so has the beginning stages of the reconstruction. I probably won't know until I hit the 6 week mark what additional surgeries will be needed, but any others should only be out-patient basis. This leads me to believe that it won't be as difficult as this first surgery, so I'm hopeful that the worst is behind me.

I haven't met with my oncologist since the surgery, but I'm anticipating no need for any chemo. I will have to be on some kind of meds for 5 years that are a form of a chemo, but should be well tolerated when my body adjusts.

As of this writing, I haven't had to have any pain meds for a day and a half. Yey! Jim took me with him to eat lunch and run a couple of errands yesterday. It was so nice to get out, it was worth the pain and fatigue. When I got home, I had to sleep for an hour.

We have had friends and family really help us out by bringing meals by each day for two weeks. You cannot imagine what a blessing this has been.

The first week Jim had his hands full just trying to care for me. It was a full week before I could get in and out of bed by myself. He had to keep track of my pain meds, and drain tubes, help me shower, and dress. Such sweet independence when I was able to do these things myself. My husband has been another wonderful blessing.

My next scheduled doctor's appointment is the first week in March. At this time I am hopeful that I will be allowed to drive and lift my sweet little grandson. Also, Dr. Boustred is hoping to determine what other surgeries will be on the horizon. I know that I will have at least one more.

On a side note, Dr. Dickinson, Dr. Boustred, and PVH have been wonderful through this whole process. I couldn't have asked for a more supportive group of professionals.

Thank you all for your support, encouragement, and prayers through this whole process. You all have been a pillar of strength for me.

Kathy

Hey Friends,

Well, things are on schedule for Thursday the fourteenth at 7:30am. I finished all of the pre-0p stuff last week, purchased the things needed for after the surgery, and had some good quality time with family and friends over the weekend.

These next few days I'll be busy cleaning and writing lists for Jim. It seems like the time has flown by, but at the same time it's taking forever.

Every time I feel fearful and discouraged about the future, I am reminded of my husband, 6 children, grandson, and friends. I have been so blessed in my life and this fills me with a great determination to fight for that life.

Thank you all for your support, prayers, and concern. I will have someone update this blog after the surgery and I look forward to sharing with you all again on the other side.

A few people have asked to provide a meal. If you are one of those, my daughter in-law Elsa is setting up a schedule (Thank you so much Sweetie). Her phone number is: 970-691-4675

Kathy