A Memorial/Celebration of Cathy’s life will be held on June 30th at 2 pm at the Tappan Reformed Church, located at the intersection of Kings Hwy and Old Tappan Rd, Tappan NY 10983 (there is no street number for the church but it is a red brick building with a steeple) with a collation to follow at the Manse Barn directly across from the church just beyond the parking lot.
Many of you have already sent gifts for which we are very thankful or you have asked what the family and Cathy's wishes might be. Cathy has said she really appreciates the hospice people and that they are great. Donations can be sent in the name of Cathryn Nevin to United Hospice of Rockland, 11 Stokum Lane, New City, NY 10956 or go to www.hospiceofrockland.org.
Another option is to donate to Carrigan’s College Fund. This can be done by writing a check made out to Carrigan Nevin and mailing it to our home, 46 Western Hwy, Tappan, NY 10983. Kyle can then put the account number and the required additional information on the check and mail it to the fund. If you would rather mail directly to the fund, then please email Kyle (kyle_nevin@hotmail.com) so he can give you the necessary information to put on the check and the address to mail it to. (He does not want to post the account number on the internet).
If you have any questions please don’t hesitate to email or call Kyle at kyle_nevin@hotmail.com or 727-366-0306
Thursday, June 21, 2012
Wednesday, June 20, 2012
Rest in Peace
It is with great sadness as we write to tell you that Cathy passed away peacefully early in the morning on Tuesday, June 19th. She fought hard and long accepting each new challenge in her resolute manner without ever a complaint.
Cathy will be cremated according to her wish. There will be no funeral service but a memorial service will be held on Saturday, June 30th. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests either a contribution in memory of Cathryn Nevin to United Hospice of Rockland, www.hospiceofrockland.org or to a college fund for Carrigan. If you choose to contribute to Carrigan's college fund, we suggest that you write the check to Kyle Nevin identifying it for the college fund.
We all felt the love of family and friends during this difficult year and know you will all cherish your memories of her as we will certainly do.
Cathy will be cremated according to her wish. There will be no funeral service but a memorial service will be held on Saturday, June 30th. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests either a contribution in memory of Cathryn Nevin to United Hospice of Rockland, www.hospiceofrockland.org or to a college fund for Carrigan. If you choose to contribute to Carrigan's college fund, we suggest that you write the check to Kyle Nevin identifying it for the college fund.
We all felt the love of family and friends during this difficult year and know you will all cherish your memories of her as we will certainly do.
Monday, June 18, 2012
The Journey begins
We would like to thank everyone for all your good wishes, kind offers of help, and supportIve messages. Cathy is very much at peace with her decision to discontinue treatment and is now under the care of hospice. They have been incredibly helpful and are making Cathy as comfortable as possible as she begins this journey.
Many of you have already sent gifts for which we are very thankful or you have asked what the family and Cathy's wishes might be. Cathy has said she really appreciates the hospice people and that they are great. Donations can be sent in the name of Cathryn Nevin to United Hospice of Rockland, 11 Stokum Lane, New City, NY 10956 or go to www.hospiceofrockland.org. Another option is a donation to Carrigan's education fund.
We ask for your continued prayers and good thoughts for a peaceful passing for Cathy.
Many of you have already sent gifts for which we are very thankful or you have asked what the family and Cathy's wishes might be. Cathy has said she really appreciates the hospice people and that they are great. Donations can be sent in the name of Cathryn Nevin to United Hospice of Rockland, 11 Stokum Lane, New City, NY 10956 or go to www.hospiceofrockland.org. Another option is a donation to Carrigan's education fund.
We ask for your continued prayers and good thoughts for a peaceful passing for Cathy.
Thursday, June 14, 2012
Peace
We at Team Cathy would like to thank everybody for all of the thoughts, prayers, cards, well wishes and help you have offered Cathy as she has battled cancer for over a year now. You have helped make a difficult journey more tolerable. It is with great sadness that we tell you that Cathy has now entered Hospice Care. After much thought, consultations with doctors and discussions, Cathy and our team have decided that we are no longer going to pursue any treatment options and are instead focusing on keeping Cathy comfortable. The disease has rendered Cathy to a quality of life that is not fair to her or anyone. It is the opinion of her doctor and us that any more treatments will only delay the inevitable, cause an enormous amount of pain for Cathy, and actually make her final days much worse. Instead we have decided to let her choose how she wants to spend her final days, which is in her own bed with her family close to her.
