Chemo Day! Round 3!
Today was the start of a regimen of yet another Summer sitting in a "Chemo Chair." Every other Thursday Kent will be one of many people that sit and receive Chemo.
Today we arrived at the Cancer center and we talked to a social worker. We were talking to her about renewing a grant that would help us offset some of the medical expenses and she informed us we missed the renewal by one day, major bummer! We have a little wiggle room so we will wait to see if anything new comes up and plan that out when the time arises.
Kent then went and had his labs drawn. Every week Kent usually has a certain lab tech that he prefers and she has not been there the last few times. Many of you know that Kent has a unique sense of humor and that lab tech always seemed to "get" Kent.:) We then, get a call into the "Chemo Pod." Kent takes his spot and then quietly waited to learn about the drill this time around. Kent will be on the same Chemo that he was on before. It is called, Folfiri, this name is an acronym for many "drugs" that are administered to him. The Doctor has also added in one new bio agent- Zaltrap. Kent was "hooked up" and within the 1st Hour and a half I could tell that the chemo was taking a toll on his body. He was very tired and became very quiet. I somewhat recall this from the 1st Chemo of round 1 and 2. His body needs to figure out the gruel of the harsh reality of what Chemo does.
On Chemo days Kent and I often sit alone and often talk, or watch videos, or see who we can give a smile to in our "pod" area. Today, we had two visitors one was an old co worker of Kent and the other a new friend from Sunrise. Today, we were encouraged by their love and support. At times, we can get down just from the reality of this terrible disease and it was so nice to be encouraged. We would like to thank both of them for coming out and visiting with us.
One of the last treatments of the last rounds Kent had, Kent met a gentleman that was on a cancer journey himself. They started talking together and built a friendship. Kent asked me today, "I wonder what happen to him." I said, " I have know idea, but maybe we will see him again." as Kent was walking down the isle we saw him and later Kent was able to talk to him. We are very thankful for friendships and others to walk this journey with us.
Speaking of others to journeying with us.... A couple of weeks ago, Kent and My dad received a email from one of their doctors that they were running in the 25 K River Bank Run and they had a goal in mind. Their goal was to finish the race. Not in any record speed but to finish. Along the way he listened to worship songs that my mom (representing my dad) and Kent had given him to listen to as he raced in Honor of them. What many of you need to know is that this Doctor is a true man of God . He as a doctor takes care of Kent and my Dad's medical needs but also is invested in helping them spiritually, and emotionally. He is one of a kind and I myself am fortunate to call him my Doctor as well. We were honored. Many of you know that last year my aunt ran a marathon in honor of Kent and prayed for him as well. We are so honored and thankful that these individuals have invested their quiet time either with music or without, praying for both Kent and my dad. It is a blessing to have such a support system. We say a HUGE THANK YOU!
As I Finish this post I would like to say, How blessed not only the three of us have been but the entire Breen family has been. Many of you have walked along side of us, prayed for us, done practical every day tasks for us, and we can not say enough how much we Love you and are grateful for you! I am overwhelmed with all the care, love and prayers. Leah,
Thursday, May 16, 2013
Wednesday, May 8, 2013
362 days
It was May 11 almost a year ago when I first heard the words "you have cancer" Although not in exactly the same place or the same manner, 362 days later (Wednesday May 8 2013) I heard those words again. Yes you are reading correctly.
Last wednesday I went in for a PET-CT scan to see how things were going since surgery. Today I met with my Oncologist to get a report of the scan. He wasn't in the room for more than a handful of seconds before he told us that I had a reoccurance of cancer. There are 4 spots in the liver. Two reside on the left side and two on the right and those range in size from 8 mm to 15 mm. I also have a spot outside the liver. They think this is a Lymph Node which has grown to the size of 4 cm or 1.5 inches. Lymph nodes normally are not visible with the naked eye from what one of my surgeons told me. The fact that this is 1.5 inches now and was not visible 2 and a half months ago during surgery tells you how quickly this has grown.
