Kim was diagnosed with gallbladder cancer in the summer of 2020.  She had surgery to remove her gallbladder and a portion of her liver.  She received radiation and chemo by way of a pill.    She received a clean bill of health in June of 2021. 

In September she started to experience pain and swelling in her abdomen. Unfortunately, a CT scan showed the cancer had returned aggressively and masses have already grown throughout her abdomen.  A visit to the oncologist a few weeks later confirmed Kim has stage four, terminal adenocarcinoma metastatic of the gallbladder.   

Kim has been  receiving palliative chemotherapy one time a week for two weeks and then is off a week.  She’s received her first two rounds of chemo in October and did “ok”.  Unfortunately, as a result of previous chemo medications and the cancer she has lost her sense of taste and appetite and is not eating very much.  We've offered her "all kinds of stuff" to get her appetite up, even a prescription from the doctor, but we have not successfully been able to increase her appetite.  

In November we traveled to IU Medical Center to get a second opinion.  They were extremely thorough and reviewed her complete cancer history, dating back to her breast cancer.  Unfortunately, he agreed with the treatment plan put together by Kim's oncologist in Evansville and didn't have any other treatment options to offer her.  

Kim has continued to receive chemo; however, she has been steadily declining; she's lost a considerable amount of weight, her pulse is high and her blood pressure is low.  She was unable to receive chemo last week and after meeting with her oncologist, we've found that the chemo is not impacting the cancer.  

Palliative care comes to Kim's house regularly and was there with her today .  Her nurse called me after the appointment to inform me that she has witnessed a significant decline in Kim since last week's visit and that rather than continuing with chemo and palliative care, Kim will be transitioned to Deaconess Hospice care.  If I understand correctly, Kim will receive this care in home but could transfer to a facility if need be.  

As you might imagine, we are all devastated by this news, especially her children.  Many of you want to help and right now, we are just looking for love, support and positivity.  Please take a moment to share a memory of Kim and if you have a photo of Kim or with Kim, please upload it here.  

xoxo

Amy