Hello All,
Another milestone has been reached in my treatment. Today I had my port removed. The port was implanted under my skin so that they could access my vein to administer the chemo drugs and do lab work. Today was a great day as the port was removed which means that there is no more chemo scheduled in my future. Each one of the hospital staff from the front desk to the nurse and doctor in the procedure room gave me words of congradulations. It is truely a big day. I am so very thankful to know that this part of the treatment is done.
No other new news so, I will post again next week.
Love You All,
Kathy
"Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again; Rejoice!" Phillipians 4:4
Wednesday, July 27, 2011
Tuesday, July 26, 2011
A Rose is a Rose
GMM
Hello All,
I went to the radiation oncologist yesterday. She is really easy to talk to and I feel very confident that I am in good hands. Her name is Dr. Rose.... a good omen as my Mom's name is Rose. The office in Encinitas is about 12 miles from home so our trek each day will be more tolerable than going all the way to La Jolla and UCSD, another blessing.
Here is the plan of attack. On August 2nd I go in for a CT scan to plot out the field of radiation that Dr Rose will oversee. Then she will review the scan and make her specific plan for me. Then on Monday August 8th I start the actual radiation treatment. I will be going for treatment every day for 5 days a week for 6 1/2 weeks. The first 25 treatments will focus on both the breast and the lymph glands and the next 8 are called a "Boost" treatment. She explained that it is not a stronger dose of radiation just that they will focus mainly on the lymph system.
Our weather has been absolutely beautiful. We call it "Chamber of Commerce" weather. So if you are in the midst of that heat wave that we see on TV or are sitting under your umbrella waiting out the rainstorm come on down and see what I am talking about.
I am ready to finish up this race with perserverance and help from the Lord.
Love you all,
Kathy
"...Let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus the author and perfecter of our faith.." Hebrews 12: 1-2
Hello All,
I went to the radiation oncologist yesterday. She is really easy to talk to and I feel very confident that I am in good hands. Her name is Dr. Rose.... a good omen as my Mom's name is Rose. The office in Encinitas is about 12 miles from home so our trek each day will be more tolerable than going all the way to La Jolla and UCSD, another blessing.
Here is the plan of attack. On August 2nd I go in for a CT scan to plot out the field of radiation that Dr Rose will oversee. Then she will review the scan and make her specific plan for me. Then on Monday August 8th I start the actual radiation treatment. I will be going for treatment every day for 5 days a week for 6 1/2 weeks. The first 25 treatments will focus on both the breast and the lymph glands and the next 8 are called a "Boost" treatment. She explained that it is not a stronger dose of radiation just that they will focus mainly on the lymph system.
Our weather has been absolutely beautiful. We call it "Chamber of Commerce" weather. So if you are in the midst of that heat wave that we see on TV or are sitting under your umbrella waiting out the rainstorm come on down and see what I am talking about.
I am ready to finish up this race with perserverance and help from the Lord.
Love you all,
Kathy
"...Let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus the author and perfecter of our faith.." Hebrews 12: 1-2
Thursday, July 21, 2011
Great News
I had my CT scan yesterday to check on a nodule in my left lung that showed up during a test on one of my ER visits. Today I got a call from Fiona who is Dr Schwab's right hand nurse. She said she had good news for me. The CT scan showed that the nodule had been "resolved" so we have do not have that worry any longer. The blood clot in my lung was "resolved" as well. She was elated so I knew right away that I had nothing to worry about. I told her it was answer to prayer. God is good. A little breathing room is a good thing to have right now.
Today I attended bible study this morning and this afternoon my friend Summer came over to visit and was here when I got my good news. We went out for a sorbet to celebrate. She was as happy as Rick and I were to hear the news.
Rick and I went out this evening to a nice Italian resturant for dinner to celebrate. Afterward we went over to our neighbor and my "Sister of the heart" Barbara's house and visited with her and her friend Jim who is recovering from hernia surgery. She teases that she is Nurse Ratchet. He is blessed to have her to take care of him.
I have an appointment with the radiology oncologist on Monday to set up a schedule to start the radiation part of my treatment. I am ready to take on this next step with God's provision for me. One of the squares on my scripture quilt says simply "Kathy, Relax, I have everything under control. Signed Jesus"
Just wanted to pass along this great news to you all and I will be making a post after my appointment on Monday.
As I always say I am in His Awesome Grip,
Kathy
"When you pass through the waters I will be with you; when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; and the flames will not set you ablaze." Isaiah 43:2
Today I attended bible study this morning and this afternoon my friend Summer came over to visit and was here when I got my good news. We went out for a sorbet to celebrate. She was as happy as Rick and I were to hear the news.
Rick and I went out this evening to a nice Italian resturant for dinner to celebrate. Afterward we went over to our neighbor and my "Sister of the heart" Barbara's house and visited with her and her friend Jim who is recovering from hernia surgery. She teases that she is Nurse Ratchet. He is blessed to have her to take care of him.
