Good Morning!

Well, since it's the day after Christmas, I plan to totally relax and read, watch movies and enjoy having my kids home! They are, of course, still fast asleep.

The week of the Winter programs was busy but rewarding. The kids always do a great job after all the work they do to prepare. But, as Machai, one of my first graders so clearly pointed out in one of our early rehearsals with some 80 kids waiting to sing, "Mrs. Halter, why do we have to be so perfect? Our parents are going to love whatever we do!"

This past week has been equally busy getting ready for Christmas. I was blessed to feel well enough to have guests on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. It was important to be able to keep our traditions going. It helps to have kids old enough to pitch in and help.

My energy level is good. I still make sure to nap and get to bed around 10:00. Tim has noticed the wound healing more quickly as he still packs it 2-3x a day. I still seem to have some signs of infection, but I am on an antibiotic and will see the surgeon on Tuesday. The lymphedema and neuropathy are most annoying. I have tingly toes and fingers most of the time. I will be getting a fitted sleeve next week. The glove is working well, just something that I have to get used to.

I hope you all had a wonderful Christmas as we celebrated the birth of Jesus. Thank you for taking the time to share this journey with me!

Love,

Karen

All in all it's still not as bad as the chemo!

Hello Friends!

It was a crazy and busy day today. I taught in the am and went to Loyola for an 11:15 appointment. Then back to school for a rehearsal and back to Loyola for another appointment. I got home after 8:00. I saw all three of my Drs. today. My infection is under control, my wound is healing and I passed all my tests. Hurray!!!!!!

Your prayers and support are working! I still have a ways to go, but this is very encouraging.

I am looking forward to my programs this week. The kids are doing a great job. It's always alot of work but also alot of fun. The teachers I work with have been wonderful in helping me prepare for this big event.

Thanks for checking in!

Karen

Happy Snow Day!

Well, chemo is over and I am so very glad! I have a little chicken fluff sprouting on my head. Can't tell yet what color it will be. My neorapathy has increased especially in my feet. They are tingly, numb and very annoying! More patience needed.

The lymphedema seems to be getting better. My hand is still holding some fluid. Today I got my glove and sleeve to wear. This is a great improvement from the compression bandaging. I still go to therapy twice a week.

This week is just crazy. The practices for the Winter Program are going well. I love being with the kids. Even though I am tired, the time goes by quickly when I'm at school. After school is another story. I am trying to fit in many Loyola appointments this week.

Yesterday I had a muga scan (heart) at 2pm and my herceptin infusion was scheduled for 4pm. My drug was delayed at the pharmacy and they couldn't access my port. I didn't get home until 7:30pm. Long day!

Today I had therapy and then a visit with the radiologist. He agrees that the wound has to heal before I begin radiation. He said we can see how it goes. He will speak to the surgeon who I will see next Tuesday.

Tomorrow is a big day. I teach in the am and I have my cat and bone scan in the afternoon. I really don't like tests that you can't study for. Please pray for a positive outcome. I will find out on Monday how all these tests come out.

Thanks again for checking in. I continue to appreciate all your support!

Karen

Dear Friends,

It has been a busy week and a half. I finished nearly 250 music reports and organized schedules for the Winter Program in December. I am glad to have this Thanksgiving break. Emily and Dan will be home and we will have a small gathering tomorrow with my mom, aunt and mother-in -law.

I am a little more tired these days, but I have only one more round of chemo on the 30th. I'm so ready to be done with that. I was fitted for a glove to keep the lymphodema in check. I still need to go for therapy to reduce the swelling. The long list of appointments continues.

I met with the surgeon and unfortunately the wound cavity is not healing. The tissue is healthy but the chemo takes away my ability to heal. We have two options. See how it goes once I stop chemo or have surgery to move healthy tissue into the wound. I think they call this a flap. Because I still need radiation, they are not sure at this point of the best way to go. I will see the Dr. again on Dec. 18th. The thought of radiation is scary right now. I have to keep remembering to take one day at a time!

I would like to take this opportunity to thank you all for the blessing you have been to me with your concern and support. Although we don't always understand God's plan for us, he gives us the strength to get through. We have much to be grateful for!