Cathy battled courageously, in her quiet, dignified way, cracking jokes and smiling often despite her situation. Her oncologist and nurses were brought to tears, which is not easy when you work in oncology and become used to losing patients, but Cathy is that type of person - charming every one whose life she touches.
Cathy battled courageously, in her quiet, dignified way, cracking jokes and smiling often despite her situation. Her oncologist and nurses were brought to tears, which is not easy when you work in oncology and become used to losing patients, but Cathy is that type of person - charming every one whose life she touches.
Saturday, June 2, 2012
Home
There was great joy seeing Cathy come in the door - especially from Carrigan. She was discharged on Friday after receiving two courses of radiation therapy. She will now continue at Phelps Memorial as an outpatient for the remainder sessions. Thank you all for your good wishes, thoughts and prayers.
Wednesday, May 30, 2012
Radiation to start
Cathy will be starting radiation therapy ASAP! Originally the plan was to do radiation as an outpatient at Phelps Memorial where she goes for chemo. However, her pain management has been a major issue while she has been an inpatient at MSK. Fortunately, she is in the hands of the doctors and nurses at MSK where she is receiving excellent care. So, care in the hospital, pain management and radiation is the current plan of action. The doctors are optimistic that the radiation can be very effective for Cathy.
Carrigan is handling all of this like her mother - like a champ. She tucks her Abby Cadabby doll into mommy’s bed every night to keep it warm for her and writes her notes daily.
Please continue to keep Cathy in your thoughts and prayers through this most challenging time.
Carrigan is handling all of this like her mother - like a champ. She tucks her Abby Cadabby doll into mommy’s bed every night to keep it warm for her and writes her notes daily.
Please continue to keep Cathy in your thoughts and prayers through this most challenging time.
Tuesday, May 22, 2012
Stumbling blocks
It’s been a real roller coaster ride recently as Cathy has run into some stumbling blocks. She has had issues with bladder/kidney, low blood count, and pain. Cathy has tackled each challenge in her quiet, resolute way. Her list of specialists now include a urologist, nephrologist, hematologist, and radiologist. The plan by the radiologist is to target the area near her bladder to relieve tumor burden which may be giving her the pain. The plan is for treatment five times a week for three weeks. The catch-22 is that while she receives radiation, she cannot be on Oxaliplatin.
One of the ‘numbers’ monitored while receiving chemo is hemoglobin count. Up until this past week-end, Cathy’s numbers were in an acceptable range. However, this Sunday she had to have a blood transfusion in the hospital. The transfusion went well and she’s feeling tired but better. While in the hospital her pain is being addressed with a pain pump that she controls and she is finally getting some much needed sleep. Next step is we are hopeful the radiation treatment can be started shortly.
Thanks for all your support as you continue to keep us all in your prayers and good thoughts.
One of the ‘numbers’ monitored while receiving chemo is hemoglobin count. Up until this past week-end, Cathy’s numbers were in an acceptable range. However, this Sunday she had to have a blood transfusion in the hospital. The transfusion went well and she’s feeling tired but better. While in the hospital her pain is being addressed with a pain pump that she controls and she is finally getting some much needed sleep. Next step is we are hopeful the radiation treatment can be started shortly.
Thanks for all your support as you continue to keep us all in your prayers and good thoughts.
Wednesday, May 2, 2012
Change in chemo
Although Cathy’s last scan showed stabillity, her oncologist was looking for some improvement. Since the Irinotecan (latest chemo drug) was causing more side effects (such as nausea, hair loss), the decision was made to revert back to Oxaliplatin (earlier chemo drug) which gave improvement with less severe side effects while Cathy was on it. We’re hopeful the oxali works as before.
