Kay was diagnosed on December 21, 2004, at the age of 77.

Kay

My Mother was diagnosed with IBC in December 2004. A CAT scan performed in August 2004 while Mom was hospitalized for a broken hip and congestive heart failure originally identified a large tumor with lymph node involvement, but Mom did not want to undergo a biopsy out of fear that the procedure would confirm a diagnosis of breast cancer.

Finally, after months of debate and denial, Mom agreed to the biopsy. Meanwhile her breast transformed into a hard swollen red purple mass with all the changes to skin and nipple discussed elsewhere in this website.

Mom had several close friends who all died from breast cancer years before and those losses added to her other serious medical problems increased her unwillingness to seek treatment.

After more debate she agreed to see an oncologist who discussed her limited treatment options. In February of 2005 Mom began treatment with Herceptin and two months ago Gemzar was added to her chemo regime.

She just completed a PET scan after 4 months of treatment and the tumor has decreased from the size of a large peach to the size of an olive. Even more encouraging, the cancer has not spread to any other part of her body.

Mom overcame her fear and her denial, and her courage is being rewarded with positive results. Mom is again looking forward to the future, and the only thing growing inside her now is hope

Please click on the title of the song in order to hear the music.

Bridge Over Troubled Water

When you're weary, feeling small,
When tears are in your eyes, I will dry them all.
I'm on your side, oh when times get rough.
And friends just can't be found.
Like a bridge over troubled water, I will lay me down
Like a bridge over troubled water, I will lay me down.

When you're down and out, when you're on the street,
When evening falls so hard, I will comfort you.
I'll take your part, oh, when darkness comes,
And pain is all around,
Like a bridge over troubled water, I will lay me down,
Like a bridge over troubled water, I will lay me down.

Sail on silver girl, sail on by,
Your time has come to shine,
all your dreams are on their way.
See how they shine, oh, if you need a friend,
I'm sailing right behind,

Like a bridge over troubled water,
I will ease your mind,
Like a bridge over troubled water,
I will ease your mind.

* * * * * * * * *

Words and music by Paul Simon