I as write this Kim’s sitting next to me getting her Chemo. Mom usually brings her but mom is giving a nativity program so today I am the designated driver. I am learning and using this time to get caught up on the updates.
Kim is in the middle of day 2 of session 5 of her chemo program. This means she is on the downhill side of this program with only 2 full sessions left after tomorrow. On day one she receives cisplatin and adnamycin. Day 2, taxol is administered. Then on day 3 she reports to the Syracuse hospital for that “make-your-joints-hurt-but-boost-your–immune-system" shot which is actually called nuelasta.
A lot has happened since the last update. A lot of great things! Kim had a CT scan yesterday. The results were an answer to prayer. The tumor on her liver is gone. Her blood work is right where it is suppose to be. She is clear of cancer. I do not know when the medical team will actually use the term “cancer free” or “remission” but we are thrilled with the results of the last test. Like anyone else that goes through this process, she will be having regular checkups to make sure this monster stays away.
This session is a bit late. Kim stretched the time a few days so she would be in good shape to help celebrate Becky and Brad’s wedding. That was a good idea but it didn’t work out as planned. Kim had a nasty cold. She did attend the wedding, dance with her grand-daughter at the reception but wilted quickly. Chances are they would have postponed anyway because she was not in any shape to have her chemo. Kim would wear down quickly and her sleep was often interrupted with coughing. They ended up putting her on strong anti-biotic and waiting another week.
Having little or no energy at this time of year does not get the Christmas decorations up. Enter family stage left……….. the family descended upon their home last Tuesday night. Of course when family gets together is means food too. We enjoyed two kinds of soup, Christmas cookies and of course grandma’s peanut brittle and rice crispy treats. Results were good. It looks very festive in the Kirchhoff home now.
The next chemo session will be right after Christmas. She is planning on the 26th and 27th if she can stay healthy. She feels her best right before she starts her chemo so this is great timing.
Kim will turn 50 before her very last session in January. I keep telling her that 50 is really not so bad. We have a lot to celebrate this Christmas and we are looking forward to new beginnings in 2007.
Jan Snyder
