Hi Pinks, Sorry for taking so long to update :(

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pinkkari09
pinkkari09 Member Posts: 877
in Breast Cancer #1
Hi Pinks, I want to say sisters, but we have some brothers on here to and I'm sure they don't mind being addressed as "pinks" after all, real men wear pink, right?
As with Laurissa, this Carbo/Gem has been really tough. I'm currently down to just the Gemzar because the Carboplatin has broke my blood down so bad that I've had to have a transfusion after every treatment, and then I started reacting to the transfusions. I had a PET scan on Halloween, it revealed that the chemo has been working on the tumors on my spine, clavicular, and inner mammary, however, my spine, pelvis, humeri, femurs, clavicles, scapulae, and sternum show numerous small sclerotic foci through out. It's a very confusing scan, showing the last known areas have shrunk, but revealing several new areas of concern, all while my tumor markers have come down. At this point we have decided to keep me on the gemzar weekly and monitor the tumor markers (mine have been pretty accurate) in order to see if the new areas of concern could have been there before and possibly are filled with calcium and that's what's lighting up. I'm praying this is the case but I hate being in the dark, I would feel a lot better if they went after one of these spots and did a biopsy and it's possible I will be looking into MD Anderson for a second opinion, my Dad has a winter home in Southern Texas and I have no obligations to South Dakota at this time so I'm seriously considering it. My kids are 17 and 22, they would be behind me 100% on this one. Speaking of kids, I've booked out vacation, it's been on my bucket list for years, to take just my two kids out of the country and spend a week somewhere with JUST THEM, SO, we are going to Cancun in January. Praying my health holds out till at least then!! I've lost a lot of weight, not a diet I recommend, I went from 135 down to 105 really fast, seems this chemo regimen has done that to Laurissa as well, it's a tough one!! Over all, I'm holding on as best as I can, a lot of pain in my back, hips, and ears, but I'm able to manage it with pain meds and lots of rest. I miss all of you so much and I will try my hardest to keep up or at least update everyone. Thank you so much for your thoughts and prayers. Laurissa, if you read this, know I think of you every day and I'm praying for you sister, along with your hubby, hang in there!!
Hugs,
Kari
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Comments

  • Dot53
    Dot53 Member Posts: 239 Member
    #2
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    Hi Kari,
    Its great to hear
    Hi Kari,

    Its great to hear from you... a trip to Cancun with your kids sounds wonderful...something to look forward to especially in frosty January..

    Wishing you all the best,

    Dot
  • MAJW
    MAJW Member Posts: 2,510 Member
    #3
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    Kari...
    Hang in there, sister! Then again what choice do we have? .....I'm dealing with a recurrence and holding my breath as I have scans on Nov. 28. To see if the Xelda is working....it was good to hear from you....I hope you have a fabulous time in Cancun!....it's a beautiful place...just be careful there...and..DON'T EAT ANYTHING from street vendors!!!!!!!! No matter how tempting it is....we were strongly advised of this....and drink only bottled water, even to brush your teeth.... Be extra careful when leaving the compound of your hotel....it's sad but true, there is a lot of crime....The water in Cancun is some of the most beautiful I've ever seen! and there's some great retail therapy there!

    Wishing you a fabulous time and praying for better days for you...
    Keep us posted...you know how much we care...
    Hugs,Nancy
  • Heatherbelle
    Heatherbelle Member Posts: 1,226 Member
    #4
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    oh Kari, Cancun is January
    oh Kari, Cancun is January will be wonderful!!! We've gone in December before and it's not as crowded and not filled with the dreaded "spring breakers".
    I'm glad you posted my friend, I think of you often, as well as Laurissa, and you both are on the receiving end of lots of prayers and good mojo. I'm also glad you're looking in to a second opinion. Keep us posted on that!
    xoxo
    Heather
  • MyTurnNow
    MyTurnNow Member Posts: 2,686 Member
    #5
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    Hi sweet sister, Kari. I
    Hi sweet sister, Kari. I look for a post from you everytime I log on. I'm so happy to see you posting and sorry at the same time that the chemo is so rough on you. Your trip to Cancun sounds wonderful and well deserved. I'm hoping and praying that your health improves for you to thoroughly enjoy this special time with your children. Post when you are able and please know that we all think of you very often!!

