Update January 29, 2025

Good news to report - it looks like I’m responding well to my chemo regimen! The tumor in my liver has shrunk to nearly half its size, and the tumors in my breast have reduced as well. Thankful for all of you!

Off to chemo today in my signature pink and will keep fighting!

BONE SCAN CLEAR!

BONE SCAN CLEAR!

Good news this week - the bone scan I had yesterday (Jan. 21) was clear! Next scan will be on Saturday.

Amazing people here! Today Doris brought me this adorable gift and the sweetest card. She checks on me every week!

After a little hiatus due to the holidays and a virus, I am back on track!


I’m continuing to experiment with fun, healthy recipes (shown here is salmon with mango salsa, roasted purple potatoes, brussels sprouts, and asparagus).

Next scans are on January 21 and January 25 - we will know if the chemotherapy and antibodies are working soon - stay tuned!

Headed to treatment 1.8.25

Cycle 2, Round 2

Not going to lie, the last round of chemo and antibodies hit me harder than the few before. Even though I was not feeling great, I was able to enjoy Thanksgiving (including a crustless pumpkin pie with pea protein milk and just a tiny bit of sugar).

I am thankful for all of you (and to my new best friend, Prilosec).

Cycle 2, Round 1
Here we go!

How are we doing?

I just saw Dr. O’Connor, she says I’m doing great and looks like I’m responding well to treatment. She did an exam and can see the noticeable change in the breast that it’s looking better.  She said my counts are totally normal today and offered to change me to every two weeks infusions if I wanted to. But I asked if i could stay weekly since I’m tolerating it and she thought that was great. She’s given me Christmas week off for a break. In January will have a CT scan and bone scan. Once I get done with the chemo. Aka taxol I’ll stay on the antibodies for prob years to come  or forever, but it will keep me healthy. So those would be 1 every 21 days. Anyway she gave me a hug and said I’m doing good.

What are we eating?

Mahi mahi, with a mango salsa roasted cauliflower and broccoli. Cut up sweet potatoes with avocado oil and salt with cinnamon.

Chemo Week 3: November 20

  • Healthy Food

    MAGIC MINERAL SOUP

    As I mentioned last week, this soup has all the good things to help me fight this disease! This week I added some purple sweet potatoes and ginger. It’s keeping me going and warming my spirit.

  • Exercise

    STRENGTH

    My white and red blood cell counts were down a touch last week, so keeping up with exercise is hugely important. I’m trying to walk every day and am lifting some light weights to keep my counts (and my energy) up!

  • Cold Cap

    REDUCE VISIBLE EFFECTS

    Keeping myself looking healthy is more than just to help my own self-esteem, it will make my disease less scary for my boys. I’m doing all I can to keep our lives as normal as possible!

November 13 - Chemo Round 2

Week 2 Update:

  • How are we doing?
    Kara handled her first round of chemo like a champ! Minimal side effects, and lots of positive energy - go Kara!

  • What are we eating?
    Magic Mineral Soup, and lots of veggie juice.

  • What are we listening to?

    My chemo playlist includes NKOTB and Gloria Gaynor.

  • What do we need?

    Positive vibes, prayers, and ideas for funny movies/ shows to watch during chemo treatments.

November 4: Chemo Treatment #1

Here we go!
Let’s kick cancer’s booty!

Diagnosis: Breast Cancer Stage 4

Update: Brain Scan CLEAR

Liver and Lymph Node Biopsies:
Both tested positive for HER+ Breast Cancer

Treatment begins November 4:
Chemo will be delivered weekly in three-week rotations.

You’ve got this Kara!

October 5, 2024

UPDATE: BONE SCAN CLEAR!!!

Waiting for more information is hard. We will update as soon as we can!

In the meantime, Kara can use your well-wishes! Email Kara at karav41@icloud.com or text her at 813-810-5738.