I have an appointment with the radiology oncologist on Monday to set up a schedule to start the radiation part of my treatment. I am ready to take on this next step with God's provision for me. One of the squares on my scripture quilt says simply "Kathy, Relax, I have everything under control. Signed Jesus"
Just wanted to pass along this great news to you all and I will be making a post after my appointment on Monday.
As I always say I am in His Awesome Grip,
Kathy
"When you pass through the waters I will be with you; when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; and the flames will not set you ablaze." Isaiah 43:2
Monday, July 18, 2011
Thankful for time off
Hello,
Our week off has been a busy one. I thought I was done with medical appointments for a while but that was a figment of my imagination. Before I get into the specifics I want to express how grateful and happy I am that none of the appointments have been chemo. Yahoo!!! I have had an appointment with a coumadin class to teach me about coumadin as I will transition over from the Lovenox shots twice a day to a coumadin pill for the next three months. It will be nice not to have to give myself shots each day. Then in three months those pills will stop as well.
Then I had an appointment with the Genetic counselor. I gave them all the information I could gather about our family history of cancer episodes. They will be compiling the data and get back to me. Because Mandy has had a negative BRACCA test the counselor did not test me for that as I would have passed along the gene to her. So we rule out that connection. As I find out more I will fill you in. As of now it seems like the fact that I come from a very large family the odds are just greater that one of us would have an incident of cancer. So far the only recommendation is that the next generation of women in the family should take is to get a baseline mammogram at age 35 as opposed to 40. The next medical appointment was a counsult with the CT Radiology lab. Today I had the CT scan and will get results on Monday when I see my oncologist.
Rick and I have been busy JAMMIN" That is making jam. Well, really it has been mostly Rick who has done all the jam making. He made 20 half pints of plum jam and 7 half pints of cherry jam. He is getting really good at it and seems to enjoy it alot. And it tastes great and there is enough to share the wealth with friends and family. So besides raspberry jelly ala Bachan's recipe he has two new jams to add to his near famous Jammin list.
Some other fun things that I have done in the past two weeks is go to coffee with 8 of my bible study lady friends, shop at Macy's one day sale with Rick, and go to Brayden's first basketball game. We have also been out to breakfast a couple of times and out to lunch as well. My energy level is returning and I even cleaned out my bird bath on Saturday which has been sorely neglected. The birdies are happy to have a nice clean bath.
Monday I went with Mandy to watch Bennett and Isabel take their riding lessons. I have wanted to experience that since they started and they were happy to have me as an audience. After Rick came home from golf we went out to lunch at Gordon's on the green at Lake San Marcos. It is the resturant at the golf course. It was nice to it outside and enjoy the beautiful weather we are having and watch the golfers. Sort of like we do in our own back yard..ha-ha.
Yesterday we babysat for Mandy while she went to the airport to pick up Bryan's sister Angie and her three children who flew in from Raliegh NC. It was so nice to see them as it has been some time since we last saw them. Clayton and Cameron have grown into men when we were not looking. Reagan who is 8 is still recognizable and she is cute as a bugs ear.
So thanks for all the prayers,
Kathy
"But may the righteous be glad and rejoice before God; may they be happy and joyful." Psalm 68:3
Our week off has been a busy one. I thought I was done with medical appointments for a while but that was a figment of my imagination. Before I get into the specifics I want to express how grateful and happy I am that none of the appointments have been chemo. Yahoo!!! I have had an appointment with a coumadin class to teach me about coumadin as I will transition over from the Lovenox shots twice a day to a coumadin pill for the next three months. It will be nice not to have to give myself shots each day. Then in three months those pills will stop as well.
Then I had an appointment with the Genetic counselor. I gave them all the information I could gather about our family history of cancer episodes. They will be compiling the data and get back to me. Because Mandy has had a negative BRACCA test the counselor did not test me for that as I would have passed along the gene to her. So we rule out that connection. As I find out more I will fill you in. As of now it seems like the fact that I come from a very large family the odds are just greater that one of us would have an incident of cancer. So far the only recommendation is that the next generation of women in the family should take is to get a baseline mammogram at age 35 as opposed to 40. The next medical appointment was a counsult with the CT Radiology lab. Today I had the CT scan and will get results on Monday when I see my oncologist.
Rick and I have been busy JAMMIN" That is making jam. Well, really it has been mostly Rick who has done all the jam making. He made 20 half pints of plum jam and 7 half pints of cherry jam. He is getting really good at it and seems to enjoy it alot. And it tastes great and there is enough to share the wealth with friends and family. So besides raspberry jelly ala Bachan's recipe he has two new jams to add to his near famous Jammin list.
Some other fun things that I have done in the past two weeks is go to coffee with 8 of my bible study lady friends, shop at Macy's one day sale with Rick, and go to Brayden's first basketball game. We have also been out to breakfast a couple of times and out to lunch as well. My energy level is returning and I even cleaned out my bird bath on Saturday which has been sorely neglected. The birdies are happy to have a nice clean bath.
