Friday, January 22, 2016

An Update

I'm still taking a blogging hiatus, but I thought I'd give you all an update.

 

After a whole battery of tests and procedures, on December 14 I was diagnosed with advanced stage ovarian cancer. I'm being treated by a gynecological oncologist at the Siteman Cancer Center in St. Louis ... his treatment plan is for 9 weeks of chemo (I will have session #6 next Tuesday) followed by surgery to remove as much of the cancer as possible followed by more chemo. Thankfully I'm tolerating the chemo quite well. I tire somewhat easily, although not nearly as much as I did early on. I've even been getting to the Y a couple of times a week lately to do some walking ... I don't walk too fast nor too long, but I'm able to stay somewhat active, for which I'm thankful. And my hair started falling out within the first week, so I decided to take matters into my own hands and had my DD shave my head. Other than that, I'm doing fairly well, all things considered. And the chemo is working ... my ovarian cancer marker counts were down almost 50% from December 4 to January 11. A huge praise!

 

I've been feeling good enough, too, to be able to attend all my grands' swim meets ... you all know how much I love to watch them swim. Their team even designed a special cap to encourage me in my journey.

 

My daughter and son-in-law graciously opened up their home to us. It is such a blessing to me to spend time with my DD and my grands. You all may remember that not only did DD travel this road last year with her step mom, she's also a nursing student and is able to understand all my medical reports and knows what questions need to be asked. She's taking such good care of us ... I'm still unable to gain back any of the weight I've lost, but at least I'm not losing any more. ;-)

 

I don't know what my future holds, but truth be told even though I thought I was in control of my future prior to my diagnosis, I wasn't ... none of us know how many more days we'll have here on this earth. I'm determined to enjoy every day the Lord gives me, and when He calls me home, I will be ready. My prayer is that you all can claim that same hope.

 

Take care, my friends. Kathy

 

41 comments:

  1. I was so excited to see a new post from you with an update! I am very happy you are spending time with your DD and the T's and can attend their swim meets. 50% decrease is great news. Keep fighting and enjoy every day. Miss you lots Kathy.

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  2. I am so sorry for not checking in on you sooner. (((HUGS))) My thoughts and prayers are with you. Pleased to hear that you have tolerated the chemo. Praising God that the chemo is working and bringing your numbers down. Glad you can go watch the kids swim and that cap is so precious. Your are deeply loved. I appreciate your update. Love, Debby

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  3. So happy to hear from you with this update. It sounds very encouraging that the chemo is bringing the numbers down quickly. And so good to hear you're able to go to the T's swim meets and to get out and walk some too. I'll keep you in my thoughts and prayers and hope to hear even better news with your next update. Love and Prayers, Pat

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  4. Oh, Kathy, what a blow that must have been to receive that diagnosis!
    I am grateful to hear that you are tolerating the chemo and that your markers are down.
    Very sweet of the swim team to have that cap designed in your honor. That is a blessing that you have been able to continue going to the meets. Also, how wonderful that your daughter's family has taken you in to give you the care and support you currently need.
    There is only One in control, isn't there? My prayers will be lifted to Him in your behalf. Thanks for updating us. Your last post did worry me.

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  5. thanks for sharing with us your current journey Kathy! I have been praying for you all along.. but will now be able to pray more specifically! I am glad that your daughter is able to take good care of you when you in need to! And having your T's close all the time I know is your heart and soul! Praying here for you my friend! Kathi

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  6. Thanks so much for the update. You are in our daily prayers. So very happy that the chemo is working and that you are enjoying each day. Take care my friend! ~Jeanne

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  7. I must have missed something, but it is great to get an update. Sending hugs and prayers to you and your family. So happy to have your DD close by with her knowledge and expertise. Liz

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  8. How good to read an update, Kathy. You've been in my thoughts and prayers, hoping that things were going well for you. It's wonderful that your marker counts are down. What a blessing that the chemo is doing its job.

    I'm pleased that you're able to stay with family and receive help as well as watch your grandsons swim. I like the cap the swim team designed. They must love you and your support!

    Wishing you and your family a wealth of blessings, Kathy!

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  9. pleased to see you were up to blogging today for more of an update. I have been thinking of you so much and keep hoping for more news from you. So glad you are tolerating the chemo ok and the markers are so good - it is amazing what the world of medicine can do - on of my nieces is now going on three years after her diagnosis - I know you can too.