    Laurissa, if you read this, I also look for updates on you. Post when you can.

    Take care ladies and I'm sending you both (((hugs))) and love.
  • Ritzy
    Ritzy Member Posts: 4,381 Member
    #6
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    MyTurnNow said:

    Hi sweet sister, Kari. I
    Hi sweet sister, Kari. I look for a post from you everytime I log on. I'm so happy to see you posting and sorry at the same time that the chemo is so rough on you. Your trip to Cancun sounds wonderful and well deserved. I'm hoping and praying that your health improves for you to thoroughly enjoy this special time with your children. Post when you are able and please know that we all think of you very often!!

    Laurissa, if you read this, I also look for updates on you. Post when you can.

    Take care ladies and I'm sending you both (((hugs))) and love.

    Seeing your post made me smile Kari :)
    Simply because I was so happy to see you post. We've all been very concerned and very worried about you, as we are for Laurissa. We haven't heard anything from her for a long time.

    I am so very sorry that your chemo has been so hard on you. I can't imagine what you must be going thru.

    Cancun huh? Sounds wonderful and you so deserve to take this vacation and to be with your children just makes it all that much better!

    Just know I am thinking of you always Kari and praying for you!

    Sue :)
  • Double Whammy
    Double Whammy Member Posts: 2,832 Member
    #7
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    Ritzy said:

    Seeing your post made me smile Kari :)
    Simply because I was so happy to see you post. We've all been very concerned and very worried about you, as we are for Laurissa. We haven't heard anything from her for a long time.

    I am so very sorry that your chemo has been so hard on you. I can't imagine what you must be going thru.

    Cancun huh? Sounds wonderful and you so deserve to take this vacation and to be with your children just makes it all that much better!

    Just know I am thinking of you always Kari and praying for you!

    Sue :)

    Hi Kari
    So good to see your post. As others have said, sorry the chemo has been so rough on you, but my selfish side is so happy you're doing it. Your picture looks so happy. I hope you've regained hope.

    A trip with your kids will be wonderful, no matter where you go. I had my adult kids in the car with me on an overnight trip to Arizona from Las Vegas a couple of months ago. I was such a happy camper.

    Keeping you in my thoughts and prayers,
    Suzanne
  • grams2jc
    grams2jc Member Posts: 756
    #8
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    Hi Kari!
    Had been wondering about you. Hopefully you make it to your vacation and have a wonderful time.

    Maybe you should really consider that MD Anderson consult. Besides, spending some time this winter in Texas might be a good idea. At least the weather wouldn't be stressing you out.

    Hope you have good results and start to have less pain,

    Jennifer
  • camul
    camul Member Posts: 2,537
    #9
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    Hi Kari. Sorry that the
    Hi Kari. Sorry that the chemo is taking such a toll on your body. But am very happy that you booked a vaca for you and your kids. I did that last January to CA and it was really a bonding beautiful vaca even if it was a little cold!
    Now they are thinking that we should do it again, but haven't decided where to go. Just warm is good enough for all of us!
    I do hope that with just the gem it will be better. I am taking a break from the chemo until I have the tests run again in December. With the chemo it had gotten to where I was sick or sleeping most of the time. I did not have the energy to move, and it was affecting my brain.
    To see what was really going on after my last pet scan, my onco followed it up with a bone scan which clarified where the active tumors actually are.

    Hugs, prayers and good wishes are with you and your family.
    Carol
  • LoveBabyJesus
    LoveBabyJesus Member Posts: 1,679 Member
    #10
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    So Happy to See Your Post!
    Dear Kari –

    I was happy to see your post! I’m sorry you’re having a hard time. But sounds like that won’t stop you from having a wonderful time in January. You deserve it and should pursue it. I hope your spirit gets lifted and you start feeling better soon. I can’t imagine how hard this must be, but you’re doing it. And you keep on doing it sister! We miss you and always think of you.

    I’m sorry for the news about the other issues starting to develop. Getting a second opinion is always smart when your guts scream for it. I support you on that one. May you hear only good news moving forward.

