What Cancer Cannot Do!!!

It cannot and will not and has not killed my spirit! I have been on one crazy ride for the past 6 months. The thing that has gotten me through it all has been my fighting spirit and the love and support of my family and friends.

Today was the closing of another chapter, and of course, mom and dad were here with me. I had my post-op meeting with Dr. Kennedy. She said that I'm healing wonderfully, that the incision looks great and she also gave me a copy of my pathology report. Which, Dr. Kennedy was very happy with the report and the findings. For those that might not already know, they basically say that I'm now cancer free. We were also able to schedule a consult with the radiation oncologist for the 30th of this month to discuss when we will start radiation. I also have to start physical therapy tomorrow. The doctor wants to have my arm be more flexible than it is now. Apparently my arm has to be able to reach behind my head before I can do radiation, and right now that's not possible! Thank goodness for pain killers, I'm pretty sure I'll be heavily medicated tomorrow after that! I also was able to get fitted for my prosthetic (fake boob) today and I got 2 new bras so that was exciting! I won't be able to wear the prosthetic for awhile now since I'm still healing and it hurts to have anything touch my incision area.

Last week was a bit of a rough week for me. Wednesday was the first day that I had actually gotten dressed and it was quite an experience. To have a t-shirt on and see one side of my body flat and hardly any hair on my head it was hard to feel like a girl. It was like I didn't have time to prepare myself for the after. I was so ready to get the cancer out and get past the surgery that I forgot to take a minute and actually prepare myself for what was going to be, or not be, there after the surgery. But like the title of this blog says it can't kill my spirit, and after going a week without a bra I'm starting to get use to the idea more and more everyday! :) I've said this whole time that my humor would get me through this and that's even more true now. I'm actually thankful (now) that God made me flat chested because you can't really tell that I've had a mastectomy!

I have to thank everyone for going through this journey with me, we've reached the top of the roller coaster and we are downhill from now on. I have a lot to be thankful for this Thanksgiving and I'm very blessed to have all of you there with me on this ride. I'm looking forward to giving my body some much needed relaxation from everything that I have put it through this last 6 months!!

Happy Thanksgiving!!
Peace, Love and Hope
Kaitlyn

Camp Thomas

So I'm 7 days removed from surgery and I'm feeling pretty good. The surgery went well from what they tell me since I was asleep at the time. Although apparently when the hospital attendants wheeled me into my room I asked the one guy if he was participating in No-Shave November and then told him I was also participating but with my hair. I'm pretty sure I'm going to win! I came home Tuesday afternoon and slept for the entire day. Thursday I felt good enough to go out and run some errands that I needed to get done. I think mom and I were gone an hour and when we got back I was pretty tired and proceeded to sleep for the rest of day.

I was able to get my drains out today, last week was no fun having those in. No words can express how nice it was to have my parents here last week taking care of me and draining my drains. I'm sure I was not the easiest patient to care for but the fact that they were here meant a lot to me. I got some other great news today, my pathology report came back and my tumor was .02cm which apparently is really small. Also, when they first did the lymph node biopsy 2 lymph nodes were positive, well when they tested the ones they took out they were all negative. Which means I am CANCER FREE and I have a really good prognosis of it not coming back! I can't begin to put into words what all your prayers have meant to me and this is the result of all of your prayers! So from the bottom of my heart I THANK YOU!! I have waited for this news for 6 months and have gone through a lot but today is a great day!! :)

With that being said, I have just a couple more hurdles to get over and then I can put all of this behind me! We meet with Dr. Kennedy next week for my post-op appointment and to also hopefully start discussing radiation treatment. I'm not gonna lie I haven't actually looked at my non-boob, that is still a little hard for me right now. I know I've been really strong this whole time in dealing with the fact that I have/had cancer but the surgery just made it a little more real for me.

So in closing I thank each and everyone one of you who reads my blog for your continued prayers, you all have helped me get through this journey that me and my family have been on. It hasn't been the easiest or most fun but with your words of encouragement and prayers it has made it more bearable so I thank you!

Peace, Love and Hope
Kaitlyn

The Uniboob Chronicles

This morning finds me reporting to you from Kaitlyn's hospital room. The surgery is over and she is recovering nicely. We arrived right on time yesterday....9:00 a.m. and reported to Admissions. Soon after we were on the second floor in Pre-Op. Surgery was scheduled for 11ish but didn't actually happen until the afternoon. The nursing staff got her prepped and they wheeled her down to the operating room around 12:45. The staff at Clarian is great and they kept us posted thru out the procedure on how things were going. By 3:30 they were telling us she was in recovery and after talking to Dr. Kennedy, Brad and I were able to see her.

She, of course, was still pretty out-of-it but was alert enough to know we were with her and that the procedure was over. Not too long after that they wheeled her upstairs to her room and got her settled in. She has done remarkably well and is, for the most part, in good spirits. Glad to have this part of the process behind her. She's been around the proverbial block this morning for a nice walk thru her ward and even has managed a shower. If everything goes well, she'll be sprung from this place this afternoon.

She'll leave with a couple of drain tubes still in and I will be responsible for maintaing those until they are ready to come out. I'm sure she will be thrilled to be back home in her own bed. Hopefully, at that point she will be able to blog again. Until then, thanks for all the prayers that went up for her yesterday. We continue to be blessed by you all.

Peace, Love and Hope,
Lisa

2 boobs, 1 boob

So today is the day that I lose my boob, if it gets rid of the cancer than take it away! Camp Thomas is here and ready to hold down the fort for the week. So instead of the chemo cave it is Camp Thomas. We might have a bonfire later and roast some marshmallows if we have enough time. Continued prayers for today and the rest of the week are much appreciated, I don't think I will ever be able to express how much all of your support and words of encouragement have meant to me and my family. It has helped us tremendously in getting through every day!

My mom will post an update tonight for you!

Much love to you all

Peace, Love and Hope
Kaitlyn

Drainage Tubes, Morphine Pumps and Camisoles Oh My!!!

So today was my Pre-Op meeting with Dr. Kennedy I also met with the Rehab facility to learn about the exercises I will be doing after surgery. Thank goodness mom and dad were there today to soak up all the information given to us. I have to report to the hospital at 9 Monday morning. I think they are planning to do surgery around 11 and it will last around 2 hours. I will have to stay overnight Monday night and will be able to come home Tuesday afternoon. When I wake up on Monday I will have two drainage tubes attached to me as well as a mini morphine pump called an ON-Q pump. It's job is to help with the pain after I come home and when it has drained you can apparently pull it right out of my chest. So that job as been given to my mom. I know she is really looking forward to doing that. The tubes are even better, my mom has to empty the tubes twice a day and measure how much fluid is coming out. I also get to wear a special camisole that holds the drain pumps in a pouch that is connected to my camisole, needless to say today was a little overwhelming.