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  10. Thank you so much for the update. I didn't know what you had, but I knew it was serious. The Lord has had you on my heart and I have kept you in my prayers. I will continue to pray for your complete restoration and healing. I am so glad you are doing okay with the Chemo.
    Take care.

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  11. Kathy sending you hugs, prayers and love from this side of the world. My daughter just sent me a beautiful photo of her stom at sea quilt and k immediately thought of the time we started this project. Hers looks so lovely on her new bed. I hope you are all snuggled under one of your lovely quilts. Xxxxxxx

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  12. Kathy, will send along many prayers and virtual hugs! Sounds like you are facing your challenges with positivity, strength and courage and a lot of faith. So glad you are able to get to those swim meets...what a cool cap! Take care...thinking of you.

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  13. Kathy I am praying for you. I know God is holding you and will continue to be with you each step of the way. Thanks for letting us know how you are doing.

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  14. Kathy,
    Thank you SO much for sharing your update. I've wondered about you so often, these past weeks, and even tried to send an email, but it came back saying it couldn't be delivered.
    I'm sorry to hear that you are having to face this challenge, but I also know you are well equipped to fight the battle, because you are a Christian. You also have a wonderful support group, and I know your spirit and determination will take you far in your fight. I'll certainly be praying for you, and hope you will keep us updated from time to time.
    You are so right, none of us know how many days we have left on this earth, as I was quickly reminded when Ed had his heart attack. Now, we take life one day at a time, and try to enjoy that day to the fullest. I'm sure you'll be doing the same.
    Take care, my friend. Sending love and prayers your way.
    Kathy (from Reflections by Kathy)

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  15. We sure all appreciate you taking the time and energy to write an update. Your post sounds encouraging and my thoughts and good wishes are certainly with you. The swim cap is a sweet gift and I'm sure brought lots of smiles. What a blessing to have your DD there to help navigate the health care challenges. Thinking of you.

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  16. Dearest Kathy, I loved reading your words here; I'm thankful your girl keeps us posted, but really this helps hear how your are. I love the swim cap-it is so cool. You know I totally understand the journey you are on, due to my sister's parallel journey and my near journey. At some point, your doctor may put you on steroids(can't remember why) and that will help you gain weight back. Sending you all my love and prayers!
    Noreen

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  17. Kathy it is wonderful to hear from you here! And you are so right. I learned the hard way that I am in control of nothing in 2014. Not fun, but it is so good to know and to trust the ONE who is in control. I am still praying for you and believing that your story is not even nearly finished yet. Our God is good. Love and hugs and kisses to you my friend.

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  18. It is so nice to see your name in my blog scroll! I continue to keep you in my prayers, Kathy. I know the road is not easily traveled, but I am so glad to read that you are able to attend the meets and have not had the nasty side effects from the chemo. Your attitude is inspiring! We will continue to keep you in our prayers.

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  19. thank you for the update, Kathy; happy that you are faring as well as can be expected {a very close personal friend of ours just went through his battle earlier this year} hang in there kiddo. we are all praying and rooting for you...not easy--but sounds like you have a good support system...hugs, Julierose

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  20. Seeing that cap brought tears to my eyes. So sweet!
    Still praying daily for St. Peregrine's intercession for you.
    And, thanks for the reminder that I need to schedule my gyno appt. & mammogram. :)

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  21. So sorry to hear that you're having to travel this journey. So good that you have the support you do. Prayers for all of you, for peace of mind, for strength to endure, for healing and well-being.

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  22. You were on my mind so much yesterday! Your posting was an answer to my prayer :). I'm sorry you have had to go through this, but thankful for your wonderful family to help you through. And God is faithful. Sounds like definitely progress is being made in your fight. We are all behind you! Love that swim cap!

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  23. So glad to hear from you and get an update. I will continue to keep you in my prayers. You are so right about life, none of us knows. So glad you are doing well and able to enjoy your family.

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  24. So glad to hear from you and get an update. I will continue to keep you in my prayers. You are so right about life, none of us knows. So glad you are doing well and able to enjoy your family.

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  25. Thank you for the update. I'm both saddened by the diagnosis and encouraged by your progress. Praying that you continue to improve and regain your strength and energy.

