Hi everyone....Kimmy is "in the chair" now as I type (that's what she just texted to me). Keep her in your thoughts today. May this treatment continue to destroy the enemy.
Erika took a solo road trip out there. She is helping to hold down the fort for a week.
Just thought of something. The Nelsons live in Goodyear. My gut is telling me this WILL turn out to be a good year....
Jessie
Enjoying time on the beach in July
Thursday, March 1, 2012
Thursday, February 23, 2012
Update and some tidbits...
Hi family and friends! It's been a bit since we've posted, but let's consider that a good thing. Kimmy is rockin and rollin with her treatments. She has had two infusions so far...number three and four are coming up on March 1st and March 22nd.
Today, she had an appointment with her Oncologist. My dear mother flew other there yesterday morning, returning today, to go with her. She's great at moral support and it's good to have another set of ears to translate information. More on my mom's trip in a bit.....
The news is inching it's way towards being great news. The doctor said that the mother lump (gosh, when I say those words, I giggle...no disrespect Kimmy. It just sounds funny. It perfectly describes how I feel somedays) is getting smaller! (Insert high kick here!) The report is that everything is going smoothly, her white blood cell count hasn't been affected, she is handling the treatments well, and has been encouraged to stay the course that she is on. I believe the prayers, great emails, care packages, cards, loving notes and humor are really helping Kimmy out. Thanks to you all...big group hug everyone. There certainly is more to come, but for now, we celebrate small victories! This is a blessing to surely be counted.
Next up, Erika will be heading out for a week starting on Leap Day, Veronica will be visiting as well, and an early birthday celebration for Nathan will take place. His birthday didn't line up well with treatments but Kimmy and Duane will find a way to celebrate. As any kinder child would naturally be concerned, he was worried that not having a party meant that he wouldn't actually turn 6. Kimmy has assured him that March 9 is still a date on the calendar, he will absolutely turn 6, and most certainly receive presents. If you can, post a birthday note to Nathan to make his day extra special!
I'm looking forward to my visit for her 4th treatment in March. On my own personal note, I learned a big lesson the other day. While we all try to shield our children from unpleasant and hard to deliver news, sometimes the best route is to be honest and upfront. I finally told Megan (8) and Mia (7) about Tante Kimmy. Megan has heard tid bits here and there and was persistent in asking "What's wrong with Tante Kimmy?" I wasn't upfront with her and feeling guilty. On Valentine's Day, as our family sat around a fire for an evening pow wow, she asked again. My simple explanation wasn't cutting the mustard so I finally said "What Kimmy has is a big word. It's called cancer." Megan gasped audibly, Mia just stared.
Megan:"She has cancer just like Teddy?" (a child that was in her kinder class, had cancer, doing great now, by the way)
Mia: "Mom, how long have you known about this?"
Megan: "Is that why you've been sitting at the computer and crying alot?"
Mia brought me tissue for my tears, they both leaned in to give me a big hug. Wow. I underestimated them big time. There is freedom now, to talk and share. Feels good.
Guess who is excited about getting their pink shoes? I will make sure to post theirs when we get them!
************************
Back to my mom. As Kimmy puts it, this was technically mom's shortest trip to Phoenix but it felt like the longest. Apparently, the drama started on the plane ride over. Sitting next to a seemingly harmless individual, mom engaged in conversation. He asked her where she was from and she said, "Originally, Chihuahua, Mexico". The response from the old, white man from Kansas was, "Are you here legally?" HAHAHAHAHA! Sorry mom, I can't stop laughing. Stick to, "The Long Beach Area" when next asked!
Yesterday afternoon, she kindly picked up a lunch shift at school. She passed a child who needed to throw out his trash and he yelled "Old lady, come back!" That's almost as bad as calling her Abuelita.
THEN, clearing a group of boys by about 8ft., she got whacked in the back, square between the shoulder blades with food! As her daughters or co-workers can attest to, don't tick this woman off! She turned around, saw the boys turn back to their food, and picked out the most scared looking child. As Kimmy tells the story, mom interrogated the scared one, who quickly pointed the finger and ratted out the culprit. Mom told Angie the Cafeteria Lady (she deserves caps), and Angie told the VP Ms. Carrol.
