Ready,set, .......

I'm just sitting here watching Paco work...raking, pruning, sweating...poor guy!  Spring is upon us and if we can't be in Zihuatanejo, I guess sunny Boulder is the next best place.  Hope all my BVSD friends are enjoying either exotic locales or hanging out at home with no lesson plans to think about!  Friday was our meeting with the oncologist to find out all about chemo...well, at least a small portion of what we need to know.  Paco and I are going to a Chemo Class on Monday morning. (I really like the way Kaiser tries to keep everyone informed and educated) Sometime next week, I'll be going to Denver to have a "port" put in to protect my whimpy blond veins over the course of the next several months, and then the following week I'll start chemo.  I think I mentioned in another blog that it will consist of 6-8 cycles (1 chemo day every three weeks).  There will be periodic checks (CT scans, blood tests,etc) to determine how much (not IF! :)) the cancers are shrinking.  I've been feeling pretty good, except for the incision which makes it hard to walk, sleep, or salsa dance.  It doesn't effect watching mindless TV (my favorite kind) nor eating, so I'm surviving.  I'm sure it will feel better very soon.  To all you friends and family out there in blog-land I want you to know that not a day goes by that I don't thank my lucky stars (as Mom used to say) for the joy of knowing EACH of you.  If cancer teaches you nothing else, it certainly teaches you the importance of the people in your life.  Thanks for being there!    Karen

HOLA!

WOW! What a beautiful day! I feel so sorry for all my cohorts at Centennial trying to control the hormones racing around the halls. You are all in my thoughts and prayers...remember, just ONE MORE WEEK! Paco and I went down to Anschutz yesterday, accompanied by sister Sharon who is here from California, to get pathology results and talk about what's next. I was thrilled that there are no new surprises. For all you scientists all they told me was that I have high grade serous cell cancer...which is fancy talk for ovarian/ peritoneal cancer. The treatment is straightforward and has been experienced by thousands of women before me...6 - 8 sessions of chemo 3 weeks apart. There will be a CT scan after about 9 weeks to see if the cancer is breaking down and I will probably need to have myself "drained" a couple of times (lovely) of the fluids that this type of cancer produces. I meet next Friday with my new oncologist (Kaiser has taken me back into its fold) to discuss all the details. So, there you have it... I'll update after my first chemo!
What about those BUFFS?

Sitting in the sun.

Well, tomorrow flew right by me. Here it is Saturday, and I am finally getting back to business. The last three days have been both trying and rewarding. I have been trying hard to keep myself in the present tense (only a language teacher!) and leave the future tense until I feel better. Therefore, my goals are simple and daily...find the most comfortable thing in the world to wear, drink water like a fish, and feel better in some way than I felt the day before. So far so good! I have been completely overwhelmed by your notes and cards, not to mention the food, flowers, and gifts. You have written such important and loving words that I believe my friends to be the most insightful in Boulder...and that is saying a lot...skinny AND insightful! One day I hope to thank you personally for your words of encouragement and comfort, but until that time, please except this small expression of public gratitude. On a medical note, Paco and I are going back to Anschutz on Thursday to hear pathology reports, chemo plans, and other yucky stuff. For right now, I am content not to worry about Thursday and focus on this gorgeous Colorado sunshine. I'll write soon.

I'm Home!

I just wanted to be sure that no one came to visit me in the hospital, because I am home! I will write more tomorrow.

Much better!

Feeling so much better! I got rid of lots of tubes and drugs today and with the departure of all those alien apparati,my spirits have risen. Even though they were unable to remove the majority of the cancer, there's always chemo and perhaps even future surgeries. The whole family is feeling better. I'm not sure yet when I'll be out of here. Best guess is Thursday or Friday. I have really appreciated all of your gifts and calls. Thank you all so much for your support. I'll stay in better touch now that I have my wits about me. Much love! Karen

Post Surgery

This is Karen's friend, Mary-
Karen is out of surgery but the news isn't what we wanted to hear.  The doctor was unable to get all the cancer.  Tests will determine where the cancer originated.
She will start Chemo as soon as she is up to it.  We all know she is strong and her great attitude has to count for something.  Let's all get behind her for the second round.
Paco and the boys are all in shock at this point and not ready for phone calls.  Karen is still in recovery.
All of your good wishes and support are greatly appreciated.