Karla

Almost There!

2009-06-27T19:06:00.001-07:00

I thought I'd update this blog and just to let you know that I'm almost finished with my radiation treatments! I will finish next Wednesday! Yeah, almost there! It's been about 6 weeks of treatment and it wasn't too bad at all. The main problem is fatigue! That's it. It's been dragging on a little since it's everyday and it seems to be cumulative with the treatments therefore the tiredness has been harder. After this, on to the surgeon for implant inflation! I'm not sure how long that will take. They have to stretch the skin and then put in the implant as well as reconstruct the other breast to match and all!!! It will, I hope all turn out well. I'm suppose to get a tummy tuck at the same time with the surgery being about 4 hours or so. That's a bonus I hope!! As soon as the Radiation is over, I will have a PET Scan to see if there is any spreading of the cancer anywhere else. I believe it hasn't spread but in the back of my mind I can't help but be kind of scared.....especially since x-rays don't seem to be accurate for me!! I will remain positive and hopeful! God Bless all of you my friends and family! Love, Karla

2009-05-19T16:56:00.000-07:00

It's been almost a month since I've posted anything. I don't get many comments so maybe that's one reason. How do I get this out to you? Well, non the less I will still update even though I'm not too good at this! I'm healing on the chest but it's taken way longer than I thought it would. I've been seeing a Lymphoma Physical Therapist twice a week and it's been helpful with the pain and swelling that occurs when you have Lymph Nodes removed. As you may remember I had 18 and 12 were cancerous. I therefore will be starting Radiation in two days everyday for six weeks. My body has not responded also as I'd like as far as energy or even being able to walk is a challenge. I have Neuropothy in the hands and feet which is a side effect of the Chemo. Chemo stays in your body for some even as long as a year!!! I hope not! I can't hardly do anything....even cooking, watering the garden, etc...wears me out! My feet hurt and burn. I'm so wobbly also....but it is getting better really. I went to my MD and he started me on Lyraca which is suppose to help the numbness in the feet. I also stopped taking Ambien for sleep, since I'm on other sleep medicine this was suppose to help me get off the Ambien! I don't like it even though it does help. I rested last night but didn't really sleep. My poor body the things it's been thru. It's still amazing how God has made us and how well it responds to healing as we try and take care of it. Matt always says in his prayers help us to take care of ourselves and treat our bodies as temples! Isn't that sweet. Matt is a "gym rat" and I sometimes wished he were home but I'm really actually proud of him how he does work out and trys to take care of his body. We have our problems with our bodies and it's never too late to take care of ourselves. I need to stop with all my sweets at least just control it better~my goal~hey I'm eating a banana right now! OK, I've already had some cookies too. Well, at least we have our garden put in and when it starts producing I will look forward to all the good stuff especially home grown tomatoes! Yumm It's all thanks to Iwan and Lyndel Black!!! They are so awesome! I'm the very happiest when I get to see my grandchildren and children. It totally makes my day!! Also, when friends call and come to visit.....I love that too. We actually got a visit from the Stake Presidency last week. That was so sweet! I got a hug from all three of them! I'm just rambling now and most of you are tired of reading this.....but I'd love to hear from you.
Love,Hugs to all of you. Karla

2009-04-25T15:35:00.000-07:00

It's been about nine days since the Mastectomy. I have a huge incision from the center of the breast bone onto the other end under my arm. I will be getting the stiches out this next Tues. I'm on Percocet 7.5 x2 every 4 hours. It's hard to move my arm or body for that matter. Getting up or getting down is difficult. I should be healing in the next few weeks and then I will have Radiation for 6 weeks everyday. Then onto more surgery. Just alot to do yet. But no more Chemo says my Oncologist. Thanks for all of your encouragement!! I love you all. This all still seems like it's a big dream and that it's not really happening to me....but it is.
Carolyn, my cousin from San Diego is here and helping me alot with meals,dressing me,cleaning and what ever I need it's so great to have her!
Love,Karla

