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️February 8th, 2024 Today was another step in the breast cancer journey I have been on. The physician (well actually the NNP) removed the 18 staples closing my incisions together and removed the glue from the desolving stiches sites.! They stated the sites are all healing and there are no signs of infection. There is still a great deal of swelling that should go down over the next few weeks. My sleeping is still limited to my back, no side, no stomach. So.. that means I am in the recliner, so I dont roll over because I am a side sleeper. I still can't lift, push, or pull anything over 20lbs. These are the times when I feel like I do not have control over my life. I look at the scars cancer has left behind and think of all the changes this diagnosis has brought into my life. Cancer is a word that haunts my thoughts. It is painful, scary, and life altering. The support group talks about stages of grief in breast cancer, and learning to accept the loss is good. The reality is that this is so much bigger than a "physical" loss. A life disruption like this leaves a new normal in its wake. I have accepted there is no "back to the old me". I am different now. I hope more desperately, cry more easily, appreciate more quickly, and understand more deeply. @Everyone ,Thank you for all the support and love.!
January 8th, 2024 Twas the night before surgery and all through the house, not a creature is stirring except for the thoughts in my brain....! It’s mostly silent… and anticipation hangs in the air. I thought I was organized, and maybe I am, but right now, I feel lost. I don’t feel anxious, just really tired, worn out, and drained. I feel depleted. The realization I have been doing this, dealing with breast cancer for a year. 365 days. I just got to the point where I could do most things by myself. Now I am going back to no lifting, pushing, pulling, no lifting the arms over my shoulders - not even to put a shirt on, back to depending on others to help me... I am thankful for my cancer in many ways, I know that sounds crazy. I would not wish it on anyone, and I don't want to ever go through it again, but it was something that taught me a great deal. It helped me to treasure every single moment of every single day. It forced me to prioritize my life, and things that were once important now seem foolish. It gave me the ability to see that nothing is promised, and you need to follow the opportunities in this life and hold on tight to those who love you. In closing, I want to say this experience is very humbling, and I am incredibly thankful for all the support everyone has shown me and my family... I value our relationships.. and am grateful for all you have done..
Update from mom December 21th, 2023 As I sat in the infusion center today looking around interacting with others who have all been in some way, touched by cancer, wishing each other Merry Christmas as each one in turn finishes and leaves not knowing if we will see the other again, I count my blessings. As Christmas fast approaches, I can’t help but think about where I was last year and how much life has changed in a year. How much I have changed in a year. Cancer has certainly changed me. Physically, chemo side effects still linger around, my hair is way different, my hands and feet hurt and have awful temperature swings, my joints ache, like I ran a marathon, and all I did was get up and take a shower. I look different than pre-breast cancer me; my face is still puffy from the steriods, I still have 10 extra pounds also compliments of the steriods, and of course the obvious no breasts. I am so fatigued, all the time. I can't remember simple words, and sometime just carrying on a conversation is a challenge. Emotionally, I am no longer a level-headed person but one whose moods swing up and down like a yo-yo, I am a hot mess. Some days I am not sure if I am going to laugh or cry, and honestly, it is both most days. Every new symptom that pops up I start wondering if the cancer has spread. It, Cancer, takes over your life and changes everything in so many unexpected ways. Hug your families a little tighter this Christmas, stay a little longer with family and friends, tell them you love them, even if it has never been said before and let the little things go...
November 22nd, 2023 As Thanksgiving draws closer, I have so much to be thankful for. I have completed the weekly chemotherapy and have started the once every three weeks treatment plan. These infusions continue for a year. Thankfully, the side effects are minimal, and the infusion is shorter. Yet there's a whole unsettled universe going on in my mind, heart and soul. I never know which emotion is going to come bubbling to the top and spill out at the most inappropriate time. Preparation to move into another surgery to attempt to put my breasts back together has begun. Which is not taking place until January 9th, which is a little ironic, that was the day of my initial diagnosis. However, now my cost jumps from $450 to $5,950, because it will be the new year. Truthfully, now that we are discussing and planning the reconstruction, it has become painfully apparent that my natural breasts are gone. Forever. I don't think I really understood how much this journey has affected me until now. The scars are a physical and visual reminder of the tremendous impact of this disease. The scars no one sees are the emotional and spiritual ones that cut much deeper, than the physical. I just want to wear my clothing and have it fit. I want to not have chest muscle pain all the time. I want my old hair back. I want to go back to work so I can pay my bills! I want my life back.! Be grateful for everything, no matter how big or small, don't take anything for granted. Dont fight about little things that wont matter in the long run. Cherish your time with family and friends. You never know how much time you have. Send the text, make the phone call, take the trip, and hug your loved ones.
