Thanksgiving is typically a time for people to sit back and think about all the things they are thankful for. This year I am thankful for all the doctors and nurses currently taking care of me. I am thankful for the life I can continue to live each day, I am also thankful for the many people that help and care for me in many ways. You all know who you are and what you do.
Thursday would have been a chemo day but since the center was closed I needed to choose the Day before or the day after. Naturally I chose to get treatment the day after Thanksgiving. This meant Yesterday was the first day I've had Chemo Treatment in 4 weeks. I was thankful for the break (even if it was due to low counts) which enabled me to do much needed work done on my master bathroom.
2 weeks ago I met with my Oncologist to go over the MRI results and talk about quality of life. He talked about what to do to reduce the Nausea I had the 2 previous treatments. His suggestion was to reduce the amount of the Irinotecan. So this treatment the amount was reduced from 360 to 270. I felt better immediately after and felt better on the way home. I even felt hungry when I got home. I was optimistic the nausea would be much less and managed with food. However at 9:45 p.m. the feeling of nausea was back and back every hour for the next 4 hours. I don't know what else they can do with the mix to change this feeling but I'm game to try things. The other thing my doc prescribed was a steroid for days 2-4 of chemo. My problem is usually the worst is over day 1.
My next treatment day will be two weeks from this past Thursday which will be Dec 12. I will see then what they are able to do with the nausea.
I got a call from U of M last week and wasn't able to answer it. They left a message wanting to talk about next steps. I need to call them back Monday or they will call me again next week. It will be interesting to see what they have to say about what they feel the next steps should be.
So for now we wait.
--Kent
Saturday, November 30, 2013
Thursday, November 14, 2013
Support
Today is Thursday... Thursday in our house has many different meanings. It means one day til we have some days of out of the normal routine, every other week it means chemo weeks and on the opposite Thursdays we attend Gilda's Support Group. A cancer Support for all three of us to attend that my Dad introduced us to.
Today was going to be a Chemo day for Kent along with a Dr. appointment to review what an MRI showed of Kent's Pelvis and Abdomen. We saw the Dr. and he shared with us Good News! When Kent had the ablation back in Oct along with the chemo he is receiving lately the results show there is NO active cancer in him at this point. This DOES NOT mean that has become cancer free, it just means that the cancer in Kent's body is showing no growth and there is no new growth. What this does this mean now, you may wonder... well he will continue chemo for 4 more months. We do this to continue on the hopes that we keep him inactive. You see there are still cysts that at this time could become active and to assure that it doesn't happen we need to keep up on this regimen. Today he could not receive chemo due to his Neutrophil level being very low. See if he would of had active cancer they would of gave him the chemo with the level he had. He doesn't have an urgency to have the chemo so why give it to him and make him ill. We will wait a week when he is more "healthy and continue what the Dr. has planned which is in about three months we will do another scan to keep up with how Kent's body is responding to chemo. Then if we are still in the all clear we may begin a maintenance routine which will only include a pump hook up and home routine, no sitting in the "Chemo Chair", for four hours then pump. We will take each step as it comes.
Tonight, Lydia was at a party of a classmate and then went to a friends house. Tonight Kent and I went to Gilda's. Tonight we both received a round of applause as we announced to our support groups (individual) that Kent's Cancer was inactive. As Kent and I were sitting telling our story of celebration we had those in our group that had good news also but those to who have had hardship and grief in there cancer journey. Kent and I really have been supported though this organization but at the same time feel that we have been put in our groups to encourage those around us. Tonight I pray for those in our Gilda's family as some weep over the end of their journey and some rejoice as God has given them another year in life.
So you may ask how Kent Celebrated his day, well.... He tore apart our "master bath." Yup. He said, he was going to take the back splash off which led to a series of things like... taking the mirror off, sanding the walls, taking the counter off and mudding any holes in the room oh which led to A LOT more. Only Kent would do that. But it is back to work for this boy tomorrow. I think I may call his bosses to tell them I know he isn't afraid to get to work:)
There are so many places of Support. Support groups for many things that are happening in and around our Community. It may not be cancer it may be ?? you fill it in, but don't be afraid of the care that is out there for you. people may need to hear your story, people may touch your heart somehow. Love and care for those around you, you may be blessed in so many ways. I have.
