My own fund raising efforts.

Hello friends! It has been a long time since my last post. I apologize! It was a very tough summer and now that the boys have settled back into school, things are getting back to normal. I am hoping to get started with the radiation in a month or so. I'm back to teaching most of my classes and I am feeling GREAT! We had a great time on the walk in Exeter. I have done this walk many times in the past, but this time it was different. I guess I didn't really want to be walking as a survivor. It was very emotional and I appreciate all of you who were there supporting me. Thank you to all who donated to Making Strides. They raised an unbeleivable amount of money!!

I am embarking on a fund raiser of my own. This is really more of a grassroots effort. I want to give back to the medical community that has taken such good care of me. I am teaching a Zumba class followed by a Pilates class at Oyster River High School for the next 4 Saturdays.( beginning tomorrow). The proceeds will go to a different local organization each Saturday. I have chosen the Well-Fit exercise program- a three month, free, individualized exercise program for cancer patients as the first beneficiary. Beyond the Rainbow Foundation, the Women's Wellness Clinic and the Exeter Center for Cancer Care will be the other recipients. Zumba is 9-10am followed by Pilates 10-11 am. Any donation will be welcome and no donation is too small!! Please join me if you can. Kathy

Making Strides in Exeter with KC and the Sunshine Band

Kathy, family and friends joined the Clarks team K.C. and the Sunshine Band this morning for the Exeter Making Stides walk. Beautiful day, wonderful people, lots of pledges to help with breast cancer research - all good! Some photos from the day will be loaded later when some technical difficulties get resolved.

Many thanks to those who pledged and walked today.

Jennie

Making Strides

Dear coworkers, friends, and family,

This year, more than 250,230 women and men will hear the words, “You have breast cancer,” and there’s a good chance that some of them will be people we know and love. I have chosen to fight back against this disease and help make a difference by participating in the Oct. 19 American Cancer Society Making Strides Against Breast Cancer walk in Exeter, and I hope you will join me.

Making Strides Against Breast Cancer is our opportunity to honor and celebrate breast cancer survivors, educate women about early detection and prevention, and raise money to fund lifesaving research and support programs that help ease the burden of patients and their families. But Making Strides is more than just the name of a walk; it describes the amazing progress we can make if we work together to defeat a disease that 1 in 8 women will be diagnosed with in their lifetime.

Below is a link to my personal page. I hope you will visit my site and sign up to join my team. If you prefer, you can start your own team, sign up to walk as an individual, or make a donation. Hope starts with me and it can continue with you. Please join my team and walk with us to experience an incredible day of inspiration and meaning, and to provide hope for all people facing breast cancer, as well as the next generation.

To donate now, use http://main.acsevents.org/site/TR/MakingStridesAgainstBreastCancer/MSABCBlueprint?px=1208108&pg=personal&fr_id=11721

Sincerely,

Kathy Kerrigan

For cancer information 24/7, 365 days a year:
1.800.ACS(227).2345
http://www.cancer.org/
www.cancer.org/NEsupport

View the American Cancer Society Privacy Policy and State Fundraising Notices.

August Update

Apologies for the long delay in updating. Kathy has been on a bit of a roller coaster ride and I think I was just waiting for things to calm down a bit. Since the last post, she's been cleared of the MRSA, had her incision site restitched twice, she took a ride to the hospital in an ambulance with suspicious chest pain, and determined that what they thought might be a pulmonary embolism was most likely excruciating pain from her tissue expander being deflated (to help the incision heal.) That was the quick version of the last few weeks. I know it's been hard on Kathy and the whole family... It's never fun to watch the paramedics load your mother into an ambulance. But, thankfully, they are on vacation with the Kerrigans up in Maine and, I hope, relaxing and just enjoying each other. All they need - like the rest of us - is a little sunshine.

Improvements - baby steps

Kathy is doing a bit better. It looks like the infection is finally under control and the blood thinners are now the main focus. The clot has to disolve and the infections has to stay under control, and then they'll discuss when to start radiation- the last leg of this marathon. It may be possible that Kath can postpone the radiation until after they take their family vacation this summer. It would be nice for them all to kick back and have some fun.

Funny Boys and Healing

Abby and I went over to Kathy's today. She was released from the hospital on Friday night and has been taking it easy these last two days. The visiting nurses are keeping tabs on the clot and the meds with visits and blood tests. Kathy seemed in decent spirits when we got there, and then Jon and Sam came down and just started making us all laugh. They told us the nickname they have for Paul, told us some funny stories and just brought a lightness into the room that was good medicine for me, and I'm not dealing with what Kathy is. She clearly gets so much pleasure and joy from her children, little and big, and they are the best medicine.

