Breast Cancer update

[msmaggie]

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

[wendysig]

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

[moe]

Kathy,
thank you for the update of a very busy day. Keep up the good spirits. We are all cheering you on!
Maureen

[cindyj]

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

[NancyMc]

Fingers crossed.
Hugs,
Nancy

[Sue]

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

[Kathy M]

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

[Kaybo]

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   

[lori67]

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

[lawmama]

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

[Debbi]

Kathy-

You will be in my thoughts and prayers tomorrow.  I am humbled by your courage and sense of humor. 

Thoughts, prayers, hugs...

Debbi

[CHD63]

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

[Jim Scott]

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     

[Keri]

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

[moe]

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