7:30 am this morning and Duane answers a knock on the door. VP Ms. Carrol made a personal delivery of a bag of bagels as an apology to mom. Kimmy loves Ms. Carrol, even more so after the delivery. She says she works SO hard. 3 Cheers to Ms. Carrol!!!
The cafeteria boys were 6th graders....back in so cal, Megan told me yesterday she didn't want to ride the bus anymore because the 6th graders are mean to the little kids. What's up with 6th grade? I have a new favorite quote from Steven Tyler's American Idol last night that seems fitting...."We are all posers on the bus until we find a way to express ourselves". Love it. Best thing he's ever said. Whether the bus or the cafeteria or in life, we are all trying to find our way...
************************
Thanks to mom for being a roving Where's Waldo?! She has taken a few pictures sending great messages to Kimmy!
This is at an event in Long Beach with 3 members of the Marine band. She got the clarinet player in the picture in honor of Nikki! The note says Best Wishes Kimmy! (make sure to log on to www.ournewpink.blogspot.com to see the pics!)
Next up is Mom, Dad and Supervisor Knabe. Now, that is some professional sign! It's a beautiful picture, except for the obvious. heehee...sorry dad!
From the same event, "Dancing for Our Stars!", the entire 4th district offers up the following:
Let it be known that Don and Julie Knabe won FIRST place! This event was held for Long Beach Memorial, benefitting the Heart and Vascular Institute. Hard work and training paid off. They danced to victory in an event that brought in hundreds of thousand of dollars. Way to go Supervisor and way to go 4th district for delivering a prize winning photo. Mom, you look great in that pink!
Sunshine, sunshine everywhere. Off to Cerritos College for a baseball game. Pray for a victory, they aren't doing so hot in preseason, otherwise I'm going to have to bring in Kimmy for some motivational speaking or bring in the cafeteria boy to do some pitching.
Love to all,
Jessie
Today, she had an appointment with her Oncologist. My dear mother flew other there yesterday morning, returning today, to go with her. She's great at moral support and it's good to have another set of ears to translate information. More on my mom's trip in a bit.....
The news is inching it's way towards being great news. The doctor said that the mother lump (gosh, when I say those words, I giggle...no disrespect Kimmy. It just sounds funny. It perfectly describes how I feel somedays) is getting smaller! (Insert high kick here!) The report is that everything is going smoothly, her white blood cell count hasn't been affected, she is handling the treatments well, and has been encouraged to stay the course that she is on. I believe the prayers, great emails, care packages, cards, loving notes and humor are really helping Kimmy out. Thanks to you all...big group hug everyone. There certainly is more to come, but for now, we celebrate small victories! This is a blessing to surely be counted.
Next up, Erika will be heading out for a week starting on Leap Day, Veronica will be visiting as well, and an early birthday celebration for Nathan will take place. His birthday didn't line up well with treatments but Kimmy and Duane will find a way to celebrate. As any kinder child would naturally be concerned, he was worried that not having a party meant that he wouldn't actually turn 6. Kimmy has assured him that March 9 is still a date on the calendar, he will absolutely turn 6, and most certainly receive presents. If you can, post a birthday note to Nathan to make his day extra special!
I'm looking forward to my visit for her 4th treatment in March. On my own personal note, I learned a big lesson the other day. While we all try to shield our children from unpleasant and hard to deliver news, sometimes the best route is to be honest and upfront. I finally told Megan (8) and Mia (7) about Tante Kimmy. Megan has heard tid bits here and there and was persistent in asking "What's wrong with Tante Kimmy?" I wasn't upfront with her and feeling guilty. On Valentine's Day, as our family sat around a fire for an evening pow wow, she asked again. My simple explanation wasn't cutting the mustard so I finally said "What Kimmy has is a big word. It's called cancer." Megan gasped audibly, Mia just stared.
Megan:"She has cancer just like Teddy?" (a child that was in her kinder class, had cancer, doing great now, by the way)
Mia: "Mom, how long have you known about this?"
Megan: "Is that why you've been sitting at the computer and crying alot?"
Mia brought me tissue for my tears, they both leaned in to give me a big hug. Wow. I underestimated them big time. There is freedom now, to talk and share. Feels good.