Kathy is even more beautiful now than I can remember her being with long hair. I love her cute little G.I. Jane hair and I'm just happy to see her with a smile on her face. She's been through so many set-backs in the last month or so. The good news is that it appears that the infection is getting much better and there is no urgency to get the radiation started.

I know Kathy was so grateful to Dr. McGee, Dr. Marple and Dr. Itkin for their kindness and care over the last few days - maybe they'll read this and see how much it means to Kathy that they go out of their way to care for her as the whole person she is.

Another setback - bloodclot in the arm

Kathy was hospitalized with a bloodclot in her arm last night. I haven't spoken with anyone today, but she was going to be coming home sometime today. Not sure how this will affect the IV antibiotic treatments, but I just spoke with Kathy yesterday morning and she was feeling like the infection was on the run. She said she didn't realize how much the infection had been affecting her until she started to feel better, and she seemed like she was really feeling much better. I'm hoping once they get rid of the clot that she might actually be done with the infection. She needs a little break right now.

The good news is that John is looking very happy and healthy and is back doing driver's ed. Once I get some more info, I'll update on Kathy's condition.

This is a little crazy!

Kathy's arterial line DID slide right in today on the first try. YAY! It seemed to go pretty well - the only hitch was after they x-rayed it, it had to be pulled back a little twice and redressed, which took a little extra time. BUT, while Kathy was waiting to hear that the x-ray looked good and she could go home, she got the news that John would be having his appendix out. He was with Paul at Portsmouth, and they were just waiting for final results.

I went home with Kathy to make sure she rested (and I think she isn't really resting enough.) Kevin got a ride to baseball - thanks Harry - and Ryan and Sam actually high fived each other when they heard that a THIRD brother would be "joining the club." Three boys with appendicitis in one year. That's crazy!

Ryan has lacrosse camp next week, so he'll be busy soon. I do think having the two younger ones out of the house for a few days would really help, if anyone can swing it. Then Kathy AND John can recoup and recover in peace and quiet!

Infection Control

Kathy is going in tomorrow for another attempt at a central line. She needs a few weeks of IV treatment to deal with this infection. Apparently, once you've had MRSA, it "stays" in your body, and subsequent infections must be treated as MRSA. SO - she's got to keep at it and get rid of this stubborn thing before she can move on to the radiation treatments. I think the infection is painful and Kathy is feeling uncomfortable, but even more she is dealing with the frustration of having to struggle with the problems from the infection - trying to get access to veins and having to postpone the next stage of treatments. I offered to go over and give her a foot rub or a back massage today, and she was even a bit too tired for that. Probably the most helpful thing we can all do is think of her tomorrow at 1:30 and visualize the arterial line just sliding right into place. Also, knowing that the the two younger guys aren't hanging around the house just playing video games makes her feel better too. John will stay with them tomorrow, but the play dates are much appreciated and would help her in the coming days as well.

She is a bit discouraged and tired and trying to rest. She wanted me to pass on the message that she is appreciative of the support, although she may not be picking up the phone for awhile. If you want to leave her a message, emails, cards, and posting here are great ways to touch base. And as always, I'll try to keep the blog updated when I can get through and get news from her as well.

IV Treatments at Home

This infection is tenacious and so they decided to start her on IV treatments today. They put in a port - or a central line or something like that - so that she can do it herself at home. A home health nurse will come tomorrow to show Kathy and Paul how to do the treatments and Kathy will take the meds through the port twice a day for three weeks. Not sure what the impact on the upcoming radiation will be, but my guess is that things are getting postponed until this infection clears up.

Rest is still the important factor in all of this. I hope Kathy takes it easy for the next week or so to let the antibiotics do their magic.

I've received some very nice emails from people who are reading the blog to stay updated, and I do appreciate the kind words myself. It's my pleasure to try and help keep Kathy connected to her support network and to help all of us who have Kathy in our minds and hearts keep updated.

Rest, Rest, Rest!!!

Spoke to Paul this morning...Kathy did not have to go in for IV treatment and after resting yesterday, she seems to have improved. Kath likes to keep moving and doing, but probably the best thing for her right now is to lay low, drink lots of water, sleep, and be a couch potato for a few days. Having the guys hang out with friends helps, so thanks to those we have arranged for entertainment for the boys. If you see her out and about, remind her that people who rest are not weak!!! I asked if movies and junkie magazines would help and Paul said he thought that would be good. I might have to go over there and teach her how to knit so she'll stay put...

This is really the test for her - she can deal with pain, she has courage, but allowing herself to rest and relax and just WAIT to get better is hard work.