On a change of topic, last weekend I participated in the Making Strides against Breast Cancer in South Bend. I walked with my Aunt Donna, Mom, Jaymie Hartzler and her mom Shari Hartzler, Amy Calvert, Erin and her daughter Addy. They had a great turnout and it turned out to a beautiful morning for a nice little walk through South Bend sporting our AWESOME orange shirts. After the walk we went and had lunch at the Olive Garden where we got free cake at the end of our meal. I'm still pretty sure its because I have cancer, so if anyone wants me to tag along with them I can get you some free stuff! :)

I will be updating one more time before Monday. Then my mom will be updating on Monday after the surgery as I know a lot of you will want to know how that went. I want to say thank you for all the prayers so far and I ask that you say just one more prayer for Monday. I'm a little anxious to have the surgery, but I trust that God will be watching over me and keep me safe. I also trust my surgeon and medical team and know I'm in very good hands.

Peace, Love and Hope
Kaitlyn

Yay It's an Update!!!

Get excited its an update!!! So a lot has happened since the last time my mom posted. Just to give a quick update on whats been happening. After my last chemo which was a month ago, I got really sick and started to run a fever due to an infection I was fighting before I had chemo. I noticed that I felt really warm and took my temp it was around 100.7. After talking to the Oncologist on duty, Scott and I proceeded to go to the ER where they drew my blood and ran some other tests. Come to find out my counts were dangerously low and they were thinking of admitting me but thankfully my oncologist said I could be released and I was prescribed antibiotics and told to rest. Mom came right away and spent a couple of days and then came back with dad when my temperature flared up again. Then the following week I was having some problems using the bathroom so I went back to the ER only to find that I had a urinary tract infection and was given more antibiotics and told to rest. That last chemo took a lot out of me and even laughed in my face a little bit, but with every one's prayers and words of encouragement I was able to fight and get through the worst of it.

I also have had my first herceptin infusion which was a piece of cake just like the nurses and doctors told me it would be. Both mom and Scott were along for the ride. Because it was my first one I had to sit there for an hour and half so they could monitor me while having it. The infusion went fine and will only take about 20-25 minutes the rest of the time. I go every 3 weeks for the infusion for a year and my next one is next Thursday.

Mom, Dad and I met with Dr. Kennedy, who is my surgeon, last Wednesday to discuss my options with surgery. Since the chemo shrunk the tumor so much Dr. Kennedy thought we might be able to do a lumpectomy. She ordered a mammogram and a MRI. Mom and I went in last Friday to get those done. Dr Kennedy was able to look at the imaging and due to there still being some spots of concern to her she feels the best course of action is to have a mastectomy. I have scheduled my surgery for Nov. 1st. That way I will be able to be healed in time to enjoy Thanksgiving and the holidays with my family. I (and mom and dad)have a pre-op meeting next Wednesday with Dr. Kennedy to go over the specifics and make sure we are all on the same page.

On a happier note, I participated in the Making Strides against Breast Cancer walk here in Indy last weekend. The Hartford organized a team to walk and I felt very honored that they did that and asked me to walk with them. I had a great time and was actually able to walk the whole thing, I was a little tired afterwards and definitely took a nap when I got home. :) It was great to be out there raising awareness and money for this disease. I am also planning on walking in the same event this Saturday with my mom and the Fulton County Relay for Life team in South Bend. Our team name is the Fulton County Rack Pack and they even got orange t-shirts in my honor. I had my dad put a link on here called Making Strides so that if any of you would like to donate money you can go to that site and give.

I just want to thank everyone again for all your support and words of encouragement through all of this, it has meant the world to me and made me fight harder. Now on to the next chapter which is surgery and then its down hill from there, and I promise to update on here more often.

Peace, Love and Hope
Kaitlyn

Cookies and Cake.....and now we wait!

Sorry it's taken me so long to update. It's been such an emotional journey we've been on that it's taken me a few days to decompress and gather my thoughts. So, you can tell by the blog title that everything went well last Thursday.....and "yay" it was the last time!

The day started bright and early. Kaitlyn had to be at the infusion center by 9:30 and, of course, we had to get breakfast out of the way first. Since it was the last time for the potent chemo drugs the girl wanted to look her best. So, that meant anything and everything orange. Lorraine Severns helped the cause this go-around with some beautiful orange straps for Kaitlyn's switch-flops. For those of you not familiar with those sandals I recommend a visit to Flirt in downtown Rochester. Not only did Lorraine provide the orange straps but she also made Kaitlyn some gorgeous orange earrings. So along with those items, she also sported a pretty orange scarf on her head and a nice orange top. Her Dad and I got her an orange bead for her bracelet from Flirt as well. It was to celebrate the last of the grueling chemo drugs.

We decided a head of time that we wanted to celebrate so we brought two dozen cookies to the nursing staff at the infusion center. Those gals have all been super and have the most compassionate hearts. They sure made it easy for us every time we went. Not to be out done, Kaitlyn's friend, Andhra brought a nice chocolate cake with a big "No More Chemo" written on it and a great orange and pink balloon bouquet. The nurses were in heaven and promised to share with the other patients that were due in that day.

Kira Jump Kimmel, a high school friend, stopped in for a visit with us as well. It was sure good to have her with us! She's had some medical problems of her own due to a hit and run that she was involved in in Indy. We are wishing her all the best and including her in our prayers. Love you Kira!

Other than those two gals, we ended as we began....with Scott, Kaitlyn and I. It seemed appropriate to do it this way. Scott said Kaitlyn's lab results still looked pretty good despite the double infection she had been fighting for a week. Her platelets were a little low but we knew about that ahead of time and it didn't stop the chemo process from taking place. At just a little under four hours it takes along time for those drugs to get pushed thru and by the end Kaitlyn was pretty tired and sick. All I can say is that after watching that girl go thru this process this summer, I don't think I'll complain about a headache ever again in my life. I probably don't say this enough....but really she's my hero.

