Kristin's Road to Baldness and Back!

August 7 2011...an update!

2011-08-07T02:19:00.003-04:00

Hello all!

All is well with me! Just had my yearly mammo and check up and all is clear, yeah! 4 years out now, time is flying!

Emma is now 10 years old, going into 5th grade....she was finishing kindergarden when this whole cancer thing started!

So glad it is all behind me and that all is well!!

We are off tomorrow for a trip to Hawaii and Australia....Dave has to work in both places and Emma and I are doing what we do best, and tagging along!!! Its the middle of the night now, and here I am up blogging.....excited to go I guess!

Will try and write more on this blog, but with the days of Facebook, my blog has taken a backseat :(

Find my sisters blog, How The Hell Did I Get Here, very good and funny and sad too!!!

Chat soon, Kristin

Seven Months Since My Last Post.....Sorry Hilda!

2010-05-10T14:16:00.003-04:00

Hello to all, and my new friend Hilda from Miami Florida, who has been following my blog! She was worried about me since I had not posted in months and called Dr.. Bartlett's office in Boston, to see if I was ok!! Nicole, the sweetest girl and our office manager, emailed me after they got off the phone, to tell me the story and give me Hildas email!! So I have a new friend in Miami, and I have started to update the blog once again!

Last time I posted, 7 months ago, Emma was just starting 3rd grade! She is now in the countdown, like 23 more days, till the end of school and she will be in 4th! Hard to believe! She was just finishing up kindergarden when I got the breast cancer diagnosis, 3 years ago!!

So now I can say I am 3 years out....I go from my April 2007 diagnosis! All has been good! MRI's are clear, next mammo in June or July should be fine too!! I have one more 6 month followup with Oncology, then I can go yearly! Radiation Oncology just became yearly! Yippee!!

Now, on a personal note, my Left boob (cancer boob, "leftie" as I call her!) is looking so good and perky, and poor "Righty" is bigger and droopier.....thanks radiation!! I liken it to putting a piece of chicken in the microwave oven....it comes out much smaller after all the radio waves cook it!!!
I may need to get a small reduction on the right and a bilateral lift.....good thing I know a good guy!!! Probably this Fall, in our new office, under general anesthesia! Hey, somebody must test out the new anesthesia machine, and it may as well be me!!! Maybe some tummy lipo too!!

Can't do it till after 9/18 though, because me and my friends, Kristin L and Laura K are teaming the Duxbury Triathlon, I am doing the 13.1 mile bike ride!! Laura will be swimmer, Kristin L runner!!! Got a real road bike, and Dave and I are going out this weekend, I will follow him!!

Anyway....I have missed blogging, and will start doing more soon!!! Photos to follow! I am on laptop, and cannot access my photos from here, even though they are in here! Hmmmm???

Heritage Dressage Show, Apple Picking, and Jumping Chance!

2009-10-05T18:30:00.008-04:00

Busy October!!! We went apple picking last weekend, beautiful Saturday before the Sunday rain storm. Then this weekend we were at the Heritage Dressage Show in Hanover where Emma got a 3rd and a 4th place! We had a great day! Today at her lesson she was jumping Chance, the biggest horse in the barn! Mommy needs a valium! And another job to pay for all this horse stuff!

Busy September!

2009-09-22T18:03:00.004-04:00

Have not posted since our trip to Niagara Falls, sorry about that!! Just a crazy September with a horse show, back to school, homework, commuting to school, U2 concert, leasing Chief (horse) once a week, lessons once a week....phew I am tired! Then add in all the usual stuff, working Fridays and some other days, the travel agent job, housework, laundry, animals. And on top of that I got the 'class mother' job! I needed that like a hole in my head, but it will be fun to be in at school and in Em's class occasionally! So I will throw a mess of photos up!!! The first photo is Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes walking into the U2 Concert! The some U2 photos, Emma horse show photos, back to school (yeah! ) photos and a great photos of Emma, Keagan and Charlotte!!

Niagara Falls Trip Aug 2009

2009-08-16T18:51:00.006-04:00

We took a road trip to Niagara Falls, Canada Aug 10-13th. Had a great time!!! Long car ride thought, about 9 hours getting there and 8 home. Would rather fly up next time and rent a car! But as the saying goes, getting there is half the fun (who ever said that never spent more than 4 hours in a car or plane!!)We did manage to get 43 of the 50 states with the license plate game thought! Never did get Hawaii, but did get Alaska!!! Anyway, would recommend this trip for anyone! The Falls are amazing, and so much stuff to do there! We did The Maid of the Mist, Journey Behind the Falls, the Cable Car over the whirlpool, the walk along the class 6 rapids, then there was all the other fun stuff at Clifton Hill: Guinness Book Museum, Ripley's Believe It Or Not Museum, the giant sky wheel, indoor mini golf, wax museums and ice cream and candy stores galore! Not to mention shopping! Enjoy the photos!

Emma's First Dressage Show!

2009-08-04T23:04:00.004-04:00

Emma rode in her first Dressage show at Furnace Brook Farm, where she rides (lessons one day a week and lease of horse one day a week) She also took her first (of I am sure many) Dressage tests, which she did great on! She is so proud of herself, and as I sat and watched her and listened to the reader call out instructions, I myself was amazed at her! She is a great rider for only 8 1/2 years old! I actually had to buy a book the other day for ME from the U.S. Dressage Federation, so I can actually know what she is doing! I have to figure out how to upload videos to this blog so you can all see her riding live! I think I may need another job to support this horse habit of hers!

Various Photos and Stuff

2009-07-01T18:06:00.005-04:00

Emma had her tonsils out on June 26th, she did great!!!! We spent the night at Waltham Children's Hospital (satellite of CHMC Boston), saw all my friends from the o.r. and recovery and anesthesia!! She is 6 days post op now and doing great, just a sore throat and taking Tylenol! She is a trooper! Also wanted to show some outside photos of the addition and the patio that Dave did! After 2 estimates for $13,000 and $11,000, he decided to do it himself!! And a great job he did!!!

Officially 2 Years Out Now!

2009-06-29T18:56:00.002-04:00

Had my Mammo this week, and all was clear! Yippee!!! Saw my surgeon at the B.I. too, and even though she loves our visits, she needs to work with the people who have breast cancer now, and I have been moved to her wonderful nurse practitioner! I also made a promise to both my oncologist and surgeon that I would call genetics and get tested, since we have no history from my dad (he was adopted) and my mom's dad left when she was a baby, so we have no real history there also. This information will be helpful for Lisa, Emma and Charlotte, and maybe cousins too!! I also now get to see my radiation oncologist yearly now, that every 4 month appt was a bummer!! I think I have one more appt with my regular oncologist, and after that I will be yearly too! Weeeee! The freedom of no doctor visits or medical bills (we have a PPO, 80/20 plan!)
I've come a long way baby from 2 years ago!!

May Crowning, Emma Riding Fred, Fishing with Daddy, Owen!

2009-06-04T20:37:00.005-04:00

Just a bunch of different photos! Emma was all dressed up for May Crowning at Sacred Heart. The second graders and sixth graders do this every year! Then we move to Emma's new lease horse Fred. He is much calmer than Charlie, but after getting tossed off him a second time in 3 weeks, we moved to Fred! Then we have Emma fishing, her and Daves thing to do when I am working or on Sunday am's! Catch and release!! Then I had to put some Owen photos up, he is the cutest but freshest pony at Emmas barn!!! Enjoy the photos!!

