Sunday, March 11, 2007 8:37 PM, EDT

Hi all,
It's been a good few days at home. I've tried to get back into the rhythm of being at home. I had laundry piled to the sky. Greg offered to do it but I'm a bit particular with how it's done. Actually, I'm a bit particular with how it's sorted, the order in which it's washed, how it's folded and how it's put away. It borders on maniacal. I know Melissa, I should let it go, but I can't!!
I've been exhausted this weekend. I actually took a four hour nap yesterday. Two good nights of sleep in my own bed have made a difference today though.
Just wondering...After waking you several times in the night to take your vital signs, leaving the door open so the bright flourescent light pours into your room and speaking in very loud voices: When the nurse asks you how you slept the night before...is it a rhetorical question???
Some of the side effects of the chemo are pins and needles in my fingers and toes. Its proper clinical term is neuropathy (you'll find that I love words and I seem to have a particular fondess for medical terms and judicial terms. Something about the way they roll of your tongue. I'll make sure I throw them in whenever I can..but I digress).
The pins and needles get worse when I touch something cold. Dr. Walsh recommends I wear a glove when I reach into the fridge or the freezer. I think I should get a silver glove to be just like Micheal Jackson. As a matter of fact with my silver glove and my fanny pack, maybe I should get a perm and dust off my duran duran records and relive the 80's!
Greg took me out for dinner last night as a special treat. Unfortunately, I couldn't really eat that much. I wasn't sure if I was hungry, nauseus or having a panic attack. I'm a real fun date these days!
I have an MRI of my upper spine tomorrow because the PET scan indicated there could be some cancer in my spine. I hope not.
I'd like to give a shout out to my friend Mackenzie who is 33 and also has stage IV cancer. She's having a tough time with chemo side effects. Hang in there my friend.
I also did not take the time to properly thank my family for all they did in the past week:
To Greg: Thanks for taking such good care of me and staying with me in the hospital.
To Mom, Dad, my sister Kerry and my brother-in-law Jay: Thank you for taking care of the kids and letting them have some fun and know they're loved. I know it was a lot of work and I appreciate it completely
To Steven, Katie and Lauren: Thank you for being so happy to see me when I got home and giving me the best hugs a Mother could ask for! I look at the three of you and I know I have to dig a little deeper to fight.
Without the support of my family and friends, I wouldn't be able to fight half this battle. Thanks for the strength.
Love,
Kim


Sunday, March 11, 2007 10:35 AM, CDT
Kim,
I think i have tried to explain my new job and what u are going thru is what i do now.. The chemo and line care at the home. Just so u know if you have any questions i am still learning but that is what we do..
what hospital do u go tooooo??? i will be at memorial friday for my grand ol surgery...... and then wil be home for 2-4 weeks doing nothing so call me if you want to chat or need anything..
love ali
ali orneforest15@comcast.net
Sunday, March 11, 2007 4:24 PM, CDT
Dear Kim, I just wanted to write a quick note to let you know that you have been in our thoughts and prayers. I spoke with Kerry yesterday and she gave me the update and this website. We are all thrilled that you are feeling well and made it through your first round. You're probably sick of hearing it but, I, too would love to do something to help out. We are all amazed at your courage and strength. God bless you and your family,
Pam, Wayne, Mandy, Lindsay, Ben & Rachel
Pamela Ahoaho68@charter.net
Sunday, March 11, 2007 7:11 PM, CDT
Haggs - You're welcome; I love you.
P.S. - You neglected to point out who won the Scrabble game... Oh well, I'll just have to win again and then hope you mention it later.
Greg
Kim AbusheeryHolden, MA
Sunday, March 11, 2007 7:13 PM, CDT
Hi Kim,
During this difficult time, please know that Tony and I are thinking about you. Good to hear that you survived your first treatment. I am sure the road ahead is long and uncertain. Your courage and humor, which are notable strengths, will no doubt help your fight.
Tony apolygizes to your Mom for calling from work and freaking her out. If there is anything that he can do to help her out at work, let him know. He has some connections up in MA or at least likes to think he does!
Stay strong. We will keep praying for you.
With love,
Liz and Tony
Tony and Liz Busabusa_37@hotmail.comLedgewood, NJ
Sunday, March 11, 2007 8:20 PM, CDT
Kim, Glad you are home safe and sound where you belong and you made it through your first treatment. I have been thinking about you alot lately as I have been praying for you. I keep thinking of all the fun memories we have from WSC. Lots of laughs. I know prayers work because you all helped my nephew by praying. Love to Greg and the kids...
Tara, Jim, Jonathan, Matthew, Colleen and Jordan!
Tara FurlongLondonderry, NH
Sunday, March 11, 2007 10:20 PM, CDT
Hi Kim,
After reading your journal, I must say I am impressed. You are keeping everyone updated using such a clever and witty style. I remember that wit being there when I first met the 16 year old, better known to her friends as “Haggs”.
I have thought of you everyday since Tracy first informed me of the cancer diagnosis. Life has certainly given you a great deal to handle. I am moved by your courage and strength as you begin this journey.
I know this has been said over and over, but I too am offering you my help in anything you need. Please think of me, as you know, Bolton is not far from Holden.
You will remain in my thoughts and prayers. God Bless!
Love,
Kathy Peters
Kathy Peterskpeters12@hotmail.com

