Wow, I guess I’ve been away for quite some time now. I’ve been crazy busy adjusting to work. It gets a little hectic at times with trips to Smilow and physical therapy, but it’s going good. I’ve had a couple busy months of figuring out how to live my life. Adding work into the mix has been challenging at times, but it’s definitely better than doing “nothing”, even though I was never really doing “nothing”. I’ve been extremely busy since November 2012. Since my diagnosis, I’ve been trying to survive. Some days it feels like I’m barely treading water, then others I’m on top of the world. I know my life will never be the same. The problems that used to be easy feel like mountains to overcome. Sometimes it feels like there is a new problem every week. It has definitely gotten easier, but it can still be a struggle. I’ve learned to deal with these problems as they come along. They are part of my “new normal” life. 

I’ve grown and changed so much as a person. I’m not sure some people will ever understand what I’ve been through or what I go through on a daily basis. While it’s a daily challenge, I continue to take every day one step @ a time. There are days I feel l’ve given up so much, yet, on the other hand I’ve gained so much. At a time in my life when I was supposed to be carefree, I was faced with fighting for my life. ALL has shown me what I’m capable of and has shaped me into a person I am proud of. Despite all of the struggles and challenges, I wouldn't change my life for a minute. It may not be the easiest journey, but I’m surviving and living to tell my story. 

Till next time…KMS 

I know I’ve been MIA for a bit, but I have a good excuse. I’ve been busy getting back into the swing of working! I’m the proud new full time APRN for the Hematology/Oncology department at MidState Medical Center. I’ve been back to work for just over three weeks now. It’s definitely nice to get back into a routine, but it’s busy juggling work, treatment and physical therapy. I still have another 14 months of treatment, so this will be my routine for the foreseeable future. It sure does make the weeks fly by though! Soon enough it’ll be April 2015 J

Other than the new job, there isn’t much to report.

Till next time…KMS

On December 26, 2012 I got the best Christmas gift I could have asked for…remission. Having cancer has taught me more about life than I could have ever imagined. It has truly changed my life for the better. While it has shaped me into a better person, there are days that the pain I’ve faced are etched into my memory forever. These days were definitely mountains on this journey; one being December 29^th  when Chris shaved my head. While it taught me that my curls don’t define me, it was not easy to cut them off. Oddly enough, they didn’t come back. Maybe it’s God’s way of showing me how much I’ve changed. 

In 2013 I accomplished quite a bit. I walked in graduation, received my diploma, passed my boards and became a licensed APRN; all while undergoing treatment. I also overcame many other obstacles that were placed in front of me. While some things seem like they’re impossible, I continue to take everything one step @ a time. I have many goals for 2014, but I’m continually reminded that Rome wasn’t built overnight, so I have to remind myself of my motto, sit back and relax.

So here’s to enjoying a happy and healthy 2014!

Happy Holidays!

Till next time…KMS

One year ago today, my life changed in a matter of seconds. One second I was a busy student/nurse/wife/daughter/friend, and the next, I had ALL. I went into survival mode. The weeks following my diagnosis are still a blur, going to countless appointments and getting countless lab tests. While it's all a blur I was never alone. On 11/12/12, not only was I diagnosed with cancer, those I am closest to were as well. I never went to a single appointment alone. Actually, I never went to treatment alone until I was on maintenance.

Telling people you have cancer is surreal. I remember thinking, “how exactly do you tell people?”. Still to this day it’s something I struggle with. Well, here are some words of wisdom: 1- Remember, everyone is different. 2- Most importantly, remember everyone responds differently. I distinctly remember saying to my friend, “we are going to do this without crying”. She said to me, “who, you or me?”. Funny thing is, she’s been my shoulder to cry on (or laugh with when I couldn't get into my jeans!) throughout this whole journey. Some people don’t know what to say and that’s understandable. Even today, I still can’t believe I’m telling you I have cancer.

After going into survival mode and doing reproductive endocrinology, I quickly started treatment. I still felt like I was on candid camera and I would be told, "haha the jokes on you, wow Katelyn handled that really well!".  I went from leading this crazy busy life to being homebound. While I was home I was never truly alone, I always had Subie by my side. She’s been the perfect partner in crime because she loves to nap J.

While I would love to pretend this journey has been easy, it hasn't. At one point, I didn't want to see food never mind eat I was so nausea. Eating was a chore, and my weight quickly demonstrated this. To top it all off, around this point in time, my neuropathy got worse; double whammy! Cancer taught me a lot about who I am, neuropathy taught me to not take things for granted. To not be able to do normal activities of daily living is truly life changing. It’s something that words can’t explain. There are MANY good days, but definitely some bad ones. A wise woman told me, “there are many hills and valleys on this journey”. Plain and simple, some days are valleys and they are not fun.

Throughout all the craziness of ALL and neuropathy I managed to graduate with my MSN and pass my boards to become an APRN. I’m living proof that if you put your mind to something, you can achieve your goals. From day 1, I said I was going to walk across that stage at graduation. It may not have been the prettiest walk, but I did it.

