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update for the curious
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i used to post here somewhat frequently until 2015 or so. had melanoma excised after IM Coz that year and in 2016 moved back to the USA. Got my RN and was living a nice little life in the frozen north. This past august, 14 hours into a 16-hour shift ended up in the ER and found I have stage V - brain, spine, and lung. Went on ST disability last Tuesday and am hoping to make it through 2 more cycles of infusions to get the damn brain mets under control.

Can't run due to t-spine issues but I walk everyday and do my PT. five IMs were not enuf and I always loved IM Coz - only IM I've done other than Cuba.

anyway, just peeking in after eons away. love to the womens

http://harvestmoon6.blogspot.com
https://www.caringbridge.org/visit/katasmit


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Re: update for the curious [kathy_caribe] [ In reply to ]
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You were here before my time. I lurk in the LR mostly, fighting, and sometimes look into the Women’s forum.

My husband had a moderately aggressive lymphoma in 2020 covid-times. Six rounds of 8 hr infused chemotherapy. He’s in remission.

Stage V is yikes-serious, but chemotherapy can do amazing things, right? My husband’s tumor was like a lemon sitting on neck. We saw it shrink from the chemotherapy. I hope you have a prescription that does the same thing. Are you seeing good progress?

used to race but stopped because of kids/age/whatever. I just signed up for the 100/100 challenge in the tri forum. I did it a few times in years past & it provides good energy and comradeship. Maybe you’ll consider it? Obviously walking would substitute for running. Have you walked everyday through previous infusion cycles?
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Re: update for the curious [CallMeMaybe] [ In reply to ]
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so far the only thing progressing is the cancer, little out of control right now. hoping to get down off dex enough to start cycle 3. i'm going to check the thread you mentioned. thankd!

http://harvestmoon6.blogspot.com
https://www.caringbridge.org/visit/katasmit


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Re: update for the curious [kathy_caribe] [ In reply to ]
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I too, have done both Cozumel and Cuba and loved both races.

Please keep posting about your cancer updates; I am very sorry to hear about your diagnosis.

The 100/100 Challenge is a good idea that I may take up as well. Anyway, welcome back!

DFL > DNF > DNS
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Re: update for the curious [kathy_caribe] [ In reply to ]
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Wow! Was so excited to see your name out there as you had disappeared right after your melanoma dx. I had sent you a few emails but never heard back. I am sorry you have another battle to face and hope you kick cancer’s butt! You are smart and strong and know what to do. Thanks for checking in. (And I miss your posts, they were always good. )
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Re: update for the curious [kathy_caribe] [ In reply to ]
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I checked out your CaringBridge post. My husband’s first cancer doc was underwhelming, but his second one was fantastic. I glad you’re looking for the right doc for you. Also, having been a patient (and caregiver for patients) at Mayo, I have been very pleased with their willingness to give second opinions. Several years after our last treatment there, I emailed with a request for a second opinion on a related but different medical problem, and they gave me one, free and promptly.

My husband’s oncologist told us that the standard treatment for his type of cancer was pretty well established. I hope the treatment for your cancer is also well established because it means who is treating you becomes less important— so long as they are adhering to the treatment. Getting second opinions can help you determine if this is the case, right?

The 100/100 starts in nine days on Nov 15. I don’t know how long your chemo cycles are, but it would be cool if the 100/100 carried you through.
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Re: update for the curious [kathy_caribe] [ In reply to ]
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Kathy, welcome back! I do remember you. As I recall, you also hosted pro athletes for races in your then sunny neck of the woods.

Whatever path lies ahead for you, I hope you are able to find a way forward in peace.

No coasting in running and no crying in baseball
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Re: update for the curious [SallyShortyPnts] [ In reply to ]
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Well thanks to this thread I looked at the 100/100 and signed up for it! I never paid attention to it before as I am not on here that much. Looking forward to it.
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Re: update for the curious [kathy_caribe] [ In reply to ]
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I'm happy to hear from you and so sorry about the health issues. Please continue to keep us updated.

maybe she's born with it, maybe it's chlorine
If you're injured and need some sympathy, PM me and I'm very happy to write back.
disclaimer: PhD not MD
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Re: update for the curious [kathy_caribe] [ In reply to ]
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I was thinking about you the other day and wondering if you wound up moving to the States. I remember the thread where you were looking for location suggestions.