I wish you and your families a wonderful Thanksgiving!

Love,

Karen

Hello again!

Time for a weekly update. I had my herceptin on Monday. Luckily that only takes about 40 minutes. Add in the wait time and it's about a 2 hour visit. Tomorrow is another chemo day so I'll be at Loyola for another long visit. However, after that I only have one more chemo treatment left! I can't wait. Looking ahead to radiation is a bit scary, but I will have time before that starts to hopefully energize.

My infection wound is still being packed 2-3x a day. The tunnel is now down to 9cm. from 10cm. deep. Yes, it will take a long time to heal! Tim is being a trooper with the packing.

The big change this week is that I started therapy for lymphodema. It was way more than I expected! I have several layers of gauze and foam wrapped from my fingers to my armpit. It's quite a sight. Most of the kids at school think it looks cool! Thanks goodness I teach the young ones! At first I panicked because I am typing about 250 report cards and I have to play the piano as we prepare for the Winter Program! I told the therapist this and they wrapped accordingly so that I can somewhat do both. I will be going to the rehab facility 3x a week. The only positive is that therapy includes a massage of the lymph nodes which is nice and relaxing. The goal is for the swelling to go down and then I will be measured for a sleeve and glove. I will need to wear that daily as long as there is any swelling. The condition is chronic and I will always need to be aware of it. I am praying that I won't have to wear the sleeve permanently.

I would love to have less to tell you because that would mean I have less issues. Hopefully that will happen when I have radiation. I'm dreaming of minimal side effects!

Have a great week!

Karen

Hi All!

What a beautiful day it was today. Finally some warmer, dry weather.

It's time for that weekly update. Monday I saw the infectious disease Dr. who is in charge of my antibiotics. He was pleased with the healing of the wound and prescribed one more week of antibiotics. The only concern is that when you are on chemo, an infection can occur with minimal warning. We'll pray that doesn't happen!

Next on to the cancer center and a blood draw. My visit with the oncologist went well. Good counts again. I checked into the chemo lab at 3:30 and checked with them several times because my treatment lasts for 4 hrs. At 5:30 the head nurse came out and said they wouldn't have time to treat me. Big disappointment!! I went back on Tuesday and had the chemo and herceptin. My Dr. made a special point of coming to see me and letting me know that will never happen again. My patience level is definitely being tested!!

After Loyola, I went to the Rehabilitation Center for the lymphodema that has developed in my left arm and hand. I will have to go to therapy 3x a week until they get it under control. More

appointments. Oh, joy!

I was back at Loyola on Wednesday to get my shot. Still more tired than usual, but much better than when the infection was brewing. I'm grateful for that!

Thanks for checking in!

Karen

Happy Halloween!

Just wanted to update you on the past week. My counts were good when I saw the oncologist on Monday. My wound is slowly healing but because it is so deep, the surgeon still wants it packed 3 times a day. I will only need a nurse twice a week instead of daily. Tim will do the other packing. I'm now on an oral antibiotic which is much easier than the infusion 3 times a day.

The best part is that I am feeling so much better. I have more energy and interest in doing things again! The surgeon thinks that infection was brewing for awhile and so when I felt so awful it wasn't only the chemo affecting me. I still need a nap, but that's not so bad. I will have chemo again on Monday and another marathon day at Loyola. I'm praying that this dose will be as easy as the last!

I continue to be grateful for all the wonderful ways that you have helped and supported me through all this. It's not over, but only 3 treatments left. We'll deal with radiation later!

The sun has started to shine and the trick or treaters should be here soon!

Take Care,

Karen

Hello again!

Yes, it was a long Loyola visit on Monday. I was there from 10:30am until 8:15pm. I saw the infectious disease Dr. who is in charge of my antibiotics. He said I had a very serious infection. He was pleased with the look of the wound. He said it was clean but deep. It will take a long time to heal. I am nearing the end of taking the antibiotics, however. The hope is that there are no unseen pockets left which could develop into another infection.

Next oncology. Dr. Albain was happy that I would be starting chemo again. She said we are just skipping the dose I missed and it is not a problem. That means only 3 treatments of taxol left!! I had my neulasta shot today and I'm praying that it won't affect my knees as badly as last time. I can handle a little pain but I need to be able to walk!!