While this isn’t the journey I ever imagined having in my lifetime, and probably wouldn’t have chosen it if you had asked me before, I wouldn't change it for one second (well maybe on some of those valley days J). ALL has allowed me to meet some pretty amazing people I would have never met. I have an amazing team at Smilow that have seen me at some of my lowest points. They are people that I’m proud to call my friends. They’ve supported not only me, but my family and friends. My APRN is someone who I truly admire. She’s been a perfect example of someone whom I’d like to be in practice, someone who always goes above and beyond. In addition to my Smilow team, my first physical therapist is someone I still stay in touch with. She showed me that with a little determination and hard work I could get stronger. She gave me such a strong foundation to work from. I still text her with my little victories. I also still stay in touch with my APRN from reproductive endocrinology. She too is someone I admire. She was constantly available when we were going through the process and was even holding my hand at retrieval. There are many other people who have come into my life since my journey began and I’m grateful for each and every one.

In addition to allowing me to meet all these people that have changed my life, relationships in my personal life grew stronger. I'm pretty sure that 2 years into marriage you don't expect to shave your wife's head because she has cancer, or spend countless hours at Smilow. Chris has never wavered for a second. Our lives were turned upside down and I couldn't have asked for a better partner on this journey. We truly took our vows, "in sickness and health" seriously.

My parents have also been in the front seat on this crazy journey. My mom and I have always been close. There’s not a day that goes by that we don’t speak at least three times a day. Over the past year, my relationship with my dad has changed; he became my treatment buddy. At one point my APRN even asked if he was retired, a big sign that you’re spending way too much time at Smilow! We even discovered that we’re twins when I shave my head - - the resemblance is uncanny. Through it all, my parents have been by my side. I can’t imagine what it’s like to watch your child go through something like this. Good thing they only have one of me, because I sure gave them a run for their money this year!

Like I said before, there are really no words to describe the past year. Even those who have been by my side day in and day out don’t understand it at times; they’ve experienced their own journey and have their own version of the story to tell. While I’m not the best storyteller, this is my story. I’ve had one crazy year, but in the end, I SURVIVED. I’m definitely not the same person I was a year ago, cancer changes everything, maybe for the better…

Till next time…KMS

In my 25^th year of life I’ve had many ups and downs. I was diagnosed with cancer, graduated with my masters and today I passed my APRN boards. That’s right, I PASSED! After 3 hours in the exam room, I hit end exam and thought, "here we go".  I literally saw my heart beating while I awaited the results.

These past 11 months have shown me that anything is possible. I’m living proof that when you put your mind to it, you can achieve anything! I’ve faced much adversity after being diagnosed with cancer. There are many good days, but there have been some bad ones along the way. But following my motto, I have taken everything one step @ a time. And of course, I couldn't have done it without the support of my family and friends. (Who had more confidence in me than I had in myself!)

I’m not sure what I’ll do with all this free time, but I'm sure I’ll find something J. It’ll take a few days to set in, but for now I’ll celebrate!

Till next time...KMS APRN

This past Saturday was “Light the Night”. I had an AMAZING turnout! Team one step @ a time represented!! It was truly an honor to be surrounded by so many people that support me. This was my first year attending the event. It is truly amazing to see all of the balloons lighting the way along the walk to support those in the fight and remember those we have lost. Participating in “Light the Night” is something that I plan on for years to come. Cancer chose me for a reason. I’m not sure I will ever understand the reason, but raising awareness for blood cancers is the least I can do. At this point in time team one step @ a time raised $7,900! That’s well above and beyond my goal and I’m very grateful for all of the donations received. This money will truly impact those affected by blood cancer and hopefully help to find a cure! Below are some pictures from the walk that Chris took, but I’m waiting for the official team picture taken at the event. We had so many people they had to do a panoramic! Looking forward to next year’s walk!

Till next time…KMS

http://www.flickr.com/photos/cspencephoto/sets/72157636309919473/

Well it is official…I completed my clinical rotations! So I’ll be receiving my diploma very soon J.  It’s another thing to check off my to do list. Just one more step until I’m the real deal and as always I’m taking it one step @ a time. Hard work definitely pays off!!

This past weekend marked  one year from when ALL decided to join my life. I’m pretty sure I’ll never forget looking in my mouth and seeing purple tonsils. Yes, I said purple. I’m sure there are few that will remember the phone call about my “necrotic” looking tonsils from Ocean City, MD. While I wasn’t officially diagnosed until November 2012, it was this weekend last year that the process began. Little did I know at the time that I was in for such a journey! Those purple tonsils gave everyone a run for their money for about a month.

Chris and I were able to get away this past weekend. We went to the same car show (H2Oi) in Ocean City, MD. I survived with trip without incident! Definitely a new experience to travel. We had a good time and it was a much needed break. 

Just a quick reminder about Light the Night…On October 5th I will be walking in Light the Night. I’m excited to see everyone who will be walking! I’m also very honored by the overwhelming amount of generosity and support I’ve received. I’m very grateful for all of the donations made. Those who have donated are truly making a difference in the lives of those affected by cancer! While I’m lucky enough to be surrounded by supporting and loving people, there are those less fortunate. With even a small donation, we are providing support and funding to provide for those in need and most importantly, the donations are helping to hopefully find a cure! So THANK YOU for your continued support.

Till next time…KMS