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