I'll begin with the medical information from this week. I had an MRI Scheduled this Wednesday and dreading it. I hate them due to all the noise and the IVs. I arrived and since we had so many test at Lemmon Holton in the early morning the Receptionist knows us fairly well. She asked what I was there for and when I told her she said at least they were easy. I told her I "hated them". We went through about 3 or 4 vollys of her telling me they weren't bad and me repeating that I hated them. The other receptionist politely interjected that she thought I wouldn't change my answer. Of course she was right! She told me I was having a very nice tech and it would be o.k.
I was pleasantly surprised. I avoided the IV due to asking for port access. Although it wasn't exactly fun at least it was numb and they did a great job accessing my port. Per the noises they were still present but they used ear plugs so they were much better than the previous times I had the test. Overall I wouldn't endorse MRI to anyone unless absolutely necessary but based on my experience this time I would almost consider it.
On to the title part of the post. I arrived home after stopping at the store for a couple of things during one of the least visible snow storms of the current winter. Leah said our neighbor brought over dinner. Pork Chops were in the oven and shortly after I got home our neighbor delivered Cheesy Potatoes and freshly made applesauce. It was a great meal especially after Leah had a couple of days of low energy levels and didn't really feel like preparing a meal. We thank God for those who want to help us during our journey. Especially if it is Random and "just because". It is always greatly appreciated.
Thank you Neighbor for a great supper and leftovers for tomorrow's lunch.
--Kent
Thursday, January 31, 2013
Wednesday, January 23, 2013
_________ of Steel!
Where do I begin? Last Thursday meeting with my oncologist he suggested and hoped treatment # 5 or 11 (depending on whether you count the first round of 6 or not) would be my last chemo treatment pre surgery. He referred me to both of my surgeons.
Monday I met with my Liver surgeon. He said the pet scan showed 2 spots on the liver (both sites treated in the previous surgery). He wants to take a closer look to make sure nothing has regrown. He ordered an MRI which I will have next Wednesday. During Surgery he will do an ultrasound on the liver itself to take care of any remaining lesions in/on the liver. Following my appointment with him, his office tried to make an appointment with my other surgeon. They also told me to see my Primary care doc to get my pre-op done asap.
Tuesday I had my Pre-op with my PCP. This went well. The last time I had a pre-op the EKG turned out with a little fluke in it. Nothing my Doc was concerned about then so he cleared me then and the Surgeon's office was still concerned so they made me go for a stress test. This time the EKG turned out the same as last time. Fortunately I passed the stress test last time and the results are valid for one year. Yea for not having to repeat that test.
Today I met with my Colo-rectal surgeon. He went over the whole procedure explained the process and told us what to expect during and post surgery. He explained all the risks whether large or small. Then he took the barrage of questions we fired back at him. He answered all questions very well and I look forward to his expertise during surgery. He excused himself and told us his nurse would come in talk through surgery prep and would then have to talk with the nurse at my other surgeons office and schedule a time the two of them could do the surgery. After leaving the room and waiting a few minutes He returned and explained that while he was meeting with us the 2 nurses had talked and already put a date on the schedule. He told me the date and told me his nurse would be in shortly to go over the details.
Moments later she came in and talked over all the particulars of prep, diet the day before, Antibiotics the day before and then again told me we needed to wait 4 weeks minimum from the last chemo treatment. Due to that waiting period and the Doctors schedules I am scheduled for surgery Friday February 22 at 1:00 p.m. They picked that time slot so I would be in the last surgical slot of the day. This way if there were any complications from either surgeon they would have time to complete their work carefully without having to worry about any following bookings for the OR room. I arrive at 11 am for registration and intake.
If you haven't figured the title out by now the underline is suppose to be Nerves. Not that mine will be the strength of steel but mine will be high for the next 4 weeks until we get to the 22 of February.
Prayers for my anxiety and nerves would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks
--Kent
Monday I met with my Liver surgeon. He said the pet scan showed 2 spots on the liver (both sites treated in the previous surgery). He wants to take a closer look to make sure nothing has regrown. He ordered an MRI which I will have next Wednesday. During Surgery he will do an ultrasound on the liver itself to take care of any remaining lesions in/on the liver. Following my appointment with him, his office tried to make an appointment with my other surgeon. They also told me to see my Primary care doc to get my pre-op done asap.