Furnace Brook Farm Horse Show

2009-05-26T18:54:00.002-04:00

Emma did great in her horse show on the 17th....got a 3rd, a 2nd and a 1st! It was cold and drizzily, I was chilled to the bone!!! She has changed horses to Fred for her lease day...Charlie tossed her off again the other day, and she said "enough"! He has some issues! Fred is more mellow, very sweet, a bit more bouncy in the trot though, so she has to get use to him! The girl in the photo is Mikayla, she is in 4th grade at Sacred Heart with Emma and they both ride at FBF!

Welcome Hannah!

2009-05-09T18:55:00.003-04:00

Our new girl arrived today, an almost 3 y.o. Aussie Cattle Dog, who looks JUST like Max! Her name is Hannah and we love her! There goes Dave and I's pact never to get a dog again! A friend of ours had her and is going thru some rough times now, so for the summer we are saying we are fostering her, but I have a feeling she will be staying! She is all trained, very sweet, loves kids, very intense with ball or frisbee though, like Max was!!! Tomorrow we are going to take her to the beach with the new ball throwing thingy I got her!!! Spooky cat loves her, Princess is hiding!

Emma's 1st Communion 5/3/2009

2009-05-05T15:46:00.005-04:00

Beautiful Day

Universal Studios April Vacation 2009

2009-04-29T17:05:00.005-04:00

It was a girls vacation this year! Emma and I and the Peavey girls (Susan, Haleigh and Emilie) went to Universal Studios in Florida! We stayed right at Universal at Lowe's Royal Pacific Hotel, really nice!! Which gave us Fast Passes on the rides! O.K., with the economy the way it is, the longest ride time wait was about 5 min, for our ride time wait with fast pass was about 30 seconds! Emma rode The Hulk (crazy roller coaster) 18 times....I rode it about 14 maybe! Thank God for Dramamine! We also went to a Luau at the hotel which was alot of fun...I had to get up on stage and show off my mad hula skills .....nobody else at the table would go with me!! Chickens!!! :) We spent our last day at the pool, we had a 5 pm flight, so it was relaxing! Emma and I had a great time!

Easter at Our House!

2009-04-29T16:57:00.003-04:00

Happy Easter 2009! We stared the day with a giant chocolate bunny for breakfast....followed by more candy from the egg hunt....followed by I am sure more candy!!

Tarah, Ken, Isabelle, Adeline, Lisa, Arnold, Charlotte, Peg (Mimi) and Carol all came over for great a great Italian Feast!

Rocky The Rockstar Turns 30!!

2009-03-29T09:20:00.004-04:00

Rocky the RockStar Turned 30 at Furnace Brook Farm In Marshfield where Emma takes Dressage lessons! He is the best horse!! All the girls (aka Hoodlums) turned out for the event! Rocky got cake from Roche Brothers, and a sugar cube cake, many carrots, some Lindt Chocolate and some Dunkin Munchkins, not to mention some wicked cool balloons! He was on a sugar high for the afternoon! It is a milestone for any horse to reach 30th!! Knowing Rocky and how healthy he is, we will be back for his 35th!!

Cancun 2009 With My Friend Heather!

2009-03-12T10:31:00.012-04:00

My friend Heather and I took off to Cancun (ok, it was really Playa del Carmen, Rivera Mexico) for 5 days!! We stayed at a posh adults only all inclusive....she was my same sex significant other! We lounged by the pool all day (under umbrellas with high SPF), ate and ate, slept late, took naps, had cocktails, went to nice dinners, talked and laughed for 5 whole days! It was a ball!! We kayaked, took a bike ride, she played pool volleyball...I even did the trampoline bungee!! Enjoy the photos!!! I did miss Emma and Dave, but it was so nice to be away and relaxed!!!

Beaches Turks & Caicos 2009!

2009-02-02T09:48:00.005-05:00

Had a nice vacation in the warm and sunny British West Indies Jan 17-24th....needed another week or so!!! Next trip is Albuquerque Feb. vacation week, then Emma and I are heading to Florida April Vacation for 4 days at Universal Studios, she is 54" and has been waiting to ride The Hulk roller coaster since she was 4! Enjoy the Beaches photos!

Dave and I Are Sharing A Bathroom.....OMG!

2009-01-11T19:33:00.002-05:00

We have moved out of our respected baths, and are now sharing the new, huge, beautiful master bath! Dave and I have not shared a bath in 15 years, except on vacations and such, not sure how this will be!!! Dave only needed 3 drawers for all his stuff....I took over 7 drawers, 8 cubby drawers and the giant upper cabinet! I have a small addiction to products! But mind you, it is all organized, by height and product, and in lovely pull out bins! The other large cabinet in the bath is being used for towels, TP, cleaners, soap, shampoo...kind of a shared family resource!
We moved Emma out of her bath tonight, it is totally empty...last night we went to Lowe's and bought her an entire new bath, which is gonna totally rock for an 8 y.o.!!! New vanity, counter top, toilet, curved shower rod,medicine cabinet, lights, tile for the floor with some cool accent tiles! John and the guys should get her remodel done this week! All we will have left to do is pick out all the funky things like shower curtain, wall colors, window curtain, new towels and rugs! She is one lucky girl!!! It will be nice for her to have her own space and privacy! Will post bath photos soon....we are in the crazy 1 week before we leave for Turks and Caicos, so everything is all over in piles (like my camera). Will also let you know how this coed bath situation is going also! Hmmm???

It Is So Beautiful!

2008-12-30T21:30:00.005-05:00

Have I told you how much I love my contractor, John Lunetta....I have his number if you need work done, he is the best!!! Here are my new photos... almost done!! But then we do have Emma's bath remodel and her closet construction (if we have any $$ left!!) It is beautiful!! I LOVE it!!!!

"Houston, The Kitchen Cabinets Have Landed"!

2008-12-16T20:48:00.012-05:00

No words needed!

Photos As Promised!

2008-12-15T17:01:00.013-05:00

Alpacas, Emma and Charlotte, Bath cabinets and granite, bath floor, wood trim stained, wood floors all re-done!

Alpacas and Sheep and Dogs, Oh My!

2008-12-13T20:00:00.002-05:00

We are holding down the Peavey Farm, alot of work!!!
3 Alpacas, 2 sheep, 3 dogs, 6 cats (one is ours!) 1 rabbit, and 2 guinea pigs (ours) and fish! Poor Princess Cat was having a nervous breakdown, so we brought her home and locked her in the office with food, water and litter box today. She can be set free in the house about 2 pm Sunday, when the wood floors will be walkable!!
We did peak in on them today and they are beautiful!!!! 3 days, 3 sandings and 3 varnishings! We did more of a matte/satin finish instead of shiny varnish, and I love it!
Hopefully Monday they will finish the master bath tile and put in the granite! Bath floor is in and it is beautiful! Kitchen Cabinets are due in Monday too...so hopefully by Tuesday they will be being installed and template for granite being made! I can feel the end is near! Well, before we start phase 2 (emma bath remodel and closets in her room!)
But for now, enjoying the farm, with no list of a million things to do...I hear
Rudolph playing in the living room, I think I may read the paper!!
Photos Sunday, promise!

We Are Moving Out!!!!

2008-12-11T07:37:00.002-05:00

No photos till we get back Sunday....camera is packed! But my WHOLE downstairs is EMPTY! It looks like we are moving! The wood floors are getting done Today (Thurs) thru Sat. We should be able to walk on them by Sunday afternoon! What a production though!

Tonight we are staying at the Marriott in Quincy, so I can have an easy commute into Boston for work Fri am! Then Dave and Emma will hang there, swim, eat and play till about noon. Then they are heading to our friends house, The Peaveys, who just so happen to be in the Bahamas this weekend seeing the Jonas Brothers at Atlantis! So we are the farmers/caretakers for the weekend!!

