Katie's Kicking Cancer

05/16/2025

Mom Update...

Over the last few weeks mom has gone downhill, and has been in the hospital for several days. Unfortunately she has begun to rapidly decline over the last few days, and her body is shutting down. She's no longer able to eat or drink, and is struggling with extreme pain and nausea. The Dr said he can't help her anymore, so we've opted to switch to hospice care.

Mom is at peace and surrounded by loved ones. They said it could be hours or days, there's no real predicting. She just now got to meet with her pastor and church family and received communion. She's singing songs and talking to us about what heaven will be like. We are heartbroken but happy that she will be in a better place.

04/22/2025

Mom update!

Happy Easter to our dear friends and family! We are loving all the signs of spring (except the worst pollen output in history!) All the gorgeous flowers and plants in bloom fill me with great joy!

I’ve had a bit of a health setback as my latest scans show heavy congestion in both of my lungs, so I wasn’t able to have my regular monthly immunotherapy infusion. I consulted with a lung specialist last week and will have a bronchoscopy tomorrow. He will look at my lungs, under sedation thank goodness, and culture what he finds to determine if I have an infection or some type of inflammation. Once he finds out the cause, then he will treat me before I can resume the melanoma protocol.

I really appreciate all prayers for healing to continue despite the temporary diversion to treat the lungs first. I am so grateful that the infusions have caused the melanoma to shrink in several areas and I need to keep on track despite stopping the immunotherapy for now. Dan and I and our family send you our love and blessings for your amazing support during this battle. And we expect our next update will include lots of good news! ♥️

Venmo:
CashApp: $joyfulheartkatie
Zelle: joyfulheart4154@yahoo.com

03/12/2025

Mom update!

Happy almost spring to my dear family and friends! We trust you are enjoying this lovely weather and rejoicing as spring bursts forth all around us. We’re sending many blessings to each of you. We’re so thankful for your love and prayer covering since the last update on my health.

I have come through a very challenging time following my immunotherapy infusion in February. I had serious side effects and was very ill for 3 weeks. But this week I feel better than I have felt in several months.

I am so grateful for your continued thoughts, prayers and encouraging notes as tomorrow I have another monthly infusion and also have scans to determine if the immunotherapy has been successful in treating the melanoma. Please agree with us that this time there will be no side effects and negative reactions. I am so grateful that together we dwell in the love and protection of God. So there is no place for fear and anxiety to try to steal our joy and peace. Much love and appreciation to each of you and your precious families! ♥️🤩

CashApp: $joyfulheartkatie
Venmo:
Zelle: Joyfulheart4154@yahoo.com

PS:
A few days ago my niece Alli reminded me of music by John Michael Talbot that she and my kids listened to when they were teenagers. This song “Be not Afraid” has especially brought me such rest and peace as I prepare for my treatment tomorrow. I trust it will bring you comfort as well.

Provided to YouTube by The Orchard EnterprisesBe Not Afraid · John Michael TalbotTable of Plenty℗ 1997 Troubadour for the Lord (adm. by Music Services, Inc. ...

01/13/2025

Mom Update!

Happy New Year to all of our wonderful family and friends! Our theme this year is “Glad to be Alive, in 2025!!” After the challenging year of 2024, Dan and I want to send our blessings that all of our loved ones will Thrive in 2025! We had a wonderful Christmas celebration with 15 family members gathered here to celebrate the birth of our Savior Jesus and enjoy one another’s company. It has taken me almost 3 weeks to regain my stamina after the busy holidays, but I’m happy to report that overall I’m doing very well and will have another infusion treatment this week. My latest scans show NO disease progression- and we are praying that the ongoing treatment will soon show the melanoma lesions and compression fractures are healing. We appreciate your ongoing prayers and also all the donations to my medical fund to cover all the expenses that insurance doesn’t pay. May the Lord bless each of you for your kindness and compassion!

CashApp: $joyfulheartkatie
Venmo:
Zelle: Joyfulheart4154@yahoo.com

12/06/2024

Mom Update!

"In the 6 weeks since we posted an update I have had several challenges but also some victories to report. We had beautiful fall weather and that always helps us to find so much pleasure despite health issues. I feel so much gratitude that due to so many generous donations and faithful prayers, we are able to remain in our home and property that we’ve loved for over 30 years. Dan’s back surgery went very well in September and he’s recovered very nicely. He’s been thrilled to be able to work outside again. He does have some limitations, but he’s back where he’s the happiest. And of course all the beautiful flowers he plants seasonally help keep me focused on our Father’s gorgeous creation.