Yucky Week

Kathy has been fighting infection in the incision site all week. Last Monday she had an infection which seemed to have cleared up, but now it's back again. She had her antibiotics tweaked - they're treating it as though it may MRSA. If things don't clear up by tomorrow, they'll put her on I.V. meds to try to clear it up. The infection is taking a toll overall - making her tired and making it hard to keep her spirits up. The different docs are doing a great job trying to get her back to normal and she said they are all very, very kind... but I know this is wearing her out. She was really disappointed to cancel her class tonight, but she is just feeling crummy, in some pain, and saving her energy to keep her spirits up too.

Kathy has done so well, and I know she's frustrated to be using up energy on an infection when she wants to put it into the final stretch of radiation. Please say a little prayer, meditation, light a candle, send good vibes - whatever is your way of calling on the collective power of positive thinking and send some over to Little River Rd. She does draw strength and courage from her friends and family.

One week post op

Kathy had kind of a rough week. After that first day post-op, she started feeling crummy and realized she had developed an infection. I think it took a lot out of her - and of course it makes you worry a little and is frustrating. Kathy pushes herself so hard, and is so good about supporting the boys at their games and keeping her schedule for work, but she may still need some encouragement to slow down and get a little extra rest (this according to Paul...).

I asked her about meals and she and Paul said they're still doing fine. When she feels good, she likes to cook and when she doesn't, Paul just throws something on the grill. BUT, they are both so happy to have the playdates for the boys and the cleaning help - this week especially. I'm pretty sure Kath had an appointment with the plastic surgeon today. They need some clarification about when the radiation can start... the radiologist seems to be giving one message (sooner) and the plastic surgeon seems to be saying something else (later).

I'm not sure how many people are still reading the blog - and I got a little lazy for awhile there, but word has it more people read it than post. So, although I didn't speak to her today, when I do get some news, I'll keep updating.

Surgery Today - June 20th

Just got off the phone with Kathy. She had her surgery today to remove the implant so that she can do radiation. She feels good - sat up and had a danish very shortly after it was over. She'll rest for a while and then they will mark her for the radiation treatments next week. I don't think there is an exact date to start, but she's thinking it'll be in a week or two.

A few people have asked if she would like meals. At this point, they seem to be doing o.k. However, after speaking with some people who have been through radiation, she may find that the six weeks of daily visits to the hospital, fatigue and discomfort may make her wishing for some of those meals again. For those who are still willing to drop a meal by, there may be a need in a few weeks to give her a rest. Stay tuned!

I will try to keep the blog up to date until Kathy gets a chance to post again. In the meantime, I hope everyone knows how important your contributions were to the tidal wave of love and support that carried Kathy, Paul and the boys through the chemo process. Many thanks. Can't say it enough!

June Update - the finish line has likely been moved out a bit

Hey Friends of Kathy,
I know lots of people have been scheming about a great big party to celebrate the end of Kathy's treatments. AND, I know the Kerrigans and family have been scheming a great big party to thank all of the people who helped them get through the treatments. Mark your calendars for the end of the summer sometime, though...

Since the last day of chemo, there have been some discussions about a course of radiation in the next month or two - but things are still under discussion at this point. The chances are pretty good that Kathy will do a 6 week course of radiation, probably 5 days per week sometime this summer, but nothing is decided for sure.

This is not a completely unexpected thing, and shouldn't cause alarm. There was some early talk of this, but with some new docs weighing in at this point, the suggestion has been raised again and seems like the most aggressive and prudent way to proceed.

Kathy will probably post again after she moves out of limbo and knows what the plan is. For now, though, we should plan to celebrate a bit later. We can all just morph our celebratory hugs into more strength and support to get through this last extra bit further to the finish line.

I know Kathy loves you all and is so glad you are behind her as she makes this journey.
Jennie

Not long now!!!

Hi Friends,
Today is Mother's Day. What a special day for me! All I asked for was for my four boys to be together with me for the day. I really didn't need a special gift or activity to do with them , I just wanted to be with the four of them, all together, for a few hours. The love and comradarie they share gives me such joy. They are funny, joyful, playful, and kind to one another. What more could a mom want? Little do they know how significant this Mother's Day is to me. As I approach the end of my treatment I am so cognizant of my blessings. I adore my husband and my sons. Are they perfect? NO. But they are more than I could ever have hoped for. I have unbelievable support and strength from my family and from Paul's family. I have SO many kind and caring friends. Our commuity has embraced us and taken care of our family during our time of need. My gratitude to you all is un-ending!! I do not know how to thank all of the people who have cooked meals for us during this difficult time. Thank you, thank you, thank you!!!!!!!

I have just one more chemo treatment to go. This last one was more difficult than I expected. Of course, I expect each one to go well without a hitch. So I am always thrown when it doesn't go as smoothly as I expected it to go. May 19th is my last chemo day. I am so excited to put this all behind me. So please join me in celebration on the 19th of May!