-- Leah
Today was going to be a Chemo day for Kent along with a Dr. appointment to review what an MRI showed of Kent's Pelvis and Abdomen. We saw the Dr. and he shared with us Good News! When Kent had the ablation back in Oct along with the chemo he is receiving lately the results show there is NO active cancer in him at this point. This DOES NOT mean that has become cancer free, it just means that the cancer in Kent's body is showing no growth and there is no new growth. What this does this mean now, you may wonder... well he will continue chemo for 4 more months. We do this to continue on the hopes that we keep him inactive. You see there are still cysts that at this time could become active and to assure that it doesn't happen we need to keep up on this regimen. Today he could not receive chemo due to his Neutrophil level being very low. See if he would of had active cancer they would of gave him the chemo with the level he had. He doesn't have an urgency to have the chemo so why give it to him and make him ill. We will wait a week when he is more "healthy and continue what the Dr. has planned which is in about three months we will do another scan to keep up with how Kent's body is responding to chemo. Then if we are still in the all clear we may begin a maintenance routine which will only include a pump hook up and home routine, no sitting in the "Chemo Chair", for four hours then pump. We will take each step as it comes.
Tonight, Lydia was at a party of a classmate and then went to a friends house. Tonight Kent and I went to Gilda's. Tonight we both received a round of applause as we announced to our support groups (individual) that Kent's Cancer was inactive. As Kent and I were sitting telling our story of celebration we had those in our group that had good news also but those to who have had hardship and grief in there cancer journey. Kent and I really have been supported though this organization but at the same time feel that we have been put in our groups to encourage those around us. Tonight I pray for those in our Gilda's family as some weep over the end of their journey and some rejoice as God has given them another year in life.
So you may ask how Kent Celebrated his day, well.... He tore apart our "master bath." Yup. He said, he was going to take the back splash off which led to a series of things like... taking the mirror off, sanding the walls, taking the counter off and mudding any holes in the room oh which led to A LOT more. Only Kent would do that. But it is back to work for this boy tomorrow. I think I may call his bosses to tell them I know he isn't afraid to get to work:)
There are so many places of Support. Support groups for many things that are happening in and around our Community. It may not be cancer it may be ?? you fill it in, but don't be afraid of the care that is out there for you. people may need to hear your story, people may touch your heart somehow. Love and care for those around you, you may be blessed in so many ways. I have.
-- Leah
Sunday, November 3, 2013
Gift Giving!
Kent, Lydia and myself have always kept quite busy on weekends. Every other week on and off for about 2 years now we have been slowed down due to Chemo. You can often find us on non chemo weeks going from earlier morning to late evening doing this that and everything in between. We have never been ones to just sit. Lydia loves when we have many things to do together as a family.
This week WAS a chemo week and one of those do nothing weekends. Lydia was simply bored.
Kent had Chemo on Thursday (Halloween) and was very sick that evening. Often during chemo you can find Kent laying completely flat. Despite him feeling ill, I still took Lydia for our annual night at my moms with a soup dinner and Trick or Treating. The night just wasn't the same as my Dad loved this holiday and wasn't there and Kent was home not feeling well all night. I worried how Kent was holding up by himself. Lydia stayed with my mom that evening as she doesn't do well with Kent being ill. I returned later that evening to find Kent NOT doing well at all. Well, what do I do? It is a guessing game. I was out of ideas. I was very nervous myself. I grabbed the phone and called after hours. They returned my call within a half hour. I explained that Kent simply was not holding food down and just was miserable. They explained that I needed to give him two of his Meds. at the same time and then continuing him laying flat. You need to know that they don't like you to give these meds very quickly because too soon after the chemo they administer because it could mess up the regimen. After a couple of hours he was zonked out,( a symptom of both Meds.) the whole night! He did Not wake or become sick at any point that night, for that I was very happy.
This weekend, Saturday into Sunday Kent was doing better. He is holding food down and moving ever so gingerly wherever he went. His appetite was very little but he was gaining that back ever so slowly. He eats little and often. He found himself eating every hour or two, so do I, which is good for him and not for me!
Tonight, I sat next to him and he was definitely doing better but you can tell he isn't a hundred percent yet. He often complained about his stomach being off and needing some relief. I feel helpless. I feel like I am not doing what needs to be done.
Today, I was wondering if he would make it to church. We often have the Saturday evening discussion on Chemo weeks if he feels like going in the morning and he will tell me that he will face that in the morning. I sometimes am amazed he wants to go, but Kent loves his church family and needs his few hugs that he always receives every Sunday morning without fail! ( Those of you know who you are ) :) It is the best way we start our week.
This week will bring a Doc appointment. Kent will have an MRI of the abdomen and the pelvis to see the results of the RFA procedure back in Oct. We will not find out anything information wise until the 14th of November when Kent has an oncologist appt. and Scheduled chemo on that day. We are praying for the best results.
