Day 1096. Three years.  Three incredible years! My heart is full of gratitude for the privilege of these three years.  Stephie graduated from college and I was there!  Tom played NWAAC and D1 baseball and I was there!  She will get married next year and I will be there!  He will graduate from college next year and I will be there.  Every day is a blessing to be here.  Life is SO GOOD and I am blessed beyond measure.

 

Thank you, everyone, for sharing this incredible detour and the adventures of returning to life's main road with me.  I would not be here without your love and prayers.  

 

As I type this, an amazing thunderstorm is roaring outside my window.  A wild reminder that the storms came and despite the frightening forecast, the storms eventually passed and we saw the morning light again.

 

For a little nostalgia, here is my first post on the detour three years ago...

 

http://teamsimpsonblog.blogspot.com/2013/08/day-1-toughest-day-thursday-august-15.html

 

I am reminded of the words of Stewart Scott:
"When you die, it does not mean you lose to cancer.  You beat cancer by how you live, why you live, and the manner in which you live... So LIVE!!"

 

I cannot close this post without acknowledging the many friends that did not get three years, did not see their child graduate, did not see their boy play baseball.  To Lyn, Julie, Holly, and far too many others, I try to live in such a way that you are honored in how I live.  I did not fight harder than you and I do not know why I am here and you are not. But I will make the very most of my days because I am living them, in part, for you. And I pray for the day when cancer will not take another mother, daughter, sister, or friend.

 

Day 523 Anxiety Alarm: Worries about Recurrence

January 20, 2015 ~~~ Special Note:
Great News!!  This afternoon the ultrasound results came back and my oncologist called.  There are some issues with my thyroid and throat, but they don't appear to be IBC (inflammatory breast cancer) related. No one wants cancer, but the worst cancer is Stage 4 cancer. Thus, I am so grateful to have my oncologist refer me back to the ENT and Endocrinology. 

Below are my unedited thoughts before I knew the results.  Perhaps it will give you some insight into the worries that race through a cancer survivor's mind when medical troubles brew...

January 17, 2015
This update is being written before I'm willing to post it.  Just thinking about the possibility of recurrence is frightening.  But, before we know whether I'm having a recurrence (the return of cancer), I wanted to jot down my thoughts.

Right after Thanksgiving, I developed a nagging sore throat just on my left side.  By shortly before Christmas, it became so annoying that I begrudgingly went to urgent care.   Urgent Care diagnosed me with strep throat.  Made sense, except that I didn't have a fever and the pain was only on one side.  But, the initial strep test was positive.  So, I was given antibiotics and told to see my doc if things didn't get better. Well, things didn't get better so I called my regular doc.  They referred me to an Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT) specialist.

The ENT 'scoped' my throat and diagnosed me with a "weird" but non-threatening case of carotidynia.  This is when the sheath of the carotid artery's bifurcation point is inflamed. She prescribed a heavy-duty anti-inflammatory and said I would feel a lot better in a few days.  Well, a few days later I wasn't feeling better but had a check-up with my oncologist so mentioned it to him.  He has ordered an ultrasound of the head/neck/thyroid to either verify the ENT's diagnosis or work more on the puzzle.  Ultrasound is Monday (January 19th).

Gotta say that I'm very nervous.  In fact, that is an understatement.  The thought of going through treatment again is just scary to think about. But I know we need to get answers.  Sore throats on one side don't just linger for 8 weeks without a reason. Hopefully, this is simple and not cancer.  Whatever it is, we will prevail.  Stewart Scott said it best in his ESPY Speech about a year ago, "You beat cancer by how you live, why you live, and in the manner in which you live.  So live!"  If you have six minutes, he is inspiring...

Because this is potentially serious and I promised the kids, from the start, that I would keep them in the loop; I told them.  I hate worrying them with unknowns.  That was hard.  But, we are all optimistic.  I'm hoping my doc is just being cautious and that the anti-inflammatory drugs are just slow to kick in.  We find out Monday.  The doc promised to call me as soon as he gets the results on Tuesday.   

In the mean time...

Day 407 -FINALLY!! A Real Hair Cut!!

My first real haircut in more than a year...   Life is good!

Day 395 - My First Sprint Triathlon

THE TRI-TURTLE-TRI

Last February, my friends, Paula and Mary, challenged me to participate in the Tri-Turtle-Tri, which is a local sprint Triathlon.  Paula and Mary are the best Tri-Buddies (and co-workers).  They encouraged me, laughed with me, motivated me, and never doubted that I could do it. My goals were simple... To finish and to not finish last.

