Tuesday, July 9, 2013

Giving IVAC a Shot

I am in the hospital starting the IVAC chemotherapy today. In the simplest terms, I'm doing it because I'm not done yet. I hope with everything in me that this will be strong enough to take down the disease and am visualizing hard that it will. I am prepared that it will take me down with it for a bit, too, but am confident that as I've bounced back up before, I will again.

I am touched beyond belief by the outpouring of support I've received since my last blog post. I am one incredibly fortunate woman. Thank you for all your positivity and love.

Here we go ... .
Posted by Karin Diamond at Tuesday, July 09, 2013
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49 comments:

  1. TriciaJuly 9, 2013 at 1:24 PM

    I'm sending you lots of love and light from Texas.

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  2. AnonymousJuly 9, 2013 at 1:31 PM

    We're incredibly fortunate for knowing you. Go get'em.

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  3. wonderchrisJuly 9, 2013 at 1:33 PM

    Thinking about you!!! IVAC do your thang...get the cancer GONE!

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  4. AnonymousJuly 9, 2013 at 2:32 PM

    Positive thoughts heading your way that the IVAC does the trick! Stay strong!

    Lisa

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  5. AnonymousJuly 9, 2013 at 5:49 PM

    Always praying for you and thinking only positive thoughts for a great outcome for you!! Be strong!!

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  6. AnonymousJuly 9, 2013 at 6:07 PM

    Praying for you, from Connecticut

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  7. AnonymousJuly 9, 2013 at 6:50 PM

    So courageous of you. I have never met you, but just like so many others touched by your blog, I think of you at odd times, like doing the dishes, and wonder how you are doing. And then you post; and remain constant in your bravery, beauty and extraordinary eloquence. Also struck how in every single photograph, despite whatever nasty treatment you're wrestling with, you radiate life and love through your dazzling smile. Wishing you the very very best luck in this newest chapter.

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  8. AnonymousJuly 9, 2013 at 7:08 PM

    Praying for you, from New Jersey

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  9. AnonymousJuly 9, 2013 at 7:16 PM

    You are on my mind and in my prayers constantly. God loves spitfires.

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  10. AnonymousJuly 9, 2013 at 8:02 PM

    Karin, I'm going to quote something back to you that Craig said to me ... "You've got this." Plain and simple. You've got that fire within you, girlfriend. I am praying for you always! xo Michelle

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  11. AnonymousJuly 9, 2013 at 8:53 PM

    Praying for you from PA.

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  12. AnonymousJuly 9, 2013 at 8:55 PM

    Continuous light and abundant prayers for you at this leg of your journey....kick this thing! Thank you for reminding the world of what's really important. You are amazing....blessed to know you!

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  13. ireneJuly 9, 2013 at 9:28 PM

    Praying for you tonight with all my heart. God bless you, precious little girl. Love, Irene

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  14. AnonymousJuly 9, 2013 at 10:23 PM

    My thoughts and prayers are with you. Hoping this treatment is what you need to kick cancers ass!!

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  15. CaraJuly 9, 2013 at 11:22 PM

    Lots of love to you Karin! What a brilliant piece you wrote for the Huffington post! You're awesome!

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  16. AnonymousJuly 9, 2013 at 11:56 PM

    Tons of positive thoughts, energy and LOVE being sent your way. You can do this!! Kick cancer's ass once and for all!! xoxo

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  17. AnonymousJuly 9, 2013 at 11:58 PM

    You have been in my thoughts and prayers almost constantly since your last post. I know I would not be handling your situation with so much grace and positivity. I had to have a root canal a few weeks ago because of an abcessed tooth. I had to take 20 mg of Valium, 2 Vicodins and had to have nitrous oxide just to get up the courage to get in the dentist chair. Girl, you are my hero and someone I will always look up to and admire. You truly are an inspiration. I hope this regimen kicks the fuckin' cancer's ass and doesn't decimate your body too much. I pray you get through this and have a complete remission. The blogosphere would be a much sadder place without you in it. Much love to you and your family. Kick ass, Karin. Craig and Sammy need you too much.

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  18. AnonymousJuly 10, 2013 at 1:21 AM

    Way to go girl!!! We are ALL rootin for ya and at this moment I hope the drug is kicking cancers ass and you are feeling no pain!! You are always on my mind and in my prayers. Tonight there will be multiple prayers going up just for you!! You are never alone no matter how bad it gets- although we cant be there physically we are your sideline cheerleaders and will never let you down. Damn girl- you are a super hero!! Now cancer- move on outta here. Karin's coming back with a vengance. I can feel it!!

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  19. AnonymousJuly 10, 2013 at 1:46 AM

    Karin, you are strong beyond your wildest imagination.

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  20. AnonymousJuly 10, 2013 at 2:05 AM

    Karin,

    I'm just another internet stranger whose life you've touched. I am praying for you.