That's all for now!

Karen

Happy Friday!

I saw the surgeon today and he is pleased with the healing at the sites of the infection. He said that I can start chemo again next week. I feel so good right now that it is hard to face having more chemo. I know that I need to start back and the sooner the better. I pray the side effects of the taxol won't be too bad.

I have also developed lymphodema. It is a build up of fluid in my left arm and hand due to the infection. I will have to wear a glove and sleeve, but first physical therapy! One more Dr. visit to fit in my schedule.

On Monday I will see the infectious disease Dr. who is in charge of my antibiotics. Then I will see Dr. Albain and probably receive herceptin and taxol. The infusion of the drugs takes 4 hours so I will be at the hospital all day once again!

I'm still sleeping well, I have a good appetite and I'm in minimal discomfort. I'm grateful for that! I'll let you know how it goes on Monday!

Thanks for checking in!

Karen

I think it's official. Loyola has become our home away from home. I was there for 6 hours on Monday. I met with my oncologist and I can't get chemotherapy until my infection is better. I was able to get my herceptin which is a good thing.

On Tuesday I met with the surgeon. He was hoping that the infection site would look better. He cleaned up some of the dead tissue and packed it with medicated gauze. I go back today for a new dressing and again on Friday to see how things are going. I am grateful that I can sleep soundly and I have very little discomfort.

I'm very anxious to get back to school. Not sure when that will be, however. Thanks for all the fun surprises, visits, cards and well wishes. It really means alot!!

Take Care,

Karen

Hello All!

I came home from the hospital on Thursday night. I am so very glad to be home. The nurses and Drs. were wonderful at Loyola but as they say, "There's no place like home!" I have a wound where the infection is draining that must be packed daily by a visiting nurse. Then 3 times a day, I take an antibiotic through my port line. Tim and Laurie have helped learn the drill and they are very helpful.

I see the oncologist on Monday and the surgeon on Tuesday. I pray that this doesn't set me back to far with my chemo. I did not get any chemo while in the hospital. My antibiotic is very strong and I have to take it a total of 6 weeks.

I'm feeling pretty tired right now but I hope to gain strength soon. I really miss being able to teach! Thank goodness that Anne is there to keep things going!

Thanks for your continued prayers and good wishes for healing. It means alot!!

Take Care,

Karen

What a week it has been!

On Monday afternoon I went to the Loyola Emergency room on directions from my oncologist. I had a very red and hot patch under my left arm that seemed to be getting worse. I was admitted on Monday evening and here I am still waiting a week later. I have an infection that is being treated with antibiotics. However, when I came in my counts were so low that there wasn't much else they could do. So we waited. This would not be a difficult fix if I didn't have cancer. Yesterday I received another ultra sound and my wound started to ooze. This is a good sign. My body has enough power to help fight off the infection. Today I'm supposed to have the area drained and hopefully they can remove the infection. I'm really praying for that.

This has been a true test of patience. The time just creeps along here and the food is terrible! Each day I think I must be going home soon!!!!

I will let you know when I am finally released.

Karen

Hello good friends!

Sorry it's been awhile for an update. My two weeks off were nice. I was able to go to a wedding and a few other activities. I was still tired, but not as much as before.

Thursday was a marathon day at Loyola. I was there for 8 1/2 hours. I met with the Dr. and discussed the new treatment schedule. Then I was in bed getting the medicine and being observed for over 6 hours. I will be getting Herceptin every week. That takes an hour. Every other week I will get the Taxol, another chemo drug, that takes 3 hours to administer.

I had a wonderful Friday. I had energy and felt great. I got a shot at Loyola ( a white blood count booster) in the late afternoon.

Saturday was a little tough. My arthritic knees started to act up. I had difficulty sleeping because the pain was so great. Sunday I iced my knees but still am struggling with walking and pain. I think this might be from the shot. Joint pain is a side effect.

So each day is a new adventure in how my body will handle all this. Lots of surprises. Keep praying for patience and strength for me. I think I need that most!

Thanks for all your support during this long journey!

Karen

Karen

Happy Friday!

