Remain Calm, Cara's Got This

03/19/2024

Cara vs Cancer update… I have had a week to try to fully absorb the news from my last scan. I’ve spent a lot of time reflecting what life has been like for the last 11 months and what the future holds. It all feels like a bad dream.. I know that it’s not because I have the haircut and battle scars to prove it has been reality. I’ve spent some time scrolling through pictures from the last 11 months and those definitely show that the fight from Stage 4 cancer to N.E.D (No Evidence of Disease) was definitely not a pretty one. “No Evidence of Disease”, those magical words! For those keeping score, Cara-1 Cancer-0

I cannot give enough thanks or love to you all!!!

01/03/2024

I hope everyone was able to spend time with loved ones last couple of weeks! It’s been a minute since the last update so here we go-

I finished my last treatment the week of Thanksgiving!

Getting through that last treatment was a definite test of my stubbornness and will power. There was a point where I had to breakdown and ask for what people need sometimes… and that was asking for help. When the pain takes over and your body forces you to sleep 48 hours in 3 days, there comes a point when even the most stubborn person has to ask for it. My tribe continued to be absolutely amazing!! All jumped in without drawing attention to the fact I was forced to ask for help… that dirty 4 letter word 🙄

Chemo brain is a real thing and struggle that I did not anticipate. For those not familiar with chemo brain, the best way to describe it would be like early onset dementia. Losing your train of thought, troubles finding the words you’re looking for, and simple daily tasks are not so simple anymore! There’s also frustration and anger because you can’t get your brain to function the way you’re used to. Unfortunately for my sister (who could only win the battle of the wits against me during this time 😘), my brain is starting to cooperate with me again.

I had my first follow up scan to see if I’ve beaten cancer into submission for the time being. They found a new small mass that’s about 2x3 cm and in the neighborhood of where my appendix resided. They are not sure if it’s a related side effect of COVID and Paxlovid (COVID thought it would be fun to kick me when I was down) or if it’s cancerous. I went in last week to have it biopsied but they couldn’t see it well enough to try to get it and run the risk of perforating my bowel. While it’s frustrating, I’m thankful that they didn’t risk it and add to the list of problems. The biopsy has been rescheduled for this coming Monday.

I’ll share when I know more. So until next time, I’m going to continue to push my limits both physically and mentally to try to get back to feeling somewhat normal. 😇

09/30/2023

Cara vs Cancer update.. started full dose chemo 2 weeks ago. It has been one of the least fun adventures I’ve been one.
Last week there was bone pain, exhaustion, and limb numbness. There was also a serious some serious consideration of just calling my bed home from then on. However, those side effects were much better this week and getting around much better.
My hair decided to start jumping ship on me so it was time to say goodbye.. for now.
I continue to be so appreciative of my tribe and cancer team at UNMC! I don’t think I will ever be able to find the words to describe how grateful I am.
Thank you and love you all!

08/13/2023

This last week I finished round 2 of Cara vs Cancer. I have a 4 week break before starting round 3 with full chemo for 12 weeks. It was also the 4 month mark of this shenanigans. It does not feel like it has been that long. Looking back, I can see why…

So far-
1 Major surgery where they removed:
-Harry and Lloyd
- Ovaries
- Cervix
- Uterus
- Appendix (RIP little buddy)
1 diagnosis of Stage 4 Cervical Cancer
1 PET scan
1 CT simulation for radiation markers
1 minor surgery to put in my port
1 test dummy for nurse & med students 😳😅
2 trips to the ER
2 tumor twins (named Harry & Lloyd)
2 hearing tests
2 new skills of crocheting and sudoko
3 awesome scars
3 sessions of brachytherapy (0/5 stars given, would not recommend, 👎🏻👎🏻)
3 sessions radiation to my entire abdomen
3+ interrogations of a doctor by my sister
4 low dose chemo treatments
4 physicists met in real life
4 treatment plan changes
5 days in the hospital
6 weeks off of work, including 4 weeks of a full time designated babysitter by my sister 😬😘
25 sessions of localized radiation
40 lbs lost 👋👋
75+ invasive pokes/prods/ouchies
100 eye rolls given or received when discussing my capabilities at that certain time
1 million+ used/thought the “F” word & 2 million+ Thank you’s
Countless love, appreciation, and gratitude for everyone who has helped along this journey

