wow, it's really almost December?

Whoa! It's been over a month since my last post.  Sorry about that!

You are probably wondering how my bronchoscopy and lavage went.  It was outpatient surgery. I came out of surgery with just a sore throat for a few days. I have a lesion deep in my top lobe, possibly into the middle lobe. In case you aren't familiar with the anatomy of a lung, the right lung has three lobes, or chambers.  The left lung is smaller and only has two.  My left lung has taken on 75% of breathing. Normally the left would do 45% of the work. The right would do 55%.  I also have some irritation in the lower lobe. I still have pain in my lung. That's probably because cancer jacked it up.

I'm still a little torn about them not removing my lung. I mean,  if the lung is gone the cancer should be too. On the other hand, have I mentioned I hate chest tubes and tape? I really do! I am glad to have a team of doctors that have my best interest in mind. Dr Luketich and Dr Levy are my surgeons.  Here is Dr Mo,  my oncologist.  The picture doesn't do him justice.  He really has an amazing smile. If you press the links you can see how legit they are.  They are just three of the awesome people I am proud to have on my medical team. My nurses are all amazing too. They have always taken great care of me.  I'm blessed that they have all been brought into my life.  I am blessed!

My Nashville workplace walked in my honor at the Lungevity Breathe Deep Walk on November 5th. Over 20 people walked in my honor. I can't even begin to tell you how loved I felt to see the pictures of the event. I haven't seen them in over six months and they still took time out of their lives. Time to help raise money for research of the disease I will be fighting the rest of my life. I appreciate them so much. They also did a jean week in my honor. Awesome!  Big thanks to my coworkers! I'm getting teary just thinking about it.

My birthday came and went.  I had a nice day with my family! We went to the Texas Roadhouse for dinner!  YEE-haw! If you noticed above, I'm now a 35 year old that has lung cancer. It's hard to believe I'm that old!!  I still have lots of balloons flying around here!! Heck, yeah! Here are some pictures my lovely sister took from the evening!

 Oh No! The old empty card trick!

No worries! I got a gift card

Yee Haw!

My nephew Lukas, bro-in-law, Drew, Taylor, Morgan and me

                                                

My Mom, my sister, Kim and I

Lukas, Taylor, Morgan and me!

                                                                                                                                                                                                   

Kim and I  

Lukas, Charlie, Taylor, Morgan and I

                                                                        

This is the necklace Taylor made!     

Let's go Mohigans! from the ReVeals!

                                                                                         

Taylor made this card!   

Lukas, Dad, Taylor, Morgan and I

                                                                                              

My parents, my brother and I spent Thanksgiving with what I refer to as the Greek side of the family.  I am really referring to the neighbors that live behind my parents house. I wonder if this will become our new tradition!   Their youngest son, Chris, and I grew up together.  We are a little more than two months apart in age.  I used to understand Greek as a child thanks to Yia Yia Effie and Yia Yia Maria. I have so many childhood memories that include them. No wonder I've always considered them family.

Tuesday I went in for a CT Scan. I'm not sure when I will hear the results from that. This week, I begin maintenance chemotherapy. I will be receiving that every three weeks from now on.  My surgeons want to see me every 3-6 months.

Having to be dependent on others is so frustrating at this point. Heck, I haven't driven since APRIL! I'm working on this now. Hoping to take the wheel this week. I'm pretty sure it's like riding a bike.

Everyday its harder and harder to be away from these lil gals.

It's amazing how much time has passed.  I'm still on oxygen and waiting to see where this adventure will take me next.  I'm hoping to make a trip to Nashville soon.

Meanwhile, I saw "The Muppets" yesterday.  Loved it! I'll probably be seeing it more than once. I was pretty apprehensive about it at first.  However, they stayed true to Jim Henson's vision for those lovely Muppets. Did I mention I loved it?

I've started Christmas shopping, have you? 

Amazing!