They have 3 Alpacas, 2 sheep, 6 chickens, 3 dogs, 5 cats, a rabbit and some fish! Plus we are bringing our 2 cats and the 2 guinea pigs!!! (I guess the varnish they put on the floors is pretty toxic!) I have packed my jeans and Muck boots, ready for farming and fresh eggs! Emma is going to show me how she rides the alpaca!

So check back soon, like Sunday, for wood floor photos and bath and kitchen tile photos. Cabinets and granite are going in the kitchen next week!!!!!

We Are Plastered!

2008-11-28T18:32:00.009-05:00

Starting from the top: That box is my heater, instead of baseboards in the new addition we did 2 small ones of those! Petty cool! They will be under 2 cabinets. The next photos are all my bath tile, granite, cabinet colors, I can't wait to see it all together! The others are of my my huge closet (I have no closet space in this house, so I am psyched!) My new wood floor ( we are slated for 12/11 for 3 days of sanding and varnishing! We are moving to the Quincy Marriott for a few nights! Then some other photos to view! The next 2 weeks are going to be crazy between the wood floors finishing, paint and trim staining of everything, tile kitchen floor and our bath, cabinets, granite, and all the faucets in thekitchen and bath...I must go buy those this week! Dave is off to Chicago till Thurs night, so he will see a huge change when he gets home! More photos this week!!! Have to finalize paint colors tonight to give to painter Monday!

Spray Insulation In The Nick Of Time....Burrrrr!

2008-11-19T18:25:00.007-05:00

Thank goodness they did the spray insulation today, the house was getting kind of chilly with no insulation in the addition, and just plastic walls up to protect us!! But it is all in, what a messy job! They even had to crawl under the crawl space under the addition outside to do the floor insulation! I hope they pay him well! Enjoy the photos! Inspection and more A/C ducting tomorrow, blue board and plaster Friday. Painting next week....yikes! The top photo is of my new desk space that is next to the fireplace in the kitchen. We decided to close it in on that side since we have so much open space!!

Addition Moving Along!

2008-11-16T18:58:00.002-05:00

No photos this week, unless you want to see a ton of wires and pipes. This past week they did all the rough plumbing, electrical and a/c venting. Tomorrow and Tuesday we are getting inspected. Lisa and I (ok,more Lisa) picked out my granite! It of course was $$$$$$!!! Lisa and I have good taste! It is beautiful! Luckily our builder is a friend and he is getting us good deals! Thanks John!!! So hopefully this week, after the inspections, we will be getting the spray insulation done. Then comes blueboard and plaster...I will post more photos when insulation and blueboard are getting done! So all cabinets are ordered, including the bath! Just have to get granite for the bath next. We did have a small change in that we need to tile in the kitchen/work area d/t the old house is very uneven and for them to match up the wood would not have worked. There would have been a slant, so we are tiling. They can "mud up" the floor as to meet the wood, where as they cannot do that with hardwood! Have to pick that out probably tomorrow!! Dave is home tomorrow, so we may take a field trip to the tile place! Photos to be added soon, I promise!

Halloween and Spooky Boo!

2008-11-06T19:54:00.004-05:00

Happy Halloween 2008! Emma and Charlotte went for the scary outfits this year: Emma as a Goth Bat Girl and Charlotte as a Vampire! They had a blast trick or treating (Charlotte comes to our neighborhood!) and they made out like candy bandits! We had about 75 kids at least this year!! I ate way to many tiny candy bars!!! Then our friend Clarke found a baby kitten at his job, and we took this one in since they now have 5 cats! He found her on Halloween, she is all black with a little white on her belly! We named her Spooky Boo MacCutcheon! She (or he, we are not sure yet!) is the cutest. Already litter box trained, sleeping thru the night and eating kitten formula from a bowl. She also likes wet food! She is little piggy!

My Kitchen is Gonna Be HUGE!

2008-10-30T19:08:00.006-04:00

I am so excited, my new kitchen is going to be so nice! It is double the size of my old one!! Cabinets were ordered today, 3 weeks they should be in...we had to do some minor changes since we went $6000 over budget on them (like not glaze them, that saves $3000 right there!) Yikes! Both us and the builder under-estimated the amount cabinets! Next week the plumbers, HVAC, electricians come and then spray insulation will be starting! Our new bath upstairs is going to be great! That is all framed and blue boarded out and the new big shower is all framed out! Here are some photos of the old kitchen looking into the new area and vice-versa! Then once this part is done we move onto the upstairs hallway bathroom remodel and then build closets and storage in Emma's room! But so far so good! My builders are great, John is a good friend of ours, so that makes it easier!!! Check back soon for more updates!

My Kitchen Is Gone!

2008-10-27T13:28:00.012-04:00

My Temporary Kitchen!! Not Easy!!

Looking into old kitchen

(you can click on photos to make them bigger!)

They are all done outside pretty much, except for the under addition spray insulation (hence the opening under the slider!) and the new patio. Last week the first half of the wall came down (where the french door to the deck was). And today, the rest of my wall came down (where my old counter top began, and the stove and fridge were) The kitchen is officially gone! Dave and I spent all w/e moving into the front living room where the fire place is, our temporary kitchen! It is very dusty and loud here today. I guess this week the plumbers and electricians come, we are ordering cabinets today, and I have to pick out granite this week. We are continually adding stuff to this project, but it will look great when done! The a/c guy is here now to help figure out my central air!!! Yippee!

Making Strides Breast Cancer Walk 2008!

2008-10-05T15:17:00.007-04:00

Last year at this time I had finished chemo and was in the middle of my radiation treatments! This year I joined my friend Marybeth on Alice's Team, in honor of her mom, Alice, who died of breast cancer 10 years ago. I raised $2050 so far and as a team we have raised $5020 for the American Cancer Society for Breast Cancer. They were hoping today to raise $3.5 million just with the Boston Walk. So Dave and Emma joined me, and we walked the shorter 3 mile walk (vs: 5.7 miles) We had a great time! So thank you all who donated!!! I think we will make this a yearly family activity!!

Moving Along!

2008-09-25T20:38:00.006-04:00

We have the 10 foot double slider in, all leveled in the back, ready for the patio! New windows are in up in our bedroom, which will soon be the master bath! They had to take out the window that was there b/c of the roof line. I am also getting rid of the 2 octagon windows so that they match the new windows in our bath. Yes, there will be a big kitchen window on that area of the addition that looks like a wall. That will go in next week probably. I cant wait to have a window that looks into the back yard, so I can scream at the kids while I wash dishes! Ordering cabinets probably in the next week or so, which means I need to do the granite choice soon!!! I need help with that!!

Our Addition Is Well Under Way!!

2008-09-18T13:29:00.011-04:00

After months of zoning board of appeals meetings, engineering check offs, waiting for the town hall to issue our permit (we started this project in April!) we are under way on the new addition to 29 Hayes Way!

We are going out 9 feet by 37 feet....taking the back of the house off!! We are gutting the kitchen down to the studs, and turning the layout of the kitchen. We are going stainless on the appliances, granite counter tops and a pretty maple/honey glazed cabinets...tons of cabinets!! YIPPEE! Ands tons of granite counter top and big island space for all to hang out at the holidays (where does everyone end up? In the kitchen! So I am making it BIG!

Also no more deck...you will come out my 10 foot double slider, down 2-3 granite steps, to a beautiful paver/brick patio that flows right into the back yard and pool area! ( I feel an outdoor kitchen coming!!)

Also in the plan is a huge master bath up in our bedroom (double sinks, big shower, linen closet) Emma getting a closet in her room, plus the old hall bath will become hers!

Plus I am doing the windows over in the back of the house to match the newer ones. PHEW!! I need to work some OT!!!! I am already over budget....shhhhh!!!

