Hi to anyone who is still checking this blog.

Well, it's been 2 1/2 years since my last surgery - the big mother of all surgeries. It's also been almost 2 year since I finished my chemotherapy. It's strange to even think of that time now. Our family has settled in to a nice "normal" routine involving church, school, and sports. Hudson is now 6 yrs. old and is enjoying first grade and baseball very much! Tucker is 10 yrs. old and is doing well at school, his sports and his french horn. My life has changed a lot.

As you know The Pendleton Foundation was born out of my experience with having to raise money to have the surgery that would best save my life. The foundation has grown into a nice little business. I started working there in October, 2007. I go in almost every day and work until I have to get home to the kids at 3:00 p.m. I'ts been a little difficult going from a "stay at home mom", volunteering at school and church, to working almost full time. It's been great to help shape how the foundation is run. I've accomplished a lot, but I want to do so much more to streamline the operations. We get up anywhere from 2-10 applicants a week. The needs vary quite a bit. We focus mainly on household expenses while a cancer patient is in treamtent: going through chemo, radiation or surgery. There are so many needs that sick people have. I wish I had more money to meet them all. Maybe some day we will! But for now, we will focus on the household expenses.

There are a couple of cool things that have come out of my experience working for The Pendleton Foundation (TPF). The main this is all of the really neat survivors I have met. I wish to meet more, in person, in the future. Time does not allow it right now because we are getting busier and busier! The other, more recent, event is seeing the birth of another foundation. One of our recipients was a little baby who needed treatment at St. Judes Hospital. The baby is now doing very well. In response the the great generosity of the foks here in Coachella Valley, her parents have established a foundation to help families of children with cancer!!! That sounds familiar doesn't it? I'm really excited about it!

One of the reasons why I decided to post after all of this time is that it seems that cancer is affecting more and more of the people that are close to me. This may be happening because of the community of survivors, social workers, etc.... that I'm involved in. Some have said that I'm their inspiration. It has brought to my mind who my inspiration was. I think that when you are diagnosed with cancer, you rely on the advise from those who have had it before you. Then you progress in to a role where you are the one giving advice. It's domino effect, except instead of knocking each other down, we build each other up. My friend, Skip, comes to mind specifically. He was one of my first phone calls after I was diagnosed. I called him when I found out how much money I needed for my surgery. He helped organize a fund raiser for me because he was the recipient of one. I know he since has organized another fund raiser for another mutual friend of ours. He was, and still is, so giving of his experience and time. He, most importantly, prayed with me. He was so strong and I know he helped more people than just me. He also supported The Desert Cancer Foundation by speaking at their fund raising events. I know people were inspired by him in that avenue as well. He was, and still is, a great role model. My point is that I'm so glad that I had someone to pattern after how I chose to react to my disease. I'm so glad he was there to show me how to be strong and positive and faithful. My hope is that anyone looking at me will also see a strong and faithful person. I am not perfect - I get angry, have doubts and question God. But not for long.

Thank you Skip - from the bottom of my heart. You have made an impact in this community.

In the swing of things!

Hello Friends,
Well, I'm approaching my first year anniversary. I had my cytoreductive surgery with heated intraperitoneal chemotherapy on November 10th, 2005. I finished my folfox + avastin chemo on June 16th, 2006. I'm feeling pretty well, though not 100%, yet. I say - yet - because my energy level improves slowly and steadily.

Meanwhile, I've reentered my life. I am keeping quite busy! It seems I am more busy now than I was before my surgery! I'm trying to help in my kids' classrooms, at the school and at church. Tom and I are also pretty active right now with the Pendleton Foundation (www.thependletonfoundation.org).

Our fundraiser is coming up November 9th at Rancho Las Palmas. See the website for more information. The Foundation popped up after the community came together to raise money for my surgery. Everyone involved wanted to continue to help other people who face fighting a rare cancer. One of the things that is most frustrating about having a rare cancer is finding and getting to the doctors who have the most experience with the kind of cancer you have. So the foundation was formed to help patients get to the specialists they need to consult with and then help with any medical treatments. Everyone involved with the Pendleton Foundation has a heart for this cause.

