Wednesday, May 2, 2007

It's good to be home!

Just another bump in my road....Wednesday April 24th I started to feel myself get short of breath and a very slight pain in my sternum by Thursday afternoon I could hardly breath and the pain became intense so I called Dr. Serious and they told me to go to the ER...I didn't get home until the following Tuesday afternoon.

When they compared my newest lung scan (from the ER) to my Pet Scan done earlier in the month there were several changes taking place in my lungs, it's now all through both lungs and the pain I was feeling and the shortness of breath was because fluid was building up between my chest wall and my lungs...so much fluid that my lungs were floating in it...when this fluid was tested it was loaded with cancer cells...so they did a tap, a needle into the fluid sac and drained the fluid, I received immediate relief with the first needle draw.....yahoooo for me! lol

I already had a brain MRI and a thoracic MRI scheduled for that following Friday but because that was the day they were doing the fluid drain I had to wait until Saturday....no biggie, I'm already stuck in the hospital anyway. The MRI's revealed that I have a very tiny tumor in the brain and even though it's very small it has all the characteristics of cancer...we all know now that we can't wait on anything....I went from having a little bit of cancer in my lungs to a lot of cancer in my lungs in a few short weeks and we are not taking that chance with the brain now so I will be starting radiation this coming Monday. I will have if Monday through Friday for 3 weeks, the good news is that I can still take my oral chemo through all of this and that should clear up the lungs and the spot on my spine...the oral chemo can't penetrate the brain so that is why I have to have full head radiation....they are not only going after the small tumor but they are not leaving any chances for any cancer cells to remain active in my brain either.....we are going to zap all of those little buggers! I am thrilled that they aren't leaving anything to chance even though I will once again be the 'Hot bald chick!" lol I would rather lose my hair (again) than my life right now so I am giving it all I got once again! God it's good to be stubborn! I am sure there were many days in my childhood that both my parents wished I wasn't so head strong, strong willed and stubborn but it's a big pay off now right Momma??? lol

So the Silver linings in all this mess...I didn't need to come home with oxygen, it's only a teeny tiny tumor on the brain and a teeny tiny lesion on the spine, and the fluid has not built back up again due to the oozing of the lesions in my lungs so that is an early indication that my oral chemo (Xeloda) is doing its stuff, I only get a little winded now and I am now on a morphine patch and I am pain free....again I asked my Oncologist's if they still can get me into remission with all this new stuff taking place and on two different occasions with two different Oncologist's they both said they had no doubt they could as long as we are on the right chemo drugs....and so far my intuition tells me I am....I am barely coughing anymore so that too is an early indication that my lungs don't seem to be under so much duress, every day I can breath deeper and deeper without coughing or pain and I am one appreciative patient!


Thank you for all your uplifting comments, the cards and gifts you all are such special angels protecting me while I fight this battle.....I must have pretty good karma to have all of you in my life!


I'm off to take my Jim to an Orthopedic Surgeon, that stubborn man hurt himself the same day I had to go to the ER and now he might have to have surgery due to something being torn in the back of his leg under his knee cap....send a prayer up for My Guy...he has taken such good care of me now it's my turn to return the love and the favor!


Life is good and I ain't about to give up now! lol lol lol

80 comments:

Anonymous said...

Oh Kim... amen amen... no giving up!!!  I am so happy you are stubborn too!  I am sure your mama is now.... LOL  I am glad that things are improving...you know your body well, that is clear, and the chemo pill must be doing its thang!  GOOD!  And, pfft, no hair so what... I am glad they are being aggressive with the brain and all...  AND, I just know you will get to remission.  I am sending you many many prayers...

be well,
Dawn
http://journals.aol.com/princesssaurora/CarpeDiem/

Anonymous said...

You can do it girl think positive be positive. Both you and Jim are in my prayers and i hope your lovely guy does not need surgery
love and hugs
Katie

Anonymous said...

My my your some lady. Good on you. I am so very very pleased that things are going to get better. We will just have to wait a bit longer. Prayer is truly a wonderful thing.  I have only recently become one of your "friends" and I am so full of admiration.  Prayers are also being said for that fine man of yours.  Much Love God Bless Sybilsybil45  xxx

Anonymous said...