Emma Back to School!!

2008-09-07T20:17:00.006-04:00

Emma was back to school early this year, 8/27/08. She started a new private school, Sacred Heart in Kingston. (I went there till 8th grade, and my sister Lisa graduated from there!!) She LOVES her new school, I have never seen her so happy at school!! I think we found the right fit!!! The last 2 years at public she was miserable, it is so nice to see her loving school!!

We are commuting with some friends, Susan and Clark, and Emma adores their 2 daughters, Emilie and Haleigh! It is a 30 mile round trip drive, twice a day, so having people to commute with is great!! I am getting use to the 3 girls, 2 tweens (11 and 12) and Emma, 7 1/2 y.o. jibberjabbing the whole way, texting friends, changing my radio stations looking for the Jonas Brothers! It is fun actually!! Anyway here are some back to school photos, they are in the "warm weather"uniform now...October she switches to the plaid jumper with yellow blouse and knee socks and Maryjane shoes! I love the uniform thing, so much easier!!!

Dave Racing Up Mt Washington, New Hampshire!

2008-08-21T20:48:00.006-04:00

Yes he is crazy! 6288 feet, 13% incline! They open the race to only 600 people each year! Last year he trained and trained and the weather was so bad they cancelled it! This year, it was beautiful: overcast at the start, sunny half way thru and then clouds again by the time Dave ended at 1 hour and 24 min. He actually did the race 2 min faster than the practice ride, which he did in July (1 hour and 26 min) He came in 150th out of 600, pretty good! The winner crossed in about 55 min I think!! The good thing is after he came in, the clouds rolled in and it started to pour, then HAIL, and the wind kicked up! People were still climbing, probably hypothermic...some people came in 3 hours later! UGH! Anyway, he says he is not doing it next year, but I know he will be online in Feb at 0600, qued up with all the other crazy people signing up to do it again!

** Take 10 min off that time on the clock, they do a staggered start!**

My Daughter The Mermaid!

2008-08-18T20:51:00.005-04:00

Emma has wanted to be a Mermaid all her life! I found this website which makes Mermaid Tails for kids and adults! This company is also making them for a new Nick TV show called "Roxy Hunter and the Myth of the Mermaid"!! So, about 1 month ago, I measured Emma for belly to toes, and now she is the proud owner for a Fuscia On Black Ice Spandex Mermaid Costume! It has a very powerful mono fin in the fluke, she flys thru the water!! She is the happiest mermaid in the world!!!!

Summer Flying By!

2008-07-30T13:09:00.012-04:00

NASCAR Day

The Top of Mt Washington!

Check out the calves!

Been busy here this summer! A few weekend trips to N.H....one for Dave to do bike races up Mt. Ascutney in VT and then the next day the Mt Washington "training"ride in NH! The real ride is in August! He is crazy! He did the Mt Washington ride in 1 hour and 26 min....it would have taken me 2 days! Emma and I met him at the top, since they are not allowed to ride their bikes down!

Then the next weekend we went back up to NH for Dave to use his 40th B-day gift... the Ride of a Lifetime at NH Motor Speedway and Richard Petty Driving! He got to do 30 laps, in his own NASCAR, with a driver/trainer pacing him in front. He got the top speed of 116 mph that day! He also got the fasted lap time too, like 38-39 seconds around the track. We had a ball watching him and being on the track with the pit crew and drivers!

Emma has been busy with horse camp, a few days at gymnastics camp, seeing movies (Space Chimps is next!) being in the pool, chillaxin like a 7 1/2 y.o. should be doing! She starts back at her new school, Sacred Heart, Aug 25th! They go early but are out earlier! She is very excited for her new school and I am excited about uniforms!!! So far I spent about $325 for all her uniforms, and just need socks/tights and shoes! Not bad for back to school spending!

I am doing well...still working up my GI issues! I met with the GI doc a few days ago, and she feels it could be an allergy (lactose or glutin) or just IBS, since my ultrasounds and CT Scans are all normal. So that is good, I guess! I had a bunch of labs done the other day to check for some allergies, and thyroid levels. Then 8/27 I get to have an upper and lower endoscopy....oh joy! But I need one anyway given my pain symptoms and family history! I hope they have really big vials of Versed and Fentanyl for me!! I may have to bring my own, just in case they do't have enough!

That is it for now....enjoy the photos!!!

One Year Follow up!

2008-06-24T17:58:00.002-04:00

Hard to believe that is has been 1 year already! Last year at this time I was recovering from 2 lumpectomies on Lefty, figuring out chemo plans, looking for a radiation oncologist close to home and wig shopping with my friend Diane!

Fast forward to this week.....I had my first mammo since last year, and except for about 12 titanium clips, all was perfect in both boobs! They also wanted to ultrasound the right, since last year they had seen stuff in that one on MRI, and that was A-OK also!

Met with my surgeon, Dr. Houlihan, MJ to everyone, and she is happy to report I don't need to see her till June 2009. She does want a follow up MRI with contrast in Jan 2009, given my "young" age, and that will be followed by a mammo in June. Yippee!

So, do I end my blog, or keep it going? One can only talk about boobs and cancer so much. Maybe I will just keep blogging away about silly things in our life, that way you can all keep updated on our comings and goings!! I may be getting my tubes and ovaries removed in the near future, that also makes for good blog talk! I might see if my boss Rich can come in and do a tummy tuck after they are removed!!! What the hell, right??

Anyway, the Road to Baldness and Back is over, thank God! Thanks to all who have been loyal bloggers!!!! I love you all!!

Kristin

Good Bye To Our Jake!

2008-06-10T10:30:00.004-04:00

Jake MacCutcheon 1993-2008

Our Jake died yesterday June 9th 2008. He would have been 15 in September! Jake is the bigger Aussie Cattle Dog on the right in the photo. Max, the smaller boy, died in Sept 2006 at age 8.

Jake and Max each had a wonderful life, and they were both the best boys. Jake was like the Nanny Dog in Peter Pan, always by Emma's side, or any small child for that matter! If there was a baby in the carrier, Jake was right next to that baby! He had a wonderful heart and not a mean bone in his body.

Max was a special boy, I think he may have had a loss of oxygen at birth! He was the whiner and the barker....his only focus was ball and frisbee. I don't think he noticed Emma till maybe she started walking. But he also had a great heart and alot of love to give you!

So we are down to 2 cats, 2 guinea pigs and a big tank of fish now. The dogs corner is quiet, that is for sure! I am donating all of their stuff to the animal shelter here in Marshfield, they will love the dog beds and food bowls.

It's Been 1 Year Already!

2008-05-01T12:35:00.008-04:00

Hard to believe, but last April 25th was the biopsy that started this all, and then on May 25th 2007 was my Lumpectomy! I divide those 2 dates down the middle and figure it has been one year now! I asked my oncologist how we figure out "the yearly" anniversary, and some people go by mammo, some by biopsy, some by surgery, and even some by end of chemo or radiation. Just to keep it simple, I am going with May as my anniversary!

I have an appt with oncology in a few weeks, then in June (it was supposed to me May, but I had to reschedule) I do my Mammo over, and see the surgeon. Then decide from there if we need to do any MRI's ect.... Oh what fun!

We just got back from a much needed family vacation in Aruba! Had a very nice and relaxing time! Weather was perfect: nice and hot and sunny daily, & nice winds to keep you from sweating to much! It went to fast!!!

Back at the gym....I did work out over vacation, but it is not the same! I was breaking even with the exercise and eating out, I think! I have 6 weeks left of my Mad Dash Challenge, so I must get my buttocks in gear!

