On May 10th I had my eighth and final chemo treatment! I can’t tell you how glad I am that it’s done. Overall, I had minimal side effects and sailed through it quite well, thanks to the recommendations from my naturopathic oncologists, Dr. Dan Rubin and Dr. Meilssa Coats at Naturopathic Specialists. I couldn’t (and wouldn’t) have done it without them. Also, a huge thank you to my medical oncologist Dr. Gerry Kato and all of the PAs, MAs and nurses at Pinnacle Oncology who were fantastic throughout my treatment.
I had 14 days between each treatment, which was just enough time for me to start feeling better before they poisoned me again. They plan it that way so the side effects aren’t compounded over the course of treatment. This was a bit of a challenge for me, as I assume it is for most people.
On every cycle by day 12 I felt fantastic, usually feeling the best on the morning of the next treatment. This messes with you psychologically. It can really make you not want to continue with treatment, but somehow I was able to see the light at the end of the tunnel and each time I told myself to just suck it up and do it.
It’s really important to have a support structure around you to help you get through these times, and I have to thank my husband Mark, my mom and dad and all my friends who were there for me through the chemo. I learned a lot and will be posting some important info about surviving chemotherapy in the near future. Stay tuned.
I need to take this brief moment to be thankful for getting through the chemo and stand in awe of my accomplishments, because the journey is not over. My next hurdle is to figure out radiation therapy, which several doctors have strongly recommended. There are a lot of factors to weigh in making this decision, so this week I will start getting second, third and fourth opinions then I will sit with the info I gather and make a decision about what to do next.
The best advice I’ve heard in dealing with cancer treatment is to just take it one step at a time. So, on to the next step.
I think of you often and tell others about your struggle………very best vibes I am sending your way! You are so brave.
SO proud of you, Kate! It doesn’t surprise me in the least that you have soldiered through this with such a positive attitide because from what I know of you, that’s how you are. You continue to be in my daily Prayers and thoughts, and I am so glad you have such a strong support network — including, I’m sure you’d agree, the greatest healers of all — your beloved cats! Thanking you for sharing your thoughts on this experience with others who may benefit from it (that’s all of us, because knowledge is a good thing, right?) and continuing to think best thoughts for you!
You WILL not let this defeat you….you’re strong…..believe it and it will come to pass! XOXO
So PROUD of you Kate!!!! I am hear as a friend supporter, and big fan!! Lots of love and admiration to you and your family Keep up with the faith and fight!!!!
And support you have, Kate. Iām sure I speak for many in saying how in awe we are that you have come through this with such courage , dignity and grace.
I am so happy for you Kate! Sending hugs and positive thoughts your way!
Thank you, AGAIN for the positive up date! A dear friend of mine was just diagnosed with breast cancer and told she MUST HAVE a bilateral mastectomy. The shock is compounded by the fact her mother is currently in stage 4 with the same cancer. her mother, however has given up, is still smoking and totally negative about everything.
My friend’s name is Milena Arceo. She is amazing in every way-so like you. Now living in southern California, she comes to Scottsdale to manage an “Air B&B” there. She just informed me that her surgery is scheduled for June 13th. My second chemo and follow up with Dr. Borst is on the 14th. She has a wonderful husband, Peter, son, Tony and mother in law, Florentina who will be there. They are all close. I still would like to drive over and be there for her as well. I want her to read your story with all of the helpful information. If you both could meet, you would become great friends!!!!!! Thank you for your ongoing diary. It is a priceless help to all concerned
My first chemo is this Tuesday, the 22nd. Because of YOU I am prepared for the worst and hope for the best!
Be well. Be safe. May “The Force” continue to be with you and your loved ones. š <3 Kateri
I’m so proud of you! Please know that I am sending you lots of Reiki and am praying for you!
YAY for no more chemo!! As I have said all along, you have an amazing attitude and we are still purring and praying that the evil “C” hits the road! xoxo