Well, I had my first colonoscopy yesterday. As everyone who has ever had one knows, the prep is much worse than the actual procedure. You have to drink 64 ounces of goop. Cherry flavored goop. Its so disgusting.
After each glass Nate and I would practically do a cheer! 2 down!! 6 down!! Then finally 11 glasses of goop down!! (In 2 hours)
The day came and went yesterday. At first lying in that hospital bed getting ready made me tear up. Mainly because it brought back memories of my mastectomy surgery. But once I started to get realistic about it, I started tearing up because I was so happy. So happy that I was going in for a colonoscopy and not anything more serious. People get these things ALL the time!
After waking up from my drug-induced drunken stupor, the doctor came in and said there were no pollups, just some minimal issues. No cancer! Nothing to worry about! Phew!
Nate the Great was by my side the whole way (as always) and my spirits were high through the whole process.
All the b-s is truly behind me. And I'm just so very thankful! Thank you God.
Tuesday, September 21, 2010
Thursday, July 22, 2010
Wishing me continuous luck...
Yes, the results came back from Dr. Sklarin with no malignancies (yey!!!). But got a call from Yelena yesterday that I have an inflamed colon. What the heck?
It's nothing I'm worried about, but just something I really don't feel like dealing with.
So, please keep the prayers coming. Just another crappy visit to the doctor.
It's nothing I'm worried about, but just something I really don't feel like dealing with.
So, please keep the prayers coming. Just another crappy visit to the doctor.
Friday, July 16, 2010
Malignant Free!
The best words you could ever hear!
On Wednesday of this week, I had to get a Petscan and CT scan to determine if the spot on my liver was anything to worry about. After spending 3+ hours at the MSKCC breast center, getting blood taken, getting injected with dye, drinking a liter of fluid they claim tastes like Crystal Light, being told I was so radioactive I shouldn't be around pregnant women or small children, and feeling like my arm was going to fall off, needless to say: I was exhausted.
Dana was there for comfort (thank goodness!), so we headed back to Chelsea, laid out the new rug and ottomans I bought and started to feel a bit better. Then we headed to Co. to have some brick-oven pizza! Thanks Dana for bringing me back to life!
It's been 2 days since the scans, and we've been anticipating the results. Well, a call from Yelena (my favorite nurse hehe), made my day! Cancer free! No Malignancies! All is fine! YIPPEEE!!!
On Wednesday of this week, I had to get a Petscan and CT scan to determine if the spot on my liver was anything to worry about. After spending 3+ hours at the MSKCC breast center, getting blood taken, getting injected with dye, drinking a liter of fluid they claim tastes like Crystal Light, being told I was so radioactive I shouldn't be around pregnant women or small children, and feeling like my arm was going to fall off, needless to say: I was exhausted.
Dana was there for comfort (thank goodness!), so we headed back to Chelsea, laid out the new rug and ottomans I bought and started to feel a bit better. Then we headed to Co. to have some brick-oven pizza! Thanks Dana for bringing me back to life!
It's been 2 days since the scans, and we've been anticipating the results. Well, a call from Yelena (my favorite nurse hehe), made my day! Cancer free! No Malignancies! All is fine! YIPPEEE!!!
Friday, June 25, 2010
Yup, it's official...
I'm a model! Not sure if you remember the post I wrote a little less than a year ago - but it was that Malia Mills, bathing suit designer, had me model for her website. For the longest time nothing had been posted and I thought for sure that she had decided not to use me.
Well, Thursday afternoon, I checked my email and my hands started shaking! I'm officially a model! hehehe...She posted images of me on her website (below) that not only showcase my new healthy boobies, but my little itty bitty hair!
It's not the pictures that I love so much - it's the fact that I did it. These pictures were taken exactly one month after my exchange surgery, and looking back I can't believe I had the courage to do it. But I did and here they are - for all the world to see!
Well, Thursday afternoon, I checked my email and my hands started shaking! I'm officially a model! hehehe...She posted images of me on her website (below) that not only showcase my new healthy boobies, but my little itty bitty hair!
It's not the pictures that I love so much - it's the fact that I did it. These pictures were taken exactly one month after my exchange surgery, and looking back I can't believe I had the courage to do it. But I did and here they are - for all the world to see!
Thursday, May 6, 2010
Guess who has long enough hair to get their hair cut?
Me!!!!
