ANA Discussion Forum
AN Community => AN Community => Topic started by: Kathy M on January 14, 2010, 04:34:59 pm
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This is Kathy's daughter Kristin, wow it has been too long! It has been a whole year since I've logged on and talked to you all. I wanted you to know how my mama's doing. She had her mastectomy at about noon today, took a while, but was not a very long wait thanks to my crazy family all gathered in the waiting room :)
The surgeon (not nearly as friendly as her AN surgeon, Dr. Tew) came out and we all huddled around him like we were a football team planning the next big play, hehe you could tell he was so uncomfortable! But he said everything was fine, the cancer had spread a little bit to a few of the lymph nodes in her arm, so they went ahead and took all of them out (under left arm only).
As of right now, she is in a great deal of pain, once the doctors can get it managed they will then transfer her to a hospital room and we will be able to see her.
What a long day, not to mention a terrifying one.
I apologize for my scattered thoughts and poor grammar, just exhausted!
It is very frustrating to know that we have to wait a week for the results to come back on what stage the cancer is/was in, and if it has spread more or not, I just can't believe after all of this money has been poured into research for this stuff that we don't know more about it than we do! Unreal to me...but the doc sounded pretty confident that they got it all, you never know!
I've been listening to "Happy" by Leona Lewis, and I think you all should listen to it, it means a lot to me and makes me cry every time. I find it very appropriate given the circumstances. I hope you find the words as moving as I do :)
In conclusion, you all mean the world to my mother, and for those of you that sent that package...my mama just cried and cried. We have been wearing our necklaces, in fact, I'm wearing both hers and mine right now, and she was wrapped up in her blanket this morning.
You all are part of our family and I am so lucky to have found you. Thank you for uplifting my mother in her time of need. I will try to keep you all updated, but I'm not sure if I'll be getting online too much. I'll do my best though :)
And although mama is a stranger on this road she is NOT a victim!! She is a fighter, just like all of you :)
Love ALWAYS,
Kristin M
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Kristin ~
Thank you so much for taking the time in a very long, exhausting day to post an update on your mother's cancer surgery. I hope she'll be out of the pain very soon.
I agree that with the many billions of dollars poured into breast cancer research, it's frustrating to learn that it takes days to find out if the operation was totally successful (all of the cancer cells excised). However, I'm sure the time will go fast as you help your mother recover from this surgery.
Thank you for your very kind words and of course, please let your mother know that we're collectively and individually thinking of, rooting for and certainly praying for her (and the family).
I'm confident your mom will beat this and with all of us on her side, the odds are very much in her favor! :)
Now, try to rest and take care of yourself so you can be there for your mother.
Jim
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Kristen,
Thank you so very much for taking the time to notify us of your mom's surgery today my prayers will be with all of you and I cannot imagine having to wait the week out but it will be here before you know it and I am sure the news will be a good one.
Best Wishes,
Pat
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Kristen,
Thank you so much for updating us on your mom's condition. I'm sure this has been a really tough day for everyone in your family and pray that you are all holding up okay. I'm glad to hear the doc thinks he got everything but feel and share your frustration of still no knowing what stage the cancer has reached. For now, just take good care of each other and send your mom my good wishes and love. You are all in my thoughts and prayers.
Wendy
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Somehow I missed a lot of this, aka that this was happening. I knew it was a possibility but I guess I lost track. Thank you so much for the update, and we'll be praying! There's no rest for the weary sometimes, I know.
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Kristin~
I have been praying for you guys all day and been how things were going. I'm sorry that she is in such pain but I hope that they get that under control soon. Thank you so much for keeping us posted! Try & get some rest!
K
PS - Keep checking that mail! ;)
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Kristin,
Thanks so much for updating us. I've been trying to check all day to make sure I didn't miss anything.
I'm glad the surgery went well and is over! Now I hope she can heal from the whole past year.
Lots of hugs and prayers coming your way from all over the place. I hope you can get some rest.
You're an awesome daughter and I know how much your mom appreciates your being there for her.
Lori
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Kristin -
Kay, Lori, and I sent the package and I'm glad you and your mom are finding comfort in the things that were inside of it. I think each of us cried when we read the thank you that your mom sent us.
Your mom is a very special lady and you are a very special daughter. You are both going through so much right now - and let's not forget that your dad is too - but you have each other and you'll get through this.
I'm not familiar with "Happy" but I have heard of Leona Lewis. I'll make it a point to download it to my iPod from itunes.
Thank you for taking the time to update us so fast, I know it's been a very long, stressful day for you. And while we'll be thankful with any news you can send our way, we understand perfectly that you may not always have the time to update us.
You are right, your mom IS a fighter.
Best,
Jan
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Thanks so much for the update - hopefully, the docs will get that pain managed very quickly. Please give her our best and you be sure to take care also!
Cindy
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Hello Kristin,
How fortunate Kathy is to have you as a daughter! What a lovely girl you are and a very devoted, caring loving one to boot!
Thank-you for giving us an update so soon! We will keep you in our prayers along with your Mom and the rest of your family.
I hope and pray that the healing can begin and that you can go forward cancer-free the rest of your lives. Cherish each other, and be there for each other, that's the best anyone could ask for! Thank-you, how proud your folks must be!
Jackie in Oregon
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Hello Kristen,
Thank you so much for taking time to let us all know about Mom. I know it is a very trying time for you as will as your Mom but we are all there for you. You are such an inspiration as is your Mom. Please take care of yourself. My thoughts and prayers are with you, Mom and your family.
Lynn
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I am glad things went well during surgery. Thanks Kristin for taking your time with us. Give your mom our best. Hope the medication can ease the pain. You all are in our prayers, Alicia
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Kristin,
Your mom remains in my prayers, as well as your family. Thank you for updating us. I will be thinking of her.
Lyn
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Thanks for the update, Kristin.
I will keep you and your mom in my prayers for strength (emotional and pnysical ;)) during this time.
Hopefully your mom got a pain pump after surgery. If not, demand one!
No reason to have to go through the pain.
Take care, gentle hug to Kathy. ;)
Maureen
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Thank you for updating. I hope things get better day by day. I pray for good results soon.
Praying for your mom and your family -
Keri
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Hi Kristen.
Thanks for the update on your mom's surgery. We are all pulling for her. I hope that she is getting good pain meds and feels much better today. She is so lucky to have you there with her through this ordeal. Take care of yourself too - eat well and rest when you can. I'll drop some goodies by the front desk and have them bring them to you guys. If you need anything, your mom has my number.
Hugs,
Cyndi
PS - I loved the song!
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Kristen,
Thank you for the update.
Prayers all around for your mom and your family.
Sincerely,
Sue
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Hi, just hoping to hear some more news on how your mom is doing.
My prayers are with you,
Pat
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Kristin -
I put "Happy" on my iPod last night - beautiful song. I've been thinking a lot about your mom lately. Please give her my best.
Jan
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HI All,
I'm back making slow progress following surgery. Thank you all so much, as always,for your encouragement to my daughter and prayers for me and my family.
My visit with my surgeon was not good today - stage 3 cancer. 7.2 cm tumor (undetected by mammograms I've had for the past 20 years without fail). 11 of 23 lymph nodes indicate a malignancy. Next steps - heal from surgery for a few weeks and then meet with the oncologist for aggressive chemo, catscans, and radiation. He says it is beatable with aggressive treatment, so that is what we are gearing up for.
Now a question for the moderators here -
i want to be very respectful of others on this forum - the AN journey is stressful enough. I don't want to draw attention to other non-AN issues and cause even more stress for those seeking support here from such a caring group. I continue to draw strength from so many here, but understand if it is necessary to find another means to communicate with those of you who have supported me all along. Please let me know if talking about this in this forum needs to be done another way.
Love to all of you,
Kathy
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Kathy -
it's incredibly wonderful to hear from you ;D
I'm sorry the new isn't as good as you had hoped for, but as Kristin pointed out to us - and I wholeheartedly agree - you are a fighter and you will get past this.
I see that your email address is in your profile, so if the moderators recommend an alternative means of communications I will just email you :) My email address is in my profile, so please don't hesitate to email me.
Hang in there and know you are in my prayers and thoughts.
Best :-*
Jan
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Kathy,
I don't think updates on your situation cause stress for other AN patients; it is pretty clearly unrelated to ANs. I am going to move this topic to AN Community, so it is clear that is not AN related, and because it is about having this community support you during this episode. I know many of us will want to hear from you and how you are doing, and will want a chance to wish you well. PMs and email are always available for more personal exchanges.