Friday, March 23, 2012
Great news
Cathy’s latest CT scan indicated the cancer is once again stabilized. Cathy & Kyle will know more after meeting with the doctor next week but we expect to continue with the current course of chemo. In the meantime, we are all walking with a lilt in our steps. Thanks to all for your support, prayers and good thoughts.
Sunday, March 18, 2012
Happy St Patrick's Day
Cathy, Kyle & Carrigan were invited for a homemade corned beef and cabbage dinner last Sunday which kicked off their celebration of St Patrick’s Day this year. Carrigan wore the new t-shirt Nana gave her that said, “Kiss me I’m Chirish, half Chinese half Irish”. It was the perfect thing to wear to her Chirish cousins’ house where they enjoyed the company of extended family, food (especially homemade key lime pies) and the spring-like weather. In addition, Cathy made her delicious Irish soda bread which is always a special treat. Team Cathy wishes a Happy St Patrick’s Day to our extended family and friends who celebrate this occasion.
Although it can be a problem when scheduling errors occur, Cathy & Kyle were able to take advantage of one recently. As they were heading into the city this past Monday, Cathy got a call that there was a mix-up regarding her CT scan and it would have to be postponed. Since they had planned to meet Ken (her brother) for lunch, they continued on in. The weather was typical of a day in May and not March so besides a great lunch, they were able to enjoy being in the city. They hit their favorite eatery, Gyro II, near Madison Square Garden and then took a stroll through Central Park. They got lost in the Ramble (which is what the designers intended), saw Strawberry Fields, Alice in Wonderland, crossed the Bow Bridge and watched children learn to play hockey and figure skate at Wollman Rink.
On Tuesday, Cathy had her regularly scheduled chemo session and she is scheduled for a CT scan next Wednesday. This will be the first scan after starting the new drug, Irinotecan. Naturally, we’re very hopeful for a good report. We are grateful that she is not having problems with any prior issues that we had mentioned previously.
Although it can be a problem when scheduling errors occur, Cathy & Kyle were able to take advantage of one recently. As they were heading into the city this past Monday, Cathy got a call that there was a mix-up regarding her CT scan and it would have to be postponed. Since they had planned to meet Ken (her brother) for lunch, they continued on in. The weather was typical of a day in May and not March so besides a great lunch, they were able to enjoy being in the city. They hit their favorite eatery, Gyro II, near Madison Square Garden and then took a stroll through Central Park. They got lost in the Ramble (which is what the designers intended), saw Strawberry Fields, Alice in Wonderland, crossed the Bow Bridge and watched children learn to play hockey and figure skate at Wollman Rink.
On Tuesday, Cathy had her regularly scheduled chemo session and she is scheduled for a CT scan next Wednesday. This will be the first scan after starting the new drug, Irinotecan. Naturally, we’re very hopeful for a good report. We are grateful that she is not having problems with any prior issues that we had mentioned previously.
Tuesday, February 21, 2012
Sigh of Relief
As we wrote recently, Cathy’s latest scan and tumor growth had created some issues and her oncologist referred her to a urologist to check out. So, in addition to going for her chemo treatment this past week, Cathy and Kyle made two trips into the city for the urologist and also for more tests/scans. The concern was whether there was a blockage from the kidney.
Happily, we all breathed a sigh of relief when Cathy got the call from the urologist to say the tube was not blocked. We are ever hopeful that the chemo will stop the tumor from any further growth.
As you may know, Cathy is a big sports fan and a wonderful distraction for the past few weeks has been the play of the NY Rangers (hockey) and the NY Knicks (basketball). Although basketball is not her favorite sport, she and Blue House are in ‘Linsanity’ land. Now that they’re living in NY, Cathy has been able to watch all the Ranger games - made even more enjoyable since they’re winning a lot this year. Of course, Carrigan is becoming a sports fan and can easily recognize the different sports and equipment already.
Happily, we all breathed a sigh of relief when Cathy got the call from the urologist to say the tube was not blocked. We are ever hopeful that the chemo will stop the tumor from any further growth.