Guess who is excited about getting their pink shoes? I will make sure to post theirs when we get them!
************************
Back to my mom. As Kimmy puts it, this was technically mom's shortest trip to Phoenix but it felt like the longest. Apparently, the drama started on the plane ride over. Sitting next to a seemingly harmless individual, mom engaged in conversation. He asked her where she was from and she said, "Originally, Chihuahua, Mexico". The response from the old, white man from Kansas was, "Are you here legally?" HAHAHAHAHA! Sorry mom, I can't stop laughing. Stick to, "The Long Beach Area" when next asked!
Yesterday afternoon, she kindly picked up a lunch shift at school. She passed a child who needed to throw out his trash and he yelled "Old lady, come back!" That's almost as bad as calling her Abuelita.
THEN, clearing a group of boys by about 8ft., she got whacked in the back, square between the shoulder blades with food! As her daughters or co-workers can attest to, don't tick this woman off! She turned around, saw the boys turn back to their food, and picked out the most scared looking child. As Kimmy tells the story, mom interrogated the scared one, who quickly pointed the finger and ratted out the culprit. Mom told Angie the Cafeteria Lady (she deserves caps), and Angie told the VP Ms. Carrol.
7:30 am this morning and Duane answers a knock on the door. VP Ms. Carrol made a personal delivery of a bag of bagels as an apology to mom. Kimmy loves Ms. Carrol, even more so after the delivery. She says she works SO hard. 3 Cheers to Ms. Carrol!!!
The cafeteria boys were 6th graders....back in so cal, Megan told me yesterday she didn't want to ride the bus anymore because the 6th graders are mean to the little kids. What's up with 6th grade? I have a new favorite quote from Steven Tyler's American Idol last night that seems fitting...."We are all posers on the bus until we find a way to express ourselves". Love it. Best thing he's ever said. Whether the bus or the cafeteria or in life, we are all trying to find our way...
************************
Thanks to mom for being a roving Where's Waldo?! She has taken a few pictures sending great messages to Kimmy!
This is at an event in Long Beach with 3 members of the Marine band. She got the clarinet player in the picture in honor of Nikki! The note says Best Wishes Kimmy! (make sure to log on to www.ournewpink.blogspot.com to see the pics!)
Next up is Mom, Dad and Supervisor Knabe. Now, that is some professional sign! It's a beautiful picture, except for the obvious. heehee...sorry dad!
Sunshine, sunshine everywhere. Off to Cerritos College for a baseball game. Pray for a victory, they aren't doing so hot in preseason, otherwise I'm going to have to bring in Kimmy for some motivational speaking or bring in the cafeteria boy to do some pitching.
Love to all,
Jessie
Thursday, February 9, 2012
Definition....and a defining moment.
Greetings everyone....thank you for still being on board and following updates on Kimmy! Today, she had her second infusion and all went well. In fact, she went to the grocery store and got some errands done right after. Her attitude is to get things done while she can. Smart thinking!
I think she fully expects to have the weakness, feeling tired, thing come back on the 3rd day after. Therefore, this time around, my parents are going to take the trip to Goodyear on Sunday to help out. Kimmy already said mom is going to have her hands full helping Nikki put together a 3-d model of a kidney! Oh the joys of 5th grade projects. Like I said earlier, this is a silver lining folks...
Speaking of silver linings, I spoke to Kimmy this evening and she said something that made me smile. She told me that since I wrote about finding the silver linings in her new reality, she has really tried every day to find something that would be just that. She found one....she said that the hair on her legs where she shaves is just about gone. Woo hoo! No shaving! And just in time for spring and summer! Yep, ladies will attest to the fact that this is a true silver lining. Please accept this is as SL #3! There may be more, but some she may keep close to the vest, this one she shared with me.
So, on the topic of hair, I decided to look up it's definition.
Hair: Any of the threadlike pigmented structures that grow from follicles beneath the skin of mammals and consist of layers of dead keratinized cells.
ewwww. That sounds kind of nasty. Who wants dead keratinized cells on their head when you really think about it? Not Sinead O'Connor, Not Charles Barkely, Not Michael Jordan, Not Kelly Slater, Not Demi Moore in G.I. Jane, Not Howie Mandel, Not The Dalai Lama, Not Kevin Youkilis, Not Kim Nelson.