Welcome back, and please do lean us. That is why we are here.
Steve
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Kathy~
I am so glad to hear from you - I have been wondering a LOT and then they asked about your progress in Bible class yesterday - I told them I hadn't heard but to just PRAY anyway! Gotch covered there, babe! I'm sorry the news was not as good as you had hoped. It is a bit discouraging in this day & age to think you have done everything you can to detect this early on and then BAM!...this kind of news. I will just pray even harder! I know you WILL beat this. We are DEFINITELY here for you and your family.
Love and Hugs,
K ;D
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Kathy,
I was happy to see a post from you but shocked to hear your news. You will be in our thoughts and prayers as you head into your chemo and radiation treatments. It is good to read that your doctor says an aggressive treatment plan can beat this cancer. Please keep us posted when you have some time and the energy. My mom has shared your story with her prayer group and they are pulling for you too! Tell Kristen and your hubby that if they need to vent we'll gladly listen. Hugs to you all from Westerville.
Your ANA cyber friend,
Cyndi
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Kathy, I am sorry to hear of your news and have been thinking of you. We do want to hear how you are doing. This could be any one of us. Even men as they can get breast cancer too. It is good of what can be done in this day and age and know several survivors. We wish we could make this easier for you and your family.
I wish you well and many are thinking of you and hope for the best! Cheryl R
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Kathy,
I just saw the update... and one thing I do know... you are one heck of a fighter! I think you know the thoughts and healing hugglez are sooooo in reserve for you and you KNOW I'm cheering you on! We're here to help cheer you on during this battle but just remember.... the war CAN be won and you have all of us on your side to help achieve it.
Hang tough, m'dear! "day by day, inch by inch..." and you have this motley crew cheering you on.
Thoughts and hugglez,
Phyl
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Kathy,
I'm very happy to hear from you as well, and very sorry to hear things are not better, but as Kristin said, you are a fighter and will get through this. You are part of our family too, and we will continue to pray for you and support you however we can. Please do lean on us and keep us updated when you feel up to it. We are here for you.
Wendy
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Kathy,
I am so sorry to hear about the findings but you are and will be a fighter and I am sure the agressive treatments are going to get rid of this. I cannot imagine in this day and age that it was not found sooner or even a cure. I heard something briefly on the television yesterday it was a commercial about something new pertaining breast cancer, I did not hear it all if it was something on the late news but there is a new development? If someone in your family can check and see what it was or I can try to research it today I am not very good with this computer research thing.... You are still an AN and hopefully can still remain on this site one diagnosis is different then the other and I am sure the AN's can see that and if not I hope I can still e-mail you I would like to be there if you need to vent.
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family,
Pat
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Be strong, Kathy, and you will be a postie again and start your life anew.
One of the motley crew cheering you on . . .
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Hi Kristin,
I am so sorry to hear about Kathy. I missed the posts. I am glad her surgery is over. I will keep her in my prayers for a good recovery. Sending all my best to you both from Canada.
Vivian
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We're here to help cheer you on during this battle but just remember.... the war CAN be won and you have all of us on your side to help achieve it.
Kathy,
You certainly do have all of us behind you. We send you our prayers and we'll be thinking of you as you fight this battle. We truly believe you can win this. :-*
Scarlett & Rich
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Hi Kathy, this is indeed beatable! My aunt was diagnosed with Stage IV and is still going strong more than five years later.
You'll be in my thoughts and prayers. Take care.
Sara
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A motley crew is a good thing, right? ???
Kathy,
I'm glad you're back but not glad about the findings. But I think we've determined the fact that you are one tough lady - and for the times you might not feel like being tough, we'll support you any way we can.
I hope the recovery from the surgery is going well and you can get your strength back and win this war.
Hugs and prayers and well wishes and all other good things to you, my beautiful forum friend.
Lori
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Ditto on everything. You can do this. I guess the AN was a trial run...
You know you have support,
You know you are strong,
You know you can endure!
Take it slow. Remember to take a deep breath now and again, ;) Alicia
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HI All,
I'm back making slow progress following surgery. Thank you all so much, as always,for your encouragement to my daughter and prayers for me and my family.
My visit with my surgeon was not good today - stage 3 cancer. 7.2 cm tumor (undetected by mammograms I've had for the past 20 years without fail). 11 of 23 lymph nodes indicate a malignancy. Next steps - heal from surgery for a few weeks and then meet with the oncologist for aggressive chemo, catscans, and radiation. He says it is beatable with aggressive treatment, so that is what we are gearing up for.
Now a question for the moderators here -
i want to be very respectful of others on this forum - the AN journey is stressful enough. I don't want to draw attention to other non-AN issues and cause even more stress for those seeking support here from such a caring group. I continue to draw strength from so many here, but understand if it is necessary to find another means to communicate with those of you who have supported me all along. Please let me know if talking about this in this forum needs to be done another way.
Kathy ~
My fellow moderator, Steve, answered your question and I commend you for your sensitivity in thinking to even ask it.
Like you and everyone who has posted before me, I was dismayed to learn of the cancer diagnosis but I'm confident that you'll beat it. It won't be quick, it sure won't be easy and it won't be much fun at all, but you'll be in the prayers of many and I believe you'll ultimately be victorious. We're proud to be here to support you, Kathy.
Jim
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I am sending you lots and lots of hugs and prayers. I know you have the fight of you life ahead of you, but don't forget that you have the collective prayers and energy from everyone on this board. And that's gotta help!
Make sure you are eating and getting as much rest as possible.
hugs,
Debbi
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Thinking of you and wishing you well from me, also. Thank God for modern medicine, is all I can say. My mother had this back in about 1956, and her outlook was indeed grim because all she had was surgical and beastly radiation which, at that time, was not kind. What your medical team has to work with now is indeed miraculous and I know that you are going to be okay. And we will award you the gold medal for all those hurdles you have cleared this last year. You deserve it!
Sue in Vancouver, USA
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Kathy,
Cheering you on along with everyone else. You can beat this thing! I will keep you and your family in prayer for an uncomplicated treatment.
Hang in there, one day at a time,
Maureen
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You all are just the bees knees! Thanks,Steve, for your quick response. I am so glad that this adventure of mine can remain on this discussion /forum. I was holding my breath because I can't imagine my life without you in it here in the AN club. Love to and we will keep you posted. My primary job now is to heal from my 2 January surgeries and get ready for treatment.
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Kathy, my sweet, we wouldn't dream of cutting you loose! We want to be with you as you soldier on through what lies ahead. Count us in for the long haul, and make sure you keep us posted. My prayers are going up daily for you.
Priscilla
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Kathy, you can beat this, and we are all with you all the way! Please do keep us updated as you can.
Many hugs,
Cindy
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Kathy,
Hang in there!! Lots of healing hugs and kisses.
Anne Marie
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i surely agree with everyone. we WANT to know how you are and what's going on. we want to pray for you and be there for you.
keri
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Kathy, sorry I'm late to this. Certainly not what you wanted to hear, but you've already shown you can overcome tough circumstances. Sounds like your doctors have a good plan of attack. Keep us updated when you feel like it. We are all pulling and praying hard for you.
Patrick
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Hi, Kathy,
Just checking in to see how you are doing my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Best Wishes,
Pat
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I'm hanging in there. The sutures were removed from my head this week and so far so good. I have reached the halfway point for the iv antibiotics - yay!!! I asked the infectious disease specialist if there is a test he can run to see if the staph bug has been zapped for good and he said the only way we will know is if it doesn't come back!! The bloodwork has not shown infection for weeks and that is how it usually looks, even when it has still been lurking about - so my family will be looking at my head frequently to see if there are any signs. When I start chemo in February and lose my hair, it will be really easy to monitor my incision!!! There's gotta be some positives, somewhere, right?
As for the breast cancer, 1 of 3 drain plugs have been removed. I was hopiing to have another one removed this week, but the surgeon looked at the incision and was not happy with a bit of fluiid that had built up on a small spot, so he left them both in place. I was not happy with that, because they really hurt. He says the incision concern has nothing to do with the staph infection and expects it to be fine by next week, so I'm not panicking. I'm looking forward to my oncologist appt on Feb 11, so we can find out exactly what the treatment plan is, but in the meantime, I'm just trying to keep my mind occupied on other things and heal.
