Monday, June 4, 2007

Surgery Is Complete

The first hard part is over!
Friday's operation went well. Mom will be resting and recovering in the hospital for most of this week. The doctors say she should be able to come home on Thursday or Friday.
Thanks for continuing to keep our family in your thoughts and prayers.

67 comments:

Anonymous said...

Thanks for the update, you're all like a family to a huge group of strangers - but this is a good thing, knowing that so many people are caring and praying for all of you. Take good care of yourself - six-footer.

Anonymous said...

My prayers and thoughts are with you, Kevyn. I was diagnosed with with the exact same cancer as you have with 13 lymp nodes also involved. I had surgery on June 16, 2005. So far I am doing fine. My next 3 months check up is this month. Hopefully that will be fine too. I also had 8 rounds of chemo and 37 radiation treatments. They tired me out but I came though them ok. I continued to work 2-3 days a week while going through the treatments. I think that helped me get through alot of the days with a positive attitude. Keep up the faith and God will help you through these tough days. God Bless You!! Take Care

Jessica said...

So glad to hear that your mom's surgery went well. I have been thinking about your mom all weekend.

Anonymous said...

Hello Kevyn and Family -
I am sure that you hear this all of the time, but I feel like we know you because of your candid personality on the air. The great thing about strangers "knowing you" is that you are among friends. My daughter had cancer (note the HAD) a few years ago (I spoke with you abut it at an event, you were very sincerely concerned) - I remember the power of the support, encouragement and love of strangers. I hope that you feel that support from your listener family. God be with you!!!

Anonymous said...

I also have to thank you for the update, I have been thinking of your mom daily since we heard the news. I am glad surgery went well, continued thoughts and prayers for your mom and you as well.

Rebekah said...

Thank you 6 footer for the update on your mom ... ur thoughts and prayers will remain ... God Bless!

Give your moom "our" love!

Rebekah from Prior Lake

Anonymous said...

Thanks, Six-footer. We listeners are like one gigantic, extended dysfunctional family. We're here even when you don't want us to be, we're loud, and we care-- a lot. Hugs to all of you.

Anonymous said...

God Bless you Kevyn!! And hope to hear you again soon on the radio, yet rest up and smell the roses.
Thanks to the six footer!

Don Nielsen said...

Ross -
Thank you for the update. And for creating this blog and being the blog master for your Mom.

I'm so glad the first big step in the journey, the surgery, went well.

I've been thinking about everyone in your Family and your Mom frequently, and will continue to keep you all in my thoughts and prayers.

Along with taking care of your Mom, be sure to take care of your self during the months to come.

May God continue to be with you all,
Don

Anonymous said...

Keyvn, I am amazed how someone I have never meet has touched my heart. I have been thinking of you and your family all weekend. I am so happy to hear all is going as well as they can. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.

Anonymous said...

Kevyn,
May God be with you this week as you recover. Remember to "Trust in the Lord with all of your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight." Proverbs 3:5-6 You are in my prayers as you go through this difficult time.
God Bless, Wendy

Anonymous said...

Ross,
Thanks for the update. I am glad the surgery went well. As you can see your Mom is loved by many. I hope you and your sisters are doing well.

Anonymous said...

Hey Kevyn,

Glad to hear the surgery went well. I miss our conversations in the morning and your smiling face.

Thinking of you and looking forward to your return.

DD

Anonymous said...

The prayers and good vibes must be working! Ross, thanks for the update; please keep them coming regularly. Your mom is well-loved by so many.

Buckarooandco said...

Thanks so much for giving us an update. You've become a big part of my 'extended' family while listening to your show. Lots of prayers and good thoughts being sent your way as you face this.

Anonymous said...

Thank you for keeping us posted. I am glad Kevyn is in recovery and doing well. I think of her often and hope the best. I look forward to her return.

Anonymous said...

Just wanted to let K (and family) know that she has people in San Diego sending über-good thoughts. Thanks for blogging to let all of us know what's happening and thanks more for permitting us to participate in this odd, electronic-hugging way.

Much love and best healing thoughts--
Leslie

Colleen Z said...