GOOD FOR U GAL!!!!!

Be as stubborn as you need to be, prayers have been sent for you and Jim. I am soooo happy you are back...worried about you. FIGHT FIGHT FIGHT >>>WIN WIN WIN!!!!  GO  GAL!

Anonymous said...

I am sending up prayers for both of you. Helen

Anonymous said...

Hey kim! found this song for you!


Miracles by Newsong

I never saw a man that walked on water
I never heard a voice could calm the sea
Raise the dead or feed five thousand
But in my heart I do believe
I was in a desperate situation
Drowning in a sea of my own sin
And it would take a miracle to save me
That's when I reached toward heaven
Felt someone touch me
I looked up and I saw Him

CHORUS:
And I believe in miracles
I'm a miracle myself
And I believe the good Lord hears
The ones who cry for help
And after all that He has done for me
I believe, I do believe in miracles

So many people look for signs and wonders
They miss the greatest miracle of all
Well it's the miracle of sweet salvation
That's when the God of heaven
Comes down to live inside of someone's heart

CHORUS

When it feels like my strength is almost gone
And my faith is weak
Lord, You're always there for me
You make it easy to believe

CHORUS

Anonymous said...

Dear Kim
I admire you so much!   You have such tenacity and determination. I would too in your place.  Life is too sweet to let go  easily.  You have your family to live for and your darling Jim.  I hope he doesn't have to have an operation on his knee.  Accidents are so easily done.  Aren't they?  My husband has done something to his ribs this afternoon.  His hand slipped off the arm of the chair as he levered himself up and he crashed all his weight back down on his ribcage.  Now he is favouring it and won't go to the doc's to get it seen to.   Men!  They have to  be soooo big and strong!
We are all still out here rooting for you angel.  Give that cancer some stick! Glad you are feeling much better.  That's such a relief!   Hugs to you.   Jeanie

Anonymous said...

So glad that you have an excellent prognosis.  And that you are mending from the fluid.
Traci

Anonymous said...

What a turn around in just a week! It sounds as if you are responding very positively to the treatment.

May this be your real turning point.

Love, Linda x.

Anonymous said...

It is good to hear that the doctors are so confident and that you are as well.  I will keep you and Jim in my prayers.  Hugs, Estela http://journals.aol.comeasteeleco/Lasttimeatbat

Anonymous said...

I'm glad the Docs are confident that they have you on the road to remission. Hang in there, Kid! I know you are going to whup cancers butt! Keeping both you and Jim (poor guy, that sounds ouchy!) in my thoughts and sending you all the good vibes I can! {{hugs}}
http://journals.aol.com/astaryth/AdventuresofanEclecticMind/
http://adventuresofaneclecticmind.blogspot.com/

Anonymous said...

Prayers will be with both Jim and yourself.
((((((((((Kim))))))))))
Sunny

Anonymous said...

I knew in my heart that you would fight. I'm so happy that the doctors have a treatment to zap these buggers. Stay strong and feel our prayers for you. Hope Jim is okay too.....love, Sandi

Anonymous said...

I am sending loads of hugs, and kisses and good wishes and prayers right through this comment....and as soon as you read it...You will recieve it!!! AMEN! God is there with You Kimberleigh...and He will be watching over you and your doctors...I am praying faithfully for you as are many others....Don't you dare give up!
WE LOVE YOU KIM!
GOD BLESS YOU SUGAR!
carlene

Anonymous said...

Hi Kim!  It didn't take you long at all to get back in the saddle.  I knew you would rebound quickly!  You're the pink warrior!  I'm so proud of you!  As for the radiation...did they really tell you that you would lose your hair again?  My husband had several weeks of radiation therapy while taking his Xeloda and he didn't lose his hair.  So, maybe you'll get to keep your beautiful new hair.  Either way, you will be a beautiful person and it would be a small sacrifice anyway if it means that you will have your life with your Jim and children.  I love your fighting spirit!  I have such hope for you!  I will pray for you and Jim both now.  God is a good God.  He is at your side, Kim.  Believe.  God Bless You.  Love, Jamie

Anonymous said...

