Good Morning,
Just a quick update!
After a month and half of learning the ins and outs of a cancer diagnosis, it is finally time for the treatment to begin. Although the waiting has been difficult, I know it has served it purpose because now I am ready and almost eager to begin treatment.
On Wednesday, I will have my final "fitting" for the radiation beams. :) I will be taking the day off as the only appointment times they offer is 11:00 in the afternoon for this type of appointment. (Nothing is very accessible or timely when it comes to cancer.) Beginning Thursday, I will start my radiation treatment. Except for Saturday and Sundays, I will visit Tacoma Valley Radiation daily. Treatment itself should have little side effects and emotionally I will continue to focus on the positive. It is my hope that it will not interfere with teaching but at this time I am only guaranteed a afterschool appointment on Thursday and Friday. I will cross my fingers and strive for the best. Radiation will wrap up on October 6th.
Thank you for your prayers, well wishes and kind words. I feel very supported. I know that cancer is not ideal but I am excited to see the added strength and purpose it will add to my life and most importantly the lives of those that cross my path.
Here is to three long weeks with a strong finish!
Next time I write, I WILL be cancer free!
Big Hugs!
Kris
Saturday, September 10, 2016
Monday, August 29, 2016
Radiation Oncologist
August 29, 2016
I am so thankful today to have a much different outlook on my cancer than I did a month ago! :)
Today, I had an appointment with my radiation oncologist. After speaking with my medical oncologist over a week ago, I very easily made a decision about my next steps. I have made decision to move forward with radiation. I feel confident in my decision after researching and asking A LOT of questions that this would be the best decision to CURE my cancer.
Next steps, I have a "mapping" appointment on Wednesday to build a radiation plan for my cancer treatment. The doctors take ten business days to create the plan...then without delay I will start. Jim said to give the doctors 3 weeks as we have found out everything in the medical world takes a bit longer...but NO I am giving them 10 days. I am so ready to move forward. After the 10 days we will start radiation. I will only need three weeks of radiation (5 days a week)....I will be a little "sunburned" and a bit tired. ( I have been going to school for this past year...I know how to deal with tired.)
Something I learned this past month is radiation can only be done once, so when we are done there will be another PET scan. If the cancer is still there then we have to investigate other measures. Yet at this time....I am believing the cancer will be gone.
Big Hugs!
Kris
I am so thankful today to have a much different outlook on my cancer than I did a month ago! :)
Today, I had an appointment with my radiation oncologist. After speaking with my medical oncologist over a week ago, I very easily made a decision about my next steps. I have made decision to move forward with radiation. I feel confident in my decision after researching and asking A LOT of questions that this would be the best decision to CURE my cancer.
Next steps, I have a "mapping" appointment on Wednesday to build a radiation plan for my cancer treatment. The doctors take ten business days to create the plan...then without delay I will start. Jim said to give the doctors 3 weeks as we have found out everything in the medical world takes a bit longer...but NO I am giving them 10 days. I am so ready to move forward. After the 10 days we will start radiation. I will only need three weeks of radiation (5 days a week)....I will be a little "sunburned" and a bit tired. ( I have been going to school for this past year...I know how to deal with tired.)
Something I learned this past month is radiation can only be done once, so when we are done there will be another PET scan. If the cancer is still there then we have to investigate other measures. Yet at this time....I am believing the cancer will be gone.
Big Hugs!
Kris
Thursday, August 18, 2016
Decisions
August 18, 2016
Friends and Family,
I know these are getting a bit old now...but many of you have asked how my visit to Seattle Cancer Care Alliance (SCCA) was yesterday. So....just a small update.
SCCA was a bit overwhelming to walk into as many of these people are fighting for their lives. I now know (more than ever) that every one has a story that we know nothing about. I looked at each person in the waiting room and wanted to say a prayer for them, give them a hug and tell them everything is going to be fine. Yet, in a room full of challenges SCCA is also a place of HOPE. I am thankful for the opportunity to get a second opinion on my treatment and learn more about my cancer.
