9th inning.

Life according to Erik:

Baseball is the greatest game on Earth. The most significant, defining reason for its greatness is the one thing that makes baseball so unique.

There is no clock.

Baseball is a game whose cadence is set not by seconds and minutes, but by outs and innings. Three outs each side makes an inning; nine innings makes a game. It’s up to the players (and in some cases, Mother Nature) to decide how long the game will take.

And when it ends.

Katy, as it turns out, is pitching a masterpiece. Her chemo regimen began in spring training, and it will end on August 16. We know this because Katy’s first PET scan revealed a “complete metabolic response” (remission) and the second, undertaken last week, confirmed the result.

But as with any masterpiece, the pitcher will face challenges along the way. No game is completed without the threat of a game-changing hit by a scrappy opponent that refuses to accept defeat.

In our case, the confirming PET scan results have not obscured the fact that, every two weeks, Katy’s body is poisoned by a concoction of medicine designed to heal her. These bi-weekly medications have had a cumulative effect on her body. Fatigue, light-headedness, and nausea have been exacerbated by a vicious heat wave in Philadelphia that has made even her healthy husband feel the ill-effects.

The compounding effect of these treatments has taken its toll. Last week, we decided that the best remedy would be a leave of absence from Katy’s job. Her boss – an incredibly supportive, understanding woman – agreed that taking some time off was the right decision. For the next eight weeks, our primary focus will be on getting this beautiful woman healthy.

Both Katy and I continue to be amazed by the generosity of our friends and family. Your consistent love and support has sustained us through this difficult time. We are confident that God is working through you, and through us, in these challenging moments for a greater good that He will reveal in His time.

Nine innings in the book. Three to go.


In other news:

We have been so blessed with visits from friends and family.  Most recently Katie and Natalie from OKC came to Philadelphia to see some of the greatest fireworks in the country.  After quite an adventure we were able to enjoy a wonderful show.

Erik and I also just moved into our new apartment in West Philadelphia, we'll post pictures soon.

Thank you for continuing to support and care for us, we couldn't do it without you.

Love,
Katy and Erik

8th inning.

Guest blogger #3 - DAD

After a great lunch at Gold Standard in West Philly

"My only knowledge of cancer treatment has been with my mother and my mother-in-law -- two elderly ladies (wonderful people) but old by my standards -- that's what I knew about cancer treatment.  Boy was I in for a surprise when I went to my beautiful young daughter's treatment.  I saw a lot of young people going through treatment that I had always considered what older people when through.  What an awakening -- my beautiful young Katy sitting in the treatment chair getting drugs to save her life.  I met her oncologist, Dr. Nasta, who is wonderful.  I know now why Katy likes her so much -- she is wonderful, as are all the staff at this wonderful facility.


Now on a different subject.  I could not ask for a better son-in-law than Erik.  I am so thankful that Katy found Erik and Erik found Katy -- they are truly soul-mates.  This is the end of the eighth inning -- four more innings till the end -- and the restart of a wonderful new start for Katy and Erik."


Love,
Dad

two peas in a pod.

7th inning. (etc)

Hi friends,

I’ve been spoiled these last few weeks in having my family tell my story, so please forgive the length and tardiness.  It was so special to have my mom in town for my last treatment and to see her perspective in her writing.  While she was here we enjoyed a nice weekend in NY and met Erik as he returned from Spain… and of course went to a Phillies game (at Mets Citifield).  

In this blog I wanted to of course play catch up for the 7^th inning and also try to express how grateful I am for the love and support that Erik and I continue to receive on a daily basis.  I recently went back through all the cards we’ve received, and I was overwhelmed by how many people have taken the time to show how much they care.  I wish that I could adequately thank everyone and give that recognition here, but I know that would take quite a long time and still wouldn’t be enough.  I did want to share something truly remarkable that Erik and I received a few weeks ago.  It’s a hand-stitched Phillies quilt depicting a patch of every logo since the beginning (the year 1900 I believe) and with a very special extra patch on the underside:

We loved it even when we thought it was just baseballs

The quilt deliverers Kristin and Bethany

I was so moved by this gift, in part because this was made by a remarkable woman that I’ve never even met.  She knows Erik well, however, and I know her daughter, but someday I hope that we meet.