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  26. OH sweet friend... this knocked the breath out of me. I am so glad to hear you are still staying active & surrounded by family that is taking care of you.
    I will be praying for you & your family as you kick cancer in the rear!!! Please post some updates when you can or things we can specifically pray about for you! Sending you HUGS!!!!

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  27. Sweet friend - thank you SO much for the update!!! I've been coming back here and to Instagram regularly to look for one. How encouraging to know the treatment is working! And I'm very thankful that you are able to handle the treatment so well. That's one of the things I've been praying for you. Keep up the good fight, and know that you have many, many dear friends here who love you and are praying for you every day!!! Add us to the list of those on Team Nana!! Please be sure to keep us posted.

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  28. It's wonderful to see you posting here Kathy. You have been in my prayers, particularly last weekend as we spent a couple of days in Hilton Head and I know it's a place you love. You came to mind often. I'm glad you're surrounded by the love and care and support of family. The swim cap is awesome! Praying you continue to handle the chemo well, and for more good reports. xo

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  29. Oh Kathy I was soo pleased to pop on her this morning and see that you had posted. And with soo much to be thankful for! The markers down 50 percent in such a short amount of time is just such a praise report! Thank you Jesus! And then that you have tolerated the treatments so well...another one. I am soo glad you haven't had to miss any of the swim meets! I know how you love those, and truthfully it was bothering me terribly to think that you maybe were...soo praise God for that too. And that swim cap is just awesome...they all love you that's for sure. And then add on that you are still able to get to the gym a couple of times a week, well that's just wonderful too. And then you have that wonderful, wonderful daughter right there caring for you and your hubby too, and then those 4 grands who no doubt provide a wonderful diversion and comfort every day. And of course lets not forget our awesome
    God who LOVES you and gives you strength and courage and grace for this journey. I pray for you everyday. You come to mind often. I am working on a new quilt and can't wait to share it with you.
    So just know that they are SOO many praying for you. You still have a road to travel down in front of you of course, but so many are traveling it with you including our awesome God that I know you will do so with courage and grace. Soo much love to you!!
    Debbie

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  30. Thanks for sharing your story. I've been praying for you, dear bloggy friend.

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  31. Kathy...I just now have had time to read some posts I've missed. Bless your sweet heart. PLEASE know that you are close in my thoughts and prayers during this trying time. Never doubt for a second that God is holding you in the palm of His hand. Trust Him! We all love and adore you...stay strong and keep the FAITH! Hugs! xoxoxox

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  32. how courageous of you to share this....an important reminder for all of us every day...may God give you joy and hope in your journey...

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  33. I've been thinking of you, thanks for sharing with an update, I will keep you in my prayers. As one who struggles with control, your last paragraph really resonated with me. I'm so glad your daughter is there to help and be your advocate when it comes to navigating all the medical mumbo jumbo. Will be praying your numbers continue to improve and that you will feel his strength as you walk this road. Blessings to you AND HUGS

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  34. You are in my thoughts and prayers

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  35. I've had you in thoughts and prayers since your blog break ; thank you for the update. I just love that cap; how sweet of them. So glad that you are keeping up your strength somewhat and able to be surrounded by your supportive family!

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  36. I've had you in thoughts and prayers since your blog break ; thank you for the update. I just love that cap; how sweet of them. So glad that you are keeping up your strength somewhat and able to be surrounded by your supportive family!

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  37. You are in my prayers, Kathy. May you stay strong in the love and grace of our God.

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  38. Thank you for the update. Words seem inadequate at this time. Thankful for the peace you have in Him!

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  39. I am praying for you Kathy. You have been in my thoughts often. Isn't it wonderful to have faith in God!

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  40. Well, not sure how in the world I missed this but I was absolutely thrilled when I saw it. I am just so sorry you are having to travel this journey but it sounds as though you are handling it as well as anyone could. I pray for your compete recovery and we miss you terribly here in blogland. Sending hugs your way!

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  41. Oh, I am so sorry I haven't been here to check on you and know about this! After going through the cancer battle with my sister, I better understand how this affects you and your family! I'm praying for complete recovery!

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I am SO glad you stopped by! No proving that you're a robot here ... I want to hear what you have to say! ;-)