Miller Family on KPHO through "Pay it Forward"

Link to the article and video
http://www.kpho.com/payitforward/20081010/detail.html#

Well needed vacation...

As you all know...we made it on our vacation. Up until 2 days before we were leaving...it wasn't looking very good for me being able to make it...but WE DID!!! Every day has been better and better. I've been able to get my pain under control. However, the pain meds cause really bad dry mouth and I've developed a few mouth sores which has make it very difficult to eat. Everyday has been a struggle to eat as much as I know I should. Each day gets better!

I know we haven't talked much since the last time I was in the hospital and why we are moving to the Cancer Treatment Center Of America. After my last chemo, I continued to have rectal bleeding. Additional scans were done which showed that my body is no longer responding to this chemo. Therefore, my doctors office doesn't have many, if any, treatment options left for me. My family has been very busy this last week getting all the paperwork and behind the scence stuff taken care of for me. Thank you to you all that have taken so many hours out of your days to make sure that things are getting in line for me. Thank you to Natty, Laura, Erin and Sammy for packing up my entire family for me so I didn't have to worry about a thing. Thank you to the Drucker's and family for the kids beach toys and giving Deron and I the ability to have a wonderful vacation. And also the Smith family for feeding us each night and also contributing to our vacation fund. You are all such amazing people. We are so lucky to have you all in our lives. We get home sometime Saturday late afternoon. Monday morning will start our 3 day consultation with the Cancer Treatment Center of America. We are all so excited to start with such a great and uplifting Center.

As you can see from the pictures, Natty came and took my family photos and did such an amazing job! Thank you Natty! I love you

Another amazing thing that happeded to Deron and I this last week was we were the recepients of the News Channel 5 Pay it Forward. Today, Thursday at 10pm our interview will air on TV. A major thank you to Chad and Charlene Waltz.

We'll keep you all updated on how our appointments go this next week. Please keep all the prayers coming!!!!!

Much love,
Kim

Having an AWESOME Time in San Diego

Big THANKS go to Natalie for taking such wonderful pictures of our family on the beach!!!! Kim has been doing real well since we got here on Saturday. The new pain meds are working much better and she is breathing much easier. We are all excited about her upcoming appointment at Cancer Treatment Centers of America on Monday. We are hoping they have some new treatment regimens for Kim to try.

Regards,
Aunt Kathy

At home

Kim is at home surrounded by loving family and friends. She is tired and appreciates the thoughts and prayers.

The family is looking forward to their vacation in San Diego next week. Kim will fly with cousin Kristin and Eli this Saturday. The rest of the family is driving over.

Dylan is excited for San Diego, he says "I will go fishing, tummy surfing and if I see a mini shark I will catch it and put it on my board. I will also go crab hunting and will go under the waves."

Kiki is looking forward to her vacation as well. "I am going to find little crabs, play on the beach, play in the sand, do make-up on the beach, bring my mini chair, color at the beach, splash water on each other and do handstands and cartwheels on the beach."
Aunt Kathy

Going Home Today

I just got a text message from Kim that she is going home from the hospital today. They did not do the IR procedure yesterday because the bleeding has stopped (hip, hip, hooray!)

Aunt Kathy

IR Procedure Scheduled for Today

Kim did have some more rectal bleeding yesterday, but thankfully it wasn't much and didn't move her h and h much. She is being prepared (Benedryl and Cortisone) for the interventional radiology procedure today where they insert a catheter to try and stop the bleeding. It is sounding like they will probably want to keep Kim in the hospital until we leave for San Diego on Saturday. She ate pretty good yesterday and her spirits are remarkable as always.

Aunt Kathy

Broncoscopy Completed

I just spoke with Deron and Kim did fine with the broncoscopy this morning. They were able to get a good specimen to send to the lab to make sure Kim does not have a lung infection. The chest xray and CT of the lungs are both showing more widespread lesions in her lungs. She will probably go home with oxygen to be used as needed. They also started her on SVN breathing treatments to try and open her lungs up. She got 2 units of blood yesterday that brought her h and h up nicely. Thankfully, there has not been any more rectal bleeding.

Keep the prayers coming.

Aunt Kathy

Kim is back in the hospital...

Kim was admitted to Banner Estrella last night with rectal bleeding again. It isn't as bad as last time, but they need to get it stopped. Her blood work is showing low h and h levels so she will get blood today. Her shortness of breath is worsening and that needs to be addressed as well. I will post an update when I know more.

Aunt Kathy

So glad to be home...

Sorry its been a while since I've been on to update. I've been relaxing at home and my mom's house. Not much has been going on. I've been having BM's every day and there is no sign of blood. I thank God everyday. We have changed my next treatment to be this up coming Thursday instead of the following Monday. Our thought process is to give enough time after treatment to recover before we leave for San Diego. We only have 2 weeks left. I can't wait to be a beach bum.
Wednesday night, Erin stayed the night with us. We stayed up after putting the kids down and watched Bride Wars. Let me rephrase that...I watched the movie while Erin fell asleep during the movie.
Friday, Sammy and Scott came over and made an incredible halibut and salmon dinner...the kids even loved it. They also stayed the night and even made breakfast the next morning. I have the most incredible friends.
My first real venture out was yesterday. I went to my nieces dance recital. They did so good. Landyn was so adorable in her dance and shaking her booty. Jaden really impressed me...talk about personality with dance. She had so many dances. I asked her how she is able to remember all those dances. Her response..."A lot of practice." She is doing awesome.
Today, Sunday, Erin has come back over to spend the day with the kids and I.

Thank you to everyone for your continued prayers.

Love,

Kim

Home From Hospital

Kim left the hospital yesterday and is soooo happy to be home. We are all looking forward to our family vacation in San Diego in 3 weeks.

Aunt Kathy

Hopefully Home From Hospital Soon

Kim experienced a slight allergic reaction to the contrast and is still having a lot of pain, so they decided not to discharge her yesterday. She was moved out of ICU to a regular room.

Aunt Kathy

Interventional Radiology Procedure A Success!!

It is Aunt Kathy here.....happy to report that the radiology procedure done this morning on Kim to stop the bleeding from her colon tumor was successful and Kim is resting comfortably. If she doesn't have any further bleeding, she will get to go home from the hospital tomorrow.

I'm sure Kim will be in touch with everyone on the blog soon.

Regards,
Kathy

I'm NOT Pregnant

Hello everyone...It's Me!
So the latest shocker this morning was my nurse telling me that my blood work came back saying I was pregnant. LOL!!! I said "NO WAY!" I've had 4 periods in the last 8 months since being on chemo and Deron got fixed 5 years ago. We thought it was kind of comical. Therefore, I've just went through having an ultra sound done as well to make sure there was no little Miller in there. And like we thought...NO ONE WAS HOME!

As of right now, I'm starving! Again I have not been able to eat due to this possible upcoming procedure. The radiology department that Aunt Kathy mentioned yesterday is talking with my doctors right now to see about having the interventional radiology procedure done. The risk is having to use the CT contrast that I have had multiple allergic reactions from. As soon as they make up their mind, I will either be going down for the procedure or being a happy little camper eating. If I do end up in the procedure, I'm sure Aunt Kathy will update everyone once I'm out.

The other thing that was discovered last night in my colonoscopy is that there is another 3 cm tumor that has joined just above my primary tumor in my colon. Obviously, this comes as a shock and disappointment, but I can't let that get me down and I still believe I will beat this. Having to have that NG tube in my nose really made me mad. I'm ready to continue to fight like hell!!!!

Oh my nurse just came in and told me that I can eat!!!!! I love her! Jack in the box...here Deron comes. They are not going to do the radiology procedure until 10:00 a.m. tomorrow morning. They need to prep me with cortisone and benadryl for 12 hours prior to the procedure so I don't have an allergic reaction to the contrast.

Thank you so much for all the continued prayers.

I am missing my babies and the Nurse just said that she would turn her head the other way if they came to see me. These Nurse's are awesome!!

Kim

Colonoscopy Completed

Dr. Rodriquez did the colonosopy this evening and there is a quarter size area of the colon tumor that is bleeding. He wasn't able to adequately take care of the bleeding through the scope and they are waiting for the bleeding to start again and then the radiologist will do a procedure that has a 90% success rate in stoping bleeding. The next bleed she has they will take her down stairs to radiology for the procedure. Last night, they did move Kim to ICU so that they can keep a better eye on her. Unfortunately, she had to experience having an NG tube in place during the night, but they removed it around 9:30 a.m. She got 2 units of blood today and her color is so much better.

Kim is sitting up in bed right now eating tortilla soup and chicken strips from Red Robin that uncle Kirby just brought her. She is soooo happy to finally be able eat (no food since Monday) and can't wait to get a good nights sleep.

Kim wants everyone to know how much she appreciates the prayers and asked everyone to keep them coming.

Aunt Kathy

Aunt Kathy Here With An Update

Kim was admitted to Banner Estrella Hospital this afternoon with rectal bleeding. She will be having a colonoscopy late tomorrow afternoon to see where the bleeding is coming from. She is resting comfortably and Deron will be spending the night at the Hospital with her. Keep the prayers coming and I will put an update on the blog tomorrow after we know more.

Aunt Kathy

My family by photosbynatalie.com

We had so much fun doing these photos with Natty. As you can see, Natty is the most talented photographer I've ever known. The pictures at the end go in order of chaos. lol

My dearest friend and amazing photographer Natalie took these photos last Monday for me. Natty, you are amazing! We love you!

Emotions I've never experienced

Last week was one of the hardest weeks I've ever had. Having little energy and physically not being able to do what my mind wants me to do has been a major mental struggle for me. I've always seemed to be in control of my emotions, my pain, etc. I gave birth to both kids without even a Tylenol and did just fine because I've always been able to control my mind to accomplish what I want to accomplish. My body has been through a lot in the last 6 weeks...strep throat, pneumonia, vasculitous, open lung biopsy, chemo therapy then the stomach flu. I understand how trying that can be on someones body. These things have really taken a toll on my body so my energy level has been very low while my pain from the open lung biopsy has been high. After laying around for a week or so because that's all I could do after peeling myself out of bed, my emotions have really taken a turn for the worst. Once I was physically able to get up...I no longer wanted to. It only took my a few days to realize I was on the wrong path. I immediately started talking with Deron, my mom and family about my emotions. I felt as if I was spiralling into depression at a rapid pace. I had no control of my emotions...I was sad most of the time...crying the other times...didn't want to get dressed into normal day clothes...I wanted to do nothing besides eat only a little bit and sleep. I needed help. At the end of this last week my family got together twice for my cousin Justin's graduation party from high school and my cousin Kohl's graduation from Medical School. Congrats boys...I'm very proud of you both. Thank goodness Michelina (an amazing woman in our family) came to Kohl's grad luncheon. I had her sit next to me so she could help me pull my head out of my rear. She and I stayed at the restaurant for 2 hours after the family left and we talked. It was just what I needed. Deron and I did go to our doctor today and talked about my increasing pain I've been having. I've been doubling up on my pain meds some days just to get by. Each time I have increased pain, pain in a new area, etc...I think...I hope this pain is not from the cancer continuing to spread. It's hard for your mind not to go there. My pain has been from my ribs still being very sore and my lung healing but I've also had a lot of pain from my upper back to my lower back and all in between. Today our PA said she is almost certain my pain is from the Neulasta shot (white cell booster). That shot causes extreme bone pain. I only thought the pain lasted for 3 days after the shot was given. I didn't realize it lasts for a few weeks. They will check my blood work I did today and see how high my white count is and probably reduce the amount of the Neulasta shot the next time. In the meantime, they have given me break through pain meds to keep me comfortable. I have chemo this next Monday, June 15th. Keep praying with us that it will go much better with no flu. We will also be checking on events at the Wellness Community to get us and our kids involved. My friend Michelle and her kids are the poster family this month so check them out if you get a chance.

Deron and I are striving to improve everyday. Love God and each other.

Kim

Round 1 is over

Well...the last few days were certainly full of adventure. As Aunt Kathy mentioned, Kiki and Dylan over the last week have both had this 36 hour stomach flu. Soon after Deron and I got home from chemo on Wednesday night, Deron started getting very sick. I immediately called my mom and asked her to get to my house. There was no way I was going to be able to take care of Deron and Deron could not take care of me. We were quite the pair that night. Deron started shaking so bad, the covers were moving. You would have thought that our house was a freezer box. My mom took the kids and I to her house so we hopefully wouldn't get the bug. Poor Deron was left at home alone with phone calls every hour to check on him. The next day was the worst for me. From the time I woke up I was so nauseous. I couldn't eat...couldn't drink...had more fluid coming out my rear end and was dry heaving. I was so weak that by the afternoon, I could barely walk. I had to go back to my doctors office for a white blood booster shot. When they saw me they took me back to the chemo room and hooked me up to a bag of fluids. By that evening, I was able to eat a few crackers and a few bites of soup but that was it. Yesterday, Friday, was much better. Still weak, I was able to drink a bit and eat a bit. I still had to go to the Dr. office and get another bag of fluids. I was actually able to drink and eat by last night. Deron was feeling so much better as well. Today, Saturday, I feel like I've got so much more energy. I've eaten cereal, drank a bottle of water and I just might get out of bed soon. lol
Hopefully my next chemo will be only chemo...not chemo with flu cocktail. Also, my chemo treatments are going to be every 3 weeks...not every other week. I'll have more recovery time in between treatments. I'll even be off for when my family all goes to Mission Beach in July. I can't wait.
I hope everyone is doing well.

Kim

Aunt Kathy Here With An Update

I have been getting calls asking how Kim is doing, so I thought I would give everyone an update. She had chemo yesterday at Dr. Zafar's office from 11:30 a.m. until after 6:00 p.m. It was a long day for her and Deron, but everything went well. She got a couple of new chemo's that she has not gotten before. I just spoke with Nan and she said Kim had a good night and rested pretty well and so far no nausea. Unfortunately, Deron got the flu that the kids had earlier this week and he is the one who had a rough night. I'm sure Kim will speak to you all soon on the blog, so stay tuned. Keep those prayers coming!!
Regards,
Aunt Kathy

It is hard to admit this but here it goes...

