Well, I bought a card at the beginning of Kent's cancer journey, it went like this -- Chemo Sucks! is what it said on the outside and the inside read -- if the chemo sucks the cancer out of you then yeah Chemo. Kent has a hard time believing this, this week. The Chemo knocked him out. He was whipped and had many of the symptoms that come alongside chemo. I hate what it does to him but am grateful for it. Chemo does its number not only on Kent but the rest of us too. Lydia and myself find ourselves whipped from doing things normally Kent could help us in and do himself. I will tell you I take for granted a full nights rest as Kent and I were up most of the night on Thursday.
Today, Saturday as the day wore on I could tell Kent felt his energy come back ever so slowly. He still laid around a bit but was able to move around and sit up and eat every once and awhile. We had a few visitors and he was able to visit with them briefly.
Kent has been very busy this last week. We as a Sunrise family are turning Ten! Kent was given the task to put a video together and a short slide show presentation. He was able for the most part put this together before chemo, but after, I again sat by him as he told me what to do. I am grateful the times that we can help each other out. I can't wait for the celebration! Ten years of Sunrise Ministries and a church that I am very proud to be a part of. As we continue on another Ten years, I pray we remember who walked alongside the past that as a Church we embrace who will guide us in the next Ten.
As the night winds down Kent is watching the Tigers, Lydia is playing and I am sitting writing the blog. I am thankful for the return of the beginnings of some normalcy again. I don't know about you but as the fall is often a time of Thankfulness I am very thankful for family.
Next week we are thankful that Kent's whole family will be here all together. There will be plenty of Celebrating going on the 25th and 26th of October. Kent's Mom and Dad will be celebrating 50 years of Marriage on the 25th, but we will be celebrating on the 26th. Kent's brother and family will be making the trek from Idaho and Sister and family from Indiana. We haven't been together as a family in quite some time so we are praying that all plans that are made will be able to be carried through. We also pray that with health issues that Kent's dad has that he will be able to enjoy the day and that we can celebrate a huge day in his and mom's life. My nephew Jered and myself share birthdays on the 25th as well.
This past week Kent and I have talked about how we would not make it without people that help us. From lawn mowing, driving us around, house repairs, to bring meals we would not make it. We are so thankful that God has placed you in our life. We are so thankful for his never ending care to us.
Soon Kent will write again but for now I am due to his strength and stamina. May you be blessed as many of you have blessed us-- Leah for all the De Young clan.
Saturday, October 19, 2013
Wednesday, October 9, 2013
The Sign
Today is beautiful. I love fall. The weather is perfect. The Sun is shining and the air is just warm enough but still has a cool feel to it. I love all the decorations that everyone puts on their porches, around their houses and Kent often hears me say to him, " I love looking at the sky in fall." These are all signs of fall.
Today, we went to the oncologist and heard from him ... " How was your appt. in Ann Arbor?" Kent told the Dr. that he was doing great. He was not in near as much pain as the Drs. in Ann Arbor had thought. He was doing things that he shouldn't have long before he was supposed to. The Dr. then asked, were there any side effects that were concerning to him? Kent was quick to respond and say, none that are major but some that were quickly answered. He then had an exam and we exchanged a thank you for his care. Most of you would be surprised to know that this Dr. was my Dr. for hematology before Kent called him his oncologist. I asked him a few questions about my health before we left him. I, again said, " thank you for all you do for us. How thankful to God I am for how little cancer Kent has left. The Dr. then said, " You have that right,and it is my pleasure." I am so thankful for this Dr. He is one of the nicest oncologists around. One last thing before I get the scheduling of what is next .... The Dr. told Kent "You look like you had gained weight." Kent and I said with a smile, "Yes!" Kent has gained quite a bit. The Dr. responded and said, " That is a sign that there is very little cancer!" I never thought that I would say this, " Thank You Jesus for Kent's weight." His weight has always been in the high 150's today his weight was 178.9 lbs. I have such a thankful heart for little cancer.
Next, Kent will be on one of the last phases of what happens before putting him on a maintenance plan. Kent will undergo Systemic chemo for about 6 cycles. This is the same chemo that he has always received, but they will add aflibercept , a drug that he will get the second cycle, due to not wanting to damage the liver to soon after his RFA procedure. His first treatment will be on the 17th of Oct. We are unsure of time or many details right now. We know that he will also be having an MRI in early November to check liver and lower abdomen for any traces of cancer. The Dr. isn't concerned but this will help him in the future with how to help Kent. These are all good signs. Signs that if we can keep the cancer stable Kent will be able to hold a life of fewer Dr. appointments and as we approach Holiday's we will be able to enjoy them and be able to work chemo around them.
I can't help but be Thankful. This time of year we are reminded to always, Give thanks! I am. I will give thanks! Cancer has been a big part of our life the past eight years. I am so glad God gives us signs that he is standing right by us and signs that he will never leave us.
