Wash your hands!!!!

Today when arriving at the Doctors office I had my blood draw ( via finger poke today).  I think I will go back to the arm next time.  Then I met the doctor to go over how the last 2 weeks went.  Everything went well and no out of the ordinary symptoms to speak of.  The doctor did mention that the infection fighting part of my white blood cells was lower than they normally like.  He made the decision to do the chemo anyway today since I am young and "healthy".  I was right on the tipping point of where they make that call.  Any lower they would have sent me home.  With most people my number would have sent them home as well.  Due to my age and the fact the doctor has a job to do he kept the schedule as is.

So currently I am tied up to my med Pole with avastin the Bio Agent running for 60 minutes. Then to be followed by a few others before I go home with 5FU.

Today is Mentally difficult for me knowing my White numbers are low.  Partially from that and partially from the meds my appetite is low at the moment.

Please pray for the appetite to increase as well as the White blood cells to increase enough before the next treatment.  If the White cells are lower next time than they were today I will basically show up for a blood draw and then be sent home only to return a week later.

Per the wash your hands title, I was really told today to watch interactions with sick and potentially sick people.  I was told to consider investing and using hand sanitizer to keep the germs away.  We are planning on camping starting Saturday so we don't anticipate big crowds, but if you are around us please remember to not spread the germs.

--Kent

Day 15

Day 15 for me is tomorrow.  Since I have a 2 week chemo cycle Day 15 is the first day of my next cycle.  That means a long day in the chemo "suite" after which I get to be tied to a pump for two days.  Let the exhaustion begin.  I am planning a lot of naps over the next few days.  Of course I need to stay out of the fridge for my fingers sake.  Hopefully I can pack in enough calories while I still have a small appetite the next couple of days.  Saturday and beyond I will be "living" on my anti nausea medication.  Overall It won't be to bad just not as fun as days 20 through 28.

--Kent

So Long, Farewell, Auf Wiedersehen, Goodbye.

The title for this post comes from a song in "Sound of Music".  The children are saying goodbye to guests from their father's party.  Tonight I said goodbye to my Brother who after 5 days is flying back to his family and home in Idaho.  We get along so well and Love each other a lot.  Even though I expect to see him in a couple of months, it was very difficult for me to see him go.  I Love his family just as much and I know they would be sad if he didn't come home.  I am very eager to see him in early August regardless of where I am in my journey with cancer.

Speaking of cancer.  This Thursday is round #2 of chemo.  I am not looking forward to the treatment or the weekend after.  I obviously know I need the treatment to maintain or improve my health.  However this doesn't make the treatments any easier.

Thank You to everyone who has continually shown support in many verbal and non verbal ways.  I covet this support as I continue to trudge forward in this journey at some points and run forward at others.

--Kent

In support of a kid brother

It has been a while since we we have written.  Not much in the medical world has changed.  We are headed into a chemo week here but we have many fun things planned this weekend for Kent.

 Kent is honored to have his brother here from Idaho.  He arrived on Wednesday and after a 45 min delay, we were happy to see him and he was just happy to be on Michigan soil.  Kent and I had to work on Thursday so Ed hung out with there Mom doing a few things that needed to be done at her house.  Today we both took the day off to hang with Ed.  We decided to take in a few movies.  The Boys decided they wanted to watch the Hunger games and the girls decided to watch Brave.  Well I will tell you that the youngest girl, aka Lydia was not brave and had to hide in her mom's shirt.   I could see why she might be a little frightened. :)   We then took Ed on a road trip to Kent's work.  We gave him the 5 cent tour.  Ed had the privilege of meeting Kent's supervisor and Boss.    Later, that evening we caught up with the Bro's, Mom and had a special dinner out.  Dinners out don't happen often for her and she had the Boys right next to her.  We had a good time together.  We then came to our house and had a nice visit with there Dad joining.  We are now in anticipation of having Vonda ( sister) and family join in on the Fun.  When you get the whole family together there is never a dull moment and usually a lot of laughter.  We plan on having a fire in our NEW fire pot, in our back yard, (Thank you, Stuart! you Rock! :)  tomm. night.  Pizza pies are on the menu.  A family favorite!

On another note,  Kent signed up for a mentor at Gilda's Club. This week he received a call that he has a mentor and that he can contact her sometime this week.  We pray that they may share the cancer journey together.   I believe they share similar cancer walks. 

