Tomorrow morning at 6am I am having the TACE procedure done at Johns Hopkins. Chemotherapy will be directly injected my liver and if all goes according to plan, the lesions on my liver will decrease!!! Yayyyyyyyyy Keep us in your prayers and keep believing big!!!
Dan and I want to first give a big thanks to Nick and Lauren Kourtsounis of the Towson Diner for hosting a wonderful fundraiser dinner for our family. A great time was had by all!! May I just add that nothing beats breakfast for dinner!! I treated myself to a few carbs Sunday night and boy did it feel good!! Diamonds make some women smile, french toast and belgian waffles make me smile :) So many people continue to show great generosity to our family. We are continually blessed with your support and it will never be forgotten.
Back to medical reality for a bit. This week I received my MRI & PET scan results from the week prior. On Monday I went to see my radiation oncologist. My MRI revealed no spread of cancer to my brain. VERY positive news. The MRI did reveal that my current course of chemotherapy is not working as intended. The cancer has progressed in my liver and lungs. While we are not talking astronomical progression, we need to evaluate different courses of treatment. After meeting with the doctor, I am scheduled for a surgical procedure called TACE. The procedure involves directly injecting a very strong chemotherapy into my liver. One half of my liver will be done next week, the other half will be done 4-6 weeks later. Once we get the liver under control, we will be able to evaluate a course of treatment for the lungs. My doctors may follow the TACE procedure with a similar radiation procedure called Theraspheres. My oncologists are meeting to evaluate if another chemotherapy regimen is appropriate to run concurrent with the TACE. My cancer sure is proving to be a worthy opponent but I am more than ever motivated to beat it!!! Dan and I went through a mixed bag of emotions after the consult. It's all part of this process. Like I stated before, I WILL continue to battle and I WILL be victorious. Victory to me is another day with the ones I love. Another day to be thankful for all that I am blessed with. This life altering journey has really brought a few things to the front of my mind. Love those close to you, don't sweat the small stuff, live each day like its your last, never forget your friends and family, aim to be victorious in all you do, and just thank god for each new day. I am living my life to the fullest and I hope that you always do the same. Love, Kristin The chemo fog from my last treatment is wearing off and I'm feeling good! Our family had a lot of help over the last two weeks and it has really helped me recover. Dan and I are so grateful for everyone who has helped with childcare, meals, and errands. I am scheduled for an MRI and PET scan this coming week. The MRI was ordered by my radiation oncologist who will make a recommendation on the type of radiation for my lungs and liver. My medical oncologist will use the PET scan to make a recommendation on my chemotherapy path.
It looks extremely likely that I will be attending the retreat at the Steiner Center in Ann Arbor, Michigan on February 10th-22nd. I will confirm a few things with my oncologist this week then book my flight. I will receive IV Mistletoe and be instructed by world renowned complimentary medicine doctors. My brother, Brian, will be attending the retreat with me to help me physically and emotionally. Brian's medical background will really help me apply the knowledge I will gain. Dan will stay at home with the children and keep our life running. This journey will be tough without my family but I am doing it for my family. I will spend about $10,000.00 for the cost for the retreat, treatments, travel, and the companion charge. If you want to support my trip directly, you can donate via the link on my website. I agonized about asking for donations in my blog since many people have already supported prior fundraisers. After conversations with friends, family, and doctors, I realize the reality of my condition and the astronomical costs associated with the many facets of my care. Please do not feel obligated to donate however if you know people who want to support me, please do not hesitate to share my blog with your friends. I hope everyone has a wonderful, fun filled New Year! Thanks for following our journey this New Year and keep the positive vibes flowing!! Love, Kristin I hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas!! Dan and I want to give a special thanks to everyone that helped make our Christmas so merry!! You know who you are!!! We had a wonderful day that was very special to me. At the bottom of this post, you will find a flyer for a "dinner at the diner". The owners of the Towson Diner are family friends of ours and planned a dinner night to benefit our family. Come out with the family and have a meal to remember! The benefit proceeds will go towards my trip to the Steiner Institute. I have chemotherapy tomorrow so keep me in your prayers. Have a safe and happy New Year! Love, Me:) Just want to say happy holidays to all my wonderful family and friends!! I hope everyone has a wonderful Christmas and New Year!! PLEASE enjoy the season and LOVE those close to you. I missed the bus this year for holiday cards, we just did not have enough time! Sometimes I feel like the bus actually ran me over! An internet photo will have to do for those of you who really needed a card! Just print it out and hang it up like it came in the mail from us! I am taking the time to enjoy the season with those close to me. We have been doing tons of family activities together. For those of you who love Christmas lights and trains, you gotta check out the house on Kitzbuhel Road in Parkton. You dont need the exact address as you can't miss it. Well worth the drive, AMAZING!! I start round three right after Christmas so keep us in your prayers. We will evaluate our next course of action after my January PET scan. It looks like in February I will likely be attending a two week retreat in Ann Arbor, Michigan at The Steiner Health Institute. The retreat is the only place in the U.S. that I can be instructed in the use of IV mistletoe. IV mistletoe is a step up from what I an receiving and only available overseas. Dan and I are still working on the logistical end and will give more details as they become available. Talk to you all soon, Merry Christmas! To my friends and family that came out to support us at The Stables Restaurant last night, Thank You!! Special thanks to Tina of The Stables Restaurant for hosting us! Surreal played a great set and a good time was had by all!! Finished my second round of this chemo cycle on Thursday. This stuff is kickin my rear this time! It really makes me tired! Lets pray its doing its job! One more cycle right after Christmas then another scan to evaluate. I have a meeting with my Johns Hopkins radiation oncologist this week to explore additional treatments. Will keep everyone posted, hope you enjoy the snow!!!!! Had a follow up appointment with my doctor today. Received my first Sandostatin injection today. This is a monthly shot that will help with my cancer symptoms. We are hoping it will also reduce the tumors. We have heard from another patient that his tumors actually shrunk from the drug. We also talked about clinical trials and treatment after my next two rounds. Not sure where this will go yet but its good to be prepared and educated. One big plus to these doctors visits is Dan and I go on dates afterward! The kids are already with a sitter so why not have a little fun :)
The new website is in full effect now! Caring Bridge is no longer active. Feel free to pass the new site to anyone! The site address is http://www.kristincare.com. I want everyone to be aware of the struggles cancer patients face and the adversity that we can overcome with support and education! Hope everyone has a good day, GO RAVENS!
This is our new website to keep everyone updated! I hope you like the format and I look forward to blogging with everyone!! As this is now my website, my old Caring Bridge site will be shut down.
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