Summer Time Update

Guess who? Finally an update direct from the source, it’s me Kelly! I figured everyone would know it wasn’t the witty sisters’ (Marla) pen in hand, however I need the therapy so please suffer reading my attempt at updating “the blog” Kelly style!

Over the last year, while I was pretty much “comatose” my family thought it humorous to use me as the butt of many of their jokes. Okay, I admit most of the stories were not only true, but they are pretty funny too! Yes, I am still Mean & Fat as described by my middle sister however, there are several updates since my last blog written by Marla.

Readers Digest Health Update: As most of you know (Praise God!) brain surgery went well and after 4 weeks at MD Andersen I was released to rehab back in California. Unfortunately weaning off the steroids put me in bed for 6 1/2 weeks until the Dr’s changed my meds. Hooray! Finally, within 2 weeks of taking me off the steroids I started to feel like a real person again - for the first time in two years.

As usual I returned to MDA in early July for my regular scheduled tests which had been delayed by 2+ months because of the steroid withdrawals. Hubby David, my niece Liz who has been helping me at home since January, sister Char (as in sibling, not the nun kind) and I flew to Houston for the usual fun of flipping me on & off MRI tables, scanners and X-ray machines. The results were generally OK. The tumors on my liver, spine and chest wall have stabilized showing no growth since the last scans. The brain tumor shows some slight enlargement since surgery in Feb, which could be as a result of scar tissue from the surgery. The Neuro-surgeon wants to re-scan in 3 months before making any other decisions relative to the brain. The area of some concern right now is on my lung which has grown over the last 5 months. I will be starting chemo sometime next week and will stop this annoyance in its' tracks! Good news - I’ve been on this chemo (Temodor) before and was able to tolerate it pretty good. AND, maybe, just maybe, I’ll drop a few lb’s (a girl can always dream) during this treatment.

After MDA, Char, Liz and I swung by Hansen farm (Marla’s house) and were able to visit Dad Casas for a few days. Although the trip was brief, it was great to spend time with Dad and the Hansen clan. Rachel’s children are growing up so fast, I wish we all lived closer so we could see them more often. Seeing Dad was good but sad. He still makes me smile and laugh, but at 89 he is really not the Charles Casas, “Uncle Charlie”, most of us remember. He’s now a frail little old man.

Char, Liz & I returned to Calif 7/14, and have been trying to get back into the swing of things. I finally started Physical Therapy (AGAIN!) last week. One key goal is to be able to walk up a stair (even w/a walker) so I am no longer a prisoner in my bedroom, Never, EVER, did I think walking up a stair would be a goal, but trust me, when you can’t walk, goals change, as well as, life perspective.

Thank you for all the cards, letters and prayers. They have kept me smiling, positive and overall HAPPY. My best wishes, love and support to you and your families.

Hugs and kisses,
Kelly