Been thinking of you since I heard the news and my prayers are with you. I also cross the river each day going to work - from Eden Prairie to Blaine and will say a special prayer each way until you are well. I so enjoy the show and FM107 - spend a lot of time in the car and the station personalities have become friends. I have admired your work throughout the years and am glad to have found you again. Will miss you but you are doing what is most important now - taking care of yourself. May all go especially well for you and your family.

Anonymous said...

Kevyn and Family,

I haven't had the chance to listen lately so the news came as quite a shock. I will keep you and your family in my prayers and thoughts. It sounds like you have been placed on the road to victory over this challenge. I know that you are in good care. Get better real soon so that I can invite you to my wedding!

-Barny Fife

Anonymous said...

Glad to hear your surgery went well - as you go through this time of stress and trial - know that all of us - your listeners - your friends and family are knowing you can beat this.

I think of something a friend told me - when it seems like you are walking through a valley alone - you are not alone - your friends are on the hillsides cheering - knowing you will make it through and out of the valley -
we may not be close enough to walk arm and arm with you on this Kevyn - but we are all cheering your victory.

positive energy being sent to you and your family.

Anonymous said...

Ever since you and Colleen discussed Brady's death on the air, I have felt a much stronger connection to my radio. People who have never listened to FM107 look at me like I'm weird when I discuss what happened to the people on the radio. Those who listen understand. Thank you for having the courage to share your life with the faceless listeners. We are better for knowing you and you have more supporters in this ordeal than you can possibly imagine. Keep strong!

Rachel Greenhouse said...

Kevyn: I love that you came up with such a tangible way for us to think of you and pray for you. Rivers and swimmers are themes for me right now too.

Our family has been through several major health challenges /journeys/ scares over the last eight years and we keep learning from them, finding new wells of hope and courage when we think we can't go on any more. The most amazing thing to me is the way in which relationships deepen to levels you wouldn't have believed possible...all because you have had to rely on others and show your vulnerability by asking for help.

Recently, on the eve of a cancer screening (which yielded nothing in this case), we discovered a song by a local songwriter named Peter Mayer and it got me through some tough hours.

The song is called "God is a River" and I thought you might draw comfort from it and resonate with the words. It speaks of our lack of control and how God/ life is like the ever-changing waters of the river. The song is especially lovely to listen to, so I would be happy to send it on a CD if it speaks peace to you.

Blessings, Rachel Greenhouse
rachel@rachelgreenhouse.com

ARTIST: Peter Mayer
TITLE: God Is a River

In the ever-shifting water of the river of this life
I was swimming, seeking comfort; I was wrestling waves to find
A boulder I could cling to, a stone to hold me fast
Where I might let the fretful water of this river 'round me pass

And so I found an anchor, a blessed resting place
A trusty rock I called my savior, for there I would be safe
From the river and its dangers, and I proclaimed my rock divine
And I prayed to it "protect me" and the rock replied

{Refrain}
God is a river, not just a stone
God is a wild, raging rapids
And a slow, meandering flow
God is a deep and narrow passage
And a peaceful, sandy shoal
God is the river, swimmer
So let go

Still I clung to my rock tightly with conviction in my arms
Never looking at the stream to keep my mind from thoughts of harm
But the river kept on coming, kept on tugging at my legs
Till at last my fingers faltered, and I was swept away

So I'm going with the flow now, these relentless twists and bends
Acclimating to the motion, and a sense of being led
And this river's like my body now, it carries me along
Through the ever-changing scenes and by the rocks that sing this song

{Refrain}

God is the river, swimmer
So let go

Unknown said...

I have been out of the FM107 loop for awhile. I was sad to hear the news about you, Kevyn. I admire you a lot. You will be in my good thoughts/prayers. I always love listening to you because you are a funny, smart, tough lady. Hang in there and kick some butt! All my best,
Paula

Anonymous said...

Kevyn, Thank you so much for continuing to share your life with us, the good and now, the not so good. I will miss (for only a short while, I'm sure) hearing your genuine, fun loving, and caring voice over the air waves every day. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. God works miracles, and I pray you will be healthy and back in the saddle soon. Now, get some rest! Julie P. and family.

Anonymous said...

Kevyn and family -

I'm an FM107 listener - so thankful to hear the surgery went well and will keep you in my prayers in the weeks and months ahead. You have been on my mind so much over the last several days. I love the river image that you are carrying with you and send you this thought - that God will send His peace like a river to wash over you. Blessings to you and I can't wait to hear your voice over the airwaves again!

