This Thursday, May 31, at 9:00 a.m. I will be in my chair and behind my microphone at FM107. I am going to spend an hour on the air and then I'll be gone for a while.
It won't be the usual show and it won't be any falsely cheery 'the-show-must-go-on' crapola, I promise. I won't share the show with any guests, friends, experts--it's just going to be me and you, my friends. My time to talk to you about this breast cancer diagnosis and what's ahead for me.
In the meantime, thank you for your love, thoughts, prayers, advice.
Keep it coming.
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64 comments:
Wishing you the very best, Kevyn.
I am a 17 yr ovarian cancer survivor and know some of what yhou are facing. Don't want ro make light of it, there will be hard times, but you will get through this.
Kathy
Dear Kevyn ~ I am one of the countless listeners who feels like I know you, though we've never met. You do such a beautiful job of brightening my day each time I listen, with your wonderful, down-to-earth approach to life. Now it's my turn to pray for brighter days for you and your family. I will pray for strength, courage and peace for you and all who love you. You go, girl! God bless you.
Hey Kevyn,
Some of your old TV gal pals were wondering why you hadn't responded to our invitation for a glass of wine. Now we know.
I know you are a strong woman, and I know you will get through this. But I also know it's a scarey journey. You're blessed to have friends and family to be there with you every step of the way.
We'll keep you in our thoughts and prayers through your surgery and what follows. And when you're feeling up for it, we'll raise our glasses with you and celebrate your recovery.
Melissa
Dear Kevin, I was a caller on your show about Elizabeth Edwards and her public annoucement about beast cancer. The controversary was: ...how could her husband support her as he ran for president? As an 8 year survior of breast cancer, my view is: everyone chooses to handle this disease in their own personal way. Some people may need talk about it, some choose not to. Support comes in many forms. I chose to go to most of my chemo and radiation treatments alone, four months chemo and 45 days of radiation treatments. It made me feel alive and very independent. Some women may want more personal support. You will know what you need. And remember: it's the fear of the unknown that is the worst...don't let your imagination take over. You can overcome this, breast cancer is very treatable. You have many choices and control. I chose to have both breasts removed. After the surgery, precancer was found in the other breast. My choice probably saved my life. This made me feel in control. Today, I was asked by my dental hygentist...are you in remission? I answered, "who knows". Life for everyone is a guessing game and all we can do is take one day at a time. Your challenges are ahead but you are a very positive and intelligent person...you will get through this. I will be listening to your show, and know you have a lot of personal strength. Lisa C
Another listener keeping you in my thoughts. Godspeed.
Hi Kevyn,
I am another listener and I really enjoy your show. You take your audience along with you on your journey into different experiences and topics. I believe this is another journey that your audience will be very much engaged in. I am a strong woman of faith and I will pray for you often. Whenever you get down, just remember how many lives you touch each day. May your family close in around you, and may God heal you from your head to your toes. You will get through this. And you will one day be sharing many of the details with all of us. God Bless you, Kevyn.
Kevyn,
I was on your show a few years ago talking about my own breast cancer. I listened to a message my mom left on the machine today saying that you were diagnosed. My heart sunk. Another Sister. "This too shall pass" is what went through my mind through all of my treatments, surgeries, and recoveries. I will be thinking of you and please know all of the love and support you have around you.
Sue Flaska
Dear Kevyn -
I am a mother of two daughters. We have walked in the Race for the Cure for several years not knowing anyone actually fighting this disease. We just walked for all women. We are so glad that in a small way we feel like we have helped you with this fight. God bless you. There have been so many medical gains fighting this diesease in the last 10 years that I am confident that you will recover and be back on the air telling us your experiences very soon. God bless you!
Dear Kevyn,
You've been a part of my mornings now for quite some time. Thank you for sharing this news with all of us. I'm sure it's hard but know that we will uplift you in our thoughts and prayers as you go through this chapter in your life.
You have many supporters who wish you strength, patience, endurance and healing.
God Bless!
Diana
Kevyn, I am a listener, and have also watched you for years on television. I feel you are a woman of great strength, and that you will get through this part of your life with that strength and grace. Good luck to you and your family. I will be praying for your recovery.