2009-04-05T16:41:00.000-07:00

I'm finally getting back to updating this blog!!! The last time was in the winter,now it's spring! I just wish the weather would act more like spring. I'm trying to grow starts from seeds and I need the sun to help me out! I'm really excited because we are going to do four square foot gardens with Iwan and Lyndel's help,woodworking and general good knowledge that they are giving us. They are just the best people! Matt and I are so looking forward to the tomatoes especially! I haven't had a garden for over five years. I tryed to grow one in Dallas, TX for four years I even had dirt shipped in.....even prayed on the garden, but to no avail. I have high hopes here in Utah!! My son Daniel and his wife Shannon grew a square foot garden last year and they said that Blakely my granddaughter would go out and pick the tomatoes off and just eat them right then. I'm excited!
Well, I completed my last Chemo three weeks ago. I'm so happy to have that part done! It was the last one and the worst! At least it felt that way. I've been basically in bed for the past three weeks, but then I also had surgery on Tues. I had lymph nodes removed and a lumpectomy all in hopes of not having to have a Mastectomy. I also had the portacath removed since I won't be having Chemo any longer! Yeah!! All the x-rays and MRI showed there was NO CANCER evident. The Surgeon went in and found that there was cancer still and that I WILL need the Mastectomy! A disappointment for sure. I go in on Tues April 7 to discuss everything with a Plastic Surgeon and my regular Surgeon. I'll know more after that visit. I'd imagine surgery in a few weeks since I have another granddaughter coming any day! Baby Gracie. I'm so excited to see her! So therefore I want to postpone the surgery as long as possible. The sisters from church have been so wonderful and so helpful especially Ilona Adams,Mitzi Bigilow,Lyndel Black,Donnell Miller and all the calls and concerns and meals. Thanks You so very much. I welcome visitors and calls for sure. Love, Karla

Storm settled!

2009-01-22T13:39:00.000-08:00

Yes, Norma that was a storm I went thru and the calm at the moment feels better! I've been getting things done and just trying to plan for next Wednesday my fourth Chemo. I keep thinking I really need to vacumn the floor before next week. I just don't feel like I still have the energy to do it. I'm going to see what Matt says and if he will do it. He works so hard at his job I just hate to ask him for help. He has a very physical job working on landing gear for the Air Force Base. He only works on Air Force planes. It will get done one way or the other. I'm trying to now figure out dinners while I'm not feeling well. I'm trying to get organized and make some dinners up in advance. I just keep thinking that's what I'm going to do....I haven't done it yet but I'm thinking about it!!! Maybe just TV dinners? Oh, will be fine. I know the Relief Society will and have brought in meals but I hate to depend on them so much. It really was nice to have their help.
I went to lunch with Ryan (my son) girlfriend Tiffany yesterday. We had a really nice visit. She is having the baby in about 2 months and her name is going to be Gracie. I'm so excited to get to finally see that baby when she arrives. She is due the first of April. It will be so fun to have a new little baby in the family.
Well, I hope everyone of you know that I appreciate so much your prayers and again those sweet little voices that go up to heaven, I think they have some kind of pull.....don't you think so? So sweet. I sure had fun with Daniel,Shannon and my little Blakely last week when they came to visit. Blakely is getting so tall! She is so funny and everything she says and does is the cutest ever! I hope they come again soon. Love, Karla

Still hanging in!

2009-01-13T10:09:00.000-08:00

My Chemo was last Wednesday. I've been very weak and no energy at all. I passed out on the kitchen floor a few days ago! That was really weird. I yelled for Matt and luckily he was home to help me make it up the stairs to the bed to rest. I again had to go in for fluids since I'm so dehydrated. It's just one of the side effects. It's been so hard to eat and drink. Today, Tues. I feel pretty weak, but I feel like I'm stronger than yesterday! Hey, one day at a time!! I'm not looking forward to the day when I have surgery! I've been kind of anxious about all that. It's hard to imagine that "my girls"will be coming off! I have my next round of Chemo on the 28th of Jan. and then they will re-evaluate for what's next. My sweet granddaughter Blakely and her Mom and Dad have been in Calif. for a Lobster Fest. I sure wish I could have gone. It would have been nice to go to sunny Calif. I missed them and talking to Blakely. She is talking where I can understand her now a little better on the phone. I'm having withdrawls from seeing them. So ok guys come and see your Mom and Grandma! Family is so very important at this time of trials. I appreciate them very much and their prayers. Especially when the little children say their prayers everyday and ask to bless Aunt Karla it's the sweetest thing! I've been feeling kind of blue lately but I guess that's to be expected also. I'm trying to pull my apron strings up and not feel sorry for myself. Somehow that just doesn't help matters. But when the sun shines and warms the heart it feels better. Each day is a gift for sure! There's always another day to come or a brighter moment in our life. God Bless us All, Karla

Chemo this morning!