"Workin' On My Fitness" (Fergie)

2008-04-06T14:19:00.004-04:00

Well, I am down 5 lbs now at WW, slow and steady wins the race I guess! That is 13 lbs down on my scale since November! Working out like crazy for The Mad Dash (weight loss competition). Lifting 3-4 times a week (once a week with my personal trainer, Tyson, ooh-la-la!) Then spinning about 4 times a week, I had to go out and buy more bike shorts! Then add in 2 Muscle Pump Classes per week....I am feeling great! I do feel like a gym rat though, I know all the trainers and instructors, and have gym friends, I guess that is a good thing! I use to laugh at people who would be pissed if someone took their fav spin bike, or their locker spot, but I am one of them now!

The Old Kristin Is Back, & Much Younger Looking I Might Add!

2008-04-01T13:28:00.006-04:00

I got my hair colored, foiled and cut Thursday! Sorry it has taken a few days to get the photos up, we had a crazy busy weekend it seemed! But I love the cut and color! I had Nancy take off all the curls in the back, and go over my ears again, I need short hair!!!

So last March I had the mammo that started it all, then last April I had the biopsy.....I have come full circle! One year later, all is well! I am back at the gym full force, I signed up for a 10 week "Biggest Loser" type of challange called The Mad Dash! It is a body composition change, based on fat lost, muscle gained and photos. My trainer Tyson is now kicking my butt even harder! Ouch! We want to win though! Since I started training with Tyson, I have lost 12 lbs by my scale. I also joined Weight Watchers a few weeks ago, and have lost 4 lbs with them so far. I feel good, healthy and stong! Yipee!

Voting For My Hair!

2008-03-19T20:02:00.003-04:00

Well, the results are in and only 1 person wanted my hair to stay salt and pepper, 8 wanted it to be colored and foiled....thank God nobody wanted me to shave it off again, but that was a very easy hair style!! Hmmmm?? So NEXT Thursday 3/27/08 I am getting a trim, color and partial foil! I will be back to brown with cool highlights once again! I will post photos as soon as I take them!

Emma and I just got back from the vet, our Guinea Pigs have Scabies...oh what joy! Luckily they are breed specific and are only on the piggies! They have been treated, I will treat them again in 2 weeks and see if they are ok after that. Cage has been cleaned and scrubbed. Probably the newer GP Lulu brought them with her and gave them to the older GP Lucy! The poor girls! UGH!

Still at the gym training away: spinning like a crazy girl and lifting/weight training a few days a week.....gotta get ready for Aruba trip April 19-26th! Cannot wait to be under a palm tree, reading Cosmo and having a Pina Colada with the warm Aruba trade winds blowing over me! Ahhhhhh!

Bye for now, thanks for voting! I will come up with a new vote soon!! Kristin

Weight Watchers Week One

2008-03-15T11:33:00.001-04:00

I lost 2.4 lbs this week! Only about 30 to go!!

Back to spinning and weight training also, after my 2 weeks of flu and pneumonia!

Spring Is Coming, I Hope!!

2008-03-11T11:37:00.005-04:00

(Emma and Charlotte at The Aquarium Feb 2008 & Em at H.S. Musical On Ice Tour 2/2008)

Well, here we are, March 11 2008. Hard to believe April 2007 was the mammo that started it all! I am so glad that year is behind us! On the doctor appointments: all is fine with surgeon, radiology and oncology. Next round is in May, when I see them all again after my 1 year mammo (also in May) That will be nerve racking I am sure. They will see scar tissue, want an MRI, maybe an ultrasound....maybe a another biopsy! I am prepared for all of it! Can't make yourself too crazy!

I had a bad last 2 weeks, got hit hard with the flu bug, and then that turned into pneumonia and had to take Levaquin for 10 days, finally knocked it out of me! I was so sick though, I think chemo was easier than this bug! I basically slept for almost 2 weeks!! I was out of the gym for 2 weeks also, just starting to get back to that now!

Speaking of the gym, I am still working out with my personal trainer, Tyson, once a week. He is good, kicks my ass!! Then I do spinning about 4 times a week, and lift/weight train 3 other days, plus two days of cardio. Only off on Fridays! Phew, I am tired just thinking about it!! I re-joined Weight Watchers, to try and get some pounds off.....even with all the exercise, I was just breaking even since I was eating more from working out, so hopefully I will start to drop some weight too. I will keep you all updated with that, maybe that will help me stay on track!! I do feel better from the exercising, my clothes are looser, and I have more energy! So that is good!

Keep checking back for my weight loss and exercise progress!!! The more words of encouragement I get, the better I will be, I know you will all be watching!!

Emma Is In Her Glory!

2008-02-04T21:20:00.000-05:00

Emma has been taking horse lessons since around 3 years old! Well, she is 7 now, and I think she is addicted! Here she is cantering on her favorite horse from Furnace Brook Farm, Charlie! I want to thank my friend Lesley from Children's who took Emma for her first ride at age 2 1/2 on Ari Boy (May he rest in peace) Since that day, horses have been her #1 activity. We have about 30 Breyer horses now, the giant Breyer Horse Barn, and Truck and Trailer too! Not to mention everything is about horses: when she swims, she is really riding, when she runs, she is really riding and jumping, when she is in the tub, she is swimming with her horses! I know I will need to work more as she gets older to support this habit....she is already asking when she can lease, and asks daily how old will she be when she can buy her own horse! In fact she is telling me now to work more to help her save for a horse! Hmmm? Hey, she could be into hip-hop dance lessons, it could be worse!

Well, I guess this is the "and back" chapter!

2008-01-21T16:58:00.000-05:00

In other words, my 'road to baldness' has come to an end, & now I am on the way back to having hair! After many requests for a new photo of me and my hair, here it is! We all know how hard it is to look at photos of ourselves, and especially post them for the world to see, but this one is not too bad!! I have had 2 haircuts to keep it neat, and am using a hairdryer with products once again! Yipee! Still grey and black, or salt and pepper as they say! I will color it again someday!

Busy Winter So Far!

2008-01-07T14:49:00.000-05:00

Well, Christmas has come and gone, Emma made out like a bandit as per usual! Dave and Emma had a wonderful time in New Mexico for 5 days after Christmas, visiting family and eating good Mexican food! I stayed behind and did my photo albums (all up to date now!) and cleaned out our closets (yes, they look like The Gap now, all color coded and neatly folded!) Those who know me well, understand my organizational OCD issues! Jan 1st was upon us in no time, and Emma turned 7 years old! She is getting to be such a grownup young lady now! Dave (finally) turned 40 on Jan 5th, that same day he flew to Sweden, where he is now till the 10th. Then add in back to school, horse lessons and back to gymnastics lessons, and we are a crazy busy bunch! We did manage to get some ice skating in at the flooded bogs on Sat, we had COLD, COLD weather, the week before, high of 9 degrees! But today was 65, and the geese are back swimming at the bogs!

I am starting back up with the doctor appts this month....I have to see my surgeon and my oncologist at The BI in Boston, of course 2 different days. Then back to see my radiation oncologist at Jordan Hospital in Plymouth. Then why not, just add in a primary care check up and a dentist appt for a old filling that is coming loose!! The fun never stops!

My friend Kristin (Hi Kristin!!) and I....she spells her name the same (correct way) I do and we have the same OCD issues, O.R. nurse from CHMC, very much alike in many ways, it is scarey....are now workout buddies at the YMCA! We have been spinning like mad about 3-5 days a week, depending on schedules. And we hired a personal trainer, Tyson, for 2 days a week and he has been kicking our butts into shape! We feel so much better! I had to go buy new workout wear, which is not a problem, since I have a new shelf in the closet dedicated just to that area! (My medication does not help with the OCD as you can tell!)