Good luck with your treatments.
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Re: update for the curious [kathy_caribe] [ In reply to ]
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So sorry to hear about your diagnosis. Definitely keep us posted on how you are doing. Walking is good!

clm
Nashville, TN
https://twitter.com/ironclm | http://ironclm.typepad.com
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Re: update for the curious [kathy_caribe] [ In reply to ]
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Oh goodness, Kathy, it's great to hear from you, but I'm so sorry about your most recent diagnosis. I often wondered (and worried about) what happened to you after the melanoma diagnosis. Amazing and awesome that you became an RN in the midst of all that!! You showed us that you're made of tough stuff by the way you threw yourself into triathlon, knowing almost nothing, and becoming awfully damn good at it. I hope your next infusions have gone well - as well as something like that might go - and that the nasty brain mets are whipped right out of your body. Sending lots of love and support to you and your family. Please come back and update us if you can.
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Re: update for the curious [ In reply to ]
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From her caringbridge.org. Very sad.

December 03, 2021
Journal Entry by Christina Melnarik — 11 hours ago
Kitty passed away about 5am.

clm
Nashville, TN
https://twitter.com/ironclm | http://ironclm.typepad.com
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Re: update for the curious [ironclm] [ In reply to ]
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Oh wow. This is so sad. Thank you for updating us. :-(

Hillary Trout
San Luis Obispo, CA

Your trip is short. Make the most of it.
https://www.slogoing.net/
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Re: update for the curious [SLOgoing] [ In reply to ]
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Haven't posted here in ages. I lurk from time to time. Kathy fought this tooth and nail. She really gave it her all just like she did in her IM races. Devastated by her loss. Please keep her family in your thoughts as she was beloved by them so very much . ❤️

___________________________________________________
Jody

“The wild is the approaching dark mass of an outside set, and it is the unseen but very real possibility of moving shapes in the water close around us”~ Drew Kampion, The Way of the Surfer
http://andbabymakes6.com/...ertraining-syndrome/
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Re: update for the curious [ironclm] [ In reply to ]
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I just saw this; my sincere condolences to her family. She was taken too soon.

DFL > DNF > DNS
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Re: update for the curious [ironclm] [ In reply to ]
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ironclm wrote:
From her caringbridge.org. Very sad.

December 03, 2021
Journal Entry by Christina Melnarik — 11 hours ago
Kitty passed away about 5am.

Oh this is very sad. I just popped in to this room after a long absence, saw her name and was excited she was back. Then I saw this. What a sad time for her family. She was such a vibrant part of this community.
Thank you posting.
John

I hope it is OK to post this following in case someone might read this but please remove if not OK:

There will be a Celebration of Kitty's life on the winter solstice, December 21st in Minneapolis. We are hoping to contact her nursing school classmates and hospital co-workers. Please text me at 510-857-6647 to let me know if you are amongst those folk so I can know how to get information to you. Details to follow.
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Re: update for the curious [johnnybefit] [ In reply to ]
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johnnybefit wrote:
ironclm wrote:
From her caringbridge.org. Very sad.

December 03, 2021
Journal Entry by Christina Melnarik — 11 hours ago
Kitty passed away about 5am.

Oh this is very sad. I just popped in to this room after a long absence, saw her name and was excited she was back. Then I saw this. What a sad time for her family. She was such a vibrant part of this community.
Thank you posting.
John

I hope it is OK to post this following in case someone might read this but please remove if not OK:

There will be a Celebration of Kitty's life on the winter solstice, December 21st in Minneapolis. We are hoping to contact her nursing school classmates and hospital co-workers. Please text me at 510-857-6647 to let me know if you are amongst those folk so I can know how to get information to you. Details to follow.

Thank you for the information.

clm
Nashville, TN
https://twitter.com/ironclm | http://ironclm.typepad.com
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Re: update for the curious [ironclm] [ In reply to ]
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well shit

No coasting in running and no crying in baseball
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Re: update for the curious [Tri3] [ In reply to ]
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This is such sad news. Always followed Kathy's post because IM Coz really interested me. Probably done with full IM races but may just have to do the 70.3. Would def make it known I was racing in her honor.

Pink? Maybe. Maybe not. You decide.
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Re: update for the curious [ironclm] [ In reply to ]
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What awful news. I spent an afternoon with her and her family at IMCoz and thought she was amazing.
My condolences to her family.
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