I started training in about mid-April.  With radiation done and the body healing, it was time to start regaining muscle. By the end of May we were even doing lake swims.  I love lake swims.  The lake is so much nicer than the pool.

Things were going along well until mid-July, when my left foot's plantar fasciitis decided to try and stop me from doing the Tri.  Big shout-out to Melissa and Lindsey at the Center for Orthopedic and Lymphatic Physical Therapy.  They kept the plantar fasciitis down to a dull enough roar that I could do the Tri and I especially appreciated the conversations about "stupid pain".  "Stupid pain" is the pain you have to endure when you do things that you know you shouldn't do but you are too stubborn to listen or find an alternative plan.

So, in order to avoid "stupid pain", I had to come up with an alternative way to do the run/walk. Big thanks to Craigslist and the Tri-Turtle-Tri god (Lisa).  Lisa graciously allowed me to do the run/walk portion using a "knee scooter" and Craigslist helped me find one that was 'hurky' enough for the adventure.  Yes, I did the 3.4 mile run/walk portion using a knee scooter.  Actually, I did the route twice... once on race day and once the weekend before so that we knew it was 'doable'.

Well, Sunday, September 14, 2014 was the Tri-Turtle-Tri.  To say I was a little nervous was an understatement.  Big Shout-Out to Stephanie who arrived in time to see me start the swim.  Both kids were there by the time I was transitioning from the bike to the run/walk/knee-scooter portion. Steph, Tom, Mary, Paula, Karen, and several others were there to greet me at the finish.  In fact, the kids already had all my stuff packed up and put in the truck. 

The look on my childrens' faces as they congratulated me were priceless. If I could see a thought bubble above Tom's head, I think it would have read something like, "Wow, if Mom can do this then I think she is really going to be ok." Yup, I think I'm really going to be ok, too.  :-)

I finished 338th out of 339 finishers. Big shout-out to Sue Billings, who was 339.  For next year, my goal is to beat Paula and Mary to the finish line so that I can congratulate them right when they finish!!

Oh, and I have a slightly used knee-scooter, with very low miles, for anyone who has an excuse as to why they can't do something. 

Day 360 - A Special Thank You Poem



Family Time - July 2014

 

“Lessons from the Detour”

Someday you’ll face a mountain
That seems taller than your faith.
You’ll look to God for answers,
Relying on His grace.

He may not answer quickly.
You might wonder if He’s there.
But His Spirit lights the pathway
And you know that He still cares.

You want to cry in anger.
You want to cry in pain.
But then He sends a neighbor,
With laughs and pie… again.

August 2014- Yak Attack!

You worry about your children
Because they’re worried too.
And God inspires your favorite daughter
To insist to go with you.

Your heart is nearly broken
As you see the toll upon your son.
And then God sends his baseball coach
On game day number one.

While the road was tough and daunting,
I was never on my own.
He even sent me online friends
Who are the best sisters I have known!

August 2014 - Life is Good!

The doctors were amazing.
The nurses even more.
And who’d of thought when this got started
Such a blessing was in store.

And now that treatment’s finished,
And life returns to somewhat norm.
I bow my head with gratitude
For the lessons from the storm.

I hope to not repeat this.
And yet I know for sure.
Whatever plan He has for me,
I know I can endure.

But enduring isn’t living.
I shall not live in fear.
For every moment’s precious,
And each day of life I’ll cheer.

Last Day of Active Treatment - August 2014

This poem was a hard one
To open up and share.
But I wrote it to say Thank you,
To God and each of you who care!

I could not do it all myself
Even if I wanted to.
So, “Thank You” Heavenly Father
And Thanks to each of you!

Day 219 - A Bell to Ring in Spring!



What a wild 219 days since diagnosis!  Last radiation treatment was yesterday. "Ringing-Out" also signaled the conclusion of the big three... four months of chemo, BMX surgery, and six weeks of radiation. Feeling great!  Prognosis is great!  And Spring has sprung!

Thank You!

Chemo, Check. Surgery, Check. Radiation, Check. Gratitude for all of you who have shared this journey with me, prayed, helped, and given me the courage and the faith to ring the Bell today... Triple Check!! I could not have done it without all of you.Thank you!!

 

Every cancer patient deserves a great outcome. But so many are not as fortunate as I am. So, instead of feeling deserving, I am simply so grateful for it and for all of you who have made such a difference in this detour.