I went to see my surgeons after getting another PET/CT scan on Thursday.  Well, everyone I received incredibly awesome and shocking news! The Senior Surgeon told me that removing part or all of my lung would be incredibly risky at this point.   That at this point the lung doesn't look like active disease. So, the major surgery is now been cancelled!  Instead, they are going to do a bronchoscopy and Bronchoalveolar lavage on November 1.  So,with that they will do some more biopsies and all.  This is an OUTPATIENT procedure and I should not have to worry about recovering afterward.  YAY! God is good. (All the time!) 
My parents and I sat there in shock as we were told this news. You have no idea how happy I am to not have to deal with all the chest tubes and tape again! Also my parents will not have to watch me suffer and my dad will not have to commute back and forth. SO Thankful!
The surgeons plan for me to have regularly scheduled bronchoscopies. I will be seeing my magnificent oncologist Dr M soon.  I believe, he plans for me to finish my cycle of chemo and possibly start my maintenance plan. 
Despite that, I still have some pain and am on oxygen all the time. My right lung will probably never be normal or function normally.


 I can't fathom the awesome power of God.  It blows my mind. I know that between the awesome power of God's healing and the prayers to him from everyone all over the world on my behalf has made has made all the difference.  Resting on sweet Jesus has made all the difference! I AM loved!





And whether you like it or not he loves you too! 


Love,
K*

P.S. I designed this and my friend Jennifer made it pretty! November is Lung Cancer awareness month! Wear a white ribbon or pearls to show support.

Left Lung: 75% Right Lung:25%

So that's the score right now! They also believe that the tumor is in the top lobe of my right lung which is only kicking in 4% of the breathing work right now.  Which is pretty awesome! Can I get an AMEN?

So, I have been out of the hospital for nine days. My next surgery is currently scheduled for November 1. This unfortunately means I can't make it to Nashville like i was hoping for the Lung cancer walk down there. Bummer! I was really looking forward to seeing my Nashy friends beautiful faces! I really miss you all BUNCHES!

I went to the Dr on Thursday. They originally wanted to do the next surgery this past Friday. Then, it was Monday and then Wednesday.  While we were in the appt. my surgeon spoke to the Senior Surgeon (who I still haven't met.) My surgeon spoke to him while he was in the room with us. He then stepped out for a moment. We aren't really sure what all was said, suddenly he thought I needed more time to heal. As I had a rough time recovering from surgery. He also thought that I should have another PET Scan.

It was very odd. We were going a more conservative route. I felt MUCH better about this. Despite all the downsides, (missing seeing Nashville in Nov and possibly being super sore on my Nov 15th bday) I am ready to have this tumor out of me.  They currently believe it to be a lil less that 2 centimeters big! Chemotherapy, the love, prayers and well Jesus have done immense healing.  I still have plenty to go but I have made huge strides.

Speaking of strides, (nice segway,eh) I can't believe all the people from my workplace who have stepped out to walk to fund Lung Cancer Research. I am so touched! I feel so loved and supported by you. You all are amazing! If you would like to donate to their team, or join them you can by going HERE  The walk in Nashy is Nov 5  in Centennial Park. 

For those in the Los Angeles area, my Woobie, Kristin and her family are walking in Manhattan Beach, Ca.  If you would like to walk or donate to the California Team KStar please go HERE

And finally the walk that is coming up quickly is for the American Lung Association here in Morgantown, WV. It is on October 22! If you would like to join me and my friends walking or donate, you can do that HERE

So enough pimping my cause.  Here are some drawings I did some shrinky dinks of:

Please note my"rotten potato"

Here's a song to move your soul

Much Love!

K*

Info Info

As I mentioned in my last blog I am having diagnostic surgery on Monday.  I mentioned in my last blog that I would supply the hospital address. So, here is the address for UPMC Presbyterian:
UPMC Presbyterian
200 Lothrop Street
Pittsburgh, PA 15213-2582
412-647-2345I will be there until Wednesday or Thursday. Also, there are a few walks for Lung Cancer/Disease going on around the US in which people are walking in my honor. (SO FLATTERED) If you would like to join in and walk/run or donate to one of these walks, here are the links:

Morgantown, WV:

http://ala.convio.net/site/TR/RunWalk/ALAMA_Mid-Atlantic/2092744537?pg=team&fr_id=4322&team_id=34303

Nashville, TN:

http://events.lungevity.org/site/TR?fr_id=3010&pg=entry

Manhattan Beach, Ca

http://events.lungevity.org/goto/teamkstar

Hope you all are having a great week!