2009-01-07T06:34:00.000-08:00

I'm not looking forward to this next round of Chemo. I go in today at 9:00am. They are very good there at the Oncology office. It's so nice and close just right in a building by Davis Hospital. You go into the building on the East side before the hospital. It's the one that's Wasach Physical therapy place. There's a pharmacy there and Optomotry also. It's right next door to the Optomotry office. So if anyone wants to send over a Marie Calendar Raspberry Pie with vanilla ice cream...Yumm!!! I should be there about 2-4 hours. Ha Ha, wishful thinking...Most of you won't even get this message in time I'm sure. I was able to get all my Christmas decoration taken down with a little help from Matt. I organized them to take back down to the basement and basically just put them in the room. Now, I just need to put them in the corner instead of just piled in the room. Shannon Hossfield offered to help. What a sweetheart. I still have till next year so there's no rush. When the weather is warmer! That would be better. Our basement is very cold. Someday, we will need to get it restored so that we can stay warmer upstairs!!! It would make a big difference I know!! I like to keep the temp. upstairs at least at 72 for now since I've been sick and struggling with slight fevers and Matt likes it at 68. I just freeze!! I've explained this winter is going to be different for us!!! I'm still working on getting that across to him! Old habits die hard!!!
I've been so sick this past three weeks and haven't really recuperated fully since my last Chemo. I was put on more antibiotic yesterday for sinus and watery eyes. I've been on about 7 different antibiotics over the past 5 months. Mostly before I knew I had Breast Cancer. I just finished Leviguin which is a very strong antibiotic for this past respiratory,sinus problems also. Having the zero white blood count just didn't help with it all. I guess every one's got something these days. It does scare me to go to church for fear of catching something. I'm becoming germ phobic....I wash my hands allot. I hadn't been to church in a month so I really wanted to go since I was feeling a little better. Well, I again appreciate so much that everyone is doing for us. Diane Stockton and her boyfriend shovel our sidewalks last week.. that was so sweet of them. Mike Schmucker shovel our driveway and steps. Cory Anderson was over doing the same thing with all this snow that's been blanketing. Also Bill Winn shovelled and layed salt down. Also all the meals that have been brought in have been wonderful!!! You may not believe it, but many of your kind gestures, meals and Laura Smith getting my medicine,sewing a blanket that for cancer patients, Joyce Winn going to the store and buy extra groceries and the best dinner ever. Taco's from Garcia's. It was so good! Shannon Hossfield shampooing our carpet, making chicken and rice that I gobbled down even when my appetite wasn't at it's best, somehow she made it just fabulous!! Heleena helping wrap presents, and bringing in homemade Clam Chowder, and for those of you that I have forgotten about I'm so sorry. There were so many wonderful meals...~all the family and friends prayers.....have saved my life!!!! I appreciate it more than you'll know. Thank you from the bottom of my heart! And if the good Lord wants me here on this earth for several more years, I'll take it. He is ultimately in charge for sure!!!
I love you all, God Bless you as well in all your struggles and endeavors. We all have our different challenges we face but he loves us and wants us to come back home to him when he is ready for us. Until then, which we never know when, may we continue to improve our hearts,minds and as for forgiveness when we are not ready to go back to our Savior. I have a ways to go! Love, Karla

Next week is coming too fast!

2009-01-02T16:11:00.000-08:00

For those of you that do follow this blog.........I've been feeling pretty well the last four or five days. I still don't do too much since I'm still fighting the cough and a very low energy level. I have a friend named John and he is telling me about Kangan H2O. I'm going to try and get ahold of this water. I think it will be a really good idea to drink it. He says I need to drink a gallon a day. It's ionized and I think it's a good suggestion. I've had so much problems with my digestion I think water will be helpful. Right after Chemo this is really the most important thing to do well even before getting the Chemo it's good. It's actually the very thing that is the hardest for me to do right after Chemo. It taste so nasty to drink water afterwards!! Yuk! Someone told me to drink really cold stuff and eat ice chips etc. while I'm getting the infusion on Wed. That's the Chemo. It took almost four hours for the chemo to be administered last time. My lips are going to fall off from ice frost. I'm really not looking forward to this next Wed. since I feel like I haven't really had much of a chance to recoupe! I appreciate all the prayers from friend and family. It really does help when people say they've been praying. Wow, it sure makes me feel better just that fast. I hope all of you have a great new year. I'm going to try and drink water, eat healthier and walk for the time being. Love, Karla