Today is such a glorious day outside! My heart is so happy that it is bursting out light and warmth across the entire NW!!

 

And, I get to do two of my favorite things today... First, I am going to watch Tacoma Community College (Go Tom!) play Everett Community College (Go Kevin!) in a baseball game.  Then, I'm off to the airport for a vacation... to watch a little Spring Training (Go Mariners!), do a little kayaking, and absorb some real vitamin D.

 

Big shout out to Steph and Tom.  You have been incredible through this whole experience.  I am so proud of you both.  My greatest joy in this life is the honor to be your mom.

 

Big Shout out to Heavenly Father.  Words fail me, but you know my heart is full of gratitude.

Life is good. Keep hope alive!

Day 209 - Triple Plays... Life is Good, Radiation is Almost Done, and it is Baseball Season!!

Just a brief update to let ya'll know that things are going really well.  Finished treatment #22 and #23 of 30 daily radiation treatments today. It was double-dose day (6 hours apart) because the table broke one day in the second week of treatment (I did not break it... I was not even in the building!) and we opted to double-dose one day instead of adding an extra day on at the end.

 

My doctors are amazed at how well I am doing.  I tell them that they underestimated the power of the prayers of my friends and family. Thank you, everyone, for your prayers and good thoughts!!

Last weekend I was feeling so good that I followed Tom's team (TCC) all the way to Pendleton and Walla, Walla. It was so nice to get away and just enjoy a 'normal' Simpson style March weekend.

Had a great time watching Tom and his team play. They won 3 out of 4 games and the sun even peaked out a time or two.  BONUS... for only the second time that I can recall in 14 years of watching baseball, I got to see a triple-play!  Way to go, Titans!!

Day 161 - Surgery and a Perfect Pathology Report!

After the storm comes the rainbow.  What a wild several months of storms and rainbows!

Surgery ...

Surgery went exceptionally well on Thursday, January 16th. The day started with us at the hospital at 5:15am for pre-surgery prep.  By 7:15 or so, I was meeting briefly with the surgeon before going to the operating room.  She set the tone by offering up a sincere prayer that God would guide her hands and her team that day for the best possible outcome.  My blood pressure went down about 20 points with her prayer.  Grateful for a surgeon that knows God and calls upon Him for help.

Surgery went well.  It was time consuming (ended about noon) and that was tough on the kids.  Thankful for Nora, John, and Troy for being there for Steph and Tom.  I woke up about 12:15.  Remember feeling remarkably "ok".  Saw Steph and Tom and then went back to sleep.  Don't remember much else about Thursday, except my room didn't have windows.  By Saturday, I was home resting. 

Back to the Hospital

Was really feeling great, resting at home.  In fact, I was telling friends that I was amazed at how well things felt.  Then the Seahawks game started.  GO HAWKS!  Tom was a few blocks away watching the game with his usual crowd at the Whatleys.  In the middle of the first quarter I started feeling a little queezy and decided to take my temp.  Mild, mild fever 100.0.  As the game progressed, so did my fever.  by the end of the game my fever was 102 and I knew I had to call the doc and would be in the ER for the evening.  Called Tom and asked him to come home.  Called the doc.  Agreed to go to St. Joe's ER.

Once at the ER, I was admitted with an infection in my right side's incision.  The infection responded quickly to antibiotics.  By the morning, my fever was gone.  But my blood work was wonky so I was staying for a bit.

Special shout out to my son, Tom, who took me to the ER and made sure they stayed on track in treating me and getting me up to a room.  For a young man put in such difficult situations these past few months, I'm proud of his maturity and priorities.

 

Special shout out to those who came and visited in the hospital and 'pink'd' up my room with nail polish, hats, and even a pink wrench.

 

Final note on the hospital stay... Technology is pretty cool.  But be careful.  That portable WI-FI EKG monitor is also a tracking GPS.  The nurses know where you go.  We had to negotiate a Diet-Pepsi walk/escape to the 1st floor.

KCA Pathology Report

On Tuesday night, the doc called to tell me about my pathology report.  We got the best possible report!!  An A+.  Lots of dead cancer cells and zero live cancer cells!!  Chemo and the good cells won!!  We KICKED CANCER'S ARSK!!  I cannot tell you how humbling it feels to have so many people praying for success and then to see that success!!  I am so grateful for the power of prayer and the good karma our friends and family enveloped around us the past few months. 
 

 

Sure made the chemo worth it!!