Update from mama ❤️ Everyone July 20th, Chemotherapy H7/T6.. This week is a milestone in my treatment. I have made it halfway through..! My pictures today celebrate that, my bracelet gets a new pink stone each week to remind me how far I have come.! Hope is elusive at the start of chemotherapy. I was desperately chasing it when this journey began. With each passing treatment, no matter how bad the side effects present themselves, I know I am one step closer to being complete with this journey. I can put it behind me, and get back to my "normal". The side effects are a little harder this week and seem to build each week. I have also developed a sinus infection and ear infection that is being treated. My hair is starting to thin out quite a bit, but because it was so thick, it is easier to hide. I think the time to shave it is coming soon. The best part is, I don't have to shave my legs anymore.! As always thanks for your support.! Please feel free to reach out! Much Love
First surgery done! Everything went well and we have her home, she’s eating and she’s doing well. We’ll keep you updated if anyone wants to send anything to the house reach out to me or Brittani and we’d be more then happy to send the address. Thank you everyone! One down! ❤️❤️❤️First Surgery day! ❤️❤️❤️ All right everyone! Our first surgery is fast approaching, and we found out the co-pay for the first one is going to be $2000 so that is our new temporary goal! Thank you so much everyone for all the help and sharing out and please continue to do so. ❤️❤️❤️UPDATE❤️❤️❤️ Hello everyone thank you for your continued support in our journey! We have gotten the date for the first surgery, to limit the amount of people at the hospital or having things show up we will keep the date and location private to the close family. However, I will tell you it will be happening in the middle of next month, and if anyone would like to send anything to help with recovery or anything else, please reach out to Brittani or Bethani and we would be more than happy to provide you with the Home address. As well as the fact that we are hoping she will not have to be in the hospital for too long so we won’t have to worry about transporting more than just our mom. Thank you so much again and please continue to share and donate as you can. Any further questions can be directed towards Brittani or Bethani. Hello! We are Bethani and Brittani, Our mom, Kathleen Burmeister-Ruggeri, has been diagnosed with breast cancer and will be out of work while she undergoes treatment.. Anything you wish to donate will be helpful. Below are her words, and if you’d like there are links to venmo, and zelle. Us (her daughters Brittani & Bethani also have cashapp, Venmo, zelle and PayPal) “I have struggled with going public on FB. I feel you, my friends, have been with me through good and bad, so here goes.... I have breast cancer... I have cried, alot, and lived in fear for the last few weeks. Now, I choose to do this with grit, gratitude, and grace. I chose to share my breast cancer story here in order to help the other women and men, I know, who may read this. As of right now, the facts are: *It was caught early. *I am going through all the necessary appointments and testing. *With my physicians and inner circle, I am creating a treatment plan. That being said, I am asking you all respect that I will be focusing all my energy on treatment and recovery rather than on running "Cancer News Central," and I will update you as I can. Please also respect my immediate family, as this is difficult for all of us. Lastly, life is precious. Early detection is key. So do your self checks, your mammograms, you too boys, breast cancer does not care what sex you are... I have been asked if I made a go fund me, I have not, but if you would like to help, I will let you know when I need something. I have also been asked to share this information: Venmo- @Kathleen-Ruggeri-3 Zelle- kitkat7077-at-earthlink.net Our whole lives our mom has always put everyone’s needs before her own, she made sure everyone in her life had everything that would make life easier and happier for them. Now it’s our turn to do it for her, this is a difficult time for all of us, she’s a Wife, Daughter, Sister, Mother, and newly a Grandmother. We are all staying positive and happy things “early. Any, and everything is appreciated, and will go a long way to helping in these times, as every person knows in times like this a positive attitude goes a long way, adding financial burdens, can cause a lot of extra stress, and make keeping that positive attitude a little harder to maintain. We’ve decided to try to help her so that stress won’t make this situation any harder. We’ve put a high goal as our starter. This is just because co-pays have already been around $3000. So please help us share this so we can raise as much as possible. We will keep you all posted on any and all updates, the current plan is surgery, we have no dates or details on what or when the surgery will be, however, we should be getting updates in the next few weeks. It goes without saying that we all love her, she’s the rock of the whole family, and it would mean the world to us if you could help us make this easier on her. Sadly, we just went through this with our grandmother about six months ago, it’s been a difficult time. Thank you, everyone in advance, if anyone has questions, please reach out to us, Bethani and Brittani.
