Dear Family and Friends...
Yes I’m still here! I would love to give you a really great reason for my lengthy “hiatus” other than trying to stay busy, enjoying my life and trying not to focus on cancer. But I realized that in the past 8 months a lot has happened in my life and for those that have followed my journey they deserve to be updated. I decided that today’s blog will be written in outline format in the hopes that it won’t go on forever! 😊
A. December 2017: Don and I returned to the high seas and took a cruise 🚢 on NCL to the Western Caribbean. We were joined by Don’s brother Mike...making it even more fun! We had seven spectacular days and saw five beautiful islands...once again we loved every moment.
B. February 2018: I was able to fly to NYC to spend a three day weekend with Michael and Jenny (and Lulu the wonder dog!) at their gorgeous new apartment in Brooklyn! What utter joy it was to be with them and share their lives...even for a small amount of time. The days flew by and before I knew it I was back at LaGuardia heading home. 😢
February 2018: At the end of February Don visited my parents for three days in Florida. The three of them had a wonderful time and Mom and Dad were so happy that Don made the trip down!
March 2018: once again the Austreng’s and the Hein’s spent St. Patrick’s Day at The Pearl Lake Lodge. As always Rudy threw a fabulous party that we enjoyed with 10,000 plus of our closest friends. 🍀 I went all out and even enjoyed a jello-shot
April 2018: It was my turn to head back to Florida. I try to see my parents every three months now...Mom is 86 and Daddy is 84...each day is a blessing and I take nothing for granted! Thanks go to Mike and Don for understanding my need to do this as I know this takes time away from them!
April 2018: It was very hard to believe that it was SIX years ago in April that I was told I had Stage IV Breast Cancer. Six years ago I believed I would be gone by now...I’m so grateful that I was wrong! I constantly inform my oncologist that I have a lot more to see and do, so it’s his job to keep me going! He takes that very seriously.
April wasn’t without its challenges. I had some slight progression...a new tumor was found on my 7th rib. Because I’d had previous radiation to that rib that was no longer an option. My oncologist suggested Cryoablation , where they freeze the tumor with special needles and once frozen the tumor simply breaks apart and floats away. This surgery was the route we chose.
May 2018: Don and I celebrated our 13th wedding anniversary. Romantically we returned to Anton’s where Don proposed to me 14 years ago. It was beautiful! I was also treated to a dozen gorgeous long stem red roses 🌹 that morning...I’m such a lucky lady!
June 2018: This month began with a long awaited visit from Don’s sister Mary Lou. She came for two weeks from Switzerland and we were thrilled when she chose to stay at our house for much of that time. She’s a huge breath of fresh air with the biggest heart! Please come back soon sis!
June 2018: It was time for my six month PET scan...and sadly we saw more progression. At this point we realized that my current treatment is no longer effective and it’s therefore time to move to a stronger set of drugs. I will begin them in July after foot surgery...more to come!
June also took us to Red Wing Resort on beautiful Leech Lake. We spent a week, were joined for 3 days by Barb / Tom Hein and 1 day with Mike Austreng and his friend Marcia. We had fun reuniting with dear friends The Bakers, Duane and Shirley and Connie and Mike!
Which brings us to July...I got back a week ago from a week in my beloved Florida. It was a great trip! Mom, Daddy, Barb, Carol and John...as well as Kim and Meg THANK YOU! The lunches, dinners, rides, laughter, tears, friendship and love are deeply appreciated! I love you all so much!
🤗🤗🤗🤗🤗🤗🤗🤗That’s a group hug! 😍
This week was supposed to be fun too as we were scheduled to join our dear friends Lisa and Curt at their Lake cabin. I cannot tell you how we’d been looking forward to this get together! Sadly, yesterday I had to undergo foot surgery for bone spurs and arthritis. I can bear no weight on my right foot until further notice! Plus I must admit that the pain stinks 😷! This is on top of the fact that this is the week...today...that I’m scheduled to start my new oral chemo. The side effects will hopefully hold off for a bit...especially since I’m not at all mobile currently!
Sooo that’s it I think...8 months have gone by very quickly...the highs have been spectacular, the lows very low! But, each day is a gift to be celebrated and in three months we will ALL be in NYC to celebrate Michael and Jenny and their most special day as they get married! To say that I’m excited is an understatement...I love them both with my whole heart and love thinking about what lies ahead for them. They’re two very special people and I am so very very happy as is Don❣️
As always I have several prayer requests, please continue to keep my Michael, Don and Jenny in your prayers. Also my parents that there health remains steady, our dear friend Mike Sheldon and his wife...my close friend Barb! And anyone else that you know who’s currently struggling....I lift them up in prayer. Thank you all for your friendship and support!
Love 💕
Kathy xoxoxo
