Thank God for Modern Technology!
October 18, 2009 by Karen
Me with my beautiful cousins, Rainbow, Tina & Bobbi
Healing well after a relaxing week of ice packs and sleep. I am amazed by how easy the whole thing was, really.
Next step, a visit to Dr. J, my neurologist in a few weeks. He will do a follow-up MRI in about 3 months.
The radiation actually takes that long to dissolve the tumors. And absolutely no damage to the surrounding area. Astonishing!
I was visited by a handful of my cousins and girlfriends for a girls-night-in this weekend. We laughed a lot! (mostly over the funny things our kids say…) I am so grateful for the love that surrounds me constantly!
I am grateful that I am dealing with this in the 21st century!
Embrace every moment… this is the only one any of us has.
Love and JOY~
Karen
New findings
October 7, 2009 by Karen
Well, discoveries aren’t always good news… Not in my case anyway…
I went in for my “routine” PET scan last week and after insisting that the scan include my head (since breast cancer usually metastasizes- or spreads- to the lungs, liver, bones and brain), my doctor found a microscopic spot on the brain tissue. She sent me for an MRI and it was confirmed. Crap- breast cancer in the head!??
I met with the neurologist- Dr. Johnson- whom I saw last year for my spine procedure and he is quite optimistic. “We caught it early and you are a perfect candidate for Gamma Knife…” The Gamma Ray should simply Zap the tiny tumor and I will be in tip top shape!
Ok- so what is a Gamma Ray or Knife??? Well, it is a sci-fi-futuristic laser thing that was designed just for delicate brain tissue. What they do is secure the head with a sort of halo and then hit the spot with several rays that will disintegrate the tumor. There may be a bit of swelling for a couple of days, but the prognosis is excellent.
So once again, I am putting my very life in the hands of strangers. Experts in their field. I am putting all of my faith in the doctors, myself and my Higher Power to bring me through this easily, safely, effectively.
I have come this far and I don’t intend to stop now!!
Prayers and positive thoughts always welcome!
The Race is On…
September 2, 2009 by Karen
I have formed a local Team for the Komen Race for the Cure in Denver. We are “Reach for the Joy” (of course!!)
Please follow the link below to join my team.
My Komen Race Link
If you live elsewhere, consider participating in the Race for the Cure in your city.
Details for the Denver walk:
Sunday Oct 4 9am (Family Fun 1 mile walk) & 7am (5k).
Party at my house will follow.
Join through my link or email me directly if you need help at kareng@reachforthejoy.org
Bald is Beautiful!
September 2, 2009 by Karen
Lost my hair. I am ok with it for the most part. It means the meds are doing what they are supposed to… I’ll take it over nausea and worse. Life is about enJOYment- eating and playing. I have energy and an appetite, so all is well.
When I returned from Mexico, there had been vast improvements overall. The exception was my bones… So my oncologist- the amazing Dr Ioana Hinshaw- convinced me after a long fight to take Taxol again. I did, and I am happy for it. I have less pain, more energy and although I am bald now (losing my eyelashes too!) I can PLAY! I can EAT! I can LIVE!
One day at a time- most days are full of blessings…
...and silly
Tracy’s Bracelets
August 28, 2009 by Karen
Dear friend TRACY BATTISTA created silicone rainbow bracelets with the words “Hope and Angels for Zaiden’s Mom” – They were quite a hit and helped us raise funds for my treatment in Mexico!
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Cup Half Full
Cup Half Full is a beautiful, important book of women and men on the journey with breast cancer, photographed by the incredible Katy Tartakoff. I was lucky enough to participate in this important project. It's an amazing book and 75% of all proceeds go to support breast cancer charities.