"Due to my latest spinal compression fracture, I had to have another week of radiation to my pelvic area to reduce the back and hip pain. My oncologist also did another immunotherapy infusion the same week in November. The two treatments combined have really been difficult to handle. The extreme fatigue and nausea are very hard to control and I have to rest most of every day. I’m so appreciative of the Home Instead Helpers and family and friends who take such good care of me! I haven’t been able to attend church services in many weeks, but I am so hopeful that soon I’ll turn the corner into renewed strength as I wait on the Lord. I have another infusion scheduled the week before Christmas, but I am focusing on how much fun we’ll have when Anna brings the kids from Asheville and our whole family will be here for the festivities.

"Dan and I wish you a very Merry Christmas and a New Year 2025 overflowing with God’s richest blessings. We send our love and appreciation to each of you who pray for us and send funny memes and videos and healing thoughts and donations to my medical fund- all this helps to bring me through this battle. I have SO much to be grateful for- you all are the best support I could ever ask for! 🥰

CashApp: $joyfulheartkatie
Venmo:
Zelle: joyfulheart4154@yahoo.com

10/16/2024

Mom update!

"I had my melanoma CT scans, labs, oncologist visit and monthly immunotherapy infusion yesterday. The scans show minor improvement in the necrosis (death) of the melanoma lesions in my lungs, liver and bones-so my oncologist believes this is a positive response to the infusions -so I will continue the treatment. I have only had minor side effects from the immunotherapy , so we are very grateful for that good news!

"I also consulted with an orthopedic oncologist last week and he reported excellent healing results for the T8 vertebra compression fractures from 3 months ago! I have very little pain in my mid-spine and ribs now and no longer have to wear my "teenage mutant Ninja turtle shell" brace any longer! Glory🤩! The area is still weak but with the grace of God and ongoing PT I will go from strength to strength.

"Unfortunately last week I developed severe low back and hip pain and X-rays show a new compression fracture and vertebral collapse at the L4-L5 spinal level that is causing extreme low back pain and sciatica pain that radiates into both hips and outer thighs. Walking even with a Walker is very challenging again. Just when I was able to do more and was planning on reducing the number of days I need my Home Instead helpers, I find that I need constant assistance again.

"The ladies and my family and friends are invaluable help to me and I find that "an attitude of gratitude" is my best weapon of warfare against this enemy attack. And the continued generous donations to my medical fund have kept us out of debt. Much love and many thanks to all my dear family, church and friends- and even strangers- who have so kindly supported us in numerous ways! And please keep those prayers and healing words and encouraging and funny comments coming my direction. Love and blessings to all! ❤️🤗"

Venmo:
Zelle: joyfulheart4154@yahoo.com
Cashapp: $joyfulheartkatie

09/16/2024

Mom Update!

"After about 3 months of battling pain and worsening melanoma symptoms and mobility problems, I am thrilled to report that just this last week I have had several improvements! The pain and spasms are much better controlled. And with the help of home PT and OT I have progressed and regained strength and more mobility. I am able to use my compression stockings and compression pump again and the lymphedema has lessened and my legs are much more comfortable.

"With the diligence of my wonderful Home Instead helpers, family and friends, I have hours of daily help with all the tasks that had become too difficult for me. And of course the faithful prayers and healing wishes and encouragement from all of you dear ones keeps me full of hope and peace and joy in His wonderful Presence! I was strong enough to go to our church service yesterday for the first time in months. What an encouragement to be
in person with my All Nations Church family again! And ALL of this is only possible by your help in so many ways! Thank you! May God bless you mightily in return!

"On this Tuesday September 17 I have my monthly labs and visit with my oncologist and my next immunotherapy infusion. I appreciate your thoughts and prayers for a good report and tolerance of the treatment without the difficult side effects. As the therapy works to shrink the melanoma lesions, the spinal compression fracture can heal and the other bone lesions can stop growing. Then I will be less likely to have more spontaneous bone fractures in the future. And as the liver and lung lesions shrink I can regain health and strength for my whole body.

"And then on Wednesday September 18, Dan is having his long awaited back surgery to decompress the pressure on his spinal nerves and get rid of his debilitating pain and limited mobility. We are trusting for a big breakthrough week for myself and my dear husband Dan. ( We celebrated our 51st anniversary in August-all Glory to God!)

We are grateful for all your support and will update again soon! ❤️"

Venmo:
Zelle: joyfulheart4154@yahoo.com
CashApp: $joyfulheartkatie

"As long as I have breath, I'm gonna praise the Lord!!"

