Today is my birthday. Never before have I ever made a big deal about it. "Whopee, another year older" I would always think.
This year, that is different.
This past year, I have learned that getting older is not a horrible thing. It is a privilege. An honor. It is not even something guarenteed to us.
So, from here on out, with every passing birthday, I will celebrate getting older!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ME!
Love and hugs,
Kasey
Monday, August 27, 2007
Saturday, August 25, 2007
Another great blog!
Parents, you will love this lady's blog!
http://mom2my6pack.blogspot.com/
She describes parenting so well in all of her posts! I have been reading it for the last hour, just CRACKING UP! So many of those things are so true, and having ran a daycare for 6 years, if my kids haven't tried it, at least one of my daycare kids have lol!
We are going to be leaving next Saturday for Houston. I hope this week goes by SLOWLY.
Raisa was thrilled to find out that she will be playing Marta in "The Sound of Music" which will run around the 2nd or 3rd of November. Keep an eye on the paper. It will be at FKHS in the auditorium. The directors are Darla Strecker and Mark Gard, so it is sure to be a hit!
~K
http://mom2my6pack.blogspot.com/
She describes parenting so well in all of her posts! I have been reading it for the last hour, just CRACKING UP! So many of those things are so true, and having ran a daycare for 6 years, if my kids haven't tried it, at least one of my daycare kids have lol!
We are going to be leaving next Saturday for Houston. I hope this week goes by SLOWLY.
Raisa was thrilled to find out that she will be playing Marta in "The Sound of Music" which will run around the 2nd or 3rd of November. Keep an eye on the paper. It will be at FKHS in the auditorium. The directors are Darla Strecker and Mark Gard, so it is sure to be a hit!
~K
Thursday, August 23, 2007
Crazy Sexy Cancer
What a title, eh!!! There is a new documentary on TLC starting August 29th, called "Crazy Sexy Cancer". I have been following the story of this girl, Kris Carr, for a couple of months now and am so glad to hear that the documentary is finally going to air on TLC.
Here is the link to it:
http://www.crazysexycancer.com/
You can access her blog from that site also. Such an inspiring person. She has a rare and incurable cancer. She is a great journalist. I encourage you all to take a moment to check out her story.
I have had a bit more good news this week, my tumor markers are down to 47!! WHOO HOO, it just may call for my first drink in, well, almost a year!! I also have a birthday on August 27th, so another reason to celebrate!
We are getting ready to leave for Houston a week from Sunday. We are going to drive down for the first time. I just don't want to be stuck without a car for so long. This way, we can take off on the weekends and drive to Galveston or somewhere else. We may have the chance to fly back for a weekend before I actually go into the hospital, which will be September 24. We are hoping to fly the kids down for a weekend also. We have found an apartment. Here is the link to where we will be staying:
http://www.premiercorporatehousing.com/states/texas/houston
Click on Houston Medical Center, and it is the "Archstone Medical Center Apartments".
It is the very first apartment on on the page on Fannin Street (it's right across from Reliant Park for those familar with Houston). It is a bit more than we were hoping to spend, but it will still be cheaper than the Rotary House where we have been staying. It seems like a real nice place.
For those of you who have been asking exactly what will be done during the transplant, here is the best link I have describing it (it is from the Cancer Treatment Centers of America, but the procedure is real similar):
http://www.cancercenter.com/stem-cell/stem-cell-autologous.cfm
My schedule has been filling up for the next month with scans, 2 more surgeries (port removal and central line put in and also a bone marrow biopsy where I have chosen to be put under), doctor visits, etc. We will keep the blog updated with all the tests and the results (like they will be anything other than great, AMEN!) I think I am now ready for this part of my journey. I hope you all follow me through it! I love you all!
~Kasey
Here is the link to it:
http://www.crazysexycancer.com/
You can access her blog from that site also. Such an inspiring person. She has a rare and incurable cancer. She is a great journalist. I encourage you all to take a moment to check out her story.
I have had a bit more good news this week, my tumor markers are down to 47!! WHOO HOO, it just may call for my first drink in, well, almost a year!! I also have a birthday on August 27th, so another reason to celebrate!