Treatment for now will be the same chemo I was getting before, only with a new drug added in. My oncologist talked about other possible treatment plans in the future and didn't outrule surgery. He wants to get started asap with chemo to keep this under control and keep it from spreading to yet another organ. His plan is for me to start my first chemo cycle a week from tomorrow with another in two weeks. I of course get a pump to wear home for 2 days and then get the weekend to recover as best as possible. Let's be honest I was really tired of chemo the last time I had it and thought The surgery would be the last "event" for a while.
I had a lot of information thrown at me today and 7 hours later I'm still trying to process it all. I'm tired and hope I can rest for at least a short time tonight.
--Kent
Last wednesday I went in for a PET-CT scan to see how things were going since surgery. Today I met with my Oncologist to get a report of the scan. He wasn't in the room for more than a handful of seconds before he told us that I had a reoccurance of cancer. There are 4 spots in the liver. Two reside on the left side and two on the right and those range in size from 8 mm to 15 mm. I also have a spot outside the liver. They think this is a Lymph Node which has grown to the size of 4 cm or 1.5 inches. Lymph nodes normally are not visible with the naked eye from what one of my surgeons told me. The fact that this is 1.5 inches now and was not visible 2 and a half months ago during surgery tells you how quickly this has grown.
Treatment for now will be the same chemo I was getting before, only with a new drug added in. My oncologist talked about other possible treatment plans in the future and didn't outrule surgery. He wants to get started asap with chemo to keep this under control and keep it from spreading to yet another organ. His plan is for me to start my first chemo cycle a week from tomorrow with another in two weeks. I of course get a pump to wear home for 2 days and then get the weekend to recover as best as possible. Let's be honest I was really tired of chemo the last time I had it and thought The surgery would be the last "event" for a while.
I had a lot of information thrown at me today and 7 hours later I'm still trying to process it all. I'm tired and hope I can rest for at least a short time tonight.
--Kent
Sunday, May 5, 2013
"Keep it Clean"
This past Wednesday I went in for apossibly my last PET-CT scan. If the scan comes back clean the oncologist will not be able to justify needing another PET-CT scan. This Wednesday I meet with my oncologist to go over the results of the scan. I am eager to see what the scan shows. Obviously I am praying for a clean scan. This would bring on the routine of a visit every three months accompanied by a CT scan each of those for a while until we back off on the scans.
Honestly I am a bit reserved about the scan results. PET shows the activity of cells and organs. Unfortunately this also includes scar tissue. Since I had a surgery recently any scar tissue will show up as being active. This can be translated as possibly being cancer. I'm sure my oncologist will say this is is inflammation and is normal post surgical behavior.
I don't see my Liver surgeon until the end of July. I expect any "active" inflammation will be showing up by that point. However I won't like won't have another scan until August. My Liver surgeon will likely want to take a closer look with at least an MRI or possibly even an biopsy.
Obviously a lot of this is in the future but worry tends to creep in my mind when I don't know what the answers will be. Prayers for a clean scan are all I ask for.
-- Kent
p.s. Leep checking care pages for updates on Leah's dad. http://www.carepages.com/carepages/DaveBreenCarePage
Honestly I am a bit reserved about the scan results. PET shows the activity of cells and organs. Unfortunately this also includes scar tissue. Since I had a surgery recently any scar tissue will show up as being active. This can be translated as possibly being cancer. I'm sure my oncologist will say this is is inflammation and is normal post surgical behavior.
I don't see my Liver surgeon until the end of July. I expect any "active" inflammation will be showing up by that point. However I won't like won't have another scan until August. My Liver surgeon will likely want to take a closer look with at least an MRI or possibly even an biopsy.
Obviously a lot of this is in the future but worry tends to creep in my mind when I don't know what the answers will be. Prayers for a clean scan are all I ask for.
