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

The Finish Line is in Sight!

I had #8 Taxol treatment yesterday - 4 more weeks to go!

To Celebrate the end of Chemo
Travis, Jack, Ava and I are hosting a party!

We invite all of you who have donated food, funds & cleaning services - picked up, dropped off or entertained Jack & Ava during the past 7 months to join us!

Saturday, July 10
4-8 pm Open House
1422 Clay Street - CF
Grilling, serving food & drinks
please RSVP to me so that we know how much food to prepare.

Thank you for your ongoing support.
I will start radiation in August - hoping to put this entire ordeal behind me by October!

xxoo
~K

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