We are getting ready to leave for Houston a week from Sunday. We are going to drive down for the first time. I just don't want to be stuck without a car for so long. This way, we can take off on the weekends and drive to Galveston or somewhere else. We may have the chance to fly back for a weekend before I actually go into the hospital, which will be September 24. We are hoping to fly the kids down for a weekend also. We have found an apartment. Here is the link to where we will be staying:
http://www.premiercorporatehousing.com/states/texas/houston
Click on Houston Medical Center, and it is the "Archstone Medical Center Apartments".
It is the very first apartment on on the page on Fannin Street (it's right across from Reliant Park for those familar with Houston). It is a bit more than we were hoping to spend, but it will still be cheaper than the Rotary House where we have been staying. It seems like a real nice place.
For those of you who have been asking exactly what will be done during the transplant, here is the best link I have describing it (it is from the Cancer Treatment Centers of America, but the procedure is real similar):
http://www.cancercenter.com/stem-cell/stem-cell-autologous.cfm
My schedule has been filling up for the next month with scans, 2 more surgeries (port removal and central line put in and also a bone marrow biopsy where I have chosen to be put under), doctor visits, etc. We will keep the blog updated with all the tests and the results (like they will be anything other than great, AMEN!) I think I am now ready for this part of my journey. I hope you all follow me through it! I love you all!
~Kasey
Tuesday, August 14, 2007
We are home
Just a note to let everyone know that we are home now. I have lots to post about as a few new things have been added to this crazy mix. We were thrown a bit of a curve Monday before I was released to go home. I don't even really know where to begin or if I can really describe it all so that you can follow the story. I will try.
First, to reiterate about the stem cell transplant clinical trial. The trial is to see if lowering the Circulating Tumor Cells in the blood will prolong overall survial. CTC are a fairly new test that the Oncologists are just not too sure what to do with the info yet. They know that the average person without cancer can have up to 5 of these per 7.5ml of blood. You need to have over five to be enrolled in the trial. Last February, mine were 14. I did not even know every time at MDAnderson that I had my blood drawn, they also drew for this. I never received those reports. Dr. Ueno, my Stem Cell doctor however, did. As of this summer, my CTC are at ZERO. Yep, none! That was good to hear, however, I was afraid I would be kicked out of the trial for now being too healthy! Well, Dr. Ueno changed the protocol for the transplant to say that at one time, your CTC had to be over 5. So, I am still a part of the trial! That was great to hear. We leave the Tuesday after Labor Day and will be down there for 6-8 weeks.
Now, the curve that was thrown at us. I was not going to post about all of this yet, as I am still waiting to hear from the Doctors to talk more about it. But, in the surgery I had last week, I had breast tissue removed from both breasts to send to pathology. What they found really surprised us. Not only was cancer found in the left side, but it was also found in the right side. This has went undiagnosed from even MDA for almost a year and that has even included having multiple ct scans, ultrasounds, and MRI. Last October, they biopsied a lymph node on the right side that came back positive for cancer. They could not find any cancer in the right breast and had figured that in order for it to have gotten there, it would have made it's way all through my body. That is what got me the stage 4 diagnosis. Now, we know that the lymph node was positive because there indeed was cancer on the right side. That is actually good to hear. Now, for another curve, 2 types of cancer were actually found in the tissue from the left side, Lobular (which I knew about) and also Ductal. Last October, there were a few suspisious spots show up on my bone scan. These have never been biopsied to make sure that it indeed is cancer. I will be having them test it and also a bone marrow biopy. We do not have the receptor--er/pr (estogen) status or the her2neu-- back from the Ductul. As of now, we do not know for sure that it has actually spread, or if it has, which cancer it was that spread to the bone. The type as well as the receptor status will matter a bunch. They tailor your treatment around it. If there is indeed cancer in the bones and it turns out to be the ductal, with a receptor status of a triple negative (NOT positive for estrogen, meaning not fed by estrogen) and I would have listened to my oncologist at MDA last fall and just started out on hormone therapy, I would be in pretty bad shape right now. My intuition just told me I had to do the chemo, and the hardest regimine I could. Last February, the surgeon only wanted to biopsy the left breast. I also asked the opinion of my Oncologist at MDA as well as the Oncologist here in Coffeyville. They both said only do the left. My intuition told me otherwise and I was pretty adament that both need to be biopsied. Now, I think I should give credit to God here for intervening and guiding my ways this past year. I do believe that is where this intuition has cam from. I know what I need to do. I have always felt that way. I just KNOW.