    Elizabeth

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  21. AnonymousJuly 10, 2013 at 3:14 AM

    Karin,
    I too am a stranger, from the other side of the country, (CA then moved to AZ) that has been touched beyond words by your struggle. Been reading for several months now, and I think about you nearly every day, and worry when you don't post.
    I have been without words since your last post...all I can say is I am so sorry you are still struggling so much. I am not really religious, but WILL pray and send good thoughts to you.
    Big hugs to you.
    HOLLY

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  22. IrisJuly 10, 2013 at 4:47 AM

    Dear Karin,
    You are a warrior, a fighter, and you will win this battle. Your strength is unbelievable.
    I have been following your blog for the past 3 years, since my daughter Healey was diagnosed the same time you were....4 years ago. I think you are an inspiration to all the HL warriors and to their caretakers.
    I hope this IVAC will do the trick and get rid of the stupid cancer once and for all.
    Sending you love, BIG HUGS, light and healing vibes!!!
    Love you, Iris

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  23. brenmcpJuly 10, 2013 at 5:11 AM

    come on the IVAC and come on Karin. I admire you so much Karin, you and your writing have have helped me so much as my brother gooes through this struggle too. From Dublin, Ireland hugs, throughs and even from non believing little old me, prayers.
    xxxx

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  24. pandorasaquariumJuly 10, 2013 at 5:41 AM

    Sending all the love in the world to you Karin Diamond. You are one of the most inspiring people I have every come across. You have such an inner strength and zest for live, you are a true warrior and I have faith in this proven treatment. Sending some Irish luck, you will be in my thoughts over the next few days. X

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  25. AnonymousJuly 10, 2013 at 6:34 AM

    Dear Karin,

    I am a friend of a friend and have been following your blog from the beginning. I do not have cancer, yet your honest and insightful storytelling has been inspiring me for years.

    In all these years I have never commented - always in fear that my words would fall short given the gravity of your challenges. Yet, today I feel an overwhelming pull to let you know that I, along with many others around the world, am thinking of you and praying for you. May God have mercy on you and bring peace and good health back into your life. I am confident that no matter what this next chapter brings you will continue living life with the bravery and gusto that I have come to know reflected through your writing.

    Thinking of you.

    JF

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  26. AnonymousJuly 10, 2013 at 7:34 AM

    Karin, you also have all of my positive thoughts, hopes and as many prayers as a lapsed Catholic can muster! As you "neighbor" in West Hartford I am continually impressed and delighted by your humor, strength, and writing ability. You have a gift. Without the same challenges, though we all have challenges of some kind, I try to face the realities of life with your same honesty and clear headedness. Good luck on this next part of your treatment! xo West Hartford reader

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  27. UnknownJuly 10, 2013 at 7:38 AM

    Keeping you in my thoughts and prayers, Karin.

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  28. UnknownJuly 10, 2013 at 8:55 AM

    Karin - BE KARIN STRONG! (You have so many pulling for you...) JohnD

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  29. AnonymousJuly 10, 2013 at 9:12 AM

    I've got to chime in too. This is Tammy from Georgia, diagnosed in June, 2009, and getting my Karin fix every time you have posted. I wish all of us in the Internet world could be there in person to cheer you on, but I guess you'll just have to feel our energy through the air waves. Just know that there are a lot of us out here and we're all pulling for you and thinking of you daily. I too having a very loving husband and dog, and through my ordeal, I focused on staying strong for them and I know you do that too. You are our hero Karin - hang in there.

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  30. AnonymousJuly 10, 2013 at 9:29 AM

    Karin, I just got on my computer with the hope of seeing an entry from you. Thank you for sharing with all of us your decision. I was so worried with all the time that passed prior to your last post, I was checking your blog 3 to 4 times a day. I'm not surprised with your decision to do the IVAC. My thoughts and prayers are with you, your family and your medical team. You go girl!

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  31. AnonymousJuly 10, 2013 at 9:40 AM

    Hi Karin,
    This is Susan, a former Morley mom. My son Josh had your husband as his 5th grade teacher and I've been following your blog for at least a couple years now. I'm also a breast cancer survivor and an English prof./ writer.
    Your posts have touched me on so many levels. You have a brave, spirited voice and you write with such eloquence, honesty, humor and verve. Thank you for your courage and the courage you've given me. Thank you for sharing your toughest challenges with us with such grace.
    Wishing you comfort, confidence and strength,
    love,
    Susan

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  32. AnonymousJuly 10, 2013 at 9:47 AM

    Long, long, long, time cheerleader- first time commenter.
    Sending you positive thoughts and prayers for healing all the ay from the mile high city.

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  33. AnonymousJuly 10, 2013 at 10:47 AM

    Good luck Karin with the IVAC. Your great attitude is contagious. I have been following your blog since 2010 when I was diagnosed with lymphoma(PMBCL). Hang in there and I am sending you stength from Brooklyn.