 

Doc still wants 7 weeks of radiation to sweep up any possibility of cancer cells that survived. It only takes one.  Was a little disappointed in that, but it is worth it to get the best chance of not having to go down this road again.

Back Home - On the Mend

Been trying to be patient and rest a lot.  Was doing a good job until Friday night.  Went to the Wolves Basketball game (at home, against CK).  Enjoyed half the game and then headed home for more rest.  Found out later that the Wolves won!  GO WOLVES!!

 

Big shout out to everyone who helped this week and there were so many of you!!  Visits, meals, phone calls, texts, and messages.  You are wonderful!!

 

More later.  Right now, just so grateful for optimistic prospects of many more years to enjoy my family, my friends, and the gift of life.  Thank you, everyone, for sharing this journey with us and for your love and support. 

Day 150 - Countdown to Surgery

First, I have to say how wonderful it is to be past chemo!  It was so invigorating to go to the infusion center on Friday for only 90 minutes (to get the non-chemo Herceptin infusion) instead of 4 hours.  Then to wake up Saturday morning and not have to get the bone-crushing Neulasta shot.  And today (Sunday) to wake up feeling so good!!  Yahoo!! 

 

Next up is surgery on Thursday.  I have a big favor to ask.  Wear something pink on Thursday, January 16th and keep us in your prayers.  Then, whenever we see pink on Thursday, we will remember that you all have our back and are praying for us.  We have to be at the hospital at 5:15am and surgery actually starts around 7:15 or so.  Big thanks to Nora, John, and Troy, for sitting with Steph and Tom.  I am so grateful that the kids have such great support too!

I am content with the decision to have a double mastectomy even though the cancer is only on the left side (right now).  I don't want to have to go through this again in a couple of years and as I complete treatment, I think it will give us the greatest chance for success.  Besides, I'm going to take up running and don't want to run lopsided.  ;-)

 

Will only be in the hospital a day or two.  Then two weeks of recovery at home, a week of teleworking part-time from home (or Leslie's house if I'm up for the drive), and then another week of teleworking full-time before returning to the office in mid February.

 

Big thanks to Paula Peterson and my work friends for volunteering to bring in meals and to Naomi Polen for coordinating 'check-on-Kathy' visits the week after surgery.  It is so humbling to be blessed with so many kind and caring friends and neighbors.  Please keep up the continuing prayers and good thoughts.  I feel the power and strength of your prayers and good thoughts every day as we work through this detour.

 

I am a little worried about being arrested after surgery.  Right now, when I walk into a public women's restroom with my bald head, I often get a second look from older ladies and small children... even when I'm carrying my purse!  An older lady was frightened by me yesterday and informed me I was in the wrong restroom.  I lifted my hat and said, "It is ok. It is chemo, not a sex change".

 

Well, after surgery, I won't have 'the other' visible clue that I'm female.  My neighbor Silvia was listening to me bemoan my dilemma yesterday during the Seahawk's game (GO HAWKS!!) and brought by a beautiful pink hat with a ribbon on it today.  Thanks, Silvia!!  Sargent Donna won't be able to arrest me now.  ;-)

  

About a month after surgery I will start radiation treatments.  Right now, the surgeon is saying 7 weeks of daily radiation (Monday-Friday).  That could change with the pathology report from the surgery.  Radiation scares me more than surgery.  I know it is a somewhat baseless fear, but I'm still wondering what happens if I sneeze during the procedure?!?!?

 

Even while going through this, I am reminded daily of how blessed we have been. From having good insurance, to great doctors, to great friends, and children that are old enough understand and who can drive and be independent... my detour seems so much easier than many of those I have met in recent months.  I pray for them and for their families, just as I know they are praying for my family.  I cherish every day as an opportunity to be here to tell my kids that I love them and to share the simple moments of life.  There is no greater joy than family.  It is no wonder that Heavenly Father established the family as the center of society.  As David O. McKay (an LDS Prophet) once said, "No other success can compensate for failure in the home".
 

So thankful for the maturity Steph and Tom have had during all this. No parent could be more proud than I am of them.  To the right is a great picture taken in May of Tom and I at the 2013 State Baseball Championships.  Big thanks to Coach Logue and his wife, Natalie, for sending it to me!!

 

 

Day 140 - Dear Santa...

Thank you for Christmas joy in 2013.

Just thought I'd submit my very short list early for 2014.  All I want for Christmas in 2014 is to be NED and NEED... No Evidence of Disease and NEED a Haircut!!  ;-)

This video was such an uplift today....