So now we wait. Her immune system has to get back on track and then we will meet with Dr. Kennedy's office to discuss surgery. In the meantime, Kaitlyn will still go every three weeks to the infusion center for herceptin. It's a twenty minute infusion and everyone tells us that there are no side effects from it. We're holding them to their promise:)

It feels good to know that this part is behind us now and maybe, just maybe, there might be a light at the end of this tunnel we've been in. To try and tell you all in words how much your prayers and comments have meant to us.....well there just aren't enough to do that. Seriously, without all of you we don't know how we could have done this. Evey time that girl started to feel down or a little depressed...one of you would send her a card or a message on facebook or comment on this blog. We just know that it was God making sure she knew how many of you cared. Thanks so much for caring and praying and sending cards and care packages. You all will just never know what it has meant to us. That's enough rambling for one night, so you all know the drill....you keep praying and she'll keep fighting. God Bless you all!

Peace, Love and Hope,
Lisa

The Chemo Cave

I'm coming out of my chemo cave and back into the world of real life. The chemo cave is where I hang out and watch movies while the chemo moves through my body killing the cancer and continually shrinks the tumor. This time my brother Scott got to hang out with me in my chemo cave. I'm very blessed to have the best brother ever. Not only did he make sure I was eating, he also watched movies with me all weekend and made me laugh at times when I really needed to laugh. Also the poor thing will probably end up getting pneumonia. One of the side effects from having chemo is hot flashes. Our apartment feels like walking into an igloo, in my room alone I have 2 fans that blow on me at night plus the air conditioner runs like every 5 minutes. Let me just say hot flashes are not cool, I've never had more respect for my mom and aunt then I do now after experiencing them! :)

If you have heard the song "Stand" by Rascal Flats this is around the time when I get up from the ground brush my hands off and stand. (I suggest googling the lyrics or listening to the song) I listen to that song everyday after chemo for encouragement to get through the day. Today is the day that I start to feel my energy level increase and I start feeling just overall better.

When I started this blog it was suppose to be a way for me and my mom to update family and friends on my appointments and treatment, but Ive gotten so many messages and cards saying how inspired they are by me or how I'm making cancer not scary. That is my new goal with this, cancer isn't scary, and it doesn't mean an instant death sentence. Even having chemo doesn't scare me, what does scare me are the days after when the chemo is coursing through my body and I don't have any energy to get off the couch or move. But, I also know that if I can just make it through those days 1 day at a time that its one more day that the cancer didn't win and its one more day closer to days like today. So I will continue to get up from the ground, brush my hands off....and stand!

My plan is to head home this weekend and spend time with my family. I continue to be amazed by the number of people praying for me. Thank you all so much....I know those prayers are working!

Peace, Love and Hope,
Kaitlyn

One to Go!!

I know what you are thinking.....finally a blog update:) When we started this journey numbers were in every conversation we had. The size of the tumor in centimeters, the stage of the cancer, how many weeks of radiation, and, of course, how long were chemo treatments going to last. At first, we were doing chemo every other week for eight weeks, then every week for twelve weeks. Then, when the tumor hadn't shrunk any we changed to every three weeks for 7 weeks. Then that was changed to every three weeks for three more treatments. The most important number you need to know now is.....one. That's how many more chemo treatments Kaitlyn will have. We couldn't be more excited to reach this milestone.

Our chemo day was a good one. Aunt Angie, Aunt Donna and I traveled to Indy last night and stayed in an apartment at the kid's complex that out-of-town quests can rent. We had supper with Kaitlyn and Scott and the Aunts got a tour of the new place. Kaitlyn's appointment was early this morning and we were up and on the way by 8:45. Kaitlyn's visit with Dr. Newton went well and the tumor continues to shrink. We are so thankful!! Infusion was good today as well. Scott was back on board this time and, frankly, kept us all entertained. Kaitlyn was happy to have the Aunts along but missed Aunt Dianna. She had work commitments. Kaitlyn continues to have the largest crowd at chemo. Kris was there as well and Andhra stopped in on her lunch hour. The nurses have started talking about how great it is that she brings such a large group and that we spend a lot of time laughing. Chemo lasted a little over three hours. It is a long process with the added chemo drug. But, that Taxotere is potent stuff and is doing the job, so we don't mind at all.

We've had a busy few weeks since Kaitlyn's last treatment. The weekend after treatment we moved the kids into their new apartment. Has I predicted Kaitlyn was really tired and feeling pretty nauseous. She toughed it out to help us get things organized on Saturday afternoon. After a trip to Walmart though in the evening, she was done. We finished up the next morning and then left her to recuperate. She got a cold the first part of the next week and battled thru that nicely. We were concerned for her because her immune system is pretty non-existent, but she rebounded by the end of the week.

The Sunday of that week we all went to the State Fair and had a great time. She got a little tired walking so we took it easy and rode the tram some as well. We hadn't been to the fair since the summer before she went to college so it was great to attend once again with both her and Scott. The State Fair is always a good time.

The last week she got back on track with her work schedule. She works a short week the week she has chemo and the week after because of the fatigue and sickness she suffers from the drugs. The next week she tries for a full 40 hours and then she's back to a chemo week. Once again, the Hartford has just been fantastic to her and it's been so appreciated. So she worked a full week and even got a couple of softball games in on Friday night. She loves her softball:) Saturday she and Scott were home to attend the Craig Open House. They got to see and visit with some of the people I work with and they really enjoyed themselves. Basically, I just want you all to know that she tries to keep pushing forward. She might not blog on here but it's because she's keeping herself busy and is out there living her life. Exactly what we want her to be doing!

Kaitlyn will have her last chemo on September 16th. After that, she will have an appointment to see Dr. Kennedy to discuss her operation and begin moving forward to schedule that. She'll need a little time to recover from the chemo and rebuild that immune system. She will begin, three weeks after the 16th, herceptin infusions. She will have them every three weeks for a year. This will not interfere with the surgery and she won't suffer any of the side effects she's been dealing with. They will only last about 20 minutes and she will have them either before or after work. After what she's gone thru this will be a piece of cake! Those prayers you all have been sending up are working so please keep praying and she'll keep fighting. Thanks and love to you all:)

Peace, Love and Hope
Lisa

Four Down and Two to Go!!!

It was a chemo day and by now you all know what that means.......mom gets to blog! Seriously, when Kaitlyn told me she was going to do this blog I said "Good for you". I mean it was a good idea....she could write down everything she was going thru and you could all read and comment about it. What's not to like?! Little did I know at the time that I was going to be dragged (kicking and screaming) into writing on it also. All in all, it's been a pretty amazing experience for the both of us. Each time we write we get to release a little of our emotions out on here. So, really it's been extremely therapeutic for both of us:)

Now, having said all that, today was a GREAT day! Finally, some good news. Dr. Newton told us today that the tumor has shrunk a little. That means the new chemo cocktail is working. Yay!!! So, we sailed thru our appointment with Dr. Newton and headed back to the infusion room to begin the fourth round of chemo. Today, Tracy and Katie stopped in for a quick game of Rummy and then they had to head back to work. Sara came from St Louis and Kaitlyn was thrilled to see her. Andhra showed up and the three of them became absorbed in an intense game of Farkle. Sadly, Scott wasn't able to come today. He called this morning and sounded horrible. I believe it's just a summer cold. But, Scott, knowing how fragile his sister's immune system is right now made the call to stay at home. He was greatly missed.