    We’ll continue to pray and wish you well.

    Thank you for taking the energy and time to let us know how you’re doing.
  • Noel
    Noel Member Posts: 3,095 Member
    #11
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    grams2jc said:

    Hi Kari!
    Had been wondering about you. Hopefully you make it to your vacation and have a wonderful time.

    Maybe you should really consider that MD Anderson consult. Besides, spending some time this winter in Texas might be a good idea. At least the weather wouldn't be stressing you out.

    Hope you have good results and start to have less pain,

    Jennifer

    Kari
    so good to see you! I am going to pray really hard that your Cancun trip will be perfect for you and your children. If anyone deserves a fun, relaxing time, it is you!

    MD Anderson sounds like a good idea. It couldn't hurt.


    Thanks for posting and keep your beautiful chin up!


    Hugs, Noel
  • Noel
    Noel Member Posts: 3,095 Member
    #12
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    grams2jc said:

    Hi Kari!
    Had been wondering about you. Hopefully you make it to your vacation and have a wonderful time.

    Maybe you should really consider that MD Anderson consult. Besides, spending some time this winter in Texas might be a good idea. At least the weather wouldn't be stressing you out.

    Hope you have good results and start to have less pain,

    Jennifer

    sorry
    double post
  • New Flower
    New Flower Member Posts: 4,294
    #13
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    LoveBabyJesus said:

    So Happy to See Your Post!
    Dear Kari –

    I was happy to see your post! I’m sorry you’re having a hard time. But sounds like that won’t stop you from having a wonderful time in January. You deserve it and should pursue it. I hope your spirit gets lifted and you start feeling better soon. I can’t imagine how hard this must be, but you’re doing it. And you keep on doing it sister! We miss you and always think of you.

    I’m sorry for the news about the other issues starting to develop. Getting a second opinion is always smart when your guts scream for it. I support you on that one. May you hear only good news moving forward.

    We’ll continue to pray and wish you well.

    Thank you for taking the energy and time to let us know how you’re doing.

    Thank you for for your update
    Kari, Thank you for your update. I hope the new little spots are just an inflammation and not tumors. Sorry for the weight, I cannot imagine being 105 lb. I am 120 , so have an idea. Please see a dietician who can help you gain something back
    I am sure your vacation will be wonderful and you are looking forward to it.
    Winter in San Antonio probably can be easier and more pleasant , no snow and warm.
    Sending you a big hug
    New Flower
  • New Flower
    New Flower Member Posts: 4,294
    #14
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    LoveBabyJesus said:

    So Happy to See Your Post!
    Dear Kari –

    I was happy to see your post! I’m sorry you’re having a hard time. But sounds like that won’t stop you from having a wonderful time in January. You deserve it and should pursue it. I hope your spirit gets lifted and you start feeling better soon. I can’t imagine how hard this must be, but you’re doing it. And you keep on doing it sister! We miss you and always think of you.

    I’m sorry for the news about the other issues starting to develop. Getting a second opinion is always smart when your guts scream for it. I support you on that one. May you hear only good news moving forward.

    We’ll continue to pray and wish you well.

    Thank you for taking the energy and time to let us know how you’re doing.

    Thank you for for your update
    double post
  • survivorbc09
    survivorbc09 Member Posts: 4,374 Member
    #15
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    Heatherbelle said:

    oh Kari, Cancun is January
    oh Kari, Cancun is January will be wonderful!!! We've gone in December before and it's not as crowded and not filled with the dreaded "spring breakers".
    I'm glad you posted my friend, I think of you often, as well as Laurissa, and you both are on the receiving end of lots of prayers and good mojo. I'm also glad you're looking in to a second opinion. Keep us posted on that!
    xoxo
    Heather

    Kari! You are back! We've
    Kari! You are back! We've been worried pink sister! You and Laurissa are always in my prayers and in my thoughts. Two of the strongest, most amazing women on here.


    You go to Cancun and you live it up!


