It’s been a while since my last update—over two months (oops!)—and so much has happened since then. Here’s the latest on my breast cancer journey:
1. I Rang the Bell!
I finished my last 6 rounds of Taxol Chemotherapy and RANG THE BELL the day before Thanksgiving! I had an amazing crew of some of my biggest fans alongside me that day. It was very special. Because it was Thanksgiving break for the kids; Nick, Colten, Caden, Reed and Layla all came to the center to root me on. It was really important to me that they were there, but I had an eye-opening moment: the last 6 months of 1-3 doctors' appointments a week, my positive experience with chemo and an uneventful surgery recovery didn’t seem to impact their lives much. Reed and Layla didn’t quite understand why the bell ringing was such a big deal to me. What I realized is that Nick and I managed to keep their lives as normal as possible. I was still able to show up for them; I was at activities, did school pick up/drop off, I went to work or worked from home every day, helped to keep the house going, ran errands etc. I'm not sure who to thank for such a great experience and the ability to keep things status quo, but know that I am forever grateful.
2. Hair In, Lashes Out
My hair started growing back before chemo ended, which was exciting! But then… my eyelashes completely disappeared. That is a weird look (haha). I tried fake lashes, but without real ones to stick to, they didn’t work. After a couple of weeks, I gave up and embraced the no-lash look.
I am now embracing the no wig- look. I was over it and with the hot flashes, no wig helps keep me a bit cooler.
3. Big Decisions About Surgery
Once my Oncologist mentioned that he recommended I have my ovaries and tubes removed (salpingo-oophorectomy) to reduce the estrogen production, I wanted to meet with my amazing OBGYN (remember- the one that originally found the lump) as she was who I wanted to do the surgery.
On November 21st, Nick and I sat down with Dr. Larsen to talk through the next steps. She walked us through the details of the procedure: it would be done laparoscopically, recovery would take about six weeks, and that she also recommended removing my uterus at the same time. Many women on long-term hormone blockers (which I’ll be taking for at least five years) develop issues with the uterine lining and often end up needing a hysterectomy later. Doing it all now would save me from another surgery down the road.
Nick and I agreed that combining the salpingo-oophorectomy with a hysterectomy was the right move. Another big decision on this wild ride called cancer—but one that feels like the best path forward.
4. Scheduling Chaos
Originally, my breast reconstruction was set for January 5th. But after learning about the urgency of having my woman parts removed, I moved reconstruction to January 26th and scheduled the hysterectomy for January 5th.
Then came a curveball: a letter saying our insurance might not cover M Health Fairview providers after January 1st. Wouldn't you guess, OB is with Fairview. Cue stress! We could have easily moved surgery to late December, but Nick and I have a much-needed celebratory and relaxing Mexico vacation planned, and I wasn’t willing to give that up.
On December 4th, we met with my oncologist again so that Nick could be part of the conversation related to surgery or a lifetime of shots and my plan with hormone blockers. Dr. Carlson couldn't stress enough and multiple times that he would recommend the surgery because of how aggressive my cancer is. While I am considered to be cancer free, the aggressiveness of one's cancer is extremely important to understand in an effort to reduce/eliminate recurrence. While I knew my cancer was aggressive (he has said it many times before), it really hit different during this conversation.
I also shared with him the MHealth Fairview debacle and we agreed for me to see an OBGYN within the Allina network as a back up - just in case things don't pan out with insurance.
The very next day, December 5th, I found myself waiting for Dr. Friese, an OBGYN with Allina to come in the room to have the same conversation it felt like I had had a number of times over the last month. When he walked in, he said 'Hi Kim, it is nice to see you again'. To say I was confused is an understatement! I had been seeing Dr. Larsen for literally at least a decade... many years before I had kids. I had never cheated on her with another OBGYN! I figured he was confusing me with someone else and moved forward with the convo - he agreed to the plan that had been put into place; however, he conducts the surgery slightly different. While he does it laparoscopically, he also uses a robot. He mentioned the precision of using a robot and that recovery time is usually less. This got me thinking - do I use Dr. Friese as a backup or do I forego any stress, frustration and potential setbacks due to insurance and have Dr. Friese conduct my surgery? I opted for the latter.
**Remember how Dr. Friese greeted me like he knew me? Towards the end of our conversation, he shared with me that he delivered Reed. So while I thought he was just another medical professional that will be part of this journey, it turns out, we already have a history.**
January is shaping up to be a busy month: oophorectomy and hysterectomy on January 8th, followed by breast reconstruction on January 26th.
I had my port flushed and lab work done on December 17th along with my pre-op appointment and because insurance can be unpredictable, I also had to squeeze in an ultrasound, pap, and uterine biopsy on December 19th.
I am ready to enjoy today, tomorrow and the remainder of what turned into an unexpected 2025 in multiple facets, with family, friends and my amazing husband before diving headfirst into everything January has in store.
Thank you all for following along and cheering me on—it means the world to me. I wish each of you and yours a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! 🎄🎊
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