You just amaze me at every turn, Kim.  Your enthusiasm...your optimism...and your sense of humor are remarkable.  I have no doubt you will beat this.  You do have a hill to trek up, but as the song says, "God gave us mountains.. so we could learn how to climb!"  Keep climbing that mountain, Kim!  You will get to the top, and it will be smooth sailing all the way down the other side!!

I hope and pray that all is okay with Jim..  He is in my prayers as well!


Hugs
jackie

Anonymous said...

You don't know how much I admire your spirit.  God bless you and keep you strong.  And Jim too.

Anonymous said...

Keep on keepin on ... dont let the bar stewards grind you down.   Praying for you all xxxxx

Anonymous said...

I was so glad u emailed Mary and she let us all know what was up with u. You seriously need someone like her to be kept abreast (no pun intended  )of things so some of us arent going out of our minds with worry miss thang!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! On that note i have no doubts of the fight in you and if love will get you thru this then its smooth sailing baby........................Robin

Anonymous said...

Oh that must have been horrible , that pain. I'm so glad your releived of it now.  Sounds like your in for a heck of a round, but your a fighter :)  Hang in there :)BIG HUGS******
Ang

Anonymous said...

Kim,  your going to have to forgive me, but the first thing that popped into my mind is an old joke that gets told too much in my family "the good news is, they found a brain!".  <slapping forhead, groan>  I guess I'm the person that turns to inappropriate humor and giggling during difficult times.  And, as I kept reading and got to the part about Jim, I thought what a cute couple you will be, wheelchair man and hot bald chick.  Don't shoot me!  I'm laughing *with* you, not *at* you.  :-)  But seriously, I'm glad you are breathing better and are home.  Give that C double barrels.   And I'll be praying for you.  Take care,  Stephanie

Anonymous said...

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Anonymous said...

Nope, no giving up:)  I'm glad that they are leaving nothing to chance, that the drainage was good, that both believe this can get to remission.  Hang in there, and your man, too!  -- Robin

Anonymous said...

You always make me want to say "YOU GO GIRL!"...you just bring that out in me.  Lol..
So glad the optimism (from everyone) continues...

Hugs,
Nancy
http://journals.aol.com/nhd106/Nancyluvspix/entries/2007/05/02/one-month/1540

Anonymous said...

YA-YA SISTA DIVINE!!! Where did you come from??? Your outlook, is simply amazing.

Throwing Fairy DustBunnies Your Way....Brenda

Anonymous said...

WHAT STRENGTH YOU HAVE!  I AM AMAZED EVERY DAY I READ YOUR JOURNAL.. I HAVE TO SAY, I LOVE J-LAND!!! I WAS SO AFRAID OF THIS INTERNET STUFF, BUT THANKS TO J-LAND I HAVE FOUND AMAZING PEOPLE, LIKE YOU AND MANY OTHERS THAT HAVE SHOWN ME THROUGH THEIR WORD THAT LIFE GETS HARD, BUT WE CAN OVERCOME ANYTHING. YOU HAVE NO IDEA HOW YOU HAVE HELPED ME THROUGH WHAT I THOUGHT WAS THE WORSE THING IN MY LIFE.  MANY HUGS AND PRAYERS TO YOU AND YOUR JIM....LORI

Anonymous said...

Such an uplifting, positive entry, despite your battle. You're an inspiration. Thanks. B. x

Anonymous said...

Thank god you're home!!!  Im glad your meds seem to be doing the trick and will continue to pray for you! You have so much strength in you that I am envious! When others would have given up and given in you have fought tooth and nail against it! Get well!

Love,

Jenn
http://journals.aol.com/icewitch96/JennsWorld

Anonymous said...

Life IS good, dear Kimberleigh!!!!! Saying prayers for you to have strength to cope and also for your Jim (hope he's feeling better!) Take care pink warrior! Love ,Shauneen
http://journals.aol.com/shauneenie/Bits of me

Anonymous said...

you are simply amazing............Jo

Anonymous said...

 I am glad you bounced back and am feeling better.  You had us all concerned.  Poor Jim.  Hope they fix his knee quickly.  Take care.

                  Julie

Anonymous said...

