We have detected that JavaScript is currently disabled. CaringBridge is best viewed with JavaScript enabled.

Kirsten’s Story

Site created on May 24, 2018

In mid-May of 2018, I was 26 weeks pregnant with our first daughter, thinking about how we should probably start taking childbirth classes and get going on decorating the nursery. I was having a seemingly "normal" pregnancy, feeling grateful that the second trimester was going much better than the first, getting excited about taking more prenatal yoga classes and counting down the days till my third trimester when I would get to use the expectant mothers front row parking spot at work. People were telling me that being pregnant in the summer was going to be terrible, but I was not worried, just excited to wear maxi dresses and flip flops all the time.

Then one night seemingly out of the blue, I had a seizure that woke Joe up and sent me to the hospital in an ambulance. I remember waking up with a paramedic in the bedroom and knowing something was very wrong, but not knowing much else at the time. When they asked me what year it was and who was the president, for a brief moment in time I was in 2015 with President Barak Obama (you should have seen the look of disappointment on my face later that morning when I remembered the correct answer). After ruling out eclampsia and any other possible cause, I got an MRI scan that revealed I had a 6-centimeter brain tumor located in my left frontal lobe. We were all in shock, living in a terrible dream.

The next morning I was meeting with one of the best neurosurgeons in the country, discussing plans for brain surgery that would happen in two days. I was surrounded by love and support from all sides, and was reassured by the doctors and brain tumor experts that the tumor looked non-cancerous and very slow growing, which would explain how it had gotten so large without making itself known before. We would unfortunately find out later the tumor was in fact aggressive and cancerous, and that although they had successfully removed the entire tumor, I would need to begin further treatment as soon as possible.

After working with our team of doctors and spending several days weighing options and risks, we had a treatment plan in place that included delivering Baby Edwards early, 6 weeks of chemotherapy and radiation, followed by an additional year of chemo. We are using this CaringBridge website to keep family and friends updated in one place, and we truly appreciate your support and words of hope and encouragement. As my mom keeps reminding me, "it takes a village", and I can say sincerely that I have the best tribe supporting me and Baby Edwards.

Newest Update

Journal entry by Kirsten Edwards — Oct 22, 2019

I am thrilled to share with you all that as of the end of September, I am officially done with chemotherapy. I had my first follow up MRI at the end of the month and everything continues to look great on my scans. I will continue to get MRI scans every 3 months for quite a long time, as my doctors want to keep a close eye on my brain. The further away from chemo I get, the better I feel physically. I am happy and anxious to keep moving forward with life. It has been a bit weird, as treatment had become such a regular part of my routine, but I am of course relieved to be done and moving on.

The next logical question people ask is when will I go back to work. As of right now, I do not know or have plans. My doctor is encouraging me to take a few months off to continue recovering, as the mental fatigue is quite sneaky and will take time to get over. At the moment, I am just enjoying the extra time I get to spend with Maren, as she is growing up so very quickly.

Words cannot express how much I appreciate all of your support over this past year plus. Thank you for all of your good thoughts, kindness, prayers, help with meals, dog walks, help with Maren, driving me to and from appointments back when I was unable to, etc. Each and every one of you has helped to make this journey easier for me and my family, and I will be forever grateful.

All the best,
Kirsten

Read More of the journal titled "The End of Chemo"

Patients and caregivers love hearing from you; add a comment to show your support.

Help Kirsten Stay Connected to Family and Friends

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

Comments Hide 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