Got my first TRUE haircut yesterday at Davida Salon in Hoboken.
Thank you Davida and Mom!!!
Take a lookie!
Thanks Helena
My friend Helena just sent me a story about how insurance companies are trying to make a mastectomy and outpatient procedure. Are you freakin' kidding me? Oh, ok - let me remove your leg and you can go walk home! They would never do THAT!
So, she sent me a link to sign the petition for the Mastectomy Bill known as the Breast Cancer Hospitalization Bill which will require insurance companies to cover a minimum of 48-hours in the hospital -- which is in Congress now.
Go to the following site and sig the petition today. Please!
http://www.mylifetime.com/my-lifetime-commitment/breast-cancer/petition (click me)
So, she sent me a link to sign the petition for the Mastectomy Bill known as the Breast Cancer Hospitalization Bill which will require insurance companies to cover a minimum of 48-hours in the hospital -- which is in Congress now.
Go to the following site and sig the petition today. Please!
http://www.mylifetime.com/my-lifetime-commitment/breast-cancer/petition (click me)
Thursday, April 29, 2010
Next Phase of Kara
It's almost 12am on a Wednesday night and I'm just getting into bed to go to sleep. The problem is, I feel like a little kid the night before the first day of school. I'm incredibly excited. Why you ask?
Well, as I get under the covers, I take a long, deep breath. I look around my room to see my walls empty, my clothes in boxes and all my jewelry and accessories stored away. I'm moving into New York City on Sunday...and with the man of my dreams. Actually, the man who helped me wipe away my nightmare and brought my dreams to reality.
As I look around my room, I see all of the thoughtful little gifts I've received over the last year: the breast cancer support teddy bear, the pink boxing gloves from Mrs. O'Hanlon that stood as the metaphor for getting through the fight, the little guardian angel pink I wore inside my coat on the way to chemo the angel figurine that stands for strength, the cards around my mirror, the countless books to conquer cancer!, and of course the "love you more" sign that hung straight across from my bed so everything I woke up after a long dreadful "chemo sleep," I would look up and see "love you more" and think of my mom and how much I'm loved.
Now as I'm writing, I have tears rolling slowly down my cheeks. I knew in my heart this day would come; the day that I have put all of this behind me. The day when I can honestly say I've moved on, I'm happy, I'm healthy, I'm in love and I'm loved more than I ever thought I could be - by not only the best man I know, but my best friends, my family and of course my hero: Mom.
I'm packed, I'm ready to go - to the next phase of Kara. It's time for bed and I need sleep. Can't wait for Sunday!
Well, as I get under the covers, I take a long, deep breath. I look around my room to see my walls empty, my clothes in boxes and all my jewelry and accessories stored away. I'm moving into New York City on Sunday...and with the man of my dreams. Actually, the man who helped me wipe away my nightmare and brought my dreams to reality.
As I look around my room, I see all of the thoughtful little gifts I've received over the last year: the breast cancer support teddy bear, the pink boxing gloves from Mrs. O'Hanlon that stood as the metaphor for getting through the fight, the little guardian angel pink I wore inside my coat on the way to chemo the angel figurine that stands for strength, the cards around my mirror, the countless books to conquer cancer!, and of course the "love you more" sign that hung straight across from my bed so everything I woke up after a long dreadful "chemo sleep," I would look up and see "love you more" and think of my mom and how much I'm loved.
Now as I'm writing, I have tears rolling slowly down my cheeks. I knew in my heart this day would come; the day that I have put all of this behind me. The day when I can honestly say I've moved on, I'm happy, I'm healthy, I'm in love and I'm loved more than I ever thought I could be - by not only the best man I know, but my best friends, my family and of course my hero: Mom.
I'm packed, I'm ready to go - to the next phase of Kara. It's time for bed and I need sleep. Can't wait for Sunday!
Celebration!
Buskers was the venue. Celebrating the end of my cancer journey was the occasion.
Friends from different lives attended:
Old friends from high school whom I don't see enough!
Friends from different lives attended:
Old friends from high school whom I don't see enough!
My second parents, Patty and Teels (who gave me some bottles of bubbly to celebrate!)
My big sisters: the Rutgers girls and Kim (and her soon to be hubby who I love!); Plus my big brothers: Love you Jax and Rocco!
And let's not forget my Garnier savior: Kristie!