09/02/2024

Mom Update:

After Mom's melanoma progression caused a spinal compression fracture, she spent 10 days in the hospital in early July. She then went home with Home OT, PT and a supportive Palliative NP to help her recover. Unfortunately after just 10 days at home, the spinal fracture spontaneously got worse and she had to be readmitted to the hospital again for supportive help and 2 weeks of radiation of the spinal lesion. The hope is for radiation to slow the melanoma growth and allow the fracture to heal.

Two weeks after discharge she had another infusion of the new type of immunotherapy. Fatigue and severe joint pain in her knees, hips, elbows, and ankles are the main side effects and slow down her home therapy. The biggest help has been hiring the home health agency Home Instead who sends help 4 hours daily. It is quite expensive but we are so grateful to report that so many generous donations have come our way, that the first month of care has been paid for!! A million thanks to everyone!

Mom said she is slowly learning to be patient with the slow progress and adjusting to the medicine side effects. The Lord continues to encourage her to fully trust Him for her much needed miracles. Please continue to send funny and encouraging texts and donations as you are able. Bless you ALL for being a significant part of her healing journey! We'll update again soon❤️

Venmo:
Zelle: joyfulheart4154@yahoo.com
CashApp: $joyfulheartkatie

07/12/2024

Mom update!

We haven’t updated in many months because the targeted therapy was working and she was doing relatively well. Unfortunately, it stopped working and her condition has deteriorated.

On Monday she had to be hospitalized with severe pain and back spasms. It turned out that the melanoma is active again and a tumor had weakened her spine and caused a spinal compression fracture. At the moment she's in the hospital discussing possible options for treatment, including more radiation. Palliative care is involved to help with the extreme pain.

My parents are so grateful for the generosity of so many people last year that paid all her medical expenses but it has all been used up now and the expenses are increasing rapidly with all the scans, transitioning back to a new form of immunotherapy, hospitalization, and now radiation again. Additionally they probably will need to hire home help due to both of them being incapacitated at the moment (my dad is also struggling with pain and very limited activity).

Mom is keeping the faith and she's at peace that all of this is in the Lord's almighty hands. She appreciates the amazing love and support from family and friends! Comments are very encouraging too ❤️

Venmo:
Zelle: joyfulheart4154@yahoo.com
CashApp: $joyfulheartkatie

11/07/2023

Mom update:

A month ago I had a week of radiation treatment on the melanoma lesion on my spine and one of the lesions on my left femur(thigh bone). It was a challenging time but the side effects have slowly lessened. And I am SO delighted to report great news!
I had an excellent visit and report from my oncologist a few days ago and am doing remarkably well. I have more energy, sleeping better, much less pain and my brain is functioning so much better! And I'm tolerating the oral chemo drugs well! I've also regained 9 lbs that I lost after the fall that I had last May, and the hemorrhage and septic shock in July! And no more UTIs, hallelujah! My digestion is much better and I feel hungry again instead of forcing myself to eat. I feel like a new person! I know this is more than the radiation treatment-this feels miraculous! My oncologist couldn’t stop smiling as I explained all my major improvements- he’s usually very serious and stoic. And I can’t stop praising the Lord for His goodness and faithfulness. I told him that I knew he had said 1/3 of people with Stage IV melanoma who tolerate treatment live for 5 years, but that I had decided that I'd be the one person who lives at least 20 years- and he smiled and said "that's a great plan!" Dan and I SO appreciate your acts of kindness and your generous support that allows me to pursue the best medical and integrative health help available. These are major breakthroughs for me, and all of you are a part of this victory. I have another PET scan in 3 weeks to see if the oral chemo is working, so please keep praying and sending your thoughts and prayers. Bless you, dear friends,HAPPY THANKSGIVING!! ❤️

08/10/2023

Mom has been home for about a week now and continues to improve slowly but surely! She's very grateful to be home and getting into a new routine. She's doing PT and OT, and her speech is coming along. Dr said it'll take a few weeks for her brain to fully recover. Thanks for all of your love, support, and prayers!

08/01/2023

Long overdue update on mom! She's slowly but surely improving and regaining her strength. She's able to speak normally and eat much easier than before. She was able to walk about 100 feet with a walker for the first time today! She's still very weak and the therapy exhausts her, but she's a fighter 💪

We're still waiting to hear from insurance about where they'll approve her to be discharged to. They're going back and forth between acute rehab (several hours of therapy per day) or a less intense version at a skilled nursing facility. Not sure how long she'll be there before she can go home but hopefully no more than a couple weeks.

Thanks for all of your support and encouraging words!