Will add some photos from the holidays.....wishing all a great 2008! Mine has to be better than 2007! I am off tomorrow to get another 'trim' of the hair, it is growing like a weed!! Thick like before too! Yeah! I think I may be getting my same hair back! So that is good b/c I really liked my old hair! Leaving it salt and pepper colored for now.

I Actually Got a Haircut!

2007-12-15T15:14:00.000-05:00

Abby and the 11 footer!

Dave and Em with the 8 footer!

Yes, my sweatshirt does say that!

See, same colorings!

I Had to get a trim of the hair the other day, it was looking messy! Thanks to my hair therapist, Nancy, it looks and feels so much better! We are now working on growing it out, styling it, maybe color it later. I am liking my salt and pepper look, even though my dog Jake and I have the exact Aussie Cattle Dog/Blue Merle coloring! I have added some photos: Jake and I with the same hair color, Me and Emma, almost 7 years old! Then Dave and Em were sledding this am (we had a big storm Thurs night, we got 14" in Marshfield!) And they decided to make an 8 foot tall snowman, and he was not tall enough, so they made him 11 feet tall! They are crazy!

"Looks like we've made it, la-la la-la-la-la-la..."

2007-11-28T18:51:00.000-05:00

You have to sing that line, it is from my friend Barry Manilow (yes, I am a Fanilow!!) And I have taken a moment to write a poem commerating my last radiation therapy~~~after 6 1/2 weeks, 33 treatments and the daily re-enactment of Ground Hog Day Movie starring Bill Murry~~~~here is my poem:

I'm Done, I'm Done
I'm Done with a Capital D

I'm Done, I'm Done

No More Radiation for Me

I've Had It, I've Had It

I've Had it With This Year

I've Had It, I've Had It

I Think I Need A Beer

"Thank you, thank you very much"! I was going to be a professional poet, but went to nursing school instead! Thank God, huh?? Maybe I need to make that a cheer, and not a poem! Does anyone have any pom-poms?

I did get some beautiful flowers from everyone at the office! It was nice to find them as I pulled into the house from the last trip to Jordan! Then me, Mom, Lisa, Betsy, Liz and Maureen all went to Joe's in Hanover and had a celebration lunch! I got more beautiful flowers from Mom and Liz, so pretty!! We ate well, and I even got a slab of chocolate cake and a candle from the staff there! I may keep my hair short and use that evertime we go somewhere to eat!!! ;)

But for now, I am done. January will start more appts with all the docs, and then re-mammo in April or May of 2008! Yipee!! For now Lefty, AKA Pinky, must rest!

4 Time Turkey Trot Champ!!

2007-11-19T13:55:00.000-05:00

Emma is the undefeated Turkey Trot champ in Marshfield, 4 years in a row! She has won our turkey for Thanksgiving since the age of 3! She was a little nervous going in to the race this past Saturday, with 3 previous wins under her belt, but she held strong! Yeah for Emma!!

On another note, I have only 5 radiation treatments left!! Two this week and 3 next and I am DONE!!!! Thank God! I don't think poor Lefty can handle much more! After the 28th, I start on the Tamoxifen, make my follow up appts for mammos and MRI's and meet with the surgeon. Then I meet with the Oncologist every 3 months or so. Phew, that was a long 9 months! My hair is growing back in, very salt and peppery, it is longer than Dave's now, which does not say much :) I have actually used the hairdryer and some products, so it does not stick up!! I can't part it yet, maybe by Christmas! Will post some photos of that soon!

Happy Halloween!

2007-11-03T09:15:00.000-04:00

As most of you know us, Halloween is the #1 holiday in the MacCutcheon House!! Emma was dressed up as a Goth/Scary Cheerleader, gone are my princess days I think! She was cute! And Charlotte came to our neighborhood with Arnold to Trick or Treat, Charlotte and Emma had a ball!! Charlotte was a scary Vampire, with fangs, cape and scary vampire hands! Mimi came over too, to check out the girls in action! We managed to do the entire neighborhood of 2 streets and took in about 150 pieces of candy!! Dave was the candy hand out guy this year, we had about 65 kids, usually we switch off, but we had no time to switch, the girls were just running with all the other kids to every house! I was pooped! Enjoy the photos! (P.S. 16 radiations to go!)

Radiation Started, only 31 to go!

2007-10-13T11:56:00.000-04:00

I started my radiation last week, 2 down, 31 to go! Yikes! The radiation is easy, it is just the daily grind of driving to Plymouth, 14 miles, about 23 min each way. They are very nice in the Radiation Therapy Department at Jordan, there are 2 girl rad therapists, and 2 guy rad therapists that work there. Steven and Mike are my 2 new best friends, since I don't seem to get the girls that much! At this point in my treatment, everyone has seen, touched, stuck, incised, examined, biopsied, xrayed and MRI'd my boobs, so why not Steven and Mike!! I have gotten to the point I may jump of the table and head to the hall with no shirt on, boobs flapping in the wind! The only new issue is that my hair is growing back in (good, yes, but a ton of grey, or white, as Emma calls it!) But the bad news is I have to remember to shave under my arms now for Steve and Mike, my new BFF's. I would not want them to see me un-shaven! :) I had a very smooth summer, if you know what I mean!

I just can't wait for November 28th when this will all be over....well, this part of it that is! From the Mammo that started it all in April to Nov 28th will be over 7 months of doctors, hospitals, chemo, blood tests, MRI's, mammos, biopsies, surgery, radiation ect ect. UGH! After that I am sure I continue with my mammos every 6 months for a bit, and visits to my oncologist, and then on to my hair stylist to color my white when it gets longer!

All Has been Quiet....Getting Ready for Radiation!

2007-09-30T15:22:00.000-04:00

Hello to all!

Well, my 3 chemos are done, got 75% of my drugs in when we decided, enough was enough!! I am happy to say we are now moving on to radiation therapy, that has to be a piece of cake after chemo! I went the other day for the simulation, got a few tattoos, and will start October 10th. I have to go 5 days per weeks for 6 1/2 weeks, which gets me finished the Wed after Thanksgiving! Yippee! Then only a few more weeks after that and we can kiss 2007 behind us!! What a sucky year!

The last few weeks have been busy with school, activities (CCD, Swimming, Soccer, open house at school, horse show) (I will put up some photos!) and last night (9/29/07) My mom, Mimi, came over for a sleep over with Emma while Dave and I went to Boston, stayed at the Hyatt overlooking The Charles River in Cambridge and had a very good meal at Morton's Steak House.....it was so good!!!! Thanks Mom!!!

Will keep you posted once I start radiation to let you know how it is going! It should be easy, get Em on the bus, head to Plymouth's Jordan Hospital, get zapped for 10 min, head home!

Enjoy the Emma photos from her horse show!

I think 3 Chemos Will Be Enough, Thank You, Pass The Radiation, Please!

2007-09-11T16:55:00.000-04:00

Emma 1st GraderAdeline May Crawford!

Well, the last (3rd) chemo was a doozie. I was so physically exhausted for about 10 days after & my stomach felt like it was burning for those 10 days (ice cream=cool!) Thank God Dave just happened to be home during that time, I could not have done it with out him, nor my mom or sister! I think I slept about 15 hours a day for 10 days! My head also started to break out again, so I guess it was not the Nuelasta. I got on antibiotics quickly, so the head was not as messy, thank goodness!!! So my Oncologist and I decided 3 was enough since I am doing it to lower my chances of a re-occurrence. My nodes are negative and the tumor margins where clear. So we agree to move onto radiation: 6 1/2 weeks 5 days a week! UGH! Easier than chemo I think! So my hair should start to grow back in by the beginning of November, I think, just in time for winter!! Burrr!