As always, with my love and gratitide,
Kathy

Only two more to go!!!

Hi friends,
It is 3pm and I just finished my 6th round of chemo. They sure are good there in Exeter. My friend Ruth came with me today. I had a foot massage and a dog show and a nice lunch and a lot of good oconversation. Just 2 more to go. I am feeling great! I am back to teaching a lot of classes during the week and walking and doing light jogs on the weekend. Sometimes I like to do hills for an extra challenge. I am feeling stronger and more like my regular self. As I compare my challege to that of today's marathon...I'm heading up heart break hill now! I still really hate being bald, but you all have been so great telling how beautiful I look. I don't feel so beautiful, but it is nice to hear your compliments. So far I have not worn the wig. I've been sticking with the scarves mostly and bandanas to work out. John told me I looked like a pirate the other day. And so did my Uncle Bob! Can you believe the teasing I must endure? "Mom, where is your sword? Where's your parrot?" When I wear the bandana I feel kinda like a biker chick! Oh yeah, I am a real fashion plate!! I still have my eye lashes and brows. I'm crossing my fingers that they don't go.

Thanks for the meals that are coming on the chemo week. I start to fade in the afternoon, so the meals are great for when I'm most tired. Thanks to you all. The food has been wonderful! Thanks too for all of you who have contributed to the house cleaning and misc. account. The cleaners come every other week and do an unbelievable job. It is just such a treat to have them.

John says it seem like I don't have cancer and that I am just the crazy hyper lady I've always been... I guess that is a compliment. My spirits are way up and my body is feeling stronger and stronger. The fresh air and sunshine help. Thank you for all of your prayers and positive vibes. I know that they have contributed to my successful recovery.I promise to post again soon. I know it has been a long time since my last entry. I've just been so busy, and that is a good thing! Kathy

halfway on Monday

Hello friends!
I'm sorry for not posting sooner. I know that many of you check frequently and must be frustrated with the lack of new info. I was having some trouble getting onto my own Blog! My blog guru, my sister Jennie, was away on the lovely island of St. Maarten enjoying the sunshine and beaches.
Monday will be my fourth chemo and last with the first set of drugs. That means four more to go. A friend tells me that she had a much easier time with the second drug. Sounds good to me! I have really been feeling pretty good. I had been told that the effects of the chemo were cumulative, but I guess I kind of ignored that warning. Well it hit me last week a bit harder than I expected. I have been a bit more tired and nauseous, but nothig that isn't manageable. I am still plugging away with my Pilates teaching and enjoying the time I get with all of you students! I have been able to get some time on my treadmill and have been taking some nice long walks with Ryan and Kevin after school. I've also been doing some Zumba, Latin dance. So much fun!
Well so much for the cute new haircut! Yup, I am now a baldie. I got the wig, but have yet to wear it. It sort of makes me think that I am in a play or dressing up for Halloween or something weird like that. I have been sticking with the hats and scarves for now. Paul and the boys seem totally un-fazed by my new look. When I am at home I just march about with my bald head and earrings! I must say I really don't like not having hair and I'm not sure I can really get used to this. But, I don't have much of a choice... so I will just have to suck it up!
Tonight we are going to a fashion show at the high school that benefits Relay for Life. Sam was one of the models when he was at the high school and now John will be doing it. It's a lot of fun and they have a great raffle. We win something every year!
Abby, my niece and photographer, has said that she would take some new pictures for the blog. So, I will post again soon. As always, thanks to all for the great meals, cards, rides, playdates and positive thoughts and prayers! We greatly appreciate the continued support and kindness we have been given by all of you!

Kathy

Almost halfway done with chemo and spring is coming!

Kathy is planning to post again soon after we solve some technology issues, but I wanted to put an update on her progress before too long. I spoke with her on the phone yesterday. She is remarkably upbeat, although the third chemo definitely brought a few more side effects, especially fatigue and some nausea. She is wearing her hats to keep her head warm, and for those of you who haven't seen her, she is beautiful. I always knew she had pretty blue eyes, but for some reason now they just jump out at you. I don't have much news, but I think Kathy will post soon.

Zeke or Zeek is still missing and more

Hello Kathy Kerrigan fans,

The staff infection initially was thought to be nasty(by us pseudo-doctors), but should be treated and we hope that we stay on the normal chemo course of action, as exciting as that is! Kathy went down to continue her Pilates certification testing this weekend. She was concerned about her level of concentration. Ya me too; she will likely get a 98, or maybe even a 97 on this one. I of course have been incredibly supportive of the studying. I want to thank all you volunteers who have taken the heat off me here at home. If it weren't for you, I might have found myself strapped to that machine of torture. Sure, it looks easy in the video. I just keep thinking of the last scene in Braveheart. I just want to yell FREEDOM every time they strap you into a different position!

