Time for an update!

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Hi ladies!

It has been a month since my surgery and things have not been fun lately. I guess I didn't realize how serious of a surgery this was, but I have been having a rough go. I am finally down to one crutch, but I am still unable to get dressed by myself, put my shoes on, etc. Pretty much anything that requires bending over is a no. I am still taking microbiology and calc though. I was probably in over my head thinking I could take classes, but I'm stubborn so theres no going back now. I really struggle with letting people take care of me because I always want to do things for myself, so as you can imagine things have been hard. I started Physical Therapy and I am getting a lot better, but it truly is a test of patience. I had to have another surgery on Monday because my wound was still draining and they were worried there was an infection developing. On top of everything I have been dealing with, my passive aggressive roommate finally hit her breaking point on Monday. She screamed at me for 45 minutes and pretty much told me I was a burden. She said that she resents me for putting her in this position and that it is not her job to take care of me. According to her, I also don't realize how me being sick affects other people, which I thought was pretty funny that she was complaining when I never complain and I'm the one ACTUALLY going through it. She sat there and told me that I should be home, I shouldn't be taking classes, and I should have my mom take care of me. I told her that I wasn't going to sit there and listen to her tell me how to live my life and left. Needless to say, I have been staying at my sorority house and avoiding her at all costs. The reality of the situation is, I have a 40% cure rate. If heaven forbid something does happen, I'm not going to just sit on the couch and be sick. I am going to live my life. I don't know if anyone has had an experience like this with a "friend" who ended up being ridiculously selfish, but I refuse to allow people like that in my life.

My dad is doing much better. He's pretty incredible. He works almost 12 hour days every day at the hospital even with a gimp arm. He almost had to have a shoulder replacement, so his recovery is pretty intensive as well. One good aspect of all of the craziness is that I have started dating the most incredible guy. He's so handsome, caring, and selfless and has been such an unexpected blessing. My medical oncologist tried to convince me to do chemo when I saw him last week. The problem is, it didn't work the first time and it completely compromised my quality of life so there's pretty much no convincing me. They are researching an alternative drug treatment plan that I would potentially be on for the next 2-5 years, but we will know more when I have another pet scan at the end of the month to see if more disease is present. Wish this update came with better news, but I am hopeful that things will start looking up very soon. Sorry I don't post often, but I think and pray for you girls always. Hope you all had an incredible Valentines Day with your loved ones.

Kat
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Comments

  • camul
    camul Member Posts: 2,537
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    Kat
    So glad to hear from you but sad at how much you are going throuh and that your room mate is seeing herself as a victim. You are right you do not need to have pepole like her around you. I am sure school is difficult the classes you are taking are hard without the added stress of healing and more surgeries.
    You are amazing with all that you do. I will continue to add you in my prayers and see you in the percentage of survivors:))

    Carol
  • camul
    camul Member Posts: 2,537
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    Kat
    Sorry. Double post.
  • SIROD
    SIROD Member Posts: 2,194 Member
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    Keep Going, Don't Give In!
    I have been wondering how you have been doing. You are incredible. Sometimes people do feel as though they are the martyr in this sort of situation.

    You keep going and find alternatives. I have been in this game 17 1/2 years with many other medical conditions. I am here, because I kept going, refusing to sit and look at the stars. Time enough for that, but it's not now. Take your classes, enjoy the young man's company and don't listen to your roommate.

    Wring out every joy that life sends your way. Your father is one tough guy too. My dad is also and has set an example, with the message "keep going, try to live as normal as you can, don't give in to your situation".

    Wishing you the best, Kat.

    Doris
  • missrenee
    missrenee Member Posts: 2,136 Member
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    SIROD said:

    Keep Going, Don't Give In!
    I have been wondering how you have been doing. You are incredible. Sometimes people do feel as though they are the martyr in this sort of situation.

    You keep going and find alternatives. I have been in this game 17 1/2 years with many other medical conditions. I am here, because I kept going, refusing to sit and look at the stars. Time enough for that, but it's not now. Take your classes, enjoy the young man's company and don't listen to your roommate.

    Wring out every joy that life sends your way. Your father is one tough guy too. My dad is also and has set an example, with the message "keep going, try to live as normal as you can, don't give in to your situation".

    Wishing you the best, Kat.

    Doris

    I've said it before, and I'll say it again . . .
    Kat, you totally amaze me. You face your challenges head on and refuse to give in or give up. With the current new challenges I am facing, I'm learning from you, sweet, young, beautiful girl.

    I am so sorry that your roommate just doesn't "get it." I'm wondering if she's ever had any real difficult health issue in her life. She just sounds very selfish to me.