As you may know, Cathy is a big sports fan and a wonderful distraction for the past few weeks has been the play of the NY Rangers (hockey) and the NY Knicks (basketball). Although basketball is not her favorite sport, she and Blue House are in ‘Linsanity’ land. Now that they’re living in NY, Cathy has been able to watch all the Ranger games - made even more enjoyable since they’re winning a lot this year. Of course, Carrigan is becoming a sports fan and can easily recognize the different sports and equipment already.
Monday, February 6, 2012
Gung Hay Fat Choy
Team Cathy wishes a Happy Chinese New Year to our extended family and friends who celebrate this occasion. The Year of the Dragon arrived on Monday, January 23, 2012 and according to one web site, “the dragon is considered a benevolent creature that brings good luck.” Along with everyone’s prayers and good thoughts, it never hurts to have good luck.
Cathy’s uncle and aunt hosted their annual ‘dim sum’ luncheon for the family which was thoroughly enjoyed by all. It’s a new year’s tradition for married adults to give red envelopes with money to children as a good luck symbol. Carrigan learned to recite ‘Gung Hay Fat Choy’ which she did so well many times upon receiving the red envelopes.
Last Wednesday, Cathy received her second chemo treatment which included the new drug, Irinotecan (eye-ree-noh-tee-kan). As you know, the last scan indicated increased tumor growth. Although you never want to hear that the cancer has become more active, knowing this has allowed her doctor to treat her symptoms more effectively. Happily since the last scan Cathy’s symptoms have largely been alleviated. This has been a bit of a silver lining for us.
Nautrally, we will still be watching her symptoms closely until the next scan. Another possible silver lining is that if the Irinotecan holds the cancer at bay and even makes progress she will be able to remain on it indefinitely, unlike the Oxaliplatin that did such a good job stopping the cancer initially but had a dosage limit.
Cathy’s uncle and aunt hosted their annual ‘dim sum’ luncheon for the family which was thoroughly enjoyed by all. It’s a new year’s tradition for married adults to give red envelopes with money to children as a good luck symbol. Carrigan learned to recite ‘Gung Hay Fat Choy’ which she did so well many times upon receiving the red envelopes.
Last Wednesday, Cathy received her second chemo treatment which included the new drug, Irinotecan (eye-ree-noh-tee-kan). As you know, the last scan indicated increased tumor growth. Although you never want to hear that the cancer has become more active, knowing this has allowed her doctor to treat her symptoms more effectively. Happily since the last scan Cathy’s symptoms have largely been alleviated. This has been a bit of a silver lining for us.
Nautrally, we will still be watching her symptoms closely until the next scan. Another possible silver lining is that if the Irinotecan holds the cancer at bay and even makes progress she will be able to remain on it indefinitely, unlike the Oxaliplatin that did such a good job stopping the cancer initially but had a dosage limit.
Saturday, January 21, 2012
Setback
Cathy’s latest scan indicated tumor growth and the thickening of her bladder wall. Her doctor believes she does not have bladder cancer but the tumors are causing problems. This is obviously scary and frustrating, but not entirely surprising.
Cathy was on a combination of three chemotherapy medicines, Leucovorin, Fluorouracil (5FU) and Oxaliplatin. This regimen is known as “Fol Fox”. Two scans indicated the regimen stabilized Cathy’s cancer and even provided mild improvement. However, she could only take the Oxaliplatin for a limited time or there could be irreversible side effects. She had 12 rounds of it and the plan was then to continue only with the Leucovorin and Fluorouracil hoping they would maintain the stabilization and perhaps even sustain the progress. Unfortunately, they did not do this. Cathy began to experience symptoms such as ankle swelling and abdominal discomfort. She was given a scan which showed the above results.
So now another drug, Irinotecan (Camptosar or CPT-11), has been added to her regimen and with the other two drugs makes up a treatment plan called “Fol Firi”. This new drug, like the Oxali, is a heavy hitter causing fatigue, nausea and hair thinning, but hopefully it will stop the cancer and reverse its course. Giving her Oxali again is not out of the question since it was effective the first time but for now it is better to try other medications given the irreversible side effects Oxali can cause.