Not that I couldn't use a few hundred hours of work out time. I also want to thank each and every one of you for the delicious food that has been bestowed upon us each and every evening. I mean every evening. Chicken Parmesan, Steak Tips, Ribs to die for, Pork loin, A Full turkey dinner( a second Thanksgiving), deserts that make your mouth water. Hearty soups, Mexican dinners, tacos and burritos, stews. I literally have not eaten like this ever. I have threatened to name a dinner hall of fame, but have been advised against it. Kathy is an awesome cook, but there is something about not having to prepare things that makes it like...you are going out to dinner.

So I want you to imagine for a second what happens when you go out for dinner. You check out the menu, order, enjoy the company, eat a delicious meal ...for me most often OVEREAT. But you always find room for desert, and somehow maybe even a drink or two. Are you getting the picture. Every night.

I had to go the the Dr's the other day. I felt like I had the flu. Kevin had been sick for several days and the last thing we need is sickness near our patient.
So I am in the office feeling rather sluggish, I check in and the nurse brings me down the hall. I have my blood pressure checked, passed with flying colors. Then I had to jump on the scale. This is after YOUR meals for five weeks. I see the readout, jerk my head around to see if the nurse is standing on the back of the scale. No wonder I can't get up and down the basketball court this year. I am thinking I need to loose 5 pounds, no... how about 15 pounds. This explains alot. I only have 5 pairs of pants that I can now wear. Three of which have expanding waists. So many of you nice folks come up to me and ask how things are going. How is Kathy. How are the kids. Truthfully, everything is going pretty well and it is all because we have such nice friends and family.

I have realized what is important in life. Friends, family and a belly that hangs over my pants. Evidently this is the way I handle a little stress. Eat like Labrador retriever. There is an old wives tale that says that if you keep feeding a Lab they will eat themselves to death. Please do not test me anymore. If you are going to cook for us, and I assume some of you will, do not send along two dozen cookies each night.

OK, seriously. Labrador retriever:
Zeke is still missing. I could use some help. Many of you asked about helping. This is it. Zeke is a BLACK lab, male who weighs 100-110 lbs.(large like some one we know) He has two collars, both red one has the receiver on it for an electric fence.
He is friendly, jumps a little, eats like a horse. When we find a picture I will distribute it. He is a classic looking large black lab. If you know people in Durham, Lee, Madbury, Nottingam, Newmarket, Epping, Barrington, pls pass the word!!!
He could easily latch onto whoever is willing to feed him.

Kathy just walked in from her Certification. She may have slipped to the low 90's, but I will wait for the final score. I am betting on 97!

I thank you all for taking the time to keep up with Kathy.

Paul

Please Help Find Zeke, the Beloved Black Lab

I talked to Kath today and she said its been a rough week. She's dealt with a staff infection that is requiring some additional doctors visits and stress, but the worst of it was losing their beloved dog, Zeke. He's a two year old black lab with a red invisible-fence collar. On Tuesday, he got past their invisible fence by using a snowbank, and he hasn't been seen since. Please, please, please, if you see a goofy yellow lab trotting around your neighborhood, call "Zeke," and see if he comes. He's friendly, he'll get right into your car, and his collar has one of those finder chips, so you can call in.
Pass the word to friends if you would, and maybe we can help get Zeke back home safely.

First chemo down...7 to go

Hi Everyone,
Abby did such a great job with the pictures of my new hair cut. She is such a cutie pie! I'm already used to the new doo, too bad it won't last very long. Yes, I will lose all of my hair very soon. I may have a variety of looks to share with you all. Hats, doo rags ( as Sammy calls them), scarves and wigs will be among the styles I may be sporting.

I had my first chemo treatment on Monday. I was there for several hours and home by 1:30. Paul was there with me and I really was a bit grouchy at the start of the day. Yes, I was grouchy!! I had decided that , nope I really did not want to do this cancer/chemo thing and that we should just turn the car right around and go home. Then when we got to the Oncology department I had ants in the pants to just get the dang thing started. What is taking so long!! God bless Paul. The man is as patient and calm as a saint. He just laughs and says,"Okay Kathy. But I just want to know, are you going to be like this ALL day?". I stopped my grouchyness after about an hour. The people in that department, like in every other department at Exeter that I have encountered, were great. We read the paper, I had a chair massage, had a little lunch and I even did a little art project. Sounds almost like a spa don't you think?

