Chemo-Round 3

I am about 1/3 of the way through these chemo treatments! YA! I had another 25% drop in my tumor markers so we are excited again about that!
I do need to get on a little soapbox for a moment, so please forgive me. I have tried not to bad mouth Coffeyville health care too much, even after all they have done wrong to me, BUT all I needed done was to have blood drawn for my counts before I flew to Houston, that way I can make sure my counts are fine to do chemo. They also drew my tumor markers. They had to send that report off and the next day I get a call from the nurse that they came back and were at 15! She was excited and expected me to be also. Normal tumor markers are 35 and under. This would indicate I have NO cancer activity in my body. I kept repeating back the test that was done (CA Antigen 27.29) and she kept saying YES, that's the one! This is the reason we had to get out of Coffeyville for treatment. Things like this. I can't even have them draw my blood with out second guessing them! Needless to say, the test was wrong. I am almost feeling like it is going to be my person quest to tell everyone being treated around here to make sure you get second opinions OUTSIDE of Coffeyville. I won't get into everything else they did wrong (like telling me twice in 2005 that I did NOT have cancer!!). It's just scary the errors they make here and I know I am not the only one that falls through there cracks. OK, off my soapbox!

Chemo number 3 is going great! We didn't get home until around midnight, so I slept in today and am feeling great! Tonight the kids and I are going to bake some cookies for Santa, some fudge and gingerbread. YUM! I can't believe Christmas is here already! What a great time!
MERRY CHRISTAMS AND HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!
~Kasey

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

It's almost here! We want to wish each and every one of you a VERY Merry Christmas! You are all so special to us. This tough time has been made easier by all the kind thoughts and prayers. It is nice to know that we have such a great support system around us!!!
I am still feeling great! I've been a little tired this week, but nothing I couldn't handle. I got my Christmas shopping finished up (now just to get it all wrapped LOL!). I even had several photo shoots this week! I will post some photos from those on my business blog (photographybykasey.blogspot.com) when I get them proofed. I have gotten several emails from people about the link to My Journey not on the other blog anymore. I did remove it, but you can still click on my photo to access it. I want to keep my business blog seperate from my personal blog. Personal updates on me will only be posted here.
We go back to Houston Friday, just for the day, for Chemo Round 3 (out of about 10). I am about 1/3 of the way through! YA! I am taking my MIL with me this time. She has never been on a plane before, so it will be her first trip!
I hope you all have the best Christmas! Just don't forget the real meaning of the Christmas Season!

MERRY CHRISTMAS!
~Kasey, Kevin, Raisa and Larson

Flowergirl and Ringbearer

I just had to post these photos of Raisa and Larson! They were SO cute!







Here are 2 from the ceremony:

December 7th

Hello all!
Sorry I haven't posted this week yet, just busy with life! I am feeling GREAT and have quite a bit of energy. I think we all need it this time of year just keeping up with Christmas--decorating, baking, shopping! We got 3 trees up--one in the living room (the gingerbread tree), one in Raisa's room (she has a new white one with white lights decorated in turquoise and hot pink!) and one in Larson's room (mainly sports but a few other misc. stuff). We did not put our tree up in the dining room or the back porch this year. Kind of sad not seeing them, but I won't feel sad when it's time to take them down this year as I will be glad then we only have these 3! All my nutcrackers didn't make it up either, but they will be back next year. Hey, I am looking for a real good sugar cookie recipe to bake with the kids if anyone knows of a great one, email me! Raisa is going to make some oatmeal fudge too. YUM!
I am sending off the last order of Christmas cards this week if any of you had a session with me this past year and would like to order cards, or if you want to order any collages or photos for gifts, get those orders in to me by the first of next week.
Raisa and I started a Yoga class this week! It's very relaxing. I think we are going to enjoy it! I have been walking a few miles each day on my treadmill also. Got to stay in shape (or get in better shape hmmmm!).
I think we are going to head to Owasso or Tulsa Saturday to get some more Christmas shopping done. The weekend after that is Kevin's younger bother Donnie's wedding. Raisa is the flowergirl and Larson is the ringbearer (if we can get him into a button up shirt and if you know Larson, you know what I mean!).
Have a great weekend and email or post those sugar cookie recipies!
Thanks!!
~Kasey

GREAT NEWS!

HI! We had a great visit with my oncologist Friday! She was excited to show me on my blood test that my tumor markers (CA Antigen 27.29) which records cancer activity had WENT DONW 30%!!!!!!!!!!! She was thrilled with that as she said she normally doesn't even see them drop let alone SO MUCH after just the first chemo. What great news! Looks like this chemo combo is working! She was very optomistic about being able to talk to the bone marrow tranplant team in Jan. or Feb. We will finsh off 6-8 months of chemo first.
Thurday I went to surgery and had my port put in and that all went great! They put a patch behind my ear so I wouldn't get sick from the anthetheia. I never did (unlike at crmc haha!) Friday, chemo went great, got to order lunch there. They really make you so comfortable. Just for kicks here are a few photos Kevin took for you viewing enjoyment! LOL!