Updates on Kathy's battle with breast cancer.

Monday, February 2, 2015

Two Year Mark since final cancer treatment!!

Fall 2014

Fall 2014

Two years ago today!  Last treatment.


2 Years ago, Feb. 2, 2013.
Today, February 2, 2015, marks two years since my final cancer treatment.  I’ve had several check ups since my last entry, including a mammogram, blood tests, and a couple of different scans, and so far, all is still clear and I’m still cancer free.  My energy level remains at about 85% of my pre-cancer energy level, and Scott jokingly adds, “and all our lives are better for it.”  He claims that my 80% is higher than most people’s 100%.  I am able to do all that I need and want to do; I just need to take it a little slower on Mondays following a busy weekend. 

My hair continues to grow, and now that I’m hitting the 2 year mark, the curls are also almost gone.  The last 6 months of growth has added straight strands, with some remaining curl on the ends from my earliest growth.  The flesh from my left arm pit, to about half way to the elbow still has little feeling, due to nerve damage when the lymphnodes were removed.  This is most likely permanent at this point, but it doesn’t prevent me from doing anything.  And, if I pinch it hard, it does register pain at some level of the tissue.  Obviously, I rarely do this. 

I take daily medication to block the hormones that fed my type of cancer.  I have been able to talk with other women starting on their own breast cancer adventures, sharing things that I’ve learned along the way, and advice shared with me from others who have been on similar journeys.  I am thankful for all I learned through the process.  I appreciate my body and its resilience.  I am thankful for the things I learned from family and friends about love, compassion, prayer, and support.  Most of all, I am thankful for the opportunity I had to grow closer to my Heavenly Father and my Savior.  I could feel of my Savior’s love, grace, and enabling power.  It was an opportunity to give my will to Him, and know that all would be okay, no matter what the outcome.  I’m also very thankful that His will was also what I wanted most—more time with my family and friends, and more time to serve others.

That’s the end of the cancer update and talk.  Now I’ll share a few updates since my last post. 


BYU Graduation April 2014


Garrett married Jamisyn in August.  She fits in so well and is a great addition to our family.  Kirsten & Weston graduated and moved back to Indiana, where Weston’s in a masters program and will begin medical school in the fall.  Courtney finished high school and starts college in April.
Photo Credit Erin Summerill Photography; cousin Jackson holding Heath's photo.

Last August, I completed a sprint triathlon with Scott, Kirsten & Weston.  It was a great event to train for.  I learned how to swim with proper stroking and breathing, and purchased my first swim cap and goggles.  I have a MUCH greater appreciation for swimmers.  I also learned that triathletes are more serious and competitive than your typical 5K participants.  There were no walkers.  Kirsten and I were the only casual participants.  I won 2nd place in my age category (women over 50), but there were only 2 of us, AND I placed DEAD last out of the 50-60 participants.  It was really fun doing the event with family, and Kirsten stayed with me through the swim and bike portions. We plan on doing it again this summer.  


Sprint triathlon


New Years Day 2015, Chicago


Our family will soon hit another 2 year mark—Heath will return from his 2-year mission in Argentina in 10 days!  We are SO excited to see him again.  He has loved his time there and will be sad to leave.  His mission adventures can be followed at elderheathtenney.blogspot.com 



Indianapolis Temple Under Construction

Temple photos credit to Trisha Amerpohl




This will be an exciting year for our family and our church family here in Indianapolis.  The construction of our Indianapolis Temple is almost complete.  There will be a public open house from July 17th through August 8th, except for Sundays.  It is a rare treat to tour a temple of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.  After the open house, entry will be limited to members who hold a current recommend (permission card).  I’d love to host any local friends who would like to go on a tour!