Keri's Metastatic Breast Cancer Story: It Hurts to Sit in This Chair Too Long

I'm Doug Haberstroh, and this is the story of my wife Keri. Keri was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2005 at the age of 25. Well, now you're in for a real treat in this post. Keri starts off with a reaction to how the chemo treatments for metastatic breast cancer have been progressing and the pain that still just won't leave.

The pain has become so fierce at times that she is not able to move or sit in one place for any length of time; I cannot even explain how painful and annoying that was for her. To end this SharePost I finally send an e-mail to our family and my friends, a much overdue e-mail.

Subject: Quick Note

Sent: Monday, July 31, 2006 2:56 PM

Hi Everyone,

I only have time for a quick note. My fourth treatment is this coming Wednesday on August 2nd. The pain is still hanging around and we are trying all kinds of things to find a good medicine to help mask the pain. The doctor is a little concerned that the pain is still so prevalent therefore we will probably have to do more than 6 treatments in the end.

We are doing blood work and other tests along the way though. Last week we did some blood work to check my liver, kidneys, and other organs and things came out okay. I didn't realize how much trial and error was involved in finding medicines that take care of your pain, but don't cause too many bad side effects. Anyway that is the latest and I will still keep you posted.

I do as much as I can on my good days, but they are not as often anymore. I have to go. I can't sit in this chair for too long, before it starts to hurt. Take care all of you. I thank God everyday for all of your prayers and thoughts. I will win this battle.

Love,

Keri

Subject: Doug's Update

Sent: Sunday, August 13, 2006 4:58 PM

Guys & Gals,

I know you all have been receiving updates from Keri on a regular basis but while I was outside this morning doing some yard-work and washing the cars I couldn't remember the last time I actually sent out an e-mail to everyone from myself. So, apologies, but I would like to take this time now to make amends. Buckle yourselves in.

To start, life is good. Married life didn't really start off the way Keri and I probably would have guessed but we're making the best of it, not to get too mushy but this cancer stuff really made us look at a whole different side of life and I say our love, friendship and companionship is stronger now than ever before. We're continually fighting this crap and some day soon, I have faith, we will win and get on to living normal, healthy lives again. Thank you for all you have done, I don't really know how to pay back all you have done for us but we appreciate it and know that your friendship will always have a special place in our hearts.

Another round of apologies goes out from me to all of those in the class of '96. I totally missed our reunion this summer due to prior engagements but I did see some of the pictures from the website and it looks like everyone had a lot of fun. I just wish Moody would have included names with the photos because I suck at trying to guess with faces only.