Monday I went with Mandy to watch Bennett and Isabel take their riding lessons. I have wanted to experience that since they started and they were happy to have me as an audience. After Rick came home from golf we went out to lunch at Gordon's on the green at Lake San Marcos. It is the resturant at the golf course. It was nice to it outside and enjoy the beautiful weather we are having and watch the golfers. Sort of like we do in our own back yard..ha-ha.
Yesterday we babysat for Mandy while she went to the airport to pick up Bryan's sister Angie and her three children who flew in from Raliegh NC. It was so nice to see them as it has been some time since we last saw them. Clayton and Cameron have grown into men when we were not looking. Reagan who is 8 is still recognizable and she is cute as a bugs ear.
So thanks for all the prayers,
Kathy
"But may the righteous be glad and rejoice before God; may they be happy and joyful." Psalm 68:3
Sunday, July 10, 2011
Blessings abound
Hi all,
Friday we had an unexpected visit from our nephew Jim Murakami and his daughter Maddie. They came down to San Diego for the day to do a college tour at San Diego State. We felt very blessed that they took time out of their trip to have dinner with us at Bryan and Mandy's house. We have not seen either of them for 2 years and it was good to catch up on all the news from the bay area. We figured out that they had never met Bryan. Good to know your relatives. Jim and Maddi left on Saturday for home and a family reunion dinner party with the Yamamura family. Rick's brother Bob and his family are visiting from Oahu. Sure wish we could have been there.
We went to church this morning and out to breakfast at our local San Marcos Family Resturant then home to rest up. I am feeling the fatigue of the chemo once again. Guess it goes with the territory and I am glad when I have that part behind me.
Tonight we are going to go to Mandy's to have a birthday dinner to celebrate Bennett's 6th birthday. She wanted to go to Hawaii for her birthday but instead they went to Mission Bay and stayed overnight in a condo at Paradise Point. Lots of palm trees, pools and water. A second best alternative at such short notice.
Hope you all had a great weekend.
Love Kathy
"The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face shine upon you and be gracious to you; the Lord turn His face toward you and give you peace." Numbers 6:24-25
Friday we had an unexpected visit from our nephew Jim Murakami and his daughter Maddie. They came down to San Diego for the day to do a college tour at San Diego State. We felt very blessed that they took time out of their trip to have dinner with us at Bryan and Mandy's house. We have not seen either of them for 2 years and it was good to catch up on all the news from the bay area. We figured out that they had never met Bryan. Good to know your relatives. Jim and Maddi left on Saturday for home and a family reunion dinner party with the Yamamura family. Rick's brother Bob and his family are visiting from Oahu. Sure wish we could have been there.
We went to church this morning and out to breakfast at our local San Marcos Family Resturant then home to rest up. I am feeling the fatigue of the chemo once again. Guess it goes with the territory and I am glad when I have that part behind me.
Tonight we are going to go to Mandy's to have a birthday dinner to celebrate Bennett's 6th birthday. She wanted to go to Hawaii for her birthday but instead they went to Mission Bay and stayed overnight in a condo at Paradise Point. Lots of palm trees, pools and water. A second best alternative at such short notice.
Hope you all had a great weekend.
Love Kathy
"The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face shine upon you and be gracious to you; the Lord turn His face toward you and give you peace." Numbers 6:24-25
Thursday, July 7, 2011
This is the day that the Lord has made
I will rejoice and be glad in this day as I know that I have completed my chemo treatments.
Yesterday I finished the last of the 8 chemo treatments. I survived!!! My brother Mike and his wife Joan joined Rick and I for this last one. Joan went through this same battle with breast cancer just 2 years ago. They came all the way from Sonora for this great event. We loved having them and it really does make your heart sing to know that you have such great support.
I still have the radiation treatment to do but am feeling so very relieved having finished this part of the treatment. My energy level is growing stronger each day and having Mike and Joan here gave me a real boost in energy as well as boosting my spirits.
I will be undergoing another CT scan on the 27th before I start the radiation portion of the treatment. I have an appointment to do a genetic counseling and testing to gather information for our next generation so they will be forearmed by knowing their genetic family history. Maybe this will someday become a disease of the past like small pox.
Blessings,
Kathy
" The Lord your God is with you. He is mighty to save." Zephaniah 3:17
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| Me and my brother Mike |
I still have the radiation treatment to do but am feeling so very relieved having finished this part of the treatment. My energy level is growing stronger each day and having Mike and Joan here gave me a real boost in energy as well as boosting my spirits.
I will be undergoing another CT scan on the 27th before I start the radiation portion of the treatment. I have an appointment to do a genetic counseling and testing to gather information for our next generation so they will be forearmed by knowing their genetic family history. Maybe this will someday become a disease of the past like small pox.
Blessings,
Kathy
" The Lord your God is with you. He is mighty to save." Zephaniah 3:17
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