Just in case you were wondering

2008-12-29T19:22:00.000-08:00

Today is a day of hope. I finally after about two weeks nearly am starting to feeling a little bit of energy. I shouldn't have but I shampooed my carpet. The dogs have been out of control and I hadn't had a chance to keep up with them in the shampooing department. But I just couldn't stand it any longer! It's a problem. I've been telling Matt we need to put Rex down. He want's to put Depends on him!! He is 15 years old. It's sad and I feel bad. As far as my dog....She is 9 and still has her moments. She is going to have to find a new trainer!! I haven't done so well with her!! Aside from that I went out side today for the first time in 2 weeks. I've been so sick, I never really even cared, but today it was the day to go to lunch. I'm so glad Jaynie called and that's just what we did. It felt like there is life outside that door and off the couch or bed. It was great! She and I had fun and we have our own little secret! We might tell someday! I love that girl and appreciate her so much. She has a great deal of wisdom and insight (for being so young) well, I beat and will sign off for now. One thing I know today....the Lord is in charge. Love to all, Karla

2008-12-25T19:12:00.000-08:00

Hello my family and friends. Today I've still felt very weak and tired. I have rested just about all day. Matt's son and his girlfriend Kim came by this evening and we exchanged presents. I'm so concerned about getting around people right now since my white blood count is at a zero. People are getting colds etc. and if I get anything it could be serious. My respirtory has been trying to come down with something so I've been wheezing and coughing but only slightly. I'm taking an asthma medicine called Advair and it's suppose to help. I also did start the antibiotic tonight just to be safe. I'm sure most of you are trying to stay healthy yourselves. I wish you all the best in that endeavor yourself! I got a digital camera from my sons and an antique looking picture of the SLC Temple. It's beautiful. One I didn't expect. I put some pictures on the website once I figure out the workings of it all. I'm so excited to have the camera and Chad, Matt's son gave us a Digital Photo Frame! It's cool! I'm really starting to feel like I'm getting into the new electronic fazes of 2008. It's fun. Yeah for Christmas! We are receiving so many kind jestures from so many of you. Thank You also for the delicious meals. Tonight Donell brought roast beef,green beans,mashed potatoes,gravy,jello deseret,rolls. Thanks You again,
Happy new year to come with good fortune and health! When this is all said and done....I want to do something big! Maybe I can run a marathon or go to Africa....Dreaming again. Love, Karla

2008-12-25T05:21:00.001-08:00

Hello to all,
I've been unable to post for awhile. 1st thing, my computer has been not working and then works occassionally!!! I will be getting a new computer onces the new Apple comes out in January! Horray!! Daniel (my son, has completely talked me into a Mac computer. I think he is right that will be a good computer to get. The second reason I haven't posted is that I have been VERY sick this second round of Chemo. It completely leveled me! It's been really bad!!! Today, Christmas I think I'm just now maybe seeing the light today! I sure hope so. It's only about 6:30am so I will see how things go today. My white blood count is suppose to be up around 1500 and mine is a whopping zero!! My platelettes are bottom also!! It's kind of scarey when they tell you that. If I get a slight fever off to the hospital I have to go. I've not been able to eat or drink much at all so I ended up going into the office and getting fluids pumped into me. My blood pressure was a very low 84/62. I've been so weak it's just hard to do more than stand up and move around. The Dr. gave me an antibiotic called Leviquil....something like that and if anything starts to seems suspicious I have to take it right away and call them. I've had quite a few "Pitty Parties" but I think today Christmas I will be feeling a little better. My boys and Daniel's wife Shannon and Blakely as well as Matt's son Chad came to our house yesterday and we had ham sandwhiches, plus some of all the goodies that so many of you my friends have been so kind to bring by the house. Heleena Malone brought some fabulous Clam Chowder Soup that she made a big bunch of and it was wonderful! She also helped me put some gifts in bags since I thought I'd be better by now to have done so. I thank all of you for EVERYTHING!!! SO MANY of you have been a wonderful blessing to us. Shannon Hossfield was a ANGEL the other day when she came to help!! I should definitely be feeling better in two to three more days. I love all of you and I'm SO GRATEFUL for your friendship,love ,phone calls, and help! Love and Merry Christmas, Karla