    Hugs, Jan
  • DianeBC
    DianeBC Member Posts: 3,881 Member
    #16
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    LoveBabyJesus said:

    So Happy to See Your Post!
    Dear Kari –

    I was happy to see your post! I’m sorry you’re having a hard time. But sounds like that won’t stop you from having a wonderful time in January. You deserve it and should pursue it. I hope your spirit gets lifted and you start feeling better soon. I can’t imagine how hard this must be, but you’re doing it. And you keep on doing it sister! We miss you and always think of you.

    I’m sorry for the news about the other issues starting to develop. Getting a second opinion is always smart when your guts scream for it. I support you on that one. May you hear only good news moving forward.

    We’ll continue to pray and wish you well.

    Thank you for taking the energy and time to let us know how you’re doing.

    I just want to let you know
    I just want to let you know that I am always praying for you Kari. You have the prayers of all of the pink sisters here!

    Please keep updating us and don't stay away so long.


    Hugs and prayers to you,


    Diane
  • GreeneyedGirl
    GreeneyedGirl Member Posts: 1,077
    #17
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    DianeBC said:

    I just want to let you know
    I just want to let you know that I am always praying for you Kari. You have the prayers of all of the pink sisters here!

    Please keep updating us and don't stay away so long.


    Hugs and prayers to you,


    Diane

    Hey Pink~
    Thinking of you, glad to see an update~hoping, and praying for this treatment to do its job and kick that cancers tush! I hear the winters in S. Dakota are pretty cold!! and would gladly exchange that for a winter in S. Texas (i think~hurricanes??) but definitely would be loving the sun of Cancun in January!! A great way to start the new year!
    Pink Love & Prayers~
    ~Melanie
  • Noel
    Noel Member Posts: 3,095 Member
    #18
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    New Flower said:

    Thank you for for your update
    Kari, Thank you for your update. I hope the new little spots are just an inflammation and not tumors. Sorry for the weight, I cannot imagine being 105 lb. I am 120 , so have an idea. Please see a dietician who can help you gain something back
    I am sure your vacation will be wonderful and you are looking forward to it.
    Winter in San Antonio probably can be easier and more pleasant , no snow and warm.
    Sending you a big hug
    New Flower

    And thanks to you New Flower
    And thanks to you New Flower for letting us know previously that you had heard from Kari. Meant a lot!
  • Alexis F
    Alexis F Member Posts: 3,598
    #19
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    GreeneyedGirl said:

    Hey Pink~
    Thinking of you, glad to see an update~hoping, and praying for this treatment to do its job and kick that cancers tush! I hear the winters in S. Dakota are pretty cold!! and would gladly exchange that for a winter in S. Texas (i think~hurricanes??) but definitely would be loving the sun of Cancun in January!! A great way to start the new year!
    Pink Love & Prayers~
    ~Melanie

    Hey Kari! Great to see you
    Hey Kari! Great to see you updating us! We all know how hard your chemo is on you and we all pray for you daily Kari.

    Cancun, here you and your children come! Sounds like a great vacation spot and I know you will love it there.


    Hugs, Lex
  • DebbyM
    DebbyM Member Posts: 3,289 Member
    #20
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    Double Whammy said:

    Hi Kari
    So good to see your post. As others have said, sorry the chemo has been so rough on you, but my selfish side is so happy you're doing it. Your picture looks so happy. I hope you've regained hope.

    A trip with your kids will be wonderful, no matter where you go. I had my adult kids in the car with me on an overnight trip to Arizona from Las Vegas a couple of months ago. I was such a happy camper.

    Keeping you in my thoughts and prayers,
    Suzanne

    I was wondering also if
    I was wondering also if you'd come back and update us Kari. So glad that you did. I'm so sorry about the chemo being so rough on you. I wish there was something I could do to help you with it.

    Your trip sounds awesome! Go and have fun!


    Hugs, Debby
  • DianeBC
    DianeBC Member Posts: 3,881 Member
    #21
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    Alexis F said:

    Hey Kari! Great to see you
    Hey Kari! Great to see you updating us! We all know how hard your chemo is on you and we all pray for you daily Kari.

    Cancun, here you and your children come! Sounds like a great vacation spot and I know you will love it there.


    Hugs, Lex

    I forgot to add that I wish
    I forgot to add that I wish you good luck if you decide to get a 2nd opinion at MD Anderson Kari.

    Hugs,

    Diane

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