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.