    Anyway, it's so good to hear that your already doing PT--very difficult and challenging, but paving the road to being better soon. And, how great it is that you have wonderful man in your life right now! But, I do have to say, I hope HE knows how lucky HE is!

    Keep healing, Kat and I hope the new treatment that they're working on is the one that totally zaps this miserable disease from your body forever.

    So glad you posted--you can tell, we've all adopted you!

    Love and hugs, Renee
  • Lynn Smith
    Lynn Smith Member Posts: 1,264 Member
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    missrenee said:

    I've said it before, and I'll say it again . . .
    Kat, you totally amaze me. You face your challenges head on and refuse to give in or give up. With the current new challenges I am facing, I'm learning from you, sweet, young, beautiful girl.

    I am so sorry that your roommate just doesn't "get it." I'm wondering if she's ever had any real difficult health issue in her life. She just sounds very selfish to me.

    Anyway, it's so good to hear that your already doing PT--very difficult and challenging, but paving the road to being better soon. And, how great it is that you have wonderful man in your life right now! But, I do have to say, I hope HE knows how lucky HE is!

    Keep healing, Kat and I hope the new treatment that they're working on is the one that totally zaps this miserable disease from your body forever.

    So glad you posted--you can tell, we've all adopted you!

    Love and hugs, Renee

    This brought tears
    This brought tears to my eyes but hey you are a winner and stay away from your loser roomate.She is a very selfish and uncaring individual.You need to be around positive people.Ashamed you couldn't see her inner feelings before now.Glad you;ve found others who care.

    Oh and for your boyfriend I am sure he is handsome.You are a very pretty young lady. He is so supporative. I hope you've heard this song"I'm gonna love you through it"???? It brings tears to my eyes.Your boyfriend knows you have a long tough journey and he is willing to be by your side.

    I wish you all the best.Will be thinkng of you like all your pink sisters do.Sometimes we worry when we don't hear from you but eventually you get in touch.I guess we are all impatient LOL.We worry!!!!!

    Take care of yourself.Don't over-do it.You now have a great support system.After you got away from your former friend.

    Wishing you the very best,
    Lynn Smith
  • Double Whammy
    Double Whammy Member Posts: 2,832 Member
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    This brought tears
    This brought tears to my eyes but hey you are a winner and stay away from your loser roomate.She is a very selfish and uncaring individual.You need to be around positive people.Ashamed you couldn't see her inner feelings before now.Glad you;ve found others who care.

    Oh and for your boyfriend I am sure he is handsome.You are a very pretty young lady. He is so supporative. I hope you've heard this song"I'm gonna love you through it"???? It brings tears to my eyes.Your boyfriend knows you have a long tough journey and he is willing to be by your side.

    I wish you all the best.Will be thinkng of you like all your pink sisters do.Sometimes we worry when we don't hear from you but eventually you get in touch.I guess we are all impatient LOL.We worry!!!!!

    Take care of yourself.Don't over-do it.You now have a great support system.After you got away from your former friend.

    Wishing you the very best,
    Lynn Smith

    Hi Kat!
    Thanks for the update. I hate that you've been through so much both physically and emotionally. You tell your roommate to watch out, a pink bus full of all of us may pull up and have a little chat with her when she's least expecting it. It is true that when someone gets cancer, everyone involved with that person also is effected. It sounds like she was very mean and that's just not ok!

    Great news on the boyfriend front, tho. Post pictures! I'm an old broad who just loves a good love story.

    Hope you will end up with a treatment plan that you can tolerate and one that knocks the socks off this stupid disease.

    Hugs,
    Suzanne
  • carkris
    carkris Member Posts: 4,553 Member
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    Hi Kat!
    Thanks for the update. I hate that you've been through so much both physically and emotionally. You tell your roommate to watch out, a pink bus full of all of us may pull up and have a little chat with her when she's least expecting it. It is true that when someone gets cancer, everyone involved with that person also is effected. It sounds like she was very mean and that's just not ok!

    Great news on the boyfriend front, tho. Post pictures! I'm an old broad who just loves a good love story.

    Hope you will end up with a treatment plan that you can tolerate and one that knocks the socks off this stupid disease.

    Hugs,
    Suzanne

    Kat so glad you posted.
    Kat so glad you posted. people have been wanting to know how you are. I was wondering just last night. Unfortunately there will be cranky people in your life, so glad you kicked her to the curb. So glad you are embracing life , you amaze and inspire me. You go girl!
  • sea60
    sea60 Member Posts: 2,613
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    carkris said:

    Kat so glad you posted.
    Kat so glad you posted. people have been wanting to know how you are. I was wondering just last night. Unfortunately there will be cranky people in your life, so glad you kicked her to the curb. So glad you are embracing life , you amaze and inspire me. You go girl!