Every day I wonder how I will feel. Really it is every moment of every day that I wonder what is next. I really hate the unknown and just like to be able to know what I'm up against in advance. Cancer and chemo , I have discovered, don't work that way. I guess I just need to learn to go with the flow. Any way...I feel great. I'm afraid to even say it or write it for fear of jinxing myself. Alright, not great, but quite good. No nausea, not too tired, maybe just a bit anxious. I am hoping that this is how I will weather the entire course of treatment. One down...7 more to go.

Our family is blessed to have the kind of help and support we are continuing to receive from all of you out there. The meals have been a blessing when I just don't feel up to whipping up a delicious healthy meal for the boys. You are all so generous with your time to do this for us. Thanks to all of you who have volunteered for my Pilates. Many of you said that you really felt it the next day. I love it!! It is very challenging and so good for you. My testing is next Sat. and I have all of my hours in now. Those of you who I have not had a session with, no need to worry. I still need practice. I'll get you in! You too can experience Kathy's Pilates kicker!

With hope, faith, gratitude and thanks,
Kathy

Pre-chemo haircut.

Kathy got her haircut on Tuesday. Mia, her hairdresser and friend, made this process so much easier for her. From what I heard, there were a few tears, loud music, some dancing, and lots of love and support. I think she looks fantastic!!!!! Quoting another friend, LL, "it makes sense for Kathy's hair to be short, since she herself is, well, not exactly TALL!"

Abby, Kathy's niece and budding photographer, did an "America's next top model" type photo shoot at our house so we could post some pics of the new do. We had a rough time trying to get the "fierce look" of Tyra's models, but we sure had fun. Kathy promises to let Abby capture her next during-chemo look - we know Abby can capture the true beauty of my beloved sis, hair or no hair.

It seems that despite the challenges, Kathy, her friends and family are finding the joy and the fun parts of this too.

quick update

It is now Sunday night and I am feeling SOOO much better! No need to worry or fret. The pain has subsided and I am now ready for my next step. My spirits are up again and I have been up and about today and back to my normal self. Tomorrow will bring the information I need as to my treatment with chemo and other post-op drug therapy. John had his 16th b-day today and we decided to celebrate it next weekend. All is well. Kathy

almost 3 weeks post-op

Hi everyone,
Well, it has been almost 3 weeks since my surgery. I had the port put in on Monday and it seems to not agree with me. It has been a tough week. The port has been causing me a lot of pain and there really shouldn't be any. On Thurs. they ran tests to check on the placement and functioning status of the port and for possible blood clots. Everything looked okay. We were considering taking the port out, but that would create a problem when it comes time for the chemo treatments. It seems that the problem is most likely a pinched/inflamed the nerve either up in my neck or under the collar bone or both. So the plan is to suck it up for the weekend with a little pain med. and a lot of ibuprofen and see if we can get the nerves to settle down. Cross your fingers for me will ya? I will meet with the Oncologist on Monday am and a P.T. for this nerve stuff. We then set a game plan for when to start the chemo. Remember, I WILL lose my hair. I am going to look a bit weird with either a wig or a bald head so no looking at me funny! Just say," Why Kathy, you look so good!". Just kidding!

Today my Pilates certification group is coming up so that we can practice and study together. The testing date is Feb. 23. I just have to do the teaching and written portions since I did the practical earlier... although my Pilates pals are sweating it out for that part too! They'll be fine. They are a great group of women who have been so kind and supportive to me since my diagnosis. I will be calling on you Pilates volunteers this week so I can get my hours in. Thanks to all who have volunteered. It's a big help!

My baby John turns 16 on Sunday! I hope to have a little something planned for him. He sure seems to be turning out to be a pretty great person. I am biased though. Ryan was one of the leads in his 6th grade play this week. He blew us away!! He was so comfortable acting and singing up there on stage. Many of my relatives came to the show to check him out. Sam is at UNH, but he make a point to come and even brought two UNH/ORHS buddies too. Thanks Ev and Ryan for coming. It made my Ryan feel great!

Whew! This was a long entry. Sorry if I have blabbed on! This must mean that I am feeling better already! Again, thanks to everyone. Great food. Many cards and e-mails. Paul teases me about the cards and calls them by "fan mail". Ignore him, I love mail!! The women who are cleaning my house are doing such an unbelievable job and are so sweet. What a treat to have such a clean house. All of you are making this journey a lot easier for me. Whether you know it or not, every little gesture makes a difference. I will take with me what all of you are doing for me and give the same back to others whenever I can.

Kathy

the next step

Hi Everyone,
Today I had my appointment with the cancer patient P.T. at the hospital's health club. Next week will be my first session working with a trainer. I feel so ready to get back to my usual routine. I feel like I have been sitting around resting for far too long! My family and Paul's have been so great! One of the hardest things has been not being able to wash my hair. I have had several volunteers and it just feels so good to have clean hair. That will all be insignificant in about 2 weeks. I will be starting chemo witin the next couple of weeks and the chance of losing my hair is very likely. I will probably just be proactive and shave my head before it begins to fall out in clumps. I have always had long hair and this will probably be a tough one for me, but I am trying to keep it in perspective. It IS only hair,it will grow back and there are so many other things that are far worse than a short term bald head.