Now, more personal information. I have been really struggling with overcomiting myself to things. I'm so eager to be active again and have a new desire to help other people. However, my energy level can't keep up with my ambitions. I'm trying to find the balance between, family, sports, church, school and Jazzercise. It seems that every sport my kids are involved in requires parents volunteers. I don't mind that, but it's hard to fit in! Jazzercise is a blessing in that it really helps me get stronger and blow off the stress of the day. I'm really thankful for my students and fellow instructors who support me so much. They don't seem to mind when I huff and puff toward the end of class!! People also expect you to be "normal" again. They want you back the way you were. It's hard to jump right back into your life after not participating for a while. I feel like I've been a couch potato for 8 months and am now trying to run a marathon with only 2 months of training. The transition can't happen that quickly! Attending Gilda's Club in Cathedral City has been a great help. The support groups there are great. What I like about it is that the groups are for anyone with any kind of cancer. There are a lot of support groups for colon, lung, breast and prostate cancer. Not too many for appendix/colon cancer! Gilda's club is so great. If you know anyone dealing with cancer, check them out.

Well, I have to run now. I really want to thank you for your continued interest. The adventure with cancer doesn't end when the treatment ends. There are new struggles and challenges. I never expected that.

Love,
Karen

My First Follow Up Appointment

Good News Everyone!

I saw Dr. Dreisbach today for my first post-chemo visit. I've been done with chemo for a month now. In the mean time, I've had my blood work done (CEA and liver tests) and my first CT scan since "the surgery". My CEA (a cancer antigen) was normal and so was my CT scan (other than my missing parts)!!! This is such great news, I can't even tell you. Tom and I expected to hear this news, because we know we've done everything possible to beat this cancer. But STILL, it was good to hear. My liver tests showed some inflammation, but that is a pretty typical finding, after chemotherapy. We will follow up every 3 months for blood work and every 6 months for CT scan.

How am I feeling, do you ask? Better and better. It's been a slower process than I thought (of course - I want everything NOW), but my energy is coming back. I'm starting to teach some routines in my Jazzercise class, and it feels so GREAT to be back on stage again. I can't do a whole class yet, but am working hard on it!!

I had my hair colored (for the first time since Oct. 2005) and cut today. I feel great about it. It's like I'm getting back to normal. I love the way it looks. Soooooo, things are going great at the Pendleton house. Ain't it great to say that? It's about time - after 8 months of big change.

Anyway, thanks to you all - AGAIN! Your prayers have helped me mend and heal. Only God know what's in the future, so I can't worry too much about it. I only hope that I can keep the lessons I've learned in the forefront of my mind and heart. For example.......1. God loves us and wants us to serve 2. Don't waste any moments in your life on trivial things 3. Prayer works 4. Ask for help when you need it - there are so many loving people who really love to help others 5. Persevere. There are so many others.

Peace be with you all.

Love,
Karen

Let me tell you.....

Hello Friends,
I'm doing pretty well these days. Yes, I'm sooooooo glad that I'm done with chemo. It was a tough decision for me, because part of me wanted to finish the whole course of treatment. However, my neuropathy in my fingers and feet, was getting to a point that was uncomfortable and wouldn't go away or even lessen, before my next chemo appointment. My doctor said I didn't have to finish because there would be a chance that the neuropathy would become permanent. Seeing as I want comfortable feet to exercise with, I chose to quit. Plus, it seemed the right thing to do. The kids are home from school for the summer and this makes it a whole lot easier. They (and my honey) are so excited that I'm done.

It's taking longer than I thought to get my energy back, but it is definitely improving as time goes on. It's a slow, steady process.

I taught a few routines in Jazzercise earlier this week. It was so great. My students made me cry - they are soooo awesome. However, I think I overdid it, because I was pretty pooped yesterday. Walking to and from the Palm Desert park to see the fireworks, probably didn't help matters! The fireworks were so great. I really love to see them. The boys were excited, but didn't appreciate the long walk.

What's next you ask? Well, we watch it using CT scans and blood work. I will get my CT scan at the end of July. It will be a new challenge, to wait for those results. I think Tom is dreading this part of the whole adventure. What if it comes back? What do we do? I still am of the belief that it won't. It truly is out of our hands, anyway. God only knows and if it comes back He will have a plan by then.

Meanwhile, I intend to enjoy every moment I have. I'm anxious to get involved in the schools and church again.

Thanks for being so patient everyone. There probably won't be as many postings as before. Just know that being able to put down how we feel here has been very helpful in our adventure. You all have been so great. Please keep checking. You never know what we may share with all of you.