Dear Kevyn,
I am a listener. I heard this news from the Lorie and Julia show..as Julia spoke..tears streamed. I know you are one tough cookie! You are in my thoughts and prayers. Blessings of Peace and Healing to you and your family! Kerry
Dear Kevyn,
I am a faithful listener that has something to tell you.... As hard as this diagnosis was to hear, thank you for being so open with your 'radio family'. You are in my prayers at this moment, and will be always. Your stories, opinions, knowledge and wisdom, give me things to ponder, and your laugh gets me laughing many a morning on the drive to work. God speed you a full recovery, and for you and your family a relieved state of mind. We love ya !
Courage.......
See how the river turns around gigantic rocks,
see how it moves with ease
as if the journey of life is an easy thing.
And see how leaves flutter happily in the air
as they fall
as if falling is fun.
See how the sun holds up the bold spirit
of fortitude and faith and hope
as it pushes through the dark haze
of morning mist
burning with dream,
tenacious like the moon weaving
through a maze of angry darkness.
Kevyn, my heart goes out to you from the Moon
and back. I will be thinking of you as this Journey gets started and know that your listeners are pushing you every step of the way and when you come to that next hill and can not find the strength to get up over it, we will be there for you.
You can do this Kevyn, we, your listeners, will help you. You are our Bold Spirit ..............
Kevyn-
I have enjoyed listening to you for a long time. I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers. You have a very strong support system and people who love you very much. Keep your thoughts and mind positive and strong and I can't wait to hear you back on the air waves in full force.
God Bless you.
I remember all the dumb things I said to my wife as she was going though chemo and radiation about two years ago. I think of all the words I've learned since she was diagnosed with breast cancer. I remembered being concerned about scars or baldness and learning that some things just don't matter. I love the typo re Elizabeth Edwards where writer wrote "beast cancer" (maybe it was not a typo). I wish you humor, patience, the love and support of friends and family, and a strong faith.
A longtime listener of your show, I wish you strength, hope, and most of all a healthy recovery.
Kevyn, I am a longtime listener to your show, it seems like every time I turn on the radio I find something new we have in common. My thoughts and prayers are with you on this journey. Good Luck and God Bless.
Erin
My daughter and I were fortunate to have met you during an in-studio listening session we had bid on at a silent auction. You were kind enough to invite us to lunch with you at the studio and we spent a wonderful hour visiting with you. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. We look forward to hearing the "dirty laundry" from you on your show in the very near future. In the meantime, take the time to heal and be with your family.
Hi Kev,
Thinking of you and sending you love during this difficult time. I know soon you will be sharing your strength with others in the fact that you are living with cancer not dying with it. I look forward to the time we can share a glass of wine and giggle. Love ya, Billie
Dear Kevyn-You are a genuine human being and I admire you greatly. I just read about your thoughts during your needle biopsy and I am bawling here in my cube. I have been a loyal listener from day one, and don't plan on going anywhere. You have my thoughts and prayers. Your a tough cookie, just know there are many people that love you. There is so much more I want to say, but my I need to get to the bathroom and finish my crying session.
Patti "A"
Dear Kevyn,
You don't know me, but I feel as if you are one of my closest friends~a mother figure I never had. When I heard the news as I was listening to FM107, I sat in my car and cried. I know you will be OK and know you're not alone! Not only do you have your family and friends, but you also have all of us loyal listeners praying for you as well. I wish you a full & rapid recovery! I will miss listening to you every morning!!! You have given me a smile when no one else could! Keep up your incredible strength and faith. I look forward to hearing you again real soon!!!
Angie
Kevyn, this might seem like the stupiest thing to post but I had a very weird dream last night, it was about breast cancer. I've never had a dream about it before and had no reason to last night.. I listen to your show on my way to work everyday, and you were supposed to be back today, but you weren't and I was scared.. And then I found out why. I've never met you but I've grown up watching you on TV and now listening to your radio show. You always make me laugh and my day is a little brighter because of that. You will be in my thoughts and prayers.
Miranda
Kevyn, You and your loved ones have my thoughts, hugs, blessings, and prayers. Stay strong and heal well. God Bless.
Kevyn,
Read about your "announcement" in CJ's column this morning. I've never met you, but thanks to the miracle of radio, I feel like I know you. This sure sucks.
YOU are one of the reasons I am walking in my second Breast Cancer 3-Day this August. My thoughts and prayers are with you, your husband and your kids.
Take care,
Jennifer
I saw these sayings and quotes today and thought they were so appropriate for what is going on in your life and the lives of so many other women...
"Life isn't about waiting for the storm to pass. It's about learning to dance in the rain."