2008-12-09T15:18:00.000-08:00

Hello Everyone,
I figure that I'd better do some updating on this blogspot since I have it! I have had such a good week this past week and have been so busy. It's funny how much better I've been feeling that I just act like I'm just the normal person that's not even fighting anything let alone cancer! I've really just have done too much and I really seem to pay for it by the early evening. I'm so ready for bed about 6:00pm or 7:00pm that I have to fight to keep from going to bed that early. When I do, I wake up at about 3:30pm and come downstairs....putts around, get on the computer, eat (yes, I've had a normal appetite! Darn!) I even put on some weight after that first week of being so sick and loosing about 8 lbs at least! I'd better watch out! Next week is my Chemo again on Dec. 16, who knows what's going to happen after that. I'm storing like the bears do...that's what I'm doing! I have a friend that is coming from St. George this Friday. I'm so excited to spend some time with her. She and I are going to a good friends wedding. Singer, song writer John Cannan is getting married in Draper. We are so excited for him. I'm so thankful for all your friendship and your love and concerns. I had the best time yesterday with Joyce Winn. She and I went and tried on Wigs. It was a blast!! We will be the new girls on Sunday in the Library. We are the new Librarians!!! She got a wig too! I think she is trying to just make me feel better and not so alone and different! It will be fun. I got three of them!!! One was for only 15.00. pretty good. God Bless All of You! Love and Hugs, Merry Christmas Karla

2008-11-29T13:45:00.000-08:00

Thought I'd update, since the two movies we just finished are over and I need a distraction. We watched "At First Sight"....(I've been wanting to see that since I've had it for a few years) "Ghostbusters" I haven't seen that on in years!! I was looking for a little comic relief....it's sure a silly movie! I saw the Dr. this morning for my "shot" and I told him how I've been so sick to my stomach, but not nausea. Well, he said to take my nausea pill of which I've only taken once the night of Chemo. I'm sure hoping that will help. I don't seem to want to eat anything because my stomach does summer salts....Hopefully, that will be the answer. I'm very weak and achey and I do try to eat....I had some Egg Nogg yesterday. It was good! I've taken the milkshake that takes pretty good. Also, I've been spoiled with some of Donell Miller's white bread. That tasted pretty good too. This is a crazy way to loose weight, but I think it might work. Matt, keeps reminding me I'm only just beginning! I just can't imagine this for several months. I'm pretty much out of it and by the night time my temperature spikes and I just freeze and ache. What am I to learn from all of this?? I know that I will be more dependent on the Priesthood and my family. Matt doesn't really know what to do or think. Pray for him too! Love to all, Karla

2008-11-26T19:03:00.000-08:00

Crissell Paskett just set up this Blog for me!! I'm so excited to get to have this.....She is just the sweetest person in the world....(So is Spencer) I love them both!
For any of you that might be interested in my progression! I guess that's the best word to describe it at this time. The Chemo is trying to reduce and kill the "bad" cells but at the same time kills the "good" cells. I'm really on a learning curve at the moment. But, if I had witches powers like in the Wizard of Oz I'd sure put a house on that bad cell!! Well, it is what it is....and here goes the ride on the broom. I have inflammatory breast cancer that has large cells in the lymph nodes. I will be on Chemo for 4.5 mo. with shots just about everyday here and there. Ogden Regional,McKayDee,Davis...the shots are the pits. Just to let everyone know it grows very quickly and that's why they didn't pick it up 6mo ago on the mammogram that I had. Craziness. Those of you that have some encouraging words for Matt he's devistated! His previous wife died at age 40 after suffering one year with her battle. It's a bad dream that he is very worried about having to live thru again. I don't know if I have the strength to keep him going but I'
m trying as feeble as that is. Thanks for your Prayers, Karla