-- Kent
p.s. Leep checking care pages for updates on Leah's dad. http://www.carepages.com/carepages/DaveBreenCarePage
Wednesday, April 24, 2013
"Hello Again! "
It has been a long time since we have connected so, I say to you all "Hello Again."
It has been 7 weeks since Kent has had his 2nd surgery. The colon rresection went very well and he is doing great! Praise God! Kent has been back at work for 2 weeks now and things are going very smoothly for him. He seems to enjoy being back though he misses watching every episode of "Star Wars." and "Lord of the Rings." I however am not missing him watching those :)
Just as we seemed to be back into the swing of things my Dad's battle with cancer seemed to decline. ( see care pages and DaveBreenCarePage for the details on his cancer journey) which is why we are now just saying "Hello Again." to all of you. This month has been a lot of ups and downs and information that we are selves are trying to grasp.
My Dad has been battling cancer for 8 years now. He up to date has been doing very well. He had very few medical interruptions. This past December that changed and we have been on a roller coaster ever since. I don't want to get any of the medical information wrong in transcribing it to you so if you care to, you may create a care page acct. and follow his journey and pray along with us for a miracle. Thank You on behalf of the Breen family for all of those who are all ready praying!
This spring has been very cold and I can't wait to say "Hello Again." to the more spring like temperatures, spring flowers and family time outside! Kent on the other hand is still praying for snow. Maybe that is why it is still cold. :)
Lydia continues to make us very proud as parents. She has excelled in school and stays very busy with tutoring and gymnastics and we as a family attending Gilda's Club a support for those with and who are affected with cancer. She comes out of Gilda's and amazes us with her shared thoughts of those who go through cancer. A couple of weeks ago she told us of a boy in her "group" that had cancer. Her knowledge at age 8 is remarkable. We are proud!
I pray that you Cherish each family moment that God has granted. Tell those around you something that is special about them, Praise God in whatever you do, and help those around you.!
Until we say "Hello Again." LEAH
It has been 7 weeks since Kent has had his 2nd surgery. The colon rresection went very well and he is doing great! Praise God! Kent has been back at work for 2 weeks now and things are going very smoothly for him. He seems to enjoy being back though he misses watching every episode of "Star Wars." and "Lord of the Rings." I however am not missing him watching those :)
Just as we seemed to be back into the swing of things my Dad's battle with cancer seemed to decline. ( see care pages and DaveBreenCarePage for the details on his cancer journey) which is why we are now just saying "Hello Again." to all of you. This month has been a lot of ups and downs and information that we are selves are trying to grasp.
My Dad has been battling cancer for 8 years now. He up to date has been doing very well. He had very few medical interruptions. This past December that changed and we have been on a roller coaster ever since. I don't want to get any of the medical information wrong in transcribing it to you so if you care to, you may create a care page acct. and follow his journey and pray along with us for a miracle. Thank You on behalf of the Breen family for all of those who are all ready praying!
This spring has been very cold and I can't wait to say "Hello Again." to the more spring like temperatures, spring flowers and family time outside! Kent on the other hand is still praying for snow. Maybe that is why it is still cold. :)
Lydia continues to make us very proud as parents. She has excelled in school and stays very busy with tutoring and gymnastics and we as a family attending Gilda's Club a support for those with and who are affected with cancer. She comes out of Gilda's and amazes us with her shared thoughts of those who go through cancer. A couple of weeks ago she told us of a boy in her "group" that had cancer. Her knowledge at age 8 is remarkable. We are proud!
I pray that you Cherish each family moment that God has granted. Tell those around you something that is special about them, Praise God in whatever you do, and help those around you.!
Until we say "Hello Again." LEAH
Tuesday, March 26, 2013
Cautiously Optimistic
I had quite the week with three doc appointments to go over my "future" treatment schedule. Last Wednesday I met with my Liver surgeon. He looked at the incision and said it looked good. There is one part still "healing" but he wasn't concerned about that. After his questions about weight gain and activity level he Asked if I had scans scheduled or had other Doc appointments. We told him about the Oncologist appointment the following day. He told us he wanted to see the following scan and see what that showed in it and meet with me in three months. My next meeting with him is end of July.