Kent received the port roughly a week ago and it is healing nicely.  One of our friends puts it like this, "  The port is my best friend."  I think Kent will find that to be true.  He is a bit black and blue from that yet but never the less healing.   

Overall this has been a great week for Kent.  After Chemo, his appetite finally came back and the nausea has subsided.  He then can begin to enjoy life a bit.  We are so thankful for each day that there is with Strength.  We know that the strength we find is in God, but also couldn't be without the prayers that all of you lift in our behalf.  We are truly blessed. We are 3 very blessed people.    -- Leah

Wooo Hooo!!!!

Today has been a great day!  It's the first day since Saturday I didn't need Anti-Nausea meds.  This is also the first day since Thursday that my appetite returned.  Banana and dry cereal for breakfast, leftover steak, onions & salsa for lunch.  several candy bars for afternoon snack.  Supper was Pizza.  To cold to suit my taste but nevertheless hungry. 

As usual I forgot my iron supplement during the evening meal so I asked Leah if she would make a "shake" for me.  These shakes consist of Milk, yogurt, banana, instant breakfast (chocolate flavored this time).  Truth be told I didn't choke on it and managed to drink a full mug of it.  Not what I normally think of when I think of shakes but I didn't hate it either.  It was pretty good considering what was in it.  More of these in my future I'm sure and I'm o.k. with that.  Thanks to our good friend who suggested these!!

Through many acquaintances, friends and even physicians Gilda's Club of Grand Rapids came very well recommended.  Last night the 3 of us went to the "New Member" meeting.  This was a talk by one of the staff about what Gilda's club did and was about and what it was not.  The meeting moved into a time of introductions and telling what brought us to Gilda's club.  This was difficult for me to share but important for me and the others in the room I am sure.  Besides the staff person there was an existing Member in the room who shared her current and past experiences at Gilda's club.  This woman also gave our group a tour of the clubhouse and all its many rooms.  Lydia for last night got to play in the basement called Noggieland.  She had quite a bit of fun and then when we were leaving she had to check out the playground.  On meeting nights she will be in a "support" meeting as well as each of us in our own groups.  This looks to be a very good club and am waiting to take part in some of the fun activities.  If any of you have considered going to Laugh-Fest but hesitated, please reconsider.  Many of the proceeds from Laugh-Fest go back into the Gilda's Club. More to come about that journey as we experience it together.

--Kent

Diamonds are not just best friends... so are our Dad's.

Today brings a lot of emotion.  Kent and I went to church together and were able to sit in church thanks to some friends that did kidzone for me.  Kent sat for most of the service and was able to enjoy it for the most part beside him being a little on the cold side and his stomach being off.  He was glad so many people were there telling him that they were praying for him.  My dad said a little update on Kent and thanked all those around us who have truely been a blessing,  We second that.  We are just amazed and humbled by all those who love us.  We want to say a big thank you to ALL of you that have prayed , worked or showed us your care and concern in any way.

Dad Breen-- How can we say thank you for the many days you sat in Doctors appointments, arranged lend-a-hand nights at our house, prayed for us, took us places and just talked to us, just checked in with us because you cared , took Lydia places, helped me with kidzone projects and so much more.   We are so proud to have you as our dad.  We Love you so very much and are so blessed to have you as a dad!

Dad DeYoung-- Dad, you show us each day through your smile how much you love us.  You are a blessing.  You have showed us so much how to be a great example to many.  Your faith is contagious, your prayers have always been an encouragement to us.  We are so greatful that we get to spend each Tuesday and Thursday with you as you wait for your ride to go to "school."  We Love You! ( for those who don't know Dad DY has alzhiemers and is very special to all three of us.)

Today we were able to go to my mom and dad's. We had a great dinner and Kent even ate a lot for lunch.  We will have Kent's parents over for strawberry shortcake this evening to spend some time with his dad. 

Our dad's are our best friend's. Diamonds are nice, but Dad's are better! We love both of you.!

Ps-- I said a few extra prayers for a few dad's that are no longer here and are celebrating in Heaven.  Those of you in our immediate family that have lost dad's-- those prayers are for you!  

Happy Father's Day! 

-- Leah

Eat or not eat is the question?

