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
Thursday, June 28, 2012
Wednesday, June 27, 2012
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
--Kent
Monday, June 25, 2012
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
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
Friday, June 22, 2012
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
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
Tuesday, June 19, 2012
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
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
Sunday, June 17, 2012
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
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
Saturday, June 16, 2012
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
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
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