Now I am not sure what my Doctors have to say about all of this yet. I think I will end up being a text book case for even MD Anderson. They couldn't believe I was misdiagnosed here for a year, yet I was UNdiagnosed there f0r almost a year. Interesting to say the least. I hope you have followed this weird unfolding of events. I know, had I not been the one living it, I probaly would be going "HUH??? WHAT?? I don't understand a word she said!" LOL. Hopefully we will be able to talk with my Oncologist this next week. I am just glad the SCT is still on. I think I will be in the best possible place I could be in to have it done (VERY VERY low tumor load). I do believe with all my heart that I AM THE HEALED. God said, "by His stripes I was healed". If I was healed, then, I am healed. Settled.
Thanks for hanging in there reading all of this! It is sure great to be home! The kids really missed us, as we did them. We added Raisa to our cell phone plan and got her her own Razor with unlimited texting. That was nice for both her and us. She was able to call me or text me any time that she wanted. I think she liked that feeling of being in touch with us at any point. It made it a little easier. We are going to bring them to Houston at some point during our stay there. I just can't go that long without seeing them. I need my hugs and snugglebugs!
~Kasey
EDITED TO ADD: Ok, I am a doofus. I never read the previous blogs from Kevin and didn't even see that he had already posted about the CTC and the SCT. He explained that part a whole lot better than I did HAHA! I should have just had him write this blog to! If any of you have any questions, feel free to post them and I will answer them!
First, to reiterate about the stem cell transplant clinical trial. The trial is to see if lowering the Circulating Tumor Cells in the blood will prolong overall survial. CTC are a fairly new test that the Oncologists are just not too sure what to do with the info yet. They know that the average person without cancer can have up to 5 of these per 7.5ml of blood. You need to have over five to be enrolled in the trial. Last February, mine were 14. I did not even know every time at MDAnderson that I had my blood drawn, they also drew for this. I never received those reports. Dr. Ueno, my Stem Cell doctor however, did. As of this summer, my CTC are at ZERO. Yep, none! That was good to hear, however, I was afraid I would be kicked out of the trial for now being too healthy! Well, Dr. Ueno changed the protocol for the transplant to say that at one time, your CTC had to be over 5. So, I am still a part of the trial! That was great to hear. We leave the Tuesday after Labor Day and will be down there for 6-8 weeks.
Now, the curve that was thrown at us. I was not going to post about all of this yet, as I am still waiting to hear from the Doctors to talk more about it. But, in the surgery I had last week, I had breast tissue removed from both breasts to send to pathology. What they found really surprised us. Not only was cancer found in the left side, but it was also found in the right side. This has went undiagnosed from even MDA for almost a year and that has even included having multiple ct scans, ultrasounds, and MRI. Last October, they biopsied a lymph node on the right side that came back positive for cancer. They could not find any cancer in the right breast and had figured that in order for it to have gotten there, it would have made it's way all through my body. That is what got me the stage 4 diagnosis. Now, we know that the lymph node was positive because there indeed was cancer on the right side. That is actually good to hear. Now, for another curve, 2 types of cancer were actually found in the tissue from the left side, Lobular (which I knew about) and also Ductal. Last October, there were a few suspisious spots show up on my bone scan. These have never been biopsied to make sure that it indeed is cancer. I will be having them test it and also a bone marrow biopy. We do not have the receptor--er/pr (estogen) status or the her2neu-- back from the Ductul. As of now, we do not know for sure that it has actually spread, or if it has, which cancer it was that spread to the bone. The type as well as the receptor status will matter a bunch. They tailor your treatment around it. If there is indeed cancer in the bones and it turns out to be the ductal, with a receptor status of a triple negative (NOT positive for estrogen, meaning not fed by estrogen) and I would have listened to my oncologist at MDA last fall and just started out on hormone therapy, I would be in pretty bad shape right now. My intuition just told me I had to do the chemo, and the hardest regimine I could. Last February, the surgeon only wanted to biopsy the left breast. I also asked the opinion of my Oncologist at MDA as well as the Oncologist here in Coffeyville. They both said only do the left. My intuition told me otherwise and I was pretty adament that both need to be biopsied. Now, I think I should give credit to God here for intervening and guiding my ways this past year. I do believe that is where this intuition has cam from. I know what I need to do. I have always felt that way. I just KNOW.
