Karri's blog: No More Hair!

Chronology prior to June 2008

Karri was diagnosed with probable endometrial cancer on April 6, 2008. Here is a brief chronology of the progression of the diagnosis and treatment before we began this blog on June 12, 2008. Many thanks to Dave Adair for helping us to get this blog started, with a special nod to his beautiful mother, Pat (1932-2008), who blessed our lives even during her last months as she was suffering pancreatic cancer. We love you both!

December, 2007

Karri began bleeding heavily in the fall but assumed it was connected to the onset of menopause. As it steadily worsened, she discussed it with her regular doctor who sent her to a series of specialists for ultrasound and biopsy over the next few months. We assumed the problem would be related to fibroid tumors which run in the family.

April 6, 2008

Karri’s doctor called to tell her that the biopsy showed that she had cancer in the endometrial lining of her uterus and that she needed to meet with a surgeon who specialized in women’s cancer without delay. This was a complete and unexpected shock.

May 6, 2008

After turning her 3^rd grade class at Cambridge to a long term sub for the rest of the school year, Karri had surgery at the Concord campus of John Muir. Dr. Edraki, the surgeon anticipated that her scheduled hysterectomy might be performed vaginally if the cancer hadn’t spread too widely. After a surgery of more than six hours, he emerged to tell Jerry, Myrth, and Claude who were waiting that the cancer was very widespread and invasive but that he had removed everything he could see. Recovery would be longer and more complex than anticipated because her gastrointestinal tract was also involved. She would definitely need chemotherapy.

May 11, 2008

Karri’s fierce determination kicked in immediately and she worked very hard to be a cooperative patient. To the surprise of the medical team, she was able to come home on Mother’s Day. What a delight for the entire family. She came home to Myrth and Claude’s house so that they could continue caring for her during her recovery while Jerry and the kids held up their end of things with school and the house. Jerry has spent more than a few lunch hours shopping for groceries and many friends and family members have made dinners for the extended family to share together. At first Karri was able to tolerate small amounts of food and was on track for a speedy recovery.

May 23, 2008

Karri’s recovery was compromised by the onset of nausea and vomiting about 10 days into her recovery. Despite trying a range of anti-nausea drugs, she has continued to have these complications, which her medical team has struggled to explain and resolve. The incision also became slightly infected and was opened to drain off fluid that was building up under the skin. A ‘wound-vac’ machine was attached to speed drainage and recovery and Karri had home care nurses come every two days to change the dressings on the openings. She has endured all of this with courage and optimism and complete lucidity, but on this date her energy declined and she began to run a fever. On Dr. Edraki’s advice, she was admitted to the Walnut Creek campus of John Muir with infection. As it was Memorial Day weekend, it took all night to be admitted and nothing much happened in the hospital in the five days that she was there although she did get IV antibiotics. The hospital doctor was not very communicative although the nursing staff at both Walnut Creek and Concord campuses have been extremely helpful and responsive. In the intervening weeks her condition has not improved and she now has several openings attached to the wound vac to drain fluid from her surgical area, increasing the possibility of infection.

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.

Sunday, July 13, 2008

No More Hair!

That's right everyone - I got my head shaved today since my hair was already falling out in clumps. I'm not completely bald yet, but it is pretty darn short! Now I have to keep something on my head to keep it warm all the time. It's hard to get used to, but will be much easier to take care of. On the plus side - I had two outings this week - first I went to the Oakland A's game and firework show on Friday night with the family and some people from the ward. I felt good the whole time and I had a great time. Yesterday Jerry and I went out on a double date this time with some friends of ours from Clayton. We went to see the movie "Hancock" and we really enjoyed it, and then we went to eat and I actually got some soup and ate it and kept it all down. In fact, I'm keeping a lot more down these days, so hopefully I can go off my other machine sometime soon. Keep up all the wonderful support and prayers. We love you!

18 comments:

Anonymous said...: Karri,
I am so happy to hear that you were able to go see a movie and out to eat. You truly inspire me and your strength gives me strength as well.
Lindsay; July 13, 2008 at 8:12 PM
Anonymous said...: HOORAY FOR THE A's game, I know the kids were wishing that you could go with them! Your positive attitude in this difficult situation is something to be admired! An amazing woman indeed! As always my love goes out to you!!

