Sunday, January 27, 2008
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
Saturday, January 26, 2008
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
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
Thursday, January 17, 2008
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
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
Sunday, January 13, 2008
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
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
Wednesday, January 9, 2008
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
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
Tuesday, January 8, 2008
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
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
Monday, January 7, 2008
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
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
Sunday, January 6, 2008
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.
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.
Saturday, January 5, 2008
Donating to the Cleaning Fund
Here is the information from Guy for anyone who wants to donate to the cleaning fund:
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
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
Thursday, January 3, 2008
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
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
Wednesday, January 2, 2008
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.
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.
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