️February 8th, 2024 Today was another step in the breast cancer journey I have been on. The physician (well actually the NNP) removed the 18 staples closing my incisions together and removed the glue from the desolving stiches sites.! They stated the sites are all healing and there are no signs of infection. There is still a great deal of swelling that should go down over the next few weeks. My sleeping is still limited to my back, no side, no stomach. So.. that means I am in the recliner, so I dont roll over because I am a side sleeper. I still can't lift, push, or pull anything over 20lbs. These are the times when I feel like I do not have control over my life. I look at the scars cancer has left behind and think of all the changes this diagnosis has brought into my life. Cancer is a word that haunts my thoughts. It is painful, scary, and life altering. The support group talks about stages of grief in breast cancer, and learning to accept the loss is good. The reality is that this is so much bigger than a "physical" loss. A life disruption like this leaves a new normal in its wake. I have accepted there is no "back to the old me". I am different now. I hope more desperately, cry more easily, appreciate more quickly, and understand more deeply. @Everyone ,Thank you for all the support and love.!
January 8th, 2024 Twas the night before surgery and all through the house, not a creature is stirring except for the thoughts in my brain....! It’s mostly silent… and anticipation hangs in the air. I thought I was organized, and maybe I am, but right now, I feel lost. I don’t feel anxious, just really tired, worn out, and drained. I feel depleted. The realization I have been doing this, dealing with breast cancer for a year. 365 days. I just got to the point where I could do most things by myself. Now I am going back to no lifting, pushing, pulling, no lifting the arms over my shoulders - not even to put a shirt on, back to depending on others to help me... I am thankful for my cancer in many ways, I know that sounds crazy. I would not wish it on anyone, and I don't want to ever go through it again, but it was something that taught me a great deal. It helped me to treasure every single moment of every single day. It forced me to prioritize my life, and things that were once important now seem foolish. It gave me the ability to see that nothing is promised, and you need to follow the opportunities in this life and hold on tight to those who love you. In closing, I want to say this experience is very humbling, and I am incredibly thankful for all the support everyone has shown me and my family... I value our relationships.. and am grateful for all you have done..
Update from mom December 21th, 2023 As I sat in the infusion center today looking around interacting with others who have all been in some way, touched by cancer, wishing each other Merry Christmas as each one in turn finishes and leaves not knowing if we will see the other again, I count my blessings. As Christmas fast approaches, I can’t help but think about where I was last year and how much life has changed in a year. How much I have changed in a year. Cancer has certainly changed me. Physically, chemo side effects still linger around, my hair is way different, my hands and feet hurt and have awful temperature swings, my joints ache, like I ran a marathon, and all I did was get up and take a shower. I look different than pre-breast cancer me; my face is still puffy from the steriods, I still have 10 extra pounds also compliments of the steriods, and of course the obvious no breasts. I am so fatigued, all the time. I can't remember simple words, and sometime just carrying on a conversation is a challenge. Emotionally, I am no longer a level-headed person but one whose moods swing up and down like a yo-yo, I am a hot mess. Some days I am not sure if I am going to laugh or cry, and honestly, it is both most days. Every new symptom that pops up I start wondering if the cancer has spread. It, Cancer, takes over your life and changes everything in so many unexpected ways. Hug your families a little tighter this Christmas, stay a little longer with family and friends, tell them you love them, even if it has never been said before and let the little things go...
November 22nd, 2023 As Thanksgiving draws closer, I have so much to be thankful for. I have completed the weekly chemotherapy and have started the once every three weeks treatment plan. These infusions continue for a year. Thankfully, the side effects are minimal, and the infusion is shorter. Yet there's a whole unsettled universe going on in my mind, heart and soul. I never know which emotion is going to come bubbling to the top and spill out at the most inappropriate time. Preparation to move into another surgery to attempt to put my breasts back together has begun. Which is not taking place until January 9th, which is a little ironic, that was the day of my initial diagnosis. However, now my cost jumps from $450 to $5,950, because it will be the new year. Truthfully, now that we are discussing and planning the reconstruction, it has become painfully apparent that my natural breasts are gone. Forever. I don't think I really understood how much this journey has affected me until now. The scars are a physical and visual reminder of the tremendous impact of this disease. The scars no one sees are the emotional and spiritual ones that cut much deeper, than the physical. I just want to wear my clothing and have it fit. I want to not have chest muscle pain all the time. I want my old hair back. I want to go back to work so I can pay my bills! I want my life back.! Be grateful for everything, no matter how big or small, don't take anything for granted. Dont fight about little things that wont matter in the long run. Cherish your time with family and friends. You never know how much time you have. Send the text, make the phone call, take the trip, and hug your loved ones.