Get the picture? Well, you aren't going to get one here yet.
Kimmy isn't ready to share her new look sans tresses and I respect her wishes. She took matters into her own hands. After the loss of hair chunks and pain on her head that was driving her mad, she said Enough! She started with the clippers thinking she would attempt the Ellen D type hair, but the clippers weren't doing the job. She said she then took the scissors and just started whacking away. At one point, she had to sit on the edge of the tub because she was laughing so hard at how she looked...random hair pieces here and there made her look like a mangy dog. She said it, not me! Next, she took the clippers and went for the straight buzz cut. She did it all on her own. Sitting here thinking about it, I think it would be quite the liberating feeling to do what she did. I'll have to ask her about that.
This is a defining moment. You hit one out of the park here Kimmy. Considering the fact that you told me a few days ago you wouldn't do a short cut in transition, you can imagine my shock. I'm proud of you seester. You took the bull by the horns.
So, for now, she's wearing baseball caps. There is comfort with no hair when visiting the docs office today but out shopping around is going to take some getting used to. She said it's hit or miss if people look at her for a tad too long. I suggested to get some of the tattoos our kids like to wear, the kind you wet with a sponge and apply. Maybe a few of those going up her neck combined with her doc martens, and folks will just think she's part of that new era metal militia. I thought I was pretty clever.
P.S. Kimmy herself said she has a pretty round head!
Public Sevice Announcement: Don't stare at bald women. Bald men are accepted in society, a bald woman means there is something wrong. So what if there is? Just offer up a smile. No hidden meaning attached, not laced with pity, because she will be able to tell.
To steal the closing of my favorite Mark and Brian...
Be good humans.
Jessie
I think she fully expects to have the weakness, feeling tired, thing come back on the 3rd day after. Therefore, this time around, my parents are going to take the trip to Goodyear on Sunday to help out. Kimmy already said mom is going to have her hands full helping Nikki put together a 3-d model of a kidney! Oh the joys of 5th grade projects. Like I said earlier, this is a silver lining folks...
Speaking of silver linings, I spoke to Kimmy this evening and she said something that made me smile. She told me that since I wrote about finding the silver linings in her new reality, she has really tried every day to find something that would be just that. She found one....she said that the hair on her legs where she shaves is just about gone. Woo hoo! No shaving! And just in time for spring and summer! Yep, ladies will attest to the fact that this is a true silver lining. Please accept this is as SL #3! There may be more, but some she may keep close to the vest, this one she shared with me.
So, on the topic of hair, I decided to look up it's definition.
Hair: Any of the threadlike pigmented structures that grow from follicles beneath the skin of mammals and consist of layers of dead keratinized cells.
ewwww. That sounds kind of nasty. Who wants dead keratinized cells on their head when you really think about it? Not Sinead O'Connor, Not Charles Barkely, Not Michael Jordan, Not Kelly Slater, Not Demi Moore in G.I. Jane, Not Howie Mandel, Not The Dalai Lama, Not Kevin Youkilis, Not Kim Nelson.
Get the picture? Well, you aren't going to get one here yet.
Kimmy isn't ready to share her new look sans tresses and I respect her wishes. She took matters into her own hands. After the loss of hair chunks and pain on her head that was driving her mad, she said Enough! She started with the clippers thinking she would attempt the Ellen D type hair, but the clippers weren't doing the job. She said she then took the scissors and just started whacking away. At one point, she had to sit on the edge of the tub because she was laughing so hard at how she looked...random hair pieces here and there made her look like a mangy dog. She said it, not me! Next, she took the clippers and went for the straight buzz cut. She did it all on her own. Sitting here thinking about it, I think it would be quite the liberating feeling to do what she did. I'll have to ask her about that.
This is a defining moment. You hit one out of the park here Kimmy. Considering the fact that you told me a few days ago you wouldn't do a short cut in transition, you can imagine my shock. I'm proud of you seester. You took the bull by the horns.
