From the Journal of Tiffany Dawn Kennard

From the Journal of Tiffany Dawn Kennard

October 2008

When you are given a life-threatening diagnosis, all that you hold of value is stripped away.  You stand before God with nothing to hide behind.  You lack the strength to even pretend before Him.  There is nothing surrounding you and you feel bare and vulnerable.  Eternity is just a breath away and closer than any of us can even imagine. 

You have to decide how am I going to get through this.  You have to choose to have hope and faith.  You must decide to press on.  You must choose to laugh.  You must choose to make jokes.  You must choose to live your life with grace, integrity and faith that God has a plan and that He is a loving God. 

He carries me in His hand – always has and always will.  I can feel Him throughout all my memories since my diagnosis.  I know there were two big angels in the operating room.  I know He is with me in the MRI machines and I know He holds my hand at each doctor appointment.  I can feel His love through the hugs, phone calls, gifts and support of my family and friends - through the laughs, tears and smiles.  Those are how you have taken care of me. 

I choose to live a life that honors my God! 

_________________________

Tiffany went home to be with her Lord on Thursday morning, September 20, 2012.  All in her family wish to thank everyone who prayed for Tiffany and who followed her on this adventure.  The following link will take you to her obituary and provide more information about her and the memorial service. 

http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/tribnet/obituary.aspx?n=tiffany-kennard&pid=160077382#fbLoggedOut

Good News!

Well, I got some good news last Thursday...the lesions haven't grown and my brain looks pretty good! The doctor couldn't really tell what could make a difference...whether it was the Avastin, the brain electrodes, or a combo of both.

So, thank you all so much for the prayers last week! I think I might put the electrode thing on again. I am hoping tomorrow might be the day!

So...it's on!

Well, the electrode thing for my head is on! I got my head shaved on Wednesday first by the hair lady and then yesterday by the doctor to be extra smooth. It was a little more than I was expecting. We entered the doctor's room and there were things everywhere that we had to be learn how to use and when to use it. We (well, technically it was my dad, but still!) had to literally move a giant black luggage piece, a bag full of wires, shaver etc, and back-up supplies of extra batteries and devices. My mind is kinda reeling from that even today!

My doctor put on the first four batches of these electrode things. We have to change them every 4-7 days. They gave me four battery packs and a unit that plugs into the wall, so I can plug-in 18 hours a day. I wish my camera was working right now, so I could give you all a better description!

The funny thing is that there was a little misunderstanding with the manufacturer and insurance company. Apparently, I was supposed to hear from this guy from their company last week before this whole treatment starts. So this morning I heard that the insurance company is still in process approving me for this machine! The guy somehow misunderstood or the misunderstanding was with the doctors involved, but anyways, the company that makes it will take care of the balance if there is one and insurance doesn't approve me.

My dad calls me "Magneto" from X-Men and my sister calls me the evil queen from Captain E.O. And my mom just calls me "special" since I am one of two people using this thing in the Northwest.

 

You're never going to believe this!

So, I was so excited yesterday because I finally got a haircut with color. My hair looks so cute right now! That is until next Thursday, when I have to shave my head! My insurance went through for the electronic  head cap. I'm so excited, true - its experimental, but at least it gives me more hope.

Last Few Days

Just wanted to give you all an update. My doctor has decided that I needed to choose between treating my brain or treating my spinal cord. There are cancer cells in both, so it was tough deciding. I decided to keep treating my brain since I know what that involves. It's an infusion called Avastin that I get every two weeks.   

The other kind of treatment for my spinal cord involves putting an ommaya port in my brain (which I had so many complications with last year) and then the doctors don't even know if that chemo would work that well. 

The last treatment my doctor mentioned is an experimental one that hasn't been approved yet for my tumor. It is like a magnetic field that attaches to my scalp, which will have to be shaved again for this one!  My insurance company is working with the manufacturer to see if they can set me up with this. 

Anyways, those are my treatment options! Please pray that I'm choosing the right one and that it works out alright!

What Happens This Week?

Hi everybody!

So, this week I am supposed to get another Avastin on Thursday. True - I haven't heard from the hospital yet, but I am ever optimistic! :)

Now this past week, I got shingles, which is fabulous! (pun intended!) I think I can get Avastin, but I am not too sure about the interthecal chemo, which goes into my back. Everything is in the air right now!

Patient Story

I just wanted to pass on my patient story at the Seattle Cancer Care Alliance. I think it just got published today. Here is the website: http://www.seattlecca.org/patient-story/tiffany-kennard-survivor.cfm
Thanks for checking it out!

I'll keep you updated on my MRI tomorrow. I should know something by tomorrow afternoon. Keep those prayers coming!