In other big news, last Monday, with the help of wonderful friends, including Erik, we shaved my head.  It had become such an emotional burden to pull clumps of hair out each day and clean up the mess that this seemed like the right decision.  I won’t lie and say that it was easy, in fact I cried through the whole experience, but I have hope that the next time I have hair it will mean that I am well.  For now I’m sporting the head scarf, but I haven’t completely discounted a wig, we’ll see.

As for the 7^th inning, I can gratefully say it was one of the best yet with very little nausea.  As part of the "half-way point" my oncologist recommended an ECHO (heart ultrasound) and pulmonary function testing to make sure my heart and lungs were unscathed by the chemo.  It turns out that even though I haven't noticed it, my lung functioning has been worsened by the chemo -- with the most likely culprit being the "B" in ABVD (Bleomycin).  It's also believed to be one of the least active of the 4 so it's been nixed from my treatment plan.  This was the good news because that meant no more IV Benadryl (which leaves me lethargic and nauseous) and hopefully no more allergic reactions.  (They were right!).

Since this inning I've been to Baltimore (for the Phillies) and spent some good time with friends and worked as much as possible.  For the 8th inning my dad will be in town so I'm hoping this next one is as easy as the last.  I hope everyone else is doing well too, I'd love updates anytime.  Thanks for reading.

Love,

katy

6th inning. (halfway through)

Guest blogger #2... my mom

I am tucked into Katy's window seat (oops -- Katy & Erik's -- love that guy) drinking coffee in the NY mug.  Katy has a mug from all of our "girl" trips & so I think about all our good times as I choose my mug.  I will sit here for a long while as Katy sleeps ... and sleeps.  The fatigue she carries with her is palpable, her energy is zapped ... but she is still beautiful.


Their apartment is filled with the sweetest cards & good wishes & flowers.  Their romantic story has touched many.  The caring helps.


Speaking of caring -- the nurses who attend to Katy in her treatments are awesome.  To a one, they are young, highly efficient, friendly, chatty with Katy as they know her story, & confidence -- inspiring.


Yesterday Katy's Oncologist repeated that Katy is an "A+ student".  Her response to her treatments has been perfect.  My joy is tempered however, as she has 6 more emotionally draining treatments.  They take a toll.  However, her husband, both families, friends, faith, work, bike rides, Phillies games, & an impending move fill her life.


Tomorrow we train up to NY to meet Erik returning from Spain.  He managed to get us tickets to the Phils vs. Mets at Met Stadium.  Always something to look forward to -- and looking forward to August 16th is the most focused thought of all.

5th Inning: "Complete Metabolic Response"

One-baseball-season welcomes guest 5th inning blogger Erik!

Top of the 5th, bases loaded, nobody out. The Phils have been channeling the Bad News Bears lately, with base-running blunders, dropped fly balls, and blown late leads. Katy Jo steps to the plate with a chance to change the course of the season. She knocks the first pitch out of the park. Grand slam.

Ok, so even Katy might not be able to save the Phils this season. But the 5th inning was a grand slam in every other sense of the word. Before the treatment, we received word from Dr. Nasta that the PET scan results were in. “A Complete Metabolic Response,” raved the report. In other words, Katy’s rebellious lymphatic system, which had been sneaking out of the house and driving its parents crazy for months, had been grounded. Not to leave the house again. Indefinitely.

In other words, the cancer cells are no longer cancerous. The chemo treatments are working – and not only that, they’re working ahead of schedule. The desired results for the first PET scan were half of the cancer gone (a “partial” metabolic response, if you will). The complete annihilation of the rebellious cells was enough to bring a beaming smile to our typically game-faced Oncologist, who awarded Katy an “A-plus patient” rating for the first two chemo cycles. Once a valedictorian, always a valedictorian.

After receiving the good news, we decided to celebrate – across the street at Au Bon Pain. A delicious sandwich and mac-n-cheese platter later, we were back at Penn for our regularly scheduled infusion. Despite the rapid progress, the treatments will continue as scheduled: every other Thursday through the end of September.

As I write, my beautiful wife is getting sleepy (Benadryl doesn’t mess around). We have a beautiful view from our room on the 4th Floor at Abramson, directly overlooking 34th Street and West Philadelphia. Before she got sleepy, Katy and I were discussing how convicted we are that God is working in these moments – not only in our own lives but in those around us. We have been so blessed by our friends and family. The healing power of your love and prayers is working.

Get the bullpen warmed up – on to the 6th.

champion.

Had to show off my champion.  2 hockey championships in one year!!  C'mon Flyers it's your turn.