On Thursday I met with My Oncologist. He decided not to proceed with more chemo at this point. Studies show 12 treatments are effective but more are not usually any more effective than the first 12. I had 11 treatments which he said was close enough to 12 to suit him. He said the next step is to get a "clean" scan. His question was to whether to do this by CT Scan or PET-CT. He opted for the latter but pushed the scan back until late April in order to get an effective scan without showing "false positive" hot spots. He asked for the middle of May then scheduling made my doc apt with him May 8. My scan will therefore be sometime the week prior to that. I fear this may show a few hot spots on the liver which will concern my Liver surgeon but will likely be scar tissue.
Today I met with my Colo-Rectal surgeon. He said base on every one else's notes I am doing well. He wanted to see my "small" incision just like the other doctors did. He thought it looked good and thought my belly felt good. The pathology report came back with 1 out of 37 lymph nodes showing positive. I asked him if it was taken out. He said yes and during the conversation he got another book and showed us where and what the "nodes" look like. He claimed they were to small to see but the section he takes with a Colon Resection there are a bunch. He managed to "catch" 37 in my surgery. Pathology only found one of those that was positive. That means either only one was infected or the Chemo treatments worked that well that all the cancer was gone from the others. In most surgeries like mine he claimed they typically see 20 - 30 nodes as positive. He said with as well as I am doing my focus should be on gaining my weight back and eating healthy. Over all he said he would be watching my scans as they happen but until I feel like I need help from him, he doesn't need to see me any more.
My Doc today confirmed along with all the others, they are cautiously optimistic. Most people with Stage 4 cancer they would not say cautiously optimistic.
So back to "normal" life until my scan in May. And hopefully I can hear the words "cancer free".
--Kent
On Thursday I met with My Oncologist. He decided not to proceed with more chemo at this point. Studies show 12 treatments are effective but more are not usually any more effective than the first 12. I had 11 treatments which he said was close enough to 12 to suit him. He said the next step is to get a "clean" scan. His question was to whether to do this by CT Scan or PET-CT. He opted for the latter but pushed the scan back until late April in order to get an effective scan without showing "false positive" hot spots. He asked for the middle of May then scheduling made my doc apt with him May 8. My scan will therefore be sometime the week prior to that. I fear this may show a few hot spots on the liver which will concern my Liver surgeon but will likely be scar tissue.
Today I met with my Colo-Rectal surgeon. He said base on every one else's notes I am doing well. He wanted to see my "small" incision just like the other doctors did. He thought it looked good and thought my belly felt good. The pathology report came back with 1 out of 37 lymph nodes showing positive. I asked him if it was taken out. He said yes and during the conversation he got another book and showed us where and what the "nodes" look like. He claimed they were to small to see but the section he takes with a Colon Resection there are a bunch. He managed to "catch" 37 in my surgery. Pathology only found one of those that was positive. That means either only one was infected or the Chemo treatments worked that well that all the cancer was gone from the others. In most surgeries like mine he claimed they typically see 20 - 30 nodes as positive. He said with as well as I am doing my focus should be on gaining my weight back and eating healthy. Over all he said he would be watching my scans as they happen but until I feel like I need help from him, he doesn't need to see me any more.
My Doc today confirmed along with all the others, they are cautiously optimistic. Most people with Stage 4 cancer they would not say cautiously optimistic.
So back to "normal" life until my scan in May. And hopefully I can hear the words "cancer free".
--Kent
Monday, March 18, 2013
Ha Ha Ha!!!
They say Laughter is the best Medicine. Since we are members of Gilda's Club of Grand Rapids we decided to support Gilda's through LaughFest. This past Saturday night we went to see Justin Willman at the Knickerboker Theater in Holland MI. For those of you who don't know who Justin is He is the host of Cupcake Wars. That is one show we watch as a family and Lydia loves to see. She was excited to be able to see and thought she would be able to meet and talk with Justin. Of course being realistic we told her we would likely not be able to see Justin up close other than him being on stage.