Unfortunately, the treatment plans from my local oncologist and SCCA did not match exactly. So, I have some more learning and processing to do prior to making a decision. My oncologist in town suggested radiation (SCCA also presented this as an option). I have yet to meet with the local radiation oncologist so I had yet to hear the possible side effects of radiation - that was shared at SCCA. Due to the location of the tumor, I have a possible 1 out of 5 chance of getting secondary breast cancer. (Not something that I am that excited about.) Again, thankful for my insurance as I will also be able to meet with the radiation oncologist at SCCA to understand my risks and learn about a new type of radiation called Proton Therapy. SCCA also (and tended to be leaning towards) chemotherapy. This has many side effects including the dropping of white blood cells that can be tricky working in a school, hair loss, and infection. I have to make a decision which is less of a risk. The good part is that they both will be highly effective in my treatment to fight my cancer.
I will be meeting with my local oncologist this Friday to discuss the plans presented by SCCA. I will hopefully meet with the local radiation oncologist for a consultation soon. Then, I will schedule the consultation with SCCA radiation oncologist.
Next week, my kids will be at grandma's house. Even though, I will miss them I am looking for a week that is not focused on cancer and allows me to focus on doing what I love - setting up and preparing for my third graders to arrive while the girls are thoroughly enjoying time with grandma, papa, Aunt Jen and Uncle Mark.
Thanks for taking the time to read this. Please do not feel obligated to read my updates...just so thankful for all that are praying for us and wanted to keep you informed.
Much love,
Kris
Friends and Family,
I know these are getting a bit old now...but many of you have asked how my visit to Seattle Cancer Care Alliance (SCCA) was yesterday. So....just a small update.
SCCA was a bit overwhelming to walk into as many of these people are fighting for their lives. I now know (more than ever) that every one has a story that we know nothing about. I looked at each person in the waiting room and wanted to say a prayer for them, give them a hug and tell them everything is going to be fine. Yet, in a room full of challenges SCCA is also a place of HOPE. I am thankful for the opportunity to get a second opinion on my treatment and learn more about my cancer.
Unfortunately, the treatment plans from my local oncologist and SCCA did not match exactly. So, I have some more learning and processing to do prior to making a decision. My oncologist in town suggested radiation (SCCA also presented this as an option). I have yet to meet with the local radiation oncologist so I had yet to hear the possible side effects of radiation - that was shared at SCCA. Due to the location of the tumor, I have a possible 1 out of 5 chance of getting secondary breast cancer. (Not something that I am that excited about.) Again, thankful for my insurance as I will also be able to meet with the radiation oncologist at SCCA to understand my risks and learn about a new type of radiation called Proton Therapy. SCCA also (and tended to be leaning towards) chemotherapy. This has many side effects including the dropping of white blood cells that can be tricky working in a school, hair loss, and infection. I have to make a decision which is less of a risk. The good part is that they both will be highly effective in my treatment to fight my cancer.
I will be meeting with my local oncologist this Friday to discuss the plans presented by SCCA. I will hopefully meet with the local radiation oncologist for a consultation soon. Then, I will schedule the consultation with SCCA radiation oncologist.
Next week, my kids will be at grandma's house. Even though, I will miss them I am looking for a week that is not focused on cancer and allows me to focus on doing what I love - setting up and preparing for my third graders to arrive while the girls are thoroughly enjoying time with grandma, papa, Aunt Jen and Uncle Mark.
Thanks for taking the time to read this. Please do not feel obligated to read my updates...just so thankful for all that are praying for us and wanted to keep you informed.