Today, we left roughly at 8:30 am. We went to  the Lemon Holton  cancer center to get Kent "unhooked" from the pump.  It was a long line in the lobby that we waited for roughly 45 min. for.  He didn't cry but said it hurt bad.

My next step was to find Kent food.  He has no appetite so trying to get him to even eat anything is like making your child eat a huge helping of peas. It just isn't happening.  We went to I-Hop and  and we got a omellette.  He roughly ate 4 bites and said, "I am done."    We left in a hurry because he was not feeling the greatest.  

We then came home and Kent helped me do some things for Church.  At the same time I was Hulling
Strawberries and a friend of ours came to help put in a fire pit so that we can have a fire when Kent's brother and Sister come over in a week.  Both of them live out of town so it is appreciated when they come to visit.  

Tonight we have Kent's dad coming over so that his mom can go to a reunion.  We will have him over for supper.  He loves coming over and we in return love having him, but him having Alzhiemers makes it very had for him to realize what is happening with Kent.    

Over all Kent is doing fine.  We are sure that this is all a learning week.  We will take this one step at a time and we will pray through each situation.  God is our Great Physician!

--Leah

Day 2.

So today is day 2 on chemo via the pump I've been toting around since yesterday.  I had the best intentions of working today.  I got a late start partially due to being awake during the night last night and partially due to trying to shower and not get the "electronic pump" wet.  I could have use more tubing during that episode but I managed.

I got to work and managed to keep up with it for an astounding 5 hours.  Of course the Fatigue set in once again so I headed home for some shuteye. 

My other big problem is my appetite has almost disappeared.  I have been told by many people Calories help chemo so I'm trying to keep the food intake as high as I can.  I might have to result to cereal often during the day.

What a life!!!!

--Kent

zippety but no doo dah!!

Today I started my first treatment of Chemo.  It is a long process of hanging out while hooked up via IV ( through port access) while a pump on an IV pole is pumping several medication through you at a certain rate until that dose has reached its limit.  Total process took roughly 5.5 hours due to slow pharmacy and other variables.   I am wearing a portable pump with a 42 hour dose that we will return to get removed on Saturday am.  Near the beginning I was given tylenol and benadryl to help some of the medications.  Roughly 3 hours in, either due to the Benadryl or something else I lost my Zip and felt a nap come on.  Handy that was right in the middle of my meal time.  I have been told Meals are very important so I struggled to stay awake through my food and then dozed off for a little while.  I wasn't sure how tired I would actually be but VERY might be an accurate assessment

We want to say a big thank you to the two volunteers who cleaned our house while we were out today.  It was super nice and greatly appreciated to come back to a clean house.

--Kent

A woman of Faith....

Tonight we went to pick up Gram De Boer from the cottage.  It had been a while since we had seen her or shared what the latest was on the medical side of things.  It was great to see and talk to her.  We visited Logan's in Holland where Lydia , Gram and I sat on one side of the table all crammed and Kent solo on the other side.  Lydia had it in her head that she wanted to be by both of us.  Silly Girl.  Lydia also recieved a baloon animal from a friend that works there.  He does a great job and amazed us all by his talent. 

After dinner we asked Gram if she would like to see where Kent was working and she said yes.  We walked in and showed her where Kent sat, showed her Lydia's favorite spot... hot chocolate machine and the Excercise room.  Gram was amazed on how clean and neat it was.    We then dropped her off and headed home to settle in. 

Gram is so important to all three of us.  Her faith is amazing !  I wish could have her kind of faith.  Grandpa and Gram have taught me so much and now more than ever I am going to tap into finding that kind of Faith to endure the road ahead. 

I don't know how to tell you all enough, how much we appreciate all the kind acts and deeds everyone has done for us.  My yard took shape and it looks beautiful as does the inside.  Thank you Friends!   The prayers and Hugs are unreal.  and the support of immediate family truely doesn't go unnoticed.   The many appointments gone to , discussions made and trips to store for us are all counted as a blessing .  We love you!  

As you enter into this mid week I pray you will be blessed upon as you ALL have blessed us !

-- Leah

Stop Poking me Please!!!!

The title may indicate a small amount how I feel about pokes.  Thankfully (I think) is one of the last times I will be getting poked.  Due to the port being placed today I will be poked significantly less.  Any labs taken will not be accessing the port so I guess I'll still have to tuff it out now and again. 