Day 134 - I LEARNED THAT I KNOW THAT I AM...

Thought I would share a modified version of a post I made in an online group today.  It seems a bit self-congratulatory, but I don't mean it as that.  I mean it as insight as to how my life has evolved over these past few months.  I would never want cancer to define me.  But I do have to acknowledge that this experience is seriously evolving me...

~~~~~~~~~~~

In August, I thought Christmas was SO far away.  Now chemo is done, I am still here, and I LEARNED that I am stronger than cancer!  In three weeks, I'll have a surgery that I couldn't even start to think about in August.  Now it is nearly here and I KNOW that I am stronger than cancer.  In a few more weeks, I'll start 7 weeks of daily radiation treatments and I won't bolt from the room because I LEARNED THAT I KNOW THAT I AM stronger than cancer.  My cancer will NOT survive 2014, but I WILL!!

 

This has been the hardest challenge of my life. To stay composed and positive has taken all of my energy and effort.  But I have succeeded.  They say that you never know how you will react when life throws you a curve ball.  Now I know.  I've got my eye on it and I'm going to hit that damn ball over the fence!  I'm not settling for a single, a double, or even a triple.  Home run, baby!!  Frankly, it has to be a home run because I can't run fast enough right now to get around the bases with anything else.  ;-)

 

This is scary stuff.  I'm terrified sometimes.  But I am HERE and for every day that Heavenly Father gives me, I will rejoice in another day to tell my kids I love them.  This isn't about what we have lost... the hair, the breasts, the spontaneity... this is about every day being a day to rejoice that WE ARE STRONGER THAN CANCER because WE ARE HERE!!

 

Not sure what has come over me today... but it feels really good!!  ;-)

~~~~~~~~~~

Day 133 - Looking forward to 2014 and Beyond

Well, December 20th was a good milestone... the sixth and final chemo is now behind me.  I was a little worried it was going to be delayed because I developed a pretty common side effect (in later stages of chemo) called 'edema' last week, where the legs and feet swell to Pillsbury Dough Boy proportions.  I'd put up a couple of pictures, but it would make a few of you gun shy of reading here again.  ;-)  Things are much better now.  Feet are back to normal size and my ankles are once again distinguishable from my calves.

 

So grateful and proud of Steph and Tom for accompanying me to each chemo session.  I know it wasn't easy for them but they endured and were always cheerful.  On the right are a set of earrings Stephie gave me for Christmas.  Love them!

 

From January thru August, I will still go in for an infusion every three weeks, but it will only be for Herceptin and it will only take about an hour (instead of the 3.5 hours the carboplatin-taxotere-Herceptin regime took).  Carboplatin and Taxotere were chemo drugs. They are the ones with side effects that made me sick and lose my hair.  So, while I appreciate their hard work, I'm glad we are parting company!  So long, Carbo and Taxo warriors!!  Thanks for being my chemo heroes!!

 

Herceptin is a non-chemo drug that blocks the feeding and/or multiplying of any cancer cells that may have survived the carboplatin and taxotere assaults.  The theory is that if there are still cancer cells alive, they won't be able to replicate before they die of starvation.

 

On January 16th, I will have a bilateral mastectomy.  On the right side, it will be a simple mastectomy, since the surgeon will take all of the breast but won't be taking any more lymph nodes than are already part of my right breast.  On the left side (the cancer side), it will be a 'modified radical' mastectomy.  The surgeon will take all the left breast material and lymph nodes extending up into my left armpit because the cancer invaded that far on my left side.

 

Recovery will be about a month.  I'm planning on zero activity the first week (really!).  At about two weeks, I will slowly start to resume normal activities... slowly... I promise....  ;-)

 

About mid-February, I will also start daily radiation treatment for 7 weeks.  This intimidates me quite a bit.  I understand surgery.  I don't understand radiation as well. 

 

Also about mid-February, I should start seeing real hair return.  By late Spring I should have a crew-cut's worth.  YEAH!!  Much as I've loved and appreciated the hats from friends, I have really missed looking 'normal' with hair.  While I've gotten used to this bald look, it makes me look like something is wrong and far more is right than wrong!  To the left is a recent picture.  Being bald has been tough.  But, if it gives me 20 more years to tease, love, and harass my children... I'd be willing to be bald forever.

 

Thank you, everyone, for your prayers and support.  I am so grateful!  I am also very thankful for my online friends who are going through the same things I am at the same time.  They are a wonderful group of ladies who are inspiring and confident that we are all going to KICK CANCER'S ARSK IN 2014!!