The event was set up with general admission so when we arrived we selected the second row for our seat. The show was entertaining and a lot of fun. During Justin's costume change he showed some video's of his work. The last video shown is embedded above, for the full you tube video with more of his work click here.
After this video was finished Justin came out with a balloon like the one in the previous video. Justin came down from the stage and walked past while picking Lydia from the crowd to help him out. They both walked up and sat on the edge of the stage while Justin proceeded to rip the balloon string into pieces and "trying" to hand them to Lydia. You need to watch this next video to see what happened. Lydia was grinning from ear to ear just from getting to spend some time with Justin. And well she got a little token to keep from the trick.
After the show was finished Justin said he was going to be available in the lobby to sign posters and to take photos and talk with people. You can imagine Lydia's excitement when she found out she could "talk" with Justin. She had seen him so many times on TV. We waited for what seemed to be like hours to meet him. Lydia bought a poster so he could sign it. Of course we needed to have a photo of the two "stars" together. Lydia was on cloud 9 when we left for the night. Justin Willman was "seriously funny".
That was the most laughter I had in quite some time. So if Laughter is the best medicine then I must be "Cured" right? Well we will surely find out what the Doctor's have to say. We meet with one of my surgeons and my oncologist this week. Early next week I meet with my other surgeon. By next week I should know what my future treatment plan should look like.
I secretly hope I get put on the wait and watch schedule.
--Kent
The event was set up with general admission so when we arrived we selected the second row for our seat. The show was entertaining and a lot of fun. During Justin's costume change he showed some video's of his work. The last video shown is embedded above, for the full you tube video with more of his work click here.
After this video was finished Justin came out with a balloon like the one in the previous video. Justin came down from the stage and walked past while picking Lydia from the crowd to help him out. They both walked up and sat on the edge of the stage while Justin proceeded to rip the balloon string into pieces and "trying" to hand them to Lydia. You need to watch this next video to see what happened. Lydia was grinning from ear to ear just from getting to spend some time with Justin. And well she got a little token to keep from the trick.
After the show was finished Justin said he was going to be available in the lobby to sign posters and to take photos and talk with people. You can imagine Lydia's excitement when she found out she could "talk" with Justin. She had seen him so many times on TV. We waited for what seemed to be like hours to meet him. Lydia bought a poster so he could sign it. Of course we needed to have a photo of the two "stars" together. Lydia was on cloud 9 when we left for the night. Justin Willman was "seriously funny".
That was the most laughter I had in quite some time. So if Laughter is the best medicine then I must be "Cured" right? Well we will surely find out what the Doctor's have to say. We meet with one of my surgeons and my oncologist this week. Early next week I meet with my other surgeon. By next week I should know what my future treatment plan should look like.
I secretly hope I get put on the wait and watch schedule.
--Kent
Sunday, March 10, 2013
12,13,14 ....
This coming Tuesday will be two weeks since I have been discharged from the hospital. It is hard for me to believe this has been only two weeks. I feel like it has been so much longer for me. Today (day 12) was my second trip to church in the two weeks.
This past week Leah and I went on a few walks. A couple of the later ones were 3 miles. Not bad considering I haven't done much in the line of exercise since last May. My goal is to get back to the point to where I can ride the 36 mile route on the Holland Hundred. It may not happen this summer but I'm looking forward to getting to that point by the summer after next.
Day 14 is Tuesday and the one benchmark I have been waiting for is the ability to Drive. The last time I drove was Wednesday February 20th. I like driving so I am kind of excited to get back behind the wheel again. Leah is ecstatic for me to start driving again. Imagine that!!
