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