Kaitlyn was in good spirits today. I'm pretty sure it had to do with the gift bag she received before we left for her treatment. The Hoff's gave her orange Tennessee scrubs and a tangerine cap. Needless to say, she wore the scrub top and the hat to chemo. I was able to convince her to save the pants for later when she was lounging. Seriously, and I know I have mentioned this many times before, my girl adores all things Tennessee and/or orange! I'll post those pictures for you all to see.

So, more good news, Kaitlyn has just two chemo treatments left. She goes again on the 26th and then again on the 16th of September. Once chemo is done she will rest for a few weeks to build up that immune system and then she will have her surgery. So, she will definitely be cancer free by the end of this year...which was her goal:)

Now we are gearing up for the big move this weekend. Kaitlyn and Scott are going to share an apartment in Indy. Tomorrow Brad and I will move her things in and Saturday we will go to Bloomington and move Scott's stuff. We plan to spend the weekend getting them settled and everything put away. I know Kaitlyn won't feel like doing a thing for the next week besides going to work. So, we'll make it nice and neat for her while she supervises us from her bed. Here's hoping the Lakeshore people know what's in store for them.

And finally, thanks to you all. You've read our blogs, made comments, sent cards, sent packages and most importantly, included her in your prayers. We can't thank you enough for that. By now you know the drill.....you all keep praying and she'll keep fighting!

Peace, Love and Hope
Lisa

Round 4 of the Boxing Match that is my Life!

So tomorrow is treatment number 4 and I can't sleep tonight which is no big surprise, since I had to start my steroid medicine today in preparation for chemo tomorrow. The steroids keep you awake and make it hard to sleep, I'm waiting for the day when I become aggressive and start bulking up :) I had a great week last week of having energy and feeling great and I know whats coming next. This is the part that I truly dread the extreme tiredness, sickness, and overall body pain for the next week. In better news I was able to work everyday last week and the three days this week. I played 2 softball games on Friday, which felt amazing to be back on the field with my softball buddies playing a sport that I absolutely love. I also played tennis on Sunday evening, which I have only played like twice in my life so that was very interesting to watch to say the least. I was back to the old athletic Kate. Which is probably why i dread tomorrow so much, but I know it tomorrow has to come and then it will one less treatment that I have to do and closer to being done. My whole goal is to have 2010 be the year of cancer and go into next year with chemo and surgery behind me and 2011 be a fresh new start

Oh and I miss my hair, I can't say the many times I have reached the back of my head in an attempt to put my hair in a pony tail and there is nothing there. I catch myself people watching more now and staring at people's heads, or watching infomercials about hair care products. Its pretty funny actually, and almost pathetic I know but its like part of my identity has been taken away from me and body is going through this change that I didn't sign up for. I know its just the chemo and that it will grow back in time, it just sucks a little bit right now. I get a little tired of wearing the hats and scarfs but not quite ready to walk around bald.

There's not much to report I have been pretty normal this past week which has been great, and my only thoughts right now are on the tumor and hoping that the chemo last time did its job and started to shrink the tumor. Hopefully the report tomorrow from the doctor will be a good one, at least that what I pray for. I pray for high white blood count, strong immune system so that I can have the chemo and for it to shrink the tumor and kill the cancer..

Thanks for letting me rant, and get some much needed feelings out! Keep the prayers coming this way they are greatly appreciated and I feel them. God works in great ways I can be having a bad day and I'll get a message or a card saying how some one's thinking of me and I know that he is working and letting me know that everything will be okay and that there are people out there thinking of me and still praying. I'm truly humbled and moved by it all.

So until tomorrow when I know my mom will be on to post

Peace, Love and Hope
Kaitlyn

One more week down

Welcome back to another installment that is the cancer blog!! Just a quick update on me, last Saturday the parents and I were in Bloomington to help Scott celebrate his birthday. Sunday we went and packed up all of my stuff out of the house in Indy to bring back to Rochester to get ready for the big move in August. It was mostly me supervising my parents packing everything as I had no energy to actually lift anything. Monday and Tuesday were bad days, I was extremely exhausted and had no energy to do anything. I spent all day Tuesday on the couch watching movies and sleeping. The rest of the week though I was able to work and felt a whole lot better, even made it out to the ball diamond Friday night to watch some softball.

So my next round of chemo isn't until Aug. 5th and I'm hoping to actually work an entire week this week. I know I'm probably the only person who is excited about going to work, but being at work is a great distraction for me and I'm able to have somewhat of a routine and be normal. So the news we got last week wasn't the greatest news but I trust my team of doctors and if they think that doing chemo first is the best way to go then that's what we are going to do.

I've also posted some new pictures from chemo and from the wedding I went to a couple of weeks ago. I want to spend the remainder of this post though talking about my support team. Everything that I have read and everyone I have talked to says the way to get through this is to surround yourself with positive people and a strong support team. And I think Team Thomas pretty much rocks. I couldn't ask for a better team. First and foremost are my parents, who have been my rock in this whole thing. They are the first people I call when I have any news from the doctors. So early on in my diagnosis they would have to listen to me crying and yelling and they were able to calm me down and let me know that I wasn't alone in this. My brother Scott has been to every appointment and treatment, and I don't know that I can express in words what all he has done for me. He reads my blood counts and explains to me what my they are, as well as help me understand what side effects I'm going to feel with the different drugs they are giving me. He's also been great at making me laugh when I need a good laugh. The rest of my family, the Thomas's and the Dittman's have been amazing with just taking care of my parents and brother as well. And to everyone who follows this blog, comments, sent a card, a gift, prayed, or just asked how I was doing I consider you all apart of Team Thomas. To see the amount of love and support towards not only me but my family has been very overwhelming and humbling and makes me want to fight even harder to beat this disease. You are all going to be invited to the "I survived cancer party" this time next year!!

So in closing I would like to say that everything is a fight for me. But, I will fight everyday because I have a lot of people praying and pulling for me to win this battle and that's what I plan on doing.

