HALF WAY THERE!

I had Taxol #6 out of 12 yesterday!

Side effects are not too bad - it does zap my energy for a few hours due to the benedryl. Yesterday I had to counter act that with some caffeine towards the end of the day (which I have cut out of my diet) to make it through my 3 hour class and 1 1/2 hour rehearsal. So, I was having problems sleeping and Jack decided to throw up at 12:30 am. Apparently, I am the only parent to hear such sounds - so I was stripping his bed and doing laundry in the wee hours.

I am happy to report that Jack is doing well this morning and back at school - not sure what that was - hope I don't get it! Too busy to be sick!

If I stay on track I will be done with chemo on July 9. Radiation will then start and the drug Herceptin will continue for the next year via my IV port.

If you are in the area - get your tickets for The Music Man!
Performances are June 4 -13 @ The Cedar Falls Community Theatre.
I am playing Marian the Librarian - don't miss it!

Thanks for all your support.
K

Good Day Love(s)!

What a wonderful trip to London & Paris!
I can't tell you how much I enjoyed the entire experience.
The sites, food and friends were all amazing.

My energy level held strong - and all of the walking was so good for my health. I really needed to get moving after those 4 weekends of being down and out for days at a time.

I had chemo #5 out of 12 yesterday. I was extremely sleepy (from the chemo and jet lag) so I slept through most of it - then took another nap later in the afternoon. I resumed rehearsals last evening and was dancing until 10:15 pm! I will continue with the Taxol next Monday - then I need to switch to Tuesdays due to the Memorial Day Holiday on May 31.

My hair is growing back - It will still be a while before I go wigless!

I appreciate all of my family & friends who continue to offer support and encouragement as I tackle life head on. I am so very fortunate to have all of you in my life!

xxoo
~K

Happy Spring!

What a wonderful weekend!

I spent Friday evening at the Price lab Carnival supporting Jack & Ava's school (Ava will start Pre-K in the fall). They had so much fun playing all the games, eating all the food and Grandma Teig was along for part of the festivities.

Saturday was a day that I didn't have to do ANYTHING! No work, no rehearsal, I did have to post comments on Web CT for class - but that I can do in my pj's. I took J & A to meet good friend Denise and her two kids at the Muffin House (aka Panera). Went grocery shopping - and bought flowers to plant in our window box and in planters for the deck. Then went home and spent the day outside. We built a fire in the Chimnea (clay fire pit thing) and then after bath/shower time Jack and Ava camped out in mom's room while dad got a much deserved guy's night out.

Today is Taxol #4 - 8 more to go after this week.
I will have chemo this afternoon - then get Ava after school, home for dinner, then take both kids to rehearsal where Travis will pick them up after his softball game.

Thank you friends for your continued support!

Love, K

10 more to go!

I had my second Taxol treatment yesterday afternoon (was a bit worried as I didn't have the massive doses of premed prior) I did very well. Went grocery shopping immediately after, went home had dinner, did take a quick 15 minute nap as I "watched" The Princess and the Frog with Ava. Then actually went to yoga class at 7:30 pm!

So - I think I am going to sail through the next 10 treatments really well. Of course there are potential side effects - numbness in fingers & toes. And I have to let you all know that I lost my eyelashes...thought they would stay, but no - they didn't cooperate...my eyebrows are thin - but I still have a few. I am now living in the world of false eyelashes. You would think I would have worn them before during shows - but I never really did (I have always had good lashes and my eyes are large so never a need).

All of you local friends can catch me onstage this June in CFCT's The Music Man! You just can keep me off the stage for very long. I will be playing Marian opposite Gary Kroeger - many other fine local performers are signed on the join the fun. Mark your calendars for June 4 - 13. Friday's & Saturday's @ 7:30pm - Sunday's @ 2pm.

The London trip for Allen College Alumni & Friends is still on as of now...we need to get that volcano to stop erupting and the wind to shift.

Busy, busy, busy...just how I like it!

Keep sending the positive vibes!
Love to you all
~K

What a difference!

I started Taxol and Herceptin this morning -
No allergic reaction
ate lunch
am at work!

I am a bit tired due to lack of sleep from last night. I had to set my alarm to take medication at midnight - then couldn't fall back asleep. I also had benadryl in my drip - so I did get a bit loopy - but feel back to normal now.

I should sleep well tonight!

Have a great weekend!

~K

Phase 2 shall begin...

I should be cleared to start Taxol on Friday. I have an appointment with Dr. Singh tomorrow to make sure my white cell count is good. Last Friday I had it checked and it was low - not a low as the time before. I am on an antibiotic again - darn sinus issues. I felt better immediately after taking the first dose on Monday.

I am hoping for the best for the next 12 weeks -
No side effects
Hair to start growing back (on my head only - I really like not shaving the pits, legs and well...elsewhere)
More energy!

I will report back after Friday -

xxoo
~K

Spring!

I haven't been posting as much due to the fact that things are pretty calm around here!
I have been feeling very good - anxious to get started on the next phase of treatment. I will start the Taxol on April 9 and take that for 12 weeks. Then after that I will have radiation and take a years worth of Herceptin.

For now - I am just trying to keep my head above water with work, grad school, family responsibilities and restoring my health. I started a yoga class last evening and was surprised at how much I could do! I am trying to talk my hair into growing again and the warm weather predicted this week should give me a good idea of how hot a wig can be! So far - it hasn't been a big deal - they have actually been keeping my head warm.

I appreciate your continued support and help - life is wonderful and it has been a true blessing for me to see how many people care about me and my family.

Enjoy the Easter Weekend!
xxoo
~K