Update

Hi everyone, it's Kari.  The first thing I want to say is how overwhelmed I am with everyone's support and prayers.  I am so touched by your kind words, cards, prayers and actions.  I have heard over and over how strong I am and how I can beat this, and I will.  I have being keeping all your cards and emails so on those days when I am feeling down, and feeling like I can't go through this (which I am sure there will be through this year plus journey) I can reread them again. 

A few updates from the past week.  I spent from 8am to 4pm on Thursday at the hospital having lots of tests.  Bone scan, full body scan, tests with contrast, tests without contrast, etc. and the good news is, there are no signs of cancer in any other part of my body!  I am so happy to know that I only have to battle this in my right breast and lymph nodes.  On Friday I went back to the hospital at 10am and left at 4:30.  In the morning I met with the genetic counselor and in the afternoon it was back to the cancer board.  I am very impressed with Loyola and how they handle their cancer patients.  There is a whole cancer center that has pretty much all the things cancer patients would need (lab work, treatment rooms, social workers, and more) all in one place.  It is so nice not to go back and forth and have to explain to everyone why you are there, what you need, etc.  The other thing I really like is the cancer board.  All the doctors in all areas of treating cancer get together and review patient info and then decide on a course of action.  It is so nice not to have to repeat everything and wonder if one doctor is going to talk to another doctor.  They also put you in your own room for the afternoon and then all the doctors and nurses come around individually to examine you, update you and tell you what is next.  It is really nice. 

After talking with everyone on Friday, and conferring with my family, I have decided to take part in the drug trial.  For the next three weeks, I will be taking a combination of drugs and getting a series of tests done to participate in the study. My surgery is set for June 2nd.  After the surgery, I will be spending two nights in the hospital and then coming home.  My mom will then stay with me for at least a week to take care of me, and be my nurse.  Good thing she is one in real life, and doesn't just play one on tv!  I am nervous as all the doctors and nurses are saying that it will take 4-6 weeks for me to be able to feel ok enough to take care of my babies.  And of course, even after those weeks, I still won't be able to lift more than a milk jug.  Clearly, my children weigh more than a milk jug.  I guess that I will just have to keep leaning on my friends and family, and accept help. 

Please keep praying!