As soon as we set our surgery date to have my colon and liver resection, I was feeling very uneasy. I worked so hard to get through chemo to get to the point of having surgery and when it happened...I was so scared. When chemo ended, I ended up with strep throat then pneumonia, then cellulitous/vasculitous. When I was admitted I told Deron I felt like God was trying to tell us something. Why have I been sick for 3 weeks straight right before I'm supposed to have this major operation? It was my surgeon that ordered my scans...he called my oncologist with what the scans showed and my oncologist came to see us immediately. In 5 weeks my cancer had regenerated as if it had been untreated for 6 months or more. For the first time since I was diagnosed...I questioned God. I asked, "How could you bring me so far over the last 6 months and in 5 weeks allow this to happen?" I was very upset...I cried a lot. The more and more I thought about it...I realized something. God was giving us red flags...I even told Deron I thought that was what he was doing this last time I was admitted. Had my surgeon not ordered the oncologists scans we would have ended up in surgery on the 15th, they would have opened me up and realized they could not have operated. I would have then had to wait almost 2 more months to start treatment again. By that time, the cancer may have spread so much that we may have not had many options left. I now thank God every day for saving my life again. I know he is with us and will carry us through this.

Love,

Kim

I'm Baaacccckkkk!!!

Hello Everyone,
It is so good to be home. I slept so much last night. I did wake up a few times wondering why no one was in my room poking at me, telling me to take pills, giving me shots in the tummy (which I'm all bruised from), my IV machine beeping, taking my vitals and sticking that thermometer in my mouth, etc. lol Most of you that have been in the hospital know exactly what I'm talking about. My kids were so excited to see us home. I had to show Dylan my incision marks so he understood why he had to be so easy with mommy. My chest tube incision still isn't closed yet so we still have that one covered. Dylan and Kiki have never been so excited to sleep in their own beds. Dylan wanted to make sure that when he woke up I was still going to be home. Therefore, this morning they both ran in to give me a hug and kiss before Daddy took them to school. It is amazing to wake up to your 5 and 7 year old kissing you on the forehead and saying "I love you Mommy". That is probably the best feeling in the world.
I do have to say, giving birth to my children without a Tylenol was easier than having a tube stuck in my chest. I've been trying to use my left arm more and it feels awkward because they had to cut through my muscles and separate my ribs. Didn't you like that awesome description? lol
Anyways, we are done with that. Deron and I had a talk before I was taken into surgery. We were told back in October that I had cancer in my lungs. It was just never confirmed with a biopsy. We decided that if my lungs are positive for cancer then we can't get upset because that is what we were told 7 months ago. It would just be a bonus if it was not cancer. The way I see it is October 20th, 2008 I was told I had cancer in my colon, liver (really bad) and my lungs. Now, May 15th, 2009 I'm told I have cancer in my colon and lungs and my liver is looking pretty good!!! In my eyes, I'm better off now than I was in October. As my Aunt Kathy said, we start chemo again on the 26th. It will be every other week for 6 months like last time. My body responded very well last time and I expect it to do the same this time. I happen to have the worlds best healer on my side...our God!
Thank you all for your prayers...keep them coming!
Thank you Aunt Kathy for keeping everyone posted.

Kim's Home from the Hospital

Good news......Kim was discharged from the hospital this afternoon and chemo will start on Tuesday, May 26th. The oncologist wants to give her some time to heal from the lung biopsy surgery before chemo starts.

I'm sure she will be on the blog soon to communicate with everyone.

Glad you are home Kim!!

Aunt Kathy

Hopefully Discharged Today

Kim did not go home from the hospital yesterday, but hopefully today will be the day. They found a small pneumothorax (2 mm) in her left lung and she is still anemic. She remains in good spirits and her pain is less and less each day.

Angel Doc (Dr. Rodriquez - GI Doc who finally diagnosed Kim), came in yesterday afternoon to visit Kim which was very enjoyable for all of us. He isn't on Kim's case right now, but wanted to check on her and give her a big hug. The rest of us, including Dylan and Ki Ki got big hugs from him as well!

Samantha took Dylan and Ki Ki on a shopping spree to buy summer clothes yesterday. She wore Nan and the kids out after 3 hours, but you wouldn't believe the adorable outfits she got the kids. Samantha you are sooooo awesome to do this!! I wish you all could of seen the big smile on Kim's face when Samantha showed her all the great purchases. The kids are growing so fast that it is hard to keep them in clothes that fit. They will be the best dressed kids on the block for sure!!

Regards,
Aunt Kathy

Hooray!....Chest Tube is Out

The surgeon was able to remove the chest tube late yesterday afternoon and it sounds like the chest xray is looking pretty good. Thankfully, Kim's pain is much less now and she is able to take walks in the hall. There is discussion about Kim going home today and then getting the chemo in Dr. Zafar's office early next week.

Kim, Deron and the family wanted to send out a special thank you to Beth and Jimmy who have been taking care of Dylan and Kiki pretty much non stop the past week and also on a regular basis the past few months. Beth and Jimmy, your kindness is very much appreciated and the family can relax more knowing the kids are being well cared for and having so much fun too! It is people like you that have restored my faith in mankind and again we appreciate your generosity more than words can adequately express.

Regards,
Aunt Kathy

Update on Kim

Kim is doing well.......making us laugh by making very funny comments after she gets her pain meds! We have learned that having chest tube is one of the most painful things a person could possibly go through and the nurses are telling us that Kim is handling the pain better than most people would. Thank God for Dilaudid and that it works so well for Kim!!

It looks like the chest tube will not be removed yet. Kim is still draining a good amount of fluid from the tube and the chest xray is showing one area in Kim's lung that is not totally cooperating. This is nothing to be alarmed about and I'm sure the chest tube will come out soon. They just did another xray to assess the lung and I will let you all know when we get the report back what the results are.

Deron has been incredible in caring for Kim for the past week. He has rarely left her side and Kim finds so much comfort in him always being right next to her. Kim's illness has been devastating for Deron and the family is so thankful for his love for Kim and how he is demonstrating this love in Kim's time of need. Please say a few prayers for Deron as well that he continues to find the strength and energy to juggle all the responsibilities he has on his plate right now.

In closing, I would like to share a story with you that really shows the type of person Kim is and the remarkable attitude she has shown through this whole experience. After the lung biopsy on Thursday night, when she woke up, I had to tell her about the findings of the cancer in her lungs. Of course this was not an easy thing to have to tell her and I asked God to give me the strength and the right words to deliver the bad news. Right after I told her, she looked up at me and said, "At least my liver is okay!" I have never met such a positive and inspirational person that even in her darkest hours she finds something positive to think and say.

Someone commented on the blog this morning that the war was not won by one battle and Kim is getting ready to fight the battle again with some real strong Chemo and that cancer beast better watch out, he doesn't know who he is dealing with and how strong she is physically and spiritually.

Thanks so much for all the kind words and prayers! They mean a lot to Kim and all the family!!

Regards,
Aunt Kathy

Lung Biopsy Completed

It's almost 10:00 p.m. and Kim just arrived to ICU. I wish I had better news to share....the surgeon let us know that the pathologist reviewed the lung tissue specimen in the OR and it is positive for cancer in the lungs. The plan is for Kim to stay in the ICU for 24 hours and then she will move back to the oncology floor. They are hoping to resume Chemo on Monday.

This is another bump in the road for Kim, but her spirits remain high and she is ready to continue to fight the battle.

Keep the prayers coming.

Aunt Kathy

Today's plan

Today, Thursday, I will be under going an open lung biopsy. This is a pretty major procedure. I will be knocked out just like a normal surgery. The surgeon will be going through my left side, spreading my rib cage and cutting a chunk of my left lung off to have these little spots tested to finally find out what is in my lungs. I will be in ICU for at least 24 hours. My surgery isn't until 5pm. I will have a wonderful tube coming out of my chest for at least 2-3 days. They say it is very painful but I'll be on a morphine drip so we'll see how I do. I'm a bit nervous knowing that a machine will be breathing for me during this procedure but the doctors and surgeons say it's no big deal. Yeah, easy for them to say. If everything goes okay...which it will...they say I should be able to go home by Monday. I'm ready to get this show on the road. I'm curious to see how my body will handle this new chemo. It did great before, so I anticipate the same results this time. It's taken me a few days to get over my shock, disbelief and tears. I'm sure I may have a few more tears before this next 6 months of chemo is over...but that's okay. I'm ready to fight like hell AGAIN!!!!!
Thank you to everyone for your kind and encouraging words. Our prayers were heard before and I'm sure God will hear us again. I'll have Deron or my Aunt Kathy update tonight to let you know how I do in the surgery.

Kim

SURGERY CANCELLED!!!!

As some of you know, I've been in the hospital since Saturday evening. After fighting the Pneumonia this last week, I was having a bad pain in my right calf. Last Thursday afternoon, I went to my primary doctor to pick up my script for follow up x-ray. I mentioned the pain I was having in my calf and my doctor wanted to see me before I left his office. It was now after 5 pm and my doctor told me I needed to go the ER and have an ultra sound done to make sure that I did not have a blood clot in my leg. Everything turned out okay and I was sent home. I woke up the next morning having more pain than the day before. By Saturday, I could barely walk. Saturday evening I finally decided to come back to the ER. They were saying I had Cellulitous in my ankle area. For some reason, my surgeon ordered a CT scan of my chest, stomach, and pelvis. These scans are not showing good news. The tumor in my colon has increased in size, my lymph nodes in my stomach has increased in size as well which is putting pressure on my ureter and I may need a stint put in so I don't experience kidney issues. Also, my lungs are showing an increased number of spots. All of this change has happened since stopping chemo in mid April. Therefore, surgery is cancelled. We will be talking with the lung team to get an answer to what is going on with my lungs and I will be starting chemo again within the next few days. I will be on a different chemo regimen and my doctor said I have only a 20% chance of keeping my hair.
I have been having a very bad feeling about surgery this past week and I really felt that God was telling me that I was not ready for surgery. I certainly wasn't expecting this kind of news. It's a bit shocking to my whole family. I feel that I have taken a step backwards. I am ready to start back on the chemo fight. I would really appreciate as many prayers not only for my healing but also for my family as they try and take in this news. I love you all.

Kim

Spent the night in the ER

I have gone all 6 months of chemo and never even had the sniffles. Now that I'm done with chemo, I have had strep with the kids 3 weeks ago and my cough never went away. A few days ago I was getting a pain in my left shoulder area and it increasingly got worse. Finally yesterday I was in so much pain that I went to my doctor. It was almost 5pm and they do not do X-rays or anything in the office. Monday or Tuesday my doctor was going to get me in for a chest X-ray to check for pneumonia. Needless to say the fevers started and I hurt to even walk. The only benefit to having stage 4 cancer is that the ER will get you out of the ER lobby really quick and back to a room so you are away from the general public. lol They ended up admitting me last night (Friday night) but there was no rooms available upstairs so Deron and I spent the night in a very small room in the over flow area. As usual, we got very little sleep. The doctor came this morning and it was a bit safer for me to be at home rather in the hospital with all the crud going around. They have me on antibiotics and mild pain meds to ease my chest pain. I have limited time for my body to heal and get rid of this junk before surgery. I was really wanting to walk and ride my bike as much as possible over the next two weeks to gain a bit of endurance so I wasn't so weak for surgery. I guess I'll have to lay low for a few more days. The hospital and I have a love hate relationship right now. lol And the journey continues...

Kim

Surgery schedule

My surgery is scheduled for Friday, May 15th at Banner Estrella Hospital. The liver transplant surgeon will come to Estrella vs. us having to over to Good Sam Hospital. Estrella is a lot closer to home for me anyways. That will complete six full weeks off of chemo. I am very pleased to wait for the six week mark. They will take 1/3 of my colon and the surrounding lymph nodes. They will also be taking the right lobe of my liver which is about 60%. The reason for this is my liver was so bad when we started off and leaving any scar tissue from the tumors will only give the cancer a great area to come back. Therefore, they want to take any remains of cancer out of my body. Removing any and all cancer is totally fine with me. I will be in the hospital for at least 5-7 days after surgery. Then home to finish my 4+ week recovery. Deron will be updating my blog for me hopefully on a daily basis to keep you all posted on the post op recovery. I'm very excited and also a bit nervous. I was not planning on the liver resection but I fully understand their reasoning. I now have to make my "to do" list of everything I want to get completed before surgery. Please say a few prayers for my surgeons to have great knowledge and steady hands. Also say a prayer for my family and my speedy recovery. This was our major goal when I was diagnosed almost 7 months ago. I think I am still a bit in shock that my body has come so far in the last 7 months. God has been so good to me.
Hope all is well with everyone else.
Much love,
Kim

Surgery Update

My last chemo treatment was April 3rd. While at Mayo, I was told that I would need to be off chemo for 6 to 8 weeks before I would be able to go into surgery. I'm now being told that I could go into surgery between 4 to 6 weeks. We meet with our surgeon this Friday to go over all the details of my surgery. I received a phone call from his office yesterday telling me that I am scheduled for surgery on May 5th. That is next Tuesday. I'm a bit nervous to go in that soon. If I never had the pleasure of meeting Susan Turley than I don't think I would be so nervous. I know that our situations are very different, especially this far along in my recovery but I can't help but have these feelings. In our meeting on Friday I will be requesting to put surgery off for another week and hope to have surgery the week of May 13th. That way, both kids will be done with baseball and they will be getting ready for their last week of school. I should be recoverd enough to be home for Dylan's birthday on May 25th. This is what I'm praying for. I'll keep you all posted after Friday's appointment. I also learned that my port should be flushed every 4 to 6 weeks as well.

Kim

Amazing News after a very hard weekend...