On another note, Emma is back in school, an Official First Grader!! She is so grown up, and loves her teacher, Mrs Brady! I need to get back to the gym and Weight Watchers, to much "feeling bad for myself eating" I guess! Now that I have more time, I must get back on track! We are off to Aruba in April 2008, must work at it now!! Most people lose weight on chemo, not me, I gained 5 pounds!

We also have a new member of our family! Tarah, Ken & Big Sis Isabelle had a baby girl on 8/18/07, missed my birthday by one day!! Adeline May Crawford! She is a doll!

3 Chemos Down, 1 To Go!!

2007-08-27T17:28:00.000-04:00

Today was number 3 chemo....all went well, in and out in the usually 3.5 hours. We are skipping the Neulasta, so no bone pain this time (yeah) and hopefully no head/scalp issues! I just hope my labs will be as good as they have been without it! I did speak with my Oncologist, Corrie, and we decided that if the head thing happens again, I will be done with chemo and we will move onto the 7 weeks of radiation. I can not do that pain and illness again, it was so horrible! I compare the pain on my head to nerve pain like Shingles, I can't live another week like that! But anyway, Dave came in with me, we dropped Emma at my office, and my girlfriend Nicole, who is 22, took Emma for the chemo time and they had a ball!!! They hit Quincy Market, Build A Bear, somehow acquired a Black Cat Webkinz, then they went to the Aquarium and had a ball, where yet another stuffed seal appeared!! Emma is good! Dave and I managed a nice lunch at the chemo side table....Bertuccis (hot rolls, butter, garden salad with chicken and chicken & ziti dish!! Yummy! So lets see how this week goes with out the Neulasta, I will keep you all posted!!
Kristin

Our Weekend in North Conway, NH!

2007-08-22T15:39:00.000-04:00

We took a nice long weekend to New Hampshire for Dave to do his much trained for race UP Mt Washington. The sad news is the race was cancelled both days d/t horrible weather at the top (70-80 MPH sustained winds, zero visibility, freezing rain/snow, wind chills below zero!) Yes, this is August! Emma and I made it to the top though, being the dedicated wife and daughter! They did not cancel till we just arrived up there. So, we turned around and went back down, us and about 100 other dedicated family members, clutching the wheel and trying not to ride the brakes as to burn them out! Poor Dave, he was so sad, 6 months of training! But to cheer him up, we took him to StoryLand for the day, and had a great time! That place is so cute, and Emma loves it! The next day we decided to surpise Emma, and we took her on a mystery ride, and ended up at Santa's Village about 1 hour from North Conway. This is a small park, all geared around Christmas. Fun rides, no lines, we all had a great time. That day was actually my 42nd birthday, ugh! It was fun to be there and recall the memories of my mom and dad taking Lisa and I there as kids!! We also saw a big Moose on the way to Santa's Village, chomping grass at the side of the road, then we saw a Black Bear on the side of the road on the way back!! He was poking his head up and down, waiting for traffic to clear, like a good little bear, before crossing! The whole w/e was very cool, we were in jeans and polar feece all weekend, very Fall like! It was good to get away, my head is feeling and looking better (thank God!) I just have a bad head cold to deal with now, even after going thru a million anti-bac wipes in NH! Next chemo is Monday 8/27....skipping the Neulasta this time, we think that is what gave me the bad head reaction. So we shall see! Enjoy the photos from our weekend, and a few from my birthday cake with my mom, sister Lisa, neice Charlotte (4) and Emma (6 1/2)!

Where Have I Been, You Ask?

2007-08-13T19:41:00.000-04:00

I am usually really good about updating the blog, but this last chemo sent me into a tizzy! I had my second chemo on the 6th, and was tired the rest of the week, the usual. Also took my Neulasta on Tuesday to boost the white blood cells. But on Friday 8/10 I woke up with horrible red dots all over my head, ok zits and white pustules, for you visual folk!! I was working that day, so I wore the wig, and by the afternoon my head was on fire, more inflamed, more zits. I was aching all over, and had to leave work early (ok, so my friends at work escorted me from the building!) I called Oncology, and she called me in some antibiotics....but from there I just got feeling sicker. I slept all weekend, cried alot b/c of the pain in the scalp, nothing tasted good, my temp was up and down, resorted to taking narcotics for the pain (ok, I do like them, but had to make it sound better!) Was online with Oncologist all w/e, sent photos of my pretty head, she wants to share them with her colleagues since she has not seen a case of folliculitis this bad in a long time. She thinks is could be the Neulasta, we are skippping it on the next chemo!! So today I went into The BI with Mom, and Corie looked over my head and we added a few more drugs to my ever-growing Rubbermaid carry case of pills (of course I have the Sun-Sat individual pill box, this is just the box to CARRY the bottles!) I am staying on the Kefzol antibiotic for a few more days, I have new and improved Narcotics, a topical antibiotic, a topical steroid, and not to mention a cooling and soothing masque! It has to get better from here! I will see my Onc again on Thursday a.m.!

After my MD appt, mom and I went shopping at the cancer store on the cancer floor (who knew thay had one!! I wonder what store they have on the behavioral dysfunctional/mental unit!? ).....mom got me 2 cool hats, 2 cool scarves (they make them bigger at the cancer store so you can wrap better!!) and a cool bag. Thanks Mom! I will bring them to NH this weekened~~~ Dave is racing UP Mt.Washington, and then Story Land and Santa's Village, hopefully a mellow and head pustule-free weekend! Chat soon!!!!

Now it will come up all the time I am sure!

2007-08-07T10:02:00.000-04:00

If you just see the last blog ("hair today"...), click on August on the left and the newer blog will show up. Not sure why it does it for some people and not for others, just a learning experience I guess! I have finagled it a few times, maybe it is just me and my chemo brain! Doing well today, feel fine, little tired, no nausea (took the drugs to ward off the evil spirits!) Going to rest while, flip on TV and smut shows, Em is in Camp till 1 pm! Chat soon~~~~KM

Chemo # 2 Over, and I LOVE My Bald Head!

2007-08-06T21:33:00.000-04:00

Me, Mom Peg and Diane!

Today was Chemo Day #2! Two down, two to go! It went well, I feel great. My best buddie Diane P came with me, we chatted and laughed all the time. It went by fast! The IV went in smoothly (thanks chemo RN Dianne!) & all drugs up and running. They did run one of my chemos a bit faster this time, the Taxotere, and I got wicked hot/flushed and some shortness of breath, but it was over with fast, and they turned me down a bit and I was fine! Diane said my face/neck looked like they was on fire! We need some excitment while getting chemo! We decided next time we may bring our nail stuff and UV dryer and do our nails and the other patients too!! We have the time and we are great nail painters!! I must also say that I love my blad head! I am very comfortable with it, and thank god, I have a round head and cute ears!! I did bring my wig on Friday at work, all the girls helped me because I was in a panic b/c Dr B asked me to wear it and I had not done that yet! It went well, they kept an eye on me all day and primped me as needed! It feels like a hairy hot helmet! But it does look good! Photos of wig soon, I promise! Because Dr. B is such a nice guy, I told him I would wear it, but I was only doing it for him! Just another good deed done for him to mentally file for Holiday Bonus Time! Ha-Ha ;) Check back soon....so far all my hair is gone X the greys! I have alot of grey! I asked if grey is resistant to chemo as it is to color, and she had no answers. If it does not fall out after this treatment, I should keep all my grey fuzzy hair!! Chat soon, Love Chemo-Chick!!

Chemo Chick!

Cheering Fans!

Hair Today, Gone Tomorrow!!

