.: A Health Update :.

                                       Health  Update: 

Most  of you know that  I was originally diagnosed  with breast cancer in  February, 2009. I found  the lump because I  was breastfeeding our  baby at the time.  I opted for a bilateral  mastectomy and then  waited three months  for the pathology. We  learned that I have  a very rare form  of cancer called “adenoidal  cystic carcinoma.” When  found in breast tissue,  this type of cancer  does not seem to  spread. My oncologist  was thrilled to tell  us that I needed  no other follow up  treatment. 

Four  months later, I started  having pain in my  right side. I ignored  it for another few  months until I couldn’t  stand up long enough  to get dressed in  the morning. Initial  blood work and a  biopsy confirmed that  the breast cancer had  metastasized to my liver.  When we saw the  scan, we were shocked  to see that I had  very little healthy  liver.  

I  immediately began a  regimen of weekly chemotherapy  and started having Reiki  sessions thanks to a  friend. Very quickly,  the elevated liver function  numbers started dropping  and the pain went  away. I never thought  I’d be so happy  to stand at the  sink and wash a  dish! Right now, two  of my liver function  indicators are at the  high end of normal  range! When the tumors  have shrunk significantly,  and we know they  will, I will try  a fairly experimental  procedure in Louisville  that delivers chemo  drugs directly to the  liver on an outpatient  surgery basis. We’re  hoping this procedure  might even eradicate  some of the tumors.  

We  know that I will  never be cured of  cancer, and I will  also need to have  some kind of chemo  maintenance for the  rest of my life  to suppress the tumors,  but we are determined  not to live in  fear. As my wonderful  oncologist, Dr. Romond,  said, “You are not  a statistic, you’re  a person.” 

Comments

[Imene]

Stay strong and get better!!

[Maeghan]

God Bless you and my you find and keep your stength. Know that you are loved!

[Kristi]

I love that you are sharing your delicate and emotional journey with us and allowing us in. In return I hope we, as a group of women, can share some of our love and strength with you. The power of women coming together mindfully is an amazing medicine.

[Kelly]

Thank you all so much. This picture of my son makes me laugh--look at those teeth! He keeps me going every day. And you're so right, Kristi, never underestimate the power of women!

[Carla Devine]

Kelly, I admire your courage to decide not to live in fear. I just came across this quoter earlier today and thought of it when I read your update. Hope you like it.

Birds sing after a storm; why shouldn't people feel as free to delight in whatever sunlight remains to them?
Rose Kennedy
Merry Christmas, Carla

[Kathy Brown]

I am praying for you
Kathy Brown

[Francheska Anderson]

You are a true inspiration!

I found Kandyce on Facebook and just shared this with me.

I will be adding you to my daily prayers as well as our church.

My family has also been dealing with several members with stage 4 cancers, and it is so important to remember there is always hope! Keeping the faith for a cure, peace and love for you!

Francheska Andrews Anderson (your old friend from high school)

[Monica]

Hi Kelly,

Feb 2011 I also found a lump while breast feeding. The doctor told me it was just a clogged milk duct. I went back in June 2011 and saw a different doctor who sent me for a mamogram the next day. It was breast cancer. In July I found out it had spread to my liver bones and lung. I just finished my last round of chemo this week and I have a CT Scan comming up in a couple of weeks. My numbers have improved so much the doctor thinks we may not see anything on the scan. I am praying! I have a 6 year old, 4 year old and a 1 year old.

I just wanted to let you know that I know what you have been through.