A heavy heart.
Hi dear ones,
I've owed you an update for several months and this is was not the one i was hoping to give you. It is with sadness and a heavy heart that I want to inform you that a few days ago I was diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukemia. What led to all of the testing was (THANK GOD) picking up the flu for a few days, quickly followed by strep throat and an ear infection that was not responding to antibiotics. I felt somewhat better but could not shake the complete exhaustion, which my GP ( reasonably) chalked up to Mono. She ran the normal mono test and due to my history and additionally ran the panel that my oncologist would normally run. This led to a phone call at midnight on Tuesday to get to the Emergency Room ASAP and thus began my journey back to Penn Oncology, although not for the reconstruction that I had been so hopeful to begin this Spring.
Over the last few days I have received multiple platelet and blood transfusions, countless bruises have appeared everywhere, I'm on Oxygen 24/7 and my siblings are are getting tested to see if they are a match to be bone marrow donors, as they have a %25 increased chance. Many of you have offered to donate to the bone marrow registry ,so if my amazing siblings are not matchesI, we will let you know and take you up on your offer.
My visitor's list is limited as I have a non-existent immune system, but some of you have ordered gorgeous paper flowers that my sis has used to decorate my room tonight along with a handmaid poster from a dear friend and her precious kids.
All beauty. All love. Trying to focus on health and sunshine (which is an admittedly difficult task on some days but i will keep trying).
XX
K
Comments (28)
There are no words good enough to write here for you, Kaytie. You are so loved and such an exemplary human.
Kaytie, I am sending you love and hugs. You are such a strong woman, that I know you beat the crap out of this disease. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
I love you Kaytie!
Kaytie, I am so sorry to hear about your news. You have had such a tough road but you continue to move forward. Please know that you are loved and being prayed for by thousands, and some very influential ones. Take care. You are always in my thoughts. Love, Kathy
Dear Kaytie: I am blood type A negative. Would welcome chance to give platelets or blood. Love, Shirley
My heart is with you Kaytie, so sorry you are having to deal with this. Sending you healing prayers and asking all our heavenly angels to send you strength to continue the fight! Love you,Karen☘
Oh Kaytie, what a challenge life is sending you this go around. I am so sorry to hear this. I know how hopeful you were when we talked last about starting the reconstruction surgeries. You can be sure that I’ll be praying for you and sending you tons of love and healing energy! May you have the courage and strength that you need each step of the journey ahead💗. You are truly a phenomenal woman. With love, Melissa Kondor
We love you so much Kaytie and our hearts are heavy with yours. Sending you love, prayers, good karma and candles lit at St. Vincent Basilica from Cameron:)
loving you from rainy California sweet Kaytie. <3
Thinking of you Kaytie! Sending you our prayers and love! 🙏🙏
So much love and so many blessing thoughts flying out to you, dearest Kaytie. You will be in my deepest prayers every morning and night. <3
Oh my sweet Kaytie. There are no words. With all our hearts Amanda and I are sending you strength and so so much love. Just so much love.
Kaytie, You are always in my thoughts and prayers! You are loved! 💗☘️ I will be happy to be tested for a match! Love, Mary
I love you. Connected. ❤️
Kaytie, I was so upset to hear about your latest battle as it seemed so unfair. I know that you will fight this with all the strength and determination that you have in the past. Please know that you are always in my heart and prayers. Stay strong!! Love, Dawn. Xoxoxo
Dear Kaytie, I am so sorry for this news! You are being tested in unimaginable ways, yet you seem to find the strength to move forward. I have no idea what the requirements are, but know that I would be more than willing to be tested for a match as a bone marrow donor. I imagine that you are tired of being an inspiration to others, and would much prefer to get on with living your own life! That is my wish and prayer for you. With deep love, Layne
Kaytie, I will continue to keep you in my prayers everyday. You are strong and will once again beat this . I would also like to be on your list to donate. Love you🌹.
Dear, dear Kaytie! May God bless you on this difficult journey of yours! If anyone can beat this disease, YOU CAN! Your courage and attitude are phenomenal. You are such an exemplary woman! You are in our thoughts and prayers always! Love, Nick and Barbara Tretta
Dearest Kaytie, You’ve always been in my thoughts and prayers and I am so sorry to hear this news. As you have done in the past, you will meet this head on and fight along with your doctors. A challenge for sure and you are not new to challenges. You have an amazing spirit and so much love...that will get you through this. Keep us posted on the bone marrow. I’d be more than willing to help if a match. God bless you, Kaytie! Love, Betsy
I am thinking of you and sending you positive thoughts. You are so strong and an amazing person.
Kaytie, no words. I’m here in Philly and when you can have visitors I’d like to be one, if when possible. Sending you lots of love and fight for your blood and immune system. Love you! 💗
Kaytie, So sorry for your latest news. Know that we are all storming the Heavens with prayer for you, your doctors, your family and your stem cell match. God bless you all. You are such a fighter and positive beautiful soul. This too shall pass and I have all the faith that you will beat this. Stay strong! Love, Marianne Ferguson
Oh Kaytie... I love you. Sending all my love and wishes for ease right now, for you and those closest to you. I know there's nothing easy about this, but if it all could be eased, even a little somehow, that is my wish. You are and always will be so precious. (I'm looking at a little frame you gave me forever ago--can it be 20+ years?!--on my bookshelf, still a loving reminder of getting to know you.) You are so loved--I hope that you can always feel that and that in the darkest times that love can be a beacon. You're in my heart Kaytie
Kaytie, I am so sorry to hear this. I have been thinking of you and will continue to do so and keep you in my prayers. I know you have an amazing support team, but if there is ever anything you need, just let me know. Wishing you healing, love and light.
Oh Kaytie, I am so sorry. Damn cancer. You have already faced too many trials in your young life. I send you love, prayers, positive thoughts and energy. I wish you the continued courage, strength and grace you have shown as you continue to fight.
Kaytie, you are a vision of hope and inspiration and while I don't know why you have been dealt this shit over and I need you to know that I've shared your story with so many people who are hurt and scared and tell them you have had an ability to get up each day and keep trying and they can too. We are in our own battle as my husband, Rob has terminal Uveal Melanoma. I try to keep him positive. To have him follow your journey as he embarks on each clinical trial or when he gets completely down on himself. You are loved beyond measure and have always been a ray of light for so many - more than you can know. I'm sending you so much love and light and if allowed would also add myself to the registry (although I've been told I'm too old!!!) Whatever you need, want, wish. ASK. Love you.
Kaytie you are so loved as evidenced by all these comments. I wish I could offer you more than this comment, like a hug. I’m so sorry for all you’ve endured and all you continue to face. I hope you find your perfect match soon! ❤️
Kaytie, My thoughts are with you! You still continue to amaze me with your resilience and positive thoughts. I am thankful you have such a wonderful support system!