I've had lots of cards and visits from so many folks and it has really helped. Steve is returning to work next week, and I'll be so glad he can get back into a portion of his normal routine. But, he'll have to wake me up at 6:30 before he leaves to change over the iv bag and drain the wonderful plugs in my side - that will disupt my new routine of sleeping in til 9:30, but it's a small price to pay for all he has done (and doing) for me!!! He works close to home, so if I need him for anything, he can be home in a flash. I'm going to try not to research stuff online in my alone hours at home - the last time I did that, I was a mess at the end of the day. So, I'm rounding up good books and movies to fill my days while he is at work.
That's the scoop as of today! Take good care, all!!!
Kathy
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So happy to hear from you, you are such an inspiration to us all an amazing woman I cannot ever imagine what you are going through in your writings you would never know taking the time to write to us with all that you are going through..... That is true sometimes with too much information it is too stressing you just have to remember everyone is different and it can be too overwhelming with so many different opinions and options to have to choose from. But in the end I feel it my heart you will make the right choice and will overcome this. I am not sure if I asked you this before but is there anyway you can have homecare it might be too late now because your husband is doing it so they may feel that there is no reason to have a nurse come in for the IV, but maybe at least see if an aide can assist you for a couple of hours a day..
My prayers and thoughts will be with you next month.
Best Wishes,
Pat
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Kathy~
So great to hear from you! Glad you are halfway thru the antibiotics!! I have been wondering how you are doing and have been praying for you daily, as has our Bible class!
Continued strength and prayers!
K ;D
PS - Have you received a package from Texas? ???
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Hey Kathy ~ Good to hear from you. The days will be different now that your hubby is going back to work. I remember mine going back to work after 3 weeks of taking care of me...I felt like a teenager again...waiting for him to call, thinking the minutes seemed like hours until I talked with him! One day - he never called - I was heartbroken. Then, after a week or so I remembered I really had been married for 16 years and it was ok ;)
I hope you can enjoy the books and movies! You definitely need Netflix now!
Maybe we should start you a "Best Movie Ever" list. Ok maybe not best movie ever, cuz it depends on where the advice is coming from ;),
how about "Pretty Darn Good Movie List" or "Definitely Worth Your While List"
Since I am in the kid movie part of my life right now, I will start with ones an adult will find funny
Night of the Museum 1 & 2
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Hi Kathy,
Always nice to hear from you. Below is a link to a YouTube video you should watch. It shows the staff of Providence St. Vincent Hospital in Portland, OR, donning pink gloves and dancing in the hallways, to raise awareness of breast cancer. DHM and I were hoping to include the link in an upcoming Notes article on the Portland ANA group, but it did not make the final cut. The woman who founded our group in 1993, Barbara Belknap, worked at St. Vincent for many years, and I know she would have been dancing too if she had been there.
The video is called Pink Glove Dance, and has had over 6 million views:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OEdVfyt-mLw
I hope you find it as cheerful as I did, and that it gives you a little bit of hope - you will be needing some of that in the days ahead.
Steve
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LOVED THIS VIDEO - am sending it out right now! Especially loved the older gentleman with the dust mop!! ;D
K ;D
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Hi, Kathy ~
Thanks for the informative update. I'm pleased to learn that the antibiotics are proving to be efficacious and the staph bug is being vanquished, at last.
The weeks to come will be somewhat of a challenge and routines will be altered but with your husband being so supportive and friends rooting for you, I believe you'll emerge victorious in your fight to beat back the cancer and you'll do so with your usual dignity and resoluteness of purpose. Many people will continue to have you in their thoughts and prayers in the weeks and months to come. I'm one of them. :)
Jim
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So good to hear from you, Kathy! :)
Glad to hear the healing is on track and I hope your upcoming appointment goes well.
I'm also in a kid movie part of my life (I feel like I've been there forever!), but if you haven't seen "Up", it's really good. So is "Bolt". And if you're into Food Network, the show "The world's worst cook" is one of my new favorites. It's on Sunday nights. Those people make me look like a world-class gourmet! :D
Remember we're all thinking of you and praying for you!
Lori
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Kathy! :) MAJOR healing hugglez to you! Thanks for keeping us updated... and you KNOW the wellness wishes continue your way. "Day by day, inch by inch....."..... hang in there!
Phyl
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I like the movie list idea. Since laughter is proven to aid in healing, some of my favorite all-time comedies are Tootsie, The Three Amigos and The Princess Bride.
My mother-iin-law would vote for My Cousin Vinnie.
My husband recommends Mars Attacks and Starship Troopers.
As I think of others I will post them, and you can also check out the AFI Top 100 comedies at http://www.afi.com/tvevents/100years/laughs.aspx
Happy thoughts headed your way,
Sara
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Kathy -
great to see you back posting. We've missed you and I know I speak for many when I say we've been thinking of you - alot.
I didn't see Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs, but my younger brother (almost 46) saw it and loved it. I think it's out on DVD now.
My favorite kid movie is Curly Sue. I just LOVE that movie ;D
I'm also partial to Uncle Buck, Big Fat Liar, and Mrs. Doubtfire.
Prayers and lots of healing laughter,
Jan
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Hi Kathy,
Thank you for keeping us up to date. I hope the healing goes well as you wait for your appointment.
We're pulling for you and praying for you.
Keri
fave funny movies - Blazing Saddles, Airplane, British comedy - Monty Pythons Holy Grail
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Kathy,
Thanks for updating us. I'm happy to hear you're halfway through your IV antibiotics and hope they do the trick for you once and for all. It sounds like everything else is about as well as can be expected exceptfor the drains. I hope they are removed soon too. It is great to hear you sounding so upbeat in spite of all you have and are going through. You are one strong lady. Please continue to update us when you can - we are pulling for you.
Wendy
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Good morning,
Hope you have an Okay kind of day, Kathy.
I think of you LOTS and pray for a steady journey for you. :)
Maureen
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Hi Kathy-
Glad to read your update. Hoping that things continue to heal and NO infections!
If you haven't seen "Julie and Julia" I recommend it - it is just a great story, lots of fun. And, you don't have to be a Julia Childs fan to enjoy it. I also agree with the suggestion of "Up" - what a great movie! And, in the categories of oldies but goodies - I just love "Pretty Woman" with Julia Roberts - I bet I've seen it 10 times, at least.
Sending you lots of hugs and prayers.
Debbi
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Anyone ever see Secondhand Lions? I love that movie!
Priscilla
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Hi Kathy,
I've been thinking about you a lot, too, over these past few weeks. I think, wow...that lady has a lot on her plate! You are an inspiration, that's for sure. And Steve, that video is great! Good job, St. Vincent's!
Loved Secondhand Lions. Cute movie. I think I'd just watch all the Pixar movies!! Can't get depressed watching those. :)
Sue in Vancouver, USA
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Hi Kathy,
Just checking in to see how you are and also saw the video posted. I've seen this before on YouTube and thought it would be a great spirit lifter for someone with breast cancer. I hope it made you laugh. Sending wishes for more good days than bad.
Steve -- Great video!
Best wishes,
Wendy
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Hi All!
I loved the video, Steve...thanks so much for sharing it!!! Laughter is the best medicine....and awareness is the best prevention - the video hits them both.
I love the movie list - my daughter and I just loved "Up"!!! We watched it twice the first day she brought it home! I can see Pretty Woman any day of the week. I enjoyed Night at the Museum but haven't seen the 2nd one yet.... One of my all time favorite movies is Planes, Trains, and Automobiles. It makes me laugh out loud every time I see it.
BTW - I made an appointment with a wig fitting for next Thursday. I told my husband he has til then to let me know if he has any special requests!!! And get this - many insurance companies pay for it. I will be checking to see if mine covers "cranial hair prosthesis". I will be really glad if they pay, don't get me wrong, but seriously - why is there such a difficult time with insurance companies paying for hearing devices? The insanity of our health care system is just something else.
I am really beginning to feel better after the two surgeries. My stamina is better every day, got another drain tube removed today (was hoping for both of them, but at least he chose the ouchiest to remove!), and my oncologist appt is now just a week away so we are soon to get this show on the road. A local breast cancer survivor and champion for bc awareness called me this week and we are going to lunch on Friday - I am really looking forward to seeing her and talking to her about her experience. I have yet to find an online support group like this one (not surprising that this group stands out above all others....let me tell ya!), so I am hoping that I find a great connection with her.
Keep the movie suggestions comin'!
Kathy
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Kathy,
You sound great - if you can tell how someone actually sounds from a post, that is. ???