So, for now, she's wearing baseball caps. There is comfort with no hair when visiting the docs office today but out shopping around is going to take some getting used to. She said it's hit or miss if people look at her for a tad too long. I suggested to get some of the tattoos our kids like to wear, the kind you wet with a sponge and apply. Maybe a few of those going up her neck combined with her doc martens, and folks will just think she's part of that new era metal militia. I thought I was pretty clever.
P.S. Kimmy herself said she has a pretty round head!
Public Sevice Announcement: Don't stare at bald women. Bald men are accepted in society, a bald woman means there is something wrong. So what if there is? Just offer up a smile. No hidden meaning attached, not laced with pity, because she will be able to tell.
To steal the closing of my favorite Mark and Brian...
Be good humans.
Jessie
Wednesday, February 8, 2012
Tomorrow...
is Kimmy's second chemo treatment.
Say a little prayer for her and send her good vibes and thoughts as the next week will probably bring new challenges for her.
As she goes through these procedures we will all learn new things with how the chemo treatments affect her, how to help the family, how to help her cope and how to make her laugh...
I'll have to come up with some good stories or silly jokes. If anyone has any... please forward them or tell her yourself! I know she'd love it!
Erika
p.s. wear your pink tomorrow! Shoes, hats, shirts, bands, pins... anything that will let her know you are thinking about her.
Say a little prayer for her and send her good vibes and thoughts as the next week will probably bring new challenges for her.
As she goes through these procedures we will all learn new things with how the chemo treatments affect her, how to help the family, how to help her cope and how to make her laugh...
I'll have to come up with some good stories or silly jokes. If anyone has any... please forward them or tell her yourself! I know she'd love it!
Erika
p.s. wear your pink tomorrow! Shoes, hats, shirts, bands, pins... anything that will let her know you are thinking about her.
Tuesday, January 24, 2012
Special messages...
T+5 and Kimmy is on the mend. There really isn't much to say about these days post first infusion. I've sent her messages, simple ones "How do you feel today?" and I get back "I feel good. :)" That makes me happy.
Here's moms take:
She was fine the first two days without nausea.
The fatigue came in Sat. and more pronounced Sunday.
Worse yesterday and today she feels better.
My dad was out there for 5 days and came home yesterday. It was a good thing he went and I think it's a good thing to have someone hanging around after infusions because when your body says rest, you must rest. That rest is going to be big in helping her get back on track. A little extra help for Duane to run kids around to parties and sports is a good thing.
My mom received a special message from someone today and part of my mom's response to her, I believe, has a message for all of us:
"P.S. I appreciate your asking. You do not know how many people stay away because they do not know what to say. I know they care but they do not know how to approach the family."
Sometimes it is hard to reach out when you feel like you just don't have the words. I know I have missed opportunities for that very reason. I'm going to think differently now because I know the act of reaching out in time of need is truly courageous in and of itself. I now ALSO know how reaching out has affected Kimmy in such a positive way. No encouraging words are ever wrong, rather, they are always welcomed and very appreciated. They now come with the understanding of how difficult it may have been to share the words. That makes them all the more special.
So, thank you everyone...for asking questions, and for not being afraid (or even being afraid) to reach out and for sharing your strength and compassion with Kimmy and the family.
*************************************
I had the opportunity to work the NFC Championship football game this weekend (shout out to Maria Giannini!) and had a couple of special people send Kimmy some very special messages. (Try to log onto the actual website to see the pictures) www.ournewpink.blogspot.com
Kristin Chenoweth says "Kim, keep smiling!" This woman is priceless and it turns out her mom had the EXACT same thing Kimmy has! Kristin said "You TELL your sister something for me. You tell her to get rid of them! My mom had a lumpectomy and it came back." So, Kristin is getting her hair and makeup done and I sent that to Kimmy via text. Kimmy's response was "Haha! Awesome! Kristin Chenoweth just told me to get rid of my boobs! How cool is that!"You KNOW I had to read that back to Kristin and the woman was in stitches over the great response.
Kimmy's response to the picture was "OMG! That is the best! Thank you. =) I will!".
Another (ahem) friend (yeah, I wish!) sent Kimmy this message...
It's hard to read, totally my fault, but so worth the effort. Jimmy Stafford, lead guitar from TRAIN said "Kimmy, kick some tail!" He sends his best, he really did. I don't make those things up.