2007-07-31T19:17:00.000-04:00

As my last blog stated, the hair was holding fast the a.m. of Day 14, but p.m. Day 14 and Day 15 it was coming out in chunks!! It was entertaining to pull clumps and throw it to nature (Emma said the birds can make nests!) But by Monday pm, I had to call Patricia, my wig lady, and have it cut off this am! It was everywhere, you don't even want to know about the shower drain! So now I look just like Demi Moore in GI Jane, just minus her fantastic totally toned body!! It feels so much better off, it was hurting so much.....I wore my wig home, then just put on a headband and then a hat. No biggie! I should be totally bald by the w/e I would think! Here are some photos.....Emma and I in matching headbands the night before the buzz, then me and Dave with matching cuts, and my hat look! Its gonna be a cool summer, I can tell you that!! I'll just jazz up my eyes and lips more, and nobody will notice I am sure!!! Will get wig photos soon, the humidity must lift if I am to wear that thing!!

It's Holding On For Dear Life!

2007-07-29T08:38:00.000-04:00

Today is Day 14 from my 1st chemo, and they say the hair comes out at 14-17 days, yikes! But mine is holding strong I think! The waiting sucks, just fall out already! My hair and head are hurting, very sensitive, ouch! I need a haircut badly, but if it going to fall out, why waste the cash? And if it is not coming out yet, why buzz it off to early? I keep running my fingers thru it, just to see, sometimes I get a few hairs and think "its starting", but then I run my fingers thru it later and no hairs at all! I will probably go bald just from running my fingers thru my hair myself! Oh, the dilemmas of breast cancer and chemo! Today may just be a hat day by the pool! Will write more later~~~next chemo is Aug 6th.

Feeling Tired, Bone Pain With A Side Of Lemon Juice!!

2007-07-23T17:05:00.000-04:00

Have been feeling tired!! Tons of achy bone pain from the Neulasta, which making lots of red and white blood cells and blue platelets (kidding about the blue, it just went with the red and white!) Very emotional from everything, including the 4 days days of steroids, and the bone pain and PMS. Then went out to Bertuccis for pizza Sun evening and Dave squeezed a lemon into his ice tea, and it hit me square in the left eye, and I lost it in the middle of the restaraunt :( Doing better today......Mom took Em for the day while I went and met with the Radiation Oncologist at Jordan Hospital. I really liked him, went over all the radiation good and bad things. Good, I may get a lift on the left boob from the heat, bad, Dr. B may need to lift my right to match it up later! I go back Oct 11th for the simulation and probably will start by the end of October with that part of this story. Hair is still intact, day 8 post chemo, they say 14-17 days! Yikes! I keep running my hand thru it to see if a chunk comes out, not yet!! Picked up the new wig the other day, it looks nice! Will have to get photos on-line as soon as I need to wear it! I will probably be in hats mostly!! You know me, I am a tom-boy! Will write more soon!! Kristin

Some Weekend Photos! No "C" Talk Allowed!

2007-07-19T13:28:00.000-04:00

Butterfly Girl!

Went into Boston to see a Red Sox Game, with a pre-game fundraiser/appreciation for the PMC Ride Dave has done in the past! FREE Fenway Franks, and lots of other stuff to eat! A good time was had by all! Emma learned "the wave" and "take me out to the ballgame"....had to leave before "Sweet Caroline" was sang though! Bummer!

Welcome PMC!

She loves her Daddy!

Days 2 and 3 Post Chemo~~~not so bad!

2007-07-18T16:32:00.000-04:00

Not to get to excited, because they say with each Chemo treatment, it can get a bit worse, but so far so good here in post chemoland! I am mostly tired, achey and I had a bad headach the first a.m. after teatment, reminded me of hangovers from years past, but with those I (and my friend that shall remain nameless, OK, Robin) had much more fun the night before!!! :) But I gobbled down all my anti nausea drugs, my favorite Ativan (the one that makes you not care if you don't feel well) some Tylenol, had some ice cream..... all was better in chemoland once again! Not very hungry (weird for me!!) Craving fruit today (also, weird for me!) and drinking tons of water. Got some Vit water and antioxident water (hey it was on sale 10 for $10 at Star, can't hurt!) Will write more later if anything exciting happens....like throwing up or hair starting to come out!! Hey, you gotta laugh!! Love, Kristin

Chemo Day #1 Over....3 To Go!!

2007-07-16T19:32:00.000-04:00

Well, the day went pretty well! They started my IV fast, Nurse Diane, Very nice!!! Got some Prendisone and Zofran in me. Then started Chemo Drug #1, Taxotere, went in well, no problems! Then went in #2 Chemo Drug Cytoxan, also no problems. Also got another Ativan there, what the hell, makes me feel good and happy (it is also for nausea too). Dave was there to keep me company, he brought me a big Diet Coke a big bag of M&M's, yum! They have wireless there, so he got a little work done! Then my friend Heather (Frick), she is in the pink shirt, arrived (2 years out from Breast cancer herself), and she brought me (Frack) a goodie bag with a Kit Kat, Mounds Bar, Lucky Chemo Socks and Lucky Chemo Earrings! Who knew! Needless to say all chocolate is gone and I am feeling fine! We actually had a good time, laughed alot, had a nice view, ate Subway Sandwiches and cookies! All and all it was a nice day for chemo! I must load up on my P.M. nausea drugs now and get to bed. They say if it is going to be yucky, the next 2 days will be it (for nausea) then in 7-10 days my counts drop and I get tired. So we shall see! Have to give myself a shot of Neulasta tomorrow to boost my cells. Will keep you posted!!

Wig Try On #2....What An Experience!

2007-07-12T16:09:00.000-04:00

Well, today I had to go for wig try-on #2. First, you must bring someone who can laugh with and at you, and is your BFF, that person is Diane Puleio. I have know Di for years from working in the trenches in the O.R. at Children's Hospital. She is now my personal wig consultant! We have it narrowed to 1 wig type and 2 colors. Will go back next week and decide on one of the 2 colors. I have included some photos of us....2 are "wigs not to buy" and one is a kind of a nice one of us!! See if you can tell which one I am getting!

The Drugs Have Invaded my Countertop!

2007-07-11T18:22:00.000-04:00

Went to the pharmacy today to get my anti nausea drugs, supposedly this regime of chemo I am doing is not bad in the nausea sense! But I got 3 different bottles of stuff to help me stop nauseaing (is that a word?) I'd hate to see how many drugs one gets with a more nauseating regime! One is a fun one, Ativan, it relaxes you while taking the nausea away, like a little Valium. So you don't really give a shit that you feel like throwing up I guess! ;) One scares me more than chemo, Prendisone (steroid)...I take that the 3 days prior to chemo. If I get a moon face or hump back, that one is out the window!! I rather puke! And then Compazine, good regular anti nausea drug.. If it gets bad, then they will add in Zofran, which I really wanted instead of Compazine, but I think she rolled her eyes, and thought, "another nurse telling me what to prescribe" So we shall see! Then I am awaiting insurance approval for a drug called Nuelasta, which boosts my white blood cells after chemo, so I do not get sick. I have to inject it myself...saves me a trip into Boston! So that is it for now! Check back soon for more updates!

Starting Chemo on July 16th 2007

2007-07-10T21:29:00.000-04:00

Hello to all my friends and family who have been cheering me on since my breast cancer diagnosis in May. I decided to start this blog so you can just check in and see what is going on in the treatment process. I was emailing everyone updates, but for some reasons, some peoples emails came across in code and were hard to read. Hence, the blog was born! And you all know how neurotic I am, this site will be very well maintained and updated, probably to much! Chat soon~~~~ Love, Kristin