 

For those of you wondering what happened to walking, I promise to be back at it in early February.  Exhaustion set in and I have just been managing to hang on for the ride for the past few months.  Looking forward to getting out there with you!!

 

May your New Year be joyful and full of love, laughter, family, and friends.  I plan on 2014 being a year full of victories!!

Day 103 - Surgery on the Horizon

Met with the surgeon today (Dr. Clark).  Surgery is scheduled for January 16th, about 4 weeks after the last round of chemo (December 20th).  Glad to have it on the calendar, even though it is very intimidating.  It will be a double radical mastectomy and they will also take out the cancer infected lymph nodes.

About a month after surgery, I'll start a 7 week regime of daily radiation treatments. There will be a one week break about mid-way through so that I can get some Vitamin D therapy in Arizona (Spring Training) .

 

I've been highly focused on getting through the chemo and put thinking about the surgery on the back-burner so I wasn't overwhelmed.  The past couple of weeks, as I was preparing for the discussion with the surgeon, I knew there were some heavy decisions to be made...

 

Single side surgery since on the left side has cancer or double in order to reduce the chance of recurrence?  Reconstruction expanders put in during the initial surgery or wait until later?  My priority has to be the best chance of being long-term cancer free. 

 

It comes down to a simple equation.  How I will look is far less important to me than being alive to enjoy my children and grandchildren.  It is as simple as that.  Special shout-out to Carol and Leslie for letting me talk this out tonight and helping me laugh, cry, count my many blessings, and feel confident in the way ahead.

 

A side note:  A kind friend was visibly bummed for me today that I have chemo tomorrow and will be chemo-sick over the Thanksgiving weekend.  While I appreciated her love and concern, in my mind, I am trading this Thanksgiving for 20 more down the road. Seems like more than a fair trade.  Happy Thanksgiving!!

 

Heavenly Father is in charge.  I have faith in Him.  I have great friends and family.  Life is good!

 

Day 90: The Beat Goes On

Just a short note to let everyone know that I'm still doing fine.  Round 4 was last Friday.  So, we are 2/3's of the way through chemo.  Yeah!  Each round seems to get a little worse than the last, but it is still manageable.  Thank you, everyone, for your prayers, good thoughts, walks, hats, food, and simple conversation.  I am so blessed with so many wonderful friends.

The post-chemo road ahead will start to be more specifically mapped out in the coming weeks.  By Thanksgiving I will have met with Dr. Clark, the surgeon, again. We will hopefully firm up the surgery date and details.  I'm looking forward to getting this stuff on the calendar  and making more progress.

Keep the prayers and good thoughts headed this way!  They are keeping me in good spirits and primed for the fight!

Day 67 - Half Way Through Chemo

Round 3 of Chemo was on Friday, October 18th. The half-way point for Chemo.  Yeah!!  Stephie was my escort for the day.  She is so calm, easy going, and mature.  I am amazed at how well both kids are handling this and am thankful for their friends who are so supportive of them.

The doctors changed up my nausea medications and this round seems to be easier than Round 2.  Very happy about that because Round 2 was really tough. Speaking of medications, I've gone from taking a single multivitamin two months ago to taking as many as 10 different types pills at a time now.  Treatment seems to be effective.  In the next month or so there will be more scans to see just how effective and where the 'margins' will be for surgery. 

 

Super Big Shout-Out to the Keatings and Margot Rustad for their secret surprise! They put up a "Walk with Kathryn Simpson" facebook page to coordinate walking AND made shirts for Team Simpson walkers!  Wow!! Shocking that so many of my friends could keep a secret that long too. ;-)

The link to the walking page is below:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/1387873961442846/
If you want to join, just let me know and I'll add you.

Lots of folks are asking if I'm able to go to work.  Fortunately, the answer is, "Yes!" (most of the time).  I usually take Monday and Tuesday off after Chemo and can go to work from Wednesday or so until the next round.

In January, I will have to take 3 weeks off for surgery and recovery so I am trying not to use any more leave than absolutely need to during chemo.

My boss and co-workers are very supportive and I am grateful to be able to keep my job through this.  In fact, I even got a special accommodation for a heater in my cubicle to help me stay warm and healthy.  And, we have banned all germs on the 1st floor. ;-)

Over the Columbus Day weekend, I flew out to Boise to visit my friend Leslie (and her husband DJ).  Had a great time just relaxing and hanging around with them.  Great to get away for a few days. Thanks, Leslie and DJ!!
 