I'm glad you have a "buddy" to help answer some of the many questions you must have and I'm sure she'll be a great source of support and friendship for you. Well, maybe not as great as us, but..... ;)
I love Planes, Trains and Automobiles too. "Those aren't pillows!". :D
Up was great - Dug, the dog is exactly like my dog, Jenni. If you need her for some company, let me know and I'll send her your way! My favorite movie has to be Hot Shots. I can watch that a million times and still laugh hysterically every time. And Airplane. I know, I just love the mindless humor.
Anyway, it's great to hear that you're healing well and ready to tackle this next part of your journey!
Lori
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Hello Kathy,
Funny how when I read your posts you really boost me!!! I love your positive attitude! How very refreshing and uplifting, after all you have been through!
Good for you! I can see you are really Blessed! Kathy, everyone has suggested really clean funny movies and I can't help but suggest "There's Something about Mary" with Cameron Diaz. It's a bit naughty, but we are all grown-ups right??? I found it soooooooooooooo funny, I really belly laughed! Again, I have to say for mature audiences only! I wish you the best of health and strong full recovery and that the time passes quickly for treatment so you can get on with living!!!
Blessing to you and your family.
Jackie in Oregon............. P.S. I always wondered what it would be like to be a blonde, maybe a blonde wig would be fun!!!
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Oh...don't get me wrong gang - Jackie- you're right, I did not mean for all the movies to be wholesome and full of knowledge ;D
Here's our stupid humor ones - sorry if this changes how you all feel about me :o
The Hangover and Old School
So glad to hear your good spirits Kathy. Hope you continue to find beauty in your days! The wig thing is intriguing ;)
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Couples Retreat is just being released in DVD. Make sure hubby watches with you. Have a box of kleenex and some Depends, you both will need them. ;D
Anne Marie
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need Depends??!!
alicia, you're funny... i wasn wondering how people would think about me when i said my faves were blazing saddles and airplane. i want to see hangover.
Kathy - so good to hear from you. You do have a wonderful attitude. I hope and pray you can find some support but keep coming back to us!
keri
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For movies I thought Ricky Gervais in Ghost Town was very funny for some reason. Saw The Hangover with my son. Not really my kind of movie, but it had it's moments. Bradley Cooper is adorable. Depending on your sense of humor, there is Little Miss Sunshine and The Sunshine Cleaning Company. Highly recommend The Parrots of Telegraph Hill. If you have netflix or one of those, you can get it through them. It's actually a documentary type film about the wild parrots that live in San Francisco. It sounds boring, but it has 5 stars and great reviews. Try it, you'll like it. Another great documentary is The Weeping Camel. Did ya see District 9? Surprisingly fairly good quality Sci-Fi. A bit of the "ick factor" and the obligatory blow the town to smithereens scene, but overall, fairly satisfying, if you like that kind of thing. If you can get over the fact that Matthew Perry and Zack Efron look nothing alike, the movie 17 Again is actually a pretty nice little move. And you can always re-visit Big with Tom Hanks. And one more absolutely darling move it try to get through Netflix is a sweet British movie, Millions. The kids in that movie are so cute you want to just take them home. You might have to turn on the subtitles to English to catch all the conversation, but it's a sweet movie.
What can I say, I love entertainment.
Hang in there kiddo!!
Sue in Vancouver USA
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Hi, Kathy ~
I was pleased to read that you're felling stronger, are down to one last drain and moving toward starting your cancer treatment. I have no advice about wigs and I won't recommend movies because you have lots of good recommendations already. However, I like old movies i.e. 'Casablanca', 'Harvey' anything directed by Alfred Hitchcock and some 70's and later films, too. However, I don't have little kids to entertain so I'm not current with some of the newer movies, although I did love 'Cars' (2006). I'm sure you'll make choices that are right for you and your family.
I'm pleased you've found someone to help support you as you go into battle with your enemy (cancer) and of course, I wish you nothing but victory and better days.
Jim
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Yes Keri,
Kleenex to wipe the tears from laughing so much and the Depends because you just might pee your pants!
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Hi Kathy,
Thanks for the update. You are a courageous woman going through all this. Keep it up, chin up. :) :) :) :)
My funny movie recommendation:
RAT RACE- the new one, not the old one. Love it every time.
And of course the Jim Carey movies, especially LIAR LIAR and BRUCE ALMIGHTY......
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Hi, Kathy I just wanted to see how you are doing and to let you know I was talking to a friend last night and a relative of hers HAD stage 4 breast cancer and it has been 5 years and she is doing good.
My prayers and thoughts are with you,
Pat
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You guys have given me great titles!! I just got Netflix so I'm gonna build a new queue for movies!!! Some of them I've seen and forgotten about, like "something about Mary"!!! I remember laughing out loud with that one, too!!!!
DonnaLynn, thanks for sleuthing out things for me!!!
I'll check in next week, once I meet with the physical therapist and oncologist. Then we should be able to get this show on the road!!!
Love to all of you!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Kathy
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Kathy -
you sound very upbeat and I am happy about that ;D
I'm hot and cold on Will Ferrell, but I loved Blades of Glory and Talladega Nights. Elf was very amusing also.
And I'd totally forgotten about Something about Mary until someone mentioned it. I thought it was a hoot! :D
If you can take Adam Sandler, his Best of SNL will have you falling on the floor laughing - especially the Hanukkah song.
Jan
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And how about "Arthur" with Dudley Moore - one of my all time faves. Jim, totally agree w/you about Casablanca - add Dr. Zhivago to that list, too.
Kathy, don't you love Netflix? A friend gave me a 3-month subscription when I had my An removed and I've been hooked every since. We even got a blu-ray just so we could download streaming movies (which are totally free w/your Netflix subscription!) We just watched Mr. Holland's Opus (another favorite) this weekend on streaming. Hope you continue to heal and feel better.
BTW, a good friend did get her insurance to pay for two wigs when she was having chemo, so keep after them on that.
Debbi
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The Truth About Cats & Dogs and Young Frankenstein are two more favorites.
I did not know you could stream movies with NetFlix. My husband just got a Blu-ray player; that's good to know.
One of my friends got a wig when she was undergoing breast cancer treatment, but she only wore it to church. She thought it was too hot. But another woman I know had two wigs in styles extremely different from her regular hair - one long and red and the other dark and spiky. I think she enjoyed the reactions she got.
Sara
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HI All!
Well, last Thursday was a very long but cloud-lifting day for us. We had 4 appts so we were in Columbus for a long time and it started with a wig fitting. The first step is looking thru catalogs to find the style that you want, then select the hair color. I picked out several styles that are close to how I used to wear my hair (pre AN surgeries), but of course, none of them come in my color which is black with some gray starting to come in. The boutique carries many in stock and luckily, most of mine were there to try on, but none of my picks had a hair color remotely close to what will be needed for me. So, the first wig came out of the box....My daughter and I had the biggest laugh when this very nice woman put it on my head! She flopped a mass of white hair on my head and before she tossled it to get it into the style it was intended, I looked like Martha Washington!! That was a great start to the day. We finally ended up selecting 3 possibles, so we go back next week to narrow it down - she was kind enough to order them in the hair color I wanted so we can better tell what I should get.
Physical therapy was next and I now know what exercises to do to regain full motion in my arm while minimizing a start of lymphedema. I can start the exercises tomorrow and I can't wait!
3rd appt was fabulous - got the last of the 3 drain tubes removed!! Yay!!!
Last but not least was my first visit to the oncologist - we were with her and her nurse practioner for 2 hours, and I loved them both. My husband and daughter were there with me, too, so we all heard about the journey ahead. Here's the plan:
Chemo begins on March 4. I will have infusions every 2 weeks. The first 2 months will be a combo of drugs that does have the nausea/vomiting potential side effect (and hair loss), but with anti nausea drugs, they said I should do just fine. (fingers crossed...I hate to puke!) Hair loss will be within the first 2 weeks, so the length of anticipation time will be small. My neighbor across the street is a barber and is ready to lend a hand when I say the word (he knows the drill because his wife is battling ovarian and uterine cancer). The last two months of chemo will be a different drug that does not cause nausea/vomiting - and it is possible that hair can start to come back during this time. I will have to give myself injections every 2 weeks throughout treatment that will spur the development of new white blood cells.
Only about 3% of their patients have to delay the frequency of treatments due to side effects, so that's a pretty good track record.
Then, once chemo is over, I'll start radiation. I didn't ask how many treatments - I figured I would cross that boat when we get a bit closer.
