Thursday, May 19, 2011

Holding Steady

Wow. I haven't updated in so long, sorry about that. Things are good my friends. I had my 3 month scan check/deal at the beginning of May. I had a pet/ct. The tumor in my liver has not grown, and according to the pet showed minimal activity and there is no new growth elsewhere. Great news.

I feel like every three months, I keep sneaking by, by the skin of my teeth. I know that I am a very, very lucky girl (what? I'm only 36). So anyway, Unless something unexpected arises, which can always happen with cancer, I will be able to fully enjoy and be present with my family this summer for the first summer in 4 years. There won't be any treatment, no chemo, no erbitux - nothin. Thats-a-nice-a eh?

These last 6 months have been the most peaceful and calm we have had since being diagnosed, and though I don't know how long it will last, it has been very welcome and has helped our family regroup and take a breath.

There is not much else to report. But I would be remiss if I didn't mention a few people. Life ends, life begins.

Our lovely friend Adam Krystian Beldycki, was diagnosed a year before myself in 2006 and was a year older than myself. Fran had reached out to him at the time of my diagnosis as we grappled, scratched, and clawed, looking for someone to give us hope, and direction, and advice. Adam reached back. He was a friend to me, to us.
I thought that if anyone would kick the crap out of this disease it would be my friend. Full of life, kindness, and intelligence. Adam passsed away on April 10th 2011. I extend my sympathies and condolences to his family and friends who have suffered a great loss.
Adam, you are missed my friend. Thank you for being a friend to me and to Fran.

On that same turn a new life is beginning. My younger sister Cynthia and her husband Brad are expecting their first baby in October. This is of course amazing and joyful news and we are so happy for them. I am grateful that, for a change, our family can focus on something that is pure joy and goodness. Congratulations Cynthia and Brad!

Thank you all for your never ending support, love, and prayers. They mean the world to me. They really do. Thank you deeply, from the bottom of my heart. Let's all keep praying for each other!

Love,
Karen


9 comments:

dukesgirl said...

this is happy happy happy news, enjoy your summer Karen, I am so happy for you and your family!

James said...

It's really great to hear how good you are doing Karen. Hope you all have the most totally awesomest summer ever!! James S.

Lena Antaramian said...

This is such a great news about your health report! ENJOY your summer!

We would LOVE to see you this summer so let us know if you can come over!

Anonymous said...

Karen, you in turn continue to inspire the newly diagnosed.

Anonymous said...

Hi Karen, It's wonderful hearing that great news and may you have a great Summer with Francis, Sydney and Ethan.Much love & continued remembrance in prayer. Brigid

Anonymous said...

Great news Karen. All thinking about you here in Dublin. Jimmy and Renee.

teresa said...

I am so happy for you Karen. Hope you all have a great family summer! Will say a prayer for Adam, 'ar dheis lamh De go raibh a anam'
Love to all Teresa, Mike and co xx

Himanshu Joshi said...

Hi Karen,

This is a great news. I am myself a cancer survivor for 3 years now. I can feel your sentiments :)

Have a great life ahead.

Himanshu

Anonymous said...

Hi Karen! I've been following your blog for a few years now. My wife was diagnosed with Stage IV colon cancer when 7 mos pregnant. Daughter was delivered on an emergency basis. Wife given 3-4 mos. She lived 2 years. Daughter doing fabulously. Your ability to prevail has been so wonderful to witness. So very very very happy for you!
Alan Hellawell