Anonymous said...

Hello,
Just wanted to say, that I too was diagnosed with invasive ductal carcinoma. It is 5 years today! It hit me like a punch to the stomach. I should not have been a cancer patient. My yearly mamo, missed it, an ultra sound did not see it. It was only upon insistence, at a second opinion appt, that I had a biopsy done which confirmed my fears from my self examine. Not a day goes by that I am not grateful for every second of it. I just wanted to tell you.........keep your chin up. Ultimately, God is in control, let him drive, just sit back and heal. The less stress you create inside the better your chance of beating this. I did two surgeries, the second to remove all my lymph nodes as cancer was found in them. I did the ACT route of chemo for 6 months and radiation every day for 7 weeks. Being bald was a treat, I could get bathed and out the door in 10 mins or less. Dont freak. My only bad hair days....... was trying to get my eyebrows on even. :) It puts a new meaning on squeeky clean. I wanted to recommend a book. The best I found for honest information.
Dr Susan Love's "The Breast Book". Sometimes too honest at times. What a great opportunity you have to teach others. Take that and run with it......... I wish you well, and will keep you in my daily prayers. I look forward to your return. The Best is Yet to BE!!! OOOOO Jody

Anonymous said...

Dear Kevyn: we are both thinking about you AND missing your voice on the radio. We are wishing you a speedy recovery.

Surgery hurts but it DOES get better with time. Don't be a "tough guy!" Take your meds. And if they don't do the trick remember what Grandma told me. The Squeeky wheel gets the grease! *Tell you Doctor you need more dope! - in other words.

The Vascliped guy & wife.

Anonymous said...

Thanks for the update. So glad the surgery went well. Thinking of Kevyn every day - can't wait to hear her voice again. (This blog was a great idea, Ross.)

Patty S. said...

So glad to hear that everything has gone well so far. We'll keep thinking those good thoughts for you Kevyn. Very, very, gentle hugs.

Monica said...

Hi Kevyn and Family:
Like so many others; I feel like I "know" Kevyn and love her so much although we have never met personally. I am a truly dedicated listener of 107.1 (ever since you went on air with the station, I was a rural-mail carrier's sub at the time, so; you kept me in much good company on those days on the long route!). I have a 9 year old son, same age as the youngest of "Kevyn's Crew" (I believe you adoringly all call her the "four-footer"!); anyway...I have felt "in common" with Kevyn from the beginning, taking her advice and trying to use it in my own life with my sons (I also have a 4 year old). I just want to say "I am thinking of you Kevyn and I want you to fight and do the best you can to become healthy and cancer free!" You remind me of a fighter and are so much of an inspiration to everyone! I will be missing you while you are out! I love you Kevyn! I had my first "mammo" at 30; I am now 35, I just figured you can never start to early, even though there is no cancer "history" in my family; I thought it best to start being checked out because of the boys and of course, my husband. Everyone of my friends and family have heard me refer to "107.1" here in Cushing, WI..many, many times over! I will keep referring to the station and along with my "advice to listen" I will also request a "prayer for Kevyn"! I will stay in "tune" to what's happening on my trips down to the "cities" in pursuit of my BS degree, long drives and the 107.1 "team" just go hand-in-hand! Know Kevyn that you have many hands reaching out now for you, just like gathering as a team for the "hands-over-hands" team spirit builder before the big game, we are all "rooting" for you now, just like ONE BIG TEAM! Love and Later, Monica

sharon e said...

Dear Favorite FM107 Diva: So glad to hear surgery went well. I just listened to your comments from 5/31 online and you have more than a boatload of inner strength to carry you along on this part of your river ride and when you land on the other side your light will shine even brighter. You're an inspiration. This is coming from a 3-year breast cancer survivor. You've got what it takes to get through this thing. Hang in there throughout this not so pleasant part of the journey and know that many out here are praying for your rapid recovery and will be waiting to hear more from you very soon on air. Take care and Godspeed. se

Anonymous said...

Hey Kevyn, I am going thru breast cancer right now, I am 34 and had a double masectomy this past December, I just finished chemo and am starting radiation next week. I had 3/14 lymph nodes positive, so thank goodness I found it when I did. Just remember you can do this and it will come to an end, and you will be so much stronger when its over Don't worry about the hair loss, I found a really cute wig that I liked better than my old hairstyle!!I wish you the best of luck and will keep you in my thoughts and prayers!!

