Karri, Jerry, Claude, Myrth and I (Kim) often wonder how people cope with cancer who don't have a strong support team. Cancer is NO walk in the park, as they say, and those of us who are a part of Karri's team 24/7 are so grateful to all of you for your invaluable support. We hope that you know how much you have blessed our lives with every kind thought and every action you have taken to support Karri in this tremendous challenge. Every thought, every prayer, every phone call, every blog comment, every card, every meal....each and every one means SO MUCH and enhances our well-being enormously as our days and nights are filled to the brim juggling all the mundane details of our lives and that of Karri's family as well as trying to stay on top of seemingly endless tasks associated with cancer management. These include helping Karri with all of her daily needs, many of which require more energy than she has available now as she continues recovering from surgery and living with chemotherapy. On any given day we are assisting her with showers, laundry, special meals (and wishing she could keep them down), administering IV nutrition and a wide range of medications (just keeping them renewed seems full time!), wound care, doctor's visits, spending time helping keep her spirits up since her activities are so limited .... etc.
Yesterday Karri had her second chemo treatment. She had a couple of pretty good weeks prior to this and we are in high hopes that she will have the same result this time around - but week one after chemo treatment is pretty rough - and she is having lots of the unpleasant "side effects." As I look over now at Karri and Jerry, both of whom are napping in matching recliners while "watching TV," I'm reminded once again how completely, utterly, mind-numbing, and bone-exhausting cancer is on every level. (On any given evening it might also be Claude or Myrth nodding off next to Karri with the same kind of utter fatigue temporarily catching up with them.)
Looking ahead, however, we are energized by the prospect of our annual family vacation - off this summer to Hermosa Beach at the end of the month. We've tried to time the chemo so that Karri will be at her healthiest week in the chemo cycle in order to enjoy it as much as possible. We are beginning to have her IV nutrition delivered over 18 hours instead of 24 each day so that she will be able to be off all her machines for at least a part of each day during our trip -- and, if all goes well and the chemo kicks in -- beyond that as well!
Thanks again for all that you do to help "Team Karri." We couldn't do it without your love, kindness and unfailing support!
Happy Birthday Karri!! Final Chemo is 10/15 - hooray!!
The actual date of Karri's birthday is October 8th but we've been joyfully celebrating all week long. She's been able to go out to eat, see movies, watch Allie play volleyball, and attend church. We love watching her enjoy her favorite foods again. We are so grateful for all your support; it has been critical to help her to celebrate this birthday with gratitude for her return to good health. She continues to improve steadily each week. Pictured here: Allie (14), Brandon (24), Karri and Jerry, and Abby (6). Matthew and Jordan are away at school. Love from all of us to all of you.
Sept 13th: Happy Birthday Jerry!
The Robisons (sans Jordan away at school) celebrate. Karri has had a good weekend too! She is eating a healthy normal diet without nausea, and with the benefit of an epidural shot, she is beginning to regain some mobility. While her back pain is not entirely diminished, she has begun to get around with a cane instead of a walker - yay!
June 22: Welcome Home from the hospital Karri! Good Luck w/Chemo
The Robisons with Mother's Day gifts and the "Wrap Yourself in Our Love" quilt made by friends from church. L to R: Matthew, Brandon, Karri, Jerry, Jordan and Allie
May 31st - Jordan's Senior Prom photo op
Despite looking great, Karri is fighting post surgery complications including serious infection and debilitating, persistent nausea.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
5 comments:
Kim, you and yours are always in our prayers for the strength to keep up with all you do for Karri. She's truly blessed to have you all!
Karri, you're in our prayers always as well. I hope your chemo works its magic and you have an enjoyable trip with the family. So take advantage of the "staff" and conserve your energy for the fun time! ;)
I can't imagine how hard it must be on all of you. We are always keeping the entire family in our thoughts and prayers.
I ditto what Jolene has said as well.
Love you all!
Karri, since I was first told about your illness I hadn't heard anything more until Jolene told me about this blog yesterday. Thank you for letting us into your personal battle and the challenges you face and endure. Though I can be nothing more than a spectator from out here in Dallas, if you feel lots of good vibes coming your way in boots and big hair, they're coming from me.
Karri,
I hope that this round of chemo has been easier since you have been healing so well from the complications of surgery. I've been thinking about you and sending good will and best wishes.
Joyce
Karri, thinking and praying for you! Michaela
Post a Comment