I had one of the same nurses as when I had the biopsy and she remembered the Pain I had during that procedure so they added a bit more and thankfully I was "out cold".  I am Way happy about that!  Unfortunately the pain comes back shortly after you come out of it.  Hopefully this is one of the last times for that to.

After port placement I went to have training on Chemo.  They brought us around and showed us where my pod would be according to who My oncologist is.  They showed us what the stations looked like and told us the basic ground rules.   Thankfully not at all like school.  I can go outside on a patio, or to the Cafe for food or hang out in my cube and watch TV, or take a computer and/or DVD player.  Of course I didn't ask about loud obnoxious Fuzzy laughing Chemo Buddy characters, but I'm sure we'll find out how that fits into the ground rules soon after we give him a tickle ;-)  he he ho ho haw haw....  Overall for having to sit hooked up to "medications" for 4 or so hours it seems like it can be somewhat endurable.

I'll find out for sure how this will all go this week Thursday.  9:15 arrival time.

--Kent

Laughter is the best medicine!!

It has been a busy weekend with a fair amount of fatigue.  A wedding Friday night, a Birthday party for a special Aunt on Saturday, Sound duties at church today.  All very enjoyable activities but never the less tiring.

Even though it begins early, tomorrow begins the first step in the process of treatment.  Arrival at 7:30,  port placement actually happens between 8:30 and 9:00 am.  I will be out of recovery roughly at 11:30.  I will then need to get lunch and go upstairs to my Oncologists "office" for chemo training.  I'm expecting Chemo to start this Thursday.

I want to say a deep heart felt thank you to one of my best friends who I called tonight.  He always makes me laugh and tonight was no exception.  It was one of the best 40 minutes I have spent in a few weeks.  Incidentally some of the conversation revolved around my "Chemo Buddy" (pictured right)  The target on his tummy starts laughter and flapping ears.  The more you tickle the more uncontrollable the laughter gets.  I named mine after him because the laughter reminds me of him.  I believe I can say he felt honored that in spirit at least he could be with me during Chemo.   At some point he may be able to join me but We'll see.

Per those of you who have not been able to post comments, you should now be able to comment away.  I had chose to have logged in users comment.  Now you can comment as an anonymous user.  One note is that since you may have already viewed this blog you will want to "clear your cache" or in Layman terms "delete your browsing history" and temporary internet files.  If you have specific questions feel free to contact me and I can likely help you through that.

--Kent

Let the Battle begin!!

Thank You to everyone from our Church family, family, and friends.  Your acts of help and kindness at our house is greatly appreciated and simply amazing!! 

For those of you reading this who aren't aware what I'm talking about Leah's Dad arranged a "Lend a Hand" evening at our house.  The primary audience were people in our church but family and friends outside of the church circle also did their part to lend a hand.  In 2 hours stretched out to 3 and 1/2 the whole crew put Pea gravel under the deck, raised the sinking deck stairs, weeded and planted the garden, organized the shed, organized the garage, pulled out shrubs, planted plants and flowers in 4 areas of different size, laid landscape fabric and bark.  Inside they Cleaned the kitchen appliances and cupboards, cleaned all the bathrooms, cleaned Lydias bedroom including dresser and closet, replaced 2 exterior doors and 1 interior door, stained existing trim and door, installed missing trim in several rooms.  I'm sure I probably missed something or over summarized here but you get the idea!!

The reason for this "Lend a Hand" is due to my inability to do many of these things due to my Medical situation.  Today was a big day with a lot of "news" for my future.  First thing this morning I went for an MRI.  My first one and not a pleasant experience.  I got to feel what Dracula's victims might feel like due to 3 attempts for 1 IV in 2 arms.  After the noisy MRI was complete I met with my Oncologist to review the results of the PET Scan and find out the results of the Liver Biopsy.  We all wanted to see the PET Scan so the Doctor was happy to show and explain exactly what they saw when looking at it.  The Biopsy of the Liver confirmed that the Diagnosis of Colon cancer is in fact correct. The Doctor said the cancer is aggressive and so partly due to my young age they will use an aggressive treatment plan.  With people in their 60's and 70's with my type of cancer they would only use Chemo.  Since I am young and they believe I will be able to handle it they will begin with Chemo, run a Pet scan to see progress, then do the first surgery which will be removing half of my Liver.  they would Likely repeat this cycle with the next surgery concentrating on the Colon and some local procedures on the other "half" of the liver.