    You are just our little
    You are just our little "hero!" You don't give up and yes, just as you said, you will LIVE LIFE! I am soooo thrilled you met this guy! He sounds amazing. What a wonderful blessing.

    Hang in there, you'll get stronger. And as for your roomate, well, better to surround yourself with positive people and not "Debbie Downers" or Bitter Betty's".

    Sending hugs and TONS of prayers to you sweetie!

    Blessings,

    Sylvia
  • New Flower
    New Flower Member Posts: 4,294
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    sea60 said:

    You are just our little
    You are just our little "hero!" You don't give up and yes, just as you said, you will LIVE LIFE! I am soooo thrilled you met this guy! He sounds amazing. What a wonderful blessing.

    Hang in there, you'll get stronger. And as for your roomate, well, better to surround yourself with positive people and not "Debbie Downers" or Bitter Betty's".

    Sending hugs and TONS of prayers to you sweetie!

    Blessings,

    Sylvia

    Kat it is nice to hear from you
    Thank you for posting. I am jealous to the Patients who will have you as a nurse.
    Husg
  • RE
    RE Member Posts: 4,591 Member
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    Good to hear from you!
    Kat you keep up that positive pushing forward attitude and do all that you can do to beat this thing. You are right to not burden yourself with people who cannot see beyond their own selves. I too had my cancer return after completing my chemo (6 rounds) and my odds were 35 percent, I had to do more chemo (a rougher regime of 18 more rounds) but it has been 12 years and I am still here you can beat this. I like that you have a good guy in your life that is lifting your spirits, that is truly a blessing! You continue in my prayers, update when you can and above all take care of yourself!!!

    Hugs,

    RE
  • laughs_a_lot
    laughs_a_lot Member Posts: 1,368 Member
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    Some people
    You know how it can be. For some people life is all about me me me me me. Did she think you got sick on purpose? You are suppossed to be doing what other young folks your age are doing. Doing what normally comes along keeps you from getting depressed and feeling sorry for yourself. Sounds like the boyfriend might be a prince in training.
  • skipper54
    skipper54 Member Posts: 936 Member
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    Some people
    You know how it can be. For some people life is all about me me me me me. Did she think you got sick on purpose? You are suppossed to be doing what other young folks your age are doing. Doing what normally comes along keeps you from getting depressed and feeling sorry for yourself. Sounds like the boyfriend might be a prince in training.

    You are amazing!
    Thanks for the update. The new guy sounds like a keeper. The roommate on the other hand . . .

    Keep hanging in there. Sending gentle hugs and lots of prayers!
  • Nana C.
    Nana C. Member Posts: 108
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    YOU go girl!!!!
    Oh Kat, I like everyone else on this board are truly amazed by all you do while going through all that you have. Your roommate has no idea what she has lost! Having a friend like you is hard to find! You certainly don't need her drama, invented drama. I pray everyday for you as everyone does, we all love you. Please keep in touch as you can. Good luck with that new relationship!

    Hugs
    Nana
  • DebbyM
    DebbyM Member Posts: 3,289 Member
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    missrenee said:

    I've said it before, and I'll say it again . . .
    Kat, you totally amaze me. You face your challenges head on and refuse to give in or give up. With the current new challenges I am facing, I'm learning from you, sweet, young, beautiful girl.

    I am so sorry that your roommate just doesn't "get it." I'm wondering if she's ever had any real difficult health issue in her life. She just sounds very selfish to me.

    Anyway, it's so good to hear that your already doing PT--very difficult and challenging, but paving the road to being better soon. And, how great it is that you have wonderful man in your life right now! But, I do have to say, I hope HE knows how lucky HE is!

    Keep healing, Kat and I hope the new treatment that they're working on is the one that totally zaps this miserable disease from your body forever.

    So glad you posted--you can tell, we've all adopted you!

    Love and hugs, Renee

    Thanks for updating us Kat.
    Thanks for updating us Kat. You are one amazing pink sister! Praying for you..


    Debby
  • prettywoman513
    prettywoman513 Member Posts: 20 Member
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    You are Precious!
    I am so glad you posted an update. I have been wondering how you were doing. When you don't post for long while i worry. What a very selfish roommate you have! I hope she thinks about what she has said to you now that she is "all alone"! I'm just sorry you had to go through that emotional turmoil with all that you have already been through! You are a strong, intelligent, beautiful young lady. Any guy you date is extremely lucky!