Blessings, Leah
Today, we went to the oncologist and heard from him ... " How was your appt. in Ann Arbor?" Kent told the Dr. that he was doing great. He was not in near as much pain as the Drs. in Ann Arbor had thought. He was doing things that he shouldn't have long before he was supposed to. The Dr. then asked, were there any side effects that were concerning to him? Kent was quick to respond and say, none that are major but some that were quickly answered. He then had an exam and we exchanged a thank you for his care. Most of you would be surprised to know that this Dr. was my Dr. for hematology before Kent called him his oncologist. I asked him a few questions about my health before we left him. I, again said, " thank you for all you do for us. How thankful to God I am for how little cancer Kent has left. The Dr. then said, " You have that right,and it is my pleasure." I am so thankful for this Dr. He is one of the nicest oncologists around. One last thing before I get the scheduling of what is next .... The Dr. told Kent "You look like you had gained weight." Kent and I said with a smile, "Yes!" Kent has gained quite a bit. The Dr. responded and said, " That is a sign that there is very little cancer!" I never thought that I would say this, " Thank You Jesus for Kent's weight." His weight has always been in the high 150's today his weight was 178.9 lbs. I have such a thankful heart for little cancer.
Next, Kent will be on one of the last phases of what happens before putting him on a maintenance plan. Kent will undergo Systemic chemo for about 6 cycles. This is the same chemo that he has always received, but they will add aflibercept , a drug that he will get the second cycle, due to not wanting to damage the liver to soon after his RFA procedure. His first treatment will be on the 17th of Oct. We are unsure of time or many details right now. We know that he will also be having an MRI in early November to check liver and lower abdomen for any traces of cancer. The Dr. isn't concerned but this will help him in the future with how to help Kent. These are all good signs. Signs that if we can keep the cancer stable Kent will be able to hold a life of fewer Dr. appointments and as we approach Holiday's we will be able to enjoy them and be able to work chemo around them.
I can't help but be Thankful. This time of year we are reminded to always, Give thanks! I am. I will give thanks! Cancer has been a big part of our life the past eight years. I am so glad God gives us signs that he is standing right by us and signs that he will never leave us.
Blessings, Leah
Thursday, October 3, 2013
No Pain, No Gain!
Our day begun at 7:30am on Oct. 2. Kent's Co-worker came to pick us up and drive us to Ann Arbor. Our expected time of Arrival was to be at the Hospital at 10:00 am. We arrived on time and the hurry up and wait became our theme for the day. Kent was not called into Pre op until 1:00 pm. So we sat in a sunny waiting room with many walks of life happening around us. Kent was in a good mood. He often jokes to pass his fears and calm his nerves and this time was no different.
He then was taken back at 1:25pm. I walked the long hall with him into Surgery and before he went into the operating room, I went right as he went left. I said a little prayer as he separated from me. Many of you know that Kent and I are a team. We often do things to help each other to later help others. As I walked away, I thought about my mom and dad and that they also were a team and as they went through many hardships through cancer I was thinking... we are too. What they had together is such an inspiration and seeing our spouses going through a terminal illness just makes me all the more not want to be separated from Kent.
Surgery lasted roughly 1 and a half hours. The Dr. came out to tell me that the surgery went very well. The tumor they attacked was superficial and near the most tender part of the liver. He followed the short conversation by" it will be a painful recovery." I, then came back out to the waiting room and told Kent's co- worker what was going on. I said that the Dr. would not let me go back for 2 additional hours as he needed to be flat and he was out of it. It was roughly 5:15 when I was paged to go back and see him. He was alert and I held his hand and told him his color looked great and how proud I was of him. We, Kent's co worker, myself , Kent and the nurses then moved into yet a third recovery area where we waited an additional 2 and a half hours. Kent was able to sit up and eat and drink. Later, he told me he didn't know if that was the best choice but .... he did it. They then let us go after dinner and a few episodes of "Castle." It was 7:45 pm and we were just leaving the Hospital. Kent was wheeled in a maize and Blue wheel chair and loaded into the back of the FRC van. The seats reclined that was a little more comfortable for him. The FRC van acquired wings and we made it home in quick fashion. Kent then scuffed himself into our house and I tucked him into his own bed which gave him a greats night rest and a much needed sleeping in.
Today, I was fully intending to stay home from work with a sub lined up for me and I turned to Kent and said, "How are you?" he said, "pretty good, go to work. " So I made a few calls canceled the Sub and headed in for a very busy and productive day in preschool... a day in preschool is never dull:) I received a call at preschool today from my mom and she said my uncle had broken collar bone and she was unable to help me with my afternoon kid sitting with my nephew due to her needing to help my Uncle out. I quickly said, no worries Kent is doing great, I would be happy to help. Lukas soon accompanied Kent (passenger) and I to Kent's work to grab a few conversations and a much needed new phone and later lunch. We loved having a little helper this afternoon. Lukas brings much excitement and we always love our little man.
Kent has done well all day. He hasn't had a pain med all day. We both agreed that we could possibly make it to our Gilda's support group and so we pushed forward and did that. I was shocked on how well he has done after this procedure. This day has proved to me how hard he is fighting to keep fighting this cancer away and still be a Great father, husband.
