(Ha! My spell-check totally tried to change that to "Updates on the Farm"!)
It's truly nice that so many of you are kind enough to inquire about our family and how we're all getting along in our various trials and challenges. I don't always do a great job blogging about it, but since you've asked, here goes:
Kendrie: rocks. Is being seen once a year in Survivor's Clinic, when she has blood work done, an exam, and typically an e.k.g. each year to check for heart damage from the chemo. She does well in school, plays soccer, loves to swim, and seems to suffer no long-term effects from the chemo ..... except for a truly crappy diet. The girl would live on goldfish, ham, chocolate chips, Dr. Pepper, and Three Muskateers if we would let her. There is never a reason for a fruit or vegetable to cross her lips, unless it is a bowl of fresh strawberries, preferably with an entire cup of sugar poured on the top.
Blaine: meh. As far as the cancer itself goes, he is doing well. His latest pet scan, the one he had after finishing his most recent round of radiation, was good. It showed some areas of tumor activity, but none that were new and none that were bigger. So, good news there, and he'll continue to get pet scans every few months to watch for new tumor activity. Pain management, fatigue, and dietary issues are still key, but we work on those every day. He and I will be traveling to San Antonio next month so he can try a new outpatient procedure that his pain management doctor is hopeful will help. Can't hurt to try, right? And hey, if I get a chance to visit the Alamo at the same time ... bonus!
Grandma Betty: sailed through her treatments for breast cancer earlier this month. Lumpectomy, then ten rounds of radiation over five days and she never missed a beat. She had her final appointment with the surgeon last week, and sees an oncologist tomorrow to discuss which medication she still needs to take (pathology revealed the tumor was estrogen-receptor positive ....) but overall she is doing great. We really couldn't have asked for a smoother treatment plan, and we are grateful.
My sister, Kelly: oh wait, did I neglect to mention that my sister was diagnosed with breast cancer ................ LAST FREAKING WEEK?
(weary sigh)
I'm not an oncologist, but I play one in real life.
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46 comments:
Such good news about Kendrie and your mom; okay news about Blaine; and really awful news about Kelly. So sorry to hear about yet another member of your family afflicted with this. I will add her to my prayer list.
Karen B.
dear god, i'm so sorry. my aunt was diagnosed last week as well. i'm not sure what the hell we have all done to ourselves but cancer is becoming more and more rampant with everyone i know.
Sigh.... so sorry to hear about your sister.
Sorry you have to be so knowledgeable about cancer. I hate fuckingcancer.
So happy that Kendrie continues to do great, your Mom is amazing(sounds like a dynamo but then why should I be surprised!) and hoping that Blaine gets under some good pain control (so important).
Ugh. I'm sorry, and honestly, I know you have to be weary. Well, I know I would be; guess I really can't speak for you. High cholesterol/heart problems seem to be the magic card in my family AND my husband's, although cancer has done it's share of damage to the grandparents. Anyway... I'm so glad to hear the positive things, and praying that your sister will sail through just as smoothly as your mom. And I wish I could find you a different freaking diner.
Well, you know you're in our prayers. I won't bring blogger to its knees by posting the stream of expletives I'd like to post, just know I'm thinking it. Loudly.
I will keep praying for your whole family, Kristie.
Bridget
Your sister too? Unbelievable...
Have you had a mammogram?
We were in San Antonio (and South Padre Island) last week on vacation and we went to the Alamo and the Riverwalk, so cool. Sorry you have to go there for medical reasons... but if you can have a little fun while you are there that's a plus :)
Wow Kristie, I am so sorry to hear about your sister. I will definitely add her to my prayers. Let us know how San Antonio works out- and if you have some time to kill, try the Buttermilk pie at the Liberty Bar.
We'll be thinking of you!
There are no words.
Just know that I'm praying for you over here in Alabama.
Tomika
Please know that your sister is in my prayers....and the prayers of many, I'm sure. Thanks for the updates on the rest of the family and I look forward to a positive report on Kelly's treatment down the road...
