Kristi Shirk Kristi's Journey

I want to thank everyone for their prayers, love, and support as I start this new journey. I'll do my best to keep everyone updated. It all started about eight weeks ago as a headache on the right side of my head. After several tests, scans, and biopsies the diagnoses is Squamous Cell Carcinoma. There is a tumor in my sinuses that is wrapped around both of my eyes and starting to get into my brain. We went to Duke this past week to meet with the doctors for their opinion. They have decided to start me on chemo and radiation with the hope that this will shrink the tumor enough to remove it easy. Surgery at this point would mean I'd lose both eyes, so let's pray it shrinks! I will do the treatment at UT hospital. I had my first round of chemo Friday. Radiation will start Monday. I've had a great weekend, so far not much sickness from chemo yet. About half way into treatment I'll have another MRI and the doctors will decide what the next step is.

Thank-you again for all the well wishes! I'm blessed to have such wonderful family and friends!