Love,

K*

October Third

Well, I went to Pittsburgh last Thursday for a consult with a world known lung surgeon. The results were..kinda shocking.  They believe my staging is incorrect. They also mentioned that I was on the right chemo, after we told them my story. They were very adamant about getting in there as soon as possible to find out exactly what is going on in there.  This is why we are pretty sure Dr Mo wanted us to see this guy.  

I am going to see Dr Mo later this week, so I will let you know what he says about the report back from Pittsburgh.  Anyhow, I wanted you all to know what all may be going on when I head to Presbyterian Hospital in Pittsburgh. (I will try to get the address and phone number of the hospital in my next blog.)

Another bronchoscopy is being done.  This is the initial procedure in which my lung cancer was originally found.  They also will be making an incision in my lower neck to look in my wind pipe to see what all is going on there.  They also will be going in some incisions on my right side to do some looking around. They will be doing plenty of biopsies and exploration along the way.  They have also mentioned deflating my right lung and playing with it like Play-Doh.  Oh, hold on they didn't say that...that's just how I pictured it.  It should be interesting to see what comes of all this. I'm so glad to have proactive measures are being done.  I'm especially interested to know what my rotten potato is doing in there.

The Dr said I would be in the Hospital 3 days. (Which kinda surprised me.)  Looking kinda forward to a new bad @ss scar.  We were very shocked when they said what all they would be doing.  I was very glad they were doing it all in one swoop.  Also glad that they wanted to explore my insides before making a decision of whether to remove the rotten potato.

This is the excitement in my life! Crazy huh? Well, I trust God will be watching over me through all this.  After all I'm young (that's what everyone tells me :) THAT is so peaceful, powerful and there are times when the very thought brings a smile to my face and tears to my eyes.

So, have you just ever asked God, " What is going on in my life blows my mind. I feel like its totally out of control and have no idea what I can do next." Well I do, A LOT. When I find myself calling out I take a VERY deep cleansing breath. Then, I usually find myself praying," I trust you Jesus. I give this over to you. I know you want this burden far more than I do. Lord, please wash your cleansing peace over me. As only you can.  My life is in your control. For in comfort brought by you I do not have to worry. I only have to breath. "

If you haven't tried, you should. It tends to be pretty amazing.

 Much Love!

K*

The unknown

Hello Friends and Fam!

So, today was interesting. I didn't sleep very well between having chemo today and my Woobie, Kristin, ending her week long with my beautiful Niecee, Noey. I love that family! They mean a lot to me. I also got some balloons from a college friends. I love surprises!!

As we all know, I was really hoping to find out if I was definitely getting my lung removed today. Well, that is still unknown. Dr Mo wants me to consult with a surgeon here and a world known surgeon at my least favorite hospital. He spoke of possibly having an endoscopy to biopsy the lung lining to see if that is cancerous. Also definitely having an ultrasound of my lower abdomen. That is where I am now. A little frustrating, but it brings me peace knowing I am in his hands. I know that's all that I can do-TRUST and know God has the ultimate plan for me.

On a brighter side,  chemo went quite quickly. My Power Port was very cooperative. That is always nice!

Luv,

K*

Tomorrow, yet another Chemo day, yet more!

Well as I said, it's another Chemo day! Exciting, I know!!

I will also find out about the big IF!

What is the big IF?

IF I will have my rotten potato removed, or rather my right lung.

I can't recall if I mentioned it in early blogs, but in the early days they were not going to remove my lung. Over the summer, between it deflating and having fluid. Then, re-inflating and the fluid disappearing. 

This is now a possibility. Scary, yet, this could rid me of the cancer. Scariest thinking about possibly being in a medical induced coma for a few days. Yes, i will probably be on maintenance medication the rest of my days. Possibly, also oxygen.

But alas, I am o.k. with that. I am ALIVE. Living my life to the best of my ability. Being thankful for all of YOU! My supporters!  I am a SURVIVOR! No one can take that away from me!  The blessings that have poured over me have been more than I could ever dream of. You, there reading, help so much. I hope you know how much I appreciate your love, thoughts and prayers!

Also please know:

You all are all AMAZING!

Much Love!
K*

It's a Miracle!!