Because of the advanced stage and lymph node involvement, there is a higher risk that the cancer is elsewhere, too. But, it's not a guarantee. And, if it is, the treatment plan will be exactly the same because is tailored for my specific type of cancer...lobular breast cancer, estrogen/progesterone receptor positive. If, later, we find that the cancer has spread, we'll cross that road and deal with it accordingly. I am having an adominable catscan due to some current symptoms that are concerning to me, but the oncologist says it does not sound like cancer at all. (fingers crossed, please!!!) I asked about a PET scan (full body catscan that can detect the presence of cancer anywhere and very expensive), but the oncologist reiterated that no matter what the results, the treatment will be the same...and if down the road, I have symptoms that lead us that direction, we'll deal with it then. Her opinion is that if we deal with what we know for certain in an aggressive and targeted manner, that is best. It could very well be that if there is cancer elsewhere when we begin, it will be dealt with also during the original treatment plan. And, as I already knew, she told me that if cancer is elsewhere, I have stage 4 cancer, which is incurable...and I will live with cancer, dealing with what I can to maintain a high quality of life for as long as I can. If it is not anywhere else, it can be cured. I really like the latter, don't you?!
We all really like this oncology team and feel we are in very capable hands. After we left her office at 7:00pm that evening, we were tired, a bit giddy, and felt like an enormous cloud had been lifted. Having a plan of attack is very calming...as all of us in the AN world know very well!!!
Oh, and speaking of the AN...the staph infection seems to be disappearing. The healing incision has never looked better and I have 2 1/2 weeks left of IV antibiotics. The end date for them is 3/3 - one day before chemo begins. They will give my 1st chemo treatment through this line and then it will removed for good afterward. Before my next chemo treatment, my surgeon will put in a port that will be under the skin and much easier to deal with.
So, (for anyone who is still reading this very long post!!!), all is in order. I'm in good spirits, I have a few weeks to get my house in order (literally and figuratively), and to get my library of movies ready!! Once again, I have surrounded myself with a great team of medical professionals, and I have the best of the best support team at home and in cyberspace...thanks to all of you!!!!
I'll keep you all posted, as always, and thank you for your prayers, laughs, and kind words for me and my family.
Kathy
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Kathy ~
Thanks for that comprehensive update that is much appreciated. I'm so pleased to learn that you have a solid plan of action in place with a team of medical professionals that you feel confident and comfortable about as you begin this new medical adventure. The chemo protocol sounds very precise and I trust the anti-nausea drugs will be effective for you (I hate to puke, too). You're right to not get too involved with the details of the radiation until you're a lot closer to that happening. I have no comment about the wigs as that is foreign territory to me but I assume you'll get the ones you want in the right color and that, when the time comes, you'll wear them well. :)
Of course there are no guarantees about the possible spread of the cancer but I feel confident that the prayers of so many people going up for you will bring you victory in this medical battle. Your indicated high spirits are downright inspiring. As you noted, you have a solid team of medical pros, family support and of course, a multitude of online friends all rooting for you. You can't lose! I wish you nothing but success and better days as you prepare to commence your treatment.
Jim
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Kathy,
I just read your update - thank you for keeping us posted.
As Jim said - you have a solid plan in place - now go for it!
[Go for the gold!]
You inspire me every time i read your posts - such a positive attitude thru all these medical situations - WOW! ;D
It is as they say - every day is a gift.
My continued thoughts and prayers to you, your husband, your daughter and extended family.
Sincerely,
Sue
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Kathy, thanks for the update. Jim said it all very eloquently (as usual). Please know that all your AN friends are still pulling and praying for you.
Patrick
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Kathy~
So great to hear from you - thank you so much for the update. I was praying for you this morning and wondering how things were going. Sounds like you have a road ahead of you (which we knew) but your spirit and attitude are going to carry you far - you truly are an inspiration to many!
Love ya, girl!!
K ;D
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Hi Kathy,
I for one am voting for
A) it is not anywhere else and can be cured;
B) you are in the 97% who don't have too much trouble with chemo side effects; and
C) we get to see a picture of you in the white hair wig. :)
You sound good, I am glad to hear that the infection business is coming to a long awaited end. Your oncology team sounds excellent, I think you are justified in feeling confident that you are on the right track. All the best to you as always.
Steve
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Kathy so happy to hear from you thank goodness the infection is much better and it sounds like you have a great team both professionally and personally and I wish you nothing but the best. I look forward to reading any updates you can as long as you are feeling up to it.
My prayers will be with you in every step of the way.
Best Wishes,
Pat
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We're beside you, We're with you, we carry you. We pray and we remain....
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Hi Kathy,
As always, you my dear lady, are an inspiration and a calming force in this ever changing world of ours!Thank-you for keeping us up to date on your treatments and your progress! May your results be astounding and may you soon be cancer-free! Sending you and your family much love and prayers and great strength and power to see you through this journey.
All my best, and many Blessings,
Jackie from Oregon (Donnalynn's Sista)
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Always good to hear from you Kathy!
You sound like you are geared up and ready! Your huge cheering section is too!
I'm so glad you found doctors that are a good fit. That's probably a big relief to you.
Keep up that great attitude and fighting spirit. You have so many people in your corner.
I do have to ask though, what's wrong with looking like Martha Washington? I'll bet George thought she was pretty hot! :D
Looking forward to hearing from you again!
Lori
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Kathy .....
So glad to read the positive news on your progress and treatment plan. Prayers do work!
Stay warm and safe in all this snow!
Clarice
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Kathy, I am always glad to hear your updates and glad it is going as well as can be. You are in so many people thoughts and prayers and we hope for the best for you!
Cheryl R
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Kathy,
I continue to lift you up in prayer every day for strength and peace.. It sounds like you are ready and have a good medical team to support you.
I'm with Steve....the white wig just begs for a photo opportunity!
Love,
Priscilla
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Hi Kathy,
Sorry I haven't been around to wish you well lately but you have been very much on my mind. Personal issues have been keeping me busy and away from the computer. I'm glad to find you in good spirits and obviously, good hands. If no one else has recommended it, 27 Dresses is hilarious. I've seen it quite a few times and it always makes me laugh.
You and your family continue to be in my prayers.
Best wishes,
Wendy
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Kathy,
thank you for the update of a very busy day. Keep up the good spirits. We are all cheering you on!
Maureen
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Kathy, so glad to see your update...and so glad to hear your sweet spirit about things! You are doing so great! Will be thinking of you this weekend as I am doing a 1/2 marathon to raise funds for Breast Cancer...
Many hugs heading your way,
Cindy
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Fingers crossed.
Hugs,
Nancy
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Thanks for the up-beat up date! You are one awesome lady. I have another movie to suggest in case you haven't seen it. Well, two. I loved Dan in Real Life with Steve Carell. And I just watched The Visitor, and I enjoyed it very much. I hoped the ending would be a bit different, but it was realistic, I guess. But it was a nice movie.
Hang in there, kiddo.
Sue in Vancouver, USA
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Hi All!
Well, here is update #578 (aren't you sick of reading about my long and winding road?!)...
After a bit of a scare, my 1st chemo is tomorrow, 3/4, as initally planned. Never thought I would say that I was excited for chemo, but I am thrilled that it is not going to be delayed!!! I am apprehensive, as expected, but hopefully, the side effects won't be as ugly as we all hear about. I have an arsenal of anti-nausea meds on my kitchen counter, prescribed by my oncologist, so at least I'm prepared!!!
I met with my infectious disease specialist on Friday, and the head incision (the AN gift that won't stop giving) was seeping and showing all-too-familiar signs of infection. He took a culture and there is no evidence of staph. But, given my history, he extended the IV meds for another 2 weeks. That will be a total of 10 weeks with this infernal fannie pack attached 24/7, but if it gets rid of this infection, it'll be worth it. He did find a colony of new bugs in the culture, but they could be there hangin' out because the IV meds change the skin flora (don't I sound medical!), and may not be a problem at all. Apparently, we are all hosts to lots of lil' borders and not all of them will cause trouble. So, we'll continue to monitor the wound (like I've ever been able to forget about it!), and if it continues to seep, then the doc will prescribe a different ORAL antibiotic to deal with the new tenants. They are not nearly the concern that the staph bugs were/are?. I also learned last week, that he has been treating me for osteomylitis (bone infection) all this time, too, just in case. None of tests I've had over the last 3 months have clearly shown I have one, but the symptoms sure did. So the 8 weeks of IV meds thus far have addressed both staph AND bone infections. I thought that was good news! I'll take any and all.
