November 17,2008- Time to go for a HUGE test. I went to get an MRI so that it can check if the previously reported abnormal growth around my brain is reduced or (what I hope) gone. After what seemed like 3hours of sitting in this machine, I am released and told to check with the Doctor in 24hrs for results. 24hrs!!! I am thinking that this first test can be a sign of things to come.
November 18, 2008- Today I heard some GREAT news. The radiation treatment that I hated to go to did exactly what the doctors wanted it to do. Abnormal growth around my brain has either been killed or reduced to a level where I need not to worry about it for the time being. YAY!!!!!!!!! I am SOOOOOOOOO happy!!! Since this is the first treatment result I have gotten and it is positive, we are all praying this is a sign of good things to come.
November 19, 2008- I have my bracelets in and have sold MANY of them. I THANK YOU all so much for your support!! I can see how many people have checked out this site and I cant stop smiling. Get with Adam via email or in person if you'd like to get a bracelet. The strong words and support from everyone is astonishing!!!!
December 2, 2008- BIG DAY for me.....I went to see Dr. Pennell this morning. Had to take a CT Scan and blood work prior to seeing him. 10:30 rolls around and its time to talk to the Doctor. He tells me that as of now the Tarceva is working!! My CT Scan shows NO SIGNS of abnormal activity within my chest. OMG!! I think Adam wanted to high five the doctor. I have to stay on Tarceva because there is still some spots around my brain but nothing to stress over. So I ask the doctor a NUMBER of times just to clarify, "I was diagnosed with Stage 4 NSCLC and told there is too much cancer in my chest to have it removed. Now your telling me that there is no cancer in my chest?" Doctor confirms that he sees nothing in my chest and as of now our main focus will be to stay on Tarceva and see him in 2 months. Am I REALLY beating this devil this quick?!!! I think it is owed to all the prayers, support, and positive attitude that I have maintained. I know that I can beat this and will do so in no time flat if it is up to me and the prayers.
December 14, 2008- My fight continues but since it is a fight I have my good times and bad times. Recently I am getting the side effects of the Tarceva stronger than I would like. The good part is it is working, the bad is that it can dry my skin out so bad that I feel like lotioning myself every 15mins!! But when it comes to winning, I will take it. I head back to the Cleveland Clinic on the 16th for an unexpected checkup. Should be just routine but I initiated the visit just to reassure myself that all is going good. On an extremely positive note......the support and love and prayers from EVERYONE has really touched me and the family!! All of our supporters have been AMAZING!! From Adam's job, to mine and all the various friends, family, and even complete strangers WE THANK YOU!!!!
January 27th, 2009- I have had a LOT going on recently and am soooo sorry I havent updated the site. I am still taking Tarceva daily. Recently me and Adam got to escape to Clearwater/Tampa for 4days and it was perfect! I needed to see if the sun would help my dry skin and it did! Told Adam we need to make a move South asap!!!
Today I went to see Dr.Pennell again. He had me do all the tests to get an understanding of where I stand. MRI, CT Scan, bloodwork done. Dr. Pennell meets us and tells me news that brought me to tears. I held back the tears but they were there and Adam even had some too. Tears were coming through because.....Dr. Pennell says that he sees no evidence of Cancer in my chest. Thats right NADA, NOTHING! Now we know its in my blood still so the Tarceva will fight that for us. He also says that the tumors that are present around my brain (which I took radiation for) continue to shrink and to this point are the smallest that he has seen them. So......Tarceva is working (even the bad side effects but I can work with those) I will keep taking it daily and now I do not see the Doctor again until late April. Thank you so much Dr. Pennell Katie! We are so happy that I am beating this devil. God is Great and does wonders! I am sure that all of the prayers and thoughts that each of our friends and supporters send also have alot to do with me winning so far. PLEASE keep them going and I hope to do what some doctors didnt think I could do, which is beat this devil!!! Behind closed doors this fight is hard and ugly @ times. So I'd like to give a special Thank you to my husband and oldest daughter Naomi for your love, support and prayers through it all! I love you.

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