Then about 30 to 40 minutes after we arrived, Nate the Great walks in with a bouquet of flowers, his two roommates (or should I call them OUR roommates) and two great friends! Those guys are probably the newest addition to my friend pool and they've had such a big role in getting me through all of this -- probably without even knowing it. I mean, imagine meeting your new boyfriend's friends for the first time -- with no hair! Yuk! But they always asked how I was doing, always were there keeping me smiling. I just love them.
Then, Uncle Carm pulled his usual antic: "Sorry Kar, Aunt Laura and I can't make it. Have a great time." Yeah right! They walked in around 10pm and partied and danced all night!
I can't forget to mention my college roommates...Megs, Colleen, and Allison (Katie couldn't make it but love her anyway!). These girls are not friends, they truly are sisters to me. Though they live about four hours away, they have emotionally, mentally and physically been there every single step of the way. From showing up at my mom's house after my surgeries and going home later that night, sending me cards and gifts in the mail, constantly calling to check on me, and keeping me flying high - they are truly the best.
Meaghan comes out with the most ridiculous nonsense and I just love it. Allison is hysterical and Colleen is always smiling. Thank GOD for York College!
And last but not least, my loving, giving, and well, excited family: Mommy, Dana, Steve, and Jabe. I cannot thank them all enough for everything! I actually don't even quite know how to begin. From making special dinners, going to every doctor appointment, keeping me balanced and unafraid to tackle the next step in the journey, shaving my head, making it fun to buy wigs and hats, watching Gossip Girl on chemo weekends and making jest, to crying together, laughing together and putting all of this behind us!
So last January (2009) when we held the first party at Buskers to say goodbye to the tatas (see first post on this blog) we thought this day was so far in the future...well, here it is! The post-celebration happened and my new boobies, new hair, new experiences and new life is just...well, fabulous!
Thank you all! xoxoxo
Thursday, April 15, 2010
No more Chemo Day!
It's April 15. Most people think today is tax day, which it technically is; however, for me, today is the last day I will ever have a chemotherapy treatment in my life.
I'm headed over to Memorial Sloan Kettering at 4pm this afternoon to have my last Herceptin treatment. For those of you who don't know what that is, it's an extension of the harsh chemotherapy (without the side effects) that is targeted to my cancer cells due to my "Her2 positive" status (in layman's terms). And for those of you who didn't even know I was going through this treatment - that's because I'm feeling great, back at work and my hair is growing so fast, I'm beginning to look like a chia pet! I actually started this treatment exactly one year ago today, while I was undergoing Taxol, the second half of my harsh chemo treatments.
It's a very strange feeling to finish chemo completely. One, because it's so incredibly exciting you feel like you want to walk around the office telling everyone - or even wear a sign on your back that says: "I've beat cancer! I feel great!" I mean, it feels more important than getting a huge promotion, being given a tremedous raise, winning a pitch, graduating grad school or even winning the lottery. Chemo is OVER!! I want to yell from the Publicis rooftop!
The other feeling...is being a bit scared. What if they didn't get it all? Now that I don't have to go back and get this magical injection that cures cancer with no side effects, I try not to think that any left over cancer cells now have the chance to play around in my body and spread their cancer cheer. But the worry should be over -- according to my doctor, she assured me that due my Tamoxifen pill (that I take daily) along with regular checkups including tumor marker bloodwork, that the killing of cancer cells is not over -- and won't be for another 4 years!
So, as of 5:30pm EST this afternoon, April 15th will officially be known as the day Kara Skaflestad finished chemotherapy forever and will never have to go back for another dose of poison again!
I'm headed over to Memorial Sloan Kettering at 4pm this afternoon to have my last Herceptin treatment. For those of you who don't know what that is, it's an extension of the harsh chemotherapy (without the side effects) that is targeted to my cancer cells due to my "Her2 positive" status (in layman's terms). And for those of you who didn't even know I was going through this treatment - that's because I'm feeling great, back at work and my hair is growing so fast, I'm beginning to look like a chia pet! I actually started this treatment exactly one year ago today, while I was undergoing Taxol, the second half of my harsh chemo treatments.
It's a very strange feeling to finish chemo completely. One, because it's so incredibly exciting you feel like you want to walk around the office telling everyone - or even wear a sign on your back that says: "I've beat cancer! I feel great!" I mean, it feels more important than getting a huge promotion, being given a tremedous raise, winning a pitch, graduating grad school or even winning the lottery. Chemo is OVER!! I want to yell from the Publicis rooftop!