"I have been driven many times upon my knees by the overwhelming conviction that I had nowhere else to go" ~Abraham Lincoln~
"God didn't promise days without pain, laughter without sorrow, nor sun without rain, but He did promise strength for the day, comfort for the tears and light for the way."
"Thank God for what you have. Trust God for what you need."
Know that you will be in my prayers.
Joy
Wishing you the best. My daughter, age 7, survived 2.5 years of chemo and is doing great. It wasn't always easy but the bright light was always there on our darkest days. You seem to be a bright light type of person as my daughter is as well. God Bless. We'll be praying for you.
Steph
Dear Kevyn,
sort of ironic in a strange sort of way that you are facing breast cancer after all you have done to get women out there to do their monthly self breast exam by holding them on air - which you have won a Gracie for - just shows that cancer doesn't care who it hits or when.
You have touched so many people over your years in the business that you and your family are now in all of our thoughts and prayers.
We want our smart, laughable and loveable lady in the short skirt with the long jacket back on air - lickety split!
Dear Kevyn,
My son Andrew and I walked and chatted with you this year at the Race for the Cure. Andrew and I spoke later of the fact that neither of us had ever been directly touched by breast cancer but that it was important that we support those that had. My heart sank this morning when Kathy played your recorded message. I had just been saying to my husband, "Where is Kevyn, I've missed hearing her the past number of days". Over the last year or so you have inspired me to do my own self breast exams on the 22nd of each month, you are a true hero. Our family will pray for your family and doctors. I look forward to walking with you again next year.
Kind regards,
Kirsten
Dear Kevyn,
Like many other listeners, I too feel like I know you. I look forward to listening to you daily from my home office or my car. You are so full of life and enthusiasm. I adore and admire how whitty and how well spoken you are. It was you and your "breast cancer check on the 22nd of each month" that really made me make a conscious effort to incorporating this effort into my routine. I am sorry to hear your news and will pray for you daily. You of all people will pull through. I look forward to your "home" coming on Thursday. We'll all be here for you!!
Kevyn;
I am a long time listener. I have no words of wisdom. I have no quarky remarks to put a smile on your face or to make you laugh. I only have my thoughts and prayers to offer you and family.
Kevyn... I am a 45 year old woman that listens to you whenever possible. You always brighten my day. I was diagnosed with Breast Cancer a month after I turned 25. The cancer was already at Stage 3 and had doubled in size within a few weeks. I had a mastectomy and 6 months of chemo. I am now a 20-year survivor with 4 wonderful children and everything to be thankful for everyday. I tell you this only as another positive story with a happy ending... to let you know you are not alone, and that positive thinking and an unwillingness to let the disease run your life will get you a loooong looong way... good luck to you as you go thru this journey NONE of us wants to take. I will keep you in my prayers!!!
You are such a beautiful human being. I've listened to you for 2 years. Miss you when you're not on the radio. You brighten my day with your laughter, tears, and compassion for all.
My prayers are with you and your family.
God Bless Kevyn.
My heart skipped a beat and my stomach dropped when I heard the news. "Not Kevyn. If it can happen to her, it can happen to anyone, really." You are in many, many peoples thoughts and prayers. Keep that close to you as you go through these days.
Hi Kevyn,
I'm a 8 yr cancer survivor of the same cancer as you have. You will fight this, you must keep a strong upbeat attitude, smile, laugh and keep good friends around you. Tell everyone , no bad news, check the 'tudes at the door, and bring meals!!
stay strong!!
Toni
Kevyn,
Although we have never met, or even spoken, I feel like you are a friend. You and your family will be in my prayers.
Kevyn, thank you for sharing your personal journey with us. I will pray for peace and strength for you and your family; for wisdom and compassion for your caregivers. Please do not be afraid to ask for and accept help from those who love you. When my husband and I lost our eight year old son four years ago we learned that receiving is not a sign of weakness and being self sufficient isn't always a blessing. When you receive you're allowing someone else to give. In accepting what they have, whether it be help around the house, a trip to the store or a shoulder to cry on, you, in turn, affirm them. In the end you will both discover that giving and receiving are the same. God bless you, dear Kevyn, and be gentle with yourself.
