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Kris' Cancer Fight
Updated October 2011: Since the April 2010 benefit, Kris has had various forms of
chemotherapy. Each chemotherapy only knocks the cancer back some before each drug eventually fails and she has progression in her liver. Before the side effects
get any more toxic, she and her husband are pursuing a cutting edge gene targeted therapy that in trials is about 30% more successful than traditional drugs and it has no toxic
side effects. These doctors are also using chemotherapy in a targeted low dose way like other countries that have better results without harsh side effects to the patient. This is a
controversial treatment because of its effectiveness and political fights with the drug companies and the government, who want the drug and want to shut this doctor
down.
Kris will be traveling to the Burzynski Clinic in Houston, Texas in November 2011 for 2-3 weeks to start her
treatment. We all pray that she can be helped by this clinic. Please view the movie Burzynski The Movie - Cancer Is Serious
Business at http://www.burzynskimovie.com/ to learn more about this doctor and his
story.
Many might be surprised to know that Kris is a 3-time cancer survivor, and her cancer fight started back in 1996. She is so strong and
has such a positive attitude, you might not have known of any health concerns she had going on at the time.
1996 - Diagnosed with DCIS and invasive cancer of the breast. Kris underwent surgery followed by months of chemotherapy that
caused her to lose her hair and feel sick. This was followed up with 5 years of medication to help prevent a recurrence.
2002 - Cancer recurrence. Kris underwent more surgery, followed by radiation therapy. Again, she was on medication for
a few years following to help prevent a recurrence.
2004 - Cancer recurrence. Kris was diagosed as Stage IV breast cancer, with metastasis to the spine. She began hormonal therapy
and bone boosting infusions of Zometa to delay the cancer's growth and minimize the bone destruction.
2008 - After increasing low back pain, low-grade fevers, and a tumor marker that shot up, Kris was sent for scans, which
revealed what Kris was beginning to suspect - the cancer had progressed, not only up the spine, but also into the liver. With cancer in the liver, Kris and her
oncologist decided that going back on chemotherapy would be the best line of defense. Kris lost her hair again, and started experiencing neuropathy in her hands
and feet.
2010 - After her tumor markers went up again, scans were done and it was found that her current chemotherapy has stopped working as her
cancer had progressed in the liver again. As of February 2010, she is waiting to enter a chemotherapy trial in early March.
Through all of this, Kris has had a positive attitude and finds the joys in everyday life.
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