Much love,
Kris
Monday, August 15, 2016
Faith
August 15th, 2016
GOD is SO good! I am so thankful for all your prayers. I had a vision all this last week of God's hands securely holding my tumor to avoid any spreading. I am so overjoyed to report the cancer is all in one location with minimal spreading. :)
Jim and I walked into the Dr. Liao office today to receive the results of my PET scan. The Dr. started by stating..."It is relatively good news" as the word relatively still required me to hold my breath until he elaborated more. My PET scan revealed my original tumor, a small tumor next to it and a "possible" third tumor in my lymph nodes under my arm (very close to the original tumor). The third tumor may be inflamed due to my biopsy - we will have to wait for the radiation oncologist to do some further investigating. (So you can imagine what is on my prayer list next. :) Dr. Liao classified me as Stage 1 (possibly stage 2 if the third tumor exists).
Dr. Liao used the word "cure" as he referred to my treatment of this cancer - this was great news. As he explained at the last appointment if Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma is located in other parts of my body Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma can't be cured...it is something that you continually have to treat and manage. We are also very cautious as we move forward that we know this type of cancer is know for showing its ugly face again. So Dr. Liao said that we would be "friends" for a very long time. That statement gave me a sense of peace...:)
Next, I will meet with a radiation oncologist to discuss treatment. I also will be seeing a natural path and a nutritionist to learn about foods and supplements that will help fight cancer. We see SCCA on Wednesday to confirm what Dr. Liao has shared. So again, my prayer warriors, I ask you to pray that the words of SCCA are identical to Dr. Liao. I pray that the my lymph nodes are not affected. I ask you to pray for my family as we head off into treatment. I feel more confident than ever that GOD is walking beside us - feeling so blessed!
From the bottom of my heart, thank you for your prayers. As I travel this journey, my faith is growing leaps and bounds and my life's priorities are crystal clear.
Big Hugs!
Kris
GOD is SO good! I am so thankful for all your prayers. I had a vision all this last week of God's hands securely holding my tumor to avoid any spreading. I am so overjoyed to report the cancer is all in one location with minimal spreading. :)
Jim and I walked into the Dr. Liao office today to receive the results of my PET scan. The Dr. started by stating..."It is relatively good news" as the word relatively still required me to hold my breath until he elaborated more. My PET scan revealed my original tumor, a small tumor next to it and a "possible" third tumor in my lymph nodes under my arm (very close to the original tumor). The third tumor may be inflamed due to my biopsy - we will have to wait for the radiation oncologist to do some further investigating. (So you can imagine what is on my prayer list next. :) Dr. Liao classified me as Stage 1 (possibly stage 2 if the third tumor exists).
Dr. Liao used the word "cure" as he referred to my treatment of this cancer - this was great news. As he explained at the last appointment if Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma is located in other parts of my body Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma can't be cured...it is something that you continually have to treat and manage. We are also very cautious as we move forward that we know this type of cancer is know for showing its ugly face again. So Dr. Liao said that we would be "friends" for a very long time. That statement gave me a sense of peace...:)
Next, I will meet with a radiation oncologist to discuss treatment. I also will be seeing a natural path and a nutritionist to learn about foods and supplements that will help fight cancer. We see SCCA on Wednesday to confirm what Dr. Liao has shared. So again, my prayer warriors, I ask you to pray that the words of SCCA are identical to Dr. Liao. I pray that the my lymph nodes are not affected. I ask you to pray for my family as we head off into treatment. I feel more confident than ever that GOD is walking beside us - feeling so blessed!
From the bottom of my heart, thank you for your prayers. As I travel this journey, my faith is growing leaps and bounds and my life's priorities are crystal clear.
Big Hugs!
Kris
Wednesday, August 10, 2016
Hurry up and Wait
August 10th 2016
A good friend of mine suggested that I write a blog to update friends and family. I too thought this was a great idea - so here I go! :)
Just to get everyone caught up, on July 29th at 9:35 am - Dr. Grubb shared the results of my biopsy. The wind was taken out of me as I heard the words Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma. A few weeks prior to the diagnosis - I found a bruise on my chest and directly under the bruise was a lump. I quickly made an appointment with my family doctor, that than lead to a mammogram, then an ultra-sound and then the biopsy. I waited four long days to receive the results. Upon getting a confirmation of the diagnosis - we shared with the girls. We cried and hugged but we also were able to rejoice in our friends and family members that have been touched by cancer and won. Nevertheless, it was one of the hardest days of our lives.
