I was so thrilled to celebrate my 22nd anniversary as a breast cancer survivor thanks to all of your support!  While I’ve had some scares, I’m happy to report that I’m still kicking! 

 I am so happy to also celebrate 42 years of marriage and an unexpected 72nd  Birthday! Who could have foreseen this!  I’m also a 6+year survivor of a second primary occurrence of breast cancer. My friends know my best celebration of these bonus years include family, friends and travel. So much beauty in the world: the Great Barrier Reef in Australia, the glaciers of South America, cute puffins in Iceland, penguins in Chile and Komodo dragons in Indonesia to name a few!

 As many know, my last cancer included  a bilateral mastectomy and reconstruction with 6 surgeries! (I had already had a lumpectomy and radiation so that option wasn’t available!) Despite the blessed lack of spread, I still received 4 months of chemotherapy weekly (during COVID! ) Yikes! It’s the gift that keeps on giving- especially with hair loss!  I also had 6 months of Herceptin, my former year-long trial drug as well as oral hormone treatment again for at least 5 -10 years. ( Bet the 6 months of chemo & weekly Herceptin for an additional year many years ago.) 

Things have come a long way in 20+ years. It’s so amazing to see the advances. When I had an allergic reaction to a previously well-received chemo, new discoveries had created a special chemo for those in my situation. That’s only one of so many changes & new treatments. I so appreciate all of your help over the years toward making these changes a reality.It’s been such an amazing year! I’m so grateful to be here to enjoy life and want everyone to have that experience! Thank you all so much! 

Much love and gratitude to you all! Love, Kathryn