I can not end this post without saying, how dependent we are to asking in prayer from our heavenly father to stand next to us and reveal his plan in our lives. I want to leave you with a few very special thoughts that happened in the last few days. Lydia's classroom prayed for Kent during his surgery in their outdoor classroom and that touched my heart so much. I love that Lydia is in a Christian school and is able to do that. The other is that my preschool director has been praying for those who have cancer and the preschoolers have made cards for those who are in treatment. Wow! what a blessing they all have been. Thank You! Lastly, I would like to take a moment and thank all those who have taken care of Lydia in the last few days.
This has been a journey.... where the journey leads us next is this.... Dr. Appt. on the 9th. with Kent's oncologist. Then followed with chemo in 2 weeks. He then will be monitored with an MRI in 4 to 6 weeks. What is after that we will learn to lean on the everlasting arms of Jesus.
Leah
He then was taken back at 1:25pm. I walked the long hall with him into Surgery and before he went into the operating room, I went right as he went left. I said a little prayer as he separated from me. Many of you know that Kent and I are a team. We often do things to help each other to later help others. As I walked away, I thought about my mom and dad and that they also were a team and as they went through many hardships through cancer I was thinking... we are too. What they had together is such an inspiration and seeing our spouses going through a terminal illness just makes me all the more not want to be separated from Kent.
Surgery lasted roughly 1 and a half hours. The Dr. came out to tell me that the surgery went very well. The tumor they attacked was superficial and near the most tender part of the liver. He followed the short conversation by" it will be a painful recovery." I, then came back out to the waiting room and told Kent's co- worker what was going on. I said that the Dr. would not let me go back for 2 additional hours as he needed to be flat and he was out of it. It was roughly 5:15 when I was paged to go back and see him. He was alert and I held his hand and told him his color looked great and how proud I was of him. We, Kent's co worker, myself , Kent and the nurses then moved into yet a third recovery area where we waited an additional 2 and a half hours. Kent was able to sit up and eat and drink. Later, he told me he didn't know if that was the best choice but .... he did it. They then let us go after dinner and a few episodes of "Castle." It was 7:45 pm and we were just leaving the Hospital. Kent was wheeled in a maize and Blue wheel chair and loaded into the back of the FRC van. The seats reclined that was a little more comfortable for him. The FRC van acquired wings and we made it home in quick fashion. Kent then scuffed himself into our house and I tucked him into his own bed which gave him a greats night rest and a much needed sleeping in.
Today, I was fully intending to stay home from work with a sub lined up for me and I turned to Kent and said, "How are you?" he said, "pretty good, go to work. " So I made a few calls canceled the Sub and headed in for a very busy and productive day in preschool... a day in preschool is never dull:) I received a call at preschool today from my mom and she said my uncle had broken collar bone and she was unable to help me with my afternoon kid sitting with my nephew due to her needing to help my Uncle out. I quickly said, no worries Kent is doing great, I would be happy to help. Lukas soon accompanied Kent (passenger) and I to Kent's work to grab a few conversations and a much needed new phone and later lunch. We loved having a little helper this afternoon. Lukas brings much excitement and we always love our little man.
Kent has done well all day. He hasn't had a pain med all day. We both agreed that we could possibly make it to our Gilda's support group and so we pushed forward and did that. I was shocked on how well he has done after this procedure. This day has proved to me how hard he is fighting to keep fighting this cancer away and still be a Great father, husband.
I can not end this post without saying, how dependent we are to asking in prayer from our heavenly father to stand next to us and reveal his plan in our lives. I want to leave you with a few very special thoughts that happened in the last few days. Lydia's classroom prayed for Kent during his surgery in their outdoor classroom and that touched my heart so much. I love that Lydia is in a Christian school and is able to do that. The other is that my preschool director has been praying for those who have cancer and the preschoolers have made cards for those who are in treatment. Wow! what a blessing they all have been. Thank You! Lastly, I would like to take a moment and thank all those who have taken care of Lydia in the last few days.
This has been a journey.... where the journey leads us next is this.... Dr. Appt. on the 9th. with Kent's oncologist. Then followed with chemo in 2 weeks. He then will be monitored with an MRI in 4 to 6 weeks. What is after that we will learn to lean on the everlasting arms of Jesus.
Leah
Tuesday, October 1, 2013
Twelve bells
In just under 12 hours at the strike of noon I am scheduled for my Radio frequency ablation procedure at University of MI. One of my coworkers has graciously offered to take us down there. Assuming we don't have to stay overnight he'll drive us home to. If we do stay the night for observation Someone else will pick us up in the morning.
I had my last meal about 2 hours ago and will not get anything but water until after my procedure. Since I am used to several meals and snacks a day I'm sure I will be very hungry by time I get food.
I am more than ready to get this over with. More news when we get back home.
--Kent
I had my last meal about 2 hours ago and will not get anything but water until after my procedure. Since I am used to several meals and snacks a day I'm sure I will be very hungry by time I get food.
I am more than ready to get this over with. More news when we get back home.
--Kent
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)