The other feeling...is being a bit scared. What if they didn't get it all? Now that I don't have to go back and get this magical injection that cures cancer with no side effects, I try not to think that any left over cancer cells now have the chance to play around in my body and spread their cancer cheer. But the worry should be over -- according to my doctor, she assured me that due my Tamoxifen pill (that I take daily) along with regular checkups including tumor marker bloodwork, that the killing of cancer cells is not over -- and won't be for another 4 years!
So, as of 5:30pm EST this afternoon, April 15th will officially be known as the day Kara Skaflestad finished chemotherapy forever and will never have to go back for another dose of poison again!
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
Herceptin...almost done!
2/11/10
Sitting in Sloan kettering right now waiting to get called in to Herceptin. I only have 3 left! I remember last year at this time, I had only 1 chemo treatment behind me. I had yet to lose my hair.
Now its 2010, the year of Kara. Hehe
I just started a new position in the strategic arm of Publicis called Publicis BOS group. I'm learning a bit more day by day. I'm excited about what's to come! Already have a trip planned to San Diego at the end of the month!
In April, its time to start looking for an apartment! I'm moving to the city! Probably East Village, maybe Chelsea?
While I will be searching for apartments, it will be the official year end of any and all treatments. My last Herceptin treatment is scheduled for April 11th.
My hair is back - and looking a bit like Kevin Arnold if I must say - but it's back and it's black! A bit wavy and even a bit unmanageable. But I don't care. I'm healthy, I'm happy, I'm in love, and I'm finally doing everything that I should be doing as a soon-to-be 28 year old! Happy birthday to me in only 6 days!
My last birthday wish has come true! I'm living my life!!
Sitting in Sloan kettering right now waiting to get called in to Herceptin. I only have 3 left! I remember last year at this time, I had only 1 chemo treatment behind me. I had yet to lose my hair.
Now its 2010, the year of Kara. Hehe
I just started a new position in the strategic arm of Publicis called Publicis BOS group. I'm learning a bit more day by day. I'm excited about what's to come! Already have a trip planned to San Diego at the end of the month!
In April, its time to start looking for an apartment! I'm moving to the city! Probably East Village, maybe Chelsea?
While I will be searching for apartments, it will be the official year end of any and all treatments. My last Herceptin treatment is scheduled for April 11th.
My hair is back - and looking a bit like Kevin Arnold if I must say - but it's back and it's black! A bit wavy and even a bit unmanageable. But I don't care. I'm healthy, I'm happy, I'm in love, and I'm finally doing everything that I should be doing as a soon-to-be 28 year old! Happy birthday to me in only 6 days!
My last birthday wish has come true! I'm living my life!!
Friday, January 15, 2010
January 14th, our new best day
January 14th is quite a big day. Not only was it my 1 year anniversary of my double mastectomy surgery but my mom had hip replacement yesterday! Quite the deja vu...the hospital, the doctors, the waiting, the hospital room, the food...yuk!
Seeing my mom as the patient was such a weird thing. This past year, I have been the one to sit in the chair, get my blood taken, get more drugs and diections from doctors! And all along that process, I was always thinking that I'm so glad it is me and not my mom, my sister or my friend. After seeing my mom yesterday, it's confirmed. I don't like when she's in the patient chair. I just want her to be healthy!!!
Now, the day, January 14, is now to be considered a great day. A day when two lives were changed. One woman will live a long beautiful life without breast cancer and the other will have a full life fulfilled with being able to walk, run, skip, dance and pick up those future grandkids she keeps whining about! I'm so thankful. Life is good.
Seeing my mom as the patient was such a weird thing. This past year, I have been the one to sit in the chair, get my blood taken, get more drugs and diections from doctors! And all along that process, I was always thinking that I'm so glad it is me and not my mom, my sister or my friend. After seeing my mom yesterday, it's confirmed. I don't like when she's in the patient chair. I just want her to be healthy!!!
Now, the day, January 14, is now to be considered a great day. A day when two lives were changed. One woman will live a long beautiful life without breast cancer and the other will have a full life fulfilled with being able to walk, run, skip, dance and pick up those future grandkids she keeps whining about! I'm so thankful. Life is good.
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