Right now, hopefully Kimmy is sleeping! She didn't sleep much last night and was up before the crack of dawn.
I learned that the MUGA scan was easy. She had 3 electrodes placed around her rib and chest area. Then, something that sounds like a panel came down on top of her, she said it practically touched her nose, then an angle, then on the sides, but it wasn't fully enclosed (unlike an MRI). Each panel movement resulted in a 4 minute scan.
The technician asked her what she was getting the scan for. His response was a good one...helped to lift the spirits! He said when he was 15 he had Hodgkins Lymphona and that was 15 years ago. Good karma going in to this.
For the portacath, she was given Verced, which she called the "twilight" drug...you aren't out but you aren't totally with it either. She said she could hear everything, doctors talking, etc.
Big step coming up....She just texted and said that her "chemo class" is Monday at 4pm and that they will schedule her chemo appointments then. (insert deeeeep breath here)
**********
Yesterday, Kimmy told Nikki (11) and Nathan (almost 6) that she is sick but that the doctors are going to give her some really good medicine to to help her get better. Nikki, smart as a whip directly asked "Do you have cancer?". Nathan, after Kimmy says she is going to lose her hair said "That's not cool."
Although dreading having to tell the kids, Kimmy felt better that they now know. It was a burden like no other to carry, and I, for one, am glad that weight is lifted from her shoulders. Great job seester.
So friends and family, I ask that you not only pray for Kimmy and Duane too, but pray for my niece and nephew. They are about to receive a life lesson that children just shouldn't have to learn. But, like all lessons, we accept the challenge.
Collective hug everyone...I am picturing all 50 plus people on this website in a basketball team huddle, arms linked, shoulder to shoulder, Kimmy, Duane, Nikki and Nathan in the middle.
We got your back kid....
Jessie
Enjoying time on the beach in July
Friday, January 13, 2012
Thursday, January 12, 2012
Update....
Hi friends, we have an update for you....
Kimmy has a 7am appointment tomorrow morning (Friday). She will have a portacath inserted.
Portacath is a device that is used to make the administration of chemotherapy easier. It is placed under the skin in the upper part of the chest.
She will also have a MUGA Scan, which is a test for the heart. You can read more here about this MUGA scan http://heartdisease.about.com/cs/cardiactests/a/muga.htm
Tante Liz (my dad's sister) lives in Tucson and is coming in today to take her to the appointment tomorrow. She was told she needs a ride home. Thank you Liz for offering your support from the beginning, meaning it, and stepping up when asked. Thank you just doesn't seem enough....
Kimmy has to go through a chemo education appointment before she can actually start. She has a pending item with insurance and once it clears, she will have this appointment. What we do know is that this first chemo treatment plan will be four infusions. They last for 3 hours and will be every two weeks.
Phoenix is one hour ahead of us so when you wake tomorrow, make your first thought a good one for Kimmy...
In closing, I received an email yesterday from a girl I used to coach. Her mom's mastectomy was literally a few days ago. She wrote, "It's okay to smile during times like these". Boy, I needed that reminder.
Kimmy...."smell the roses, blow out the candles" (you know what I mean) and remember it's ok to smile! Love you!
Jessie
Kimmy has a 7am appointment tomorrow morning (Friday). She will have a portacath inserted.
Portacath is a device that is used to make the administration of chemotherapy easier. It is placed under the skin in the upper part of the chest.
She will also have a MUGA Scan, which is a test for the heart. You can read more here about this MUGA scan http://heartdisease.about.com/cs/cardiactests/a/muga.htm
Tante Liz (my dad's sister) lives in Tucson and is coming in today to take her to the appointment tomorrow. She was told she needs a ride home. Thank you Liz for offering your support from the beginning, meaning it, and stepping up when asked. Thank you just doesn't seem enough....
Kimmy has to go through a chemo education appointment before she can actually start. She has a pending item with insurance and once it clears, she will have this appointment. What we do know is that this first chemo treatment plan will be four infusions. They last for 3 hours and will be every two weeks.
Phoenix is one hour ahead of us so when you wake tomorrow, make your first thought a good one for Kimmy...
In closing, I received an email yesterday from a girl I used to coach. Her mom's mastectomy was literally a few days ago. She wrote, "It's okay to smile during times like these". Boy, I needed that reminder.
Kimmy...."smell the roses, blow out the candles" (you know what I mean) and remember it's ok to smile! Love you!
Jessie
Tuesday, January 10, 2012
These Boots are made for Walking...