This setback is a reminder to us that battling cancer is a journey with many ups and downs. Cathy had several chemo sessions with less fatigue and side effects. Now she is on a new drug and is back to being knocked out for a few days during treatment. In addition, we will have to wait and see if any other side effects occur. On the bright side, knowing what is causing her symptoms gives us courage to fight them as opposed to not knowing and guessing. The doctors can also treat and relieve her symptoms more effectively. There are many options in cancer treatment and Team Cathy will exhaust them all. That is for sure!
Cathy was on a combination of three chemotherapy medicines, Leucovorin, Fluorouracil (5FU) and Oxaliplatin. This regimen is known as “Fol Fox”. Two scans indicated the regimen stabilized Cathy’s cancer and even provided mild improvement. However, she could only take the Oxaliplatin for a limited time or there could be irreversible side effects. She had 12 rounds of it and the plan was then to continue only with the Leucovorin and Fluorouracil hoping they would maintain the stabilization and perhaps even sustain the progress. Unfortunately, they did not do this. Cathy began to experience symptoms such as ankle swelling and abdominal discomfort. She was given a scan which showed the above results.
So now another drug, Irinotecan (Camptosar or CPT-11), has been added to her regimen and with the other two drugs makes up a treatment plan called “Fol Firi”. This new drug, like the Oxali, is a heavy hitter causing fatigue, nausea and hair thinning, but hopefully it will stop the cancer and reverse its course. Giving her Oxali again is not out of the question since it was effective the first time but for now it is better to try other medications given the irreversible side effects Oxali can cause.
This setback is a reminder to us that battling cancer is a journey with many ups and downs. Cathy had several chemo sessions with less fatigue and side effects. Now she is on a new drug and is back to being knocked out for a few days during treatment. In addition, we will have to wait and see if any other side effects occur. On the bright side, knowing what is causing her symptoms gives us courage to fight them as opposed to not knowing and guessing. The doctors can also treat and relieve her symptoms more effectively. There are many options in cancer treatment and Team Cathy will exhaust them all. That is for sure!
Monday, January 2, 2012
Happy New Year
Team Cathy would like to wish everyone a Happy New Year. We thank you for continuing to keep us in your thoughts and prayers.
As the holidays approached Cathy was able to enjoy one of her favorite activities – baking. She and Carrigan made cookies for Carrigan’s teachers. She also baked many other items that were enjoyed by family and friends.
As we reflect back on 2011 it is hard to believe how much has changed. It has been a year since Cathy first discovered the lump in her neck that was to change her life so drastically. It is a tough anniversary but she and Kyle are thankful for many things - a successful surgery and stabilization of the cancer with mild improvement; Cathy’s parents have opened their house for them to live in; receiving treatment at one of the best cancer centers in the country after moving from Florida. In addition, they have been overwhelmed with all the good wishes, advice, support, prayers, and such from so many people from so many places.
As Team Cathy looks forward to 2012 we continue to be optimistic. Cathy will continue her treatment plan and would love to be cleared to work part-time by next fall. Kyle is anxiously awaiting the hiring season for teachers later this spring, hoping to get a full time job. But mostly, Cathy and Kyle are looking forward to continuing to spend time with friends and family and trying to keep up with Carrigan!
As the holidays approached Cathy was able to enjoy one of her favorite activities – baking. She and Carrigan made cookies for Carrigan’s teachers. She also baked many other items that were enjoyed by family and friends.
As we reflect back on 2011 it is hard to believe how much has changed. It has been a year since Cathy first discovered the lump in her neck that was to change her life so drastically. It is a tough anniversary but she and Kyle are thankful for many things - a successful surgery and stabilization of the cancer with mild improvement; Cathy’s parents have opened their house for them to live in; receiving treatment at one of the best cancer centers in the country after moving from Florida. In addition, they have been overwhelmed with all the good wishes, advice, support, prayers, and such from so many people from so many places.
As Team Cathy looks forward to 2012 we continue to be optimistic. Cathy will continue her treatment plan and would love to be cleared to work part-time by next fall. Kyle is anxiously awaiting the hiring season for teachers later this spring, hoping to get a full time job. But mostly, Cathy and Kyle are looking forward to continuing to spend time with friends and family and trying to keep up with Carrigan!
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