Kellie's March Update

Well, it’s been a year; a year since my breast cancer confirmation. A week from tomorrow will be the anniversary of my mastectomy, just 2 days before my birthday. It’s hard to believe all that I’ve been through in a year. There were a lot of ups and downs, but mostly ups. Medicine is amazing, as are all of my doctors. I am so grateful they all decided to pursue careers in the medical field.

Overall things are just great. Porter is making some great progress at school, maybe even gaining on the areas he was behind in. He still loves school, though the girl he has a crush on won’t have anything to do with him. He’s still holding out hope that some day… Porter also started baseball this week. He’s a member of the Bats again and has reunited with his fabulous coach and some former teammates as well as a few new ones. He’s also excited for the change in the weather, which obviously means more opportunities for bike riding.

Parker just started a Baby and Me class at the Development Center. He’s only been to two classes so far, but I think he’s going to like it. He’s still tiny, still less than 20 pounds and wearing 9-12 month sizes, but he’ll get there. Right now we’re trying to get him walking. He does cruise around furniture a bit, but he’s a little resistant when it comes to walking. At least he’s a good eater like his big brother. I’m lucky that my kids pretty much eat anything and prefer healthy foods.

Clint and I are staying busy with work and the boys. But we always try to remember that we work to live, not the other way around. I have thoroughly enjoyed teaching health again. It’s fascinating, fun and applicable. We have also started our estate planning with one of the Think Pink sponsors. It’s not the most pleasant topic, deciding what should happen to your kids in the untimely event of your death, but it’s necessary.

So, overall things are great. Unfortunately, I’m continuing to deal with the stubborn cyst in my left ovary. I’ve had a couple of blood test since the discovery with good results. But the follow up ultrasound shows that there hasn’t been a lot of change. My gynecologist has recommended that I get a second opinion because her opinion is to remove my ovaries. I have an appointment to see a gynecologist/oncologist in a couple of weeks to see what he thinks and then we’ll go from there. My list of doctors just keeps growing, as a family we have at least a dozen. Clint says that he’s tired of them taking his wife’s body parts. I think that it’s amazing that they can do that and leave me functioning, somewhat anyway. If you are at all familiar with the children’s book Parts, and the ones that follow, you’ll know a little of how I’m feeling.

Speaking of doctors, my “exchange” surgery is scheduled for later in April. I’ll be getting my “real” boobs which are supposed to feel much softer than the rocks I have in my chest right now. It wouldn’t take much for them to be softer.

And my hair, I’ve had it cut twice. I love it short and so does everyone else, but I think I’m going to grow it out a little. I want to see what the curl does. Besides, it’s just hair, I can cut it again, grow it out, try a dozen different styles - fun!

I think that’s it for now. Please remember to do your breast self-exams and remind your loved ones also. Thanks for the support, I really do feel it!