Today was my appointment with my oncological surgeon at Northwestern Memorial Hospital, Dr. Khan. The (very!) good news is that from clinical standpoint, my cancer looks like it's Stage One and is completely curable -- hurray! My surgery will happen 2-3 weeks from now, and I have a few things to take care of between now and then (MRI, blood tests, possibly further biopsies and ultrasounds, more consultations with specialists, choosing an oncologist, etc.). My mom flew in last night and came to my appointment along with Charlie's mom. It was such a comfort to have all three of them there with me, 1) for support, and 2) to hear the good news in person and ease their worries, too. Needless to say this whole thing has been hard on everyone.
It is such an incredible relief to know that, after some treatment, I'm going to be ok. It's a little daunting to know that I have A LOT of decisions to make in the next few weeks. Some of the biggest decisions will come after we get the results of the genetic testing, which looks to see if I have a particular gene mutation which would drastically increase my risk of new cancer each year and would require me to have mammograms every six months and MRIs every year absent a bilateral mastectomy. Another big question is the outcome of surgery -- my cancer is currently considered Stage One, but once they get in and see whether it has spread to my lymph nodes, they may have to adjust the staging (maybe, but probably not). We also don't know what sort of radiation and chemotherapy I'm facing until surgery and further testing is done to the tumor tissue itself to see what we're dealing with.
So, long story short, today was as good a day as it could have been. I'm in the best of hands and have THE most amazing support system. I'm a lucky girl, that's for sure.
Cancer? Bring it on!
My mom, me, Charlie -- part of Team Fight Like Crazy
My awesome, awesome hubs
5 comments:
Kirsten,
Your story and bravery has given me a crazy case of goosebumps! So proud of you, inspired, grateful for your great news..and will be cheering for you and your team from Cali all throughout. Take best care of you and keep on writing. It's the best medicine—aside from all that love around you. ;)
Lots of love,
August
Kirsten,
I wanted to type a complete message in that language that you and Caitlin use, but I could only remember one word...see if you can find it in this message. You and Charlie have been, and will continue to be, in our thoughts and prayers. I lurvy you! Terry
P.S. You look VERY strong in the top picture. I would definitely be afraid if I met you in a dark alley!
Kirsten,
I'm so happy that you had good new today! I have been thinking of you ever since I heard the news. I have always admired your vivacity, and you definitely are a fighter! Lucas and I are praying for you, Charlie, and your family and thinking of you often. We love you!
Love,
Cora
Hi Kristen,
Your uncle guided me to your blog. You're so very courageous to be moving through this experience and to share it publicly! I couldn't help but notice your mention of genetic testing and immediately thought of Dr. Bruce Lipton. Maybe you've already heard of him, but if you're interested you can check him out on youtube. Here's one clip in which he talks specifically about the topics you mentioned in your Blog post:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4iCcnDuY6-4 (Dr. Joseph Mercola interviews Dr. Bruce Lipton and he explains how the New Biology will take you from a world of crisis and ill health to another level of masterful control.) May you find this insightful as you proceed on your healing journey!
Joni
Kirsten,
You are so strong! Stronger than I could ever be. You are an amazing young woman with a huge heart. I have been thinking of you a lot in the last couple of days. The girl that I have known practically my entire life is VERY strong and will beat this. Lots of prayers and thoughts through this journey. God Bless You!! We love you!!!
Shelby and Brian Kortz
Post a Comment