Monday, March 12, 2007 4:58 AM, CDT
Hi Kim,
You give us all strength. We love you, Greg and of course the kids!
Love,
The Twitchells




kathy twitchellbtwitchell@comcast.net
Monday, March 12, 2007 7:53 AM, CDT
Kimbee - you continue to amaze me with your stories and your strength. And I can't wait to see you with your new perm - get some parachute pants and a Members Only jacket and we'll send your pic to Simon LeBon - won't he be jealous! I hope to visit you soon when you are up to it - you ROCK!
Much love to you, Greg, and the kids,
Ellen
Ellen Gillisellenmgi@yahoo.com
Monday, March 12, 2007 9:00 AM, CDT
Greetings Kim!!
Tell Greg that taking you to Burger King does not count as a special treat. He should take you somewhere nice - like Papa Gino's! They at least have the juke boxes with '80's songs to match your planned look!
We just wanted you to know that we are thinking about you. Your posts are a riot and always make us laugh. We love your sense of humor.
Mike & Mackenzie
Michael SullivanNew York, NY
Monday, March 12, 2007 9:38 AM, CDT
Mike Sullivan's sister here -
Just wanted to let you know that I heard the big belts of the 80s are also back. Perhaps we could find a nice big Forenza sweater and some leggings to compliment that fanny pack and silver glove.
I'm so sorry you and Mackenzie have to go through this crap . . . er uh, journey, I mean. Wish I could pinch you both and wake you up from the bad nightmare.
Just wanted to let you know the whole "Sullivan Family" is thinking of you, Greg, and your munchkins!
Tricia (Sullivan) Cotter
Patricia CotterSandwich, MA