Hi Everyone,
Sorry it's taken me so long to post, but I've been waiting for some information from Kimmy. She did have her oncologist appointment today and after talking with my sister, I think it was a waste of her time, my mom's time and left Kimmy confused, having more questions than answers and NO decision on what she was going to do. My opinion? This wasn't a very productive meeting and all I can say is that I'm glad it was my mom that was there instead of me...
The oncologist told Kimmy that he wanted her to do the neoadjuvent treatment first. It would be approximately four treatments, one every two weeks and each treatment would be 3 hours. But he thought that if the tumors shrunk they could then do a lumpectomy. OR if the tumors shrunk then nothing else would be needed, no lumpectomy, no mastectomy, nada. He said if the cancer came back then he would do the mastectomy. (REALLY?!?)
Obviously, Kimmy was just a tad bit upset, so once they got home she called her General Surgeon (GS) just to get their voicemail letting callers know that they were off today due to training. All Kimmy could do was leave a message (and as Kimmy said, she tried to sound as destitute as possible so the GS would call her back)... and the long afternoon wait began.
The GS did call Kimmy back (late in the day) and she said that the GS made her feel so much better that a decision was finally made. The GS did agree with the oncologist on the neoadjuvent treatment being the first course of action. There will be a few other treatments that Kimmy will need prior to the surgery so she is looking at 4-5 months before her mastectomy.
Bottom line... the chemo treatments could start as early as next week!
I just want to drive out to Goodyear, meet her General Surgeon, give her a HUUUUUGE hug and THANK her for making my sister feel so much better. I feel like we have been collectively holding our breath the last few weeks... it's good to finally breathe again.
Now the real work begins... especially for my sister. I wish I lived out there so I could hold her hand every step of the way. The one thing I do know is my sister is one tough cookie and can handle whatever is thrown her way, especially now that she has new PINK Doc Marten's my Tante Karolina sent her from Kentucky. I know she'll kick the shit out of this disease with those boots. Now to get her a pink wig to go with the Doc Marten's. :)
Keep her in your thoughts and prayers and we'll continue to post updates on how she's doing.
Sorry it's taken me so long to post, but I've been waiting for some information from Kimmy. She did have her oncologist appointment today and after talking with my sister, I think it was a waste of her time, my mom's time and left Kimmy confused, having more questions than answers and NO decision on what she was going to do. My opinion? This wasn't a very productive meeting and all I can say is that I'm glad it was my mom that was there instead of me...
The oncologist told Kimmy that he wanted her to do the neoadjuvent treatment first. It would be approximately four treatments, one every two weeks and each treatment would be 3 hours. But he thought that if the tumors shrunk they could then do a lumpectomy. OR if the tumors shrunk then nothing else would be needed, no lumpectomy, no mastectomy, nada. He said if the cancer came back then he would do the mastectomy. (REALLY?!?)
Obviously, Kimmy was just a tad bit upset, so once they got home she called her General Surgeon (GS) just to get their voicemail letting callers know that they were off today due to training. All Kimmy could do was leave a message (and as Kimmy said, she tried to sound as destitute as possible so the GS would call her back)... and the long afternoon wait began.
The GS did call Kimmy back (late in the day) and she said that the GS made her feel so much better that a decision was finally made. The GS did agree with the oncologist on the neoadjuvent treatment being the first course of action. There will be a few other treatments that Kimmy will need prior to the surgery so she is looking at 4-5 months before her mastectomy.
Bottom line... the chemo treatments could start as early as next week!
I just want to drive out to Goodyear, meet her General Surgeon, give her a HUUUUUGE hug and THANK her for making my sister feel so much better. I feel like we have been collectively holding our breath the last few weeks... it's good to finally breathe again.
Now the real work begins... especially for my sister. I wish I lived out there so I could hold her hand every step of the way. The one thing I do know is my sister is one tough cookie and can handle whatever is thrown her way, especially now that she has new PINK Doc Marten's my Tante Karolina sent her from Kentucky. I know she'll kick the shit out of this disease with those boots. Now to get her a pink wig to go with the Doc Marten's. :)
Keep her in your thoughts and prayers and we'll continue to post updates on how she's doing.
Thanks for your continued support. We truly appreciate all the kind words.
Erika
Friday, January 6, 2012
Silver Linings...
I know I said more Tuesday, but I couldn't resist sharing a few moments that I see as silver linings in this new chapter in life...
Silver Lining #1
If you know my dad, he likes to check our lint traps, gas tanks, and make sure our plants are watered. When you know he is coming over, we are on high alert. When my parents first went to Phoenix, Kimmy made comment that she had to dust. I said "*bleep* the dust, just check the lint trap"...made us laugh. Today mom said dad has something new he's going to check when he comes home. He told Kimmy "I cleaned your vacuum today. I saved the hair for you in case you need it later". I know, gross, right? Nope, just plain 'ol dad humor. I'm still laughing.