Oh whats a little hair when you have such a pretty face. Glad you aren't in pain and things are sounding good for you. Paula

Anonymous said...

You are amazing!! with your attitude you most certainly will beat this.Barb

Anonymous said...

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Anonymous said...

Thanks for the update. I have been so worried about you. It sounds like they are on the right track with treatment and they are taking good care of you. I hope Jim's knee isn't too bad. You guys take care,
Trish

Anonymous said...

Gee, after that entry, I am trying to remember why we were worried ;-).  ~ Mary

Anonymous said...

Kim, glad you are home, keeping you in my thoughts, Hugs Lisa

Anonymous said...

hi , im new to your journal. I hope everything goes well. I will come back and read other entries. :) I'm Annie from California. Nice to meet you!

Anonymous said...

I'm in tears ... not tears of pity but because I so admire you.  I have a lot of crap going on in my life right now and this entry just makes my troubles seem so small.  I will pray for you.  In fact, I'm going to make sure you are consistanly lifted up in my prayer group.

God bless you.

LORI


Who I am… underneath it all:  
http://journals.aol.com/scotthlori/DiscoveringMe

Ask me about my MySpace page!!

Anonymous said...

So glad your feeling better sweetie...after reading your entry...the troubles I have in my life are nothing...I am learning so much from you Kim...to be grateful for every day we have..with those we love...that humor is some of the best medicine there is...that no matter how dark the day might be...positive thinking goes a long way in brightening even the darkest ones...and that ordinary people under extrordinay circumstances with out even knowing...can touch so many lives in such a positive way..your bravery is amazing Kim....KICK ASS!
Roxie

Anonymous said...

keeping you in prayer:) God will keep you in his hand and take care of you. i do hope Jim is ok and doesn't need surgery.
have a good week

Deb

Anonymous said...

I pray that all continues to go well with you and Jim. I'm keeping you in my prayers and thoughts.

Love you Kim.

Lahoma

Anonymous said...

With all this writing, I would say that you were already cured!! If only it were that easy; right?! Keep the faith. You remain on my prayer list. =.)

Anonymous said...

I hope things go well for you and Jim. Figures he'd hurt himself, huh? Take care of yourselves.
Pam

Anonymous said...

I'm so glad you are home and moving forward once again!!!
Hope hubby is well soon too!
Linda :)

Anonymous said...

I'm glad they were able to offer you some relief!  You are quite an inspiration.  Blessings to you!

Anonymous said...

I am glad to see you are in good spirits and home now. Jim hurting himself reminds me of Micah two weeks ago. As I was going into ICU he was headed down to the ER at the same hospital with a broken wrist, lol. When it rains it pours, right? Take good care of yourself and know we are all cheering for you.
Christina
http://journals.aol.com/olachiaclan/the-uniboob-club/


Anonymous said...

You are such an inspiration to me.
There is no doubt in my mind that you will give up.
xoxox
Niki

Anonymous said...

whew...  So much happening so fast... and as usual, you are facing it all with the strength of an ox and the utmost courage and dignity.  I am so glad that they took such good care of you and that they are leaving no stone unturned concerning your treatments.  

Prayers for you, and for your sweetie Jim...  May you both heal and gain strength through each other every day.  

warm hugs,

Michelle

Anonymous said...

It is so good to hear you talk so "stubbornly"...glad you're home.  Hope the kids are doing good.  Whatever Jim needs to, he better do, cuz he's got momma to take care of.  Take care...
xoxo ~Myra

Anonymous said...

WOO-HOO! Glad you're home!!!
Mary Jo

Anonymous said...

h

Anonymous said...

Good to see you back & hangin' tough, Girl! Proud of you!!! Tell Jim to quit trying to keep up with you! You're too fast for him obviously! :-)))
lots of hugs,
sher

Anonymous said...

I am SO VERY proud of you, you have such a great attitude and that's going to be very GOOD for you during treatment!!!  My prayers are with you, I know that you'll be in complete remission very soon!!

((Hugs))

Joann

Anonymous said...

good luck! I came here form Dawn. Wishing you all of the best
hugs,nat

Anonymous said...

h

Anonymous said...

