Yippy! Mom finished radiation this morning....rang the bell really loud. Dad took her picture. There were some tears with the radiation ladies. Now they are packing up the apartment & heading to Beaver Dam. No doctor app'ts until Jan 15 & that is with the plastic surgeon & the physical therapist. Thanks for all of your love and support. Merry Christmas & Happy New Year!

21 radiation treatments complete, 7 to go. Actually going very well, some redness, but no burning or blistering "yet". Met with the Medical Oncologist today and he said, "you're breezing right through all of this". I hope & pray daily that he's right. Can't wait to ring the bell on my final day - will explain this when I see each of you.

Duane spent Monday, Tuesday & Wednesday in Beaver Dam this week for some meetings and a men's steak night at Old Hickory, so our good friends Darlene Laihinen and Barbara Martens were able to come to Rochester with me to keep me company and go with me to all of my appointments. We never left the subway and skyways, but had fun shopping, playing cards ( I won $ .60) and dining out, along with all the appointments. Put quite a few miles on I think, walking back & forth between the apartment & the clinic.

I've decided to have my port removed and that's been scheduled for next Thursday, 12/20. I have a feeling my final week here will be very busy trying to fit in all of the necessary appointments before "checking out" so to speak. I'll be "released" on 12/21 till March 18 & 19 when we'll travel back to Minnesota for a CT scan, blood work and Dr. visit. Guess that will be the routine, every 3 months for 2 years then every 4 months for a year, every 5 months for another year, then 6 months & so on. MRI and Mammogram in June too.

I am so blessed to have so many wonderful, caring friends and family - it means so much - I can not tell you. Merry Christmas to all and a Blessed New Year! Love, Kathy

Happy week after Thanksgiving! I hope you all enjoyed your holiday meal & time with family & friends. Mom, Dad & my sister Kim & her fam were home for Thanksgiving. Mom had 2 treatments on the Tuesday & one on the Wednesday before Thanksgiving so she was able to enjoy 4 days at home in Beaver Dam. Mom & Dad went back to Mayo on Monday & she is having radiation every day this week. She also met with the physical therapy doctor on Monday...so she is working on building her range of motion. This weekend they are heading to Minocqua & Jason & I are joining them for the weekend. We're all looking forward to getting back up north. Till next time...Kris

Mom has 26 radiations to go. She had her first one yesterday and one today. So far everything is going fairly well. She has a little discomfort in her arm, which is to do with having to have it above her head for the treatment & xrays. The treatments should go faster now that they have a few under their belt. She also met with a lymphedema doctor & physical therapist. She is working on prevention & some stretches to get her range of motion back. They have an apartment right by Mayo so they are spending the weeks there while she is receiving her radiation treatment. Their apartment phone number is 507-424-4362. They plan to be home in BD or Minocqua on the weekends. Thanks for the continued prayers! Kris

Had the meeting with the radiology oncologist this morning & we're a go for 11/12 to start the first of 28 treatments. I went through the simulation & marking process...very uncomfortable. I still need a few expansions, but I can't have any more until after radiation is complete. I'm going to check out our apartment today before we head back to Beaver Dam. All for now. Kathy

Chemo is done!!!! Mom had her last treatment on Wednesday! She had a good day yesterday. She is feeling good today & is going to Curves & for a walk. She heads back to Mayo on Monday to get mapped for radiation & to get another expansion. Then she starts radiation the week of 11/12 for 5-6 weeks. She will go every day, 5 days a week. Thanks for all of the prayers. Keep them coming as one chapter is finished, but she still has another to go. TGIF!

Good news update....Mom had a better weekend than she's had since she started this new group of chemo. She was able to go for walks, cheer on the badgers & even go out to dinner. On Sunday & Monday she was a little tired, but by Tuesday she said she was back to feeling a good as she usually does. Now she has another week until her next (& LAST) chemo on 10/31. Kris

So far so good. She feels better than she has other Fridays after treatment. She slept good last night. The rash & itching on her face from an allergic reaction from the taxol is almost gone. Just a little itching on eyelids. She says one to go & she can do it!!

Mom had her bloodwork this morning & is scheduled for chemo at Noon. She has her expansion tomorrow. I haven't heard anything today, but I'm assuming all is good. After today only ONE more chemo to go. YES!!!!

They have been at Mayo since Monday night as Dad has a few app'ts between yesterday, today , and tomorrow. All the tests have been good. Kris

I'm upgrading my blog....I've added a picture! It's from our trip to Vegas in Sept.