As you all may know, today was the day of my needle aspiration. This entails using a needle guided by a CT scan to get some of the fluid that is in my right lung.

I was a lil anxious, but calm as I checked in to the hospital for this procedure. I checked in and didn't wait long before they came and took me to pre-op. I got ready and they did my bloodwork. My port gave them a lil trouble but they managed to do the blood work from it.  The Physicians assistant came and told us all about the procedure.  Shortly, after they came to get me for the procedure.

I got into the room and they tried to flush my port and had problems with it.  We decided to just put in an IV. (This of course bummed me out.) The nurse prepped the meds to put me to sleep.  I moved over to the CT Scanner where the procedure would take place.  The Dr came in and said " Let's do the CT Scan first." They did the scan and the Dr came out. I looked up at her and she said, " There is no fluid to do the procedure. It's GONE!"  

I was a little shocked. I took a deep breath and outloud said, "Thank you, Jesus!"  Upon this discovery, they canceled the procedure.  No fluid=no biopsy!  

So now we wait to see what Dr Mo says. It was said if the fluid wasn't cancerous they would remove my lung. What if there is no fluid? 

I must say I'm still a lil shock. Yet, not as I have trust in Him to take care of me.

Anyhow, that was my day. Again....Thank you Jesus, you are AMAZING!

Love,

K*

A lil look in my head today

Kristi sleepy! 

I know you are probably thinking, " then why the heck are you blogging, K Badge? Go to bed?" 

Well mostly because I realized what Tuesday is...and it keeps popping into my head. 

September 6th, I have the CT scan guided needle aspiration of the fluid in my right lung. This will determine what happens next.

If it's cancerous then I guess the chemo fun goes on and on. They will also possibly later remove the lung fluid and replace it with antibiotic.

If it is not cancerous, then I will see a surgeon soon to discuss the removal of Rotten Potato. ( *artistic thought*Came up with new figurine idea here...must work with J. Beau on this weekend.)

That's right so many thoughts: 

removal of cancer

future possible major surgury

balloons (I love balloons ok...and yes that is a shameless hint)

new scar

possible removal of a rib

Being a one lunged wonder

and some others.

I am anxious about it, but mostly, to get it over with.  I am well aware I won't sleep much Monday night. I'm not really even scared.  I know this is something I will possibly have to deal with the rest of my life. Whether it's being on oxygen or having to take medication the rest of my live long days. 

And all of that is ok. It doesn't define me. It makes me stronger. REALLY STRONG. In fact, I should probably go ahead and design my cape...haha.  Regardless of it all I know I am loved and cared for. 

And there is only one thing I need:

Love~

K*

WOW, I just noticed re-reading, that I'm pretty sure (in my being,) said lung fluid is NOT cancerous.  Come on, some of it HAS been reabsorbed...I guess we will know for sure soon.

Chemo Day Four and More

Soo, on August 23, I went to UPMC. I must say the the experience wasn't overly all that impressive. We valet parked our car, only to find out when we picked it up it was 5 bucks. Then why did they need us to validate it...stupid! (WVU cancer center is free valet, yo!) We checked in with the volunteer and she took us up to our floor and said the next step. That was nice.  All of the checkin process was good and quick. We were taken to our room where we sat for way over an hour. No one else came to check in with us. Then finally the resident came in to take my history (did they not get that in the huge packet of info my nure sent up?.) He left and said Dr T would be in shortly. A "short" twenty" minutes later in came back in with the resident. Dr T. seemed kinda pompous and wanting to take over my case, which didn't really impress me.  The only other thing he mentioned was explained by Dr Mo later. That was that IF the fluid in my lung was cancerous, they would remove it(the fluid) and replace it with antibiotic.

So, mainly my parents and i left major unimpressed. Later we had heard other stories of issues with UPMC. So, i must say WVU cancer center is definitely my cancer"home."  I feel like they generally care and are very positive.

So, onto Thursday...Chemo day.  I went in for blood work at 7:30 AM, Ugh.  They had issues drawing blood from my port, big boo. So, after trying multiple positions, the put in some TPA in my port to help break down the possible clot that lurks inside. I decided to let them multi task and we put in an IV to do the blood draw and to use for the Chemo. I'm a trooper like that. Unfortunately, it took the third vein before they sucesslully got the blood drawn. The appointment with Dr Mo went well. Linda, the nurse, came into say hi, since Joan was on vaca. Dr Mo went over our next plan of attack.