I think I've now created another mission. Erika is keeping the Shoe Solidarity Movement going and now I'm going to make myself like a Flat Stanley and see who I can get to send Kimmy special messages. Or, is that more like Where's Waldo? Either way, feel free to join in this mission too!
Support Kristin and Train whenever you can people. They are rockstars in every way.
Love,
Jessie
Here's moms take:
She was fine the first two days without nausea.
The fatigue came in Sat. and more pronounced Sunday.
Worse yesterday and today she feels better.
My dad was out there for 5 days and came home yesterday. It was a good thing he went and I think it's a good thing to have someone hanging around after infusions because when your body says rest, you must rest. That rest is going to be big in helping her get back on track. A little extra help for Duane to run kids around to parties and sports is a good thing.
My mom received a special message from someone today and part of my mom's response to her, I believe, has a message for all of us:
"P.S. I appreciate your asking. You do not know how many people stay away because they do not know what to say. I know they care but they do not know how to approach the family."
Sometimes it is hard to reach out when you feel like you just don't have the words. I know I have missed opportunities for that very reason. I'm going to think differently now because I know the act of reaching out in time of need is truly courageous in and of itself. I now ALSO know how reaching out has affected Kimmy in such a positive way. No encouraging words are ever wrong, rather, they are always welcomed and very appreciated. They now come with the understanding of how difficult it may have been to share the words. That makes them all the more special.
So, thank you everyone...for asking questions, and for not being afraid (or even being afraid) to reach out and for sharing your strength and compassion with Kimmy and the family.
*************************************
I had the opportunity to work the NFC Championship football game this weekend (shout out to Maria Giannini!) and had a couple of special people send Kimmy some very special messages. (Try to log onto the actual website to see the pictures) www.ournewpink.blogspot.com
Kristin Chenoweth says "Kim, keep smiling!" This woman is priceless and it turns out her mom had the EXACT same thing Kimmy has! Kristin said "You TELL your sister something for me. You tell her to get rid of them! My mom had a lumpectomy and it came back." So, Kristin is getting her hair and makeup done and I sent that to Kimmy via text. Kimmy's response was "Haha! Awesome! Kristin Chenoweth just told me to get rid of my boobs! How cool is that!"You KNOW I had to read that back to Kristin and the woman was in stitches over the great response.
Kimmy's response to the picture was "OMG! That is the best! Thank you. =) I will!".
Another (ahem) friend (yeah, I wish!) sent Kimmy this message...
It's hard to read, totally my fault, but so worth the effort. Jimmy Stafford, lead guitar from TRAIN said "Kimmy, kick some tail!" He sends his best, he really did. I don't make those things up.
I think I've now created another mission. Erika is keeping the Shoe Solidarity Movement going and now I'm going to make myself like a Flat Stanley and see who I can get to send Kimmy special messages. Or, is that more like Where's Waldo? Either way, feel free to join in this mission too!
Support Kristin and Train whenever you can people. They are rockstars in every way.
Love,
Jessie
Thursday, January 19, 2012
At the end of the day...
...All is well.
I'm not sure what I expected to happen but Kimmy is Kimmy, the same sounding Kimmy she was yesterday. Something about that was very reassuring. I got a call after her first chemotherapy session today and basically, it went off without a hitch. Was I expecting her voice to change like when you suck helium out of a balloon? I don't think so. I think I built this up in my head so big that I don't know what I expected, but today wasn't it. Believe me, that's a good thing!
Kimmy said that she was most nervous about the insertion of the needle into the porta cath. The nurse told her to take a deep breath in and she did, and walah! the needle was in. She didn't feel a thing and said that brought her great relief! She listened to music, read her kindle, played on her phone and surprisingly said it went by very fast!
Tomorrow, she has a scheduled injection (the day after every treatment). This is something that is supposed to boost her cell count. We aren't sure what the next few days will hold since this is the first one but god willing, the side effects won't be too bad. Duane isn't on call this weekend and my dad is there too so there are plenty of hands on deck to help out and let her relax. Dad, how's the lint trap looking?