This weekend was extremely difficult for my family. Grandpa Keith lost his battle to cancer this past Saturday about 12:15pm. All his kids were with him when he past. With him living with Uncle Kirby and Aunt Kathy, this has been hard for them to even go back into the room where Grandpa Keith stayed. We lost Smitty just before Christmas and now Keith on Saturday. The three of us were diagnosed within months of each other. Even though we were years apart in age, we were still fighting a similar fight. I didn't realize how hard it was going to be to lose him. I am now the only one left. That is harder than you think. It's been hard to see myself striving while my loved ones are losing their battle. So as you can imagine, my family has been through some really hard times over the past few months but especially this past weekend. Please say a prayer for my family as we go through this challenging time AGAIN.

However, today was such a good day. We saw our new doctor, Dr. Zafar. After reviewing our results, their is no trace of active cancer in my liver. Yes, you read that correct. The Pet Scan showed NO ACTIVE CANCER IN MY LIVER!!!! PRAISE GOD!!! My primary tumor in my colon will have to be surgically removed which is always the case. We will be meeting very soon with our surgery team. We will be having the surgery at Good Sam Hospital probably the first week of June. Dylan's birthday is May 25th and I don't want him to come to the hospital to see me on his birthday. We will also have one of the best liver surgeons present in case they get in there and see something small on the liver and they can cut it out while I'm under. That means NO MORE CHEMO for now. I'm so excited. My family really needed this news as we prepare for the funeral this Thursday.
I feel so blessed!! Thank you so much to everyone who continues to say prayers, bring us dinners, support us in any way you've been able to support us. We have made it this far with the help of you all. Thank you...Thank you!!!

Much love,

Kim

Results day...or so we thought

Today was kind of a disappointing day to an extent. We were under the impression that we would get our game plan...surgery or extend chemo. We got NO game plan. Instead of the radiologist at Banner Thunderbird doing a comparative report on the Pet Scan from November and the one on Tuesday, then the radiologist at Banner Estrella doing a comparative report on the MRI from Wednesday with the MRI's from two months ago, one person did a report combining the Pet Scan and MRI. We needed to know if the lymph nodes were clear...not mentioned in the report. Would have liked to have know the size of the tumors now...not mentioned in the report. Really the only thing mentioned in the report that had any importance to what we were looking for was that they now only see 1 tumor in the liver. There were 3 visible in the last MRI two months ago. Yes...that is awesome news! However, I was disappointed that now we need to wait til some time next week so Mayo's radiologists can review the images (that I brought cause they were not sent) and come up with their own report. The images will also be sent to our liver surgeon so he can review them as well. So...our game plan is to "HURRY UP AND WAIT!!!!" Sorry to sound so frustrated but I need a game plan. I want to know what is next. This waiting game is irritating. But we did get great news about my liver. The chemo I'm on (Irinitecan and Avastin) have not been researched to be used together without the 5FU drug that I can not take...but it's still working. There is only one explanation for that...God is so good!!!!! We meet with our new Oncologist on Monday.

And as for the rest of my family...
My mom took Dylan and Kyrstin to the doctor today while Deron and I were at Mayo for our appointment. My mom and Kyrstin have Strep throat and Dylan has all the symptoms to be getting it very soon. I have a viral infection that hopefully doesn't turn into Strep. The kids and I have had slight fevers but nothing over 100.4 degrees. For me, over 100.4 means a trip to the hospital. With my immune system being so low, if a fever gets to 100.4 then my body will not be able to stop it on its own. No fevers...no fevers!!!!

I'll keep you all posted as soon as we hear something next week. Have a great weekend.

Much love,

Kim

Emotional round 12 at Mayo

Friday was my last official chemo treatment at Mayo Clinic. My insurance company had allowed a GAP exception for me to even be treated at Mayo (since they are "out of network") when this whole thing started but only for 6 months. I had to say goodbye to some of my favorite chemo nurses. There were tears, hugs and some laughs. Deron and I have really come to love all of our nurses. They have been so wonderful to us. My scans will actually be completed the day after Easter and get our results that Friday the 17th with our Oncologist at Mayo. That will be our last time at Mayo. Since my treatment is available at other "in network" facilities we will have to continue care at an "in network" provider...you've got to love insurance companies! We are looking into the Cancer Treatment Centers of America which is 5 minutes from the house and also the Palo Verde group has come highly recommended to us as well. They have an office in the neighboring city, Avondale, which is about 10 minutes away. Given the sensitive nature of my liver surgery and the fact that there are only a handful of liver specialists in the country, my insurance company will allow me to have my surgeries at Mayo. We have heard many wonderful things about Dr. Zafar at the Palo Verde group and my Aunt Kathy has met him and really liked him. So if we didn't have enough stress this past week, which we over came...we now have another hurtle to over come this next week. We will be praying that God sends us in the right direction on who to trust my life with. Please be praying with us.

Kim

Cancer Etiquette 101

I thought this would be helpful since we all know someone that is being affected with cancer and we are not taught how to react. I really liked this when I received it and wanted to pass it along.

What do you say when you learn that someone
you care about has cancer?

What do you do?
Is there any “right” way or “wrong” way to respond
to the news?Most cancer survivors we’ve talked with have stories
to tell of comments and gestures made by friends
and family members, some of which were hurtful
and some of which were helpful. Based on those
survivors’ stories as well as our own experiences,
we offer the following "do's" and “don’t’s”.

First the "don't's":
1. The worst thing you can say or do is to say or do
nothing at all. Almost every survivor we’ve ever
spoken with can tell of at least one person who, upon
hearing the news, disappeared and was never heard
from again. Maybe the fact that your friend or loved
one has cancer is the worst news you’ve ever heard
and you can’t stand the thought of him being this sick.
You don’t know what to say or do, and it’s too
painful to see him without hair, and the house smells
like a hospital, and, well, it’s all so just so scary. We
don’t mean to be harsh here, but this really isn’t
about you. Stick around, please. Your loving
presence alone can be the healing salve for a
wounded, frightened spirit.
2. We know you mean well when you say, “God
won’t give you more than you can handle,” but we
wish you would listen to the implications in that
comment and refrain from using it. It implies that
God gave us cancer which inference often leads
newly diagnosed patients to wonder if God is
punishing them for something they did or failed to
do, and that's the last thing we need to be worrying
about right now.To clean up a popular phrase, stuff happens.
People get cancer (1 in 3, in fact). People get lots of
other awful diseases, too. Babies are born with
defects. Long-distance runners have heart attacks.
Brave men and women go to war and get killed.
Supermen fall from horses, and maniacs fly airplanes
into buildings. And, yes, many people do get more
than they can handle as evidenced by suicide rates.
We don’t mean to step on anyone’s religion here, but
we refuse to believe God is the one causing all this mayhem, destruction and chaos.
Conversely, we believe God grieves with us when
these things happen, and He is there for us and with
us in the treatment room, in the delivery room, on
the racecourse, on the battlefield, in the emergency
room, on the airplane and inside its target. Instead
of telling us that God gave us cancer, tell us that
God will be with us every step of the way.
3. Don’t predict the future. Acknowledge the
seriousness of the diagnosis without being morbid
(Oh, my God! My aunt had the very same thing and
she died 8 months later!”) and without being
unrealistic (“You’ll probably outlive me. I could get
hit by a bus tomorrow!”). We don’t know what’s
going to happen to us, and neither do you. Tell us
happy stories of other long-term cancer survivors
(but refrain from saying someone had “the very same
thing”; no two cancer diagnoses are ever the
same).
Never, ever tell us stories with unhappy endings.

Now for the “do’s”:
1.Things to say: “I’m here for you.” “You can cry
with me.” “I love you.” “I won’t leave
you.” “Whatever you’re feeling is okay.”
Just be there. Follow our lead. We’ll let you know if
we want to “talk about it,” and if we do, please let
us. Don’t change the subject. When you don’t allow
us to talk about our disease, it makes us feel alone
and isolated.
2.Things to do: Take my kids out for pizza and a
movie or, better yet, for the weekend. Offer to
pick up prescriptions, take the dog to the groomer
and run other errands. Clip cartoons and funny
pictures and send them in a card. Bring thoughtful
gifts (a book or magazine, a tabletop fountain, a
meditation tape or CD); avoid things with strong
smells (bath sets, flowers, food, etc.) until you
know how I'm reacting to my treatments.

Ha Ha Ha...I just figured out how to change the color of the text...lol...I've only been typing on this thing for 6 months now. lol
I hope this helps some of you in your life if you are ever faced with "what the heck do I say or do?"

Kim

Great News...Thank you Father God!!!!

This last week has been very stressful. I've been going over in my head "How can my tumors be shrinking and going in the right direction and the cancer spread to my bones at the same time?" It's been driving me crazy on how that could be possible. In the last two days I've had a bone mineral density scan, full body bone scan, MRI of the Thoracic spine, MRI of the Lumbar spine and a check up with my angel doctor (Dr. Rodriquez), my GI doctor. The density scan came back NORMAL, my bone scan also came back NORMAL (NO CANCER IN THE BONES!!!!!!), MRI's were just completed this afternoon but I'm sure they will be fine. My fracture in my spine is actually an anterior wedge fracture, therefore, my two vertebrae are pretty much teeter tottering to one side almost touching each other. So, I'm sure my MRI will show a bulging disk at T6. I don't believe this is a new fracture. I actually had an MRI of the spine back in Sept. before we found the cancer and it stated a bulging disk...I just can't remember where in the spine (go figure). I've probably had this problem for a few years and it just decided to really flare up on my this past weekend.
The need for my GI appointment was due to me having some bleeding for about 5 days last week after my last chemo treatment. I am now on two major high risk bleeding drugs in my chemo, so I was bleeding really easily. My Oncologist wanted the GI to check everything out to make sure it was my "little friends" vs. internally bleeding. As my nurse put it, "they want to make sure that I won't bleed out after my next treatment"...nice! It was so awesome to see my angel doctor again. I haven't seen him since I left the hospital back in October. He printed out my different scan reports over the last few months and was so excited to see that we have made such great progress.
All of my reports from this weeks scans and Dr. appointments were fax to my team at Mayo and I got the phone call at 4:45pm that they are letting me get my treatment tomorrow. I've never been so excited to get a chemo treatment. This means that early next week I will have a PetScan done. Please pray for clear lymph nodes!!!!!!! If they are clear then we will be talking about surgery. Yeah!!!
I was thinking today about all the people that read this blog that I know and don't know, that see me on a regular basis and the ones I don't see and all the "intimate details" you know about my life and body parts. lol After two kids and all the test in the hospitals over the last 6 months...there is no modesty left...lol
Thank you to all. I also wanted to say thank you to all the wonderful families that continue to feed us, Shannon and Paula that get everything scheduled for us and to Beth and Jimmy who have pretty much become the adopted parents to my children, especially on chemo weekends. God has put the most incredible people in my life to help us continue to hold our heads high and continue to fight! You all mean the world to Deron and I.

So much love,

Kim

Visit to the ER...

Only a few of you know that I went to the hospital on Friday evening. I had been having such an incredible pain in between my shoulder blades. It got so bad that the pain was radiating through my chest and down both my arms. I thought it was a muscle spasm from a rib out or something. I took one of my Oxycontin 10mg at 3pm with no relief, then another at 4pm. By 6pm I hurt so bad that I didn't have much strength left in my arms. Deron was working and Bill was riding with him. They called Shyri because they were very concerned about me. By the time Shyri got to my house, another Sergeant had come on duty and Deron and Bill came home so they could all take me to the hospital. When we arrived in the ER it was only minutes before they had me doing an EKG. That showed everything was normal with my heart which was a relief. Only minutes later they had me back in a room and hooked up to monitors. They gave me Morphine to relieve my pain. The rest of my body was feeling great but the pain in my back and chest had not gone away. It wasn't until they gave me an anti inflammatory called Toradol that I finally had relief. We did a CT of the chest, X-ray of the chest, VQ Scan (to make sure there were no blood clots in my lungs), blood work, ultra sounds of my legs and arms (again for any blood clots), and I think that was it. The VQ scan showed that I was in the moderate range for possible clots (ranges are low, moderate and high risk). No clots showed in the ultra sounds, but what did show a stress fracture on the T6 vertebrae with the X-ray . This is concerning for a few reasons. Either my bones have become so brittle from the chemo or there is the fear of the cancer spreading to the bones and that's why they are so brittle. I can't remember falling, getting hit, doing anything that would cause a fracture. The only thing that comes to mind was when we were in Disneyland riding this certain ride...it was very jerky and was uncomfortable with my back...but that was almost 3 weeks ago. Tomorrow we are calling our team at Mayo to update them on this weekends events and to request a bone density test and supplements to help my bones.
While this was all going on I was telling the doctors to hurry up with getting the results because Dylan and Kyrstin both had opening day for little league and both had a game at 10am. We did end up missing the games but met my parents and the kids for brunch afterwards (since the cafeteria was closed each time Deron went to get us food at the hospital). They looked so cute in their uniforms. Dylan played catcher the entire game and wants to be the catcher for the whole season. Our friends Beth and Jimmy told us how well the kids played.
We were in the hospital from 8:30pm Friday night until 11am Saturday afternoon. I'm glad to be home. Yes...I wore a mask the entire time I was there and the nurses were great with me since my counts were low. I am taking Motrin to keep my body calm. I haven't needed to take any pain meds since being home. I'll keep you posted on what we discover and our plan of action for the newest issue with me. That is the one thing about me...go ahead and give me a diagnosis but you also have to give me a plan of action on how we are going to fix the problem. So for the next few days we will just hurry up and wait. I hope you all had a great weekend. I'm asking for more prayers that my bones are just brittle from the chemo and not brittle from the cancer.

Much love,

Kim

Round 11 and Disneyland...