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  34. UnknownJuly 10, 2013 at 11:55 AM

    Hi Karin!
    I am a stranger to you because I have never physically met you, but like you, I too was diagnosed with Hodgkin Lymphoma in 2010. I found your article "Cancer is Not All I Have" on the Stupid Cancer Facebook page and I absolutely connected with your message. Your friend commented with your blog and Facebook page. I have only read your last 2 posts and already cannot believe how someone could be so strong and positive at the same time! You are truly inspiring to your friends and family and, like me, complete strangers. You have such a great voice and cancer is definitely not the only thing you have. It seems that you have so many great people in your life and you continue to be someone that everyone looks up to which I believe is an amazing gift in and of itself. I deeply and truly hope this new IVAC treatment is a blessing for you and I will be praying for you throughout your experience. I am sending tons of love, strength and positive thoughts your way! Thank you for sharing your story and I will continue to follow you throughout it. Know that you are loved, looked up to and a surviving hero everyday! With love and support-Lyndsie

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  35. AnonymousJuly 10, 2013 at 1:22 PM

    Encouragement and prayers coming from KY! I have been following your blog since I was diagnosed with Hodgkin's in 2010. You have an amazing spirit!!!! You're a great example and enthusiasm for life is nothing short of contagious. Many many thoughts and 'virtual' hugs to you and your family in the coming weeks. Hope you get home to Sammy ASAP!!

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  36. AnonymousJuly 10, 2013 at 1:37 PM

    Sending lots of love and good thoughts to you from Chadds Ford, PA. Praying this is the answer to your remission.

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  37. AnonymousJuly 10, 2013 at 2:59 PM

    I have commented on your blog a few times in the past few years, I read every post and update you give. I feel very much like we are friends even though you have no clue who I am! I just wanted to let you know that I am also sending positive thoughts and prayers your way, like you said...you've done it before and you'll do it again. Take care and stay strong.
    Heidi

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  38. AnonymousJuly 10, 2013 at 3:43 PM

    I've been reading your blog for a few years after hearing about you from a friend. I love your writing style and the way you can so eloquently explain what is going on. It is a gift... I hope this treatment is the one that truly does the trick.

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  39. JaclynJuly 10, 2013 at 4:05 PM

    We are hoping for the best, and send all of our love to you and your family!

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  40. AnonymousJuly 10, 2013 at 4:21 PM

    New to your blog-- and pulling for you with every cell in my body!

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  41. AnonymousJuly 10, 2013 at 4:27 PM

    It is pouring right now and I like to think the torrential rain is like the treatment washing away all of this disease. That is my visualization for you right now.......prayers, hugs

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  42. AnonymousJuly 10, 2013 at 5:14 PM

    May you receive the healing miracle you are so deserving of! Always thinking of and praying for you and your wonderful family. God bless...

    Laura Loyot

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  43. JackieJuly 10, 2013 at 5:59 PM

    Sending warmth and hope your way....please keep us posted how you are doing! I hope you get strenghth knowing how many totally strangers you have touched and have grown to care so much about you and your family!

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  44. SarahJuly 10, 2013 at 10:38 PM

    Dear Karin, we have emailed before - you actually were amazing to email me back after I reached out to you as a hodgkins "newbie." I check your blog often and am always encouraged and amazed by your spirit - and heartbroken for you by the failings of treatments. I am an online reader - stay up late reading about hodgkins when I should be asleep...and have read a lot about IVAC now and Karin I am so hopeful for you. So many success stories. I am trying hard to imagine what you may be going through at this very moment. I think we all want to be right there fighting this with you. I am hoping that you are doing okay and IVAC is finally the treatment that makes a dent. Thinking about you, Craig and your parents all of the time. Sarah

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  45. AnonymousJuly 11, 2013 at 4:20 AM

    Karin,

    It's 1:00 am here in California. I wanted to let you know that you have prayers and love being sent your way 24 hours a day. You are not alone. Be strong.

    Much Love,
    Katie


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  46. Elizabeth HiltsJuly 11, 2013 at 7:53 AM

    I'm not a person who prays, but I am praying for you.

    Much love,
    Elizabeth

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  47. AnonymousJuly 11, 2013 at 8:12 AM

    Love and light to you.

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  48. AnonymousJuly 11, 2013 at 10:56 AM

    I just know that the IVAC is working. Thinking about you and sending my thoughts constantly. You have so many people you don't even know cheering you on!
    xoxo
    katie

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  49. AnonymousJuly 16, 2013 at 9:00 PM

    Karin-

    This is Kate from Boston (Boston Strong baby!) friends with Beth, went to hs with Craig, FNP, longtime follower and true believer that you are going to kick some ass. You've got this. It's totally acceptable to not always be strong, to wallow, to let it beat you up. But if anyone has it in them, ANYONE, it is Karin Freaking Diamond. You've got this. Sending all of my vibes, juju, love, prayers, and anything else I can send you!!!

    Kate

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