Colleen’s Story

Site created on October 4, 2020

Welcome to our CaringBridge website. We are using it to keep family and friends updated in one place. We appreciate your support and words of hope and encouragement. Thank you for visiting.

As many of you know, Colleen has been diagnosed with a number of different cancers over the past 12 years: breast cancer in late 2008, colon cancer in 2011, and parotid gland cancer in 2013. Two years ago in Nov 2018, her breast cancer from 2008 metastasized to L2 in her spine. With treatment, that cancer had not metastasized further.  In mid-August, Colleen's fatigue and lightheadedness significantly increased. Her stamina took a steep and swift dive. Bloodwork and a bone marrow biopsy in early October showed she has a form of leukemia, specifically MDS with excess blasts (or MDS-EB-2). This is the last stage of leukemia before it develops into acute myeloid leukemia (AML). 

We are still waiting for some results, but it is likely the leukemia is a secondary condition that was caused by her first breast cancer chemotherapy treatment. This is a risk for a small percentage of people. 

Colleen has started treatment to slow the progression of the MDS and to hopefully alleviate her symptoms, which have her feeling pretty lousy. The treatment is fairly intensive, with regular checks of her bloodwork and possible blood transfusions when needed. Colleen and Tom are traveling to Lakeland FL for treatment, which is 3.5 - 4 hours roundtrip each time. 

Right now, Colleen and Tom seem set for meals (and Colleen can only eat very soft foods at this time). However, we may also use this site to communicate asks for help with a meal train, errands, etc. 

We will post periodic updates on this site to keep everyone up to date. Given the time and energy required for treatments, this may be an easier way to stay in regular communication with you all. Your words of encouragement and support are so appreciated! Thank you!

Note: For those of you who have looked at or clicked on the "Donate to CaringBridge" button, please be aware this makes a donation to the CaringBridge organization to help them maintain this site platform (which is great to support if you choose to do that). We do not currently have anything set up to accept donations directly for Colleen nor are we asking for that at this time. Thanks! 

Newest Update

Journal entry by Angela Kesting

Three years. The best words I have are the ones we shared in 2020. They are proven true every day. Love you, Mom

"Colleen was full of love and light, and she was generous with it. She deeply loved her family and friends, and nurtured those relationships with great care and attention. She had a magical way with people - putting them at ease, making them feel special and valued, sparking joy and laughter with her great sense of humor, knowing just the thing that could make someone smile, cheering them on, offering support no matter what someone may need.

She undeniably left this world better than she found it in so many ways. We are immensely grateful and honored to have had her in our lives.

Keep your eyes and hearts open — she will still be all around us continuing to work her magic."
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