Love,
Karen

Chemo #11

HI Friends,
I'm done with chemo #11. So far, I'm doing okay. The neuropathy (tingling/cold sensitivity) in my toes and feet have worsened. I expressed my concern to my doctor and he said, if I wanted to, I could skip my last chemo treatment if I felt the neuropathy was too bad. Apparently there's a possibility that the neuropathy can stay permanent if the symptoms get bad enough. I really don't want that to happen. So, I'm in a quandary, really. I don't want permanent neuropathy, but it feel weird about not finishing all the rounds of chemo. I'm not sure how I feel about it. My doctor is in the business of curing cancer, so I'm sure he wouldn't have suggested stopping the chemo if he thought it would harm me. So, I could use some prayers to help me decide what to do.

School is out and the boys are very active. Fortunately, they are attending Summer Spectacular at Southwest Community Church this week. I can't wait to hear what it's like. I am not volunteering, for the first time in 3 years. I miss it, but knew that I would be rather unreliable. Tom, of course, is participating as Captain Smirk. This will be Hudson's first year to experience all of the venues of the program. I can't wait to hear what he thinks. Pastor H does such a great job reaching the children. They had 800+ kids already registered. So, this might be a record breaking year for attendance!

Well, that 's if for now. I'm really tired of the chemo treatments. I'm surprised at my reaction, since I'm almost done. I thought I would be more excited about being so close to finishing. But all I can think about is how tired I am of being tired!

Love,
Karen

Chemo #10

Well, it's done. Chemo #10!! I only have 2 more left - phew. This round is kicking me in the behind, though. All I've managed to do since Friday, is a couple of loads of laundry and sleeping alot! And I mean a lot! For whatever reason, I'm totally exhausted and nauseated with this round. It's hard to deal with, because I usually, at least for part of the day, feel decent enough to accomlish something. But 'tis not the case this time. The neuropathy has spread to my toes now too. That's a wierd feeling - tingling in the toes. And my fingers are more sensitive again. I had to get the gloves back out to get in the refrigerator.

So, since it's hard on me, it's also hard on Tom. He's really had take over a lot this time. Fortunately, we are still getting meal support - such a huge help. Thanks to my friend, Leslie, for the angel coin. I really love it. I'll carry it with me.

I keep thinking about when all of this is going to be over. I can't wait to have energy enough to give back to my friends and community. I also can't wait to teach Jazzercise again. I really miss it. I love attending classes, but am steadily getting antsy (a word?) to get back on that stage!

The weather has been pretty horribly hot. So, the boys are currently in the living room, playing light sabors to the music of Michael Jackson's "Beat It". Tom is too funny. He bought season tickets to our local water park. Hopefully we'll use it a lot.

He is growing a beard for his upcoming role in the the VBS production at Southwest. I really like it! We'll see if he keeps it after VBS. He may be too clean cut for it. My honey.

Well, I just wanted to update you all. I'm hoping to wake up tomorrow feeling a whole lot better.

Love,
Karen

Thanks

Hi Friends,
It's been 4 days since my last chemo and I'm doing okay. Afternoon naps help and of course, the wonderful meal support that I'm receiving from good friends from the MOMS club. If you don't know anything about the MOMS club, check it out. It's a nonprofit organization for mothers who decide to stay at home with their kids. They organize play groups, activities, parties and evenings out for the mothers. I've been a member for 8 years! Here's a website
http://laquintaindiomoms.tripod.com/who.html There are other local chapters as well.

So much for my MOMS Club commerial. They have supported me so much through this adventure of mine!

I've also received so much from my Jazzercise family. Thanks for the meals, and to the fabulous instructors who are teaching classes for me. A very special thanks to my students who are hanging in there for me. I miss teaching and hope to be back at it by mid - July. I'm trying to get back in shape, though it's difficult.

I've also received so much help from my church family and small group bible study. They have lifted me up in prayer and it helps me so much. I've cried with them and their prayer and emotional support has shed light on a difficult situation. I know that Tom also appreciates our church family.

Another place where I receive support is through the Gilda's club in Cathedral City. It's a wondeful organization that provides support groups, social activities and informative speakers for cancer patients and their friends and family. Here's the website. http://www.gildasclubdesertcities.org/

If I'm sounding like a commercial, forgive me. What has brought all of this on, you ask? Well, in talking with a friend, who has been newly diagnosed with cancer, it brought to mind all of the wonderful support and love that I've received throughout this ordeal. I haven't even mentioned my family, neighbors (Linda - who gives me flowers near my chemo days) and my friends at the Pendleton Foundation. Anyway, I feel that it's hard to fight this disease alone. Tom and I tried, at first. It's so much easier to let people help you.

So, once again I'm feeling very grateful and have a full heart. I don't know how to thank everyone.

Love,
Karen