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