Wow! I had my last treatment in this first round of chemo yesterday! I will still take the oral medication for 6 days. Then I will be off of everything for two weeks. How nice that will be. I have a heart scan on the 10th and will see Dr. Albain on the 17th when I start part two of this journey.

I taught full days Wed., Thurs. and Fri. this week. It was great to see the kids! My energy level was not quite as high as my enthusiasm. I have decided to teach part time on Mon.-Thurs. for awhile. My good friend and substitute, Anne Coglianese will be filling in. She will do a great job with the kids. What a blessing!

Emily started her job and although very busy, she is really enjoying it! Dan started grad classes and likes his professors very much. He will have lots of studying to look forward to.

I hope you are all doing well. Thanks again for all your concern and support. It means so much!! Enjoy the weekend!

Karen

Hi All!

I thought I'd get my weekly news out early this week! I had my 14th treatment, but who's counting? I am, and that means just one more to go in this first round. I have still been quite tired and today my red blood count was on the edge. They asked about fatigue and dizziness and it was decided that I would get a blood transfusion on Saturday. They said that I should feel much better afterward. This comes at a great time since we start meetings and school next week. I am hopeful that this will turn things around for me!

Thanks for checking in!

Karen

Greetings!

I had my 13th treatment on Thursday which means only 2 to go in this first round! Dr. Albain did say that I am tired because I am nearing the end of this round. Just taking lots of naps these days. I'm hoping that the routine of school will boost my energy!

The new side effect is that I am losing my fingernails and toenails. It's so attractive. I guess that good news is that they will eventually grow back. This doesn't happen to everyone, but unfortunately it did to me! Well, on a positive note, my mouth is feeling great and I have no nausea at all.

Only one week left before we begin school. I'm excited and nervous about how this will go. I can't wait to see the kids!

Emily has finished her week of orientation and really enjoyed it. She found an apartment downtown and is anxious to move in the beginning of Sept. Dan is enjoying his last few days of vacation before starting grad school on the 24th.

I wish you all a wonderful week!

Karen

Hello All!

Yesterday was a good day at Loyola. My counts were way up and I was able to get back on my chemo treatments. Dr. Albain reduced the amount slightly because I am having something funky going on with my nails. It's always something!! I will be taking vitamin B6 and using Australian Tree Tea Oil (how about that) to help with this problem.

The good news is that the mouth sores are gone for now. Today, I'm actually feeling somewhat energetic!! I'm reminded that I have to take one day at a time. I've been stressing too much about the future. I'm working at concentrating on today. Not so easy for me, but a learning process underway!! I'm praying for patience and strength as the days go on. I only have 3 more treatments in this first cycle!

Thanks for being there for me! Don't forget to send your comments or emails. I enjoy hearing from you! Keep those prayers coming!

Love,

Karen

Happy Friday!

Well, my Loyola visit yesterday did not go as planned. My counts were borderline and my mouth sores were worse so I did not get my chemo treatment. I will be off all chemo medicine for a week. That means that we will continue with treatment #12 next Thursday if all goes well. I just skip #11. Dr. Albain assured me that this is very common at this point and it will be good for my body to have a rest from those potent drugs. This explains my major fatigue. Hopefully as my counts go up, so will my energy level. That would be great!! This sleeping all the time is not fun!

The mouth sores already seem a bit better today. I have a new numbing mouthwash (they call it a cocktail) to use before eating. It numbs the sores but also takes away some of the taste of the food.

On another note, Emily and Dan will be home on Monday. They are having a wonderful trip. They will both be moving to new places when they get back so I assume we will be busy helping them out and checking out their new digs. Emily will be looking for an apt. in the city.

Thanks for your concern and support in what has been a tougher time in the journey. Please pray for those counts to go up so I can get back on the treatment schedule next week.

Take Care,

Karen

Hello one and all!

Last week was a bit of a let down for me. I felt a lot more tired that previous weeks and napped more than usual. My Thursday treatment went well and I ended up in a chair next to my dear friend, Marj Koenig. We agreed that we have to stop meeting like this!! She is fighting a much tougher battle and can use your prayers also.

I talked to Dan and Emily on Thursday and they are having an amazing time in Europe. I look forward to many interesting stories when they get back.