I am having a small surgical procedure on Mon.am. I am having a "port" put in my upper chest as a location for the chemo to be administered rather than sticking the veins in my arm every time. After that I meet with the oncologist and off I go on my way to chemo treatment. Probably a 2 month time frame for that. Two months... I can do that! After that I just heal, get stronger and grow my hair back.

Again, thank you so very much all of you! The food has been unbelievable. The notes, cards and e-mails keep flowing. The drivers and grocery shoppers have been a tremendous help. The support and caring for me, Paul and the boys has been a life line to us all.

With thanks and gratituude, Kathy

a message from Kathy

Good Morning Everyone,
I am overwhelmed and incredibly grateful to all of you for your cards, e-mails, gifts, food, flowers, prayers and positive thoughts. I can not express how it feels to feel so supported and cared for. You have ALL made this difficult process so much easier for me and my family. Thank you. I am blessed to live in a community with such caring and thoughtful people who do not hesitate to reach out to others who are in need. That to me is the true meaning on community. I am blessed.

I feel great! Poor Paul has had quite a difficult time making me rest and sit. You all know that I am kind of an ants in the pants type of gal! The surgery went well, I'm healing well, and the preliminary path reports look very good. I think that I will be starting chemo within the next couple of weeks. They have mentioned a "dose dense" treatment, which means treatment once a week every other week. I think it will be difficult and tiring, but this too shall pass. I am hoping to get back to teaching my classes soon. I have to figure out how to work them in around the chemo schedule. There will be a few days every other week that I guess I will be feeling pretty bad. There will be other days that I will feel good. Cardio will be difficult due to a lessening in oxygen from the red blood cells affected by the chemo. I will finish my Pilates extensive certification on Feb. 23. I just have to do the written and teaching portion. I was able to test on the personal practice portion early ( I got 100!!). Before that time I will need to get in 25 private teaching sessions, so I am looking for volunteers. I am hoping I can begin that in another week.

Paul and the boys seem to be coping well with all of this. We talk about everything very openly and try to find humor in any part of this that we can. Sam and John have been so helpful around the house, with the little brothers and with me. They are such sweet boys. Thank you to all who have helped out by taking Ryan and Kevin. Being with their friends seems to be the best thing for them right now. Paul has been amazing! Wow, did I pick a good one! He has kept the house running, his basketball teams running, and taken unbelievable care of me. I refer to him as Dr. Paul now. There is nothing that he won't do for me and has been my rock.

I will keep you all "posted" on my progress and thank you, thank you , thank you all! Kathy

So far so good!

Hello all,

Kathy and I are catching up on our day time tv and some light reading. The surgery as some of you may have heard went very well! In typical Kathy fashion, she was up and around that night for a short walk. She looked great the next morning. The biggest challenge for the next week will be slowing her down. We have been overwhelmed with incredible meals, help with transporting the boys, and cleaning to name a few things. We have read many supportive emails, taken countless calls and have heard from so many people wishing us well as she approached her treatments. The first step is behind us. We have a follow up appointment tomorrow and always hope for the best. The Exeter surgical cancer team has been nothing short of awesome.
We have felt in such good hands from the two surgeons on Kathy's case to the people at the information booths.

You hear so often how challenges such as this bring out the best(and sometimes the worst) in people. We have been treated to such wonderful help and emotional support it certainly makes the journey easier.

I have now posted something on a blog. Won't my boys be proud. I thank you all for the positive 'vibes' so far. It definitely helps. I am certain it has started Kathy along her speedy recovery.

Thanks again to so many of you,
Paul

She's on her way home.

I spoke with my mom who saw Kathy this morning. She said Kathy looks really good, and has been in and out of bed a bunch of times. Just called the house and spoke with Sam who says they should be home any minute. The house is neat as a pin and Kathy will be able to take it easy and enjoy a little peace and quiet before the school buses get there. I hope Paul gets a little R & R too. He's been a rock these last few weeks and days.

I told Sam to remind Kath to check out the good wishes in the comments, so she'll be sure to get your messages.
Jennie

Kathy is doing well and resting

I was at the hospital tonight and saw Kathy for a short visit after her surgery. While I was there, she was already eating jello and drinking clear fluids. She'd been out of bed, and her color was coming back.

The surgery went well. There were some nodes removed, but I'm not exactly sure how many. Paul said the surgeon was very optimistic and the plastic surgeon was very happy with the results.