Navigating this journey has already been a huge learning curve. It is about hurrying to get the next appointment then waiting for the appointment and waiting for the results. Yet, I feel good that I finally have a PET/CT scan scheduled for Friday at 2:00 (Aug.12th). The results will be shared on Monday at 11:45 (Aug. 15th). The scan will either confirm that the cancer is centralized in my breast or if it has grown in other areas. Also on Monday a great local oncologist, will review the scan and share a treatment plan with Jim and I. On Wednesday, Jim and I will make the trek up to Seattle Cancer Care Alliance to get a second opinion on treatment.
Many of you have asked my plans for this upcoming school year, well working is a must. Yet, I have postponed my internship till the following years. I will be attempting to take the course work through WSU that includes a couple classes each semester. I will be teaching third grade at Brouillet Elementary School under a fantastic principal that has been very supportive.
Finally, I want to say thank you to my family who has been with me every step of the way. I want to say thank you to my friends that have rallied around me with prayers and words of encouragement. So many have asked, what they can do to help. Thank you but at this time - I just need your prayers. Prayers that that the cancer is localized in one area. Prayers that the treatment plans between the local oncologist and Seattle Cancer Care are identical - to make the decision easier. Prayers for the girls as we move forward with a treatment that the girls only get stronger in their faith and in family. Pray that I walk through this cancer glorifying God.
Thank you for taking the time to read this.
Much Love,
Kris
A good friend of mine suggested that I write a blog to update friends and family. I too thought this was a great idea - so here I go! :)
Just to get everyone caught up, on July 29th at 9:35 am - Dr. Grubb shared the results of my biopsy. The wind was taken out of me as I heard the words Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma. A few weeks prior to the diagnosis - I found a bruise on my chest and directly under the bruise was a lump. I quickly made an appointment with my family doctor, that than lead to a mammogram, then an ultra-sound and then the biopsy. I waited four long days to receive the results. Upon getting a confirmation of the diagnosis - we shared with the girls. We cried and hugged but we also were able to rejoice in our friends and family members that have been touched by cancer and won. Nevertheless, it was one of the hardest days of our lives.
Navigating this journey has already been a huge learning curve. It is about hurrying to get the next appointment then waiting for the appointment and waiting for the results. Yet, I feel good that I finally have a PET/CT scan scheduled for Friday at 2:00 (Aug.12th). The results will be shared on Monday at 11:45 (Aug. 15th). The scan will either confirm that the cancer is centralized in my breast or if it has grown in other areas. Also on Monday a great local oncologist, will review the scan and share a treatment plan with Jim and I. On Wednesday, Jim and I will make the trek up to Seattle Cancer Care Alliance to get a second opinion on treatment.
Many of you have asked my plans for this upcoming school year, well working is a must. Yet, I have postponed my internship till the following years. I will be attempting to take the course work through WSU that includes a couple classes each semester. I will be teaching third grade at Brouillet Elementary School under a fantastic principal that has been very supportive.
Finally, I want to say thank you to my family who has been with me every step of the way. I want to say thank you to my friends that have rallied around me with prayers and words of encouragement. So many have asked, what they can do to help. Thank you but at this time - I just need your prayers. Prayers that that the cancer is localized in one area. Prayers that the treatment plans between the local oncologist and Seattle Cancer Care are identical - to make the decision easier. Prayers for the girls as we move forward with a treatment that the girls only get stronger in their faith and in family. Pray that I walk through this cancer glorifying God.
Thank you for taking the time to read this.
Much Love,
Kris
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)