Caring for Carey

19/11/2019

Dropping in with another update! My MRI this morning remains stable with no signs of tumor recurrence. The previous scan had showed a small bleed from one of the blood vessels in my brain. It wasn’t hugely concerning but definitely something to keep an eye on since radiation can weaken blood vessels and we didn’t want it to grow! I am happy to report that it has resolved itself-just another fun side effect of radiation treatment...even after all of these years.

For now I just keep on living life. The constant fear and anxiety of recurrence has been getting less and less over time. As I come out of this hole that I was sucked in to I am starting to be able to see life “after” cancer as opposed to life “with” cancer. Switching out those two words is much harder than you’d think but thanks to my family, friends, therapist, and all of you I’m getting there.
Much ❤️ to you all and I hope you have a wonderful holiday season.

27/12/2018

SEVEN years ago today I had my first craniotomy with tumor removal. Next came a MRSA infection in the wound that needed another surgery to clean it out. Next up was a clinical trial with chemo at home and eventually sent me to Sloan-Kettering in NYC for a few months with high dose chemo and a stem cell transplant. Fast forward 6 months to July 2012 and the tumor was back 😖 I had another surgery to remove the tumor and followed that with chemo and radiation from September to November. I finally rang the bell at the end of my last radiation treatment and what a great feeling that was! Despite one scare of recurrence since then, which turned out to be radiation burn in the tumor bed, my scans have been clean! I was back at Sloan this morning and I am happy to report that there is no evidence of tumor regrowth! Woohoo!!
These have been challenging years with me not working because the chemo wiped out my childhood immunizations (bye bye healthcare!), having developed anxiety and depression (work in progress!), and residual focus, attention, and processing impairments. My family and friends have been by my side through it all and my silver lining is being able to be home with my kids and being able to watch them grow every day. If you look hard enough there is always a silver lining.

27/12/2018

Someone is not happy about my early wake up time for today’s MRI!!

18/10/2018

Happy re-birthday to me! I can’t believe it has been SIX years since my transplant! I am feel well and and kicking cancer’s A$$!!!

07/05/2018

🧠In honor of May being Brain Cancer Awareness Month I am inviting friends and family to sponsor a "Go Grey In May" Large Utility Tote kit. These will then be filled with "pick me up" items donated to patients who are currently undergoing treatment at Mass General Hospital. Many of you are familiar with my story but for those of you who are not, I was diagnosed with a Grade 3 Anaplastic Oligodendroglioma Brain Tumor in December 2011. I have since undergone 3 surgeries and radiation therapy at Mass General. I participated in a clinical trial and received chemotherapy at Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center in NYC. I would like to take this opportunity to brighten the days of the patients who are on the same journey I have been on.
Each kit will be $25.
🎗️If you would like, you also have the option to add a Cancer Ribbon in any color in memory or support of a loved one. This kit will be $35.
Sponsored kits can be paid by cash, check, Venmo, or Paypal. Please email me to sponsor a kit so that I can keep track of orders! (jekahn@gmail.com)
👏Thank you all in advance for your support!

19/12/2017

Hallelujah! Another 6 months CANCER FREE!! 🙏🏼

20/06/2017

We got excellent news! My MRI remains stable and unchanged!!

20/06/2017

Wow, it's been a while since I've updated here! At my last appointment my oncologist felt that we should move to a 6 month schedule. I'm headed to NYC for my scan! I've been feeling great physically. No headaches or vision changes so that's good news. Those were my major symptoms the first time around.

While physically the past few months have been great I was hit with an emotional curve ball. For some reason (the mind works in mysterious ways) all of my anxiety/depression surrounding my diagnosis, treatment, and future came crashing down on me. I think I had been "being strong" on the outside so I wouldn't fall apart from it all. It has been a tough couple of months but after finding the help I need and the support from my amazing husband, Eric, and equally as fantastic group of friends I am feeling much more like myself. I am going into today with a clear mind and hopeful attitude for good news! I will update more after my appointment.

Although I don't post as often I still know that you are all out there rooting for me and I am ever so grateful for that!

05/01/2017

23/07/2016

I forgot to add this photo earlier in the week! These are the beautiful "congrats on a great scan" flowers from Eric! He sure knows how to pick 'em!!

19/07/2016

Another fantastic scan today! On to another worry free 4 months until the next one. It's crazy to think that the next scan will fall between Thanksgiving and Christmas! Time is flying by. My doctor was asking about the kids and was amazed that Trevor is now 5 and Tyler will be 7 in 11 days. To think that Trevor was 10 months old when this nightmare began....three brain surgeries, years of chemo, and months of radiation...

I don't spend much time worrying about recurrence between my scans but the week leading up to them I do find myself distracted and irritable....so the day of I always welcome the calm that I can feel again.

Dad and I stopped at Lenny's for a breakfast sandwich on our way out is the city. It was really delicious even if we were waiting in line behind a dog. In a food establishment. Hmmmmm....his owner told me he is really friendly and to just step over him. Ummmmm.....

Now back to MA to see the boys! I hope they aren't disappointed that I'm home early and crashing on their time with Grandmom!