SL: Not only will our lint traps be clean, but now, our vacuums will be tended to as well.
Silver Lining #2
Mom is getting to really experience the life of the lunch lady, with a few tips from Kimmy. Handing over the pair of plastic gloves... "Do NOT argue with them if they throw out their uneaten lunches!" Horror of all horrors for mom...wasted food. Apparently, the decibels get louder and louder from Kinder to older hungry children. Mom snuck out to 'clear her ears' and check emails. Kimmy found her hunkered down in the quiet gym. She said "Kimmy handed me a rag to clean 50 TABLES four different times! Those poor lunch ladies work really hard." The only thing she said she wouldn't agree to is to push the trash bin through the aisles. Mom said "I've SEEN what those kids do. They throw their food at the bins and miss! I refuse to be the target!"
She also is called "Grandma" in the classroom...'grandma, I need help!'...'grandma, can you open this?!' Pardon my laugh, that just cracks me up.
She has also gone through Nathan's right of passage. She was told she could pick him up at the bus stop instead of Opa.
SL: Mom is getting to experience some quality moments with her AZ grandkids. A day in the life of a child and in someone else's shoes, priceless.
Quick Doctor note:
Kimmy has been given the names of two plastic surgeons she will get to meet next week. Turns out Dr. McSteamy was busy.
The GS said that one doctor is "a man, 65, with wild white hair and a vocabulary that will make a sailor blush".
The next is a young female, reserved and very businesslike. Takes a little to get to like her but in the end will love her.
Well, if you know Kimmy, it should be obvious which one would be a good fit, based off of these descriptions. My vote is for....
Silver linings friends...remember, every black cloud has a silver lining.
Continue to count your blessings,
Jessie
Silver Lining #1
If you know my dad, he likes to check our lint traps, gas tanks, and make sure our plants are watered. When you know he is coming over, we are on high alert. When my parents first went to Phoenix, Kimmy made comment that she had to dust. I said "*bleep* the dust, just check the lint trap"...made us laugh. Today mom said dad has something new he's going to check when he comes home. He told Kimmy "I cleaned your vacuum today. I saved the hair for you in case you need it later". I know, gross, right? Nope, just plain 'ol dad humor. I'm still laughing.
SL: Not only will our lint traps be clean, but now, our vacuums will be tended to as well.
Silver Lining #2
Mom is getting to really experience the life of the lunch lady, with a few tips from Kimmy. Handing over the pair of plastic gloves... "Do NOT argue with them if they throw out their uneaten lunches!" Horror of all horrors for mom...wasted food. Apparently, the decibels get louder and louder from Kinder to older hungry children. Mom snuck out to 'clear her ears' and check emails. Kimmy found her hunkered down in the quiet gym. She said "Kimmy handed me a rag to clean 50 TABLES four different times! Those poor lunch ladies work really hard." The only thing she said she wouldn't agree to is to push the trash bin through the aisles. Mom said "I've SEEN what those kids do. They throw their food at the bins and miss! I refuse to be the target!"
She also is called "Grandma" in the classroom...'grandma, I need help!'...'grandma, can you open this?!' Pardon my laugh, that just cracks me up.
She has also gone through Nathan's right of passage. She was told she could pick him up at the bus stop instead of Opa.
SL: Mom is getting to experience some quality moments with her AZ grandkids. A day in the life of a child and in someone else's shoes, priceless.
Quick Doctor note:
Kimmy has been given the names of two plastic surgeons she will get to meet next week. Turns out Dr. McSteamy was busy.
The GS said that one doctor is "a man, 65, with wild white hair and a vocabulary that will make a sailor blush".
The next is a young female, reserved and very businesslike. Takes a little to get to like her but in the end will love her.
Well, if you know Kimmy, it should be obvious which one would be a good fit, based off of these descriptions. My vote is for....
Silver linings friends...remember, every black cloud has a silver lining.
Continue to count your blessings,
Jessie
Thursday, January 5, 2012
Appt. with the General Surgeon
Today, Kimmy had her appointment with the general surgeon (forgot to get the name, it is a her, she'll be called GS for now).
The name I did get is the type of cancer she has. It is called Invasive Ductal Carcinoma. You can look it up for more information but from what we are told, it's the most common type of cancer women get. The stat says 80%.
http://www.breastcancer.org/symptoms/types/idc/
Invasive - it has spread
Ductal - started in the milk ducts
Carcinoma - cancer that begins in the skin or other tissues that cover internal organs
It is one of the choices because the GS and the plastic surgeon have to be scheduled together and this could take weeks.
