Dead. That’s what she said.
The cancer cells—not me! According to my oncologist, she didn’t see any living cancer cells on my CT scans. My bone scan confirms that as well. Praise God!
What does this mean?
I’ll see her every three months for blood work and an infusion to strengthen my bones. I won’t be scanned again for six months. Typically, it takes about two years for a cell to mutate and become resistant to my current treatment, potentially reactivating the cancer. However, new treatments for my type of cancer continue to evolve. She mentioned that if I had been diagnosed today instead of six months ago, she would have used a different treatment. That treatment will be the next option if needed.
For now, I’ll continue taking Kisqali (daily for three weeks, then one week off) and Femara (daily). I’ll also continue with my many supplements, minimize sugar and carbohydrate intake, and remain cautiously optimistic. I’m aware that just a year ago, my mammogram results indicated only a 1.7% chance of developing breast cancer in the next 10 years. Not only did I develop breast cancer—I skipped “Go” and went straight to stage 4! But I also know that having everything dead is a miracle.
1 Corinthians 6:19 states:
“Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own.”
As I’ve reflected on my body being a temple of the Holy Spirit, I’ve found several parallels between the Holy Spirit and cancer:
| Cancer | Holy Spirit |
|---|---|
| I can’t see it. | I can’t see Him. |
| I can see the various effects cancer has on my body through tests. | I can see the differences the Holy Spirit makes in my daily life. |
| I need to take medications and supplements daily, exercise regularly, continue yoga, and add strength training. I need to watch what I eat. | I need to spend time daily in prayer, devotional reading, and Bible study to draw closer to Jesus. Memorizing Scripture strengthens me. I need to watch what I let into my mind. |
| Daily practice will destroy cancer. | Daily practice will give me life. |
There are areas—both physical and spiritual—that I need to improve over the next six months. I would appreciate your prayers as I work through these.
So, what have I been up to since May?
Glen and I enjoyed an incredible week in Hawaii, visiting both Oahu and Kauai with our good friends Brett and Angela Knobloch. After we returned, I spent two weeks in Cincinnati helping my parents prepare for their move to Virginia. They’re now temporarily settled in a hotel very close to us until their villa becomes available at Stuarts Draft Retirement Community.
My mom has made great strides in rehab for her broken hip. We expect her to be able to use stairs and just a cane starting this week! Glen and I have also been coordinating PT and doctor appointments for both of my parents to help them manage things once they move to SDRC.
Between now and November, when I next see my oncologist, I have a lot to look forward to:
- Celebrating my niece Rebecca’s wedding in Louisville in September.
- Meeting Ben and Georgia in Cumberland, Maryland, to cheer them on as they race a train on their bikes from Cumberland to Frostburg in the 3M Challenge.
- Traveling to North Dakota—state #50 for both Glen and me! We’re open to sightseeing suggestions for eastern ND, so please send ideas 😊
- Visiting Liz and family in Wichita in October and enjoying a freshman football game. How is Calum already in high school?
- Hopefully moving my parents into their retirement villa. They’re #1 on the list, so we wait. We’re becoming pretty good at waiting!
I want you to know how grateful I am for each and every one of you. Your thoughts and prayers sustain me when I feel discouraged. Unless something changes, I’ll update again in November after my oncologist visit and bloodwork.
I hope you all enjoy the fall—my favorite season here in Virginia!
Kim Holman's Journey 
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