Happy Spring!

I'm sorry that it has been so long since I have written. I can never thank you enough for all your prayers and support through this incredible year. It was a year ago on March 26th that I was diagnosed with cancer. Today I can say with much gratitude that I am in remission!!

There are a few remaining issues to deal with. I am on heart medication and will see the cardiologist on April 30th. I am praying that my ejection fraction will improve and I can go back on the herceptin. If not, I will find out what the next step is. My wound is still being packed and I will be seeing the surgeon soon to find out when we can finish that. I'm stiff on my left side so I need to stretch every day. The neuropathy in my toes is still a bother but seems to be getting a little better. I also need to go back to the lymphedema therapist and start working on reducing that.

During my spring break I finally began to feel much more like myself. I was able to things that I haven't done in a year and it was great! I decided to free myself of the wig which I have had since last June. My hair is VERY short but it feels wonderful. There were lots of surprised looks and comments about my "hair cut". My little friend Machai said, "Wow, you're hair is really short!" I said,"Well I wanted to look like you". He replied, "You look great!" I just love those kids.

Dan came in to visit this weekend. We shared many stories of Butler's run for the NCAA National championship. He was able to go to the last two games. What fun!

Emily got her contract renewed for next year at Downers Grove North. She loves teaching there and is glad the stressful waiting time is over.

I will blog again after I see the cardiologist at the end of the month. I would also like to ask you to keep my friend and colleague, Terri, in your prayers. She is fighting AML, a form of luekemia. We really miss her at school.

Thanks again for all you have done to help me get through this unexpectedly difficult year. You are the best!

Love,

Karen

Hi again!

Just wanted to give you an update of my Monday visits to Loyola. I have only 2 more radiation treatments to go. Two steps forward and one step back, however. I was unable to get my herceptin due to the results of my heart test. I knew this drug could have an effect on the heart but of course never thought it would happen to me!! I was told this does happen occasionally and it can reverse itself. In that case I can go back on the herceptin. I am praying for that and ask you to do so too. This relatively new drug has had excellent results in lowering chances of the cancer returning.

So I now get to go to another specialist. I will have an EKG on Thursday and see a cardiologist on Tuesday. Then Dr. Albain will reevaluate the results and we'll see what's next. She told me that she is pleased with the amount of herceptin that I've already been given. I told the girls at the chemo scheduling desk that at first I didn't want to go in and I had to. Now I want to come in for treatment and they won't let me. What's with that!!

I'm getting together with my friends from high school this weekend. Our last weekend gathering was the week after my original surgery last April. So much has happened since then! It will be great to see them.

I'll let you know when I find out more. I will still be celebrating the end of chemo and radiation!

Take Care,

Karen

Happy March!

It was so good to see the sunshine this week. I'm looking forward to spring!

I only have four treatments of radiation left. Hooray!!! My description for these last few days is OUCH! Burning and peeling on skin that isn't used to the sun just plain hurts. Thankfully, I planned on it being much worse after that infection experience. The packing part is still unpleasant, but it is done quickly. You could say that I am "hot" at this point (literally, of course)!

I love the hair growing back on my head, even though it looks to be salt and pepper. Not so happy about the leg and upper lip hair returning, however. You just don't think about some of the perks until they are over! Sorry if that's too much information.

It was one year ago this weekend that I found that unexpected lump. I can't believe a year has gone by and I've been through so much. My incredible support system of family, friends and medical staff have been such a blessing. God is good!!!

I meet with my oncologist on Monday and radiologist on Tuesday. I will let you know what they say about follow-up procedures and where I am medically at this point.

What a journey!

Karen

Hello Everyone!

Today was my 22nd radiation treatment. That means only 12 to go. This is an exciting countdown!! I saw my Dr. today and he said things are going very well. My skin has broken down in several places which is painful at times, but I am using neosporin and gobs of lotion regularly as directed. I also got a prescription for something a little stronger which I will get tomorrow.

The worst part of this has been that darn old wound from the infection. The packing of one of the holes was getting terribly painful. Dr. Godellas, who is watching the wound, came down from surgery to radiology to see me. (He also saw me at our Big Hearts concert when he came to hear his daughter sing!) He said the wound looks good considering that radiation delays healing. Now Tim only has to pack the less painful of the two holes and we can let the other one close up. Hurray!!!!!

Last Friday we were able to go out to dinner at Roy's downtown with Emily and Dan. We had a great time catching up. When we got home we watched old videos of when the kids were little. Yes, we laughed alot!

That's all for now,

Karen

Greetings friends!