The name I did get is the type of cancer she has. It is called Invasive Ductal Carcinoma. You can look it up for more information but from what we are told, it's the most common type of cancer women get. The stat says 80%.
http://www.breastcancer.org/symptoms/types/idc/
Invasive - it has spread
Ductal - started in the milk ducts
Carcinoma - cancer that begins in the skin or other tissues that cover internal organs
Today, the GS shared with her the pros and cons of the different procedures ie. lumpectomy, unilateral vs. bilateral mastectomy and learned about a new type of therapy called Neoadjuvant Therapy.
Neoadjuvant therapy aims to reduce the size or extent of the cancer before using treatment intervention, thus making procedures easier and more likely to succeed, and reducing the consequences of a more extensive treatment technique that would be required if the tumor wasn't reduced in size or extent. (got that technical definition from the internet)
It is one of the choices because the GS and the plastic surgeon have to be scheduled together and this could take weeks.
Her next appointment is Tuesday at 8am with the oncologist. Together they will discuss all the options and decide if it's best to wait a couple of weeks for the GS and plastic surgeon to get on the books together, or do the Neoadjuvant therapy where chemotherapy starts immediately and the surgery will follow a few months later.
Although it doesn't seem like a lot of news here, again, it seems like the knees stop jumping and the breathing is a little easier when we get more information. Word in Goodyear is that this appointment was a good one. Erika will report after the Tuesday appointment.
Smile everyone...have a nice weekend.
Jessie and Dr. McSteamy
10 Foods That Prevent Cancer | Yahoo! Health
10 Foods That Prevent Cancer Yahoo! Health
Trying something new here. I'm posting directly from an article I read on yahoo. Hope it works!
Trying something new here. I'm posting directly from an article I read on yahoo. Hope it works!
Wednesday, January 4, 2012
Appointments Set...
Hi everyone!
Just a quick update. Kimmy was able to get some appointments set pretty quickly despite the holiday, the weekend and their insurance change (which was already in motion prior to the news).
Tomorrow, Thursday, she has an appointment with a surgeon and then on the 10th she will meet with an oncologist. We'll let you know what happens after these appointments.
A little side bar moment for me here....yesterday, I was at Office Max getting my new 2012 calendar and of course, standing at the checkout, there was a book just begging me to buy it.
Chicken Soup for the Soul...Think Positive
No joke. I think I laughed out loud. Perfect timing. It is loaded with great quotes to start each story...
Courage is being afraid but going on anyhow.
-Dan Rather
Cancer is a word, not a sentence.
-John Diamond
When you treat a disease, first treat the mind.
-Chen Jen
You know what? I think Kimmy is treating her mind first and I'm so proud of her right now. Perhaps she or my mom don't readily see it because they are with each other every day right now, but I do. Together, they are keeping her life as she's known it to be. Normalcy is bringing peace and stability.
Happiness is far more about our attitude than our circumstances. From a great attitude we gain strength.
Mom got to live a day in the life of a cafeteria volunteer with kinder kids today. Thanks for sending this picture mom. It's great to see Kimmy doing something she loves to do. It's great to see her with a great attitude. It's laying the foundation for her strength in the future. These moments are treating her mind...
Have a great day,
Jessie
Just a quick update. Kimmy was able to get some appointments set pretty quickly despite the holiday, the weekend and their insurance change (which was already in motion prior to the news).
Tomorrow, Thursday, she has an appointment with a surgeon and then on the 10th she will meet with an oncologist. We'll let you know what happens after these appointments.
A little side bar moment for me here....yesterday, I was at Office Max getting my new 2012 calendar and of course, standing at the checkout, there was a book just begging me to buy it.
Chicken Soup for the Soul...Think Positive
No joke. I think I laughed out loud. Perfect timing. It is loaded with great quotes to start each story...
Courage is being afraid but going on anyhow.
-Dan Rather
Cancer is a word, not a sentence.
-John Diamond
When you treat a disease, first treat the mind.
-Chen Jen
You know what? I think Kimmy is treating her mind first and I'm so proud of her right now. Perhaps she or my mom don't readily see it because they are with each other every day right now, but I do. Together, they are keeping her life as she's known it to be. Normalcy is bringing peace and stability.
Happiness is far more about our attitude than our circumstances. From a great attitude we gain strength.
Mom got to live a day in the life of a cafeteria volunteer with kinder kids today. Thanks for sending this picture mom. It's great to see Kimmy doing something she loves to do. It's great to see her with a great attitude. It's laying the foundation for her strength in the future. These moments are treating her mind...
Jessie
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