Update from mama ❤️ Everyone July 20th, Chemotherapy H7/T6.. This week is a milestone in my treatment. I have made it halfway through..! My pictures today celebrate that, my bracelet gets a new pink stone each week to remind me how far I have come.! Hope is elusive at the start of chemotherapy. I was desperately chasing it when this journey began. With each passing treatment, no matter how bad the side effects present themselves, I know I am one step closer to being complete with this journey. I can put it behind me, and get back to my "normal". The side effects are a little harder this week and seem to build each week. I have also developed a sinus infection and ear infection that is being treated. My hair is starting to thin out quite a bit, but because it was so thick, it is easier to hide. I think the time to shave it is coming soon. The best part is, I don't have to shave my legs anymore.! As always thanks for your support.! Please feel free to reach out! Much Love
First surgery done! Everything went well and we have her home, she’s eating and she’s doing well. We’ll keep you updated if anyone wants to send anything to the house reach out to me or Brittani and we’d be more then happy to send the address. Thank you everyone! One down! ❤️❤️❤️First Surgery day! ❤️❤️❤️ All right everyone! Our first surgery is fast approaching, and we found out the co-pay for the first one is going to be $2000 so that is our new temporary goal! Thank you so much everyone for all the help and sharing out and please continue to do so. ❤️❤️❤️UPDATE❤️❤️❤️ Hello everyone thank you for your continued support in our journey! We have gotten the date for the first surgery, to limit the amount of people at the hospital or having things show up we will keep the date and location private to the close family. However, I will tell you it will be happening in the middle of next month, and if anyone would like to send anything to help with recovery or anything else, please reach out to Brittani or Bethani and we would be more than happy to provide you with the Home address. As well as the fact that we are hoping she will not have to be in the hospital for too long so we won’t have to worry about transporting more than just our mom. Thank you so much again and please continue to share and donate as you can. Any further questions can be directed towards Brittani or Bethani. Hello! We are Bethani and Brittani, Our mom, Kathleen Burmeister-Ruggeri, has been diagnosed with breast cancer and will be out of work while she undergoes treatment.. Anything you wish to donate will be helpful. Below are her words, and if you’d like there are links to venmo, and zelle. Us (her daughters Brittani & Bethani also have cashapp, Venmo, zelle and PayPal) “I have struggled with going public on FB. I feel you, my friends, have been with me through good and bad, so here goes.... I have breast cancer... I have cried, alot, and lived in fear for the last few weeks. Now, I choose to do this with grit, gratitude, and grace. I chose to share my breast cancer story here in order to help the other women and men, I know, who may read this. As of right now, the facts are: *It was caught early. *I am going through all the necessary appointments and testing. *With my physicians and inner circle, I am creating a treatment plan. That being said, I am asking you all respect that I will be focusing all my energy on treatment and recovery rather than on running "Cancer News Central," and I will update you as I can. Please also respect my immediate family, as this is difficult for all of us. Lastly, life is precious. Early detection is key. So do your self checks, your mammograms, you too boys, breast cancer does not care what sex you are... I have been asked if I made a go fund me, I have not, but if you would like to help, I will let you know when I need something. I have also been asked to share this information: Venmo- @Kathleen-Ruggeri-3 Zelle- kitkat7077-at-earthlink.net Our whole lives our mom has always put everyone’s needs before her own, she made sure everyone in her life had everything that would make life easier and happier for them. Now it’s our turn to do it for her, this is a difficult time for all of us, she’s a Wife, Daughter, Sister, Mother, and newly a Grandmother. We are all staying positive and happy things “early. Any, and everything is appreciated, and will go a long way to helping in these times, as every person knows in times like this a positive attitude goes a long way, adding financial burdens, can cause a lot of extra stress, and make keeping that positive attitude a little harder to maintain. We’ve decided to try to help her so that stress won’t make this situation any harder. We’ve put a high goal as our starter. This is just because co-pays have already been around $3000. So please help us share this so we can raise as much as possible. We will keep you all posted on any and all updates, the current plan is surgery, we have no dates or details on what or when the surgery will be, however, we should be getting updates in the next few weeks. It goes without saying that we all love her, she’s the rock of the whole family, and it would mean the world to us if you could help us make this easier on her. Sadly, we just went through this with our grandmother about six months ago, it’s been a difficult time. Thank you, everyone in advance, if anyone has questions, please reach out to us, Bethani and Brittani.
Organizer and beneficiary
Kathleen Ruggeri
Beneficiary