We had such a great time in Disneyland. We got to ride a bunch of rides...waited in line for 2 hours to see Princesses...ate so much food, etc. By the end of the second day of walking, I started to get a little sore...but that good sore when you work out. I just haven't had that sore feeling in quite a while. As soon as I get the camera developed (since my digital battery went out) I will put pictures up.
Round 11 went just like the others...tired on Friday, just a bit better on Saturday and getting a bit of energy back on Sunday. Last Thursday we had our genetics appointment. With the testing Mayo has completed, it has been ruled 95% that my cancer is NOT hereditary for our children. The last 5% test will be completed after surgery. Obviously we will have both kids start being tested by the age of 18. Over the next 11+ years, I can only imagine what we will understand about Colon Cancer.
April 3rd will be my next treatment then scans that following week. If the Pet Scan shows my lymph system to be cleared then we will talk surgery. If it is not cleared yet then we are talking about extending treatment for an additional 2 months then redo scans at that time. Therefore, I am asking everyone to say a few extra prayers that my lymph system is cleared! Our good Lord has been hearing us. Let's not let down now. Thank you again for everyone's support.

Much love,

Kim

Refocused...

So, I've heard that a lot of you are concerned because I had an emotional week. I've stayed strong through most of this and I feel it is okay for me to have an off week. My husband and I have re-evaluated and re-focused our lives back to us and our number one goal right now...to be cancer free!! We all go through trying times in life...we just happen to have a slightly larger trial right now than normal. Thanks to my awesome sister-in-law (Deron's sister) and the connections that she and her husband have, we are taking the kids to the happiest place on earth this coming week. We are so excited to get away and have so much fun at both Disneyland parks. We are so thankful to everyone for all their efforts in helping us be able to do some of these things as a family while going through these times. We feel so blessed to have so many wonderful people in our lives. With the help of many I did get my painting accomplished as well as the shed built and garage cleaned out and we fully cleaned my house after the projects were completed. So a huge thank you to you all for helping me. As always...God is good!

Kim

Round 10 is over...

My dearest friend Erin took the day off work today to take me to chemo while Deron is on his vacation. I have mixed emotions as this past week has been very difficult emotionally. Most couples have the normal marital issues with keeping up good communication, etc. This has been a challenge for us as well. Now put an unbelievable amount of stress with this situation on top of the normal challenges and you then have my life right now. Deron and I cope with stress very different, we communicate differently, our priorities are different, etc. I have been so mad and stressed out this past week that I know I can not continue to feel like this and get better at the same time. We will be starting counseling this next week separately then as a couple then as a family with the kids. We are committed to working on this but it will take time. I was concerned about my CEA counts with having so much negative energy around me. My CEA went from 4.0 on 2-19-09 up to 4.5 today. I spoke with my nurse who spoke with my doctor. My scans show positive response and the CEA is still within the normal guidelines. They both really want us to get into counseling to help us cope with this. They say it is very normal for couples and families to have a hard time with this type of situation. I am going to have to focus on me to get better. Not trying to fix everything else for my family is going to be a challenge for me. I'm normally trying to fix everything and make everyone happy so to focus just on me will be very different. I'll keep you posted. I'm pretty drained today but my nausea seems to be not too out of control. Tomorrow I'm taking the kids to the Spring Training game for the Goodyear Little League day at the park. It should be fun. I got tickets for my parents to join me to help me out. The kids will be in a little parade at 11am and the game starts at 1pm. Sunscreen, water, and ballpark food...we'll have fun.
Deron will also be coming home to a few cosmetic changes to our house. The painting I've wanted to do for the last 4 years has been done this week while he has been gone. With the help of my brother, sister-in-law, mom and dad we have completed an accent wall in the great room, kitchen, Kiki's pink and brown bedroom and my friends Vicki and Melissa are coming over tomorrow after the game to help me with Dylan's outer space room. I'll take pictures when we are all done.

Kim

YARD SALE SUCCESS!

Sad but true the yard sale is over. We we able to raise more than expected and most importantly we have some unforgetable memories!

THANK YOU EVERYONE! All the donations were so appreciated! Thank you to my neighbors for your patience in dealing with your street becoming a parking lot! Thank you to all the people that donated extra $ for their items when informed about the yard sale cause.

Kim, keep on truckin! We love You!

Lots Oh Love
Kristin

Spoke with the Surgeon today...

My Aunt Kathy and I went to my doctors appointment with the liver specialist today. He was able to really make us understand his decision. I bet you want to know what I know...

Okay...I'll tell you.

At this point I have made so much progress with the chemo I'm on. At this time I still have active cancer in my lymph system. If we were to go into surgery I would have to be off chemo for at least a month before surgery then one to two months after surgery. Although surgery would remove the major masses, the cancer in the lymph's could have an opportunity to spread in the 3 month time frame off chemo and we could then be in a much worse situation then we started with. My liver is responding so well and it's a very crucial part in the chemo therapy processing through my body. He (Dr. Mulligan) only wants to go into surgery when it will be of benefit to my body. Our plan is to continue through the next 3 chemo treatments (1 of 3 this Friday) and scans after round 12 (which would be 3 of 3). We will also do the PET Scan which shows the active cancer much better. After review of the scans, we will either continue chemo to further shrink the tumors and clear the lymphs or discuss surgery again if the lymphs are clear. Either way, today's appointment was very informative and really helped me to understand that I am in a very good position. My body is doing so much better than ever expected and I am so thankful for that. Thank you Aunt Kathy for being with me so I wasn't alone.

I also want to thank everyone for their amazing donations, time and effort this weekend for the garage sale. It went so much better than I ever expected. You are all amazing.

And last but not least, a big thank you to the "softball group" aka "B Santa Project" that sent me the anonymous letter and check. You have no idea how much that meant to me.

So much love to you all,

Kim

YARD SALE! COME & GET IT!

I think that it is safe to assume that we all have days where we question this crazy world!

But it is days like today that we realize that this crazy world is full of good people.

Several of my neighbors donated items as well as $ to Kim and once again our family & friends were awesome working together for a good cause......our super women Kim.

My heart is full when I see people working together for the love and support of Kim

Thank You to my awesome family! Thank You to all of our awesome friends! Your time and patience is priceless

Lots of Love! Kristin

Surgery update...

Well...I received a phone call today from my nurse and the head surgeon has denied surgery right now. Today has been an emotional day. I really got my hopes up and thought I was one step closer to getting rid of this cancer. I've cried a few times today from being so disappointed. I'm being reminded by my family that we are still moving in the right direction. Tumors are still shrinking...and it's good news that they even considered checking into surgery. I'm reminding myself of all those things but it's still hard to get your hopes so high to then be so bummed. I've had my day of crying so positive feelings from here on out. I will be meeting with this head surgeon this coming week (I think this week) to go over his reasoning and game plan. I'll keep you posted. For now, Chemo is my friend...round 10 next Friday.

Come out and see us at the Yard Sale! There is sooooo much stuff...it's awesome. Thank you to everyone who has donated items and time for this. And thank you to my wonderful cousin for hosting this massive yard sale at her house for me. I love you!

Kim

YARD SALE

Just another reminder of the yard sale this weekend Feb 28th and March 1st @ 7am

We have already gotten some great items....beds, luggage, a drum set! and several nic nacs

Sunday when the sale has ended, we are looking for anyone who is willing to take left over items and drop them off @ Goodwill or any donation center. (that would help us a ton!)

Thanks Everyone!

KIM, WE LOVE YOU SOOOOOOO MUCH! KEEP ROUND HOUSE KICKING CANCERS ASS! HEE HEE

Very exciting news today.....MUST READ!!!!!

Today was round 9. I'm doing really well...I'm actually blogging on Chemo day! My insurance company covers my chemotherapy at Mayo Clinic but does not cover for me to have my scans done there. So...I go to Banner Estrella Hospital to have my scans done each time, their radiologists create a report and send it to my doctor at Mayo. Due to me being "out of the normal" for this cancer, they always have had their (Mayo's) radiologists do their own report on the scans. The nice thing about Mayo is there is not one doctor reviewing my case...it's an entire team that makes decisions about changing anything. Today I was informed that my scans were reviewed again and they are only seeing 3 small tumors on my liver and that I may be a candidate for surgery!!! This is amazing news! The normal protocol is surgery first to remove as much cancer as possible then chemo to get rid of the rest. From day one, I was not able to have surgery due to my liver tumors being way too large and covering the majority of my liver (you can typically have the max of 50% removal and I was way beyond that mark). They now are waiting on one more surgeons okay to do an exploratory procedure (small camera through the belly button) to make sure that there is no cancer in the lining of my stomach or anywhere else. The scans are only showing the 3 small tumors now. If in fact this other surgeon gives the okay, we will be scheduling this procedure very soon. If they only see what the scans are showing then I will be stopping chemo for 4-6 weeks then having a pretty major surgery and have my colon resection (cutting out the colon tumor) and liver resection in one surgery. Once I'm healed from the surgery I will have a few more rounds of chemo to make sure all cancer is gone from my lymph system. They will then monitor me with scans every few months. All of the doctors are amazed at how far we have come since October. I'm am so excited!!!!! I've been praying for this day to come and now we just need to continue to pray for no other cancer found and a speedy recovery from the surgery. I will keep you all posted on when each procedure is scheduled and completed. I can't thank you all enough for your continued love and support. Our God is so good!!! Thank you Jesus for this day!

Much love,

Kim

YARD SALE

PLEASE start dropping off yard sale items.
call me before 602-448-1156
major cross roads are 7th ave & Bethany Home Road
6145 North 9th Ave
phx 85013

Yard Sale Feb 28th and March 1st

Also if anyone has tables to display items on please let me know (so far I have 3)
Thanks, Kristin

LUV U KIM!

We are home!!

Here are a few pictures of our trip. We had such a great time in Vegas. Our first day we flew in early and had some time to spend while they cleaned a room for us...so we ended up at Margaritaville which was right next to our hotel. I think we had lunch there almost every afternoon. Deanna's team played well. The played each morning (so that meant getting up early). I was able to see some of my old coaches and players who all coach now. It's awesome to be around these major tournaments because I get to see so many people that I know.
Saturday night we went to see KA. It was amazing. The theater is something I can't even explain...a stage that goes vertical and every which direction. We got in pretty late that night. The next night we just hung out at the piano bar next to our hotel. That was very entertaining. We laughed, sang along, Deron acted like a total retard who couldn't clap on beat...he had so many people around us laughing. We had such a blast. This trip was exactly what we needed. Thank you to everyone who helped us make this trip possible. We decided to come home a day early. Deanna's team finished really early on Monday and we missed our babies...so we checked out of the hotel and headed to the airport on stand by. Every flight was booked with it being the end of a holiday weekend. We got bumped on a few flights but ended up getting on the 7:40 flight. We were boarding this plane and we had to sit away from each other but at least we made it home. Then the weird thing...we had another volleyball team on our flight and I was walking to the back of the plane and I hear girls telling me that there is an extra seat with them. As I looked up at see the seat, the person sitting in the next seat was one of my college teammates. It was the coolest thing ever. We have not seen each other in about 5 + years. So we got to catch up over our 50 minute flight. We got home around 10:30ish last night to find Dylan in our bed. He refused to sleep in his bed because he said that we would be so tired and would not come in and wake him up when we got home. lol He was so cute when we woke him up. Kyrstin on the other hand was so tired I couldn't even get her to open her eyes. She was so excited this morning to see us. One of my favorite sounds is to hear her come in with her chipmunk voice and say with a huge smile "Hi Mommy". I think both kids grew while we were gone...what did Uncle Scott, Aunt Cher, Nana and Grandpa feed them while we were gone??? I hope everyone had a wonderful Valentines Day and extended weekend. This Friday is Round 9!!! Only 4 to go, then new scans and next step plans.

Much love,

Kim

Just a quick update before bed

I'm getting my bags packed for our trip to Vegas for Deanna's volleyball tournament. Our fight leaves first thing in the morning so I'll only get about 3 hours of sleep tonight if I'm lucky before we get up to fight traffic and security at the airport. Pray for Deron as I am not a morning person...lol. Thank you Maite for making our flight plans possible.
I had the honor of meeting a wonderful family tonight. They are the Hale family with 3 beautiful little girls. They put on a golf tournament in December in honor of ME. I was so set back when Deron told me that some guy (we had no clue who he was) left him a message at work telling him that he put on this tournament and raise money for our family and to call him so we could meet. I have been so blessed to have such amazing people surrounding me. Tonight we met and they were such awesome people. I want to thank you both and all of your friends so much for doing this for my family. You have no idea how much this means to us. They even took pictures and put together a slide show for me. It is below for everyone to enjoy.


Then after leaving the Hale family...I took my kids and mom across the street to Olive Garden. Our waitress and I got to talking about my situation (I'm not sure how it came up) but her father is a colon cancer SURVIVOR. She had no idea that she and what ever siblings she has must get checked every 5 years. I know that the Lord put us at her table to have that discussion. It was just too weird how it all played out. Our God is good!!!! That goes for anyone who has a relative that has had colon cancer (well...any cancer for that matter), YOU MUST GET CHECKED!! You can NOT wait until you are older or "at the age that they cancer come about". I've learned that cancer does not discriminate on age, race, religion...you must talk with your doctors and DEMAND to be screened. Some doctors don't discuss things like this with you. YOU have to be in the driver seat with your own life. You might have to deal with the insurance companies for approval if your "not of that age yet" (Agh...that just irritates me about insurance companies...this in another topic for another day). Early detection is key people...with any cancer. Okay...I'm off that soap box for now. I've got to get to bed.
I wish everyone a wonderful Valentines Day and President's Day. My Valentines Day looks like this...volleyball most of the morning and afternoon...hopefully a nap...dinner (not sure where yet) and KA Cirque Du Soleil show at the MGM Grand. I'm so excited. I've never seen a show in Vegas before. I'll let you know next week what we thought of it.


Much love,

Kim Miller

Drum Roll Please........