After Tuesday I have two benchmarks left to get to. The first of those is to return to a regular diet. Since Sunday after surgery in the hospital I have been on a soft foods diet. A soft food is defined by anything you can cut with a fork only. Meats are chicken or ground Beef. Almost no veggies or fruits due to either seeds or skins. Seeds in fruits also knock out many other things (yogurt is one example). Definite no no's are chips, Nuts and anything difficult to digest. I was given a list when I was discharged and told to use it as a guideline. Believe me I cheated a little but only in moderation and then if something is questionable I chew it so long it may as well have been in the blender.
The last benchmark is to return to work. I am barred from returning to work until I get a written notice from my surgeon. His staff put April 22 on the form however I feel as if I will be able to return earlier than that. Last surgery I returned after 4 weeks which was probably a week or two to early. I meet with my surgeons the week after next and so I can discuss this with each of them at my appointments.
I have appointments with my Liver surgeon and Oncologist two days in a row. I will then find out what the decision on my future treatment schedule. My Oncologist has talked about 4 treatments of Chemo to "take care" of any left over cancer cells left behind. He also has mentioned since my tumor in my colon had not been growing nor shrinking due to treatment he thought maybe to not continue any treatment at this time until necessary. After hearing his final decision I will be inquisitive to find out what the next 6 months, year, and so on are going to look like. It is possible he tosses me right into my first treatment after our meeting. In this case I'm not going to feel like going to my next appointment. I meet with my Colo-rectal surgeon the following Tuesday.
I hope they will wave off the chemo for this point and put it back on the books after we see concrete evidence to do so. I assume I will be on a 3 month "watch" schedule from that point forward for a while. I'll have Pet-ct scans and Colonoscopy's thrown in the pipe for a while.
Here's to the near and distant future.
--Kent
This past week Leah and I went on a few walks. A couple of the later ones were 3 miles. Not bad considering I haven't done much in the line of exercise since last May. My goal is to get back to the point to where I can ride the 36 mile route on the Holland Hundred. It may not happen this summer but I'm looking forward to getting to that point by the summer after next.
Day 14 is Tuesday and the one benchmark I have been waiting for is the ability to Drive. The last time I drove was Wednesday February 20th. I like driving so I am kind of excited to get back behind the wheel again. Leah is ecstatic for me to start driving again. Imagine that!!
After Tuesday I have two benchmarks left to get to. The first of those is to return to a regular diet. Since Sunday after surgery in the hospital I have been on a soft foods diet. A soft food is defined by anything you can cut with a fork only. Meats are chicken or ground Beef. Almost no veggies or fruits due to either seeds or skins. Seeds in fruits also knock out many other things (yogurt is one example). Definite no no's are chips, Nuts and anything difficult to digest. I was given a list when I was discharged and told to use it as a guideline. Believe me I cheated a little but only in moderation and then if something is questionable I chew it so long it may as well have been in the blender.
The last benchmark is to return to work. I am barred from returning to work until I get a written notice from my surgeon. His staff put April 22 on the form however I feel as if I will be able to return earlier than that. Last surgery I returned after 4 weeks which was probably a week or two to early. I meet with my surgeons the week after next and so I can discuss this with each of them at my appointments.
I have appointments with my Liver surgeon and Oncologist two days in a row. I will then find out what the decision on my future treatment schedule. My Oncologist has talked about 4 treatments of Chemo to "take care" of any left over cancer cells left behind. He also has mentioned since my tumor in my colon had not been growing nor shrinking due to treatment he thought maybe to not continue any treatment at this time until necessary. After hearing his final decision I will be inquisitive to find out what the next 6 months, year, and so on are going to look like. It is possible he tosses me right into my first treatment after our meeting. In this case I'm not going to feel like going to my next appointment. I meet with my Colo-rectal surgeon the following Tuesday.
I hope they will wave off the chemo for this point and put it back on the books after we see concrete evidence to do so. I assume I will be on a 3 month "watch" schedule from that point forward for a while. I'll have Pet-ct scans and Colonoscopy's thrown in the pipe for a while.
Here's to the near and distant future.
--Kent
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