Now I am not sure what my Doctors have to say about all of this yet. I think I will end up being a text book case for even MD Anderson. They couldn't believe I was misdiagnosed here for a year, yet I was UNdiagnosed there f0r almost a year. Interesting to say the least. I hope you have followed this weird unfolding of events. I know, had I not been the one living it, I probaly would be going "HUH??? WHAT?? I don't understand a word she said!" LOL. Hopefully we will be able to talk with my Oncologist this next week. I am just glad the SCT is still on. I think I will be in the best possible place I could be in to have it done (VERY VERY low tumor load). I do believe with all my heart that I AM THE HEALED. God said, "by His stripes I was healed". If I was healed, then, I am healed. Settled.
Thanks for hanging in there reading all of this! It is sure great to be home! The kids really missed us, as we did them. We added Raisa to our cell phone plan and got her her own Razor with unlimited texting. That was nice for both her and us. She was able to call me or text me any time that she wanted. I think she liked that feeling of being in touch with us at any point. It made it a little easier. We are going to bring them to Houston at some point during our stay there. I just can't go that long without seeing them. I need my hugs and snugglebugs!
~Kasey
EDITED TO ADD: Ok, I am a doofus. I never read the previous blogs from Kevin and didn't even see that he had already posted about the CTC and the SCT. He explained that part a whole lot better than I did HAHA! I should have just had him write this blog to! If any of you have any questions, feel free to post them and I will answer them!
Saturday, August 11, 2007
A few more days in Houston
We're here for the weekend. The doctor wants us to stay until Monday. No problems...just precautions. Kasey's still pretty sore, so this weekend will give her more time to prepare for the airport adventure. (And maybe God's just trying to prepare us for the 2 months we will be staying here later. Raisa and Larson: We miss you SO much!!!)
So, we should be back home either Monday night or Tuesday.
Thanks for checking on us, and thanks for the kind words and prayers.
Kevin
So, we should be back home either Monday night or Tuesday.
Thanks for checking on us, and thanks for the kind words and prayers.
Kevin
Thursday, August 09, 2007
Thursday, August 9th
Kasey is still doing well. She was released from the hospital Wednesday afternoon...just in time to go right to the Stem Cell Transplant clinic for a meeting with Dr. Ueno. This was an interesting meeting.
The Clinical Trial (Stem Cell Transplant) that she will be part of is based on Circulating Tumor Cells (CTC). A patient is required to have at least 5 of these cells present in the certain amount of blood they collect. When they first considered her for the trial, she had 14 CTC's. We had not seen these results in the past, but they have been testing every blood sample she has given here. The results Dr. Ueno showed us yesterday were a bit surprising...her CTC's went from 14 to 7 to 5 to 3 to ZERO....no CTC's at all!!!
A CTC is a cancer cell floating around in the blood stream. She is too well for the Clinical Trial...but, it gets better!! They have changed the protocol for the trial, and decided to allow persons that have had at least 5 CTC's, even though they disappear with good responses to conventional treatment (chemo).
This will be a great advantage for Kasey...the less disease present when the Stem Cell Transplant is undergone, the better odds for complete remission.
Praise God!!! The Holy Name of Jesus is all-powerfull!!!
Kasey's still slow getting around. So it may be a few days before she's ready for a flight home. She's better every day though...and we sure miss the kids!!!
Thanks to all for the thoughts and prayers.
Kevin
The Clinical Trial (Stem Cell Transplant) that she will be part of is based on Circulating Tumor Cells (CTC). A patient is required to have at least 5 of these cells present in the certain amount of blood they collect. When they first considered her for the trial, she had 14 CTC's. We had not seen these results in the past, but they have been testing every blood sample she has given here. The results Dr. Ueno showed us yesterday were a bit surprising...her CTC's went from 14 to 7 to 5 to 3 to ZERO....no CTC's at all!!!
A CTC is a cancer cell floating around in the blood stream. She is too well for the Clinical Trial...but, it gets better!! They have changed the protocol for the trial, and decided to allow persons that have had at least 5 CTC's, even though they disappear with good responses to conventional treatment (chemo).