Jason & I were out of town for a few days for our anniversary, so I'm just getting back up to speed on things. Last Friday Mom started not feeling very well. She had little energy or appetite all weekend. On Tuesday she said she was 80%. Yesterday Kim & Vincent arrived for a visit from Colorado. They all came to Cottage Grove to have dinner with Jason & I. We had a nice time & mom is feeling pretty good, but not 100% yet. They are heading to Colorado after the Packer game on Sunday and then to Rochester on Monday. Dad has some appts Tuesday & Wednesday (I believe) & then they will head up to Minocqua. Mom goes for her next chemo on Wed 10/17. After that one only 1 more to go. :) Let's hope the Badgers & Packers have a better weekend! Kris

My 6th chemo treatment was yesterday. Bloodwork was good. I had an expansion of 50cc (instead of the usual 45cc). One of the side effects of the chemo is shortness of breath, which I've had a bit so they took a chest xray and everything looked good. I didn't sleep very good last night, but am feeling REALLY good today. Duane & I went for a walk & then I went to Curves & the grocery store. I have a Pink Ribbon Classic meeting at 1 & then will play some golf and girls dinner tonight. Keep the prayers coming! Go Badgers & Packers! Kathy

Mom is feeling a little better. They came to BD on Friday for Hank's tree planting & then went to the Badger game on Saturday. Her energy is still pretty low and everything tastes funny so she hasn't had much of an appetite. They are back in Minocqua & will drive to BD tomorrow. Wednesday they head to Mayo for her 6th chemo treatment. After Wed only 2 more chemos to go. Keep the prayers coming! Kris

Mom's weekend wasn't very fun. Friday during the night she got achy. Saturday she felt that someone was putting needles all over her. Sunday she felt a little better and was just feeling it in her legs. She slept good last night and this morning she feels a little better yet, but doesn't have much energy. She hasn't been feeling like eating much as nothing sounds good, so maybe she'll have more energy as she is able to eat more. They are in Minocqua so the clean fresh northern air will be good medicine. Kris

Mom & I left for Mayo yesterday at 8AM she had her blood drawn and then she had another expansion of 45cc. We had lunch at the Marriott and then at 1 we met with her oncologist. He said everything looks good. Her hemoglobin is decreasing a little bit, but it is still in the ok range. He'll keep an eye on it. Then she had her 5th chemo treatment. In and out it was about 3 1/2 hours. She is receiving taxol for the chemo. I spoke with her this morning and she is feeling well...no side effects. In fact she called me just before she left for Curves. Let's hope & pray that she continues to feel well. She doesn't go back to Mayo until Oct 3...only 3 more chemos to go!

I don't know if I've mentioned it yet or not, but she played 9 holes of golf on Sun. She had a 53 with borrowed clubs so that was a BIG accomplishment. :) Kris

I've been really busy so sorry for the delay.....last week Mom didn't feel well Tuesday - Fri. We're not exactly sure why, but I guess others have sometimes run into this about halfway through chemo. She is feel better now. She was sad to have to miss the Branson trip with a group of friends from CA.

I'm going with her to chemo this week. We'll leave 8 AM on Wed and return around 7 PM Wed night. She gets her first of the next group of chemo and this takes a little longer to administer. Let's hope & pray that this next group is tolerated even better. Please continue the prayers. :)Kris

Half Way Done with Chemo!

Mom had her 4th chemo treatment yesterday & it was the last of the first group. She starts the next group of 4 on 9/19 and this group should be tolerated easier...a few aches. I haven't talked with her this morning, but when I did last night she was feeling pretty good. We're off to Vegas now and I will post more early next week. Keep the prayers & good wishes coming! Kris

Tomorrow's #4 & last of first chemo group

Hi! Mom is excited this week as tomorrow she has her 4th chemo treatment. This is the last of the first group of chemo. After tomorrow she will be half way done with chemo. Yippy! The next group of 4 - every other week - should be a little easier. Achy bones, but less nausea. After tomorrow's chemo her and Dad are coming to Beaver Dam for the night and then they, along with lots of their friends and Jason & I, head to Las Vegas on Thursday to cheer the Badger football team to a victory. Viva Las Vegas!

Checking out from Colorado

Mom & Dad left late this afternoon after 3 fun-packed days. We visited the Children's Museum here in Lafayette, went to the pool in our subdivision a couple of times, plus walks & the park. And, Kaden really enjoyed 'helping' Dad put the potty seat onto the toilets (which explains why almost a whole roll of toilet paper was strewn from one end of the bathroom to the other).

We all really had a wonderful time and miss each other already!

Kim

Checking in from Colorado

Mom & Dad came in Sunday night until Wednesday for a visit. We're having a wonderful time so far. Took the boys swimming, to the park & the children's museum so far. All of us are happy & tired! The boys are really loving snuggling up to Grandma (+ Poppa too) for some book reading and playing with trains. We're all so grateful they were able to come!