Kevin, my very best goes out to you, you are strong, confident, and take things on with such determination. We have never met in person, but I listen to you just about every morning, and feel as if I know you. I will keep postive thoughts in my mind for you and I look forward to your return to the air after you kick this in the butt! Kathy
hey kevyn,
my moms very best friend was a three year breast cancer survivor and she is free from her cancer for 2 years now! if she can do it kevyn i know you can do it too
your #1 fan
Kevyn,
You are a giver, and now it's time for you to be on the receiving end. Every day on the radio you impart wit, wisdom, candor, a fresh and balanced life perspective to your many, many loyal listeners. What a day brightener you've always been for me! Now you've given me a kick in the pants to schedule my own overdue mammogram, and for that I thank you in advance.
Row, row, row your boat,
Gently down the stream.
Another MN Mom of a Mizzou 6-footer
Kevyn and Family,
I am so sorry for this horrible news. As a young adult of a Breast Cancer survivor, I can tell you to learn and cherish every moment. I understand you may not feel like it most days but remember to let out all your emotions, the good, the bad, and the ugly.
Kevyn and family, especially the kids, please email me any time. Although I am young, 27, I have been through this struggle and am willing to help anyway I can.
Love and peace,
Rebecca
Hi Kevyn!
My heart goes out to you! I was diagnosed with breast cancer 10 years ago (at age 42) and understand the fear factor! I had 10 months of treatment -- surgery, chemo and radiation. And I am still here!!
Many good things have come from that dreaded pathway that noone cares to take. My life has been better because of it and I appreciate everything so much more. May God bring healing to your body and may He give you peace of heart and mind! My thoughts and prayers are with you! Susan
(If I can help you in any way, let me know!)
Kevyn,
I have adored you since you came to MN-both on TV and now radio. Thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Let others be strong for you when you need help; it is not a sign of weakness on your part but rather a time for them to show how much you are loved.
Hey...what a shock...my wife has brain cancer, in fact right now, she is undergoing her monthly inter-arterial chemotherapy. Thank you for sharing your journey, hopefully more women will realize the importance of exams.
Just remember it is what it is. Never say "I should have"; live in the moment. You are a survivor if I have ever seen one.
Kevyn:
I, too, have never met you but feel I know you. Your radio show has been a bright spot in my day since its beginning. My thoughts and prayers will be with you in the days ahead and as I walk in the Breast Cancer 3 Day event in August. Each and every mile! All the best to you and your family.
I wish you peace and strengh as you embark on this journey, Kevyn. I will pray for you and your dear daughters, son and husband. Be well.
Hi Kevyn, I was so sorry to hear your news yesterday from a mutual friend. Last night I decided to "run the bridges" near the U. That gave me many opportunities to cross the river and honor your request to think of you. I crossed the river six times and each time reflected on what you're going through. The river is a powerful metaphor -- and can be a source of strength and healing for all those need it. I will continue to offer positive thoughts and prayers as you fight this. Jane Berg
Dear Kevyn,
I am a listener of FM107. I love your show, it keeps me busy and awake at work.I know you will be strong and beat this. You are in my thoughts and stay strong.
Praying for you and your family.
Carrie
I'll miss while you're gone and will be looking forward to your healthy recovery. I'll be thinking of you every time I cross the river.
kevyn~I personally have not gone through something as difficult as what you are facing. But we do have one thing in common..wonderful support. You have what sounds to be a wonderful family and obviously many friends through the airways. For the past number of years, I have listened to you and Colleen share your joys, tragedies, up-times and down-times. You have inspired me to take life a day at a time and enjoy each one. I have faith that you will fight this and win. We will look forward to hearing your friendly voice when the time is right for you to come back to us. Thank you for sharing this bump in your road. Your speaking of this will inspire many to take time to care for themselves. God Bless you and your family. Angel
Kevyn,
I just wanted you to know that you're in my thoughts and prayers and that I'm calling today for my long-overdue mammogram. I imagine you'd rather not be an inspiration in this way, but you are to me.
God bless you,
Jean
Dear Kevyn,
Your voice has been a part of my mornings for a long time now, and I will truly feel your absence. My thoughts and prayers are with you daily and I look forward to hearing your cheery voice reporting your clean bill of health! "You cannot control the winds; you can only adjust your sails." God bless you and your family.
Hi Kevyn,
It was reassuring to hear your voice on the radio this morning.
Here's a tip that works for me and many others when in a difficult situation that's overwhelming. Say to yourself, "I am still Kevyn." For example, 'I am afraid and I am still Kevyn.' etc, etc.
It may sound silly, but actually it's quite calming and reassuring. It helps reinforce that you're still completely you--you haven't become the cancer, the fear, anger, or whatever difficulty you're encountering.