Sept. 6- I wil get some of the fluid from my lung removed to see whether it's cancerous. If it is not, they will plan to remove my lung.

Along with Chemo 5 I will have another PET scan. 

After all of that since my cancer isn't in fact curable, I will have a maintainance chemo drug for probably the rest of my exitance. Which brings me to another reason i love Dr Mo. He never uses words like "terminal" or deadly".

So, here I am in in you arms, Lord. Trusting you whole heartedly. Please help turn my mind off at night as it seems to like to race at night for some reason.  I love you, Jesus!

That's where it's at. Lung removal scary, but not so much when in the arms of Jesus.

I hope everyone has a great weekend!! I'll probably be resting, as I usually do the weekend the weekend after Chemo. I firmly believe it helps this body heal.

Much love and thankfulness to you all!

K*

so sleepy!

I've found myself very sleepy this time round.

I thought I would let you know what is in store for next week!

Tuesday- I head to Pittsburgh, Pa to the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center ( I should probably wear a WVU shirt right??) to get my 2nd,  really 3rd, opinion.)  Dr Mo works closely and shares notes with the doctor I am seeing up there, Dr T.  Dr Mo is looking forward to seeing what opinions and all Dr T has to share with him about my case.  Personally, I think he just wants to share his medical anomaly with him. I am pretty sure I've mentioned this before, but Dr Mo has only seen one other case similar to mine.  A 28 y/o male non smoker.

Thursday- I have bloodwork at 7:30 am ( WTH?), appointment with Dr Mo, then round 4 of Chemotherapy.

In other news, I'm tired more...oh yeah I mentioned that.  Which leads me to my other side effect-no short term memory. Not that I had a great deal before but dang. Much worse than before.  

I did have a lovely visit with some friends from high school last night. Andrea E and Jenny S.. I have had plenty of good times with those ladies, especially in high school!!

Anyhow, I think I'm going to nap or maybe knit.

Love~
K*

The good news!

Well, I guess I won't keep you all waiting! Here is the good news. My right mess of a lung is no longer pushing into my left.  Also, some of the fluid in my lung has been absorbed. I am still going for a second opinion on the 23rd in Pittsburgh, PA at UPMC. (I think my Doc just wants to share his rare medical anomaly)  Sometime after that, they are going to do a simple procedure with a tiny lil needle to remove some fluid from my right lung. IF there are not cancer cells, I will see a surgeon. Then, they may remove my right lung and lymph nodes. Thus, removing the cancer :) 

I also found out that I do NOT qualify for the ALK-1 mutation trial that they have in PA.  

So, my doc is looking forward to hearing what his fellow doctors in Pittsburgh's opinions are on my situation.  Looks like I'll be mentioned in their lil conference meetings in PA too! I am so famous in the medical community!

So, that's what I found out. Exciting, eh. I may someday be Kristi, the one lunged wonder. ooooo

More when I know more....or if I have something to entertain you!

Much appreciation for your love and prayers!

I love you all! You keep my spirits up, ( you know along with the Spirit in the Sky!)

Much Love!

K*

Tomorrow is gonna be a LONG day!!

So in case you didn't catch my pictures post my "Look good, feel good class," here they are:

 

 I think this is the first time I wore "real people" clothes since...well...maybe my last day at work in TN.  It's been mostly super comfy dance/pajama type clothes since then.  Of course none of my old clothes fit and I finally got some new clothes that are comfortable but jeans and tees/tanks instead of  dance/pj's type of clothes. 

Today my Mum and I got our nails done!!  Here are some pics:

You can't really tell but they are purple. I kinda have purple issues lately! I see you!

 Purple sparkly toes!!!

Oh yeah, this blog is supposed to be about tomorrow.  So, tomorrow I have to be at the WVU Cancer Center for a PET scan.  THEN, I have bloodwork, an appointment with Dr Mo, and THEN Chemo!  Sheesh, tomorrow will be EXHAUSTING!  Prayers are appreciated.  This will be my 3rd round of Chemo therapy. 

