Lucky Thirteen!

This June I approach 13 years since my original brain tumor diagnosis. This has been quite a roller coaster, as most of you know, and as I just returned from another trip from MDAndersen I thought I would update the blog in case anyone is still reading after this long, tedious journey.

Last week my sister Marla and cousin Cherie took me to MDA for the dreaded follow-up tests (my last round was in Oct. 2010). Yes, David & I are still happily married, however, recently KC Kitty was diagnosed with diabetes and needs insulin shots twice daily. In addition, we added (2) tortoise to the Sewart Zoo that need extra care & handling. Long story short David had to stay home to BABYSIT!

It was an exhausting week of MRI’s, Xray’s, CT Scans and Dr. appts. Both Marla & Cherie tried their very best to keep me preoccupied by being as LOUD and as funny as they could, however, I was struggling a bit to keep my happy face on when the nurse told me the Dr. had ordered a Barium CT Enema. After a long day of travel, MRI, several pokes in the arm, I had decided they weren’t going to “poke” my butt too! Yes, I said it. Sorry if I offended anyone but come on, enough is enough. As I sat in the waiting room crying to Marla about how I was “done, finished, blah, blah, blah” throwing a pity part for myself, I suddenly realized all eyes had focused on me & my story. Marla & I looked at each other and burst out in laughter! Laughter is the best medicine - It turned out to be a good day!

Anyway, there were plenty of tests over the next three days, (3) MRI’s, CT scan, several Xrays, and blood work that revealed results for the need for on-going treatment. Unfortunately the tumors in the brain, lung, and liver have grown. In addition, there is a tumor on my C-spine that has grown significantly. Long story short, David & I have decided to take the advice of my Neuro-surgeon, aka Dr. McDreamy, and will be returning to MDAndersen within the next two weeks to start treatment. I have qualified in a clinical trial for a new type of radiation treatment and only will be the 4th patient to ever have this exact treatment (I haven’t decided if that’s good or bad?!?). I have so much trust in the Dr’s at MDA and I have full confidence in their capabilities, however I am getting tired.




Radition set-up takes a few days and the treatment is a one time shot for about 1 ½ hrs. That’s the good news. I will then start chemo, a pill a day, which will continue as long as my body can tolerate it.

On another note, Marla called and asked if her youngest, Miranda, who will be 13 in May, could come spend a few weeks here during summer since she is working now and she probably should not stay home alone. So it looks like David & I are going to be parents to a teenager for part of the summer!?! It could prove to be helpful, crazy, or a little of both. Miranda has already called and is excited about her trip - check back after Uncle David has her cleaning tortoise pens, walking dogs, doing the dishes, and all the other chores he is racking up. She’ll be begging for her ruby slippers!





In closing, please keep my bff Theresa’s nephew Brian LoBue who is like my nephew in your daily prayers. A few weeks ago he was diagnosed with a brain tumor (Glioblastoma). His surgery was successful and he too is going through radiation & chemo treatment. You can follow him @ http://www.brianlobue.blogspot.com

I should be back in town around March 12th, God willing. After all these years, it means so much that many of you still keep me in your prayers, Lucky 13! 2011 is going to be a good year.

Love to you and your families,
Kelly

The Queen heads south....

I call her Queen because of past references by her sister as the Queen of Mean. I won't say Fat and Mean like Marla did, because, well, I just won't because as far as I could see, she isn't fat. As a matter of fact, she's dropped weight since Kevin and I visited her a few months back.

Marla arrived from Oklahoma to stay with Kelly for a few weeks early last week. The two ventured down to the Valley with Marla's 12 year old daughter in tow to Char's on Thursday. Friday they all left the Valley and headed to San Diego. Which is where I come in.

I had the pleasure of their company for dinner on Friday night. It was a long drive in the car, but spirits were generally high. I mean they were at the Baril's for dinner right?

Kelly seems to be doing much better than when I saw her a few months before her surgery. She's getting around via wheelchair these days, but can use her walker for short jaunts. Her mood was good and we had a great time catching up. It's amazing what she remembers. Because even without most of the obstacles she has faced, most of us don't have the memory she has!