Bless you Kevyn!
I too am one of your countless listeners, and have for a long time now have been meaning to send an email complimenting you on your excellent job on the radio! You are so thoughtful and intelligent, and gifted.
Anyway, it has been since the fall of 2005 that I have had a mammogram. Prior to that I always did this annually. It's just that my budget got extremely tight in the last few years.. I have insurance, but it has a real high deductible. But shame on me.. that truly is not a valid reason!
After all what has a higher value. .. your own life or your budget?
I guess it was kind of like playing roulette! But no more!
As soon as you went off the air today, I called to schedule my mammogram. So I guess I need to thank you for inspiring me to do so!
My sister is currently undergoing her second round of chemo for ovarian cancer, you will be in my thoughts and prayers right along with her.
Wishing you all the strength, faith, courage,inspiration and knowledge you can muster!
I love your river and bird metaphors!
With warmest regards,
Shirley
Kevyn,
I listened today as I normally do, with my hands in the dishwater and my mind srategizing a grocery list but I could stop thinking about the river. I live 2 blocks from it in Northeast Minneapolis and just the other day as my husband and I sat on the steps at Boom Island I told him we will always live near it. I can't imagine not being this close to something so ever changing. Now I will think of you whenever I sit on those steps. You've got 11 feet of MU alumni thinking of you on your journey right here near the river.
Kevyn,
My heart goes out to you. I've been in your shoes...about 9 months ago, and I know how deep-down terrified you must be. I greatly admire your courage and composure, and I know you will come through this with flying colors. You will be in my prayers. Some days when I'm out-of-sorts, I have to stop and give thanks for the day and for the early diagnosis. It really changes your life and your outlook. God Bless!
Sharon
I was asked yesterday by some co-workers to help them raise money for the 3-Day walk in August. I told them I was too busy maybe next year. I called them back after listening today and told them I changed my mind. Kevyn, you and your family will be in my prayers.
Kev,
I wish you the very best and will miss you dearly. But I look forward to when you get back in your chair. You've brightened my day and kept me company for the past couple of years and I am grateful for you.
Kevyn,
Here is somrthing I keep posted by my desk and read often.
Your troubles are brilliant opportunities disguised as impossible situations. Those who recognize this truth are experts at turning lemons into lemonade. What you can do matters much more than what you can't. Focus on getting through the mess or if it's not going away, find a way to persevere. Your greatness will never be measured by wealth or position but by what it takes to make you quit. That is why you must never, ever give up. No matter what.
I hope you and your family the strength and determination to get through this so you can all get on with your lives.
My thoughts are with you.
Jeri
I have so enjoyed listening to you for the past few years, and will eagerly await your speedy return. It struck a nerve today as you talked about being unable to mention the self-exam on the 22nd. I missed the first hour of your show, and simply thought that I had missed the "group" exam so I did it on my own. Little did I know the personal strugggle you were facing. You have inspired me to mark each 22nd and I will continue to do the exam alone until you return to lead your on-air friends in years and years of group exams. You are in my thoughts.
Andrea
Dear Kevyn~ My daughters and I walked in The Race for the Cure as part of the the FM 107 LoJ team. It was the first time we've walked and it won't be the last. I can relate to your family history, as my maternal grandma, maternal aunt and mom all had breast cancer. My aunt was the only one who didn't survive, mostly because she was too afraid to go to the doctor. Thank you for not being too afraid to share your story. Your courage will help many. You are in my thoughts and prayers daily.
Take care~ Nancy
This comment is for Kevyn's kids.
In the days ahead a lot of people will ask you have your mom is doing. This time is going to be a struggle for you also. Don't be afraid to say "what about me? Ask me how I'm doing!" And then tell them - first about you and then about your mom. It's ok for you to be selfish once in a while.
Dear Kevyn,
After listening to you this morning on the way to my weekly bible study, I felt compelled to share your story with the ladies in my group. I described to them your analogy of this experience being like crossing a river. One of the women -- much wiser than I -- went straight to her bible to this verse, which she had highlighted, from Isaiah 43:2-3: “When you pass through the waters, I will be with you: And through the rivers, they will not overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be scorched, Nor will the flame burn you. For I am the Lord your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior; I have given Egypt as your ransom, Cush and Seba in your place.”
Kevyn, I also felt compelled to go to the river today and I crossed it twice for you.
God's peace be with you and your loved ones -
Alex
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