It has been a while since I last updated everyone on my status due to many circumstances. I am so pleased to let you all know that I have completed my five weeks of Proton Radiation and Chemotherapy. Last Monday I was surrounded by family and friends while I rang the bell for completion. It was such a great day yet a sad day at the same time. My partner in crime (my dad) was not able to physically be there to see me ring the bell as he was too sick battling his own fight with cancer.  I have my last speed bump coming up on January 9th when I have surgery to remove the majority of my stomach and part of my esophagus. I pray that they find all the cancer to be dead at that point and that I am finally able to eat food again. I do realize the way I will be eating will be dramatically different, and I am fine with that as long I can have more than soup and scrambled eggs.  All in all, I am doing really well and tolerated the radiation very well.  

Part of the reason I have done so well is I had a great leader by my side every step of the way while he was fighting his own battle of cancer. That pilar/leader was my dad. Unfortunately, he lost his battle this past Saturday, Dec. 16th.  My dad gave me so much strength during my journey and was determined to be there when I rang the bell, just as he had done a few months earlier. I was very fortunate to have spent the last 6 1/2 weeks living with my parents and sister. I was so well cared and loved for, I never had a doubt I would make it through treatment with flying colors. Of course, my husband and kids were always there to help  for all of our care. 

Cancer sucks no matter how you say it. 

Please keep my family in your thoughts and prayers, especially my mom. 

Kari