Here we go...
Well, after much resistance I am finally setting up this site. I guess I was putting it off because creating this page makes it feel real, and I was trying to put that off for as long as possible. But here we are and I FINALLY have a treatment plan so I am ready to get the show on the road. I had hoped that would happen sooner or later, but I didn't quite realize that the show would involve me getting bone cancer! As you know, on November 5th I was officially diagnosed with osteosarcoma of the maxilla, located smack dab in the middle of my face, right above my front teeth. After a LONG review process and a meeting of the minds at both Univ. of Penn and the Mayo Clinic, my oncologist (Dr. Arthur Staddon) has decided to hold off on chemotherapy for the time being (IF necessary that can be a bit down the line) and move forward with surgery, because that needs to happen ASAP. I met with my surgeon (Dr. Greg Weinstein) at Penn this morning for a pre-op visit and surgery has been scheduled for this coming Tuesday, November 25. Luckily, I will only need to be in the hospital 1-2 nights but unfortunately I still won't be enjoying a delicious Thanksgiving dinner or jumping around when the Eagles beat the Cowboys like the rest of you. I have the option to postpone surgery until after the holiday but I am starting to experience some pain in my teeth, so it was a unanimous decision to get this taken care of sooner rather than later. I am having everything done at U Penn so I will head down to Philly on Monday and likely be there for most of December. A lot of people have been asking me about the procedure and I still don't have a complete understanding of how it will all work but it is a little more clear to me after the meeting with the surgeon this morning. He will remove the bone/gum and teeth from the very front to about 1/4 way back to the right (so approximately the space of 4-5 teeth). He will also take skin from my leg and graft it into that area to help the exposed bone heal. There will be an obturator in there for the first two weeks (which will keep the space from closing as it heals) and then I will receive a prosthesis to replace the bone and teeth which I was just fitted for last week. I'll have that for several years and then at some point, once the area is completely free of cancer for 5 years or so, we can consider possibly grafting bone from my leg into the jaw to permanently replace it. It's all pretty overwhelming and scary, but I am just trying to take it one step at a time. The plastic surgeon creating the prosthesis told me that my voice will never be back to 100% of what it is now, but both she and my surgeon are taking extremely special care to make sure that I will be able to regain as much as possible. I'm just going to think of it as singing differently, not less than what I have now. Before I sign off, I just want to thank all of you again from the very bottom of my heart for the unbelievable outpouring of support, love and generosity over the last few weeks. It has been completely overwhelming and I am brimming with gratitude. I don't think you will ever truly know how grateful I am, so I will just keep reminding you! I hope you have a beautiful and blessed Thanksgiving. Much love to all, Kaytie
Comments (19)
My dear Kaytie, I believe in the power of prayer and therefore I do not leave home in the morning without having my daily prayer session. It is my time to express my feelings, talk to G-d, and feel one on one with him. From the very first day that I found out about your situation, I included you in my prayers and have done so every day since. I will continue to pray for you. As a cancer survivor who is celebrating being cancer free for 5 years this month, I look forward to your five year anniversary. Perhaps we will be able to celebrate it together. It truly is an occasion to be celebrated! With much love, Lisa Feldman
dear kaytie... you know how crazy i am about you... your warmth and smile are the 2 things i love most about you... after hearing from mom a few weeks ago you have been on my mind and in my prayers every day... G-D will take care of you, i'm sure... keep that smile on your face always... xoxox
You are so strong Kaytie - this cancer does not stand a chance... My house is your house any time you are down here! I can bring you a key when I see you next. I am glad you have this amazing journal to share everything in one spot... I can only imagine how many people (like me) who love you and want to keep up with everything and find out how they can help, but simultaneously do not want to force you to continually rehash what you know and feel instead of you focusing on YOU and healing :). This is wonderful! If you ever want someone to listen and type for you so you can keep up with it but not over exert yourself, just give me a call and I will be happy to ;). xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxo
Kaytie O! Thank you so much for posting this journal so that you can keep all your fans up-to-date on your journey! It is obvious from the FB comments and the comments here that you are well-loved by so many. But, of course, I already knew that! You have such a wonderful attitude and people are drawn to you ❤️ Hope you can feel ALL our thoughts, prayers and support. Everyone will be thinking and praying so very hard for you this Tuesday. Hope God is ready to hear all the prayers 🙏
Kaytie, we only met briefly, but in those moments i said wow this girl is so cool and i can't wait to see her again at IC and know her more !! You once asked if i had a room for you to stay and i want to let you know you have a place to stay in my home ANYTIME. I have tears because you are an incredibly awesome lady who shows so much integrity, positivity and resilience. I will be here with love in your journey. Hugs, hugs and more hugs, Regina
oh sweet Kaytie... Again I am so sorry you are going through this. As always, I am amazed and inspired by your vibrant spirit. You are so well loved, so beautiful and generous and PRECIOUS!! I am holding you in my heart, thoughts and prayers. When you are up for visitors, please let me know. I imagine all of us who love you will be beating down your door, so if visitors is more than you want, just say. But I will be there in a heart beat if you would like to see one more loving face. Precious Kaytie, I love you. I hope the surgery goes smoothly and the healing/recuperation process is quick. PLEASE do not hesitate to ask if there is anything at all that I might be able to do for you. Love ALWAYS to your sweet self, Tasha
Sweet Kaytie, you are in our thoughts and prayers, even as we know you will come out the other side stronger than ever! Sending endless love from Ari, Sarah, Sadie and Mischa.
Hi Kaytie, I am thinking of you and praying for you. I hope you have a successful surgery and smooth recuperation. You are so brave and strong. Sending my best to you, Joyce
Kaytie, You are the Bravest person to have been in my life. God Bless You, Be Good To Yourself, Love You, Dad
Hello Ms. Kitty-- Everyday in every way sending you Much Love, Many Prayers and a ton of support. You are so very, very special to me and are so strong and couragous that I have no doubt you will be victourious in this battle. You have been dealt a tough hand but you are a Fighting Irishwoaman. Love Ya. Reen
Kaytie - I live in Philly, and I would love to visit you if appropriate. Many of my friends have gone through treatment at Penn, and you are in great hands as you know. Sending big hugs and winning energy to your cells and regenerative powers. Your singing will be incredible, don't you worry. My cell is 610-999-3695 if I can come bring you anything! - Love you, Kerri Konik
Kaytie- best of luck to you in what sounds like a very intense series of procedures! You have always been one of the most optimistic, strong and beautiful on the inside and outside people in my world (and on my timeline!), and I know that all of those traits will aid you in your journey to kick cancer's ass. While it may not be how you were hoping to spend Thanksgiving and the holidays, it sounds like it is a very informed and proactive choice to have surgery now and that you have excellent doctors guiding you in your treatment. I wish you all the best and will keep you in my prayers! Good luck with your surgery and good luck to your Eagles vs. the 'Boys! ;)
Kaytie-0 - the Dubin family and your old Mountain neighbors send you buckets of love (and some Marin juju) - with wishes for a successful surgery on Tuesday and a smooth recovery. BTW, Marika is a head and neck surgeon at UCSF - she agrees you are in the very best of hands with Dr. Weinstein at Penn - and predicts a positive outcome for you. You are so strong, so gracious, and so generous to share this life experience with us. Hope to see you in California again some day soon.....smiling (and singing, of course!) xxR
Kaytie-I am sending prayers and positive thoughts your way. I am so sorry to hear of your news but I am so glad you have the treatment plan and are ready to take action. Thinking of you!!!
You're going to be amazing. Sending all of the good karma and so much love your way.
Dear Kaytie, I'm thinking of you and your family and your medical team as you embark on this treatment today. I'm praying hard and during everything I do today that all will go well and that you will be on the mend and feeling better very soon. I've been losing sleep over you, girl! Get better and know we love you!
Thinking of you, Kaytie! When you're up to it, please let us all know (via this website) how you are coming along. Stay Strong! You've got lots of love surrounding you!
Hi Kaytie, I am sorry that you are so much pain. I am praying for you. Love, Aunt Liz
Happy Friday, May Jesus help you--keep telling Jesus how hard it is. He want you to know how mush He Loves you. I hope the medicine is helping. Love, Aunt Liz