Hello everyone,

I haven’t posted in a few months because not much has changed. I am back at work full time, but my job has changed. This year, I am teaching 100% virtually. The week school started, I was transferred to the Kelso Virtual Academy. Thankfully, I still have all 4th graders. I have kids from every Kelso elementary school. I meet with each family weekly (phone, zoom, or email) to go over progress, pacing, and answer questions with the online curriculum we are using. Although this isn’t what I had planned on doing, or really wanted to do, it is the best thing for me for now, and I am thankful to have this option and keep working. When students started coming back to the school, my dr advised me to work from home. I am so blessed to have administrative support, and was given permission to work from home 4 days a week. I go in on Wednesdays as there are no students on that day and there are tasks I need to do in the building and can’t do at home. So far, it’s worked out well.  I really miss teaching, but with Covid cases on the rise and my body just starting to recover from treatment, this really is the best option for now. 

A couple weeks ago I met with an endocrinologist at OHSU to discuss my osteoporosis. My oncologist had referred me and wanted me to find out what has caused this as I was diagnosed before the age of 50. Although I don’t have those answers yet, he did mention Reclast as a possible treatment. Is is given as an infusion once a year. The side effects aren’t too bad, I will just feel like I have the flu for a couple of days. So Monday I go in and have my first treatment. We will go from there. I still want to know if chemo caused this or something else, so I will keep looking for answers.

Last Thursday I had an oncology appointment. My doctor said I can stop taking my oral chemo pills, Neratnib. That is what I was hoping for. This means I am done with treatment! I have been actively fighting this cancer since August 14, 2018. Now, I am done. Today I had my last magnesium infusion. I have been spending my Saturday mornings at the cancer center since February. I am hoping during these next few weeks by body will recover from treatment and when I have my next appointment on Dec. 3, my counts will all be normal. This morning my magnesium level was lower than it has been for over a month. It was a little disheartening, so we’ll see what happens. I think it will just take some time for my body to get back to normal. 
Like everyone else, we have been adjusting to life in the time of Covid. Anna still attends classes 100% virtually. They were suppose to start attending classes in person twice a week starting Monday, but with the rise in cases here, it has been pushed back. So we will keep doing what we are doing. We are all well and will do everything we can to keep it that way. 
I wish you all the very best. Thank you for following my journey with cancer. I will be forever grateful to you all for the support, prayers, and love that has been showered upon me and my family.  You are all a blessing in my life.

Love,

Kerry