This will be a great advantage for Kasey...the less disease present when the Stem Cell Transplant is undergone, the better odds for complete remission.
Praise God!!! The Holy Name of Jesus is all-powerfull!!!
Kasey's still slow getting around. So it may be a few days before she's ready for a flight home. She's better every day though...and we sure miss the kids!!!
Thanks to all for the thoughts and prayers.
Kevin
Tuesday, August 07, 2007
Day after surgery and all is good!!
Kasey is feeling good. She's eating well, and has been up and around a couple of times today. She's going to stay in the hospital one more night, and should be released tomorrow. Her spirits are high, as usual. She is such a strong woman!!
Thanks again for all the thoughts, prayers and comments.
Kevin
Thanks again for all the thoughts, prayers and comments.
Kevin
Monday, August 06, 2007
Surgery went well!!
We just wanted to let everyone know that surgery went well for Kasey. She'll be staying a night or two in the hospital, and should be able to come back to Coffeyville either Friday or Monday. (It'll be Friday if we have anything to do with it!!) Thanks to all for your thoughts and prayers. Feel free to give us a call. And thanks to all who read and post on this blog. I know Kasey loves to hear from you.
Kevin
Kevin
Saturday, August 04, 2007
Surgery
We talked with the surgeon yesterday and we will check in Monday morning around 8 and surgery will be around 10 or 11. He is going to remove any cancerous tissue that may be left and also take a few lymph nodes from both sides for testing. I should be able to come back to the hotel the next day. We meet with the stem cell doctor Wednesday and we should be home on Friday or Saturday. I am ready to come home. I don't know how I am going to be able to stay here for 2 months. I miss my kids so much, I just want to cry. It's just not the same talking on the phone or text messaging. I need to kiss and hug them. Here's hoping this week flies by!
~Kasey
~Kasey
Thursday, August 02, 2007
SCAN RESULTS~Aug. 2
My scan reports were dictated to my Oncologist today. I do not have copies of these yet as they aren't signed off for yet, but she did go over all the results with me.
BIG GRINS! All is either stable or IMPROVED compared to scans in May! Bones are looking good, nothing new and the chest/abdomen is still clear. GOD IS SO GOOD. I thank Him every day for my healing. Thank you all for all the prayers too! The power of prayer is awesome.
As I talked with the Radiologist today he thinks that I should be able to look at all this "through a rearview miror" and get on with life. That felt good to hear.
We did have an appointment with a genetic councelor today and I had about 8 viles of blood drawn for research and to test for the BRCA1 and BRCA2 gene. We have to get insurance approval before they send it in, but should know the results in about 6 weeks. While it won't affect my treatment, it will be info to know because of Raisa. If I carry it, she has a 50/50 chance of having it and would be tested for it when she is 20-25 years old.
We talk with the surgeon tomorrow and the anethesologist tomorrow and will also meet with my stem cell doctor, Dr. Ueno next week.
I am off to go eat dinner and get in the pool and hot tub!
Thanks again for all the support and prayers and for still hanging in there with me!
~Kasey
BIG GRINS! All is either stable or IMPROVED compared to scans in May! Bones are looking good, nothing new and the chest/abdomen is still clear. GOD IS SO GOOD. I thank Him every day for my healing. Thank you all for all the prayers too! The power of prayer is awesome.
As I talked with the Radiologist today he thinks that I should be able to look at all this "through a rearview miror" and get on with life. That felt good to hear.
We did have an appointment with a genetic councelor today and I had about 8 viles of blood drawn for research and to test for the BRCA1 and BRCA2 gene. We have to get insurance approval before they send it in, but should know the results in about 6 weeks. While it won't affect my treatment, it will be info to know because of Raisa. If I carry it, she has a 50/50 chance of having it and would be tested for it when she is 20-25 years old.
We talk with the surgeon tomorrow and the anethesologist tomorrow and will also meet with my stem cell doctor, Dr. Ueno next week.
I am off to go eat dinner and get in the pool and hot tub!
Thanks again for all the support and prayers and for still hanging in there with me!