Kent and I were calculating a few things out today and Kent told me that He will be done with Chemo around Christmas if all goes as we had it planned out. We will be talking to our Dr. about how to avoid the Holidays as Kent is suppose to receive Chemo on Thanksgiving and a day after Christmas.
As I end this I have been reminded of how much life is a gift. A gift that has to be shared. Today in Kid zone the kids and I talked about talents that we have are to be given away not be just received. Today, I was given a gift by a few people. In slowing down every other weekend because of Kent I have been shown to that I need to stop and care for those around me. Not being so focused on me. Caring for others, has been taught to me by two loving parents. One who still shows me that and one who I will always remember how he showed me. Another person today showed me that I was meant to teach the young people in church and that they saw my dad in me. I promised my dad before he passed that I will teach his grand kids and the kids of Sunrise more about living for Jesus!
So Living for Jesus is what Kent, Lydia and myself will do. We each have gifts to be given away. So do you. What do you have going on next weekend? It's a non Chemo week here at this household but maybe I (we) just need to slow down and give someone a gift. Will you give one along with me?
Leah
This week WAS a chemo week and one of those do nothing weekends. Lydia was simply bored.
Kent had Chemo on Thursday (Halloween) and was very sick that evening. Often during chemo you can find Kent laying completely flat. Despite him feeling ill, I still took Lydia for our annual night at my moms with a soup dinner and Trick or Treating. The night just wasn't the same as my Dad loved this holiday and wasn't there and Kent was home not feeling well all night. I worried how Kent was holding up by himself. Lydia stayed with my mom that evening as she doesn't do well with Kent being ill. I returned later that evening to find Kent NOT doing well at all. Well, what do I do? It is a guessing game. I was out of ideas. I was very nervous myself. I grabbed the phone and called after hours. They returned my call within a half hour. I explained that Kent simply was not holding food down and just was miserable. They explained that I needed to give him two of his Meds. at the same time and then continuing him laying flat. You need to know that they don't like you to give these meds very quickly because too soon after the chemo they administer because it could mess up the regimen. After a couple of hours he was zonked out,( a symptom of both Meds.) the whole night! He did Not wake or become sick at any point that night, for that I was very happy.
This weekend, Saturday into Sunday Kent was doing better. He is holding food down and moving ever so gingerly wherever he went. His appetite was very little but he was gaining that back ever so slowly. He eats little and often. He found himself eating every hour or two, so do I, which is good for him and not for me!
Tonight, I sat next to him and he was definitely doing better but you can tell he isn't a hundred percent yet. He often complained about his stomach being off and needing some relief. I feel helpless. I feel like I am not doing what needs to be done.
Today, I was wondering if he would make it to church. We often have the Saturday evening discussion on Chemo weeks if he feels like going in the morning and he will tell me that he will face that in the morning. I sometimes am amazed he wants to go, but Kent loves his church family and needs his few hugs that he always receives every Sunday morning without fail! ( Those of you know who you are ) :) It is the best way we start our week.
This week will bring a Doc appointment. Kent will have an MRI of the abdomen and the pelvis to see the results of the RFA procedure back in Oct. We will not find out anything information wise until the 14th of November when Kent has an oncologist appt. and Scheduled chemo on that day. We are praying for the best results.
Kent and I were calculating a few things out today and Kent told me that He will be done with Chemo around Christmas if all goes as we had it planned out. We will be talking to our Dr. about how to avoid the Holidays as Kent is suppose to receive Chemo on Thanksgiving and a day after Christmas.
As I end this I have been reminded of how much life is a gift. A gift that has to be shared. Today in Kid zone the kids and I talked about talents that we have are to be given away not be just received. Today, I was given a gift by a few people. In slowing down every other weekend because of Kent I have been shown to that I need to stop and care for those around me. Not being so focused on me. Caring for others, has been taught to me by two loving parents. One who still shows me that and one who I will always remember how he showed me. Another person today showed me that I was meant to teach the young people in church and that they saw my dad in me. I promised my dad before he passed that I will teach his grand kids and the kids of Sunrise more about living for Jesus!
So Living for Jesus is what Kent, Lydia and myself will do. We each have gifts to be given away. So do you. What do you have going on next weekend? It's a non Chemo week here at this household but maybe I (we) just need to slow down and give someone a gift. Will you give one along with me?
Leah
Saturday, October 19, 2013
Chemo Sucks!
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.
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.
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
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