Having fun

Hi Friends,
I just wanted to let you know that I've been feeling pretty good lately. I got my hair cut and styled today in preparation for our family trip to Henderson this weekend. Tom and I have the very good fortune to be able to attend a Ricky Martin concert in Las Vegas, with our good friends, Dave and Julie. I won't be able to shake my "bonbon" like I once did, but will certainly enjoy the view and music. I think Tom is just putting up with it. It'll be so great to visit with good friends, as well.

My next chemo treatment will be on Monday -right after I get back. It will be interesting to see what side effects might occur this time. It was hard to determine last time, since the shot presented some side effects of its own. I won't have to get that shot this time, so I'll get a clearer picture of the chemo side effects.

The kids are doing great. We all miss Bumpa and Grandma, but it's nice to have our nuclear family back in tact. It also forces me back into my life, which is a great thing. My parents were so helpful, that I was getting pretty spoiled and lazy!

So, have a great weekend and I'll let you know how Ricky looks!

Love,
Karen

Ain't Jazzercise great?

Hello friends,
This past week, I've been feeling up and down both physically and emotionally. I can start out the day feeling good, then poop out half way through. It's frustrating when walking around a golf course tired me out!(I was able to attend The Bob Hope Classic on Wednesday morning with some great friends). Seeing the stars there was so fun, and the morning was so beautiful. Yesterday, all I did laundry and had to go to bed early - yikes!

I had every intention of attending my evening jazzercise class Thursday, but was too tired to. So, feelings of frustration have been very prevalent.

So, I decided that I would attend a morning jazzercise class, since that seems to be when I feel the best. Today was the day that I started! I have to tell you, if felt pretty good. I just love the music and, of course, the dancing. I wasn't able to finish the whole class, but was happy with how I did. My new plan is to build up my endurance in the morning classes, so I will be able to attend my own evening classes, eventually. So - my students - please don't feel I've abandoned you. I just have to work with when I feel the best right now. I will return to class, and when I do - watch out!

I have goals that I want to reach. I think I just have to stay open-minded and fluid about how to reach them. That is my prayer.

So, now I will go lay down for a while. I have an appointment with Dr. Luke later today.

Much love,
Karen

Feeling yucky!

Hi.
As I said before, the first chemo treatment went really well on Thursday. On Friday afternoon, I received a shot, called neulasta, to help keep my white cells up. This shot has made me feel awful! I have amazing muscle aches, headache, and some nausea. I feel like I have the flu. Every muscle is sore - like I've had a very intense work out. So, I spent most of yesterday in bed. I have a feeling that today will be very similar. These side effects are common with this shot. This shot is necessary because it will prevent a drop in white cells, resulting in a high fever. I experienced this in the hospital and don't care to repeat it. So, the shot is necessary. However, it makes me feel like crap. I don't like feeling this way and it makes me crabby. I indulged in a pitty party for myself yesterday!!! It was fun, but I hopefully won't get stuck in it.

So, there's the latest. This is definitely no fun.

Love,
Karen

First Round of Chemo

Hi Everyone,
Well, my first round of chemo, so far, has gone well. I didn't experience any side effects while I was there. It took about 3 hours after the infusion started to complete. This was faster than expected, so I was pleased. I had a nice visit from a friend who brought my the funniest slippers to wear. I wanted to put them on immediately, because they made me, and some of the other patients, smile!

Since I've been home, I have been pretty tired, have a headache and have experienced a little nausea. The nausea is usually taken care of with crackers, so I haven't felt the need to take medication - yet. My understanding of the chemo treatments is that with each treatment, the side effects can get worse. So, I'm happy that I have experienced very few.

Thank you for all of your prayers, emails and phone calls. The support really helps me, as you know by now!

That's it for now. Tom will be adding his special way of interpreting today's events. Stay tuned.

Love,
Karen

Karen's thoughts

Hi.
I have a lot of thoughts running around in my head. I thought maybe it would be therapeutic to put them down here. I've been pretty disappointed with the turn of events surrounding my pathology report, after surgery, categorizing my cancer as a high grade. I suspected that the cancer was more aggressive, because the spread was quite extensive in just 9 months from the first surgery in February. But, the reality of it is hard to swallow. That's why I decided to go ahead with the chemo. If the pathology came back low or even intermediate grade, I probably wouldn't have done the chemo. I really want to delay any recurrence (if there is going to be one) as much as possible. I haven't discounted the power of prayer and God's will. We'll see. I can deal with whatever happens, but want to do as much, as is in my power, that I can.

Challenging thoughts: Fear of the chemo. I hope I don't scare my kids with any side effects. I hope I can teach Jazzercise during my chemo treatments. Bummed about the inconvenience of it all. Frustration with my lack of strength. I hope my weight stays the same. I hope I can finish all rounds of chemo.

Good thoughts: It's only been 8 weeks from surgery, and I have made good progress. I just have to take the time to realize it. I have amazing friends that will help me through anything. Whatever comes, I am strong enough to handle it, with God right with me. I have an awesome husband. I only have to get chemo every other week.

My parents are still here, but will leave soon. They will probably pack up their car next week. That'll give me more driving practice until they leave. I took the kids to school today. When I pulled into the parking lot at Hudson's preschool, he proclaimed, " You did it Mommy!" Warm feelings all around.

So, pray for me as I receive my first (out of 12) round of chemo this Thursday morning at 9:30. I would really appreciate it.

This experience certainly has shown me the power of prayer, faith, and friendship. Thanks everyone!

Love,
Karen