Surprising turn of events

Beautiful valentine flowers from my sweetie!

Once again I was all ready to get the surgery date on the calendar after meeting with the surgeon this morning but no. He is very happy with the work the chemo is doing on the tumor and he wants me to have a fourth round. So he must know what he is talking about. People come to see him from all over the world. We are scheduled for round 4 on March 5th, follow-up tests on March 27 and another meeting with the surgeon on March 31st. There goes another month. At least it feels like something is being accomplished and therefore I can go another round.

Much Love, Kate

Mid-week hump

I am definitely feeling better. I had a 25 min. walk on the treadmill this morning. I was thrilled to be back walking one day earlier than the last round of chemo. I'm still finding it necessary to rest in the afternoon but that is no surprise. My appetite is back for the most part and now I just want to have my energy back. Every day it improves.

I continue to be touched and amazed at all the people who are praying for me or sending positive energy. I am getting cards and greetings from people who I didn't think knew I was sick. I guess we do live in a small town. I am most grateful and cheered by all the love and kindness. Thank you.
Much love, Kate

Monday night check in

The chemo truck arrived in earnest today, but so far the hit has been moderate. Could I feel better? Yes. Will I feel better? Yes.

Thanks for all the lovely messsages, they really help the time pass. Keep them coming. Much love, Kate

Round Three

DONE! Pretty uneventful day at the chemo spa. I got really sleepy and had a bit of a nap. Rich brought me some lunch and Susan popped in for a visit. I read a bit, emailed a bit, ate a bit, and napped a bit, so the day was gone before it knew it. I think I was done by 4:15. Only 6 hours and 45 minutes. A new, shorter record.

We had a good visit with the oncologist this morning. He answered many of our questions. He said the tumor was responding to the chemo, not block buster results but also not growing. He said the tumor was not as active and had gotten a little smaller so both of those were positive.

So now I just have to get through the next few days of side effects and then I will see the surgeon on Feb. 24 for a follow-up visit to determine if it is time for surgery. Never a dull moment.

I could really use your prayers, good thoughts and positive energy as I head into the next few days. If you get a chance post a comment on the blog or send me an email.
Thank you and much love, Kate

Change is good!

I finally got some news this afternoon about the PET scan. I don't have all the details but it sounds like there has been some change in the tumor, which is good news. This means that the chemo is working and therefore more chemo will be helpful. So I am on track for another round of chemo starting on Friday. It is a mixed blessing but if it is helpful, then in the long run, it is worthwhile. Trying to keep my eyes on the prize. Much love, Kate

Waiting

waiting, waiting, waiting, still waiting. No word yet. K

All aglow

Thanks to Shirley and Amelia for the lovely flowers!

We trekked to Boston today for the PET scan and all went well. We even missed morning rush hour but caught the beginning of the afternoon rush with all the people sneaking out of work early on Friday afternoon. It wasn't too bad though.

I'm drinking tons of water this evening to flush all the radioactive nasties from my body so I don't get stopped for glowing-- like the poor guy in NH who had a PET scan and a state trooper pulled him over for being radioactive!

Hoping to get the results back sometime next week and will keep you all posted.
Much love, Kate

Lovely Katie B

Had the great good luck to make it down to Falmouth this morning to have breakfast with Kate and our pal Dan. Kate looked so good and Dan regaled us with stories of Wellfleet and New York. It was wonderful to see them both, but I was particularly thrilled to see our girl out and about. Ain't no chemo keeping her down. Napping, maybe, but not down. Thank you Dan!

One note: Kate's not consuming sugar at this point which I must have missed in a previous post. Hope Richie likes cookies...

Greetings from Freezing Florida

I understand it's all relative, but frost warnings and gloves kind of blow.  Nonetheless, I'm having a swell time here with Aunt and cousin.  Lost at bingo last night, but expect to recoup my losses at dominoes later.  I return on Sunday, when the temps jump back into the 70s.  Here I am with new bivalve friend and losing bingo card.  See you soon!!!

February...how is it possible?

Aren't these flowers beautiful? The plant in the back is from my friend Susie and the one in the front is from Cheryl. Thank you so much for brightening these long winter days. It really helps keep the spirits up.

Ever the optimist, I have been loving the fact that the days are getting longer. Every little bit helps. It was so great to have those two warm days. I walked outside both days for almost 40 minutes each day.

I am feeling better every day. Most of the chemo side effects have subsided and now it is back to building my strength and energy. I am eating well and feeling hungry. Because I recovered from this round a little more quickly, I have started to put some of the weight back on that I lost. My docs will be so happy! Thanks to all the wonderful cooks who are keeping us well fed. We really appreciate all your efforts.

This coming Friday I go to Boston for a follow-up PET scan. It will determine whether the chemo is having any effect on the tumor. I'm sure I hear it sometimes say, "I'm shrinking!" or as the wicked witch of the north said, "I'm melting!" Please keep your fingers crossed that the chemo is doing it's work! Much love, Kate