Day 44 Part 2 - Blessings and Tender Mercies

Blessings and Tender Mercies come in many forms...

 

Tom was my escort at Round 2.  We were both hungry, so I sent him to the cafeteria immediately after they had me in my recliner to get us some breakfast.  He isn't a fan of needles, so I didn't want him to have to watch them access the port.  Unbeknownst to either of us, my oncologist was also in the cafeteria.  They struck up a brief conversation because Tom was wearing an SK shirt and Dr. Senecal's kids went to Bellarmine Prep (the two teams were playing each other last night).  So, about 30 minutes later, when I met with the Doctor, they already knew each other a little.  I think that made Tom more comfortable that my doctor was human and personable.  As my friend, Rebecca, would say, Go God!! 

 

The other happy 'coincidence' was that Antone, Tom's assistant baseball coach at Narrows, happened to have chemo yesterday too and the office scheduled him in the seat right next to us.  It let Tom have some great conversation, see that Antone was getting better, and he just had someone to relate to that made him more comfortable.  I said a little prayer of Thanks.  Such blessings are small testimonies that Heavenly Father knows our needs and sends small, but powerful, tender mercies our way.

Day 44 - Survivor at Hope

So much to write about today.  I'll have a morning post and one later tonight.

Yesterday was Round 2 of Chemo.  True to my commitment, I did NOT bolt out of the room.  Round 2  was so much easier. I knew what was going to happen and was better prepared mentally for the day ahead.  Big shout out to my favorite son, Thomas, for spending the whole morning with me.

Today, I drove down to Tacoma to get the follow-up Neulasta shot.  As I was waiting for my shot this morning, I played around with the "Kids at Hope" pledge, which is near and dear to my heart, and reworded it for Cancer Survivors.  Let me know what you think.  Naomi suggested "patient" instead of  "survivor".  What do you think?

Yesterday, my chemo appointment was concurrent with my doctor's appointment.  So, after they had me all hooked up and dripping KCA Cocktail into my body, I wheeled my IV to the doctor's exam room and met with Dr. Senecal.  Tom came with me and listened for most of it.  I asked him to leave the room for the actual exam.  He was very quick to agree.  ;-)

GREAT NEWS!!The KCA Cocktail has the cancer scared, dying, and on the run already!  Way to go, KCA Soldiers!! The upside of having some of the cancer areas visible is that we can see if it is expanding or in retreat.  Those cancer cells are dying like fruit flies hit with the right kind of RAID and a strong cold front!!  That was powerful to my hope-o-meter, yesterday!

Lary Copolla posted a great quote that I've seen before, but that has taken on special meaning this past 44 days.  "God gives us only what we can handle.  Apparently God thinks I'm a bad-a**".  While I'm usually not one to mix God and bad-a** in the same sentence, I'm going to risk it because I know from life experiences that God has a sense of humor.  :-)

Symbolic of how much better Round 2 went... Remember in Round One where my blood pressure was 165/something and I ripped off the BP cuff and bolted from the room?  Well, in Round 2, my blood pressure was only 111/75.  I bet most of you healthy runners my age don't have such enviable BP. 
 

 

Day 42 - Eve of Round 2

Round 2 of KCA tomorrow morning.  Glad that Tom is going with me.  Steph is headed out of town for a couple of days, but left me this really sweet note..

 

Big shout out to the great folks at www.breastcancer.org.  If you are ever in this situation and need a place to talk to others going through the same thing, I highly recommend their discussion groups.  Conversing with others who are going through exactly what I am has been very uplifting and comforting.  There is even a group for people that just started chemo this month, so we journey through this together.  Wonderful ladies who are juggling the same things I am... family, faith, fears, work, and hope.



Some frustrating news this week.  Spoke to the doctor and he said that I'll have to be on the Herceptin (one of the KCA cocktail drugs) for a full year. So, I thought the infusions would end on December 20th, but apparently not.  It has taken a few days for my paradigm to shift on that news.

September 25, 2013

 

The good news is that the Herceptin is the least side-effect riddled drug of the three and it doesn't cause hair loss.  Speaking of my hair, it is completely gone now.  Here are a couple of 'contrast and compare' pics.  I was surprised that it was actually very painful as the hair was falling out.  After two days of pain and mange, it shaved off very easily.  It was nice not to have the pain when I touched my head (like a thousand needles stabbing my scalp), but I have to admit that it was a little discouraging.  But, I expect to be back to my short summer haircut by July or so.  Just in time for the 5K Foam Fest!