Nicole; July 13, 2008 at 9:06 PM
Anonymous said...: Karri,

Congratulation!! It must feel nice to get out and spend sometime with your friends and family. Best wishes too you!

Brandey; July 13, 2008 at 9:38 PM
Anonymous said...: This is from Jerry. Karri looks so "cute" with her shaved head. Karri looks at least 10 years younger and with her sparkling blue eyes and smile she looks very cute. Love you Karri!!
Jerry; July 14, 2008 at 8:39 AM
Anonymous said...: Now look at all the fun you can have with wigs. :) My stepdaughter was the lead in Wit and she had to shave her head for the part. She had a ball with colored wigs, like pink, purple etc. and different styles. She did do normal colors as well. Hum, Karri in a pink wig :)

Thanks for being an example to all of us when things become difficult. So when things get tough for me I'll remember you Karri with love. Hope things go a little smoother for you tomorrow and your next treatment.

Love Ya,

Clairlyn; July 14, 2008 at 10:32 AM
Anonymous said...: Hi Karri,

We got home last night from Lake Powell so today I am checking out your blog to see how your week went. I am so glad to see that you are going to the A's game, to a movie and out to dinner! I was so happy to read what a great week it has been and that you are feeling so much better.

Love,
Lyn; July 14, 2008 at 10:50 AM
Leslie B said...: You look so CUTE! How did you like the ending to Hancock??
Leslie; July 14, 2008 at 11:28 AM
Emily Rocks said...: Love the new doo! It totally suits you! I'm glad to hear that Hancock was good, we totally want to see it. Love ya and hope to see you soon. Keep getting better! :)

love, the rocks; July 14, 2008 at 1:00 PM
Ghia said...: Karri---
You are absolutely beautiful!!
A strong, beautiful woman!!

Love,
Ghia; July 14, 2008 at 3:24 PM
Unknown said...: Karri,
I talked to Joyce yesterday and she gave me your blog address. I just got caught up on your care/recovery. You are a trooper! Your attitude is awe-inspiring. I'm so glad you're feeling a bit better and have been able to get out and have some fun. You'll be in my thoughts and prayers.
Nancy Klinkner; July 14, 2008 at 3:39 PM
Anonymous said...: Karri,
You look beautiful! You're an inspiration to us all.
Hugs,
Dena; July 14, 2008 at 6:05 PM
joyce said...: OMG! I think I'm going to shave my head! You look fabulous - maybe it will work for me! And how about those A's?! They are making it an interesting season...again. I'm glad you went to the Friday game...wish I were there too. On another note, I'm not sure if you've heard, but my husband Glen has just started treatment at UCSF. What an unexpected summer for us, huh!? You are an inspiration for me and all those around you. Hugs...
joyce; July 15, 2008 at 7:56 AM
Anonymous said...: Hi Karri,

You do look darn cute, and so much like your mother.

There are catalogs out that have some nice turbans in them, a friend of mine got some and really like them. I even have one when my actually beginning to grey hair looks messy.

Aunt Pat; July 15, 2008 at 5:43 PM
Anonymous said...: Hi Karri,
Joanne sent us a link to your blog.
Great to see that you are improving and even getting out and about.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and all your family during these challenging times.
Best wishes,
Steve & Margot
Sydney Australia; July 16, 2008 at 4:57 AM
Anonymous said...: Hey hottie Karri you are a babe!!!My thoughts and prayers continue to be with you and your family. Your strength is amazing! All my love.
Lisa; July 16, 2008 at 5:27 PM
Annette said...: You radiate beauty and strength Karri. We are glad to be able to keep posted on things even though we are far away. Always in our thoughts and prayers.
Love, the Daltons; July 17, 2008 at 8:24 AM
Anonymous said...: If you saw the hair on some of the Dallas ladies, not only could they spare some for you, they might just end up looking normal afterward. But I think it looks cute.; July 18, 2008 at 4:18 PM
Anonymous said...: Hey Karri-

Just got back in town last night, and was anxious to check out your blog. I love the new do. It really looks great on you! You just might end becoming a trend setter. I've been thinking about you and your second treatment and hoping that all goes well with that. Have you had a chance to watch those movies? If so, what did you think? It was nice to hear that you made it to the A's game and on a date- that is wonderful! You deserve a little fun after all you go through. I'll try to come by sometime this week and see you before you leave to go to work on your tan at the beach.

Love Jeanne; July 21, 2008 at 7:29 PM