    I understand your decision regarding the chemo. I have found that our intuition is a positive key to our health. Good luck on Monday and i will be keeping you in my prayers.
  • VickiSam
    VickiSam Member Posts: 9,079 Member
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    You are Precious!
    I am so glad you posted an update. I have been wondering how you were doing. When you don't post for long while i worry. What a very selfish roommate you have! I hope she thinks about what she has said to you now that she is "all alone"! I'm just sorry you had to go through that emotional turmoil with all that you have already been through! You are a strong, intelligent, beautiful young lady. Any guy you date is extremely lucky!

    I understand your decision regarding the chemo. I have found that our intuition is a positive key to our health. Good luck on Monday and i will be keeping you in my prayers.

    Kit Kat ... Thanks for the update ..
    We've been worried about you .. so happy for the update.

    You are one AMAZING young Woman -- So positive, so upbeat! I continue to
    be in awe of you .. and all that you accomplish.

    I so admire you for never allowing anything, or anyone to get in your way of you
    goals or dreams --

    I am so sorry that you had to sit thru a 45 minute rant from such a selfish, self
    loathing roommate. How odd that your roommate made everything, all about her.

    You have taken your first steps into adulthood by suggesting that you 'may' need
    a little help -- so please if you need help, ask for it. Asking for help does
    not make you weak, or less self sufficient - it just means that in this phase of
    your life, where a little help may be required. A good place to start is maybe
    with Mom. We enjoy taking care of our children when asked. Now that Dad is pulling
    12 hour shifts, Mom may enjoy the distraction.

    You are a ROCK STAR, and all rock stars need assistance every now, and again.

    Praying for continued healing for you, your body, mind and soul.

    Strength, Courage and Hope for a CURE.
  • debi.18
    debi.18 Member Posts: 850 Member
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    VickiSam said:

    Kit Kat ... Thanks for the update ..
    We've been worried about you .. so happy for the update.

    You are one AMAZING young Woman -- So positive, so upbeat! I continue to
    be in awe of you .. and all that you accomplish.

    I so admire you for never allowing anything, or anyone to get in your way of you
    goals or dreams --

    I am so sorry that you had to sit thru a 45 minute rant from such a selfish, self
    loathing roommate. How odd that your roommate made everything, all about her.

    You have taken your first steps into adulthood by suggesting that you 'may' need
    a little help -- so please if you need help, ask for it. Asking for help does
    not make you weak, or less self sufficient - it just means that in this phase of
    your life, where a little help may be required. A good place to start is maybe
    with Mom. We enjoy taking care of our children when asked. Now that Dad is pulling
    12 hour shifts, Mom may enjoy the distraction.

    You are a ROCK STAR, and all rock stars need assistance every now, and again.

    Praying for continued healing for you, your body, mind and soul.

    Strength, Courage and Hope for a CURE.

    Kat
    You are such an inspiration to all of us. Your positive attitude never ceases to amaze me.
    I love the fact that you are not letting anything (or anyone) stop you from living your life and enjoying it. Your boyfriend sounds amazing and I'm so happy you found each other. I'm so sorry you had such a crappy roommate, good ridance to her!

    As always, you are in my thoughts and prayers.

    Lots of hugs, Debi
  • epark
    epark Member Posts: 339
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    debi.18 said:

    Kat
    You are such an inspiration to all of us. Your positive attitude never ceases to amaze me.
    I love the fact that you are not letting anything (or anyone) stop you from living your life and enjoying it. Your boyfriend sounds amazing and I'm so happy you found each other. I'm so sorry you had such a crappy roommate, good ridance to her!

    As always, you are in my thoughts and prayers.

    Lots of hugs, Debi

    Wow Kat you really are an
    Wow Kat you really are an amazing person....keep up living to the fullest and so glad you are not letting anyone bring you down

    Tons of hugs
    Eva
  • Bella Luna
    Bella Luna Member Posts: 1,578 Member
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    Thanks for the Update
    Kat... you, my dear, are OUTSTANDING! You are like a BRILLIANT RAINBOW. Those who surround you are lucky and blessed to know you as daughter, niece, and friend. We are lucky to know you here on CSN as well.

    I am happy to hear your Father is recovering from his surgery and is back to doing what he loves, working at the hospital.

    I am tickled to hear you have a bow at your side. How wonderful for the both of you. He sounds like a real gent!

    I am glad that awful roommate is out of the picture. You don't need the drama or the ugly negativity.

    You and your Family will be in my thoughts and prayer, Kat. Best of luck with school!
    Love,
    Ines
  • Jobi
    Jobi Member Posts: 211
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    You will find your strength
    Hi, Kat,

    It certainly sounds like you have your hands full. Avoid the roommate, stay positive, and allow that boyfriend of yours to pamper you because you deserve it!

    I am hopeful that things will start looking up for you! You are wonderful!!!

    Dorene