Okay, sorry for not getting on yesterday to update on my scan results. It was a good day. My liver tumors continue to shrink!!!! My lungs have not changed at all since this whole thing started. The doctor said we could research what is actually in my lungs but we would have to stop treatment for some time to be able to do biopsy's and such. However, he is not too concerned about needing to find out what is in the lungs right now. We will continue to monitor the lungs each 2 months in my scans. I'm still having a little Neuropathy in my hands so we have decided to completely stop the 5FU drug. This is the drug I've been off for the past month now. We will keep all the other chemo drugs that make up the Ful Furi but just eliminate the 5FU. I am now down to one day of chemo every other week. My doctor thinks it is positive that I have not been on the 5FU for a month and my tumors are still shrinking. The other active cancer killers are working and so is our good Lord! Surgery is still not a thought. My primary tumor in my colon is off to the right side and is not causing an obstruction or bleeding (Thank you God) therefore, we will leave it alone and continue chemo treatment for the next two months and then redo scans to measure progress. Keep the prayers coming!
Thank you to everyone who continues to bring wonderful food to my family, the volleyball club who has been so wonderful to us, my friends who continue to be by my side, my family who deals with my every emotion and to my husband and children who make every day so worth while. I love you all so much.
Round 9 is on the 20th!

Kim

Yard Sale!

Round 8 is over!!

As I expected, I did not have to do the 46hr. pump again due to the Neuropathy in my hands. It isn't really bad but the fact it has not gone away is not good. We did the same chemo as last time. We did not talk about clinical trials the past week. I have scans this week so as soon as they can get them done, I'm hoping to get my results Monday, February 9th. Keep praying for positive results. Saturday we attended a benefit concert for me the was put on by Sentimental Journey. They were awesome. If you have a chance, you have to check them out where ever they play. Thank you so much Sentimental Journey! My hands today are a bit swollen but not bad at all. I'm able to open my own water bottles today, yeah!!! I've been pretty tired the past two days but not nauseous. I was given a new nausea pill called Emend (recommended by Susan Turley's brother, thank you). I was not nearly as nauseous this go around and I never did get sick on Friday!!!! I'm excited to have asked my doctors if I could push back my next treatment so Deron and I could make it to Deanna's biggest tournament of the year in Las Vegas over Valentines weekend. They told me that important family events can not be missed due to chemo. I need to run my life...not the chemo. That made me feel so good about asking. Therefore, my next treatment will be February 20th. I go get a massage from Sue tomorrow to help get the chemo and toxins running out of my body. Wednesday I have the genetics testing appointment. I'm not sure what to expect. This testing will determine if I'm just the random 10% who just get cancer or if I now have the genetic line that my children will need to be screened in their teenage years and every few years after.
Thank you to all the women who continue to bring dinners to my family that I was able to spend the evening with last Thursday night. I had a blast meeting you all and hope to be able to get together next month.
I just finished watching to Super Bowl game and it was a nail biter. I was so hoping that our AZ Cardinals would pull off that win but it just didn't work. Congrats to the Cards for an amazing game played! I'm off to get in bed. Goodnight! As always...keep the prayers coming...our gracious God hears us.

Much love,

Kim

REMINDER

DONT FORGET THE YARD SALE :)

Febuary 28th and March 1st

6145 North 9th Ave
phx az 85013

Please contact Kristin or Karrie for donations
kristinmilstead@yahoo.com kjess@cox.net

HALLAH!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Today was a good day...God is good!!!

This past week has been pretty good. I've felt good, had energy, had an appetite (well that never really left). Even this weekend which is normally my lowest count time where I feel a bit drained, take my temp a few times a day to make sure I'm not starting a fever, I've felt really good. I was actually pretty productive in my house yesterday. I felt like I accomplished a lot yesterday. It's been a while since I had that feeling.

This is Deron, Bill, Ryan and Regan moving a 1000 pound safe. The nightmare safe that took almost 2 years to get delivered correctly.

And the final product... Thank you guys for your help!

Also, something wonderful happened today. Deron went to church with the kids and I. It was a little more than he expected but he really liked our Pastor and the others he met today. Baby steps...

My hands are doing much better. I use the steroid cream each night before bed and I no longer wake up with swollen hands. I've been able to open my own water bottles the past few days. I know opening a water bottle to most is very minor but to someone who hasn't been able to do that simple task, it's awesome. I have a doctors appointment on Thursday then Chemo on Friday morning. Hopefully Thursday I'll remember to update on the doctors appointment with the chemo plan and new CEA count.

As always, I want to thank everyone for your continued support, prayers, faith in knowing I WILL BEAT THIS, continued dinners, and so much love. Thank you, thank you! You are all such amazing people and great cooks. That's something I would love to learn more about while I have a bit of free time. I think I would also like to learn to sew so I can make skirts that are long enough for me, etc. I've been making my wish list of things I want to learn more about during this time period. I need to actually schedule a few of these things so they happen.

Much Love,

Kim

Yard Sale

Yard Sale date changed to Saturday Febuary 28th and Sunday March 1st 9am
Cousin Kristin's Casa!
6145 North 9th Ave
major crossroads are just north of 7th ave and Bethany Home Road
I am going to put together a flyer and email it to the commitee so that everyone can pass them out to get the word out there

Luv you so much Kim! You are my Super Hero! and so much hotter than that Super Women!

Round 7 is over!

Hello all,

Round 7 was cut short by not having my 46hr. pump due to the side effects with my hands. Deron heard from our doctor yesterday for our plan B in case I have these side effects after round 8. The plan now is to get this Neuropathy to go away before round 8 so I can do the 46hr. pump but only 25% of the normal dose. If I get the Neuropathy from the 25% then we will have to discontinue that drug all together and go into clinical trials. The doctors plan B and C for me all contain this 5FU drug therefore, clinical trials is next. Please pray that this Neuropathy will subside and does not come back so we don't change treatments to go into clinical trials. God's great number is 7. If you read the bible you will understand that. This was round 7 without a main drug. I'm putting it in God's hands that he will take care of me and continue to heal me through this round. Yesterday, I felt nauseous as always on Chemo Friday. I slept most of the day and only got sick once in the evening (or at least I thought it was the evening). I was pretty wiped out. It took everything I had to get up and going today to make it to Deanna's volleyball tournament. We didn't make it there until the last game of the last match but at least we made it. It was awesome. So many of these coaches I either played with, against or coached me or wanted to coach me. Many of them had not seen me since hearing I was diagnosed with cancer. It was my own little reunion. Deanna and I stayed just a bit longer to see a few other teams play before leaving. Her team took 2nd today and play tomorrow morning again. I'll need to be in bed early in hopes of making it there for game time at 8am (say a prayer for that too). I'm feeling good today...just a little slower paced but still good. Here are a few pictures of what chemo day looks like. Not much to it. The nurses all know me and know I like to sleep as soon as the Benadryl kicks in so they make sure we are put in a "room" with a bed so I can sleep instead of trying to lay on a recliner like most others. As you can probably tell my hair is really thin...a hat is required in my book for outings. I need more practice with my wigs because it just doesn't look good like the ladies at the wig shop made it look...Cher come help me please!

Much love,

Kim

Round 7 tomorrow!!!

Tomorrow will be a different day. Due to my Neuropathy, we are not going to be doing the 46 hr. pump (aka 5FU). I will do all the drugs at Mayo but not the 5FU (I know it has a funny name). When my liver samples were sent to Canada, we did not know what chemo I was going to be given so they tried 5 different chemo's and the 5FU was one of them. In the lab, my liver tissues did not respond. Obviously lab testing and body testing can react differently. Therefore, when I was told we had to not do the 5FU due to the side effect and the concern of long term issues, I was okay with that. However, this is one of the main drugs given. That confirms for me that God is healing my body. I can't wait to do my blood work in two weeks to see if my CEA comes down again without the most important drug. As of today, my CEA dropped again from 4.7 to 4.3. I know it's not much but it still dropped. The CEA is only a marker for them to see if my body is responding positively or negatively. Someone can have a CEA of 0 and still have cancer, but since my CEA was so high it is extremely positive that it continues to go down. After round 8, I will be having scans done again to measure the progress against my previous scans. I will have the scans done around the 9th of February then getting the results that Friday before treatment. I think that date is the 13th. I'm actually excited to only have one day of treatment this time. Therefore, I won't have to carry around my pump at Deanna's volleyball tournament all weekend. When this Neuopathy goes away in my hands then we will start the 5FU again but only at 25%. Last round we reduced 25% but was still given 75% of that drug. Next time will be reduced by 75% and only being given 25%. Hopefully that makes sense. If I react with the Neuropathy again then we will have to stop this treatment and try another one. Please pray for no reaction to the 5FU at 25%. I really don't want to have to change treatments. Things are going so well...thanks to God!!!! Again, thank you to everyone who continues to keep my family in their prayers. The Lord hears us. Keep it coming.

Much love,

Kim

Benefit Concert- January 31st!

Thanks to Sentimental Journey for putting together a Benefit Concert for Kim! Details are listed below. Please click on the image to see the full text.

Trying not to dwell...

So, I got a phone call today from our HR director at Corporate. He informed me that our entire division of John Laing Homes in Arizona is now CLOSED. They are completely pulling out of Arizona. This supposedly does not affect my long term disability because that is from the insurance company. I was beyond shocked. I want to thank everyone at the Corporate office in California for being such amazing people. It was such a pleasure meeting you all. And to my Phoenix team, you are all great people and I really enjoyed working with you all. Hopefully our paths will cross again soon. What is going on in our world today? This doesn't only affect our team...the trade companies that worked with us no longer have our business, the cleaners that did an awesome job cleaning our models no longer have a job...the list goes on and on. I would be so grateful is everyone reading this would say a prayer for all the people that have been affected by this. I will...like always...put my faith in God that he will put me where I need to be in the future.

Much love,

Kim

January 11,2009...I can't believe it's 2009!

It's so funny when I get text messages about not blogging. They go something like this "What the heck is going on...you haven't updated in a few days". lol Sorry to you all who check on a daily basis. This last week has been a pretty good week. Round 6 was completed last Sunday. It seems that my first day of treatment is getting to be the hardest day. I got sick twice last Friday...I was so upset because I think I should be able to control it. I know...I know...I don't have control of that, but I want to. My hair is thinning so bad now that I won't go out without a hat on. I'll probably start wearing my awesome wigs. Everyone is just amazed that I still have hair. Since I've been taking B6 vitamins twice a day, my Neuropathy hasn't been nearly as bad but it is still there. The past few days I was able to open my own water bottles with very little discomfort. I was so happy. Then today I woke up and was just a bit swollen but couldn't open my water bottle. It gets a bit irritating not being able to accomplish the most simple things in life...but one day at a time. I have accepted and actually enjoy allowing Deron, the kids or my parents to help me to do those things. One other symptom I'm having is what they call Chemo brain... If I don't write about it right away...I forget everything now. I'll be in the middle of a conversation and forget what I was talking about. lol
Deron started with a new squad on swing shift this past week...which is his favorite shift. He has a great group of guys on his squad, so I'm happy for him. He's home between 12pm-1am. It will be much easier for my mom to help me with the kids and put them to bed at home knowing that Deron will be home soon. I think it will be good for this kids as well to be home more...have a bit more of a normal life. When Deron was working graveyard shift, we stayed with my parents a lot. I'm sure that had to be tough for the kids to spend more time at Nana and Grandpa's vs. home.
As of last Friday (chemo day) my CEA count (cancer marker) dropped again from 5.3 to 4.7. This drop is just from round 5. They weren't scheduled to draw for the CEA until before round 7 (this Friday) but they did anyways. I will have scans again next month. God is good!!!!!
I just have to say I've been so amazed at people...from my family to my friends, to the Mormon church who everyday this month has been bringing my family wonderful dinners. Shannon is my neighbor and her entire Ward has rallied together to take care of my family almost this entire month. They are all so sweet and great cooks. Thank you to you all who have already brought food and those that are still scheduled. It means the world to us.
Tonight I got beat in Wii Golf by Deron and Kyrstin. Then when the kids went to bed I got beat in bowling by Deron. I don't know how much I like this Wii. I've never lost so much before in my life. lol I have to say, it has given us more things to do as a family which I love.
Deanna had her first club volleyball tournament this past weekend...they got first! They are awesome. They have another major tournament this weekend at ASU (Fiesta Classic).
Round 7 this Friday...keep the prayers coming. The good Lord hears us all!

Much love,
Kim

Yard Sale! What What!

Yard Sale Feb. 21st and 22nd
Cousin Kristin's Casa
6145 North 9th Ave
Phx 85013
Please stay tuned for more details. You can email both my mom Karrie and I for donations and details. Kjess@cox.net (Karrie) and KristinMilstead@yahoo.com
All proceeds going to Kim!

LUV YOU KIM! YOU ARE MY HERO!

Round 6 is tomorrow...

I hope everyone had a blessed Christmas! I also wish you all a wonderful and blessed New Year! 2009 will be good! This update will be shorter...I'm a bit tired tonight. The cabin was amazing. Deron felt right at home and calls it a five star cabin. I'll get pics posted as soon as I ask Kandus to help me do a slide show. The fire dept. happened to be on the road to the cabin with a back hoe plowing driveways for the snowed in people. Our drive had not been plowed yet. Therefore we would have had no way of getting to the cabin with the 4 ft. wall of snow blocking the drive. Thank you Lord for putting those men there for us.
I'm still having a bit of issues with the Neuropathy in my hands. Each morning I've been waking up with swollen hands so it makes the simple things, hard. Again, this is my only symptom so I'm feeling pretty lucky.
We got home late Monday night. Tuesday my in laws got to town in the afternoon. They drove from their home in Oregon this time ILO Cali. 21 hours of driving...no thank you! We then went to the Insight Bowl Game Wednesday with them. Deron's side the family went to KU and those KU people are die hard fans. It was awesome to be a part of that experience. Thanks Dad. We were all so tired from being at the tail gate party, pregame, and game that after dinner (which was at 9pm) we all went home and fell asleep. I was in bed at 11pm. I woke up to hearing neighbors cheering and lighting firecrackers. I woke Deron up just enough to get a quick peck on the lips, said Happy New Years, and we fell back asleep. My poor mom waited up til 3am waiting for me to call her. I've always called her at midnight...I've also always been up at midnight. Today we all hung out at my house, ate so much food...all day long, watched football and then Deron, his dad, step mom, and uncle all played each other in a round of Golf on the Wii. That was quite comical. I start round 6 tomorrow. Chemo is my friend....chemo is my friend. That's what I tell myself. I've been feeling awesome. I'm loosing hair at the normal rate you normally loose hair but I'm not regrowing any right now. The top of my head is getting pretty thin but still looking okay. I have not had any fevers, even when my counts are dangerously low. Thank you Lord again for always looking out for me and healing me!!!!! I love you all and I hope 2009 is awesome for you!!!!
Much Love,
Kim

Sweetheart/Valentine's Dance Cancelled

We have made the decision to cancel the Sweetheart/Valentine's Dance for Feb. 13th due to the lack of response at this time. We are planning on doing another Bowling Fundraiser sometime in the Spring.

