Three Years!!!

Three years...feels like yesterday...feels like forever.
I cannot believe all the things that have happened, that I have seen, learned and done.
I am grateful each day for every day that I have been given...

Life is Good

It’s been a really good couple of months; life is flying by, but like I said, it’s really good. I don’t think I could ask for it to be any better than it is.

I’ve been volunteering quite a bit at the Puget Sound affiliate of Susan G. Komen. I am on the Survivor committee for the Race for the Cure; we are in charge of the Survivor and Tribute tents on race day and also for the Survivor Breakfast. My biggest job is to make a robe for the “Queen for the Day”. I’m having a lot of fun doing it. I am also working in the office doing data entry and other various jobs related to the Race. I have formed my own team again this year…hopefully my teammates will actually join me one of these days. Feel free to check out my site and donate if you feel so inclined; http://www.pugetsoundraceforthecure.org/site/TR/Race/General?px=1246541&pg=personal&fr_id=1130&et=zYRSDiEph2Vgbsk60GmsEA..&s_tafId=14030

I’ve been in a couple fashion shows in the past month, both benefitting cancer charities. The first was for Gilda’s Club, which is a wonderful place for anyone affected by any type of cancer. Henry did this one with me and we had a great time. The second was for Northwest Hope and Healing, an organization that provides support for women affected by breast cancer. Mom, Jenna, Mari and Carol came to support me at this one…what a blast.

In April, Henry and I got to go to Vancouver to celebrate Stacey’s 40th Birthday. We had such a fun time, just hanging out, shopping and going to the spa with Stacey, JT & Leanne (Henry didn’t spa).

Medically, everything is just fine, I’m feeling great. I’m actually coming up on all my check-ups in the next couple of weeks. Mammogram this week, MRI next week, blood work and doctor check-ups the following week. I have also been approved for a breast reduction as part of my reconstruction from my lumpectomy. I don’t have a date set for this surgery yet.

My 40th Birthday is this week, Friday. I’m so excited, I really can’t wait. I’m going to go to the spa with girlfriends and have a BBQ with friends and family. I have never been one to really celebrate my birthday, I’ve thought of it as just another day, but things are different now and I see my birthdays as a gift.

I hope all is well with everyone and that your year is going well so far.

Much love and Peace,

~K

One year post chemo

I woke up this morning and realized its a milestone day...one year post major chemo! It is amazing to me that a whole year has gone by.

It has been just recently that I've realized cancer has changed my life, I think for the better. It seems strange to say I am grateful for cancer, but I am grateful. It didn't change the core of who I am, but I think it has enhanced who I am. It has made me incredibly grateful for every day and for all the people in my life.

My life is not perfect, but I have nothing to complain about I am healthy and alive. I am determined to stay healthy and live my life to its fullest.

As always I appreciate each and everyone of you who has been here with me along the way.

Much Love and Peace
~K

Radiology Check-up

I went in to see Dr. Spiegel, my radiologist, yesterday for my six month post radiation check-up. Everything is good. I still have quite a bit of tenderness along my incision line and under my breast. Dr. Spiegel tells me that this is really just a short time out from radiation and that things should continue to get better. I will continue to do my check-ups with him as I need to, next one again in six months.

I am very sad today; I found out that a friend I met through another friend and through treatment isn't doing well. She has ovarian cancer that has spread. Cancer is a hideous disease, and ovarian cancer is especially hideous. It is incredibly difficult to detect and is usually late stage by the time it is found. My heart is broken for her and her son. I am going to do everything I can to support them. Please say a prayer or send a good thought, I know she will appreciate it.

Peace ~
K

A New Day...

I am grateful for a peaceful day, looking forward with hope for an even brighter day for our children and for each of us. "Yes we can"...if we do it together!

Happy 2009!

Ok, so I'm a little late in wishing a Happy New Year. I hope everyone had a great Holiday season, whatever you celebrate, and I hope this will be a wonderful year for everyone.

In my last post, I said that my oncologist had told me the following treatment would be my last. Well, we had a big snow storm a couple days before I was scheduled to go in, so I called just to ask how everything was going at the hospital with the snow and if I should reschedule. They called me back to let me know that Dr. Ellis said I could just be done. So my last treatment on December 3rd was my LAST treatment...what a Merry Christmas to me!

I still have the usual follow-ups to do and a couple more tests left, but other than that I'm done. I feel done and I'm grateful to be done. It's been a very long year and a half, I'm ready to concentrate on other things.

I am very grateful to each and everyone of you for supporting me through this. It has given me such encouragement to know that I have you by my side. Thank you.

I am going to keep blogging, maybe not quite as often but I will continue.

Peace and Love,
~K

Almost completely done

I went in for my Herceptin today. Just a normal day, but today we double checked to see when I could be done knowing that I was getting close. Last time Dr. Ellis had said something to me about January. I thought I would be done at the end of this month. Turns out I was right; I only have ONE left. It's sechdeuled for December 23rd.

I'm so excited, I can't believe I'm almost done. I don't even have the words for it right now...

Thank you all so much for everything this past year and a half, it has meant so much to me.

Peace
K