The shoe movement is catching on! If you don't want pink shoes, put anything pink in your pocket to serve as a reminder of Kimmy and others battling cancer. It's a simple and great way to offer your support. The power of positive thinking is working. Kimmy feels it every day so keep it coming!
I'm in San Francisco right now and as I look at this beautiful city, I am reminded of the beauty and love that is around us that can fill our lives. Be thankful every day for what you have, try to see people and life through different glasses and remember everyone has story. You may not know the story, but offer up a smile. It could be the one thing that makes a difference in their day.
Keep smiling Kimmy...we all love you. I am one of your biggest fans!
Jessie
I'm not sure what I expected to happen but Kimmy is Kimmy, the same sounding Kimmy she was yesterday. Something about that was very reassuring. I got a call after her first chemotherapy session today and basically, it went off without a hitch. Was I expecting her voice to change like when you suck helium out of a balloon? I don't think so. I think I built this up in my head so big that I don't know what I expected, but today wasn't it. Believe me, that's a good thing!
Kimmy said that she was most nervous about the insertion of the needle into the porta cath. The nurse told her to take a deep breath in and she did, and walah! the needle was in. She didn't feel a thing and said that brought her great relief! She listened to music, read her kindle, played on her phone and surprisingly said it went by very fast!
Tomorrow, she has a scheduled injection (the day after every treatment). This is something that is supposed to boost her cell count. We aren't sure what the next few days will hold since this is the first one but god willing, the side effects won't be too bad. Duane isn't on call this weekend and my dad is there too so there are plenty of hands on deck to help out and let her relax. Dad, how's the lint trap looking?
The shoe movement is catching on! If you don't want pink shoes, put anything pink in your pocket to serve as a reminder of Kimmy and others battling cancer. It's a simple and great way to offer your support. The power of positive thinking is working. Kimmy feels it every day so keep it coming!
I'm in San Francisco right now and as I look at this beautiful city, I am reminded of the beauty and love that is around us that can fill our lives. Be thankful every day for what you have, try to see people and life through different glasses and remember everyone has story. You may not know the story, but offer up a smile. It could be the one thing that makes a difference in their day.
Keep smiling Kimmy...we all love you. I am one of your biggest fans!
Jessie
Monday, January 16, 2012
T minus 3 days
Kimmy had her "chemo class" today. Honestly, I forgot to ask her what she learned! We will let you know later. I think it was mostly about certain foods she is to stay away from during her treatment but again, I'm not yet positive. It's not that there was a lack of interest, it's just that we knew she would learn the date of her first chemo session, and that is what I was anxious to hear.
We did learn that she was given a schedule of her treatment plan. Apparently, she will receive a master schedule of all her appointments, including chemo sessions, next day injections, lab work, etc.
Her first chemo date is set for this Thursday, January 19 at 11:00 am (Phoenix time). T minus 3 days....
There is something strange about the dates big things are happening. We found out about her cancer on my nieces birthday, her portacath was inserted on our Oma's birthday and her first chemo is on my daughter Mia's birthday. What are the chances? There has to be some good karma behind that.
After a little bit of deliberation, Hansi will be heading out to Phoenix on Wednesday and stay though the weekend. We've been talking alot about someone being with Kimmy during her sessions, especially the first one, but after talking to her, I now realize that may have been more for us, or just me, but it was important to tell her so. I really appreciated, after I heard a little bit of a sigh, that she was able to tell me she really just wanted to do this one by herself, read her book, listen to her ipod, essentially just sit in peace.
I'm good with that. I'm glad she said it. Otherwise, us cackling fools might try to fill the space of uncomfortable silence with too much talking. Maybe I should just speak for myself here. But, now I know and if I ever do go with her, I will be able to bring my book and my ipod too, and know it's okay.
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My mom has said numerous times that she knows how she feels and can't even imagine what Kimmy feels like. I think everyone has something different going on. This week, I felt like a horse in a cage about to start a race....feet moving, only in place, anticipating the opening of the gate...you can picture it, lots of subdued jostling but enough to know that the moment the gate opens, it's off to the races. Well folks, we are now off to the races.
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Random thought: Everytime I write the words cancer or chemo, I keep saying to myself 'is that supposed to be capitalized?'. Well, I caught myself talking to the computer telling these two words 'you don't deserve to capitalized!' I had a few choice words in there as well.