Anonymous said...

My prayers and thoughts are with you and your family. I'm praying for your speedy recovery so you'll be back on the air with us soon. We love you!
Karen

Anonymous said...

Kevyn,

I adore you. Don't know you but wish I could be like you.

Loving Mother, Friend, Wife and God loving Woman.

So glad you're going to be JUST FINE!

Rest Well My Friend.

Sue Flaska said...

Thank you for keeping us updated. You are all in my thoughts and prayers.

Anonymous said...

we miss you and want you back soon!

jodi, paul and gage

Lisa B said...

Kevyn,
I thought of you when I saw this quote from an interview with Rick Warren- author of A Purpose Driven Life-

"When I get up in the morning, I sit on the side of my bed and say, God,if I don't get anything else done today, I want to know You more and love You better. God didn't put me on earth just to fulfill a to- do list. He's more interested in what I am than what I do.

That's why we're called human beings, not human doings.

Happy moments, PRAISE GOD.

Difficult moments, SEEK GOD.

Quiet moments, WORSHIP GOD.

Painful moments, TRUST GOD.

Every moment, THANK GOD.

Love Listener Lisa

Anonymous said...

Six Footer - thanks for the updates on your Mom.
We are sending our prayers and healing energy to Kevyn and to your whole family - she's a brilliant, strong force who will not be beaten by this challenge. Stay strong - and know we are too!

Anonymous said...

Thank you Ros for the update. Your mom is a vary strong person and I know she can beat the cancer.
Aneliya

Anonymous said...

Kevyn, I just heard the voicemail you left Alexis. It almost made me cry! I'm so happy that it was only in one lymphnode and that your only at a stage 2. That's great news!
I was diagnosed with Melanoma last September-had surgery-sentinal node biopsy-and my lymphnodes were clean. I hated the SNL (it took FOREVER!!! and on top of that I so scared for surgery)-but am so glad that I had it done.
I'm just so relieved that your at a stage 2. Even though the next couple months will be on the lousy side-just find comfort in your loving husband and kids- all your friends- and all the 107 listeners who love you. All of us are praying for you! You are not alone!!!!!!
IF GOD BRINGS YOU TO IT- HE WILL BRING YOU THROUGH IT.

Anonymous said...

I just heard the awesome news myself. I am so happy for the up-dates on the radio. I have been thinking of you daily, along with thoughts and prayers for your family. Stay strong, God Bless you Kevyn, and your family.

The Slacker Mom said...

I heard your voicemail on the show this morning. That is fantastic news! Thinking about you everyday!

Anonymous said...

Our prayers continue to be with you as you start on the next leg of this journey. I look forward to when I can hear your voice on the radio again!

Anonymous said...

My prayers and thoughts are with you and your family. Glad to hear your surgery went well. I was diagnosed with breast cancer in early 2005 and shocked as heck. I had no family history, and I wasn't even 40 years old yet. My surgeon was from Abbott as well, and he was wonderful. In fact, all my doctors were and still are great. I also went through chemo and radiation. Presently, I'm going through reconstruction a second time. Unfortunately, the first attempt failed, but I took that in stride. I'm doing great and am a healthy 2 year breast cancer survivor. The best advice I can give you is to be strong, keep a positive attitude, and continue doing the things you love to do as you can. You'll make it through this and cross that finish line eventually. Keep the faith and take care!!!

Bob and Becky' Camino said...

I remember when my wife and I looked at the time-line of chemo and radiation and thought it looked like it would last forever. I remember wondering how she would sleep with those drainage "grenades." I remember her crazy cravings for odd foods during one of her sets of chemo. I remember crying when I'd drive home from work. My job was not to be the cheerleader. My job simply was to hold her hand, tell her I love her, run to the pharmacy or Dairy Queen, and change the channel or the dvd. I wish you and your family humor and patience. And I hope your friends are hugging the co-survivors too.

Anonymous said...

Kevyn,

I listen every morning at 9 am hoping to hear an update.

Today's update was wonderful! Thank you for allowing Alexis to repaly your voicemail. It brought tears to my eyes!