Kim

Passing on from Mom--Hi, Blood work was excellent! Did have my 1st expansion of 30 cc. Plastic surgeon thought everything looks really good - healing is good.
Said these first 4 are the hardest on my system. Last 4 may cause some aches & pains, but not the nausea. Yippee! Kathy

She had her 3rd chemo treatment this AM and her & Dad are now in Green Bay for the Packer game tomorrow. She is a little tired, but all else is good. Kris

Today is Mom's 60th bday...don't mention that I told you. She is doing really well. She had a "non chemo" week full of activity. She saw friends & family all week & weekend. It was really good for her to see everyone. She is feeling really well. She was able to make the trip to Lambeau and cheer on the Packers, which obviously were glad she was there since they won by A LOT. Their friends - Don & Shirley Richards - are with them in Minocqua now and leave later today. Mom & Dad head back to Mayo Tues morning for bloodwork and meeting with the doctor for an expansion. She'll have her chemo on Wed and then they'll head to Green Bay to spend the night and then to Lambeau to cheer the Pack on to Victory on Thursday (as long as she is feeling up to it...it helps when they win). Friday they return to Minocqua. Thanks for the continued well wishes. Kris

Mom & I went out for lunch today before her haircut app't. During today's app't Brent (her stylist in Madison) washed it and cut it short. Mom is now just waiting to see what the new hair will be like when it grows back. Brent also cut and shaped her wig. It looks really nice. She is sporting it now. She did a great job, only a few tears. I am proud at how VERY strong she was today and is always. Kris

Mom is handling the second chemo treatment very well. Only a little nausea and tiredness. She is losing more hair, but still has some. She comes to Madison tomorrow for a haircut. All and all is good. Kris

Feeling pretty good

Hi all! Mom had her second chemo yesterday (Wed) morning. It took about 45 minutes. They drove back to Minocqua after her appt. She was feeling a little sick last night, but I am happy to report that she is feeling much better today. She slept pretty well last night and is getting ready to go for a walk this morning. Her hair is hanging in there, only a strand or two came out over night.

2 chemo down and 6 to go. She doesn't go back to Mayo until 8/21 (the day after her big bday - 60, but don't tell her I told you all :)). Thanks for all of the prayers. Kris

Chemo #2

Passing on from Mom----Hi! Blood work was darn near "perfect" - very good news as he expects that because I got through the first treatment so well, the same should be true of the remaining 7 treatments. So, that is very goodnews, as I had no vomiting, no major appetite problems, no missed meals, no numbness, no tingling, no mouth sores. The plastic surgeon opted to wait another two weeks before doing an expansion. Said everything looks good, but would just as soon wait as long as we're returning every two weeks anyway. So, we'll be coming back, on Tuesday, 8/21 for the same routine as we had today& tomorrow. The Plastic Surgeon needs to do the 1st expansion himself and after that one his R. N. can do them. That being said we won'thave to work around his schedule too and the hope is that we can do everything in a 1 day trip after the two day trip on 8/21 & 8/22. Had a "glob" of hair come out this morning - so I have an appointmentat a salon here at 6:45 tonight for get more cut off, go much shorter.Think we'll have a glass of wine before going to the appointment and then go for dinner after. Have some tingling on my scalp & havebeen afraid to touch my head/hair all day. Fern said day 13 or 14,Dr. Jurgens says day 14, so here we go! Glad I brought one of thewigs along as well as the hat. All for now - love you all! Kathy

No Mayo this week and everyone is happy to have a week at home. Mom is feeling well and besides being tired from chasing Kaden & Vincent she is good. We've been going for walks every night and enjoying the days on the boat. Thanks for everything.

Mom's first chemo treatment went well, so far she is feeling good just a little tired. She is playing with Kim & the boys this morning. She goes back to Mayo on Tues 8/7 for blood work and a meeting with the plastic surgeon for an expansion if she is ready. Then she meets with the medical oncologist to review the blood work and talk about how everything is going. On Wed 8/8 morning she has her second treatment. Her treatment is every other week for four sessions of one chemical and then every other week of four sessions of another treatment. So if she stays on schedule she will be done with chemo Oct 31. Then radiation starts 2 weeks after her last chemo. 5 days a week for 5 to 6 weeks.

Port is in

Yesterday was a hard day as we went wig shopping in Madison. Mom found a couple that she liked so we have them ordered and she will try them out when they arrive later this week.

She had her port installed today. It will allow the chemo to be administered through that instead of having to poke her every time she needs a chemo treatment. She has her first chemo treatment tomorrow late morning and then they are heading back to Minocqua. Kim & the boys and Copper are also going to be in Minocqua on Wed for their summer trip. Chris, Jason, I, Aspen, and Jada arrive on Friday. Mom's chemo schedule is every other week so after this week she'll go again on Aug 8. Let's hope that the chemo doesn't make her too sick.

Goods news & treatment schedule!

Mom had the PET scan to see if there are any cells that had metasticized anywhere else and that came back NEGATIVE - Yippy!
- She goes back on Monday to meet with a surgeon; Tuesday to have a port (for the chemo) installed; Wednesday to start chemo
- She'll have 12-16 weeks of chemo; 6-8 bi-weekly sessions
- Followed by 6.5 weeks of 5 days/week radiation

Mom update 7 18 2007

Good news! Mom had her second and last drain out today. She also had a PET scan. They injected her with stuff and took xrays to see if there is cancer anywhere. She has an appt tomorrow (thurs) at 3 & 4:15 to get the results and determine treatment schedule. Thanks for all of the prayers