Well, today is Friday and I'm feeling pretty good. Maybe the major fatigue of last week is over! Napping once a day seems to work for me! Don't want to miss out on too much, you know!

Thanks for sharing this journey with me. Have a great week!

Karen

Hello Everyone!

Well, it's hard to believe that I have only 6 treatments left in this first round of chemo. The latest side effect has been some sores on my tongue that makes eating a little difficult. The good part is that I can still taste the food, just can't eat as much. A blessing in disguise?? Otherwise, I still feel pretty good.

I am so grateful for the continued support that pushes me through each day. The cards, calls, prayers, emails, visits and opportunities for outings are very much appreciated!

Have a great week!

Karen

Sorry that I have not blogged for awhile. I've actually been busier than usual. I also seem to have a little more energy this week. That is so unpredictable, however. Last weekend I went to Candlewick Lake for a little getaway. The weather was beautiful and we had a great time. I am so glad that I feel up to doing things with my wonderful friends. So far, I have not had to miss out on too much! You know how I hate that!!

Emily and Dan left for Europe on Monday. They are going to Prague, Munich, Venice, Florence and Rome and stopping in some smaller towns along the way. Before they left, Emily was offered a job teaching math at Downers Grove North High School. She is very happy to be moving back to the area (so are her parents!) and she is excited about her new position. She will be looking for an apartment downtown.

I have completed treatment #8 out of 15 in the first round of chemo. That's over halfway! Most days it seems to be going quickly. I try to look at how far I've come and not how far there is to go! That can seem daunting.

Thanks for sharing this journey with me. Remember to comment on the blog or just email me if you get a chance. I always love getting mail.

Karen

Hello All!

Well, yesterday was a marathon day at Loyola.  I arrived at 7:30am and left around 4:30pm.  I ended up having a procedure called a port stripping.  They send a wire up through the groin to the tubing that's clogged and strip it clean.  I was awake through the procedure which was very interesting.  Of course, I wasn't looking forward to going through another ordeal, but it did work and the port will hopefully remain open for the rest of my treatments.  Dan was able to come and relieve Terri Schroeder who has been with me for both port procedures.  It was good for Dan to get to see how the chemo is administered.  I felt well enough after the long Loyola visit to go out and get a bite to eat!  Then it was home to bed!!

 Both kids are home and that always makes me happy!!  Emily had her own medical ordeal with a kidney infection.  She ended up in the ER for IV fluids and a new antibiotic.  She is doing much better now!  

The subbing on Wednesday was alot of fun.  Only one student commented on my new hair color.  She added that her mom also colors her hair!!  Too funny! 

I wish you all a happy and safe Fourth of July weekend!

Karen

Hi Everyone!

Well it's hard to believe that I have now had treatment #6.  Once again I was blessed with high counts so I am able to get my full dose of chemo.  I have had trouble with my port not working properly.  Next Thursday I have to go in for a port check.  Just one more medical procedure to experience!! 

I continue to do well except for the fatigue and now some gum issues.  I'll be checking in with my dentist next week.  I have tried to keep to a daily schedule of getting up at 7:30am and napping as needed.  I do make it a point to get out each day at least once.  Next week I will be substituting for summer school.  It's from 9-12am and I am really looking forward to it.

I hope you are all enjoying these warm summer days.  Looks like a nice week ahead.

That's all for now,

Karen

Happy Friday!

I've completed round #5 of chemo and I'm still doing very well.  Dr. Albain said I looked very healthy and my counts are great.

 

Since I seem to have energy on Fridays,  I was able to go to the Field Museum and see the Pirate's Exhibition today.  Very interesting.  We then ate at Manny's Deli recommended by Barack and Michelle Obama.  Great corned beef sandwich!

I survived the buzz.  It's definitely a weird feeling.  I am wearing my wig for outings and slowly getting used to it.  It is more comfortable to be around the house without it.  I also have some hats that work, too.  I'm sure you are all anxious to check out my new look.

I once again want to thank you all for everything from daily prayers to "weekly happys".  I can't believe how creative you are!

Take Care,

Karen

Hello Everyone!

I arrived home from Arizona and went right over to Loyola for treatment #4.  My counts are still good but I need to drink more water!!  