~Kasey
Monday, July 30, 2007
Off to Houston
We are leaving tomorrow for Houston. I can hardly believe it has been almost three months! Our flight out is at 7:30 pm, so we should be in Houston by 9:00pm. I have scans starting at 8:00 the next morning, so please keep us in your prayers! THANK YOU!!!
~Kasey
~Kasey
Thursday, July 26, 2007
July 26, 2007
Hello!
Wow, this summer has flown right by. I can't believe it is the end of July already! We go back to Houston next Tuesday, July 31st. Not sure how long we will be there, at least a week and a half. I am hoping to be back before the start of school on August 16th. I will be having scans again as well as visiting with several doctors. I have an appointment with a genetics Doctor also. I am hoping to have my central line put in for the transplant while we are there also. As of now, we will be going back to Houston the middle of September for the SCT. That is when we will be down there for 2 months. All is still well with me. I am still a bit tired as my blood counts are still down, but it hasn't stopped me from doing what I have wanted to. Raisa and Larson have sure kept me busy this summer! Tonight is opening night for Narnia and both of the kids are in that and it runs until Sunday. Saturday is the League Swim Meet that Raisa will be in. That will be her last swim meet for the season. Raisa is excited to try out for The Sound of Music next month. That will be the fall musical put on by Darla Strecker and Mark Gard at F.K.H.S. Sounds fun!
Don and Shelly have closed and moved into their new home. Thank you to those who bought them a gift or sent a card to them. I know it meant alot to them. I am so proud of how this town is handled the flood and all the displaced families. Way to go!
That's all that's new for now. We will post next week after we get the scans. Please keep us in your prayers!
~Kasey
(OH, I forgot to add that my tumor markers have went down to 62!)
Wow, this summer has flown right by. I can't believe it is the end of July already! We go back to Houston next Tuesday, July 31st. Not sure how long we will be there, at least a week and a half. I am hoping to be back before the start of school on August 16th. I will be having scans again as well as visiting with several doctors. I have an appointment with a genetics Doctor also. I am hoping to have my central line put in for the transplant while we are there also. As of now, we will be going back to Houston the middle of September for the SCT. That is when we will be down there for 2 months. All is still well with me. I am still a bit tired as my blood counts are still down, but it hasn't stopped me from doing what I have wanted to. Raisa and Larson have sure kept me busy this summer! Tonight is opening night for Narnia and both of the kids are in that and it runs until Sunday. Saturday is the League Swim Meet that Raisa will be in. That will be her last swim meet for the season. Raisa is excited to try out for The Sound of Music next month. That will be the fall musical put on by Darla Strecker and Mark Gard at F.K.H.S. Sounds fun!
Don and Shelly have closed and moved into their new home. Thank you to those who bought them a gift or sent a card to them. I know it meant alot to them. I am so proud of how this town is handled the flood and all the displaced families. Way to go!
That's all that's new for now. We will post next week after we get the scans. Please keep us in your prayers!
~Kasey
(OH, I forgot to add that my tumor markers have went down to 62!)
Saturday, July 07, 2007
July 7, 2007
Thank you all for your interest in helping Don and Shelly. I have several of your emails saved and will be calling you! I am making up a list of things they are needing and if anyone would like to help out, PLEASE CALL ME AT 251-8546, or email me at: kaseyhoggatt@sbcglobal.net
They have purchased a new home and will be closing next Thursday, but will have nothing from their old house to move into it. Kevin and I are planning a house warming party (or BBQ) for them in the very near future. Call me if you are interested. If you can't make the party, but still want to help them, call me!!! I will be calling those on my list when we decide a date.
The kids and I have been helping out the shelters around town with donations of food, clothes and toys. We bought a bunch of bubbles and blowpops for the kids in the shelters too. I know my kids have really enjoyed helping out. They even picked out certain stuff they wanted to donate. Larson picked out Dora the Explorer toothpaste for the kids who don't like "grown up toothpaste" and children's character toothbrushes. He also wanted to buy some new underwear (Cars) for the boys and Princesses for the girls. Raisa bought some crayons, coloring books, Rice Krispie Treats and cheese and cracker treats for the kids. They also picked out Chips and dip, Pringles, Peanuts and beef jerkey for the National Guard. Like I said, they really enjoyed helping out. We will check back with the shelters next week to see if they are needing anthing new. I feel blessed to be in a position to be able to help. I am so sorry all these people have to go through this.