Now for the most important thing - thank you all for your prayers and words of comfort & support. They mean so much to me. I so appreciate Donnalynn for her post last week - I never feel worthy of asking for prayer from my friends & family, but I surely do appreciate them and know that they are being heard loud and clear. I love you all,
Kathy
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Kathy~
I know that you are ready to get on with this - with your wonderful attitude, I know you will come thru with flying colors! You & your family are still in my daily prayers and that of my Women's Bible Study Group!
Good Luck and Prayers Thursday...may you feel the sweet PEACE of Jesus as you start this next phase of the journey!
K ;)
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Kathy,
We will NEVER be sick of hearing updates, so please keep them coming!
I'm glad everything is on schedule and so glad you're geared up to win this war! I guess some AN advice is appropriate for chemo too - prepare for the worst but hope for the best!
We'll all be with you in spirit!
Lori
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Kathy,
That sounds like (mostly) good news! I'm glad to hear that there was no staph. I'm sure that chemo will be no fun, but I hope this is just one step closer to you being all well again. My prayers are with you!
Lyn
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Kathy-
You will be in my thoughts and prayers tomorrow. I am humbled by your courage and sense of humor.
Thoughts, prayers, hugs...
Debbi
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Kathy .....
Your optimistic spirit is an inspiration to all of us! We never tire of sharing the problems we may have ..... and you have had way more than your share!
Many thoughts and prayers continue to be said on your behalf ..... as well as your family, because they are so very closely involved in this with you!
Love, Clarice
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Hi, Kathy ~
Please be assured that when I offer my thanks for your updates, I mean it, and I think everyone that posts on your threads feels the same way.
I'm pleased to learn that the incision infection is apparently mild and becoming less of a threat and more just a continuing nuisance - one that will soon be conquered, I'm sure.
Your anticipation of the upcoming chemo therapy is understandable (let's get on with it) and your stockpiling of the nausea medications is prudent.
We pray for you as a friend facing a battle with a disease that presents a definite struggle but that can be overcome. God answers prayer and although not every prayer is always answered exactly as we might expect (or want), they are heard. I'm a humble recipient of many prayers that were offered for me during my surgery and radiation procedures. Both my doctor (I have no idea what his religious beliefs are) and I attribute my very successful outcome from both procedures to divine intervention - and I have no hesitancy in doing so. To be sure, excellent physicians and a positive attitude help, and you have both so I think you'll be O.K. :)
Jim
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Hello Kathy,
I'm so glad you keep us updated as well. It's an honor that you share with us. I echo what so man others have said - you're an inspiration to us all. I pray for you.
Keri
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Well, here is update #578 (aren't you sick of reading about my long and winding road?!)...
No, NEVER my dear! You are an amazing courageous woman. I'm soo glad that you can start chemo and glad that YOU are excited about starting chemo! See-good thing you had that AN and infection ??? Good prep work.
Thinking about you daily, really I am. So much at one time. Hang tough like you are doing :)
Maureen
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Kathy,
Keep the updates coming! That way we can keep our prayers specific to the need. My heart goes out to you having to deal with that infernal, danged IV! I only had to deal with it 3 weeks and it felt like an eternity. Make sure you are eating lots of yogurt to help your system deal w/the antibiotics. They did a number on mine!
Priscilla
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Kathy -
I'm with the rest of the crowd. No updates are too many. I'm certain that I'm part of the majority that thinks of you often and keeps you and your family in my prayers.
Best of luck tomorrow. Your attitude is amazing.
Keep your chin up, my friend.
Best,
Jan
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Hi, Kathy...see that your chemo was to start today...thinking of you still and look forward to your next update when you feel up to it. We're all with you all the way!
Cindy
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Thinking of you as you start your treatment. Hopefully this will all go smoothly.
Sue in Vancouver, USA
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wishing you well ...glad you are starting treatments and not having to wait any longer ...
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Praying for you!
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Kathy,
I haven't been around for a while and wanted you to know that you are often in my thoughts. I hope everything is going as well as possible.
Best wishes,
Wendy
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Good Morning, Everyone! And it IS a good morning!! It has been a while since my last post - my first chemo treatment was far more difficult than even my oncologist anticipated. WOW....but only 7 more to go, right?!!!
On the day after my first treatment, as I lay in bed, my husband walks in with a box that had just been delivered. He opened it for me and he sat next to me on the bed.....it was from my AN family!!!!!!!!!!!! In it were cards of personal well wishes and love, a wonderful hat from Sara, and beautiful purple dishcloth from ombrerose, and a quilt made up of squares from so many AN friends with words of inspiration, warmth, and love - all in my favorite colors. Steve and I are just overwhelmed by your generosity - together we ran our hands over each and every piece, reading the squares, feeling the warmth that it radiates, and hearing a symphony of voices whispering in our ears that we'll be ok and that we are loved. I can not thank you enough - the quilt is on our bed and comes with me to the living room as I lie back and rest. The individual gifts are always in my sight in my bedroom (when I'm not wearing the hat!). It could not have come at a better time, as I was feeling so very small, ill, and desperately weak.
Snce then, I've had good days and bad days, but the last few have been good. My spirit is back to what I know is "me". Steve took me to work yesterday to say hello to my friends there - he sat outside in the parking lot for 2 hours while I was surrounded by my friends who filled me up with their hugs, smiles, and encouragement. We talked "work" which I was so thirsty for, and it let me see that I am valued at work, missed, and will be welcomed back with open arms when I am ready.
3/18 is my next treatment. My oncology team is armed and ready with a new mix of preparatory drugs to hopefully avoid the misery I experienced the first go round. My IV antibiotics for this infernal infection (AN-related) will END ON MONDAY, so no more dragging around this fannie pack!! HURRAY!!!! I'll just be on oral antibiotics for an extended time, and should not have the digestive issues related to the high dosage of the IV meds I've been on for 10 weeks. That may also help to minimize my chemo side effects.
I'll update more later...my husband is rarin' to go today and wants to take me shopping!! I just love that man!!! I'm on the lookout for pretty things - jewelry, clothes, and the like because this week or next will be the hair loss and I know that will be a very difficult time no matter hard I am prepared. My wig's name is Lola, and she stands ready to serve me when the time comes - she is next to my bed on a stand and she seems to be a nice gal!!! I think we'll get along fine!
Love to all of you and I am sending you gentle hugs from both Steve and I!
Kathy
PS I learned at work yesterday something very important about hugs....with each one, my stuffed **** got smaller and smaller!!! Gotta put in more stuffing next time!!!!
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Kathy,
It's sooooo good to hear from you. And you always have a way of making me laugh! What a sense of humor and great outlook you have! I love it. Maybe you can use some of the quilt stuffing next time? ;)
You DO have a great husband! He WANTS to go shopping? Wow. Where'd you get him? I hope you have a great shopping spree, find lots or pretty things- on sale - and treat yourself right today.
I'm glad to hear you and Lola are getting along well. Why do I have a feeling you could get along with anyone - or anything - anyway?
Keep staying tough. This peanut gallery will be in your corner, cheering you on every step of the way!
Lori
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Hello Kathy dear,
So very good to hear from you and an update. I spoke with Donnalynn recently ans she said you were having a difficult time so I have been praying extra hard for you and hope that you great improvements will be felt soon! You are strong and bold and are loved by so many and we are all cheering you on! Keep the great attitude, and the bright spirit, you are going to be fine! Sending you and hubby many Blessings and prayers,
Jackie in Oregon
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A great update!!!
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Kathy ~
I was so pleased to read your latest update and, although the first chemo treatment apparently was a struggle, your courageous, rational attitude as you fight this battle is remarkable and - forgive the cliché - inspiring. Oh, and your husband is definitely a 'keeper'. :) I know your virtual hugs are reciprocated by everyone that reads your posts - including me, and you'll remain in the prayers of many. May God bless and keep you, Kathy.
Jim
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Kathy,
I'm so glad to hear that you survived your first chemo treatment, though with great difficulty.
THIS means that the next round won't be as bad, because you are probably thinking"Could it GET any worse?"
I also lift you up in prayer. You are one TOUGH cookie.
I'm so glad you got that quilt when you needed it and all the other little goodies. Donnalynn is an angel for putting it together. THANKS DONNALYNN!!!!