Caps for proper nouns, what's so proper about cancer or chemo? Nothing, so you don't get my caps!
I warned you...random thought.
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Nikki update: I wish I had the capacity to not only perfectly quote Kimmy but to also bring to life the way her voice sounded when I asked about Nikki. She said she is doing so great, so much better than expected. Kimmy has to utilize her left arm for most tasks. She has to keep her right side pretty steady to let the portacath settle properly. She also can't let it get wet just yet. Nikki helped her wash her hair in the sink and when mom holds one handle of the laundry basket, Nikki holds the other. Together, they carry it up the stairs. Not only that, Nikki switched the laundry on her own and took the dry stuff upstairs. Now, you may think that's an easy task, but if you have young kids, then you understand how utterly cool that is. Kimmy said she did it all on her own, no one had to ask. That, is what makes this special. She is getting it, and no one had to say a word. A few weeks ago, a laundry story didn't bring lumps to my throat. Now it does. Making us proud Nikki....
Teamwork is the ultimate power,
Jessie
P.S. So, a Shoe Solidarity Movement has materialized for Kimmy! If you want to take part, go get some pink kicks...check ours out! Who is next?
We did learn that she was given a schedule of her treatment plan. Apparently, she will receive a master schedule of all her appointments, including chemo sessions, next day injections, lab work, etc.
Her first chemo date is set for this Thursday, January 19 at 11:00 am (Phoenix time). T minus 3 days....
There is something strange about the dates big things are happening. We found out about her cancer on my nieces birthday, her portacath was inserted on our Oma's birthday and her first chemo is on my daughter Mia's birthday. What are the chances? There has to be some good karma behind that.
After a little bit of deliberation, Hansi will be heading out to Phoenix on Wednesday and stay though the weekend. We've been talking alot about someone being with Kimmy during her sessions, especially the first one, but after talking to her, I now realize that may have been more for us, or just me, but it was important to tell her so. I really appreciated, after I heard a little bit of a sigh, that she was able to tell me she really just wanted to do this one by herself, read her book, listen to her ipod, essentially just sit in peace.
I'm good with that. I'm glad she said it. Otherwise, us cackling fools might try to fill the space of uncomfortable silence with too much talking. Maybe I should just speak for myself here. But, now I know and if I ever do go with her, I will be able to bring my book and my ipod too, and know it's okay.
************************************
My mom has said numerous times that she knows how she feels and can't even imagine what Kimmy feels like. I think everyone has something different going on. This week, I felt like a horse in a cage about to start a race....feet moving, only in place, anticipating the opening of the gate...you can picture it, lots of subdued jostling but enough to know that the moment the gate opens, it's off to the races. Well folks, we are now off to the races.
************************************
Random thought: Everytime I write the words cancer or chemo, I keep saying to myself 'is that supposed to be capitalized?'. Well, I caught myself talking to the computer telling these two words 'you don't deserve to capitalized!' I had a few choice words in there as well.
Caps for proper nouns, what's so proper about cancer or chemo? Nothing, so you don't get my caps!
I warned you...random thought.
*************************************
Nikki update: I wish I had the capacity to not only perfectly quote Kimmy but to also bring to life the way her voice sounded when I asked about Nikki. She said she is doing so great, so much better than expected. Kimmy has to utilize her left arm for most tasks. She has to keep her right side pretty steady to let the portacath settle properly. She also can't let it get wet just yet. Nikki helped her wash her hair in the sink and when mom holds one handle of the laundry basket, Nikki holds the other. Together, they carry it up the stairs. Not only that, Nikki switched the laundry on her own and took the dry stuff upstairs. Now, you may think that's an easy task, but if you have young kids, then you understand how utterly cool that is. Kimmy said she did it all on her own, no one had to ask. That, is what makes this special. She is getting it, and no one had to say a word. A few weeks ago, a laundry story didn't bring lumps to my throat. Now it does. Making us proud Nikki....
Teamwork is the ultimate power,
Jessie
P.S. So, a Shoe Solidarity Movement has materialized for Kimmy! If you want to take part, go get some pink kicks...check ours out! Who is next?
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