Thursday, September 11, 2008

Yay, High School!

The title is Kelly's idea.  That should give you an idea of how she likes being back at school, even though it is just part time.  Actually part time is perfect for her.  She does the rest of her classes at home, so she has the mornings to work on those before school.  Then she goes to school at lunch time and has two classes after lunch.  A regular school schedule would still be too much for her right now, with chemo treatments every other week.


You can read the secret post below to see how Kelly is doing from her own point of view. You'll also notice that she is a little out of it the day after chemo.  But as usual, the sense of humor is still there. Now it is my turn to give you the latest Kelly news!  She started her two classes at school last Thursday and is really enjoying being back at school.  She actually wanted to try to go today, but as you will see when you read her post, yesterday's chemo didn't go so well.  She was pretty sick, but still wanted to try to eat dinner last night (as she said, she just felt empty)  The dinner did not want to stay down, so that kept her awake quite a bit last night.  She gets caught in the fact that she feels better with something in her stomach, but it just won't stay there on chemo day.  She was eating a hamburger in the infusion center at the beginning of chemo yesterday (while she still felt good) when her doctor stopped by to see her.  He said, "I see you have a good appetite."  To which she replied, "I am enjoying this now before I have to give it back."

School has been such a good thing for Kelly!  She is so happy to be back.  She is really enjoying her classes and loves being around her friends and classmates again.  Thanks so much to everyone at her high school that has been so supportive of her.  (Especially you, Karey!!)  Her teachers at school are great - very understanding with her.  She likes the classes she chose. She is having fun learning French and really likes having one of her good friends in class with her.  (While we are at it Rachel, it is also so nice seeing you dance at the studio again!!)  Ceramics is fun and she enjoys making things with clay, even though so far she has only made the top of a pinch pot.  This class was comfortable for her since she already knew the teacher.  Thanks for making her feel so welcome, Heather.

Kelly was so excited to get a locker this week.  It made her feel like a real high school student, even though she is only there part time.  Amazing how little things can mean so much.

Megan and Shannon are busy with their full schedules of school and dance.  Since Kelly has been feeling so well, with the exception of chemo day and the day after, I have been spending more time at the dance studio.  As some of you know, I worked in the office there before Kelly was diagnosed.  It is fun to be back there a little more, getting to know the students and helping out where I can.  I have also started some of the adult dance classes in the mornings again. It is fun for me to get back to some of my old routines.  It is also good for Kelly to have some time without me around all the time.  As much as I love being with her all the time, she does need her teenage freedom too.  Hopefully, she will continue to have clear MRIs so we can continue to enjoy what is looking to be such a good new school year.

10 comments:

RTonick said...

Kelly!!! Haven't said hi in a while. Glad to see you are doing well. How exciting about school. Im living in New York City for 6 months for a project with work. Is there anything you can think of that you want from the Big Apple? Think about it. Collect anything?

Anonymous said...

Hi Kathy -
Loved the post about Kelly and her excitement about going to high school. I think we forget how lucky we are to have a 'normal' day - without the worries of chemo, tests, etc. You are all amazing - my heroes!

Hope to see you all soon - as I wrote to Kelly - we are overdue for a mother/daughter date! :)

Love ya' - Darla & Sophie

Anonymous said...

Hi Kathy,
I really enjoyed reading your comments, too!! I am really, really happy for you, that things are going well enough for you to get back into some of your routine too!!! I bet Kristi is DELIGHTED to have you back, for whatever time you can give her!!!!! I miss her and ALL you guys SO MUCH, but I am just not sure about starting dance again. I miss it, A LOT!!!!!!How fun for you....are you taking tap and jazz again? What else???? I am glad for you....Take care...
Love,
Patty

Tracy said...

Hi Kathy & Kelly!
I love hearing things are goingso well! Kelly and school and you at the dance studio - it sounds great for both of you!

Someone and her sister are turning 16 very soon!!! Amazing - weren't you just swinging in a Little Tykes swing with Megan and Emily?!

Je t'aime!
Aunt Tracy
xoxo

Anonymous said...

So glad to hear Kelly is LOVING high school. Even a couple classes make such a difference. Our children's attitudes make such a difference on this journey. I am in awe of kids and how they "deal". We should all learn a lesson from them. Way to go Kelly!!
Have a great week.
Kathleen Gettinger-Taylor's mom
www.caringbridge.org/visit/taylorgettinger

Anonymous said...

Kathy-
I feel so lucky to be a part of Kelly's unique teenage journey. In the short time I have been her "teacher" I have learned a lot from her. But, mostly I am in awe and inspired by her ability to keep on keeping on with such a positive attitude and sense of humor. I really love the goofy post she wrote today. Thanks for sharing!
Karey

Anonymous said...

Dear Kathy,

I'm glad there's a little more normalcy in everyone's life. I hope it continues for you.

I sent you an article from the "Financial Times" a few days ago. I hope you find it interesting.

Take care,
Henry

P.S. If you're wondering why I know anything at all about irinotecan, it's because I've translated a number of study protocols over the years.
H.

Catalina Eddy said...

Aloha,
Kathy says things are returning to normal. Hope I don't wreck that by showing up tonight. I'm anxious to see you all.

bp said...

Hello! I enjoy reading your updates and seeing the pictures. Have a good weekend!

Bethany (Audrey's Umbrella)

Anonymous said...

Hi Kelly and Kathy,

What a great post!! I did go down and read Kelly's secret post. It made me smile. She and my Kelly are soooooo much alike, it's scary! I continue to keep you guys in my thoughts and prayers. I watched Mimi's video, and saw Kelly's pic........I wish I had sent my Kelly's in so she could have been included, but I procrastinate too much. Oh well. Got a big GOLD ribbon tied to our mailbox in honor of all our kids!!

Take care.
Veronica/Angel_wings