Thank you Team Thomas for everything you have done and continue to do for me and my family! Keep those prayers coming I truly feel them and know they are working! :)

Peace, Love and Hope
Kaitlyn

Two Steps Forward.....One Step Back

It's a chemo day....so mom gets to blog. The day started out per normal. Our chemo day regiment has been the same the previous 2 times and we saw no reason for this one to be any different. We usually grab some breakfast so Kaitlyn can take an anti-nausea pill that is part of a tri-pak. The pill has to be taken with some food on chemo day and then she takes one pill for the next two days after chemo. One hour before chemo begins we rub some of the numbing creme on Kaitlyn's port and then cover it with press and seal saran wrap. It's not a fashion statement most people want to make but the wrap keeps her clothing from becoming stained.

We arrive at Dr Newton's office and the nurses immediately begin prepping Kaitlyn for chemo. They insert the intravenous tubes into Kaitlyn's port and draw blood. Her blood has to be checked each and every time before chemo can begin. Can't start the process till we know what her white cell count looks like first. With the blood off to the the lab, we wait in one of the exam rooms for Dr. Newton to arrive. We meet first with one of Dr Newton's interms. He goes thru the list of questions (any adverse side effects, how's the nausea, fatigue, etc...). When Dr. Newton arrives she goes thru Kaitlyn's responses and then answers any questions we might have. Lastly, she checks the lump in Kaitlyn's breast. It's the last part that changes everything today.

It seems the lump has not changed in size at all. Which means the chemo isn't doing what it was intended to do. So, we have to change the chemo regiment. Enter Taxotere. It will now become the third chemo drug in Kaitlyn's drug equation. Instead of having one more round of AC, we will now have ACT every three weeks for 7more rounds. So today, after the the other two drugs are given, a bag of Taxotere is hung. It takes a full hour for it to drip thru. In addition, Kaitlyn is given more steroids to help with Kaitlyn's absorption of this chemo drug. In all chemo takes a little over three hours to complete and we spend a total of four and a half hours at the infusion center.

We will continue to monitor the lump thru another round of ACT. If there is still no change, then surgery could happen sooner. If you remember, the goal of chemo first before surgery, was to shrink that tumor. So if chemo isn't doing that then instead of adding additional drugs or changing the regiment again, surgery now... chemo later might be a more viable option. We will make that decision when it becomes necessary.

How is Kaitlyn handling all of this? Well to be frank (and hopefully not to offend any of you) she's pretty pissed off right now! Like she told us today..."I'm fighting pretty hard right now, so chemo needs to get it's act together and do what it's suppose to". Her dad and My's opinion is this in a nutshell...there is absolutely no reason to put her thru the whole process if chemo isn't doing what it was suppose to do. Surgery will happen no matter what, so it will just happen faster then anticipated.

Right now we just don't know what for certain the next step will be. We do know that Kaitlyn will have her next round of chemo on August 5th. And aside from that we know that this last round was somewhat grueling for her. She was pretty wiped out within an hour of completing it and was glad for the anti-nausea medicine prescribed for her.

So, she's resting right now and getting ready to be back at work tomorrow. She's hoping to celebrate her brother's birthday with him this weekend. Have I mentioned how much we appreciate Scott being there thru all of this? Today, he kept the Grandmas company while we were in the exam room, went over Kaitlyn's blood work with us (her results were better than last time), brought us up to speed on the new chemo drug (he had made a dose of this type in chem lab just this year), helped his sister with her IV pole when she had to use the restroom, did the Sudoko puzzle and the Cryptoquip in the Rochester Sentinel on his own in record time, got coffee for Grandma Thomas and himself, and entertained us with golf commentary on the British Open! Love, love, love that boy!! I know his sister will probably comment on that in her next blog.

Until then, thanks again for reading our posts, making comments on our blog, and most importantly, keeping Kaitlyn in your prayers!!

Love, Peace and Hope,
Lisa

Hair today gone tomorrow!!

Sorry for the delay in posting a blog its been a busy week for me with my new work schedule. So as the title says and as you can see in the pictures that I posted last weekend, I came home to cut the hair. It started falling out(or as I started referring to it has releasing) Wednesday and by Thursday morning of treatment I was pulling chunks of it out in the shower. Its funny to me the girl who has never really cared what my hair looked like, I mean I have had 7 perms and I believe one of them was also a mullet perm. How emotional it was to pull it out and watch it gather in the drain of the shower. So with that happening I called my mom to call my hairdresser Lora, who has been cutting and styling my hair from my first haircut to schedule an appointment with her to cut it this time. When we got there she washed it and started cutting, the goal being to cut it short and see how that looked. Well while she was cutting it I could tell that even wearing it short it was still going to be releasing and I just didn't want to deal with that so I made the decision then to just have Lora shave it off. The chemo might have started the process of my hair releasing, but I finished it with deciding when and how it was going to go. So some tears and hugs later I had my bald head.

This past week as been a little rough on me, I have never been really sick before. Yes I have had the occasional cold, but nothing that I haven't been able to push through. So with that being said one of the side effects of the chemo is fatigue, and I thought before we started treatment "Oh fatigue so I'll feel like I need a nap and it will pass no big deal". Boy was I wrong, my whole body feels heavier and like I'm dragging just to get through a day. I'm not trying to complain because it could be sooo much worse I just want to help people have a better idea of what its like to have this disease and what is actually happening to my body. So I've made it through another week and another treatment down. Only 2 more of the A/C treatments left and that's good. I'm taking it treatment by treatment.

My final thought is there is a lot of things that I can't control right now, but the one thing that I can control is my attitude in how I deal with everything. So I choose to have a positive outlook on everything and stay as positive as I can. Yes I have my days where I cry, yell, or am just angry and I allow myself to feel that way and then I get right back in the game and start fighting again with my humor.

So three days of work this week and then round 3 of treatment, I'm sure the nurses, as all of you, are anxiously waiting to see what type of orange I wear Thursday! :) I'll make sure mom takes lots of pictures as well.

Peace, Love and Hope
Kaitlyn

The Journey Thus Far

It's been a busy few days since either Kaitlyn or I posted on her blog. Let me fill you in. Last weekend Kaitlyn was home for the Fulton County Relay-for-Life. Our family has always been involved in the Relay. My mom, Kaitlyn's grandma, is a breast cancer survivor. My brother-in-law, Dave Fincher, cancer survivor. Brad's dad, Kaitlyn's Grandpa Thomas, also a cancer survivor. We lost my grandmother to breast cancer and Brad's brother, Chris, to leukemia. My Uncle Dick just passed away last week from lung cancer. To say my family has been effected by cancer is a vast understatement. So, what does a family who has been touched by cancer that much do? We Relay!!