Love you so much!

You'll be just fine MY FRIEND!

GAB said...

So very glad to hear all is going well. I will keep you in my prayers.

Anonymous said...

You are so brave and have touched so many lives already through this experience. Keep up the positive attitude and stay strong!

sallyjane said...

Kevyn - So glad to hear you are doing well. All my best to you as you go through your upcoming treatments. I know your family will be your strength over these next months, and all your listeners are sending healing energy your way.

You are missed each morning, but we will be patient until you can take your place once again in the FM 107 studio.

To all the "footers" - This is a very scary time, but your mom is one tough cookie. Just remember to hug her gently!

Anonymous said...

Thank you for the update. I just remembered a verse on a lovely plaque a friend of mine received when she was diagnosed with ovarian cancer. I don't know who wrote it but it's really great.


What Cancer Cannot Do

It cannot cripple love,
It cannot shatter hope,
It cannot corrode faith,
It cannot eat away peace,
It cannot destroy confidence,
It cannot kill friendship,
It cannot shut out memories,
It cannot silence courage,
It cannot reduce eternal life,
It cannot quench the Spirit,
It cannot lessen the power of the resurrection.


You and your family are in my thoughts.

robyn said...

I was so happy to hear your voice this morning! How unselfish of you to call and not have someone else do it! You're my hero! Thanks for the day brightener. Thinking of you and praying for your speedy recovery!

Anonymous said...

kevyn ... I send you all the well wishes in the world. stay strong. wendy b.

Randee said...

Kevyn,
Another note from someone who
1) was so glad to hear your voice and news on the radio on Wednesday (or was it Tuesday) and
2) is going in for a biopsy tomorrow for my own "something" having been inspired by you to follow up.
Many warm thoughts as you recover from surgery and prepare to start your next leg of the journey.

Anonymous said...

I heard Kathie play your VM on your show this morning. Great news that it's only one lymph node involved making it only Stage II. I'm encouraged by all the survivors' stories on your blog, too. This is a terrible thing, but hearing other stories is inspiring and puts the rest of life's little bothers in perspective.

I got fired recently and all I've been able to think about this week is just how beautiful the clouds are and how lucky I'm not chained to my desk right now.

I dont' believe that "everything happens for a reason", but do think that with everything comes a new opportunity. Enjoy the clouds, enjoy being home with the kids. Think about how cool it is that you get to hear about how much people care about you!

Anonymous said...

IS THERE SOME REASON WHY THE DOCTORS AND INSURANCE COMPANIES RESIST PROPHYLACTIC MASTECTOMY????IVE BEEN INQUIRING FOR YEARS.ISNT IT RATHER OBVIOUS THAT 'ROUTINE'MAMOGRAMS CAN BE NOT ROUTINE EVEN A YEAR LATER AND IF A PERSON HAS RISK FACTORS AND LARGE HUGE I MEAN LARGE LUMPY BREASTS ARE WE JUST SUPPOSE TO WAIT FOR OUR TIME????WHERES THE PLASTIC SURGERY CHICK ON THIS ISSUE?????DO WE HAVE TO SEE BLOOD FLOWING FROM THE NIPPLES BEFORE THEY TAKE THEM OFF????IF YOURE DONE HAVING KIDS AND HAVE NO PARTNER I ASK AGAIN WHY NOT???????????ANYBODY ANYBODY???WELL OF COURSE IF YOURE A HOT CHICK LIKE KEVYN WITH A WAY COOL HUSBAND AND TALENT GALORE AND A BODY THAT WONT QUIT AND ATTITUDE TO NO END AND DESERVE A WONDERFUL LIFE AND BRING JOY TO LITERALLY BILLIONS....THEN I UNDERSTAND.......AND ...WELL OKEY DOKEY THEN----WILL THE RECONSTRUCTION BE ON THE WEBSITE ?AND HEY WHERE ARE J LO WITH THEIR FAKE NIPPLES AND IAN GET YOUR BUTT OVER THERE WITH HAPPY BOY AND JILL SPIEGEL ARE YOU SENDING THE POWER OF YOUR POSTIVE ENERGY?.SISTERS OF THE SATTELITE WHERE ARE YOU?FORGET US POOR SHMUCKS OUT HERE GET YOUR ACT TOGETHER FM107.GO TAKE CARE O BUSINESS!!!!!!!!!HEIDI

Anonymous said...