Hopefully it will all go quickly!

Much Love!

K*

Hi!

Well...not too much is new. I've been tired, but otherwise i can't complain too much.  I have meds to take if I start feeling nauseous, so that's taken care of.  I have an appointment August 23, in Pittsburgh, to get another opinion. My doctor here requested that I go up there.

Otherwise...

• I'm tired a lot.
• Most of the time I don't know what day it is.
• I don't answer my cell. 
• I usually eventually answer texts. 
• The only time I cough is when I lean over. It is a dry cough. ( In case you were wondering)
• I've invented the terms Chemopause and Chemocold
• I've become lightly obsessed with retro tennis shoes.
• I'm super anxious to figure out when my woobie Kristin and my niecee, Noey, are visiting.
• I miss my peeps in Nashville.
• I'm missing items I left behind in TN.
• I'm looking forward to seasons one and two of Blossom arriving.

Most of all I'm thankful.  Thankful for the awesome support, love and prayers of those around the world.  Thank you to those who have sent gifts, cards, balloons, flowers and other trinkets.  They aren't necessary, but are definitely a bright spot in my day.

I must say that I totally feel God working in my life.  Despite the low times I have, most of the time, I find my peace in Him. Trusting and giving it all to Jesus was something I did from day one. It's made a huge deal in my life.  Like I say, I do have my low times, but I'm not afraid to feel.  I own it, Yo!

Overall despite this whole cancer thing:

Much Love!

K*

I know what you are saying...

Two blogs in one day? SAY WHA??? 

So, I kicked some cancer butt today. My power port behaved. When they removed some of stitches in the hospital it released whatever was pulling, causing pain in my arm and hurt when I coughed. (I'm not coughing nearly as much anymore either...YEA!) 

Thanks everyone for your continued prayers, cards and love. I believe truly that it is healing.

Dr Mo discovered he could hear a little air in my rotten potato!!!, a.k.a. my right lung.  Praise you, Jesus!!!  I love my doc and he recommended (has many times) that we get a second opinion at UPMC (University of Pittsburgh Medical Center.) So, we will be going there for another opinion soon. This will include checking out any trials I may be possibly eligible for.

He also mentioned me in at a conference as he has only had one other patient who was young (28/m) non smoker with lung cancer. I'm an important learning experience in the medical world. Booya!

My medical peeps gave me permission to get a mani/pedi!! YEA! So, thats pending tomorrow's itinerary. 

SO, it was a pretty good day!!

Much Love!

K*

P.S. Is it wrong I spent a few minutes looking at Scooter Store  today? I mean they keep saying my insurance will pay for it on the telly. Do you know how frustrating it is when somewhere doesn't have those carts or the battery dies in the back of the store....VERY!!

agenda for the day

1. Starbucks
2. Blood work
3. Visit with Dr Mo
4. Go to infusion center.
5. Kick Cancers @ss!

Love K*

random facts

I now have a watermelon addiction

I'm  over the rash, that the medication I was for a minute, gave me.

I am now referring to my right lung as a rotten potato.

I miss tap dancing

I really miss my Ava and Misha.

I am at my ideal weight. oh yeah!

I love grape Kool Aide

I love balloons.

My attention span for my computer has become very short!

Much Love!

K*

YAWN!...

Hey all!

Sorry I haven't posted in awhile. 

A week ago Friday, they put me in the hospital for fluids and observation. It was only overnight but still.  I went home Saturday. Sunday,  I got sick quite a few times....chemo's revenge. Most of this week I've been very tired but eating a little bit more. I've also been coughing less but talking is still kinda difficult.

Thursday is my next chemo treatment. God be with me!

WHOA! how time flies!

Well, quite a bit has happened still I last wrote.  I've really barely been online. Been really tired, sore, coughing and not hungry. I have been doing my best to eat though. I would say so even more recently. I also am still on oxygen. I have been since I left Nashy.   (Which in case you are are wondering, I'm currently in Morgantown, WV under the care of my parents and family)

So, here is what has occurred since I last wrote.

I had my " Power Port" in stalled surgically. It's a pretty awesome medical invention. With the help of a numbing cream I don't feel a pinch or a prick. They can use this this for drawing blood, giving meds or contrast for tests. No more ouchie!!

