Book Excerpts
First Day of Chemo
I have been trying to decide what to say about my very, very long first day of chemo. I arrived at 9:00 a.m. and left at 2:30 p.m. Danielle was able to be with me the entire time. We managed to play nice with everyone. Actually, Danielle played nice and listened...
Meet Raquel
On Monday, I went wig shopping with Gene, Danielle and Shawn (my amazing hair stylist), and it wasn't as fun as I had anticipated. I thought we would go to a wig shop where there would be lots of wigs and I would try them on and then maybe have to order a different...
Chemo or No Chemo?
Several people have asked my why I'm having chemo if "they got it all," so I thought I would try to explain. Physicians don't use the term "we got it all," instead they talk about lymph nodes and clear margins (see the pathology report posting). But most of us...
The Prayer Quilt
My niece is a youth minister in Texas and their church creates prayer quilts for people going through difficult times. The workers pray as they sew the quits. When they finish the quilts, they tie yarn to it and leave the strands long. The quilt is passed around, and...
Wearing Pink for Kathy
So many of you send me text messages and emails with photos of you wearing pink on my surgery day. They were so fun to look at in the hospital and when I got home. I made a collage of many of the images. Click on the photo to see a larger version.
Sleep
Isn't it amazing the difference that a little sleep can bring? Just prior to surgery, a breast cancer survivor sent me an email to make sure I had lots of pillows. I happen to be a person who regularly purchases new pillows in search of the perfect pillow, so I...
The Surgery
We arrived at the hospital promptly at 8:30 and were immediately escorted back to a pre-op room. After changing into my couture backless gown and robe, Gene, my mom and Danielle were allowed to spend the morning with me. I was surprisingly calm and kept expecting to...
Surgery Morning
I have received so many cards, messages, prayers and gifts and feel humbled and supported by all of you. I have laughed at your messages and cried at your notes. I had a good week and I'm ready for surgery. My Mom has arrived, and mom's always make things better. ...
Texas Team Kathy
From my niece, nephew and sister: Kathy, Sending a few pics from our walk last weekend. We laughed a lot, cried a bit, and thought of you the whole time. I know I was thinking of you the whole time on our 3 mile walk because I had a small rock in my shoe. I took my...
Vinton Team Kathy
The Virginia Gay surgery department in Vinton shows support for Team Kathy