Kaitlyn received a phone call Saturday afternoon asking her to be the torch bearer for the opening lap of the relay. There was no way she was going to turn that offer down. The University of Tennessee has a statue on that campus. It's called "The Torch Bearer" The statue depicts volunteerism and the man is carrying a lighted torch. Like I said, there was no way she was turning down that offer! She opened the relay leading the other survivors in the first lap around the track. She walked with her Grandma Dittman and her Uncle, Dave Fincher. The Rochester Sentinel made them stars by posting their picture on the front page of Monday's paper. Kaitlyn got to carry the torch again that evening when they did the Luminary Lap. If you have never been to the relay, the Luminary Lap is especially touching. The track is dark except for all the lit luminary bags that circle it. Kaitlyn was very pleased and honored to see her name on some of those bags. A big thank you to any and all who dedicated a bag to her. She was deeply touched.

Today we were back in Indy for round 2 of chemo. It seemed to go quicker this time around and we were done in a little over 2 hours. That was still plenty of time for some of Kaitlyn's softball team members to teach her and her Aunt Yvonne how to play Rummy. So thanks Mama Trudy, Lauren and Tracy for all of your guidance and Kris for just being there to support us. We enjoyed you all. Scott was there too and was very helpful in deciphering Kaitlyn's blood work results for us. Turns out that chemistry degree is really coming in handy for the rest of us, who knew?!

Kaitlyn is feeling pretty well. She tires easily and was slightly ticked off that 4 laps around the high school track last Saturday was all her body would allow. And of course, has is the case with chemo, she's losing her hair. It's been a shock to her how upsetting that has turned out to be. She has even shed a couple of tears about it. I tell you this to let you know that she does have her moments. But, then she dries her eyes and gets back to the business at hand. Today at chemo she arrived in a beautiful orange scarf (courtesy of the Shafer's)an orange cardigan, watch and her toes were painted orange as well. I mean if you are going to have chemo, why not look and feel your best! The nurses all came in to check her out and they loved loved the orange scarf. What can I say, my girl can sure rock the color orange. Oddly enough, I was surprised the first time they drew blood from her. I was certain it would be the color orange but it turns out her blood is just as red as the rest of us!

So next week is our "off" week and Kaitlyn is going to try out a new work schedule that will give her a little more flexibility. Can't say enough good things about the Hartford. They sure have been super to her thru this whole process. She's coming home this weekend courtesy of her brother. We've got a few things to take care of. Thanks again for reading our blog, writing your comments and most importantly, just caring about her. You all keep praying and she'll continue fighting!

Love, Peace and Hope,
Lisa

I'M BACK!!!!

I'm back!!! I know its been a while since my mom or I updated, but today is the first day that I have started to feel like myself again, you'll have to excuse my rambles today. So chemo was less climatic than I though it would be. The nurses there are great and really take the time to walk me through what they were doing and what I would feel like. I also had more people there than the other patients receiving treatment, I know I probably shouldn't be keeping score but I'm competitive about everything. :) Friday was a normal day for me, didn't really feel any different. I was able to work the whole day and even went out and watched my softball team play Friday night.

I was in Rochester for the remaining of the weekend and noticed Saturday and Sunday that I had little to no energy and just really tired. I made it to the Bridal Shower and had a great time, with all of the excitement of that had to take a nap when we got home. Then went out on the boat with my parents and their friends for a boat cruise which was a blast. Sunday, I spent the day with my parents and took my dad out for lunch for father's day!

I've gone to work this entire week, I had waves of nausea hit me and some heart burn but other than that I've felt fine. Yesterday I hit what they call nadir, which pretty much means my low point. Basically having to do with my blood counts going low which is why I have to give myself a shot 24 hours after i have chemo so it can help with that nadir and balance me out. Yes, you read right I have to give MYSELF a shot, the girl who hates everything needles is putting one into my own body. I was at work when I did it and i dragged my best friend who happens to work with me into the big bathroom stall with me. I told her, her only job was to yell "DO IT" until I actually did it. I'm sure it would have been funny to anyone else who walked into the bathroom to hear her yelling at me to "DO IT"! :)

I'm finally starting to feel like myself again today and feel like I'm back on the upswing of things. I'm planning on being back in Rochester for the weekend, its the Relay For Life in Rochester. I plan on being there and walking the survivor lap with my grandma, uncle Dave and all the other survivors who have faced this challenge head on and won! I plan to be added to that number one day very soon!

So until next time, I will continue to fight the good fight and stay on my course of action!! :) I just want to thank everyone again for all the well wishes, cards and letters. I don't know how you all got my address but thank you thank you for all the cards they are all hanging up in my room for me to see everyday when I get home!

Peace, Love and Hope
Kaitlyn

Game Day

It's a pretty appropriate title for a young woman who has been an athlete all her life. Today was a "Cancer Day" and you know what that means....mom gets to blog.

When we went for our consultation with Kaitlyn's Oncologist, Dr Newton, she told us we could bring things that would make the chemo process easier for Kaitlyn. So, we packed a bag (a big orange and white bag) with all of her creature comforts. There was her Tennessee blanket, her I-pod, magazines, some choice candy and her big water bottle. It was like gathering her equipment to participate in any athletic event.

The first thing to happen was the nurse hooked Kaitlyn up to an intravenous tube thru her port. They hung some anti-nausea medicine and some steroids and let them drip thru. They do this before administering any chemo drugs. Once those are thru, they hung a bag of saline to keep her hydrated and began the chemo. The first chemo drug, Adriamycin, was pushed thru her port. The nurses had Kaitlyn eat a popsicle and chew on ice chips. This is to offset the effects of this drug, which can lead to mouth sores. Kaitlyn, of course, chose an orange popsicle. It's like selecting which bat you use during a softball game.

Because you push the Adriamycin slowly its takes a while to finish the portion of the treatment. On a side note, this drug is bright red and the nurse kept referring to it as the "red devil". Kaitlyn, not being in favor of that, began calling it fruit punch. I liken it to her version of trash talking someone on the basketball court.

Last drug for the day was Cytoxan. It was hung from the IV pole and took probably about 45 minutes for that one to complete. They pulled the iv tube out of her port, put a band-aide over the port and got her ready to go. We packed all her belongings back into her chemo bag and after making our next appointment, we were ready to roll. It's kind of like finishing a volleyball match with a kill.