Then I had to immediately had to prep for a colonoscopy. Hmm, I've had one before. This one was the worst. enough said.

I have also had a bone scan and another CT scan. This is when they discovered my right lung has indeed collapsed! it has gotten harder to talk for long periods of time.

Then we thought we got some great news. My Dr thought we should try the drug (pill) Traciva. I took that for a week since was an indicator though some test results.  This past Tuesday, the doctor's office calls and stated that he received more test results stating that the mutant gene wasn't present that responds to that drug. *sigh* My medical anomaly status continues....

My Dr (who I truly believes has my best interest in mind) thinks that while I start chemo I should seek out another opinion for the clinical trial for ALK-1. Of course, this one I didn't show an indicator for....(*coughIamamutant*)

I believe that the closest hospital that offers this trial is University of Pittsburgh. I guess, I can put my school rival aside for my health...I guess.

Anyhow, in case you are wondering, I started chemo today.  I was apprehensive. I all went fine though.

"Father, I adore You
Lay my life before You
How I love You

Jesus, I adore You
Lay my life before You
How I love You

Spirit, I adore You
Lay my life before You
How I love You"

 Thank you so much for your love, prayers and cards!!!

Much Love!

K*




 

Sorry for the delay in posting....

Hello Folks!

Well, I haven't posted because I haven't been on the computer much at all. I've been pretty exhausted in between all the appointments.

Last week, I believe you all missed hearing about the following:

Monday: CT Scan

Tuesday: "Girly" yearly exam and my consult with the surgeon for my port. Then the preliminary tests needed for the port surgery: EKG, Blood work, and chest X Ray. 

After about a week long break from anything, tomorrow morning I get my port inserted.  Then I start prep for my colonoscopy. That is on Thursday.  After which we consult with my Oncologist.

It looks like the next two days will be a blur.  Hopefully, an update will appear sooner than it did last time.

Thursday May 19th

So, yesterday I had a bone scan.  It wasn't a bad experience. I mean, I did have to get up early. (I usually get up long enough to take my meds around 7 or 8 and then sleep until noonish.)  We checked in, and then they injected me with the radio active stuff.  I felt a lil nauseous afterwards. The tech was more than happy to hook me up with some apple juice.  I then snoozed on the gurney in the hallway (they are remodeling the hospital) for two hours. My Mum read by my side (because she's awesome.)

When my radio activeness was complete, I went in for the scan. It was another scan where I didn't want to find out if I was claustrophobic. This time, they covered my face with a washcloth. I think it took about 30 minutes or so. 

So, now it's a test free Friday! YEA! My sister and my nieces are spending the weekend with me. My parents are headed out to ride the rails. It will be a nice change of pace, I'm sure.

I'll be so glad when all the testing is done, which is hopefully next week!  Prayers and all are appreciated.  This is just all so crazy. 

However, I'm feeling the love from all over the world. Plus the most important thing...that I'm in God's Hands.

mammogram day

Ok, so not too much to say about this other than boob squish!(That made me LOL, hopefully you did too!) My Mom and older sis, Kim, took me to my appointment.  It wasn't painful or anything.

Just one test off the list. I think, I have two tomorrow.   I also realized that I may have to change the name of my blog.  That will happen when the time comes. Trust me I know that of all things is nothing to worry about.

Since this is turning out to be super short,  I wanted to take a moment to thank you.  Thank you for praying, thinking, caring etc. for me. It means so much to me. It also amazes me that is coming from all over the WORLD!!! This world ain't that big, Baby!

Tuesday, May 17

May 10th was my first appointment at the Mary Babb Randolph Cancer .  My parents went with me. (Thank you God for making them mine!) Everyone there is super nice. It's quite a beautiful facility.  I went in and they took my vitals. We then met with the nurse and went over my paper work.  We then met with Dr "Mo." He went over with us what the doctors for TN had sent via fax and what we had brought with us.

This is where it got scary. Dr "Mo" saw things on the reports that the doctors in the south had never discussed with us. That was very disturbing. He wants to find out definite answers and wasn't positive through what tests, scans and all that had already been done had that answer.  So, he ordered a bunch more tests and said we should know a lot more in about 10 day. (Ten more days?? say what??)