Mary Z
Ugh! The big crap sandwich to quote you!
I may not have commented on the blog, but have followed your story since Kendrie was in the throws of her battle and have never lost a beat!
You are all in my thoughts and prayers!
Okay, ENOUGH with the freakin, frackin' crap sandwiches!
OMG.
You are f-in kidding me....
I am sure you thought the same thing.
Now ...
have you gone for a mammogram and full exam lately?
I hope your sister has treatment that is as 'easy' as your Mom.
Many prayers coming your way from Southern California.
xoxoxox
Oh Kristie...I just don't know what to say. Thanks for letting us all know so we can continue praying, and start praying.
Oh geez Kristie, after reading good news about everyone else,I was so, so not expecting to read that your sister has to face the beast.... I will definitely be praying for her and all of you guys. I'm just so sorry that you have to face this with another loved one, so, so sorry. It just isn't fair. I'll be praying for you all.
Glad that Kendrie and your mom are doing well. I will pray for Blaine and your sister, Kelly. My mom got the results of her latest scans... Her cancer (lung and affected lymph nodes) is growing again. I lost my dad to lung cancer last year. Cancer sucks.
Kristi in MO
No words, really.... I continue to pray for you and your family. Enough already... you've had more than your fair share.....
Seriously...is this like someone's real blog or is this a joke blog? I'm starting to wonder. Nobody can be dealt this big a crap sandwich.
Your blog is so much fun, I tend to forget why I added it to our own blog list of 'Special Assignments.' It's great to hear how well Kendrie and Grandma Betty are doing, fairly encouraging about the upcoming procedure for Blaine's pain management (and not only will you have the Alamo, you'll have the River walk and MEXICAN FOOD!!!), and downright unbelievable about Kelly.
And, yes, I think you've about earned oncologist status. Yikes.
Lots of hugs and prayers to all of you!!!
Lucy
Your sister too?? Holy cow! I'm sorry to hear that, and I wish her the best of luck with what's coming.
Glad to see Kendrie and your mom are doing well, and that Blaine is stable.
geesh give her a break!
R. In Canada
Funny, I don't remember you ordering thirds on the crap sandwich...
Make SURE you get yourself screened as well girlfriend.
Oh Kristie! Man does this stink! I'm sooo sorry to hear about your sister. I'll keep all of you in my prayers. It's wonderful to hear how well Kendrie is doing.
Hugs,
Steph in ND
Are you kidding me???
It is unbelievable. Best wishes to all.
Meg
Milford
I'm one of those weird stalker types.. I've followed your blog since Kendrie's Caringbridge.. I feel like I know each of you. I know that I only comment occasionally, but I check in on you each and every day and feel like I know all of you.
All that to say.. I feel like I've been punched in the stomach! Kelly, too??? I knew better than to say 'isn't this enough', after your mom was diagnosed because it seems like some people just get more than their share of the crap sandwich (which was how I found Kendrie's site btw, a friend w/a child w/cancer recommended). You have all had more than your share, that is for sure.
I don't know if the thoughts and prayers of total strangers help, but please know how many of us are out here praying for you all.. for Blaine to feel better, for Kendrie to continue to shine, for your mom to continue to do well and now for Kelly to respond quickly to whatever treatment they recommend. Special prayers for you, since this is so hard for you, too..
I'm so sorry to hear about your sister. However, if she is like the rest of the family, she will fight the cancer and win. My prayers are with your family - that Kendrie, Blaine and Mom continue to do well and that your sister will beat her cancer.
Well damn! Was so happy to read about Kendrie & your mom and that Blaine was doing pretty well. Then BAM. Kristie I am so sorry to hear about your sister. That just royally sucks.
Will be keeping you all in my prayers.
Missy K
Oh dear! So sorry about Kelly! Glad everyone else is doing well (with the exception of Blaine's pain- hoep the OP treatment works!)