Thank you for all the well wishes for Don and Shelly and family. It brings them comfort knowing people are here to help!
~Kasey
They have purchased a new home and will be closing next Thursday, but will have nothing from their old house to move into it. Kevin and I are planning a house warming party (or BBQ) for them in the very near future. Call me if you are interested. If you can't make the party, but still want to help them, call me!!! I will be calling those on my list when we decide a date.
The kids and I have been helping out the shelters around town with donations of food, clothes and toys. We bought a bunch of bubbles and blowpops for the kids in the shelters too. I know my kids have really enjoyed helping out. They even picked out certain stuff they wanted to donate. Larson picked out Dora the Explorer toothpaste for the kids who don't like "grown up toothpaste" and children's character toothbrushes. He also wanted to buy some new underwear (Cars) for the boys and Princesses for the girls. Raisa bought some crayons, coloring books, Rice Krispie Treats and cheese and cracker treats for the kids. They also picked out Chips and dip, Pringles, Peanuts and beef jerkey for the National Guard. Like I said, they really enjoyed helping out. We will check back with the shelters next week to see if they are needing anthing new. I feel blessed to be in a position to be able to help. I am so sorry all these people have to go through this.
Thank you for all the well wishes for Don and Shelly and family. It brings them comfort knowing people are here to help!
~Kasey
Monday, July 02, 2007
~flooding~
Can you all believe this is happening????? Wow. For those of you wondering, yes, my inlaws house is flooded. We are still not sure how high, as there have been conflicting reports. Some say it is over the roof, others say above the windows, but not to the attic yet. They really didn't think they would flood and did not take much out with them. They did, however put some things in the attic, so we are PRAYING it has not gotten into the attic. They are all staying here with us for the time being. Not sure what the future holds yet. I hope the water will recede soon so we can at least get back to the house to check it out. Prayers to all of you that have been affected by this flood and oil spill.
~Kasey
~Kasey
Thursday, June 28, 2007
Curious George
Sharing a few photos from the play "The Adventures of Curious George" today. The last one has Larson in it next to Raisa, who played Curious George.
Tuesday, June 26, 2007
Relay For Life
What an amazing experience it was! I want to thank each and every one of you from the bottom of my heart for all the encouragement and hugs that night! Seeing all the luminaries with my name on them just brought me to tears. Thank you to every one of you that purchased one in my honor. Here are a few photos to share from relay last Friday night:
Thank you, Gay Cornell, for all you did to make it a wonderful night for many!
Last Friday I had my LAST chemo until the sct! Finally, a break! We head back to Houston on August 1st, so I will have the rest of the summer to enjoy! I will be asking everyone who would like to stay in contact with me during the 2 months we are in Houston to post your email address for me, or email me. I will still post updates on this blog while we are there. I know many of you read this blog for updates. It seems everytime I am out somewhere, I run into someone who tells me that they read it almost everyday. I just had no idea so many of you know of this site. (Quit hiding and post a hi--I want to know who all is lurking!)
Please also continue to keep my friend, Terri Hill, in you prayers! She is having a rough time. She was diagnosed with a cancerous brain tumor a few months ago. Prayers to you, Terri!!!!!
If you all have a free afternoon on Thursday, June 28th, from 4:30-5:00, stop by the College and see the play, "Curious George" that the summer theatre camp is putting on. (Raisa is Curious George and Larson is a brother who loses his ballon--it's his first play!)
~Kasey
Thank you, Gay Cornell, for all you did to make it a wonderful night for many!Last Friday I had my LAST chemo until the sct! Finally, a break! We head back to Houston on August 1st, so I will have the rest of the summer to enjoy! I will be asking everyone who would like to stay in contact with me during the 2 months we are in Houston to post your email address for me, or email me. I will still post updates on this blog while we are there. I know many of you read this blog for updates. It seems everytime I am out somewhere, I run into someone who tells me that they read it almost everyday. I just had no idea so many of you know of this site. (Quit hiding and post a hi--I want to know who all is lurking!)
Please also continue to keep my friend, Terri Hill, in you prayers! She is having a rough time. She was diagnosed with a cancerous brain tumor a few months ago. Prayers to you, Terri!!!!!