Enjoy yourself, pamper yourself,you will get through this :)
Maureen
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Kathy, Super that you have received the quilt and all the good thoughts that are with it. Donnalynn was so wonderful to be of such help with it. I hope the next round of chemo goes ok for you as it is a hard time for a person. I and so many here wish you and your family well! Cheryl R
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I'm sorry that your first treatment was so hard. Hopefully the tweaks that the oncology team makes will make the next one easier. Hang in there - every treatment you go through is one less that you are facing.
Have fun letting Steve pamper you. I hope you find lots of pretties. Meanwhile, we'll be keeping you in our thoughts and prayers.
Sara
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Kathy .....
What can I say?? Here you are the one who needs to be lifted up ..... but somehow, I am feeling lifted up by your latest post! Your wonderful attitude is your saving grace. I know you do not always feel like this, but I am touched by your ability to see through the dark times.
My prayers now are that this next chemo treatment is far less traumatic than the first one was!! ..... and that Lola behaves herself when she is on your head! :D What a funny mental picture I have of Lola, the lovely locks!!
Best thoughts. Clarice
..... and a big, special thank you to Donnalynn for the hours you spent putting the quilt together!!
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Such great news and a fantastic outlook...keep up the good work:)
jo
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Oh, Donnalynn .....
It turned out beautifully! Thanks, again, for having the idea and doing such an incredible "labor of love" on all of our behalves! ..... and Kathy, may you feel the love and warmth from your AN family.
Clarice
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We all just wish that we could make the misery go away! You are surrounded by love and well-wishes from your family and your extended family here on the forum, so let that wash over you and gather comfort from that. And then shop! What a husband you have! He really is a keeper, but I'm very sure he says the same thing about you. ;)
Priscilla
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What a great looking quilt! Good job Donnalynn and all you guys. Way to go, forum!
Kathy, try to remember that however miserable the chemo makes you, it is making the cancer cells twice as miserable. They have met their match now. More of the best to you.
Steve
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Wow Kathy,
You are so deserving of that fabulous quilt!!! It really turned out beautifully, Donnalynn, is there no end to your talents????? Just remember Kathy it was made with love, and has been blessed with great healing powers! Envelope yourself in it when ever you need extra love! Many blessings also to your loving family. Keep the faith and this too shall pass!
Jackie from Oregon
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Donnalynn, et al. ~
The sentiment on the label is touching. I'm sure the quilt was beautiful and the love that went into making it was palpable to Kathy. Well done, ladies!
Jim
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Hey, Kathy! Thanks for your continued updates...glad you've got one treatment behind you and, of course, do hope the next one will not be as bad for you. Your great attitude with certainly continue to serve you well throughout all of this. Many hugs continue to head your way.
Great job on the quilt, Donnalynn - thanks for getting it all together!
Cindy
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Cyndi, Donnalynn~
Beautiful quilt! Kathy, may you feel our hugs and kissess as you continue on your journey :)
Maureen
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Dear Kathy I am so sorry to hear that the first treatment was difficult and praying that it will get easier. I cannot wait to see you wearing Lola I am sure it will look just as good if not better than your hat. I was so happy to be part of the making of the quilt it looks beautiful and you brought out my talented side well not that good. I wish I could have been more creative but I am the one with 2 left hands.... thank goodness for iron-ons I am not that handy with a glue gun either I seem to burn myself all the time.... I hope when you went shopping you bought loads of good things be a little selfish I hope it was all for you. How is your daughter doing if she needs to speak to my daughter please do not hesitate to contact us.
My thoughts and prayers will be with you in every step of the way you are such an inspiration to us all....
Best Wishes,
Pat
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Great update but so sorry you had so much trouble with the chemo. And love the name for your wig. Next time you go shopping take Lola, because you know dear, as the old song goes, whatever Lola wants, Lola gets!!
Hugs,
Sue in Vancouver, USA
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Hi Kathy-
I'm thinking about you as your head into your second chemo treatment this week. I hope that the drug "cocktail" works with less discomfort and side effects this time. It seems that it sometimes takes a little time to find just the right "recipe." The quilt pictures are fantastic - DonnaLynn, you are the best!
Good luck, and prayers, this week, Kathy. Your AN family is right there with you in spirit.
Debbi
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Did you know there is a condition called "chemo brain" in the cancer world???? Guess it's a real side effect that happens to some folks in treatment - forgetfulness, confusion, concentration issues, you get the picture. Well, after re-reading my post yesterday, I was wondering if I could have that after just one treatment. I did not thank Donnalynn for lovingly putting this together so beautifully and sending it my way..... I'm so sorry for that oversight, my friend....you have been my guardian angel since day 1 of me joining the forum back in late 2008!!!! Maybe chemo brain is a stretch for me to have at this point, but I can't believe the oversight!
Hugs to all of you. Tomorrow, Chemo Treatment #2 (3/18). Today, picnic with Steve, Kristin, and Ryan (he's my 24 year old who I don't mention much in these posts, but an ever present support and source of much humor and lightheartedness in my world) at a local park!!! Beautiful day - takin' full advantage of it!!!!
Kathy
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Thinking of you - especially tomorrow for round #2...here's hoping the "cocktail" works wonders for you this time! Prayers coming your way...
K ;D
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Kathy,
I continue to monitor your updates here... and I think you know my healing hugglez continue from me to you! :-* Hang in there! Thinking of you!
Phyl
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I think Chemo brain is in cahoots with POST AN brain, so you have it coming at you from two angles, Kathy!
Thinking of you, praying for strength tomorrow. Enjoy your DAY!
Maureen
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Kathy, you know we will forgive you for whatever you might forget due to "chemo brain."
Best wishes for a better experience tomorrow. Take your quilt along so that you will be wrapped up in our love and prayers.
Sara
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Kathy .....
Enjoy this beautiful day of sunshine and fun in the park!
Best thoughts and many prayers for an easy chemo tomorrow!
Clarice
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Kathy,
I think I am having "sympathy chemo brain" for you. At least that's the excuse I'm going to use for now! ;)
Enjoy your picnic - what a great idea for a beautiful day! And there shouldn't be any ants! Have fun!
Thinking of you!
Lori
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Good luck tomorrow, Kathy.
I'll be thinking about you and praying, too.
Jan
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It is a beautiful quilt, and I'm so glad it came at just the right time.
I'll be praying for you today as you're on to treatment #2.
Thank you for sharing with us.
Keri
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Kathy,
Healing thoughts coming your way today. Hope the magic quilt helped you get through your second chemo treatment.
xoxoxoxo,
Maureen
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Sorry, I've been shipped out to Vermont to care for my aunt who fell and broke her hip five weeks earlier, so I missed the quilt arrival. I was so looking forward to seeing it all assembled, but the photos are not appearing for me. ?? :-[
I'm going to catch up on all of your news, Kathy, as soon as I am back in the world of high speed internet. Caregiving takes almost my entire day and certainly my entire source of energy. I am exhausted!
Best to you in your healing process and hope you are getting great vibes off the quilt,
Nancy
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Kathy,
By now you've had your second round of chemo and I hope it wasn't as bad as the first. You are one very brave lady and my prayers go out to you and your family. Please keep us updated when you feel up to it.
Hugs
Wendy
Donnalynn,
This was my firs look at the quilt You did a wonderful job -- thanks!
Wendy
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Hi Kathy, I just wanted to see how you are doing and cannot imagine what you are going though...I am also hoping that the infection has gotten better and that you are not as ill with the chemo this time ?? I am also concerned as to how your family is doing as well.
My prayers and thoughts are with you and if you need to vent remember I am here at anytime...
Pat
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I'm still here! It's been a while since I've checked in but I'm having a great day and thought I'd say hello.
Three chemos down, 5 to go (the next is 4/15). I am back to work part time and it feels really good to have some sense of normalcy in my life. The chemos have been rougher than anticpated but allegedly when I switch to a different chemo drug in early May, it will be a bit easier. Phew!
I have purchased a variety of turban-like head coverings in all colors to match my wardrobe and I have to say they look really cute! Lola (my wig) is not an option for me right now because she hugs my head so tightly that my incision hurts...my head has been through way too much to have anything irritate it now!
I'm off the iv antibiotics (10 weeks was a heck of a long time!) and I'm on just a maintenance dose of oral antibiotics. The skin is so very thin from all the surgeries that it's still very easy to ruffle up, but no signs of the dreaded infection. Can it be that it is finally gone? That's what I'm counting on!!! It feels so good not to have to drag that IV pump and fannie pack everywhere. A really good thing about that whole thing is that the central line is still holding up well, so they are using it for chemo. The oncology team is nursing the line along so that I don't have to have another surgery to put in a port - I'm liking that!!