Happy New Year,
Aunt Kathy

Hallah!

Hey, I went on the Drury link that you have on your blog and I went to high school with her daughters! Small world. If you contact her at all, let her know that I was on the swim team with her daughter Michelle! See ya tomorrow!
love yah lots!
Kristin

Have Fun At the Insight Bowl!!!!

Hey Kim, I just wanted to tell you to have fun at the Insight Bowl on Wednesday and cheer on the Jayhawks to a victory! Unfortunately, work is crazy right now and preventing me from making the trip down there to visit everyone and attend the game, but Katie and I will be there in spirit. However, my father will be there for 4 nights, so make sure you guys show him a good time! Just make sure he behaves himself at the Bowl game and on Mill Street on New Year's Eve - He gets pretty animated when it comes to cheering on his Hawks!

Have a great time and I'm sure we'll talk to you a few times over the next week. Rock Chalk Jayhawk!

Love,
Garrett & Katie

Tonight's dinner 12-23-08

Deron and I were in the east valley this afternoon and decided to stop at Olive Garden on Elliot Rd. in Tempe for an early dinner before heading into rush hour traffic. We had the neatest waiter! He could tell that I was having issues with my hands but didn't say anything about it but was very attentive to us and did such an amazing job. Towards the end of dinner we talked about coffee. I asked about their different drinks and he mentioned one that had Tequila in it. I told him that I have cancer in my liver and I'm afraid to put anything in my body that will harm my liver. He looked in my eyes and said "I have no doubt in my mind you will be healed and will be just fine." His sister has ovarian cancer right now and is the first in their family to be faced with cancer. She is a single mother of three children. He told me to keep my faith in God and all will be okay. He wrote down my name and told me he would start praying for me tonight and I will be added to his churches prayer chain. I know God put us in that restaurant with him as our waiter for a reason. His name is JC. He and his wife also clean homes in the mornings before he goes to work at Olive Garden and he gave us his card and told us to call him when I was ready and he and his wife would be coming over to clean my home for free. He said the Lord would repay him. He also brought me vegetable soup for tomorrow's lunch because I need my veggies. I just can't say enough about this guy. We all hugged before we left and we made sure to take care of him. If anyone is in the area and eats at Olive Garden on Elliot, you have to ask for JC and make sure to take good care of him. He works Wednesday-Saturday.
God works in amazing ways! He shows himself in so many different ways and at so many different times. God is good!!
Kim

December 23rd ALREADY...

Sunday was another wonderful day at church. I've really found so much peace going to the Light House Church. Sunday evening, after my nurse came and unhooked my chemo, we even went to The Church of the Nations and I was honored to have their head pastor and other pastor's pray over me. It was such an amazing feeling.
Monday started with the Neuropathy again. This time it was my hands that swelled up really bad and got very sore, not my feet. It's amazing how much we rely on our hands. It sucked for me...but the kids liked it. They had to feed me, help me dress, put my shoes on and tie them for me, etc. I was feeling good except for my hands. We definitely got laughs out of it. Kiki was feeding me my eggs and biscuits and gravy. I told her I didn't want another bite of eggs and she told me "Yes, Mom, one more bite!" My five year old put me in my place and made me eat one more bite of eggs. lol My doctor wanted me to come in and see someone if this happened this time a round. Therefore, my mom and I got to drive all the way to Scottsdale Monday afternoon and Deron got to take the kids to their doctor. Kiki had been running a fever and was complaining about her throat hurting and Dylan started with a hacky cough. Kiki has Strep and Dylan is starting with a little cold or something so all three (Deron, Dylan and Kiki) are on meds before my counts drop by this weekend. My appointment went well. There is really nothing they can do for this reaction. They need to document every reaction I get so we can make a decision if it gets too bad, whether or not to stop that certain drug which causes this Neuropathy, which happens to be the 46 hr. pump. We continue to massage my arms and legs each day to make sure there is enough blood flow getting to my feet and hands, cold compresses, etc. Today, Tuesday, I'm doing much better...obviously, I'm typing. I'm still just a bit sore and swollen but nothing like yesterday. With only having one day of swollen painful feet or hands...I think I can keep on my same regimen. Things are obviously working and I'm having such little side effects. I'm very blessed! I feel as if I'm getting stronger each round I do.
Christmas day we will be heading to my mom's in the morning for breakfast and open gifts with them and my brother and family. Then off to Aunt Kathy's for the afternoon. Friday we are heading back to the cabin with just Deron the kids and I. We are so excited. There is so much snow...we can't wait! We'll be back on Monday...if we don't get snowed in.

We want to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas. Remember the true meaning of Christmas...the birth of Jesus! We love you all!

Round 5 is under way!

Sorry for not updating last night but my first night of chemo is normally my worst night. Again, I lost my dinner last night, but felt better afterwards. My cousin Kristen stayed with me again as she always does on Chemo Friday's. I can't thank you enough Kristen for always being there for me, wiping my face off after getting sick, playing with the kids, fixing whatever needs to be fixed. I love you so much.
As for yesterday, most of you know I received my MRI results....I bet you want to know what they said. I'm happy to announce that our Lord is amazing! My liver tumors are shrinking!!!!!!!!!!!!!! My lungs had no change at all so they are still puzzled on whether or not I have cancer in my lungs. They tested me for Coxi (Valley Fever) when I got to Mayo and that came back negative. So we are all a bit puzzled on what my lungs really consist. They will continue to watch it. My primary tumor is a bit hard to measure considering it is in a hollow area of the body. It showed that it was still there but it is still not causing any issues. The only concern for that tumor is if it started causing obstruction or bleeding...but we all know the Lord is healing my body. I was pleasantly surprised with my Oncologist yesterday. He doesn't really have the best bed side manners but he tried really hard yesterday. I actually saw hope and excitement from him. If he only knew how much that means to a patient, he might be like that a bit more. He is extremely knowledgeable and I feel blessed to have him and the entire team looking after me. His words of encouragement was " Having no change is good at this point...we are better than good." He actually had a smile. My CEA (cancer marker with blood work) also dropped again from 8.5 to 5.3. All positive signs that the good Lord is healing me! I truly believe our Lord has already healed me...it's just taking my body a bit to catch up with what I already know. Today is starting off good. I didn't get out of bed until 2pm because there was no one here to tell me I had to get up. And all who know me, know how much I love my sleep. Tonight I will attempt to eat at a Mexican Food place with my family. Mexican food has always been my favorite but I haven't been able to eat anything spicy for some time now. I'll try a chicken quesedilla or something. Then we are all headed to Glendale Glitters to watch my nieces perform in the annual Christmas dancing. It will be cold but I will be dressed like an Eskimo. Them tomorrow we go to Church and a healing mass in the evening. Thank you to all who continue to support my family whether it is prayers, food, letters of encouragement, etc...it means so much to us.

Love you all,

Kim

Kim You Are a Supah Star!

Luv You so Much! Your strength and determination is so awesome!

Hey all Cousin's dont forget the cousins Christmas Party @ 6 tomorrow night @ Eli & Kristin's casa!

Luv yah so much!

Surprise at my door...

This morning someone came to our door and left a note and twelve presents. The note said "The Twelve Days of Christmas. It's a family tradition we do each year in hopes that this will send you Christmas cheer! Each year we pick someone to surprise, without a doubt, it's your family we realized!! Our family thinks that your family is so kind, that it didn't take us long to make up our minds! The next eleven days to come, I hope will be pleasing for everyone! We hope your holidays are the best! It's so wonderful to know that the Savior is your favorite Christmas guest!! Open one gift per day for the next 12 days. Merry Christmas!! We love you!!
There was no name on the note or the gifts. When Deron brought me the note I cried as I read it. People are so amazing! I would like to thank who ever brought the twelve days of Christmas to my home. That gave us all the biggest smiles on our faces. Thank you so much!!!! Though this journey has brought some of the most challenging times of my life...it has also brought some of the most amazing times as well with all the out reach, love and support from so many. Thank you all so much!!!

God is good!!

This past week Dec. 7th-14th...

After I left you all last Sunday, I was having a pretty emotional day with the 3 loses I experienced in one week. I don't really remember what happened Monday or Tuesday. If I remember I'll tell you about them later. lol My memory has not been the best. I'm forgetting things instantly...I'm told that is called Chemo brain...I know I'm too young for Alzheimer's...but they also told me I was too young for Colon Cancer. Ohhh...I remember Monday and Tuesday...not much happened because I was experiencing Neuropathy in my feet. That is a side effect of one of my chemo drugs. What happens is, my feet and hands swell ...only the pads of my fingers and toes. It's really weird. My toes and the balls of my feet swelled up but nothing else. They were very red and were very hot to the touch. You could touch my arches and they were fine, you touch the pads of the balls of my feet and it was very hot and sore. When this happens it is very hard to walk. It's very uncomfortable. My way of feeling better was my mom or Deron massaging my legs downward to make sure the blood is flowing really good in my legs and feet...and of course PRAYING!! Tuesday was better but still a little tender..but no nausea...the anti nausea pills and I have become very good friends. By Wednesday...it was pretty much gone...Praise our Lord!!
Wednesday was Susan's services...I did not go. I really wanted to be there for Susan's family but I still couldn't even read her blog since I was told she was going home on Hospice. I prayed so hard and so many times that the Lord would lead me in the right direction on whether or not to attend her funeral. I asked the Lord to have the next person I talked with tell me what I should do for me...my mother in law (drove from California) happened to show up at my mom's house which was a total surprise to me and the first thing I spoke to her about was Susan and whether or not I should attend her services and she said with her very calm voice "Honey, I don't think that would be in your best interest right now." I knew that was my answer. I felt like I was putting myself before her family which was very hard for me to do but I knew I needed to listen. Natty informed me that her services were very emotional but also was great to hear all the funny and inspiring stories about Susan. I hope to keep in touch with her family as I continue to fight my fight.
Thursday was a normal day to begin with...then my friend Vinny came over with his friend to do my very own personal bible study. They showed up around 7:45pm and we just started talking when someone knocked at our door. As we opened the door the song started...it was Christmas Carolers!!! It was so amazing...I've only seen this on TV. The kids came running when they heard the singing. It was my neighbor Shannon and her Church group. I had the pleasure of meeting another one of God's miracles that night. I was told there was another miracle singing in the crowd as well. They then talked about bringing my family dinners and they wanted to help in any way they could... so what did I start doing??? That's right...I was crying! That was such an incredible experience for my whole family as well as Vinny and his friend. Thank you Shannon for setting that up!
Friday I had my MRI's and blood work done. I get my scan results on Friday before chemo. Later that night was the my cousins state championship game at the Cardinal's stadium. Deron had to drop me off at the front and what a hike it was to finally get to my family. It was great exercise...up and down and all around that stadium. Of course, Justin and Jake rocked the house for Centennial and they won the State Championship for the third year in a row. Congrats guys! During the game I got a call from my nurse who informed me that my counts were dangerously low, which means my body is unable to fight off any infections which can lead to sever fevers and hospitalization. She laughed when I told her I was at the Cardinal stadium with hundreds of people. She told me to steer clear of anyone who was sick...no hugging...take my temperature every few hours to make sure I didn't start a fever. The amazing thing was I felt great...just a bit tired of all the up and down of the stairs. After the game some of my family went to the Yard House at West Gate. While we waited for a table for our group, my mom, Audrea and I took our kids on the horse and carriage ride. That was neat. The kids loved it!
Saturday my dear friend Laura came over and helped me with some chores and visited with us. Vicki also came over to drop off her yoga mat and DVD so I can start getting in shape again. Thanks Vicki and Lola.
Sunday is church day. Again we went back to the Light House in Peoria...this time my Aunt Kathy and my cousin, Kandus joined us. It was awesome to have them come with us. The music is awesome and the messages are so real and personal...I love it! This afternoon was the first time I've been able to read Susan's blog in over a week. Her wedding photos are so beautiful. I'm so happy that she is now with our Lord and no longer in pain. Her family's strength and faith is incredible. Tonight my mom and I went back to church for the Christmas program that the kids ministry was putting on. The different age groups got up and sang and did their productions...it was really cool. Maybe next year my kids will be in that group.
Over all I've been feeling awesome. No fevers...only sick on Friday's chemo day...swollen feet for only two days...not really any nausea (that I can remember). So I have to praise the Lord for his continued healing on my body and for giving me the continued strength every day. I will make sure to update on the scan results, hopefully Friday evening the 19th or the next day in case I'm not feeling well from day 1 of chemo. Thank you to all of you who continue to pray for my healing and my family.

Much Love,
Kim

Jewelry Party for Saturday Cancelled

We have decided to cancel the Jewelry Party on Saturday due to not many people being able to attend.

Regards,
Aunt Kathy

Susan's Blog

Losing Tracy's Dad, Smitty, & Susan has made it difficult the last few days. As Kim also wrote, I am trying to keep my head high and accept those things which are not in our control.