If you all have a free afternoon on Thursday, June 28th, from 4:30-5:00, stop by the College and see the play, "Curious George" that the summer theatre camp is putting on. (Raisa is Curious George and Larson is a brother who loses his ballon--it's his first play!)
~Kasey
Monday, June 18, 2007
June 18, 2007
Chemo brain must really be setting in--------it took me 9 tries to log in because I forgot my username and password hahaha!
All is still well here. I have my LAST chemo this Friday!! (Well, last one until the SCT). After 7 1/2 months, it is finally here! I am so glad it went so well. A year ago, I had no idea what "chemotherapy" even was. I have been blessed in that no one close to me had ever went through it. I am just so happy I made it through it (and with a smile on my face most days!). I have decided to celebrate the ending of chemo at Relay for Life this Friday. I had been going back and forth as to if I was emotionally ready for it or not. I didn't think I could be much inspiration to anyone yet. Maybe in 10 years I felt, then I will have a story to tell. But, as I have shared with all of you, my story began on that awful day in September when I came out of surgery and heard the words "It's cancer". I have pondered what it means to "survive" cancer. Then it hit me, I have already SURVIVED cancer in the fact that it will not steal from me my happiness and my hope. I will never live as if I "HAVE" cancer. It doesn't HAVE me.
I AM A SURVIVOR.
~Kasey
All is still well here. I have my LAST chemo this Friday!! (Well, last one until the SCT). After 7 1/2 months, it is finally here! I am so glad it went so well. A year ago, I had no idea what "chemotherapy" even was. I have been blessed in that no one close to me had ever went through it. I am just so happy I made it through it (and with a smile on my face most days!). I have decided to celebrate the ending of chemo at Relay for Life this Friday. I had been going back and forth as to if I was emotionally ready for it or not. I didn't think I could be much inspiration to anyone yet. Maybe in 10 years I felt, then I will have a story to tell. But, as I have shared with all of you, my story began on that awful day in September when I came out of surgery and heard the words "It's cancer". I have pondered what it means to "survive" cancer. Then it hit me, I have already SURVIVED cancer in the fact that it will not steal from me my happiness and my hope. I will never live as if I "HAVE" cancer. It doesn't HAVE me.
I AM A SURVIVOR.
~Kasey
Thursday, June 07, 2007
Another "Mommy moment!"
Had to share Raisa too! The Swim Team is in full force now! They had their first meet last night against Chanute and will close with the League Meet the last Saturday in July.
The future "Tiger Woods" of Golf!
Ok, just having a Mommy brag moment lol! (He really is pretty darn good though!)
Monday, June 04, 2007
Monday, June 4th
Hi there! I hope everyone is enjoying their summer so far! Raisa has started her swim practices and will have her first meet Wednesday at the Country Club. Larson has started t-ball and will have his first game tonight--YA! They are having fun so far! Larson is also in Junior Golf at the Country Club. He is LOVING that! He is really a pretty good golfer for a 5 year old. They will have a tournament in a few weeks. I can't wait to watch that!
As for me, I have been just as busy as ever. Trying to slow it down a bit, but it's hard! We go back to Houston August 1st and will be there until about August 10-13. I have scans and surgery planned that week. Then, we will have to wait 4 weeks and then will begin the transplant. So, we are looking at the first to middle of September to begin now. As long as I am home for the holidays, that is fine with me. This Friday, I will begin my last 3 infusions of Abraxane. After that, I will have a shot to shut down my ovaries and will start on an oral chemo called Femera. I am still feeling great. I had my week off of chemo last week, so this week I am not even overly tired. Good thing, too much to do haha! You all take care!
~Kasey
As for me, I have been just as busy as ever. Trying to slow it down a bit, but it's hard! We go back to Houston August 1st and will be there until about August 10-13. I have scans and surgery planned that week. Then, we will have to wait 4 weeks and then will begin the transplant. So, we are looking at the first to middle of September to begin now. As long as I am home for the holidays, that is fine with me. This Friday, I will begin my last 3 infusions of Abraxane. After that, I will have a shot to shut down my ovaries and will start on an oral chemo called Femera. I am still feeling great. I had my week off of chemo last week, so this week I am not even overly tired. Good thing, too much to do haha! You all take care!
~Kasey
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