I thought I’d share a quick update on my health along with some photos of an impromptu road trip we took in March – without the Airstream this time.
Many of you know that I was diagnosed with breast cancer this past October and I began an aggressive chemotherapy regimen shortly thereafter. My particular cancer (Her2+++) was fast growing and my prognosis was frightening as I could not be staged until after I completed my chemotherapy. The fear of invasive breast cancer is that it is known to spread to other organs and at that point you are dealing with a chronic disease that can never be cured, only managed. I had a suspicious lesion on a rib and the fear was that by the time I had fund the tumor, the horse was already out of the gate. My prognosis would depend upon the condition of the rib lesion after finishing chemo.
I finished my chemotherapy in February and had surgery to remove the tumor and lymph nodes in early March. Results from surgery came back as a complete pathological response. No invasive cancer left! Also, the lesion on my rib was “grossly unchanged” which was wonderful news to us!! Since that lesion hadn’t responded to chemo and my actual breast tumor had been highly responsive, the conclusion was it must not me a metastasis. We were thrilled with the outcome as were my doctors.
We had planned a family trip to Mexico for spring break, but we had canceled due to the uncertainties of my treatment plan. With the good news though, we were encouraged to go out and celebrate while I waited to heal before beginning radiation treatment….and celebrate we did!
This had not only been a difficult four months for me…it had been really hard on my family – especially for my mom and dad who live in South Dakota. I can only imagine how hard it is to see your child, at any age, go through a cancer diagnosis. We decided at the spur of the moment, to pack the car and take a quick road trip back to Rapid City.
We had one week, and a lot of miles to cover, so the Airstream was left home. We spent one night in Yellowstone and then headed into Rapid City where we spent a fun week exploring the Black Hills and visiting with family! Someday we’d love to pull the Bambi back there…it’s beautiful country. But we’d need at least two weeks to do it right.
At any rate, I’m doing great and am feeling strong and healthy. I’m almost half way through my six week radiation treatment with very few side effects. There is a light at the end of the tunnel and it is bright. The same day we found out there was no evidence of cancer left, we also discovered we’d be first time grandparents. In October we’ll have a new little travel buddy to accompany us on our adventures.
There have been many twists, turns and bumpy roads to navigate this year, but we have never forgotten that indeed, life is good!
Beautifully written Kim. It was a lovely visit! As always, your photos are beautiful.
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Awesome news! Very happy for you, and congatulations on the grandchild on the way.
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Thanks, Tim….things are looking up!
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I’m sorry to hear that you have had to deal with breast cancer but that’s wonderful that you’re doing so well! I can’t even imagine how good that must feel.
Congratulations on becoming grandparents soon!
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Thank you Molly…it’s been quite a year!
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BEST POST EVER!!!! Thank you for taking us all on the journey with you…celebrating your milestones…and hoping for many more…!!!
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Thank you, Kathy! It felt good to just type good news for a change 🙂
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Wonderful news! Great photos. It was a motorhome trip to SD that changed my life forever and led me to buying my 19′ Bambi.
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Jerry, we’ve been on road trips to SD almost too many times to count. In fact, it was our first real road trip with our kids when they were little and it was also the beginning for us of lots of family memories on the road….
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Beautiful pictures, beautiful scenery, beautiful news!
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🙂
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I tripped over you guys while researching Airstreams. I have always wanted one, now is the time.
Thanks for sharing the highs and lows. And now back to the highs! You are an inspiration on living in the moment. Wonderful pictures. Can’t wait to see the new Grand Baby!
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Good decision….you won’t regret it! Wish we would have done it when our kids were smaller! Never would have imagined how much we enjoy it 🙂 Good luck and drop me a note when you get one!
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Bill and I are overjoyed to hear that you are getting well and thriving despite the challenges of treatment. We live vicariously through your and Bert Gildart’s photos, which are quite breath-taking. We wish you and your family safe traveling and happy feasting.
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Kim,
I am so excited to here your good news! I have really enjoyed your blog and y our photography!
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