The Next step in the process is beginning the treatment phase.  Monday morning i get a Port put in.  While i'm nervous about the procedure, I understand I am not their first patient recieving one of these.  Also I know this is a necessary step in the process and so I will ready my mind to take this step no matter how my emotions are feeling at the moment.  I have a training session with my Chemo nurse on Monday after the procedure and likely will begin my Chemo treatment next Thursday.

Thanks again for all your thoughts prayers and concerns.  Continued prayers would be much appreciated.

--Kent

OUCH!!!!!

Today I had a biopsy of one of the spots on my Liver.  Due to me being skinny and Muscular (Who knew!!) they had a difficult time.  I was sedated enough to be "comfy" but still aware of what was going on.  I needed to be able to follow instructions during the procedure like holding by breath.  I don't remember doing that but I do remember the poking and prodding going on.  I cant say it was pain I felt but it was for sure pressure.  I am very sore now.  Feels like they got pretty close to one of my Rib bones.  I hope they didn't try to go through it cuz i'm pretty sure that wouldn't work ;-)

My brother called me tonight to see how I was doing.  During our conversation he informed me that he will be flying here to MI to stay with us for a few days later this month.  I am very excited to see him since He lives in Idaho.  The last time I saw him was roughly a year ago for spring break.  It will be good to have him with us for a week.

Thanks again to everyone for your prayers and support.

--Kent

Road Map of the near future.

I met my Liver surgeon today and had a consult with him to see what his perspective was on my treatment plan should look like.  He agreed with the opinion of my Oncologist that Chemo should be the first item of business.  He would like me to go through 6 cycles (each being 2 weeks long) and then have surgery to remove the right half of my Liver.  The right half of my Liver has the largest spot in it which why they want to remove that section.  After Liver surgery they would likely follow up with more chemo and then do Colon surgery as well as treating remaining spots on the left lobe of the liver.

The reason they want to limit initial chemo to 6 treatments is that more chemo can cause liver damage.  I really liked the doctor and he explained things very well.  He even drew a chart (liver & colon) on the paper "bed" sheet they have in the exam room.  Not that I'm interested in the paper sheeting but mainly due to the contents I ripped the section off so I could take it home for reference.

We received a bit of great news while talking with the doctor today.  He told us that the Pet Scan I had last week didn't show any new locations with cancer.  It of course showed the known areas of the Colon and the Liver.  We thank God for this miracle that the cancer hasn't spread more than it has.

Tomorrow is a Liver Biopsy and then an MRI is scheduled for Thursday AM.  My other appointments this week are conversations with my oncologists to go over the treatment plan and one with my Primary doctor to keep him in the loop.

--Kent

The Marathon begins...

Getting ready for a busy week.   5 Docs. appointments  & 7 days.   Wow!  A lot of my extended family does short "marathons,"  but one marathon of a week that I would rather not have to run.  We are headed tommorrow to the Liver Surgeon.   We will report what is on his mind on Tuesday.   

This past Saturday we did a lot of work to prepare for a lend a hand night that our church will be doing at our house so that Kent can concentrate on his medical recovery from the Liver Biopsy he will have on Tuesday .  The lend a hand night will be Wednesday.  We are very greatful for all our friends that will help make our yard and house not such an eye sore!:) 

Today, we  loved going over to my parents and having burgers on the grill.  Lydia, told us she hoped Uncle David was making them because she thought he made the best burgers.  He was our chef for the afternoon and they weren't a disappointment!

This afternoon Kent and I packed up and were able to relax before our busy week.   We hope you enjoyed your weekend and that you have a great week.  We are very thankful to all for your love and support and most important your prayers!  Leah

Congratulations are in order

Tonight Leah and I went to a wedding of someone Leah Babysat when She was growing up.  It was a good time spent with Family and Friends.  Due to cancer many people did not expect the Bride's mom to be able to attend this event.  We are happy to say She was there and as happy as a mother could be. She is an great inspiration and someone who I look at as a cancer survivor.   Congratulations to the Bride and Groom as they begin their new life together.

On the medical front for me, we are waiting results from a Pet Scan which will show any other locations the cancer may or may not have spread.   I meet with my Oncologist later next week to discuss the result from both the scan and the liver biopsy happening next week.  This conversation will solidify my treatment plan and schedule.

--Kent