The finish line is in sight, with my last radiation treatment just around the corner. With that in mind, Jason decided it was his turn to blog. I have no words, just tears and appreciation.
K
In December 2010, a few days before Christmas, Karen was diagnosed with breast cancer. The news was very unexpected since only two months before she had gone for a breast exam and received a clean bill of health. Luckily, she has almost completed her radiation therapy and is on the road to recovery.
Since the diagnosis, there have been dozens of appointments, information sessions and tests with countless doctors, specialists, technicians and nurses. From the start, these health professionals have gone above and beyond their job descriptions and have been nothing but immensely helpful, kind, considerate and patient not only with us but with the half dozen or so of Karen's friends and relatives who have accompanied her into the various hospitals, waiting rooms and offices that she has had to frequent during this ordeal. So I would like to thank Dr. Calnen, Dr. Porter, Dr. Rutledge, Dr. Rayson, Margaret, Charlotte, Marsha, all the nurses, their staff and everyone else who has crossed our paths over the past several months. It is very heartening to know that our health care system is filled with such people.
I also want to thank Karen's friends and co-workers who have offered kind words, prayers and 'Kare packages.' The outpouring of support from these people really touched her and helped her get through some of the tougher days. Thank you to Dy, Dr. Shelly, Karla, Krista, Maria, DeAnna and 'Matherine' and to the dozens of others who have helped along the way.
I would especially like to thank Karen's Team. All of the people who sat in waiting rooms with her, made somewhat small doctor offices even more cramped with their presence, asked questions and became quasi experts on breast cancer. Included in this team are Karen's wonderful extended family. They have come to all of her appointments despite their busy personal and professional lives and all have welcomed me into their homes with open arms despite not knowing me from Adam. I enjoyed many home cooked meals, conversations and jokes (special thanks to the kids) thanks to them . So to Jamie and Ann, Lori, Gary, Nicholas, Shelley, Sandra, John, Brenda, Ray, Ardith, Owen, Olivia, Jack and Abby, thank you.
Most importantly, I want to thank Karen for being so strong during this time. A little over a year ago she was there for me and helped me when I needed her the most and I don't know what I would have done without her. I will always be indebted to her for being so strong, kind and compassionate during those days.
True to form, Karen has handled her diagnosis and treatment with grace and strength from day one and I am blessed to have her in my life and proud of her for holding her head up high and fighting and giving me, and all of us, a lot more time to spend with her.
Thank you,
Jason
Hi Karen,
ReplyDeleteGreat to stumble on your blog! Best of luck with everything! Have you heard of FAMEDS? Freedom of Access to Medicines is the non-profit leading the effort against the FDA from disproving the drug Avstin this month, as it is working for 17,500 women with Metastatic Breast Cancer. Please sign & share the urgent petition: http://fameds.org/petition.php
:)Thank you Jason. For being there for Karen when I couldn't be. I am truly grateful that this world brought you two together. I am even more grateful that my friend has found a gentleman worthy of her love, who reminds her every day just how special and beautiful she is. So once again, thank you for looking after my friend and thank you for just being you. :)
ReplyDelete- KP
And thanks to you Jason, for loving and supporting Karen through this.... and almost always taking good notes :) Happy Birthday;) Love you Kare! smh
ReplyDeletesnif, snif, what a lovely, snif, blog, snif.... when two people can come together and grow together during the most difficult times in their lives it shows the true commitment they have for one another. We have all been thankful for Jason and all he has done. Jason, you truely have been Kare's rock during all of this. You have given all of us the peace of mind knowing she's had the love and support from from someone who loves her as much as we do. Thank you Jason. Hugs to you both. xoxo lc
ReplyDeleteJason, how can we put into words how much we appreciate what you have done for Karen these past few months. To be there daily to help her cope with the uncertainity all around her was a comfort to all of us. To know that she had someone to lean on through this whole ordeal, who was there night & day, made it easier for the rest of us to survive it. Thank you, J&A
ReplyDeleteAwwww, you guys are so sweet to my boy. *sigh* I am a very lucky girl - in all the people I'm lucky enough to have in my life!
ReplyDelete@fameds, thanks for the information, I'll check out the petition.
xoxo