How wonderful it was to hear the recording of Kevyn's voice on the radio today (6/7) relaying the good news that her cancer is only stage two. Our prayers have been answered! I hope Kevyn gets a chance to hear the warm words Andrew Z said about her on his program June 5th. Most of us would love to be such an inspriation to just one other person in our lifetime. Kevyn may not know it, but she's as much an inspiration to many of her listeners--her wisdom, sense of humor, candor, and warmth fill the air waves. I can't wait until she's back!

Java Mary said...

I am so glad to hear the surgery was OK. I miss your mom on the radio. I think of her every day. - Mary

Anonymous said...

Hey Kevyn,
The girls and I have been praying every night that your surgery was a complete success, for your recovery to be speedy and for your continued strength over-all...

Anonymous said...

Dear Kevyn - My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. June 1st I went in for a call back on a mammogram that same day I had a biopsy and Monday the call that I had breast cancer.I am schedule for surgery on June 15th.
Your blog page has help more than you will ever know.I'm so scared but your keeping me strong.Thanks so much for being you.

princessalexis said...

on behalf of Carolyn

My prayers are with you during all this Kevyn. God speed your recovery. Don't let this get you down, your mental attitude is very important, stay positive. Think herbal and homeopathic lifestyle changes now. They work. cdl

princessalexis said...

on behalf of Journey

Kevin I have followed your career over many years and have come to know you so much better listening to you on the radio. I really admire your spunk, enthusiasm, and honesty. I want you to know my prayers and thoughts are with you and your family. Also, I am a nature photographer and was wondering if you have a special flower as I would love to send you a photo to to look at as you recover. Hoping to hear from you.

Journey

princessalexis said...

on behalf of Pat

I just wanted you to know that I completely understand your heroic efforts these last few days. I too was diagnosed with breast cancer, just a couple of days after Easter this year and had a complete mastectomy of my left breast with removal of the lymph nodes. I am now going through chemotherapy, have lost my hair (but I wear beautiful scarves and earrings) and have fabulous support from my husband and 3 sons. I know you will be an inspiration to many and hopefully because of your journey, countless of women will have their mamograms.

Cheers to you as you progress, heal, recover and survive.

princessalexis said...

on behalf of Bets

I've got you in my prayers and your name printed on my t-shirt for the 3-Day Walk in August. I went thru this 2 years ago at Abbott ....you are in GOOD hands. Just keep telling yourself "this too shall pass"...and I promise you, it WILL! You have so many who are praying for you and who will miss you...be good to yourself, no matter how long it takes, we'll all be here when you get back!

princessalexis said...

on behalf of Nellie

Hi Kevyn,

I just want to send along well wishes to you for a quick recovery. My husband told me he heard your announcement on the way home and I was opened mouthed and so sorry to hear that you are going through this. I really enjoy you and your show and I want you to know that I will have you in my prayers and thoughts.

Be well soon.

Blessings,

Nellie

princessalexis said...

on behalf of Robin

As a former parent of Columbus School Montessori program, I have lived vicariously through your adventures and the tales of your family. Your bond with your children, husband and siblings will strengthen and grow through your recovery time during our incredible Minnesota summers. I will be praying for your speedy and successful recovery and your quick return to the radio where I am sure you will do what you do so well, educate and entertain your many loyal fans. Peace and comfort to you and yours.

Robin

princessalexis said...

on behalf of Cindy

Hi Kevyn, I'm sorry to hear about your breast cancer diagnoses. I was diagnosed in March and have had a double mastectomy. I am currently receiving chemotherapy and may need radiation. It is a journey that requires one day at a time. You can get through it and it helps you to realize how important friends and family are. It is also amazing to me how kind and generous people are. I am also a very independent person and a caregiver. It is difficult at times to let people help you, but it makes them feel like they are doing something, so allow them to help. My thoughts and prayers are with you. Cindy

princessalexis said...

on behalf of Colleen

Dear Kevyn,

I always listen to your show on my way to work each morning and have FINALLY been able to put a face with your voice after logging into your website.

I just want you to know that you are in our thoughts and prayers for a speedy recovery. I crossed the river today, I hope you follow tomorrow.