Kim's journey

Kim was diagnosed last Thursday, September 16, 2010 with ovarian cancer. As Kim's Family, Friends, Neighbors and Fans - we have started this blog to help share information, updates, support, and love with each other during her next few months of surgery, treatment and healing. We will try to update it whenever we receive information. Please feel free to leave a comment expressing your support, love, and encouragement anytime - as that is how we will all grow and strengthen each other - especially Kim and her family. We love you Kim, and our faith, prayers, and total support and dedication are with you as you embark on this "Journey"!







Monday, November 22, 2010

Much to be Thankful For

Here's the update for the last week--I began to get my appetite back last Thursday, and have been working on "stocking up" calorie-wise for the next round of chemo on the 29th. As Thanksgiving is one of my favorite holidays, I am very grateful that I'll be able to eat without feeling sick. I was also able to go see the new Harry Potter movie with the kids, Nana and some cousins--my first movie theatre experience in over 3 months-yahoo! I've also been able to do about 3 hours of Christmas shopping in the stores, but it's pretty exhausting so I think the rest of it will be done online. Kali comes home on Wednesday and we are going to spend the rest of the week getting the house decorated for Christmas. It will be good to have all the kids home together for a few days--I'm looking forward to it.

I've had a couple of people this last week ask me what the Dr.'s prognosis is for my treatment and I wasn't exactly sure what to say. I figured some others may be wondering, so here's what I'll tell you--none of the Dr.'s I've seen have really given me a prognosis. Cancer and cancer treatment is difficult to predict because there are so many variables. I was told by two of the Dr.'s that even though they have to "stage" the various cancers, they really hate doing it because the "stage" a particular cancer is at isn't really a predictor for how well that patient will ultimately do. There are Stage 3 and 4 ovarian cancer patients that respond very well to treatment, and then there are Stage 1 and 2 patients who don't respond well at all. Soooo...if you want to know, I have every hope that my body will respond well and that I will be here for many years to come. I'm not exactly sure what happens after I finish chemo--there may be some radiation treatment or not--I think it very likely that I'll have a mastectomy in the future, but I don't know when. It's a possibility that even after chemo the cancer may return and there may be a need for further surgery and/or chemo (I'll try not to get too attached to my hair when it comes in!) There is alot about this all that I don't know about. And for those of you who know me well, you know that I don't do very well flying by the seat of my pants--I'm a girl who usually has a plan. Not knowing what the plan is right now can kind of drive me crazy, but I am learning to trust in our Heavenly Father's plan of happiness and salvation. I am especially thankful at this season to know that His plan for us exists, and that we are His children and He loves us. I am grateful for my Savior and His Atonement. He, too, knows and understands me perfectly and has been with me every step of the way. I am so very grateful for my immediate family and extended family, and to know that we are not sent here on earth to work through everything alone--my family is everything to me, and I am thankful for the blessings the gospel provides that enable us to be together in the eternities. I thank you all for your love, prayers and for following the example of the Savior in providing such meaningful service to me and my family. I hope you all have a wonderful Thanksgiving and know that I am especially thankful for you this year!--Love always, Kim

9 comments:

  1. I understand precisely about prognosis and predictions! One thing I remember being in awe of was finding out how specific to each person and cancer the treatments are! So grateful for modern day revelation and medical advancements! I was told a year or so ago that ovarian cancer usually is not radiated because of it's proximity to the liver. Who knows anymore though with new treatments coming forth all the time! I'm so grateful you're doing so well! Enjoy the holiday!
    Diane Saunders

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  2. Daily we are praying for you, your doctors and the chemo to work properly. I admire you for so many reasons, thank you for your example!!

    I thought of you when I read this quotes;

    "You have the potential to become anything to which you set your mind. You have a mind & a body & a spirit. With these three working together, you can walk the high road that leads to achievement & happiness. But this will ...require effort & sacrifice & faith."- President Gordon B. Hinckley, "Stay on the High Road"

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  3. Kjirstin and Darin Mich'lNovember 22, 2010 at 5:16 PM

    I am so glad to read that you are doing so well and in such great spirits. When I saw you the other day- and you looked fabulous! Your smile lights up the day! Im happy to hear that your dr's arent putting labels on your prognosis. Better to just go at it head on and beat it no matter what stage- 1 or 4. Your faith and support is amazing. We are all in awe of you. Keep it up lady! Have a wonderful Thanksgiving, enjoy your turkey- know that you are loved.

    Kjirstin, Darin, Hayden, Devyn and Trygg Mich'l

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  4. Kim,
    I'm so glad to hear the good news of how things are currently progressing! Mind, spirit, and heart are key elements in healing we don't often think of. I know there are ups and downs in life, but we all need moments of joy & happiness, right? You remain in our prayers. With Keaton praying for you... how can you go wrong?!
    Lots of love,
    London

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  5. Kim,

    We are all just plan thankful for you!! You are a wonderful inspiration to us all. Have a wonderful thanksgiving with your family.

    Love,
    Becky Hunsaker

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  6. Ok...so I can't type...I meant we are just PLAIN thankful for you...not plan. LOL

    Becky :)

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  7. Wishing you a wonderful Thanksgiving, enjoy that turkey! Such a wonderful time of year for family, I am so glad that you will be enjoying all of your family being together. You continue to be such an inspiring person. Kim, you have an amazing attitude! Our thoughts and prayers continue to be with you!
    Staci Schlack

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  8. We are thankful for you and your family and wish you a happy Thanksgiving--we all have much to be thankful for and you are truly blessed!
    Love you--Donny and Tina

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  9. Hi Kim,

    I remember asking the doctors about my mom's prognosis. I think we got the same explanation. For as much as we appreciate modern medicine, it's at those moments, I'm so grateful for Heavenly Father and all things Spiritual.

    I know you'll enjoy your family on Thanksgiving. :-)

    Laura

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