Kathy is a trouper. After she had her snack she spoke briefly to each of the boys on the phone and then put her head down and went to sleep. She was resting comfortably when I left her and Paul around 9ish. They are saying she will come home around noon tomorrow, but she looked pretty tired, so I'm hoping they let her rest up a little while longer.
Jennie

Message from Guy about the Cleaning Fund

Guy wanted me to let people know that if its easier, you can send a donation to him and he'll deposit it. The check should be made out to Friends and Family of Kathy Kerrigan.
Guy's address is:

Guy Marshall
27 Gardner St.
Portsmouth, NH 03801

If you have any questions, you can call him at work (DF Richard) at 516-6541.

Donating to the Cleaning Fund

Here is the information from Guy for anyone who wants to donate to the cleaning fund:

The account has been started and is set up as a non interest bearing checking account with minimum fees. We're hoping the fund can be used to pay for cleaning, medical expenses not covered by insurance and help them if they need it with bills related to Kathy's treatment and recovery.

The bank has sent an e-mail to all branches so they are aware of the account and can help people that might come in and want to make a donation through a deposit. The account will be recognised as: Friends and Family of Kathy Kerrigan custodian: Guy Marshall.

The web site for Ocean Bank is http://www.eocean.com/ I looked up the Ocean Branches on line and have listed the local branches below:


Dover Branch: Kristina Amey [opened the account and happy to answer peoples questions]
537 Central Avenue Dover, NH 03820 749-2150

Durham Branch [s]:

70 Main Street Durham, NH 03824 868-5574

8Newmarket Road Durham, NH 03824 868-1022

Stratham Branch:

160 Portsmouth Avenue Stratham, NH 03885 772-5530

Portsmouth Branch [s]:

501 Islington Street Portsmouth, NH 03801 436-8800

1555 Lafayette Road Portsmouth, NH 03801 427-1130

Exeter Branch [s]:

53 Lincoln Street Exeter, NH 03833 778-7131

One Center Street Exeter, NH 03833 772-7730

A Message From Barb Sack About Meals

Dear Friends,

Thank you so much for volunteering to make a meal for the Kerrigan’s during this difficult time. Sharon and I have had an immense response to our email- which is a great tribute to Kathy and this community.

I have attached a meal calendar with a day assigned to you. I have tried to adhere to any restrictions that we received. Due to the great response, we have a list of extra people who can be alternates, if for some reason you can not keep your commitment. (This list is also attached) Otherwise, these extra people will be utilized in the next round of meals that we expect in Feb/March for chemo treatments or whatever else may arise.

Here is what I have arranged for delivery of meals. I volunteer in the Good Sams program at St. Thomas More church and I modeled this after their program design. The Kerrigan’s will have a cooler on their breezeway porch to place the meal in. The meal should be in disposable gladware or some such containers or at least in something they do not need to return. You should attach basic warming up or cooking instructions. I am thinking we should deliver by 530-6pm or so each day. The meal can be delivered earlier because of the cooler (as long as it is shut tight so no doggies can get in) If you want you can call before or right after you deliver the meal. It is also great to include a personal note if you want.

As far as food choices go- I think her kids are pretty simple meat and potato kids which isn’t always easy in a make ahead meal. My ideas would be chicken dishes, pasta dishes, ( I guess lasagna is not a favorite),maybe meatloaf, ready to go meals like pre cooked chicken, pizza or even sandwiches. Also perhaps meals they could easily put together such as tacos, sloppy joes etc. I am sure you all have your own wonderful ideas. I think Kathy and family will be most appreciative of all meals.

I would like those assigned to a date to confirm by email that they received this and also put in your reply an IDEA of what you might make- I will then regenerate the calendar with the menu on it to try to avoid three chicken dishes in a row etc. As I get in responses, I will update the calendar and send it out so you can respond based on what you see. I hope this makes sense.

A final note for those wonderful teachers who have volunteered a meal- please just bring the food to school that day (Mast Way) We can also pick it up at ORMS - we will then deliver to Kathy’s home.

Thank you all so much,
Barbara Sack

Wonderful Friends

Kathy and the Kerrigan family have great friends. We are all so touched by the outpouring of support and good wishes for her as people learn of her news. We have heard from people who want to make meals, drive the kids, and help with a person to clean the house. Thank you so much for pitching in.

Because its been hard to keep up with all of the phone calls, the Kerrigans are not always able to answer the phone. But we'll try to keep her friends and family updated through this blog. Kathy is scheduled for surgery on Monday, January 7th. As we get updates on her surgery and recovery, we'll post them here.

Please feel free to post messages of support here too. Kathy will read them when she feels well and I'm sure all of the support will help her get through this with flying colors.

Thanks.