Kerri has a medical history including poly-cystic ovarian disease and has a history of cysts. She had recently discovered a cyst in her breast, but wasn't initially alarmed due to her medical history. Given Joe's recent diagnosis and some pushing from a few of Kerri's lady friends Kerri got herself checked.
When it rains it pours. On April 2, Kerri was diagnosed with breast cancer. There was a lymph node that was concerning, however testing has confirmed that the cancer is not in her lymph nodes. Kerri's cancer is considered to be medium in terms of aggressiveness.
Kerri's treatment plan is still being finalized. She still has more test to complete and is contemplating whether to be treated in Bangor at Eastern Maine Medical Center or by the same doctor who is treating Joe in Portland. As of right now, the plan looks like Kerri will have some radiation initially in an attempt to shrink the tumor, then she will undergo a double mastectomy with reconstructive surgery followed by chemo.
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Hi Kerri: I am very optimistic with your report today. I'm sure it will all go well for you. YEAH for Joey-sounds like he went through the surgery and things went very well. I got to spend time with your Mum and Calib last night. They were sure relieved to hear Joey did so well. Please know that I am keeping you in my prayers and as I told you earlier, I'm ready and willing to help when you need me. I know you have wonderful friends as I do, they will help you so much. I sure could not have gone through my troubles without your parents. We are blessed! Love: Marilyn
ReplyDeleteKerri,
ReplyDeleteMaybe you already have checked with a number of friends; make sure you do. The people that I know who proceeded with reconstruction within a relatively short time from their mastectomies have had major issues. Four close friends of mine who have had mastectomies varied in the recovery process. The two who underwent reconstructive procedures significantly increased and/or significantly hindered their recovery rates. The two who did not go the reconstructive journey have completely healed. I realize everyone is unique, but just wanted to share this info with you as you process your personal journey to recovery... You and your family will be in my prayers.
Kerri, You and Joey remain in my prayers. I had immediate reconstruction and have never had a problem and that was in 1992.
ReplyDeleteI will help in any way possible.
Joyce Philbrick
Kerri,
ReplyDeleteYou are in my prayers, Positive thinking helps alot. When I found my lump it had already went into my lymph nodes so I think of it all the time returning but if it does I will fight it again. It will be 4 years on April22 since I was diagonosed and had a masectomy. It's very scary and sucks but being around good positive people will help. God Bless You and Joey my prayers are with you both! Love Patty Goody Rutter
Kerri, Just hearing of you and Joe's issues and the lady above(Patty) is right. Positive people do help. You are two of those good positive people. I know you have many great friends with that same positive energy. Allow them to help. You both are special to us-miss our young kids days. How can we help? You both are in our thoughts.Best Wishes, Dan and Gretchen
ReplyDeleteTheresa and Jon Chapman send their love and prayers to the both of you. She called me to find out if what she was hearing was true. I filled her in with what you have provided on this wonderful blog.!
ReplyDeleteHi Kerri, My only sister, 7 years younger than I, had breast cancer, a single mastectomy and over 20 nodes removed in her thirties. She is now 47 and the big issue has been the lymph node removal and fluid retention in her affected arm, Lymphedema. I am so glad you had this checked before nodes entered the major picture! Courageous and smart! Andrea
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