I have added Susan's blog to the blog list for those that would like to check out her blog. Also note that the 2 comments on Kim's last posting are from Susan's brother and father.

Round 4 completed...

I write tonight with so many mixed emotions. This past week has been a very difficult week for my family and friends. As many of you know, Susan Turley, 25, Natty's friend that I had the great pleasure of meeting at Mayo hospital passed away Friday evening from her battle with Colon Cancer. Friday, Susan was so heavy on my heart...I cried while I prayed that the Lord would take away all her pain..as I knew he was calling her home. I was not very shocked to hear the news that next morning....yet very sad. Saturday morning was yet another hard day. Not only was it the day my cousins laid their grandpa to rest who past earlier in the week but also...if there could be an also...Smitty, Grandma Virginia's long time companion in life also passed away from complications with his cancer. I'm trying to keep my head held high and just thank God everyday, many times a day, for his continued blessings on my life.
Back to Friday at our doctors appt. before Chemo started, we did get some good news. With my liver being affected from this cancer, it has been showing high levels which is not so good. As of my blood work Thursday, my liver functions are back to normal. We will be completing new scans on the 15th to receive my results at the end of that week. We will definitely keep you posted.
When Deron and I left Mayo Friday evening, I was not feeling too hot. Sure enough after my mom and Kristen and I said prayers, I grabbed my blanket and lost my dinner. I felt better after though...I just hate getting sick. Saturday was pretty low key at home and I felt pretty good all day. The kids and I spent the night with my parents Saturday night as well as tonight. While Deron is working nights, I'm really not wanting to be alone.
Today, Sunday, we got up and got to church back at the Light House Church. Dylan had no problem going into the children's ministry but Kiki would not leave my side...so she went with Nana and I. Dylan had a blast and can't wait to go back next week. Kiki said next week she will go with Dylan and the other kids. After church we went to Johnny Rockets for the benefit day for my family. It was nice to see my family and friends drive all the way up to Happy Valley Rd. just to have lunch for our cause. Thank you to all who made it up there...I know it was far for most of us. Then back to the house to meet my home care nurse to get unhooked. Round 4 is officially over. After my nap this afternoon, I've been feeling a bit nauseous but hopefully I can get through the night without loosing my dinner. Oh and I still have some hair. It's been doing pretty good lately. We shall see if I loose it or not. They expected it to all go between days 8-14 after my first round. That was a month and a half ago...it has definitely thinned quite a bit but not enough to shave it yet. Thank you all for your continued prayers. With all the good marks with my blood work...the Lord hears us! Please pray for Susan, her husband and entire family as they go through this hard time as well as my family with the two deaths we have experience this past week.
Much love and thanks to everyone who continues to bring us dinners...you have no idea how much that helps us out. That is just one less worry for us. Thank you !!!
Love you all,
Kim

Silpada Jewelry Fundraier

Hall-ah! from Sunny California!

Daniel and I extended our vay-kay and ended up in Cali, visiting cousin Kandus! Her place is 5 min walk from the beach! Daniel & I walked past the condo's that we all stay in & thought of all the good memories that our fantastic fam has shared here! The cabin trip was spectacular and as Kim mentioned the highlight was when we were playing right,left, center (with $) and Dylan announced that his mom has colon cancer and & could any1 give her $ :)
Kandus, Daniel and I are thinking of ya! and sending you positive energy from Cali, sealed with the ocean breeze and good memories!
Luv ya lots!
-Ur 3 crazy cousins! (or mayb just 2) Kandus is a norm-ee who puts up with Daniel and I by default of being related:)

The week of Thanksgiving...

Early in the week, I had a pretty rough time with being nauseous. We had an appointment with a natural doctor (whatever their title is?) at Mayo this past week. They almost didn't allow us to have our appointment because we were late. The reason we were late was I was down stairs in the bathroom for 20 minutes getting sick. I was going to get very upset if we drove one hour to see this guy, then getting sick in the public restroom and not being able to see the doctor. However, the doctor was running late himself and allowed us to still see him. He really gave us good ideas for a well balance diet...something I know nothing about. I was sad to learn I can only have red meat once a month. For all who know my family...we are meat and potato type of people. Fish is a huge part of our new diet...we like fish too so that won't be too difficult. If we really stayed on top of this diet, I shouldn't have to supplement my body with any other supplements. That would be nice. The two days before Thanksgiving day, I was nauseous and I did get sick twice. However, I feel so blessed to only have the minor symptoms I've had. b I prayed that it would be gone and Thanksgiving day and weekend I would be great. Again, the Lord answered my prayers.

Thanksgiving Day was awesome! Most of my family was there. We did miss Kandus who was with friends in Texas. My brother and Cher didn't make it either but they were coming up to the cabin. I was able to eat whatever I wanted and did great. Samantha and Scott came to spend the day with us as well. After being really stuffed and needing to take a nap...Audrea, Kathy, Karrie, Sammy, my mom and I all started on my 400+ person thank you list. It took a while but I think we got the first round completed. Thank you ladies for your help.

Friday was travel day to the cabin. I had a really difficult time sleeping Thursday night so getting up and moving Friday morning was a challenge for me...but we finally made it on the road. It was quite emotional having to go on this family trip without my husband. I guess someone has to stay home and work. I had an emotional moment when we arrived but got over it pretty quickly. The cabin was amazing. It was everything I thought a cabin should be and then some. Friday evening, Kirby made awesome spaghetti. We all got stuffed and lounged by the fireplace. Saturday morning we all woke up and had a great breakfast. I love the men of my family...they all cook. As the men worked in the kitchen, we ladies got the kids and ourselves fed. We then got ready and most of us went fishing. It was so cold. We hiked a bit back to this area where the boys like fishing. It was pretty far but I did very well. It felt so good to be out in the woods with snow on the ground and hiking around. Not only was it cold but the wind as awful and we were on the shady side of the lake. We were wrapped up like Eskimo's. Kiki and Dylan both got help from Uncle Mitch and caught fish. Kiki was such a trooper. She was the only girl that wanted to keep fishing. The only thing was I had to explain to her that we could not bring the fishy home and put it in a glass fish bowl. We eat the fish we catch. She was so upset and wanted no one to eat her fishy. lol After a while most of us were so cold we had to take one of the vehicles and get back to the cabin. Dylan stayed with all the big boys and all the little girls went back with Aunt Karrie, Uncle Mike and I. After everyone grilled their dinner we played a game called Left, Right, Center. The kids were all watching and wanted to play. We all laughed so hard when I lost my money and Dylan said "Can anyone give my mommy some money...She has colon cancer". We couldn't stop laughing. It was so innocent and funny. The kids caught on so quick we let them play. Kiki won the first time and Kayla won the second game. They were all so cute. Kristen then went outside and made a fire in the pit so we could roast marshmallows and make smores. The kids loved it. It was so cold out there that the marshmallows couldn't even make the chocolate warm up at all. But we all enjoyed ourselves. Then off to bed. Today was a day of packing and cleaning. When we were all done and trucks loaded we just sat in the living room and talked about wanting to unpack and stay longer. It was such a great weekend. Hopefully we can make it an annual family trip. I would also love to take my husband and kids back.
We are now home and ready for the reality of school again tomorrow. I'm looking forward to a great week before round 4 starts on Friday.

Cabin Pictures....

Happy (Early) Thanksgiving!!!

Hey Guys! Katie and I just wanted to tell you to have a wonderful Thankgiving with the family at the Cabin. We're sure you will have a great time relaxing and enjoying each other's company over the next few days.

Katie and I are heading north to Iowa tomorrow morning to spend Thanksgiving with her side of the family. The Eggers/Heil family is amazing (just like the Miller's, of course!) and those that have already heard your story are truly inspired by your strong will and positive attitude. We will make sure to pray for you and keep you in our thoughts throughout this holiday weekend.

Again, have a great time over Thanksgiving and know that even though we're 1,500 miles away, we're with you in spirit!

"Without faith, nothing is possible. With it, nothing is impossible."

Love,
Garrett, Katie and the rest of the crew from Kansas

Marathon Entries are gone

Thanks to Michelle Birtcher and Kathy Rampy who purchased the marathon entries!

Rock 'N' Roll Marathon

We had a last minute donation for the silent auction that was not available on Saturday. My friend, Kristi, is donating 2 entries to the Rock 'N' Roll Marathon in Phoenix on Sunday, January 18th. 100% of the proceeds will go to the Kim Miller Benefit Fund. The entries must be used up by November 30th! The regular price is $100 for the half and $115 for the full marathon. We are offering each entry for $75. Thanks!

I can't thank you all enough...

Starting off with Saturday, the day of the Bowl A Thon. When Kristen and I were getting ready to leave, of course the kids started arguing in the back seat. I was hoping that when we got there, they would both chill out and have fun...sure enough they did. When we pulled in the parking lot it was packed. I couldn't believe that there was not much room for parking at 11:30. I was greeted by some of the great Phx. Fire Dept. guys that were helping out. They then showed me the 4 ft. banner that hung above the entrance with my single photo and family photo on it...Thank you Audrey, it was beautiful. When I entered the bowling alley I was then greeted by the amazing team that volunteered their day to benefit my family. As I continued in to actually see the bowling alley, I was brought to tears by the amount of people that were already there bowling, eating, signing up for the silent auction items. My aunts took me to the back so I could have my moment. I am still blown away at everyone I saw...a lot of you I know...and so many of you I did not know. I had people coming up to me that saw my story in the newspaper, had no clue who I was before, giving me cards with wonderful thoughts, prayers, and donations. I could never thank you all enough for all the hard work put in to this event and the tremendous turn out. We have been praying for a financial blessing to help us through these times...well, our wonderful Lord has answered that prayer. He had all of you show up to support us. Thank you, thank you, thank you from the bottom of our hearts. We had a blast as well. Dylan and Kyrstin had the time of their life bowling for the first time. I bowled a bit but with my left hand as my chemo was hooked into my right chest area. Thank goodness they had the bumpers up for me too.
Today, Sunday, I went with my mom and Vinny to his church, The Light House, at 83rd. Ave just north of Thunderbird. This service was unlike anything I've ever experience. It was amazing. The music was so uplifting, the Pastor's were incredible. Vinny had seats for my mom and I right up front. The head Pastor called me up to the front and he and a few others laid their hands upon my head and prayed for my healing. Hearing everyone praying, thanking our gracious Lord, agreeing with our prayers of healing brought me to tears. It was so powerful being in the presence of such amazing people, feeling their positive energy, feeling the presence of our Lord. It's hard to express all my feelings. One of many things that I came away with from today's service was how when things in our life seem to be going good...we are in a routine...we sometimes forget the most important part in life...our Lord. Having him first in our lives, he will make sure we have everything we need. I truly believe this and I am guilty of that exact thing...until now. This meant so much to me...Thank you Vinny! We are hoping to come back next Sunday with the kids. I also had the pleasure of meeting a few people that were healed from terminal cancer and I just felt like I was supposed to be there.
Tonight has been a bit tougher. My stomach got upset and I did get sick this time. However, round 3 complete and only getting sick once...I'll take that.
I'm so thankful to have you all in my life and going through this experience with me. We will do this! I will WIN!!!!!
Much love,

Kim

Chemo Queen :)

I am pleased to say Kim takes her chemo like a champ! I looked like the patient at her chemo appointment, I demand all the saltine crackers, juice and sprite. I tell Kim to move on over so that I can lay in her bed with her (cause Im exhausted) and the hospital gives free beanies away (I have 3 now) We get back from Kims appointment and I lay on the couch with my feet up while Kim starts a bath for me and gathers me more saltine crackers!

:) Only half of that is true, especially the part about Kim being a champ! Love you Kim! Hope that made you laugh!

Pictures from the Bowling Fundraiser

Thanks to everyone that came out for the Bowling Fundraiser. Sorry that it was hectic at times. Thanks so much to all that volunteered and donated items for the silent auction.

Hope everyone enjoys the pictures! If you have any that you would like me to add to the slide show, please email them to me at kandusm34@hotmail.com.

Aunt Kathy Here With The Results Of The Bowling Fundraiser....

I am happy to report that the Bowling Fundraiser was a HUGE SUCCESS!! We had over 200 Bowlers and 105 fabulous Auction Items. Everyone enjoyed themselves and we couldn't be happier with the outcome. We don't have a final total yet, but it is looking like we raised a large amount which will go to Kim and Deron to assist them with medical expenses. I can't thank everyone enough for providing auction items, volunteering at the event and also for all the cash donations.

A special thanks goes out to our tremendous Fund Raising Committee which includes: Samantha Wetherbee, Karrie Jessen, Kristin Milstead, Cher Gwaltney, Jen Howland, Callie Fish, Nan Gwaltney, Paula Loveloy, Sarah Kent, Sherry Miller, Audrey Wallshire and Kandus Mayberry. I have to say that this committee is one of the best I have ever worked with, we had so much fun and produced incredible results in a very short period of time. We are have are next meeting in a few weeks to get to work on the Valentine/Sweetheart Dance on Feb. 13th.

I just spoke to Kandus and she will be placing photo's on the blog soon for everyone to enjoy!!

Kim, we love you soooooo much and are soooooo happy we could do this for you......hopefully, with this money in the bank, you can take the financial worry brick off your shoulder for now and focus all your time and attention or getting well!!!!

Love Ya,
Aunt Kathy

Round 3 of Chemo has begun

Last night was a good night as Deron and I opened up with each other with our struggles. He is very overwhelmed with his soul mate having the battle of her life and he can do nothing about it, maintaining his career, our household, etc. He has so much more on his plate right now including all new emotional stresses that he is not used to dealing with. We cope with our stresses and daily battles so differently. I'm one that become needy. I just want him around me to hold me, take me on errands, what ever it may be...I just want to be there with him. Deron on the other hand being dealt so much needs to get away some times just for a bit to clear his mind. It's hard for me not to take it personal. We are actually going to get with a counselor who knows how to help families cope with the stresses of cancer, marriage and young children. We are both excited to learn how to cope together as one instead of two.



