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"!







Thursday, September 22, 2011

Well....at least it's not "rip-roaring" cancer

The bad news is...the cancer is back. The good news is it's not "rip-roaring" cancer according to Dr. Prystas. I had my CA-125 blood test done last week in preparation for a 4-month follow-up with the surgeon. I'd been having some stomach aches & shortness of breath for the couple of weeks leading up to this appointment, but I was hoping that it was just the anxiety leading up to the appointment. Unfortunately, Dr. Dodson told us that my numbers had gone fromo 67 to over 1300--obviously something was going on. I had a CT scan two days ago that showed no tumors--yea!--that means no surgery. All my vital organs appear to be normal, but I do have fluid in my chest cavity & abdomen again (darn!) and there are several enlarged lymph nodes in my abdomen & pelvis. Soooo...according to Dr. Prystas, there are definitely signs of cancer, but it's not "rip-roaring" cancer. It sounds like I'll be doing another few rounds of chemo again. I go see Dr. Prystas next Tuesday to hear what the game plan will be. Because it's only been 6 months since my last chemo treatment, they can't use the same drugs. She'll have to figure out what new medications to use, & she's going to try again to have my insurance company pay for a new drug that hasn't been FDA approved for ovarian cancer, but is showing some promise. It's been a little rough this past week--I've shed a few tears--but it's going to be all right. I've known this was extremely likely to happen, I was just hoping it wouldn't be quite so soon.
Last night, our Stake Relief Society held a special meeting & had Sister Virginia Pearce speak to us. I think she was there just for me--it was wonderful! She spoke about living "abundantly" & that is what my goal is--to live my life abundantly as long as I can. When we were heading down to S.L. to the Dr.'s last week, Kali & I were texting about how it had been a year to the day since my diagnosis. I wrote something about it being a wild year, and Kali responded: "Yeah, it's been quite a year...but Mom, it's been a YEAR!" That put everything into perspective for me. A year ago I could never imagine still being here to see & experience another beautiful fall day. We have had so many wonderful experiences this past year as a family--especially these past 6 months. I have been blessed so abundantly, & have felt the love of the Lord in my life more this past year than at any other time. I am once again feeling the prayers of many of you who have known of my circumstances this past week, & I am grateful! Love always, Kim

6 comments:

  1. Kim you are amazing! Your family is always in my prayers. I am so grateful to be up at school with your cute daughter. She is a gem and she must get it from you! Love, Allie

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  2. Kim you astound me and I am sure many others by your optimism and courage. You are so loved and we are all greatly touched by your sweet spirit, faith, an perseverance. You are always in our prayers! WE LOVE YOU!

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  3. Hi Kim, you are so loved! Thanks for sharing your feelings and faith! We are praying for you and your sweet family. We miss being in your ward!

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  4. Kim you are truly an incredible person. Our prayers will be with you. We think of you often and marvel at your faith and courage. Thanks for sharing with us your feelings and what is going on. We love you and again will be praying for you.

    Becky Hunsaker

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  5. Kim, our thoughts and prayers will continue to be with you!! You are an outstanding woman, and your faith and courage are increadable!! Like Becky said thanks for sharing whats going on, you are a inspiration to us all!!
    Lots of Love,
    The Kofords

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  6. Oh Kim! I look up to you SO much. You have always been so great to me (and everyone around you!!), and I just love you so much! I admire your attitude, and it has put some things into perspective for me, too (my small trials are but a small moment in the eternal perspective of things). You are an amazing woman. Keep pressing forward, and we are here for you always!

    Love,

    Haylie (and family)

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