Monday, March 12, 2007 10:56 AM, CDT
Hi Kim,
Mackenzie and I are walking the journey with you.
I asked my daughter and I will ask you,
Are you sure you two were not separated at birth??
You're very alike in more ways than one, but especially your tough, but humorous little personalities.
When she was in nursery school, she was assigning the other kids their play areas and equipment.
It's how she's always been, a managing type.LOL
The 80's comeback sounds good Kim.
I lived the music with Mackenzie, Prince, Madonna, Go Go's Cyndy Lauper. Yeah, go for it!!
Norma Meegele
Norma Meegellotuswoman@dslextreme.comGlendale, CA
Monday, March 12, 2007 12:53 PM, CDT
Kim,
Being a proud member of the class of '85, I say we have an 80's themed party to celebrate your remission.
You demonstrate your wealth of caring by sharing so much of yourself at a time like this - and by making us laugh every day. You and Greg are an inspiration. In Love & Friendship,
Kelly Newcomb & Family
Kelly Newcombkdnewcomb@comcast.netNorton, MA
Monday, March 12, 2007 2:38 PM, CDT
Hi Kim,
I can't remember if we've officially met, but our sons are in Cub Scouts together and Tony speaks to Greg fairly often. I have to tell you that I truly admire your strength and courage! Since I'm also here in Holden, please add my name to your list of "helpers". I'm a decent cook and an excellent grocery shopper, but after reading about your laundry requirements, I think I'll pass on offering my services for that! However, if you need to kick someone's butt in Scrabble, I'm your woman! Please know that you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
God bless,
Michele
Michele DiLoretodilorem@netscape.net
Monday, March 12, 2007 2:55 PM, CDT
Haggs –
Just wanted to let you know that you and your family are in our prayers. Your strength and courage is amazing.
Coach Hawkins once told us “What the human mind can believe and conceive, the human mind can achieve.”
Now, if you really want to re-live the 80’s let’s break out the kilts and run some hills…and maybe your mother could run around the house yelling “sticks down.”
Sorry my laundry is sorted by clean and dirty.
Bettiann MichalikBarre, MA
Monday, March 12, 2007 3:27 PM, CDT
Bettiann- That just made us laugh really, really hard outloud!
Kerry Berryklberry12@gmail.com
Monday, March 12, 2007 6:11 PM, CDT
Dear Kim,
How great that you have family nearby, for so many reasons! Let me know if or when schedules conflict, and I'll be glad to lend a hand.
I am with you on the laundryitis matter. Clothing is too valuable these days to leave anything to chance! Once Tony threw my silk tank in with towels and jeans --aargh-- and when it came out of the dryer it looked like shriveled up Swiss cheese.
Thanks for the update. We are all thinking of you!
Love,
Lauren
Lauren CacelaHolden, MA
Monday, March 12, 2007 8:58 PM, CDT
HEY GUYS
WE'RE THINKING ABOUT YOU CONSTANTLY AND PRAYING FOR YOU ALL. GEORGE SAYS IT'S NICE OF ME TO VOLUNTEER TO COOK BUT HE SAYS ONE SICK PERSON IN THE HOUSE IS ENOUGH SO MAYBE I WOULD BE MORE HELPFUL IN ANOTHER CAPACITY...
AS YOU KNOW, I HAVE A LITTLE EXPEREINCE WITH KIDS.. THE BOYS ARE HOPING TO SEE STEVEN AND JAMIE IS VERY TAKEN WITH KATIE..HOPEFULLY WE CAN HAVE THEM OVER . YOU GUYS LET US KNOW WHEN. ALSO, WE ARE EXPERTS AT TAKE-OUT & WE DELIVER FREE! WE'LL BE STALKING YOU BOTH TO SEE WHAT WE CAN DO...GOD BLESS, GIRLFRIEND! LOVE, SANDY, GEORGE & THE BRATS
sandy bosnakisgbdrewmtg@charter.netholden, MA
Monday, March 12, 2007 9:20 PM, CDT
Haggsie,
If you are going to relive the 80s, you can't forget your Phil Collins album...if I recall, 'Sussudio' was always one of your favorite songs! :)
I am so glad that your first round of chemo is behind you...my thoughts and prayers continue to be with you.
Love,
Tracy
Tracy CorcoranMedford, MA
Monday, March 12, 2007 9:40 PM, CDT
Hi Kim,
I am so glad you are home...you are in my thoughts daily!! You are now offically my bravest friend!! You know how I loved the 80s so go for it!! We did have some great fun in the late 80s.. I probably have some clothes for you..haha
Add us to the list of people you can call day or night! We are praying for you and Greg and the kids.....Love Debbie, Jerry and the boys xoxoxo
Debbie McCarthyChelmsford