She will head back to Houston in October where they will check the two spots that they are watching closely - her liver and her lung. She's hoping that she won't need more surgery, but pretty much thinks that they will tell her she does. She is off chemo for now, which is contributing to her feeling better in some ways. She looks really good (probably better now since she was getting her hair done on Saturday AM). But just to give you an idea, my oldest daughter said she wouldn't know that she had been through so much and been so sick if she didn't already know. That should make Kelly feel good to know!

It was great to have her and her family over for a visit. My girls loved talking with her and hearing her stories. She still has the ability to keep center court in conversation! Even though she and her sisters give each other a hard time, the love that they all share is evident and abundant.

Keep sending healthy vibes her way! Nicole

Sideways update...

I heard from Marla (ok her blog, but she's on her way to her son's wedding in California) that Kelly is doing better. Her pain is more manageable and she is working hard at her physical therapy. Her sister Char is there with her.

That's all I got for now!

Nicole

Quick update on Monday 5/24/10

Kelly is out of ICU and doing fine. She is in alot of pain, but is on heavy doses of pain medication to keep her pain free.

More details as they come available...

Nicole

Surgery went well!

Kelly is resting in ICU right now, quite comfortably considering what she went through earlier. She was admitted to MDA on Friday, having her tumor embolized in preparation for Monday. Her nine hour surgery yesterday went very well, with the vast majority of the tumor being removed, two titanium rods screwed and cemented in place. And the best news is no paralysis!

Nicole (partially plagerized from Marla)

PS - Marla took a FANTASTIC photo of Kelly - quite possibly one of the best ever from a blackmail point of view - but out of respect for her (for now)...I won't post it. Keep your eyes out though, because as soon as she is back in Calfornia recovering at home...all bets are off. :)

Getting ready in Houston

Kelly and her friend Teresa arrived in Houston earlier this week. She spent the past few days having MRIs, X-rays, blood work and all the rest of the pre-op stuff. She checked in to have the embolization done at the hospital across the street from MD Anderson on Friday and then will be transferred over to MDA for the surgery that's on Monday. David, and her sisters Char and Marla will be there as well.

She seems to be in good spirits...she's been texting with me and making some jokes. I understand that she's also been harrassing Marla about getting a dress for her son's wedding that is 2 weeks from today. Ordering her to go out on Monday while she is in surgery with her older (sorry Char) sister to help her find just the right dress. So she is spunky and bossy still - somethings never change.

Will update on Monday after surgery.

Seventeen Days and Counting......

Yes, it's getting close again. Not only to surgery, but to traveling to Houston for prep and the big day. I will be flying out to Houston on Tuesday. May 11th and checking into the hospital on Friday, 14th. Since this is a very bloody surgery, the Dr.'s must first embolize the blood source to the spine prior to surgery. If all goes according to Hoyle, we will be in surgery Monday morning (17th) to remove as much tumor as possible from the spine (T3) and insert a metal rod.

Bionic Kelly!! Metal plates in my head, hip & spine!?! Seriously......what more could a girl ask for?
Bionic Boobies! (She said with a wink and a smile). And just to clarify, for all my sisters' “bloggers”, as much as I would like and need a new pair, at this time, unfortunately I have some other pressing matters I must resolve first :)

Theresa is baby-sitting me upon arrival on Tuesday and will stay until a few days after surgery. Marla is driving down to MD Anderson on Friday, and Char, David, Kathy (Theresa's sis), and my in-law's are all coming in on Sunday. Party Time.

Thanks again to everyone for sending good thoughts & prayers and to my very good friend Nicole who will continue to keep the blog updated. I appreciate the time and effort Nicole has offered to keeping my friends & family updated on my health. (Nic has 3 beautiful girls, that are in school, dance, scouts, parties, etc. and yet she still finds time for her friends!)

I am getting the jitters.........just a little bit. Seventeen days and counting.........