On Thursday, January 13th, Katie was diagnosed with breast cancer, specifically, Stage 2, Triple-positive, Invasive Ductal Carcinoma. The recommended treatment is a TCHP Regimen. TCHP is composed of four different drugs (listed below), which work to shrink and slow the growth of cancer cells. Katie will begin chemotherapy within the next two weeks. The treatment will be given over the course of six months, followed by either a lumpectomy or mastectomy and radiation.

T - Taxotere (Docetaxel)

C - Carboplatin (Paraplatin)

H - Herceptin (Trastuzumab)

P - Perjeta (Pertuzumab)

Chemotherapy is aggressive, attacking healthy cells as well as cancerous ones. The side effects of TCHP can wreak havoc on the body and significantly impact daily activities. Moreover, some of these effects are long-lasting or even permanent. Side effects include, but are not limited to:

    •    Hair loss

    •    Fatigue

    •    Low white blood cells

    •    Loss of appetite

    •    Nausea/vomiting/diarrhea

    •    Decreased heart function

    •    Peripheral Neuropathy

Chemotherapy drugs damage or kill cells that have a ‘fast division rate' (such as cancer cells). Unfortunately, other cells in the human body also have a fast division rate, including hair, which can cause the unwanted side effect of hair loss.

Cold Capping therapy is a non-invasive, drug-free way of reducing hair loss after chemotherapy by cooling the scalp during treatment. It involves fitting a specially designed cap, filled with a very cold gel, snugly onto a patient’s head. This cools the hair capillaries (blood vessels), reducing the metabolic rate of the follicles so they go into a hibernated state, thereby preventing the hair bulbs from absorbing the chemotherapeutic drugs.

Cold therapy on the hands and feet can also reduce the painful (and often permanent) effects of peripheral neuropathy.

Katie is bravely and optimistically taking steps towards entering this next chapter of her life with all of its knowns and unknowns. She is doing her best to focus on what she has control over. We are encouraging her to advocate for herself, voice her needs and concerns, and take up space and be seen. With the multiple side effects she will be experiencing during this process, we know how important it will be for Katie to look in the mirror and see her lovely face, not cancer.

Katie would like to continue working throughout her treatment as an oncology nurse. An essential part of her job includes creating a positive, uplifting space for her patients to let down and vent about their struggles or concerns. Although some will be aware of what she's going through, she wants to keep all focus and attention on the patients she loves and cares for.

The bottom line is we love Katie. We don't want her to suffer through this, but we know there is no other alternative. Thank you for loving her with us, joining us in lifting her up, and cheering her on as she prepares to face the year ahead.

https://www.tigerlilyfoundation.org/controlling-my-story-with-scalp-cooling/

https://www.breastcancer.org/research-news/cryotherapy-may-prevent-taxol-neuropathy

Life isn't about waiting for the storm to pass. It's about learning to dance in the rain. --Vivian Greene