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"!







Tuesday, November 29, 2011

Early Christmas Present

I received an early Christmas gift from Dr. Prystas' office this morning when they called to tell me that my CA-125 levels have dropped from 1191 to 412. This time around, before they started dropping, it was as high as over 2000--so this is really terrific news! I'm only going every other week for chemo now, & they are only doing the blood test once a month. It's always wonderful to get such good news when the side effects from the chemo are really kicking in & I'm starting to feel crummy. I was worried that not being able to do 3 treatments a month with this medication wasn't going to work very well, but am pleased that they have found a pretty good dosage & schedule. Mom is still coming up each week I do chemo (she's busy cleaning bathrooms & dusting as I write!), & I've been having different friends take me down for my treatments once a month. It has been such a pleasure to share this experience with these good friends.

Thanksgiving was marvelous! My entire family spent it at my Mom & Dad's this year, & it was just a great day! I was grateful to have the week off of chemo & be able to really enjoy the experience. Kali & Jarett were both home during the holiday & had friends over several times. It was just a wonderful weekend! As we sat around the table at Mom & Dad's & shared what we were most thankful for on Thanksgiving, I said that although I'm not quite sure I can say that I'm thankful for cancer (that's pushing it a bit!), I am so very grateful for the blessing cancer has given me of drawing closer to my Heavenly Father & Savior, Jesus Christ. I am also thankful for the blessing of being so loved & having my love also grow deeper for my family, relatives, friends, ward members, people in this beautiful valley, doctors & even strangers I've met through this experience. These past 14 months have given me such a profound appreciation for the power of love, compassion & charity in our lives. Wouldn't it be wonderful if we could all experience this each & every day of our lives? Thank you again for your love, prayers & faith--it means everything to me. Love always, Kim

Friday, November 4, 2011

Just plugging along

It's been awhile since I last wrote, but I'm just plugging along. I went in for chemo on Oct 24th, but my white blood counts were too low & they weren't able to do it--so I ended up having that week off. My chest cavity has stayed pretty clear & I've been able to continue breathing easily--yea! I went in this last Monday, & my blood counts were good so I was able to go ahead with the chemo treatment. Apparently the chemo, Gemzar, is pretty hard on the bone marrow, so Dr. Prystas is "tweaking" the dosage so that I will be able to continue with the 2 weeks on/1 off schedule. The side effects this week haven't been as bad as they were the first three times. It's Friday, & other than extreme fatigue hitting me periodically throughout the day, I'm doing good. Mom was with me for most of the week--taking care of loads of laundry, cleaning the house & running boys to and fro. We've also had some wonderful meals brought in, & with having my lungs working better, it's easier to eat--I'm sure I'll be putting on weight again with all this good food! Here are some pictures we took when I went to my chemo appointment Monday. I want everyone to see these wonderful ladies who take such great care of me.




Dr. Prystas, Me & Kathy(the most fabulous nurse!)








Jeri, Val & Amy (what fun gals--always smiling & laughing)





Enjoying my "chemo cocktail" in the party room

It's not always a fun process, but I am so incredibly grateful for these wonderful ladies in my life. They are so compassionate and show their love for me and my family in so many ways.