So glad to see you back!!! Stay strong and keep fighting!

~Stephanie~

Anonymous said...

Bloody fantastic news! I have no doubt you will get this little bastard - where ever he goes!!!! And, like I said - hair is over rated! At least you can't have bad hair days for a while!!!
Hope your man will be ok. Men are such babies when it comes to their own health - they think they are bulletproof and it comes as quite a shock to them when they find out they're not!
Hugs to you both

Wendy in Oz

Anonymous said...

Oh wow, Kim...I'm so glad you are home and continuing the fight with your awesome attitude and sheer will. You CAN and you WILL beat this!! Good luck to Jim - I hope everything goes well with him, too.

You're in my thoughts every day!!!!

Hugs,
Carol

Anonymous said...

h

Anonymous said...

just lovin you, that's all....I look thru all my alerts every morning just to see how you are.
Marti

Anonymous said...

You are truly an amazing warrior in your own life and your fight! Inspiring to read about your thoughts and especially your attitude. I LOVE what you say in your info about how all the tears you have cried do NOT compromise your strength..what an amazing statement.

Honesty inspires others in the battles in their own lives...an incredible gift you are sharing with many!  -Bree

Anonymous said...

I have been reading your journal for sometime now. I am one of those "lurkers" so i haven't commented before today. This new situation that you are in has had me in tears. I truly hope that they can get you in remission. It seems you go one step forward and 2 steps back. Your head strong ways and your great out look on life after what you are going though is something i so look up to.  My hats off to you. If we could all look at things in that way in all our trifs and tribulations things would be so much better. And i myself should take some lessons from you. You are a very strong beautiful woman and i wish you all the best. I will pray for you in your journey to remission. And i believe you WILL go in remission.
Take care  :-)

Anonymous said...

So glad the treatments are proceeding that are going to help with your discomfort. Yes, you do h ave to be incredibly brave to face all that fate had in store for you.  I believe that the strong are tested and this is certainly the giant of all tests.  You climb this mountain and your spirit will be tempered steel.  Your strength is what inspires all of us.  You are giving us a gift of your courage.   Gerry http://journals.aol.com/daughters-of-the-shadow-men/  

Anonymous said...

so glad you got relief, stay strong kim.

Anonymous said...

I am proud to know someone as strong as you are!
love,lisa jo

Anonymous said...

Bless your heart dear, I am praying the treatments will be effective for you!
loving you
karyl

Anonymous said...

I am so glad to hear that the oral chemo seems to be working already.  I hope things go well with Jim at the ortho surgeon.  Linda

Anonymous said...

h

Anonymous said...

I really admire you.  Taking the tasks right at hand.  Still praying for you everyday.  

jeane

Anonymous said...

This is a message to the DORK below me who is trying to advertise on a blog for someone who has serious stuff on her mind besides making a buck!  Take your story and GET LOST!!!

Anonymous said...

h

Anonymous said...

Now that is my Kim don't you dare ever give up!!! Prayers and love!! Hugs,TerryAnn

Anonymous said...

you are amazing. stay strong and stubborn, it's working. ((((((hugs))))))))
Cindy

Anonymous said...

I'm so glad to hear you are doing better & they can take care of this for you.

Anonymous said...

Sending you so many prayers!

Gretchen
http://journals.aol.com/ksgal3133/LivinginSavannah2

Anonymous said...

love sent from uk
lucy xx

Anonymous said...

Hi ,

My name is Lisa  and my father recently lost his life on November 7 2006 to Lung Cancer, following other complications. After reading your blog  I feel as if you and me are connected somehow. ( dont worry , im not pshyco) lol I just want to say U truly are a warrior and I wish nothing but the best for you.

Much HAppiness to you and your family .

Lisa

Anonymous said...

God bless you, sweetie! Your strength and attitude is quite admirable. Go get`em!
Penny
http://journals.aol.com/penniepooh/pennys-pieces-of-ohio/

http://www.myspace.com/pennysplace2gogh

Anonymous said...

Am way behind as usual  :o(

Sorry to hear that things have been bad.....but may your strength carry you through these hiccups.
Prayers for Jim

hugs
Jayne