Well I can't believe that I am halfway through radiation. They tell you it will go by quickly which at the time seems hard to grasp. I have 17 treatments left. So far I only have a very sore spot about the size of a silver dollar near my neck. The rest of the area is starting to turn light pink but nothing too bad yet! Last week my radiologist told me they were having difficulty lining me up for treatment on the machine. Instead of one tech, he wanted me to have two. Naturally, I can't just be the norm! This means going at lunch each day instead of after school. The traffic is better and the teachers are very helpful if I need to switch a class time. It's a long day, but I come home and nap and get to bed early. I seem to have a decent energy level so far.

Once again, it's a blessing to be so close to Loyola. One of the women I met during chemo now comes in daily from Palatine.

I got through my Valentine programs and the kids did well as always. It felt great to get home on Friday and just relax. In August I couldn't even imagine that I would be able to get through all the programs this year. All those prayers certainly helped!

Tim is still packing that darn wound twice a day. It's closed up quite a bit but still has a way to go. The radiation will probably delay the healing process. I am looking so forward to being done with that!

Thanks again for the many kind ways that you have reached out to me during this battle,

Karen

Happy Super Bowl Sunday!

I've been in bed all day catching up on my sleep and trying to get rid of a nasty cough and cold. Unfortunately, I have to miss great Super Bowl party too! Next week will take all the stamina I can gather. It's the big Kdg. Valentine performance week. I have dress rehearsals on Mon. and Tues. and programs on Wed., Thurs. and Fri. Needless to say I am very much looking forward to next weekend.

Week #2 of radiation went just fine. They of course are having a little problem lining me up due to the changes that packing my wound makes. That darn infection!! It means they have to take more pictures than usual because they are being extra cautious. So far the only effect I have is a little rash near my neck. I'll talk to the doctor tomorrow about it. I will see him every Monday. I'm in the routine of driving daily to Loyola. The wonderful people that I work with are very helpful making sure I get going on time.

10 treatments down and 24 more to go. I love counting down!

Have a great week!

Karen

Hello to all you faithful followers!

I started radiation last Monday. I have gotten into the routine of going right from school and I get home between 4:15 and 4:30. This gives me time to get a nap in. Thankfully they are always on time, unlike the chemo center. I see the doctor each Monday. I don't feel anything during the treatment. They say that I will get anywhere from pink to burnt as time goes on. I lotion up generously twice a day. (After the continued packing of the wound of course!) I may also feel more fatigued with more treatments but I'm hoping that's not bad. I had 5 doses last week so I only have 29 more to go!!

I'm now on a daily hormonal therapy drug called femara. I am happy to say I've had no side effects from this. I will be taking this for 5 years. Wow!!! I also still get herceptin through my port every three weeks. I also see the oncologist at that time. The next visit is March 8th. Things are moving along. It's hard to believe that it will be a year in March that I've been dealing with all of this. Once again I say thank you, thank you, thank you for all your concern and support in so many ways! What a blessing to have such caring family and friends.

I'll try to update you again after I get through another week.

Take Care,

Karen

Oh, I forgot to say that my eyebrows are back and the lashes are coming in. It really does make a difference!

Happy New Year!

I'm praying that 2010 will be much less eventful in the medical realm. Last week I saw all my doctors. Dr. Albain (oncologist) prescribed the drug femara as my hormone therapy. I will take this for 5 years because my cancer was estrogen positive. Of course there are many possible side effects and I'm praying for none!! I also had my 3 week dose of herceptin. No side effects from that thank goodness.

Next, I saw the infectious disease doc. He said I am infection free and he released me from his care. He was a really nice man who was very informative.

Tuesday it was the radiologist and the surgeon together. They decided that it is okay to start radiation even with the open wound because it is now healing more quickly. They also ordered a mammogram which sounded just awful. It actually went well and was less painful than my annual screens. I think the area is still numb from surgery! They read the pictures right away and everything looks good so far. Yeah!!

I learned about the radiation process and all the many possible side effects. They make this as scary as possible because they must tell you everything patients have experienced, even if the chance is 1%. Let's pray that these are minimal. Tomorrow I get a cat scan that will give them the information they need to figure out exactly where the radiation will be administered. I will get tattoos ( very small ) to mark the spots. I've had several suggestions as to the kind of tattoos I should get, however, the standard issue is a small dot.

I've had a wonderful holiday with few appointments. Now I have to gear up for daily radiation (Mon.-Fri.) which will last for 6 1/2 weeks. I will find out tomorrow when I actually start. It seems overwhelming until I think about what I've already done. Hopefully I will have the energy to continue full time, at least until my Valentine programs on Feb. 10th, 11th and 12th.

That's all for now. Thanks goodness it looks like we will get warmer weather later this week!

Take Care,

Karen

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