I don't really know if my sports analogies are any good or not. What I do know is this, Kaitlyn stayed strong thru the whole process. She even learned how to give herself a shot. Twenty-four hours after chemo completes she has to take a shot of Neulasta. It will help rebuild her depleted white blood cell count.

So, she's home resting tonight. Heading to work in the morning. She'll be home again this weekend. We have Lindsey Overmyer's wedding shower to attend and, of course, celebrate Father's Day with her amazing Dad.

Next week we have a break. Kaitlyn is hoping to actually work 5 whole days. Her next chemo doesn't happen until July 1st. Today went well, Kaitlyn did great and it was like a small victory for her. If her Dad had been there, he would have smacked her on the butt and told her "Good Game"!

Keep Praying!

Love, Peace and Hope,
Kaitlyn's Mom

Great News

Yesterday was a "cancer day" and that involved more tests and then speaking with the oncologist and taking a tour of the infusion facilty. The first test I got to do was a CT scan for which I had to have an IV started for that. So they used my port and that was very interesting to say the least. I had to drink this awful orange drink for my CT scan, but no worries I took it like a champ and drank the entire thing. I still can't look at orange gatorade the same now but thats another story. I walk into the room for my scan and they tell me what is going to happen and they have to inject this dye into my IV and then the guy tells me what that will feel like his words excatly "You will feel a burning sensation that sarts in your throat and works its way down your body then you will feel like your peeing yourself but trust me you aren't"! My reaction was I don't want to do this test, but I did and yes after he injected the dye it felt like I was peeing myself but I promise I did not in fact pee myself. I was glad when that test was over. The next test was a bone density test piece of cake I just laid on my back and took a nap while this machine scaned my body.

The outcome from these tests was the best part: No cancer in the bones or anywhere else in my body. So all we have to concentrate on is the lymph nodes and the tumor that is in my boob. This was a great thing to hear, and a huge positive for me!!

After that we met with my oncologist and went over the next 5 months of my chemo treatment. Looks like for the first 2 months I will do 8 weeks of chemo every 2 weeks. After the 8 weeks are done then I will do 12 weeks of a different dosage every week. Yay!! :) So Merry Christmas to me I will have a mastectomy!! Or you can look at it this way by Christmas I will be cancer free!!

So chemo starts Thursday and thats the next hurdle that I have to face, the good thing is it looks like I will only be there Thursday for about 2 hours and not 4hrs. Yay!! and they have prescribed me a ton of anti-naesua medicine so hopefully I won't feel sick Thursday or Friday.

So thats what is going on this week, Im back at work today and tomorrow and hopefully Friday. It is a great distraction to my day and Im glad to be back to work. So everyone have a great week, and either my mom or I will be back Thursday to update you on "chemo day"

Peace, Hope and Love
Kaitlyn

Drag Me Away

So today is kind of a blah day, I don't feel bad but I don't feel great either. But I wanted to at least get my thoughts out and talk about whats been going on! First thank you for continuing to follow and comment on my mom and I's posts its nice to know that we are somewhat entertaining...lol! I added a new picture of my mom and me since we are the co-bloggers on here.

So my mom updated you on last week so I'm going to leave that alone, and just say that Im feeling much better after having all of the procedures done. It has been really good to be home this weekend too, and just be able to relax and not think about this upcoming week to much. Thank goodness it was also Round Barn Festival weekend too to help me not focus on the cancer. I was able to see a lot of old friends I haven't seen in a while and eat an elephant ear. Doesn't get much better than that.

On a side note thank you for all the song requests I was able to get my playlist done today so I have about 5 hrs of music and some podcasts to get me through 4 hrs of chemo on Thursday. (and to anyone who is in Indy and has some spare time I start chemo at 11am on Thursday and will be there til around 3pm if you want to come say hi and hang out). It will be happening at the IU Medical Group on 103rd and Meridian.

So Im going to end today saying that everyday I wake up I am a survivor and I wanted to also leave you with a song that has become my theme song and "go to" song when I'm starting to feel down. Everyone have a great week!

Peace, Love and Hope
Kaitlyn

Drag Me Away

Did you think I was leaving
My ticket was just one way
The angels I believed in
Were gonna carry me away
Did you think that I would simply
Give them my last breath
Well honey you've got me wrong
I'd never leave you for death
It's gonna take more than that to get rid of me
It's gonna take more than that to make me fade
They'll have to tie me up and drag me away
They'll have to shut my mouth and drag me away

There is no one I serve
I am not here to please
I will not be a hostage
To my own dis-ease

Oh Come on come on
Come on out and hold me
Out into the great sunlight
No power on earth can stop us
We'll both become one tonight

I have never been more sure of anything
I have never been more sure of what I am
They'll have to tie me up and drag me away
They'll have to shut my mouth and drag me away

There's no dark that can overcome a flame
There's no force that can drag me away
They could bring an army
Ten thousand men or more
Their mass weapons of destruction
Won't even up the score

Come on, come on, come on, come on, come on baby
They'll have to drag me away
Come on, come on, come on baby
They'll have to drag me away
They'll have to drag me away
They'll have to drag me away
They'll have to tie me up and drag me away
They'''ll have to shut my mouth and drag me away
There's no dark that can overcome a flame
There's no force that can drag me away

No force that can overcome a flame
There's no force that can drag me away

It Is What It Is

So, tonight Kaitlyn and I are co-blogging (if that's a word)and sharing our thoughts together. It's just like everything else that's going on right now....."it is what it is"!

We spent the morning doing a little shopping at Target and avoiding all food and drink venues as Kaitlyn couldn't have either of those things. Which Kaitlyn says "sucked major". We purchased Kaitlyn's I-Tunes card so she can download her songlist for chemo.

We got to Clarian North, which is slowly becoming a "home away from home" for us. The first procedure done was to inject radioactive dye into her right breast. The dye runs thru the ducts in the breast and into the lymph nodes. The first lymph nodes to show the dye are called the sentinel nodes. These are the ones they biopsy. In unrelated news the girl administering this test in the nuclear medicine lab is from Plymouth. And, she played volleyball. So, Kaitlyn had to remind her that Rochester had beat Plymouth in sectionals Kaitlyn's junior year. I'm not sure if that was wise to point out to someone who's injecting radioactive dye in to your nipple or not.

While this procedure was going on Dr. Kennedy came in to give Kaitlyn some good news. The Genetic testing results came back and Kaitlyn does not have the Breast cancer gene. Which means that she won't have to worry about about another occurence or the risk of ovarian cancer as well. This was definitely good news to our ears.