Oh my gosh, really? I am sorry to hear about your sister. Hopefully treatment will go well for her. Your family has had way more helping of crap sandwiches than anyone should ever have. So sorry! Good news on the rest of the family though!
Thanks for the fam updates. So sorry that yet another family member will have to deal with a cancer diagnosis. I will definitely add Kelly to my prayer list (which unfortunately grows by the day.....). Glad Kendrie is doing so well. I love seeing the pictures you post. She sure looks happy and healthy! Blaine, still praying for you and for continued good scans. And Grandma Betty, well you sound like a real go-getter. Glad the surgery and all went so smoothly for you.
Kristie,
I am so sorry about your sister! I will be praying for your whole family! It just f--king sucks!!!! I am sure she will do just as well as your mom did!
Oh goodness - I'm so sorry to hear about Kelly! Hopefully, she will have the same experience as your Mom and will be kicking cancer's butt in NO time. Please keep us updated (as much as Kelly is comfortable with...). Glad to hear Kendrie is doing so GREAT and that Blaine is at least hanging in there. Enjoy your trip to San Antonio - it's one of my favorite places - just forget that you're headed down there for medical stuff and pretend it's a vacay! :)
I still hide veggies in all sorts of foods or my 6 year old would never eat them. Well, I take that back, he will eat corn on the cob -but only after I cut it off the cob, which totally defeats the point - but if it's canned corn, forget it. Sigh... Glad Kendrie is doing well, and glad your Mom is doing well after her treatments. I hope the procedure in TX proves helpful for Blaine. And I am really sorry to hear your sister was dx with breast cancer, and hope that her treatment will go as well as your Mom's did.
unbelievable. I will be praying for you and your sister and the whole family. Please get a mammogram yourself. I imagine you have to be in a very high risk group now because your sister is so young.
Many many prayer of thanksgiving for Kendrie & your mom's continued good health, for Blaine's as well PLUS some better pain management so he can enjoy life better, and for your sister to beat this disease quickly and completely.
Take care.
well damn! one more time of good news followed by more cancer! I'm with Natalie... thinking expletives really loudly! and praying!
Glad you are finally realizing that it is YOU - the common denominator. Seriously, hugs to everyone (except you, naturally). Have some milk duds on me... Hang in there, friend.
And remember FC!
You have got to be freaking kidding!!!!, How much crap does your family have to face. So sorry about all this- I am a long time reader but do not comment often.
Unbelievable, just unbelievable. How much more room do you have on the very crowded plate of yours? As my dear friend (who has had more than her fair share of crap sandwiches on her plate) says: "Dear God, If this is one big test them give me my grade and let me move on"! P.S. I am a breast cancer survivor, was diagnosed at age 45. I am part of the second generation of women who are all BRAC positive.
Kristie, I've been following you all since your CB days... I continue to hold you all in my thoughts and prayers.
Sorry is such an inadequate word for what I am feeling for you and your family as you all continue to battle cancer... it just is a sucky "crap sandwich"...
I will be adding Grandma Betty and your sister Kelly to my prayers. Hang tough!
With Love and an abundant Faith!
Sherrill
Oh my God! I am so very sorry.
So glad to hear all the good news and so angry at the news of your sister's diagnosis...everyone remains in my prayers.
Still can't believe it! How did the appt go yesterday? Kim
KRISTIE!!!!
I was shocked to read about your ma, and now your sister?!
Prayers for her...
Love Erin
Kelly, too??? Give her my best and tell her I will keep her in my thoughts and prayers.
I have been thinking about it over and over- Really- I got out of the shower and was thinking about it and wondered when you would post about it. I am amazed at how you handle things and just keep right on going.
I am thinking chicken pot pie for the whole family!
When I read this post I could only think "well crap". Thoughts and prayers for your dear sister.
Janet
Kristie,
I am glad that Kendrie is doing well! I will be praying for Blaine, Grandma Betty, and your sister!!!
Pam
Cumming, GA
P.S. Tell Blaine not to forget to tour the basement of the Alamo! Kidding! :)
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