Kristen vs Cancer

 
 In many ways, for many people, life can quickly become a challenge or a fight, spawned by an encounter with something that forces us to battle to survive. Life is impermanent.  Change is constant and comes in many different forms in our lives. Often, we encounter a change that causes us to stop, take notice and look deeply at our lives and those around us.  Often it is the death of a loved one, a divorce, or even a loss of a career and for some, it is a health crisis that begins a battle with narrow odds of survival.

Kristen Seikel’s battle began with just such a health crisis; at 34 she discovered a lump in her right breast.  Each time Kristen consulted her family doctor about the palpable lumps (with family history of Breast Cancer), she was dismissed. It wasn't until a chance encounter with a cancer patient coordinator that her concerns were taken seriously.  Within days of being examined by competent doctors, her worst fears had been confirmed; she was diagnosed with breast cancer in both her breast and lymph nodes and immediately underwent intense chemotherapy, a double mastectomy, lymphectomy, completed rounds of radiation and nearly a year of reconstructive surgeries in an attempt to eradicate her already advanced cancer.

During the summer of 2012, intense pain began in Kristen’s back and it was discovered that the breast cancer had metastasized in her bones, then in her lungs and and in her liver.  There has been a consistent cycle of hope and realized fears throughout this battle.

The war has raged in Kristen for six years and has taken it's toll; she no longer responded to treatment.  A week after Mother's Day 2015 she underwent surgery for a collapsed lung, resulting from cancer complications. A few days later the Oncologist revealed the devastating news that they had exhausted all treatment options and there was nothing more they could do - Kristen officially entered hospice on May 20, 2015.

Kristen's tenacity, focus and willingness to be fearless are inspiring to those around her.  Being a part of her life, including her battle, is a privilege.

Kristen has requested her final days be spent quietly, at home, with her family.


XOXO
~ Her Loving Friends
 
More info on her story can be found here:

http://www.viciousseikel.com/