After that procedure, we went up to the second floor where the biopsy was going to be performed. Basically, we checked in and they immediately wisked Kaitlyn back to pre-op and within less than a half hour she was in surgery. Apparently they don't mess around at Clarian North. Within an hour we (Brad, Scott and I) were meeting with Dr. Kennedy. Dr. Kennedy removed two sentinel nodes. One was clean and showed no cancerous cells and the other did. So, not the news we were hoping for but if you remember the title of this blog.....It is what it is. Basically, it means that Kaitlyn will definitely have radiation after the masectomy.

Because the one lymph node had cancerous cells in it our plans for next week have changed a little. Monday we will meet with the Chemo Team but first Kaitlyn will have a bone density test and a full-body scan. Chemo will still begin on Thursday.

Kaitlyn is home now for the weekend. There's the Round Barn Festival to take in. Yes, we people in Rochester have a Festival that celebrates barns that are round. Don't judge us! We'll attend Jordan Thomas's Open House and possibly get some more tacos from Dick's Drive-In. And, Kaitlyn will probably blog on her own without her mother's assistance.

Thanks again for all of your love, concern and most importantly, your prayers.

Love, Peace and Hope,
Kaitlyn and Lisa

Port Day

June 8, 2010....Today was a "Cancer Day" so mom gets to Blog. Whenever Kaitlyn has to have a procedure or do something pertaining to the cancer her focus will be on that. So, you get to read the ramblings of her mother.

This morning Kaitlyn had her port put in. For those not familiar with that, it's a device inserted right above Kaitlyn's left breast in her chest. The port is what they will use to administer her chemo drugs. The procedure went well and isn't really that noticeable unless you happen to know she has it. She was also lucky enough to have a echo cardiogram. That was done to make sure her heart didn't have any issues with accepting the stronger chemo. The good news is that heart is in perfect health.

So, that's one day down this week. Her other "cancer day" is Thursday. She will be having a biopsy of her sentinel lymph node. That will tell us if the cancer has spread to her lymph nodes and her chemo will be based on those findings.

Next week, Kaitlyn goes to Dr. Newton's office (that's where chemo happens) and will meet the staff and get a tour. They'll tell us then what her chemo regiment will be. And, then the big day, Thursday will be her first chemo treatment.

Let me just take a few minutes to tell you how proud I am of my daughter, Kaitlyn. Any of you who know me, know how much I love my children. Kaitlyn and her brother, Scott may just be the most amazing people I know. Of course I'm biased and who wouldn't be.....their my kids! But, Kaitlyn's attitude about this whole situation has been unbelievable. Don't get me wrong, she has had a couple of meltdowns (who wouldn't have) but she shakes it off and gets back to work on beating this.

She is so appreciative of all of the love and support you have shown her. And she has read each one of your comments on this blog. Please keep writing. Don't forget those song suggestions either. Her first chemo treatment is going to last for 4 hours....she is going to need that music. I'm even adding my own suggestions to this. "Keep Holding On"...the GLEE version and "Defying Gravity". Lastly, please continue to keep Kaitlyn in your prayers and we'll continue to "fight the good fight".

Love, Peace and Hope,
Kaitlyn's Mom

My Thoughts

First I want to thank everyone for their support and love I'm completely overwhelmed and humbled by it all. I also want you to know that I have read every one of your comments and messages. Which is why i created this blog so that you can follow my progress and leave your comments to me on here. My mom or I will be posting on here, depending on how I'm feeling.

Since my mom has given the rundown on what has happened since I was diagnosed, and this blog is titled my thoughts I'm going to talk about my thoughts on this past week. Since being told Tuesday that I have cancer I have been on an emotional roller coaster. My dad explained it the best the other day saying that when you are first told you have cancer its like dumping a 100 piece puzzle on the table so the pieces to the puzzle are all laying out and you can't see what the picture is. Little by little you are able to put the puzzle together and better able to see what the picture is. That's basically what has happened this week, I feel like finally we are putting pieces of the puzzle together and coming up with our course of action or battle plan and I can start to see what the bigger picture is looking like.

We are still waiting on some more tests to come back before that picture will be in place but as of right now I'm going to start chemo next week and I will be doing that before we do the surgery in the hopes that we can shrink the tumor and also kill any other cells that might be to small to be seen right now. So Friday I was rather upset because it was becoming all to real for me that in fact I'm going to lose my hair, and that my life is about to be turned upside down. So I prayed about it and did some thinking and I came to the conclusion that this could be a good thing, for example I'm going to be saving money on hair care products, I won't have to shave anymore, and with it starting to get warmer I think not having any hair will turn out to be a very good thing.

So, I know a lot of you have told me that if I ever need anything to let you know so here is the first thing that I need. I know that I'm going to have to do chemo for 3hours when i go, and I'm a huge music person so I would like you to leave me 1 song that is your favorite or one that you listen to when you want to feel good. So that I can add it to my Ipod. I'm going to make a chemo play list so that I can listen to all these songs while I'm at chemo.

Anyone who knows me, knows that I don't like to lose. I see this as just another challenge and I know that I'm going to come out of this a stronger person. I fully believe that things happen for a reason and if I can be an inspiration to someone else or help someone else battling this disease or just to inform people of this disease than that's what I'm going to do.

So I just ask that you continue to pray for not only me but my family as well. My parents and brother have been very supportive and there for me. I know that I'm going to have to rely heavily on them in the coming months as well. So I just ask that you keep them in your prayers too as they are having to deal with this as well.

Love, Peace and Hope
Kaitlyn

The Beginning

So on Monday, May 24th Kaitlyn went to the Dr. for a routine check-up. She knew she had the lump but didn't think it was really that serious. Dr. Henderson had other ideas. He sent her on Tuesday to have an ultrasound and mammogram done. By Friday she was meeting Dr. Kennedy and having a core biopsy. To say this happened fast is an understatement!

On Tuesday, June 1st, Dr. Kennedy called her with the news, She had breast cancer. On Wednesday we met at her office and we discussed possible treatments and Kaitlyn was sent for an MRI. By Thursday the results of that test were in and the cancer was more extensive than first thought.

Today we all met with Kaitlyn's Oncologist, Dr. Newton. Chemo is now a definite. The positive news from today was she had an ultrasound done on the lymph nodes and they showed no abnormalities...YAY!!!

So, next Tuesday, June 8th they will put in a port to administer the chemo drugs. On Thursday she will have a sentinel biopsy of the lymph nodes done to verify either the presence or absence of cancer.

Prayers and fingers crossed:) Stay tune for further updates.

I am Kaitlyn's mom!