June 2013

Speaking of support, I just can't say enough how much I appreciate all of my friends and colleagues.  From texting me to just check up on me, to walking with me (and often bringing a possee)  to hats and quilts, to comfort food that is delicious, to letting me know that you are praying for us every day, to helping 'pay it forward' by helping others, I am so richly blessed by each of you.  You inspire me and keep me going.  Thank you! 

 I will try and make a blog post from the chemo room tomorrow.  No promises, but I'm going to try just to prove I can multitask while KCA! Round 2 will be better than Round 1.

Day 38 - Round 2

Round 2 of Chemo is on Friday, September 27th.  I'm looking forward to it.  I'm looking forward to it.  I'm convincing myself that I'm looking forward to it (sigh).  The good news is that I know what to expect this time and have some new 'tools in the toolbox' to help cope with the rough week or so afterwards.

 

The first 8 days after Chemo are tough physically and mentally. You are glad the chemo drugs are KCA (kicking cancer's arsk, for those of you that are new), but the drugs are also constantly kicking you in the gut and your bones feel like they are in a slow motion explosion.  Mentally, it is rough because you have to constantly remind yourself, "Self, you don't have to do this or that."  I'm constantly reminding myself, "Let it go... rest, eat a little, rest some more, and save your energy for later in the race."

 

Whoever said that you have to look at this like a marathon instead of a sprint is spot on.  In a marathon, you need to suppress the intense egocentric desire to speed up a little and pass that guy/gal right ahead of you at mile 2.  You will pass them at mile 20 if you are disciplined.  Learning to be disciplined is hard, though.

 

That includes some discipline to not expend too much energy in the political commentary I usually enjoy on facebook and the comment sections of the papers... So, if I usually take you on (and you know who you are), please don't think I've lost my passion or that my silence is agreement... just know that when I finish this marathon, you better be prepared!

 

 

Then there are two or three days of feeling a little better, but not 80%. Then 10 days of feeling 80% great (all things considered)... until the next chemo treatment.

 

I promise not to 'bolt' in Round 2.  After all, I'm looking forward to snuggling up with my quilts and having Tom as a captive audience for a few hours.  I hope he loaded Words with Friends on his iPhone.

 

Hair is falling out easily now. So glad I cut it.  Just having the 1/4 inch or shorter stubbies coming off with the lint roller is weird enough.  Bonus is that my legs are silky smooth.  :-)

Day 38 - Fantastic Friends, Finish Lines, and Foam Fun

Fantastic Friends

 

Big Shout Out to great friends Cindy McMullen, Martha Rice, Patty Wood, and all of WSSDA peers. Thank you for the hand made quilt, Cindy! Thank you, Martha, for the handmade hat. Thank you, Patty, for the stress token. And, Thank you, everyone, for signing the quilt and the good wishes/thoughts/prayers. I am humbled by the love and support of everyone!

 

Patty Wood gave me a pocket token to absorb my stress during the road ahead.  I think she said it was her first 5K finisher medal.  So, I wanted to return it next Spring when I am well and what better way to return it than to do a 5K with Patty!  Actually, she gave me a choice... a 5K or climb Mt. St. Helens. Since I'm more terrified of Mt. St. Helens than trying to finish a 5K, I opted for the 5K.  Patty gets to pick the 5K.  I get to pick the hospital for lunch.  ;-)

 

Also, BIG Shout Out to my walking buddies, Margot, the Keating Family, Michelle, and so many others!  Ya'll are such great friends and you make me laugh when I want to cry, smile instead of grimmace, and build muscle mass when I'd rather veg on the couch. 

 

Looking Past the Finish Line

Setting goals is very important.  It helps frame the mind for success.  With that in mind, I'm setting some activity goals for post-detour fun.  Here is my list so far:

 

1. Finish a 5K with Patty Wood.
2. Trip to Vegas, Baby! (tentative plan is March 2014... maybe April)
3. Foam Fest 5K on July 12, 2014 in Sammamish.
4. New Car (well, at least 2007 or newer).
5. A trip that requires my passport! (tentatively in the Fall of 2014)

 

Foam Fun!

 

If you would like to join me for the 2014 Foam Fest, click on link or the picture. It is July 12, 2014 at Lake Sammamish Park, near Issaquah, Washington.  Big Shout Out to Bobbie Haegele for the idea!

I'M IN!!