Cancer Update

 The last month and a half has probably been the busiest time in my life. In the last 40 days I froze 21 of my eggs (in hopes of a successful reproductive future), got ENGAGED!!!, renewed my travel nurse contract in Alaska, traveled to Mexico for some much needed R&R, did lots of projects in our new home (thank you Dad, Karla and Josh), traveled to Utah/Huntsman cancer and repeated all my Ct's, MRI, ultrasound and last, but not least, kicked off cancer treatment. 

 I couldn't be happier to share that all of my repeat imaging (CT's, brain MRI and ultrasound of my neck) are essentially clean and there's no new cancer. There are a couple spots in my neck we'll watch closely, but nothing that needs intervention today. This is huge and all glory and honor go to The Big Man Upstairs. I can't express the relief I felt getting this news. I've never really been an anxious or fearful person, but I can't express the terrible feeling one can feel lying alone in a cold, loud MRI scanner wondering what the results would be; scanxiety just sucks. Life goal: find true peace in the scanners.

My crew and I spent two full days at Huntsman. Day two was big because it was my first treatment. I was fairly nervous going into it, but tried to focus on all the positives; the fact that treatment is even an option for me should be all that I focus on. I have to say Huntsman Cancer really goes above and beyond to make sure patient's and caregivers feel comfortable and have all their needs taken care of. This day ended up being a great day too. My side effects were fairly minimal and I had the best crew with me all day! 

Precious friends keeping me fed and hydrated all day long! 

Eagerly awaiting for treatment to begin!

Sweet friends waiting all day in waiting rooms AND Annie kicking butt working from the hospital not skipping a beat!

Sweet mama and fiancé keeping me company during treatment!

The hype crew minus a few

From here, I repeat my cancer treatment every six weeks for the next year and a half and will repeat imaging every 12 weeks. I still have a big hole in my head, but fixing that will take place down the road. I'd prefer not to be a cone head with drains in my head for our wedding this year... so that will take place after things are final and Josh can't return me ;). 

As I’m writing this I’m sitting at the airport waiting to board a redeye back home. I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t tired of the constant travel back and forth, but I have to remember it’s a privilege that I can continue to work and fly back and forth. I’m grateful for every blessing and maybe one day I’ll miss the chaos. 

Thank you for each of you praying for me and supporting me in the many ways each of you are. It means the world and keeps my hopes really high. 

All my love,

Kayla