The Arizona trip was wonderful.  My college roommate Karen was delighted that we could visit.  We modified some of our activities so I could get that daily nap.  We went to get to the Fairmont Princess Spa where I had an amazing relaxation massage. I had no idea that you could feel that great!!!   Emily and Karen got the manicure/pedicure deluxe treatment.  We also went to the Arboretum, the Daimondback vs. Giants game, Old Scottsdale (Sue, we ate at the Sugar Bowl!), and of course the mall.  Our trip to Tucson will have to wait until next year. 

On the side effect note, my hair did start to fall out on Wednesday.  I will be going for that much anticipated buzz early next week.  Time to try some new looks.  Oh, I just can't wait!!  

That's all for now.  Thanks again for all you continued prayers and support.

You have no idea how uplifting it is!!!

Karen

It's Saturday night and I'm finally finding a moment to write.  On Thursday, I met with Dr Albain and she agreed that things are moving along well so far.  My counts are very good so I got the okay to go to Arizona.  Emily and I take an annual trip to visit her Godmother and my college roommate, Karen.  We had the tickets for a long time so I'm delighted to be going.

  I was happy that I made it to the last day of school without a problem!  There is always so much excitement that last week!  It was great to have closure with the kids.  I even made it to both staff gatherings.  You all know how I hate to miss anything.

I must admit that the last two days I have felt more tired and achy than before.  One of the side effects of the white blood count booster is sore bones.  I'm starting to get the idea of what that means.  All in all I still am amazed at how good I feel.  I'm also glad that I have a full head of hair for our trip tomorrow.  No sign of loss yet!  

I wish you all a wonderful week!

Karen

It's Tuesday and time for an update.  I am so happy that today is far different from last Tuesday.  Although I was a little tired, I had absolutely no sign of an upset stomach today!!  You have no idea how great that is.

  I stopped in at Loyola on Monday and got a compression sleeve for the arm on the side of my surgery. This must be worn when flying and if there is any sign of swelling.  I am glad to say that there is no sign of swelling but I need the sleeve for a flight to Phoenix on Sunday.  Emily and I have had tickets for 6 months.  It's our annual trip to visit Aunt Karen.  I'm feeling well enough that I can go and I plan to relax when I'm there.  Really, I will!!!! 

I am anxious to meet with Dr. Albain on Thursday.  This will be our first meeting since the chemo started.  I will let you know how that goes.

Thanks once again for all the care and concern you shower me with!!  I'm being held up by a mighty strong net.

Until next time,

Karen

Good Morning!

Well, I just woke up and realized that I slept for 10 hours.  I don't remember that happening for a very long time.  Guess I feel like a teenager again!??  My treatment on Thursday went as expected.  My counts were good and I had no reaction.  The whole process took about 2 1/2 hours.  First I get a blood test.  You then have to wait for the results.  Then they connect the IV to the port. (the port does work great!)  Then I get some pills for nausea.  .  Then you finally get the medication.  That part only takes about 20 minutes.  

Emily came in to town to take me to Loyola.  She was glad to see where and how this all takes place.  She did not, however, enjoy the needle part.  She also went with me on Friday to see the surgeon.  I finally got my release from him! (No more draining)  Dr. Dehaan was a wonderful doctor.  I was very fortunate to have had him for my lumpectomy.  

Last night Tim and I were treated to a delicious dinner.  Head chef Anna Becker with the help of Al Daleo and Emily, prepared chicken fajitas with all the trimmings.  The food was yummy and the visit was fun!  Anna also made me a Karen's chemo countdown puzzle.  Very creative!!

Other than being a little more tired than usual, I am thankfully able to continue my regular routine.  The kids at school always put a smile on my face!  Only 1 week to go.  Wow!

God really does work through those around us.  I see this every day!  What a blessing!

Take Care,

Karen

Today was a bit different for me.  I had quite a lot of nausea which has been the only uncomfortable side effect that I have had so far.  I went to Loyola this morning to get my port.  Thankfully, they gave me some good anti-nausea drugs.  The port procedure took about 3 hours.  Terri Schroeder was my driver, conversationalist, wheel chair pusher and great support!

