Dear family and friends,
I can hardly believe that it has been two months since I
last updated my blog. I have had such a
busy schedule that I barely have had time to think. I guess going to radiation every day at 2:30pm except Saturday and Sunday for the last month would explain how I spend a good part of my day! Not being one to let that slow me down there has been some fun along the way to break up the last six months.
Mike and I celebrated the end of my chemo with a Backroads bike trip riding from South Carolina to North Carolina. I crunched and used an electric-assist bike
for the trip, as I knew I would not be able to ride the Blue Ridge Mountains. But, I did still get a great workout on the
flats and rolling hills, riding a total of almost 200 miles in 5 days. Not bad, righttttt????
October was a wonderful celebration month. I once again chaired ‘Key to the Cure’ with
my very good friend, Jacquie Dorrance. We had a great
turnout at the event, bringing together 230 women raising money for TGEN. The money is used to help fight women’s
cancers. Jacquie and I were both honored to
have many family members fly in for the day (all my sisters, my Mom and the girls made the trip to be there).
It was a very special time for all!
 |
| Brigid & Summer Rye, Elyse & Amanda Mueller, Ruth (Mom), Mike, Me, Monica Mueller, Megan O'Toole, Barb Basalone, Ellen Dewan |
My medical oncologist, Dr. Karen Anderson, was our guest
speaker at this year’s ‘Key to the Cure’.
She is a wonderful doctor and scientist.
Dr. Anderson spoke about current studies and progress related to women’s
cancers. She did an amazing job!
 |
| Dr. Karen Anderson |
Speaking of progress, I am now one of 3,000 people in the
world who have had their DNA and RNA genetically sequenced. The scientists and doctors at TGEN and Mayo
have looked at the sequencing of my ‘healthy body’ and my ‘sick body’. In their comparative studies, they have found
a ‘target gene’ known to tie to cancer.
At this time there isn't anything on the market that works with that
gene. But, my sequencing information is
in a database, and should something come available my doctors would be alerted.
Sequencing is very cutting edge and is really the future of
medicine. I feel very fortunate to have
this information available to my doctors.
Because of the DNA information, I will have a bone scan and blood test
every four months to assure that I stay healthy. This is really good news and proactive
progress.
So, on Monday, December 1st, I will finish 6 ½
weeks of radiation! Radiation is not for babies! I thought it would be easy, and
although it is quick and basically painless, it is not easy. My skin is in awful shape, red, blistered,
tight, itchy and painful. Have I
complained enough! Let me just say, I
will be glad to have it over.
Once again, I am struck with gratitude to all of you as well
as to those I have never met. The Key to
the Cure event is humbling, as I know that so many women continue to need our
help in finding a cure, I am just one of them.
Love to all. xox
2 comments:
What a great post Katie. I'm grateful that you are getting such great care and you and mike have such a strong medical team. I cat wait till you're done with this part, it sounds super challenging-emotionally and physically. I love you so much. Megan
Katie this is Barbara Mills (Swetnam). I want you to know that my thoughts and prayers are with you. Last September I was diagnosed with breast cancer and I had to have chemo and radiation. It is not easy, but you are a strong woman and a inspiration to many. Please rest and know that my thoughts are with you.
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