Port is OUT

At last - I am free of the port (though it never really bothered me).
I would recommend a port to anyone going through chemo - it is great for blood draws as well as receiving meds.

Next step - mammogram in June!

OH YEAH BABY - I AM FINISHED WITH THAT!

I had my LAST Herceptin dose today!

I am done, finished and will never need treatment again!
Here's looking at 50+ years of a healthy, happy, active life!

A year ago I started doing yoga (thanks Mary for being a wonderful teacher) and I continue getting stronger. I have now started running (thank you Molly for pushing me on the first runs) I look forward to many miles of running in my future.

Since the first of the year I have eliminated soda and refined sugar in the form of cookies, cakes and candy - etc...from my diet. I do allow myself dark chocolate from time to time if it is over 70% cacao.

I am trying to consume as many fruits and vegetables that I can during the day and have started buying organic vegetables as much as possible.

Dr. Singh and Dr. Duven have told me that a good diet and lots of exercise can help make sure I never have to kick ass again (they didn't actually use the words "kick ass" but I like saying it).

Thanks for your support and encouragement - Life is Good!

Carpe Diem (For Trela)
&
Shanti (For Mary)

xxoo (For JRM)
~K

Finished!

I am done with my cancer treatment!
(for the most part)

I still need to go in every 3 weeks until April to see Dr. Singh for a mega dose of Herceptin. But, that is just preventative stuff and has no side effects so I don't consider that to be anything difficult. After that I will get my port out. It has never really bothered me too much but doesn't feel great if you bump it (or Ava or Jack bump it when sitting on my lap).

I am Cancer Free! (really have been since December - thanks to Dr. Duven)

Now, we need to find a cure so that no one else has to do this crappy chemo/radiation stuff.

Please donate or join my Race for the Cure team!
I am doing both the Denver Race and the Des Moines Race.

For the Colorado friends - please donate and/or join in Denver.
For the Iowa friends - please donate and/or join me in Des Moines.
If you live elsewhere - no problem - just donate!

ww5.komen.org

Above is the web site and my team name in both locations is
Kristin's Fight for a Cure

Thank you!
xxoo
~K

# 19 out of 33!

I am past the half way point!

So far it has been easy - I go for radiation every morning on my way into work. It takes about an hour out of my day with the drive time.

My skin is holding up - my left side is slightly more pink then the right side - but I don't have a burn.

The anxiety is another story...funny thing cancer...I am feeling good other than the times my mind likes to wander (which is mostly at night).

I should be done with treatment on September 16!

xxoo
~K

Time for Radiation Baby!

Hello Blog readers!

I started Radiation yesterday - which I will have each weekday for 6 1/2 weeks. I have them scheduled in the morning prior to when I go to work to cut down on the driving around town. So far so good...they shoot me from 3 different angles right now as they are not only radiating my breast but the lymph node area as well. My friend Trela purchased some fancy dancy lotion that Mayo Clinic recommends when she traveled through Rochester a few weeks ago - this lotion will help the "burn" that I will develop from the treatment.

The other downside to radiation is the possible lymphedema risk - or as I like to call it "The Big Arm" syndrome. I hope this doesn't happen and I am seeing a lymphedema specialist this afternoon and have a special yoga practice that I can do to help increase the use of my lymph system function. Here's hoping that I won't have to wear a compression sleeve on my left arm.

I am also receiving Herceptin every 3 weeks and will until about April. Dr. Singh started the Herceptin with the Taxol - and now I get a mega dose each time I see the ladies at the Cancer Treatment Center. My echo cardiogram came back showing NO signs of heart damage so that is very positive!

Thank you again for all your support!

xxoo
~K

Movin' On

Chemo is done - whew!
I am feeling pretty darn good about it!

I have an appointment on July 20 to see Dr. Jain to discuss my upcoming radiation. Another echo-cardiogram scheduled on July 21 to make sure my heart wasn't damaged during chemo and my Herceptin treatments will continue on August 2 (every 3 weeks until next April).

I am sporting my own hair these days and have left the wigs at home.

Now if I can just convince my eyelashes to grow back...

I will let you all know how I feel after the radiation starts - hopefully it won't zap my energy too much!

xxoo
~K

2 MORE!

I am almost done with CHEMO!

I have a treatment this Friday and then my last one will be Friday, July 9.

As many of you know we are hosting a party to celebrate & to thank all of my dear friends & family who have donated funds, food, cleaning services & mental support!

Saturday, July 10
4-8 pm
Open House Celebration
1422 Clay Street/CF

We will hope for sunny skies so that kids can play in the park across the street - even if your day is full - please stop for a quick drink and say hello. If you could RSVP to me that would be wonderful...would hate to run out of anything!


Hope to see you on July 10!

xxoo
Kristin