After a good nap, I was ready to go to Naturally Yours, a wonderfully helpful place in Willowbrook, to check out their wig options.  This time my fashion consultant, Laurie Schubkegel, went along for much needed input.  I certainly didn't want to look like Bozo the Clown!!  I will go back in two weeks to have a final fitting.  You will all have to see my new look!!!

( Remember, I am very conservative!!)

Tonight I am feeling much better.  I am trying to eat smaller portions of food more often.   Maybe this will do the trick.  

That's all for now.  Tomorrow is talent sharing in my music classes.  It's always a fun and interesting day!  The children can share some kind of musical talent with their classmates.

Have a good evening,

Karen  

Hello good friends!  

It's another beautiful day.  What a blessing!  

I had my first treatment on Thursday and I can now tell you the drug regime I will be getting.  I will have a 30 minute intravenous dose of adriamycn every Thursday for 15 weeks.  I take my Cytoxan by pill each evening.  In addition, I get a shot of neupogen (to increase the white blood count) daily.  Oh, and of course there are daily anti nausea drugs several times a day.  It's quite a new schedule for me!!!  Knowing how important this all is will keep me focused.  Not one of my strong points!!!

So far I am still feeling great.  Last night I played 2 games of bags and visited with friends.  Today we visited with Emily and Dan and we talked about their trip to Europe this summer.   I do feel a bit tired by the afternoon,  so I just take a little nap!!

I pray daily for strength and I am thankful that these first few days have been almost side effect free.

I want to share a story about what happened to me after my surgeon appointment last Tuesday.  I stopped at a Starbucks and while in line, a church member came up and wished me all the best.  Then a former parent did the same.  When I went to pay for my order, the girl behind the register asked if she could pay for me.  I really didn't get it at first, but it was a totally random act of kindness!  Amazing!!!

I am overwhelmed with the kind and thoughtful ways that people have filled my days since this journey began.  

Thanks you, thank you, thank you!

P.S. If you are reading these, please feel free to comment or email me.(halterk318@att.net)

Karen

Okay, this is it.  Tomorrow I will start my chemotherapy.   We meet with Dr. Albain at 2:30 and then I will receive an intravenous dose of Adriamycin.  It will be followed by cytoxan which will be either in the IV or in a pill form depending on which arm of the clinical trial I am assigned to.

I will also find out how often I will get the chemo. ( and follow up shots for keeping my white blood count in check)  It's all a bit scarey, but it is definitely time to start to rid my body of that ugly cancer. (which still seems unreal because I feel so good!)

I know that I am in God's hands and I have the prayers and support of all my wonderful friends and family.  Thanks for that great gift!

I am taking Friday off just for the first treatment to see how I do. (which will be great!!!)  As my Aunt reminds me, I am of tough German and Bohemian stock!!

I hope you all have time to enjoy this Memorial Day weekend.  Emily and Dan will be home on Friday evening to hang out with mom and dad.  I'll love that.

Take Care,

Karen

After much prayer and investigation on the treatment options I was given, we finally made a decision.  I will be undergoing AC/TH which is an aggressive but very successful plan.  I compared the dose dense treatment (traditional administration) and the clinical trial.  It made the most sense to try the trial.  I will be carefully monitored and I can opt out at any time.  I am praying (and you can help out here) for the mildest side effects possible, but I'm trying to prepare for whatever.  I really do not like the whatever part!!!!!!!

Went wig (Cranium prosthesis??) shopping on Tuesday to get an idea of what it will be like.  Did you know that when you shoe shop you wear footies and when you wig shop they put a large footie on your head??  Oh, wait, I think it's called a skull cap.  We had a few laughs (long, straight and red does not work!!) and I have to keep looking!

I will be having a port put in sometime next week.  It's an outpatient procedure.  They say it takes about 4 hours and I get a twightlight drug.  The chemo will start on Thursday.  I'm not sure of the time I will be there, but the first time is always longer so they can monitor how you do.  

I am enjoying these days of feeling good.  I am so grateful for all the wonderful ways that people have reached out to help us at this uncertain time.  I just can't believe the net of support that I feel surrounds me.

Moocho Gracious!

