Hey friends! I know it’s been awhile. I am doing great! I took a week and went to Florida with some friends to celebrate the end of chemotherapy! Much needed celebration. I had previously hoped for an update last week but my radiologist appointment was rescheduled for yesterday! So I thought I would kill two birds with one stone.
I go in today to have a CT scan done on my body. I will be laying in a bean bag mold they described it. That way when I go every day to radiation…I am laying in the same spot every time. They will make markings that will stay on my body so they can match up every visit the correct places to radiate. I had started swimming, but will have to postpone as it will erase the markings on my body. I am anxious, but ready to get started. It will actually be for 7 to 8 weeks everyday. I had no idea of the risks of radiation. It can cause later heart damage and it does cause some lung damage. It can also cause any dormant cancer cells to move to other parts of the body! But the benefits far out weigh the risks. Radiation helps kill any cells that are less than ¼ of a centimeter that might still be in my lymph nodes. The great news is that I love my radiologist. His name is Dr. Rosenblatt and he is a character. My mom, Travis and I loved him. He cares about his patients and really gets to know them. He already knew when I got there that I sang “I’ve got friends in low places at Tootsies after the race!!!” He loved it! We will make a great team.
Last Tuesday was my first treatment of Avastin all by itself. It’s done through my port and that is the treatment I will receive every three weeks at my oncologists office. It will end the beginning of July of 09. I was also blessed that day to speak to the student body at Ensworth High School. They were celebrating breast cancer awareness month and their service club invited me to speak. It was wonderful. I think I caught their attention when I took off my wig. They all gasped and we all never lost eye contact again! I was very appreciative that the school allowed breast cancer as a topic…especially in a coed setting. After it was over I had kids and teachers come up to me with their own stories. Some of them with tears. I was so impressed with the school. The students and faculty went out of their way to make me feel so comfortable. Thank you Ensworth High School.
I also want to thank my dear friend Ashley Robertson who planned all of my meals for me during chemotherapy. My family could not have made it without her. We also couldn’t have made it with out all the food either. Thank you to everyone. We will be calling soon for some of our top recipes!
I would also like to thank my friends and workers at You’re Invited. Sarah, Kristen, Lori, Shelbye, Mandy, Yvonne, Stephanie, Emily and Ashley. Without you the store would not have made it. Small businesses really thrive on loyal employees and I have had them during my journey. I pray for you all every night and give up joyful thanksgivings.
I have also started back some at the store this week. I would love to see everyone. We are decorating for Christmas this weekend and will have a booth at Christmas Village next weekend. Christmas is right around the corner. I am hoping for a great November and December as we have been sluggish throughout early fall. Please continue to remember You’re Invited. Plus…we wrap for free. We are also offering a free Vera Bradley id case with any 50.00 Vera Bradley purchase.
With all of this being said…I have a very thankful heart. I keep on praying…I’ve realized no matter what happens, I am always thankful, for I know this is God’s will for me who belongs to Christ Jesus. I have realized that as I can’t control any circumstance…I can control my attitude. I look for things to be grateful for! When you choose to be thankful…it will change your perspective. Right now…it’s my friends and family, my prayer warriors, my children’s school (St. Matthew) and the relief that chemo is over and that I made it through chemo without ever getting hospitalized. This hardly ever happens. It’s because of all of you who made a vow to pray for me. Please continue as I am worried about the everyday radiation treatments, the holiday season and my precious family. Once again we will all make it, I know that, but it’s because you have all been with me on my journey!
God bless each of you today and always. I will keep you posted soon. Please focus this month on what you have to be thankful for! Thanksgiving is right around the corner.
Kendall
