Sunday, January 18, 2009

My Journey Begins

Hi All,

I've started this blog to help keep everyone up to date as I progress through my journey of dealing with, and ultimately curing, my breast cancer. Some of you are aware of my situation, for others this may be the first you have heard about what's happening in my life.

I had an MRI on my right breast on Dec. 28th. Two masses were detected which prompted my doctor to scheduled several biopsies on 1/12/09. The results of the pathology confirmed that I'm dealing with stage 2 breast cancer in the larger mass and in at least two of my lymph nodes. Greg and I met with my doctor this past Friday (1/16/09) to get a better idea of what we're dealing with and the recommended course of action. After a lengthy discussion, my doctor has recommend a mastectomy followed by chemotherapy and radiation treatments. I'll also be starting on hormone therapy next week. The surgery is tentatively scheduled for February 16th with the other treatments beginning sometime after surgery. My doctor is very optimistic about the situation, indicating that stages 1 & 2 are considered early detection and we have a good chance of going after and eliminating the cancer.

Needless to say, this is the start of a sequence of significant life changing events that I'm still trying to get my head around. I'm doing OK, somewhat relieved to at least know what I have to do and expect going forward. It will no doubt be a tough road ahead, but I will beat this!

I welcome the company on my journey, and we'll use this blog to communicate how things are going. And thank you to everyone that has already pledged support to me and my family - it is truly appreciated!

Love, Kristine.

25 comments:

  1. Kristine,

    You are an extraordinary woman with an amazing family. I know you guys will overcome this challenge and enrich your lives in the process.

    Love & hugs,
    -Randy

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  2. I'll be praying for you and for a speedy recovery! We all know you can beat this and we love you very much. Sounds like you're already very positive and we'll all be here to help keep you that way!

    *lots hugs*
    ~Sandy~ (of the Zwier clan)

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  3. Kristine,
    It was such a wonderful idea to start this blog. I'm so glad to be able to read your thoughts as you start this new (and probably scary) journey. Your positive outlook is amazing, and will definitely carry you through! We've been thinking of you and praying for you. I'm not sure when Matt and I will next be in Michigan, but when we are, we'd like to come visit you and meet Ja, and see how Annierae is growing.
    Love,
    Karen & Matt

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  4. My thoughts and prayers are with you! You have a great positive attitude and a wonderful support group with friends & family. Keep up the attitude and use the friends & family, we are all here for you! Stay strong!

    Love you...
    Shell

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  5. Hi Kristine - We wish you didn't have to go through this difficult time. You have such a wonderful spirit and positive attitude so we know you will make it through just fine. We are here for you (just down the road) and want you to know you are in our thoughts and prayers.
    Love,
    Tom and Jen K.

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  6. We're right there with you all the way. You will be amazing! And everything is going to be just fine. Not easy, but fine. Big hugs and kisses to you, Greg, Annierae and Ja. Love you lots! Pat and Tom

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  7. Kristine--

    I find comfort in your determination. I know you have the strength and courage to face this challenge. I want you to know that we love you and we will be here for all of you. I'll be in touch...

    Patty and Aaron

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  8. Kristine-

    I know you will get through this. Your determination and spirit will prevail. We are here for you if you need anything. We'll keep you and the family in our prayers.

    Love,
    Sally and Dave P.

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  9. Dear Kristine
    You are in our thoughts and prayers! Keep positive and strong - know that you have many friends who love and support you. If you need anything - give a call!
    Love
    Judi, Kurt, and family

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  10. Hi. I am 71 years old. I have heard the tune "Counting My Blessings" throughout my life.
    I must say it meant nothing to me, until I read the words at the opening of this blog.
    Thank you Kristine!

    Lynn Townsend

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  11. Hi Kristine. You know my thoughts and prayers are with you and Uncle Greg, Annierae and Ja. I am happy you are going into this with a positive fighting attitude. Breast cancer is one of the most responsive and beatable types of cancer. We are all here for you to help you through this.
    I love you!
    Sara

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  12. Hi Kristine,
    It's during a time like this that I truly realize how much you mean to me. Words can never express how you have touched my soul and left an impression forever on my heart. Not to mention how you have helped me strengthen my core muscles by laughing hysterically for hours on end!! Know that we are with you for the duration. You are strong and have tons of "Pray Warriors" on your side. You will overcome this bump in the road.

    Luv ya,

    "Your Twin"

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  13. Kristine,
    Your positive attitude and warmth has always been an inspiration to me. You are in our thoughts and prayers. God will hold your hand.
    Love, Kurt and Judy L

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  14. Kristine,
    When faced with challenges like the one in front of you there are three important items to keep in mind, your faith in God, your support from family and friends, and a positive attitute. Of all people, I know you have all three areas well covered. You will be in our thoughts and prayers throughout this battle. Please lean on us for anything you and your family need.

    Love,
    Kevin and Monique

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  15. Kristine and Greg-
    Wow! Just look at all of the wonderful friends and family ready to step in and lift you up. You are not alone. We love you and your beautiful family. We will be thinking of you and praying for you often. You can count on us for anything you need along this journey.
    We love you! Julie & Thom
    PS no prisma pencils okay?

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  16. Kristine,

    Your positive approach and love for all that is good will provide strength for this journey. You are in my prayers and you may call upon me for anything that you need.

    Kim S.

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  17. Kristine, your strength shows through in the words of your blog. God bless you and know you are in the prayers of many! You are not alone in this journey! much love, Sarah

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  18. Hey Kristine,

    I wanted to share one of my favorite prayers with you and hope it brings you the calm and peace it does me.

    Saint Theresa's Prayer
    May today there be peace within.
    May you trust God that you are exactly where you are meant to be.
    May you not forget the infinite possibilities that are born of faith.
    May you use those gifts that you have received, and pass on the love that has been given to you.
    May you be content knowing you are a child of God. Let this presence settle into your bones, and allow your soul the freedom to sing, dance, praise and love.
    It is there for each and every one of us.

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  19. Kristine and Greg
    Know you are in our thoughts and prayers. We are here for you in whatever way we can help!
    Pam & Bry

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  20. Dear Kristine and Greg -

    We will be praying for you! You are an amazing family and we are certain that all of this will eventually work together for good. Please let us know if there's anything at all that you need.

    Blessings to you!
    Beth Spinner-Bronkema

    For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.
    Jeremiah 29:11

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  21. Dear Kristine,

    I want you to know that we will be praying for you and your family. I wish we lived closer so that we could be more helpful. Your positive attitude will serve you well. Thank you for sharing this journey with us. God Bless!

    Love,
    Benny & Louann

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  22. When it is dark enough, you can see the stars. ~Ralph Waldo Emerson

    I have heard there are troubles of more than one kind.
    Some come from ahead and some come from behind.
    But I've bought a big bat. I'm all ready you see.
    Now my troubles are going to have troubles with me!
    ~Dr. Seuss

    Loving, Missing and Praying About You ...xoxoxo

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  23. Hi Kristine,

    Just want you to know that you are in my thoughts daily. Pete and I are pulling for you and your family. Each day may you feel love surround you...blessings to you always.

    Love, Lara

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  24. HI Kristine,

    I figured it out :) You are in my thoughts and prayers.

    And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose
    Romans 8:28

    xoxo
    Emily

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  25. Kristine,
    so glad to hear that you are staying the night at the Hospital. Enjoy the rest and attention as long as you can! The girls did fine today, but are excited to see Momma again soon! Harley was also pretty mellow I'll call you Wed to see how you are doing!
    Love - Julie

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