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