It has been 2 months since the last update regarding Kim’s health. In this case no news is GREAT NEWS! Many of you already know about the exceptional outcome but I still feel the need to document.
Kim’s blood counts have been pretty good through out this ordeal. But that did not stop a nasty cold from finding her and kicking her around. Her Chemo schedule was rearranged until she kicked that little bug back. With the help of some really strong antibiotics, good doctors and lots of sleep, she was able to concur the cold.
She had her 6th treatment the week after Christmas which put her in “down-time” for New Years. Kim did not want to miss ringing in 2007 with loved ones, so she and Shane brought their grandkids to our island on the Platte River near Schuyler. Typically she spends the couple of days sleeping after her treatment. We assured her that she could take over our couch and we would take care of her. Rod and Gail joined us too. It was a quiet night of celebration.
On January 8th, she turned 50. Although she did not have lots of energy for dancing or kicking up her heals, she was quoted as saying. “I’m feeling just damn glad to be alive!” We felt the same and decided that we would hold off on the big celebration until after she gained her strength back from her next and final treatment. Her friends did not let the date go unnoticed. They sent lots of cards with lottery tickets. She did have the strength to scratch and win. Her biggest payoff came in a card from “Church Lady”. It was a sure bet…a $20 bill.
Kim started her 7th and last chemo treatment with a deluge of medical test. It was a time for us to hold our breath and pray that the therapy was doing what is was suppose to do. We had the best possible news by the time she began her IV medication. No signs of cancer left! As exhausting as her treatment is, we were ready to celebrate that night. Gail prepared the food, Champagne toast and confetti. The next day she took her video camera to record some of the people and places she in which she became so familiar the last 5 months.
Dr Remmenga said Kim was a “model” patient. He was very pleased with the outcome. I too believe she is so much more than the typical “text-book” case. She may have set a higher standard for his other patients. I am sure the staff hopes for the same great outcome for everyone they treat.
Kim remained strong throughout the ordeal. She made chemo treatment seem like a case of the flu. I am not talking about those few people who make the flu look like they are on deaths doorstep. I mean those resilient folks who rarely let anything get them down yet have to surrender to meds and rest. She made it look easy and we know it was not.
Kim continues to go in for blood work while the chemo is still working in her system. Last week she was low on magnesium so needed an IV transfusion. She will continue to wear a wig but expects her hair to start growing back in a couple of months. Her fingers and feet still tingle as though they are asleep and hopefully those symptoms will fade too. The medical staff is keeping a close eye on her. Kim will make regular appointments for check ups to make sure the cancer stays gone. In the meantime we will all keep our fingers crossed and prayers raised.
Kim has had time to recuperate and gain strength. Now it is time to celebrate her life and 50th birthday. What could be more fun than a 50’s party? So put on your letter jacket, roll up your jeans, grease your hair back and join us for a salute to all good things that came out of the 1950’s. It is February 24th, 7pm at the Syracuse Kimmel Event Center.
Jan Snyder
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