So, in the next ten days I have mammagram, CT, bone scan, colonoscopy (i know you are jealous of that one), and get my port installed. Port, you ask? This is so they won't have to poke me so much.  The one I'm hoping to get is a "Power Port" which allows you to get your treatment but also used for contrast for scans.   Ok, and most of the appeal lies in the word "Power."  After all I'm a Cancer Super Hero, YO!  Super K-Star all the way!

Despite all this scariness, I am in Jesus' hands. I know He will heal me with one of his miracle or guide the doctors mind and hands to do so.  Jesus is my Peace and Hope!

The Journey to WV!

So, I was finally released from hospital on May 12 around noon. My parents had already dropped Ava and Misha at Misha's "Fairy God Mother." (She is Misha's foster mom who took care of her after she was rescued from a puppy mill.)   What can I say? I am more than blessed in the parent department 

(and most definitely in the friend department too!) 

After getting me settled into the Expedition, we went to pick up my oldest dog, Ivory.  I knew I couldn't be dealing with all this and be without one of my lovelies.  She is the most well behaved and trained of the trio.  She has also flown and done well. All loaded up, we were ready to head off to the mountains where the rhododendrons grow.

I slept most of the way. Ivory spent A LOT of time on my Mum's lap up front.  Ives is a very inquisitive Beagle/Chihuhua mix.  She likes to stay in the know.  Ivory did have some cuddle sessions with me too, though. After all she is the one who convinced to to take her home on December 10,  2005 in the first place.

We wound up stopping in Huntington, WV for the night.  This was awesome!  Huntington is where my Bestie, Jennifer lives!  So, we got to visit while my parents went to dinner. (They brought me back some white cheddar mashed potatoes.)   It was so awesome to see her face.  She had brought me some awesome loot from her family's recent trip to Disney World.  I'm so blessed to have her in my life!  So, I'm going to take this moment to pimp her blog: Whiskerbeans Blog  She should have a shop up on Etsy soon, too. Right, Nifer? 

The next day we headed for the last portion of our journey to Morgantown, WV! Easy-peezy, lemon squeezee! DONE!

Since then I have been spending ALOT of time with my family. Which has been awesome! Gotten out a tiny lil bit.   

Overall, the trip went super smoothly. Didn't overdo it. Slept ALOT. 

Let's see so where did I leave off...

I apologize for not writing more sooner.  I've been pretty tired and just lying around. My energy level is starting to rise a little, though. Cut a gal some some slack. Not to freak you out but I'm on oxygen and breathing treatments. Soo back to my story:

We found out about the cancer, but still there were many tests to be done so we could find out where exactly it originated and where all it was.  Nothing occurred the weekend after we found out.  The following week I had more bloodwork, another CT Scan, an MRI and a PET scan.

Blood work was always at 5 AM. What the heck is that about?

CT Scans were never too bad.

MRI, well, I never opened my eyes for that one.  It was a closed MRI. It was loud and noisy.  I've never been claustrophobic, but I didn't want that to be a start for it.  There was a saving grace, though. The MRI tech was easy on the eyes :)

Lastly came the PET scan.  I was transported by ambulance. The same ambulance they use for babies! So, I was in very good hands. Apparently, they don't keep these scans in hospitals for some reason. I had to drink some radio active fruit punch (which didn't taste bad at all.)  Then they injected so more contrast into my IV.   I was then told to be still and relax in a cozy chair. I slept.  They came back to get me an hour later. Set me up for the PET scan. I fell asleep AGAIN!  Then, the same ambulance took me back to Summit.

Here are the results of all of this, here is what we know so far:

I have an Lung Adenocarcinoma Stage 3 (which means it's all up in my right lung and that is where it originated from.)

The are also keeping an eye on my lymph nodes and my T2 vertebra.  They believe the T2 issue is just arthritis as I have had quite a few back and neck problems.

With this diagnosis, I discovered that I would be able to receive the most modern up to date treatment back home at West Virginia University. BIG blessing to know I can have my Mum to take care of me through all this. Despite how much I miss my Nashy peeps, this is where I know I need to be.

Next blog the journey home.....