We did get some really good new today at our doctor's appointment before chemo started. My CEA counts are measured before each chemo treatment which is a cancer marker. When we first started my CEA counts were 19.1, which is really high. As of today my CEA count is down to 8.5 which is AWESOME!!! That tells them (without doing scans right now) that my body is responding to treatment very well. Also, we had a pet scan done almost two weeks ago as a base line to measure against for further treatments. I did not want to know the results unless things were drastically different from the other scans we previously had done. However, Deron wanted the results. The one thing our doctor did share with me before I left the room was that my spots in the lungs did NOT show up bright like they should have had it been highly active cancer. This does not confirm that my lungs are clear but it is a good sign. It could also be scar tissue showing up in my lungs from maybe having Cocci at some point in my life. Regardless...my chemo treatment would NOT be changed. We will continue has planned. All your prayers and positive energy is working!!! Keep it coming! I still play Pac Man in my head a few times a day. Not sure if I shared my Pac Man game with you all or not. A few times a day I do my relaxation and let Pac Man go. He starts in my right lung and clears all sick cells away until it's clean, then moves to my left lung. After that, he moves to my liver and completely clears my liver. When he' s done there, he moves down into the colon area and clears out the colon. When Pac Man is done...my body is cancer free. This is just another one of my positive mental things I do with myself. Whatever works...right??

We changed my chemo just a bit on what drugs come first. We asked for the high dose of benadryl to be given first with it's drug so I would sleep most of the time while I was there vs. being so doped up at the end and sleeping the way home and when I get home. It worked. I'm doing really good today. I'm still very drowsy but it's almost bedtime. My cousin Kristen came to Chemo today and brought me home so Deron could get some sleep before working all night tonight. Kristen is staying with me tonight so I don't have to be alone while my mom and dad have the kids. They were very rowdy when I got home. All I did was look up at my mom and she knew I could not handle the rowdiness right then. I love my family. They are so great.



Tomorrow is going to be an exciting day at the Bowl-A-Thon. I'm so excited to see everyone there having fun. I'll see you all around 11ish. Thank you to everyone for your continued support.



Much love,



Kim

Lots of new stuff

I just posted an awesome picture from the Guns N Hoses football game. Be sure to look for it below in Kim's blog that she posted a few days ago.

Also, Johnny Rockets will be having a fundraiser for Kim on Sunday, December 7th from 11-5 at the Happy Valley location. 20% of all sales will go to the Kim Miller Benefit fund. Thanks to Cher and her friend Karey, the manager of the store, for organizing this.


Also, I have updated Kim's diet so please check that out. She cannot have spicy or high sugar food. Kim is actually going to be going to a diet specialist soon to see what she can do to eat better.

I am so excited for the fundraiser on Saturday. I fly into Phoenix tonight. Can't wait to see the fam and to meet everyone that has been putting so much effort into this cause. We are so thankful for the support.

Kim, keep fighting!!!! You have been an inspiration to so many. Love you!!!

Another few days have passed!

I thought I'd get on and update you all on the past few days. Not much has happened....except the hair continues to come out. It's thinning rapidly but evenly so far. Weird thing is...my hair is starting to hurt sometimes...hmmm?
Sunday was a recovery day. I didn't get out of bed until 12 noon from our late night with friends...it took me back to my teenage days over the summer. We went to a birthday party for one of Kiki's classmate...it was the Madagascar movie. Most of her kindergarten class was there. It was nice to be out with all four of us. I text Deron in the movie saying how great it feels to be out an about living life instead of being trapped in my house with the constant reminder of why I'm home and not working or doing things with the kids.
I have to tell you about what I did on Saturday soon after we got home from the Colon Cancer walk...I still laugh about it. Most people get irritated by the Saturday Jehovah Witness people that come door to door on Saturdays. I've never met this gentleman named Mike who has come to my home quite a few times before because I've always been at work. Deron has always talked with him and allowed him to read scriptures from the bible. Well, he happened to come to the house, Deron talked with him like normal, then he was going to leave. When Deron came back to our room where I was napping, I asked him who was at the door. I got up and ran to the front door, waved them down and asked them if they would please say a prayer with me. So there we stood in the middle of the street praying. I loved it. He even had his wife come back to see me yesterday (Monday). I woke up by door bell ringing, through my rope around me and it was his wife and her friend at my home to see me as promised. There we sat on my sofa, me in my robe, and us praying and reading the bible. The things I'm doing now just to have prayer around me is unlike anything I've ever done before. But, you know, it feels so good. They are even coming to see me this Thursday for more prayers. I can't wait!
Today, Deron and I drove up to Flagstaff to pick up his deer meat. It was so peaceful driving, just the two of us. It's amazing once you stop and really take in the scenic drive. We really do live in a beautiful place. We talked the entire way up there...from everything to nothing. We had lunch at Olive Garden and started our way back home. I felt bad because I had a full belly and fell asleep the entire way home. We still had a great time. We got back from Deanna's volleyball banquet tonight and I think she is sad that her volleyball is over. The sad thing is...it doesn't have to be over...she has the talent to continue...I just wish she believed that like everyone else does.
I did receive a phone call yesterday from nurse Wendy regarding my white cell count being pretty low. That was from the blood draw I did last Friday. She was so pleased to hear that we had our busiest weekend and I felt the best over this weekend. Yeah for my body! I have a very strong body...it will carry me through this. Each night we pray that God keeps my body strong to work with the chemo not against it and for my mind to remain positive. We have such an amazing God.
As I continue to get emails from everyone I know and especially the ones I don't know, I am truly touched at the continued love and support. We can't thank you enough for you support. We hope to see you all on Saturday. I will be on chemo that day so with the crowd, don't be surprised to see me with a mask on for precaution. I've been handling treatments well and expect the same for this weekend.
We love you all!

Kim in the Arizona Republic

Kim was in the newspaper this weekend and it was a great story! http://www.azcentral.com/news/articles/2008/11/15/20081115wvcancer1115.html

And the round house kicks to cancer keep on coming! GO KIM!

DON'T FORGET THE BOWLING/SILENT AUCTION. This Saturday, details located on Kim's blog, just look below :)

"I know God will not give me anything I cannot handle. I just wish that he didn't trust me so much" ~Mother Teresa

LUV U KIM! HALL-AH!

Yesterday...WOW!!!

Yesterday started off very early...we are not early risers. Not one of us got a full nights sleep so waking up at 5:45am was not exactly a joy for Deron, the kids or myself. However, it was a very important day for me. Grumpy as can be, all four of us made it to the Colon Cancer Walk in Tempe. I had to take an anti nauseous pill once we got there from all the driving. Deron I love you but your driving was horrible that morning. lol It was pretty chilly when we started registration. I couldn't believe me eyes when I saw the first guy run by me at 7am wearing nothing but bright blue briefs....yes...briefs...not boxer briefs with a sweat band around his head! It was so neat to see every ones sense of humor about colon cancer. If you can think of any butt jokes...we probably saw them all. It was a little emotional for me to see so many people all there to support colon cancer....and to know that all of these people have been affected in some way from this disease. The highlight of my morning was when Robyn McDowell (one of my GCC coaches) found me in the massive crowd and gave me the biggest Robyn hug she had...Robyn has the best hugs. We cried just a bit and I was off to walk the 1 mile portion of the race. Robyn and her very large family was walking the 3.25 mile walk. I felt honored to have Deron, my kids, my parents, my father-in-law and Kerri Jo (all the way from Oregon), Scott (brother) and his family, Scott's mother-in-law (who is also a breast cancer survivor- Yeah MeeMa!), Uncle Roy, Uncle Roy's friends, Aunt Karrie, Kristin, Daniel and my Aunt Callie all there to support me and the many other Colon Cancer families. Cher has a few pictures I'll have her post our group photo from the walk. She also has one I saw with Deron holding one hand and my brother on the other side of me holding my other hand as we walked and talked. Thank you Cher for taking those pictures. The walk ended and I felt really good. We headed home to take a nap for the evening event while the rest of the group went on the eat some where.

The evening event was the Gun's vs. Hoses Football game. The kids and I went down to the field and Deanna took Dylan and Kiki onto the field so Dylan could call the coin toss. He was so excited! There was so many people that attended the football game. The proceeds of last nights game went to our most recent fallen officer with Phoenix Police for his surviving young wife and child as well as a portion coming to my family. They spoke a bit about me and the blog which was very cool. The most amazing part of that night was after the game. The fire department did pull off the victory this year 13-12. It was a close game. Anyways, after the trophy was given to the fire department, I was called down onto the center of the field where everyone cheered for me. It got a bit emotional. Then out came the clippers. Deron lead his team in shaving his head for me since I will be bald with him very soon. What was so amazing was Paul Lovejoy (our dear friend from the Hoses team) started shaving Deron's head and them Deron shaved Paul's head. After that, the lines formed. Most everyone from the Police team and the Fire team all got down and shaved their heads for me. Men on the Fire team would get their heads shaved and then come an introduce themselves to me because we had never met. Men that have never met me never thought twice and shaved their heads in honor of my fight. I was so touched. So much of my family was there and they couldn't believe what they were seeing...it was so awesome! I know Susan Mercy has a picture of the ending result with me in the middle of all these bald men. I can't express correctly my gratitude to everyone last night...Chad Waltz especially for putting on the entire event. Thank you Chad! After the shaving and before the final picture, my childhood friend Vinny led our massive group of police and fire families in a wonderful prayer. I love to be in his prayers...his message is so uplifting. Thank you Vinny. Anytime you want to pray come on over. I will get a few of these picture up soon. That is when I can get them to Cher who knows how to upload these photos.
After the game the Doyle's were kind enough to have everyone over for an after party. I just had to go. Jeff and Susan were kind enough to bring me home at midnight. I was pretty tired...all that water I drank at the party was really hitting me at that point. lol Deron stayed for just a bit longer to hang out with all the guys. I have to say that the City of Goodyear has the best public safety group out there. What other City does the Police and Fire Departments have such an awesome relationship. Deron and I are so grateful for all of you.
We are now off to a movie birthday party for Kiki. It's nice because the whole family can join. We are seeing Madagascar 2. I know you are jealous!
Much love,

Kim

The Kansas Miller's Say Hi!

Hello Kim! The Kansas Miller's wanted to drop a line and let you know we are thinking about you and praying for you each and every day. Your attitude is amazing and it is truly inspiring to read your updates on the blog. We love you all very much and will be checking the site daily to hear how you are kicking this thing in the butt!


Hope does not take away your problems. It can lift you above them.
- Maya Angelou

The past two days have been good. My new hair do is staying put...kind of. To be honest, I haven't brushed it much. Each time I do I lose more hair. When I get a bit closer to just shaving my head, I think we will make it a family event...Daddy shave one part, Dylan shaving another, and Kiki another. I think making it a family event will be more fun and easier for the kids. Actually, it will be easier on me to have the kids a part of this step. I'm sure they will be fine.

Today I was blessed to have a gentleman named Jonathon Cooper from the AZ Republic come to my home to interview Deron and I so he could write a story in this Saturday's Southwest paper. Today also happens to be our 8 year Anniversary. It is also my brother and Cher's 4th Anniversary. Jonathon was so pleasant and easy to talk with. It was also therapeutic for me to think back on how it started, the days in the hospital, the times with friends and my amazing family. It was good to even talk about how Dr. Rodriquez talked with Deron before the colonoscopy about his belief of me having colon cancer...then Deron breaking the news to me. It was neat to talk about what a role model my mom is for me. She knows first hand how important your belief in God is and how a positive mental attitude plays such a huge role in healing. These two aspects should always be the driving force of everyday regardless if you are fighting for your life or not. It's a shame it takes something like this to make us remember. I thank our Lord everyday for bringing me back to him as well as everyone of my friends and family. This experience has already brought so much good to my life as well as my family's. It is so neat to see comments from people I haven't had the opportunity to meet yet that say I've inspired them. That is the best feeling. I'm really excited for the Colon Cancer Walk this Saturday morning and then the Guns vs. Hoses football game that night. It will be a long day but so worth it. I hope to see you all there for the game. It should be a blast watching the flag football game that always turns out to have a few tackles in it. Goodnight! Don't forget to thank God for all the things he does for you everyday.
Love you all!!

Forest Lakes Cabin

Look at this beautiful cabin in Forest Lakes that our cousins donated for the family to stay in over Thanksgiving weekend!! We are really looking forward to being together for this weekend in this awesome place. We plan on just kicking back and enjoying each others company and going fishing. I can't wait to go fishing and I'm sure the kids will totally enjoy that!!

We are truly blessed by the kindness and generosity of others....thanks sooooo much Connie and Carol!!!!

Aunt Kathy

Family Pictures

Kim's friend Natalie took these great pictures of the family last week. Isn't this an awesome picture of Kim!!

The whole family in this shot!! Mayberry's, Jessen's, Callahan's, Neumayr's, Milstead's, Gwaltney's and Miller's. We are all so blessed that we all live so close together and get to see each other so often.

The Gwaltney/Miller Family we love soooo much!!

Cousin Kristin gave this Angel Wings Necklace to Kim....we know the Angels are surrounding Kim and she feels their presence every day!!! I think one of them left her Wings for Kim!!!!!

Kim You Totally ROCK!!!!!!

I echo all of Kristin's comments below!!! I can't tell you how impressed I am with how you are handling all of this and how you are able to articulate how you are feeling through this blog. Your strength and positive attitude is an inspiration to all of us. You and your Mom have this attitude thing figured out and are able to inspire others with your positive can do spirit. Like they told you last Friday at Mayo, you will have down days and that is normal, but I know you will have more good days than bad days because of your great attitude and willingness to put everything in God's hands. As we have said over and over the past few weeks, he never gives us more than we can handle.
I love you more than words can adequately express,
Aunt Kathy