Kiersten’s Story

Site created on September 14, 2023

I was unexpectedly diagnosed with stomach cancer (stage II) in June. It has been a wild ride since then! Surgery to remove a tumor and part of my stomach in July was successful, but metastatic carcinoma was detected in some of my lymph nodes and I started chemotherapy treatments in August.

Chemo side effects have been tough so far. But I keep reminding myself that this treatment is the only research-based option I have to try and save my life right now! And I'm grateful that science has advanced as much as it has.

So many of you have reached out to ask how you can help, and we are endlessly grateful! I've added suggestions below for ways to support as we navigate this time.

In the meantime, the generous donations already made in the last few months have been put to good use toward medical supplies and expenses, including gas and tolls for trips to MSK. And we are ever grateful for all of the previous meals, thoughts, prayers, love, offers for play dates for Allen, and everything in between.

If you have the capacity, here are some concrete ways to help:

1. SIGN UP FOR UPDATES: From now on, I'll post regular updates on this site, blog-style. You can sign up for notifications by clicking the grey "Follow Site" button in the top right-hand corner. This is the best way to stay in touch and know what's happening throughout my cancer journey.

2. DONATE A MEAL: we are gratefully receiving two meals per week from a local non-profit that provides meals for families battling cancer, the Sparrow's Nest. We would welcome additional meal donations on Thursdays and Saturdays. See the meal train link in the "Ways to Help" section.

3. DONATE TO HOUSEKEEPING FUND: we just hired a housekeeper to help keep up with housecleaning every other week. Each visit costs $130 and any donations are welcome to help defray this additional cost. See the Venmo link in the "Ways to Help" section.

4. HELP WITH RIDES: we anticipate needing some support in the form of rides for Kiersten to appointments or Allen to soccer, parkour, and play dates eventually. See the Rides Needed link in the "Ways to Help" section. 

Your support -- in any and every form -- means the world to us. Thank you for being here.

Newest Update

8 Weeks Post Chemo / Back to MSK

Journal entry by Kiersten Greene —

It's hard to believe it's already been 8 weeks -- TWO MONTHS -- since the end of chemo! It's been a wild ride. My new job has ramped up, which I've really enjoyed (I'm still a workaholic, it turns out!), and I've started commuting to Hunter College a few days a week.

My commute has been less stressful than expected (it helps that I now know where every bathroom is located between here and Manhattan LOL), though the trip is very, very lengthy.

In other news, I've developed some new(ish) symptoms over the last few weeks. I admit I've been a little more lenient with diet -- I had a gf grilled cheese, some (mild) wings, and a McFlurry this past weekend, and that combo left me writhing in agony and running to the bathroom on and off in the evening. But that incident aside, I've begun to notice a pattern over the last few weeks: it seems like as the day goes on, I develop a burn-y sensation at the top of my stomach under my sternum, and it's unclear if it's happening whenever I eat or if it's from what I'm eating. To rule out the latter, I'm rolling back what I eat again to mild things. Sigh.

In the meantime, my oncologist wants me to go to the MSK symptom care clinic to make sure it's not my intussusception coming back (which we thought / hoped had resolved itself). So I have an appointment tomorrow. Back to Westchester I go! Sooner than I'd hoped.

I had plans to travel to Philadelphia later this week for the annual American Educational Research Association conference, and I was really looking forward to re-entering that part of my work as a researcher -- not to mention feeling really excited to see new and old friends! But last night, after feeling terrible post-dinner, I decided to err on the side of caution and canceled those travel plans. I am super sad about it, but I know that it was the right decision until we sort out what's happening in my belly.

In the meantime, I've been getting in some rink time and it's been so good to get back to my roller skates -- and skate mates -- on a more regular basis again! Action photo included. 

Thank you for the ongoing love and care that's been sent my way. I'm so grateful for this community. <3

Read More of the journal titled "8 Weeks Post Chemo / Back to MSK"
Patients and caregivers love hearing from you; add a comment to show your support.
Help Kiersten Stay Connected to Family and Friends

A $25 donation to CaringBridge powers a site like Kiersten's for two weeks. Will you make a gift to help ensure that this site stays online for them and for you?

Leave a comment of support for Kiersten

Did you know? A quick comment, no matter the situation (positive or negative), can boost morale by 28.2%.

Comments Hide comments

Load more comments
Read More Journal Entries

Show Your Support

See the Ways to Help page to get even more involved.

Personal Fundraiser
Support Links
Helpful Requests
Go to Ways to Help
SVG_Icons_Back_To_Top
Top