06/26/2023

Let’s just say… I have a lot of bad words to describe cancer. The last couple of months have been a sh*t storm of a roller coaster ride.
I do not have the words to say how grateful I am for my tribe nor able to say how much I’ve appreciated everyone that have reached out, donated, and helped.
This week chemo was put on a momentary hold due to an almost constant ringing in my ears (1 of the many fun side effects of chemo). The chemo that I’m on can become ototoxic and cause loss of hearing. So I have an appointment with a neurotologist later this week and we’ll see what they have to say. Radiation will continue as planned.

Thank you all again!!
Cara

FYI- I have not started glowing in the dark yet 😏

06/19/2023

Should we start taking bets??

05/31/2023

***UPDATE***
Cara's scans came back and it's officially diagnosed as Stage 4 Cervical Cancer. The scans didn't show the cancer had spread anywhere, so that's the good news.

TREATMENT PLAN:
1) 5 weeks of Radiation with a low dose of chemo
- Radiation will be 5 days a week
- Low Chemo once a week on Mondays

2) Full Strength Chemo to follow
- Once a week, every 2-3 weeks for 4 cycles

They are doing an "over kill" of treament as the tumor was extremely close to her lymphnodes. Want to make sure all the cancer cells are dead & don't return! 🥊

She will get her port on June 5th & treament to start soon after. They say there should be limited side effects from the radiation/low chemo, but the full strength chemo will have the side effects we've all heard about. We will update the caregiving schedule for these times once we know how she will be feeling.

Cara has recovered wonderfully from the surgery last month. As you can guess, she is pushing her physical limits & claims to not need any more supervision aka babysitting🤨😆 She is not thrilled about having full chemo, but of course would rather do it all now with hopes it will kill all the cancer cells & not come back!

Go fund me & meal train links are still open and on the main page of this group.

Thank you all for your ongoing support!!💜💜

05/09/2023

UPDATE: Cara has been home and surgery recovery is going smoothly. The doctor did confirm that it is Cervical Cancer. She will have PET Scan in a couple weeks to determine where it started & if its anywhere else. They are thinking course of treatment may be radiation & not chemo, but all depends on results from scan.

There are still some open spots for caregiving on the meal train: https://www.mealtrain.com/trains/o9ey9n. "CAREGIVING" is really hanging out with Cara and making sure she is not doing more than she's supposed to.

IF YOU EVER WANTED TO BOSS Cara Gunter AROUND, THIS IS YOUR CHANCE!! I (her sister, Erin Ragland) have been taking full advantage of this and enjoying every bossy minute.🤣 I know there are others who would also enjoy this opportunity! Sign up now on Meal Train. If there's not an open date, comment below or reach out to Mandy Hansen or Erin Ragland.

Go FundMe Link: https://gofundme.com/cara-gunter

05/02/2023

Here is the link to the Meal Train for Cara Gunter: https://mealtrain.com/o9ey9n

Currently, the family does not have a lot of needs in the way of meals, as Cara stocked their cupboards before her surgery and they don't have much extra storage space. Gift cards would be most helpful if you wish to contribute to meals at this time. We will update the Meal Train to reflect the family's needs as time goes on.

We are also using the Meal Train site to coordinate other help for Cara, particularly caregiving. She has activity restrictions until at least May 22nd and so needs help with things like meal prep, light housekeeping, and pet care. Please see the calendar in the Meal Train and contact Erin Ragland or Mandy Hansen with any questions.

On Friday, April 21st, Cara had a major surgery to remove two large ovarian tumors, her appendix, and her reproductive organs. The tumors were determined to be cancerous and cervical in origin. Cara will be in recovery from the surgery for approximately 4 weeks, after which she will undergo radiatio...