Well, that's about it! Didn't want you all to think I was shrinking away in a corner somewhere. I'm alive and doing just fine. After a whole lot of reflection, I have come to understand that nothing about this journey is in my control other than to take care of myself as best I can. God has a plan for me and I have to trust Him. I am so appreciative of the prayers and support from you guys and those around me - much love to you always!!
Enjoy - winter is finally over. Weather in Ohio is fantastic right now!!!!
Kathy
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Kathy ~
Thanks for sharing that encouraging update with us! I'm pleased to learn that you're almost halfway through your chemo treatments - and off the antibiotics, too!. Your affirmative attitude is a lesson to us all about how to deal with challenges in our life. Enjoying the spring weather is a great tonic. I know that you'll continue to appreciate life and look forward to you sharing your progress with us. God bless you, Kathy. :)
Jim
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Kathy, I have been wondering how you are doing and was hoping you weren't in worse shape than have been. You have been thru more than enough and I do hope now it does get better for you! Very nice to hear even can work some.
Good luck with the next chemo and we do think of you! Cheryl R
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Oh, Kathy .....
So glad to hear the encouraging news. You are such an inspiration with your attitude.
We are in Athens this week-end and it is indeed beautiful here ...... the flowering trees are gorgeous ..... it does much to lift one's spirits. I'm so glad you are able to let it lift you.
..... and back to work part-time has to be a big factor in creating a sense of normalcy.
Yes, God is in control and I know He is watching over you ..... and He still has great plans for you.
My love and prayers continue.
Clarice
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Thanks Kathy, You are certainly and inspiration to us all.
Love and best wishes...
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I was starting to wonder too. Delighted to hear that you are still you, so to speak. If it's turbans you need, then turbans it shall be!
Best wishes for continued improvements, enjoy your spring, and keep those spirits up.
Steve
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great news Kathy. You WILL beat this.
JO
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Kathy~
So great to hear from you and glad you can enjoy a few days of sunshine before the next round. I'm praying that this one won't be so bad...but your daughter had some very wise words!! I KNOW that God has MIGHTY things in store for you!!
Keep up that great attitude - I'm a BIG believer in good attitude! ;)
K ;D
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Hey, Kathy! Thanks for the update and SO glad to hear that you're doing ok despite things! You're right, all you can really do is take care of yourself and take what comes with as positive an attitude as possible - and you are certainly doing that! You're just awesome,
Cindy
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Glad you are doing well ... continued good thoughts headed your way
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Kathy,
I've been thinking about you and am so glad to hear that you are feeling better. Hopefully the rest of the chemo won't be too bad. I'm also glad to hear that your infection seems o be gone once and for all. You are always in my thoughts and prayers.
Best wishes,
Wendy
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Kathy,
So glad to hear you are tolerating everything OK and able to get back to work part time.
You are definitely our HERO on this forum!
Maureen
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I, too, am so happy you are doing so well. I think of you often, and I'm delighted there is light at the end of this long tunnel you've been in. These bad things that have been attacking you have no idea who they are dealing with. They don't have a chance.
Sue in Vancouver, USA
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Thank you for your updates. So glad to hear from you.
Keri
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Hi, Kathy I haven't been on much lately but I keep popping in to see how you are doing ??? I would like to wish you a Happy Mother's Day too...
My prayers and thoughts are with you and your family.
Pat
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Hi Kathy,
I havne't been on the forum too much lately and I'm wondering how you are doing?
Keri
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Hi Kathy,
I haven't been on the Forum too much lately, either.
So i am also wondering how you are doing?
Take care and keep cool!
Sue
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bump. I check every few days to see if Kathy has been around. Nothing since June 20.
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I'm going to send her a PM to see how she's doing.
Will let you know if she responds.
Jan
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I h ave been thinking of her also...
K
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Hi, I haven't been on for awhile personal issues but I wanted you to know I PM Kathy almost every month and she always responds but my last one I have not heard from her I am very concerned. Maybe Donnalynn might know she is very friendly with her and might have her telephone number and could check for us ??
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Kathy has been in my prayers. I'm a little worried about her, too.
Priscilla
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I did send Kathy a PM like I promised, but haven't heard back from her yet.
I, too, am concerned and am keeping her in my prayers.
Did anyone PM Donnalynn to see if she has news?
Jan
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Thanks, Donnalynn. I'll be sure to check back before bedtime prayers.
Sara
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Thank you Donnalynn and way to go Kathy! Our prayers continue to be with you.
Sara
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Thank you, Donnalynn ,for letting us know that Kathy is managing to persevere! We will continue to lift her up in prayer for all her needs.
Priscilla
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I am so relieved to hear such positive news...we are such worriers sometimes...thank you Donnalynn! :-*
K ;D
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Donnalynn -
thank you SO much for the update. I'm relieved to hear Kathy is doing well, despite all she is going through.
I can't wait to meet her next summer.
Jan
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Donnalynn,
Thanks so much for the update on Kathy. I remember having several PM communications with Kathy and her daughter back when she was first diagnosed (with her AN) as her age, tumor size/location, and surgery approach mirrored mine. Great to hear that she's doing so well. We'll keep her in our prayers.
Patrick
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Donnalynn,
Thanks for keeping us in the loop! And you reported exactly what I was hoping to hear - that's she's busy living her life! Amazing lady!
Lori
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Yes, great to know that's she's doing so well, all things considered - thanks so much, Donnalynn for getting the scoop for us!
Cindy
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Thank you DonnaLynn for Kathy's update. She certainly is a fighter. May all of us continue to keep her in our prayers.
Anne Marie
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Donnalynn ~
Thank you for your thoughtful, sensitive post (#191). Thank you too for the update on Kathy and the progress in her cancer treatment. Like you, she is special to all of us and we are grateful for her presence on these forums. She'll in the prayers of many - including mine.
Jim
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Donnalynn,
Thanks for the positive news and the nice thoughts.
I guess no news was GOOD news in this case!
Will keep Kathy in prayer for the strength to keep going! You go Kathy.
Heck, this probably makes the AN look like a piece of cake.
Amazing lady, for sure :)
Maureen
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Thanks for update ... keeping her in my thoughts
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Thank you, Donnalynn ,for letting us know that Kathy is managing to persevere! We will continue to lift her up in prayer for all her needs.
Priscilla
More prayers and continued healing for Kathy.
Thank you, Donna!
Sue
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The awful storms yesterday knocked out my internet and phone. So glad to know that Kathy is OK. A special thank you to Donna Lynn for checking on her for us.
Many thoughts and prayers continue for successful treatments and relief from pain and fatigue.
Clarice
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Thank you Donnalynn regarding my request for you to contact Kathy I and others greatly appreciate it I was very concerned when I did not hear back from her again I thank you......
Best Wishes,
Pat
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Huge hugs to Kathy :-* :-* :-* :-* :-* :-*
Donnalynn :-* :-* :-* :-* thanks for the update.
You are both in my prayers,
Anne Marie
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Hi Pat and all,
Yes it was so good that you cared and requested this. I was more than happy to talk with Kathy, she is such a sweetheart!!!
After speaking with her ( it's been a few days now...) I still feel the blessing from that call with her!
Kathy's courage, faith and humor touches my heart greatly, and I'm sure that she is touching many lives through her journey.
Her AN issues have really had to take second place... which we all can be praying for as well.
The incision still has not healed well, due to the radiation irritation, but thankfully there is no infection. Once she is able to stop the radiation Docs feel that the incision site will heal.
Kathy has also had no energy/ time to work on her balance, so again that has suffered as well.
We all need to continue the prayers, and good wishes for her and hold her up till the end of August.
Kathy will be updating and everyone after her radiation treatments.
She holds all of you in her heart everyday!
Hugs to you all!
Donnalynn
Kathy is such a strong person and I admire her I am praying she does not get another infection from the AN.. I cannot believe that she is working part time she mentioned that to me in her last post I was amazed and she is an inspiration to us all.
Best Wishes,
Pat
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Hi, Kathy just checking to see how you are doing my prayers and thoughts are always with you....
Best Wishes,
Pat
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Pat,
I think there's another thread with more details that are recent about Kathy's recovery. If I knew how to do the link to it, I would. Maybe someone else can.
Keri
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nevermind... i see pat and lori both found the thread with the good news and updates!
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Pat,
I think there's another thread with more details that are recent about Kathy's recovery. If I knew how to do the link to it, I would. Maybe someone else can.
Keri
Thank you Keri for your information about Kathy's link....
Pat