Karen

What a great weekend we had!  We attended Dan's graduation on Saturday.  He was class treasurer and that entitled us to reserved seats.  Emily, Jeff, Anna and Dan's girlfriend Beth joined us.  We had a party at Dan's house after.  The boys rented a tent, tables and chairs.  We had a cookout for all the parents, grandparents and siblings that came.  One of the guys put together a very entertaining slideshow, too.   Then there were "party games" of the college sort!

Tim and I met with the oncologist, Dr. Kathy Albain, today.  She has been wonderful to us.  We are now faced with two choices for chemo options. (TCH or AC/TH)  We will make our decision soon.  You can help by praying for guidance as we evaluate each treatment.  

I continue to feel great.  My arm feels a little weird with some numbness and tightening.  I stretch often and I have almost full range of motion.  The incisions are healing well.  I still get to be drained every week.  What fun!!

Thanks for taking the time to read these entries.  You can always email or call if you have a specific question.

Have a happy week!

Karen

 

It's Wednesday evening and I want to let you know how the week is going.  I had a brain scan and a heart scan on Monday.  Yesterday I saw my surgeon, Dr. Dehaan, who aspirated the area near my incisions.  He says I'm a good fluid maker.  What that means is that I will be seeing him once or twice a week until this is done.  I sure hope it's soon!!

Today was a PET scan.  I was given an injection of glucose and radioactive dye.  This travels through the body and travels to cancer cells.  The main concern was that I had an unusual amount of lymph nodes in my chest (a possible area for cancer to travel).  I went shopping after the test and when I got home, Tim said that Dr. Albain had called.  My scan was clean!!!  No evidence of any more cancer.

On Monday, we will meet with Kathy Albain and put a treatment plan in place.  Yes, it's scarey, but it's time to start!!

Dan graduates on Saturday.  It's a weekend of celebrations.  Graduation, birthdays, Mother's Day and good test results!!

Have a blessed weekend!

Love, Karen

Time for an update!  I had a consultation with Dr. Koko from West Suburban on Thursday.  It was very informative and she was very nice.  On Friday I spent the entire day at Loyola and decided this is where I will be having my treatments.  It was an overwhelming day.  

I am scheduled to have a brain scan, pet scan and muga test (for the heart) next week.  Tim and I will meet with Dr. Kathy Albain on Monday the 11th to find out what course of chemo I will get.  Dr. Albain is from Grace church and actually sings in choir with Tim.  She is nationally recognized in the field of breast cancer studies.

We also met the radiation Dr. who I will be seeing after the chemo is done.

The difficult part for me was the reality of the length of time this will all take, the  many possible side affects that can happen (but hopefully won't!!), and the life changes that I'll have to make.  At least for now, anyway!!

I have an aggressive form of cancer, however, because of the type it is (HER2) there is very effective treatment that makes the prognosis even more promising!!  

Today I am enjoying a quiet weekend away with good friends.  It has been a lovely contrast to yesterday!!

I cannot express how much your prayers and support mean to us!  It's pulling us along on this unexpected journey that we face.  We are so blessed to have our faith, family and many wonderful friends!

That's all for now!  

Love, Karen

Hi family and friends!

I'm going to give this blogging thing a try.  When I first started this journey, I mistakenly thought that I could keep up with emails and phone calls.  I will try to give you an update as often as possible.  I'll begin with a little recap and continue from there.  

I had a lumpectomy on April 13th after a biopsy revealed a malignant tumor.  The tumor has been removed and the margins were clean.  Great!  I was not as fortunate in the lymph node testing.  9 nodes were positive for cancer.  Not so great!  I had a bone scan on the 20th and it showed no cancer.  That was really great!  The CT scan showed a few abnormalities that could be as simple as small cysts.  This doesn't seem to alarm the Drs. at this point.  

I am gathering information and I will be undergoing chemotherapy and radiation.  The exact plan is not in place yet, but I will start sometime after Mother's Day. (Dan graduates on May 9th).  

I have recovered quickly and easily from the surgery.  I missed a week of school and was very glad to return after that.  I hope to teach as much as possible in these last 6 weeks of school.

Your outpouring of support and concern is truly amazing!  I am grateful for each and every one of you.  

Keep those prayers coming!

Love, 

Karen

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