Tuesday I had my Pre-op with my PCP. This went well. The last time I had a pre-op the EKG turned out with a little fluke in it. Nothing my Doc was concerned about then so he cleared me then and the Surgeon's office was still concerned so they made me go for a stress test. This time the EKG turned out the same as last time. Fortunately I passed the stress test last time and the results are valid for one year. Yea for not having to repeat that test.
Today I met with my Colo-rectal surgeon. He went over the whole procedure explained the process and told us what to expect during and post surgery. He explained all the risks whether large or small. Then he took the barrage of questions we fired back at him. He answered all questions very well and I look forward to his expertise during surgery. He excused himself and told us his nurse would come in talk through surgery prep and would then have to talk with the nurse at my other surgeons office and schedule a time the two of them could do the surgery. After leaving the room and waiting a few minutes He returned and explained that while he was meeting with us the 2 nurses had talked and already put a date on the schedule. He told me the date and told me his nurse would be in shortly to go over the details.
Moments later she came in and talked over all the particulars of prep, diet the day before, Antibiotics the day before and then again told me we needed to wait 4 weeks minimum from the last chemo treatment. Due to that waiting period and the Doctors schedules I am scheduled for surgery Friday February 22 at 1:00 p.m. They picked that time slot so I would be in the last surgical slot of the day. This way if there were any complications from either surgeon they would have time to complete their work carefully without having to worry about any following bookings for the OR room. I arrive at 11 am for registration and intake.
If you haven't figured the title out by now the underline is suppose to be Nerves. Not that mine will be the strength of steel but mine will be high for the next 4 weeks until we get to the 22 of February.
Prayers for my anxiety and nerves would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks
--Kent
Thursday, January 17, 2013
POD
This week I saw and talked with the woman I met two weeks ago during my last treatment. She said she did well during the last two weeks. I was glad to hear that. I don't know if or how soon I will see her again. I will explain why in the following paragraph. Both her and my nurse were disappointed with the possibility they may not see me for a while.
Yesterday I had a PET-CT scan and today I met with Doctor to find out the results. What you have to understand in order to really get this is the CT part is to tell what and where and what size it is. Physical perspectives. The PET part shows activity so more active areas "light up" while less or inactive areas are not lit up rather shades of grey. That being said there were two spots that light up. First is the Tumor in the colon. The Doc said chemo is not making the tumor smaller while it is not growing either. He said the Cancer/Tumor is stable. His suggested treatment is to remove it with surgery. This was part of the original plan and expected to happen in February some time. The second spot that lights up is in the liver. While there is activity there, the CT part of the scan showed no lesion or tumor in that location. That location is in the left half of the liver (the only part I have left) specifically where the Surgeon did ablation on surface lesions. The Doc's answer to the activity was due to inflammation likely from the ablation process. The Doctor had me proceed with my 5th chemo treatment today. He indicated this may (and he hopes) be the last treatment before surgery. This all depends on what my surgeons have to say.
Next up will be meetings with both my Colo-Rectal surgeon and my Liver surgeon. At this point my Doc/Oncologist thinks this will be a combined surgery with both surgeons. I have heard from my Colo-Rectal surgeon they work together often and get along well. I have a great team of Medical Professionals and with some hesitation look forward to this surgery. The result of this surgery will likely make me cancer free from then into the near future. Then likely starts the "watch phase".
-- Kent
Saturday, January 5, 2013
Hands and Feet!
This past Thursday we planned our day around a potential Chemo treatment. Since being turned away last week we weren't sure what would happen. A lab revealed my Neutrophil count was 1000. One correction I need to make is that the normal range is between 1.5 (1500) and 7. ( 7000). So for treatments I am a little low but not as low as I believed I was. As a result of my really low count last week and delaying my 4th treatment by a week they reduced the amount of Irinotecan (One of the Chemo drugs) in order to attempt to keep me on a two week schedule like I am suppose to be.
Treatment went as normal as the last three treatments did. Next week I will be scheduled for a PET scan in order to see how effective the treatments have been and to see what the liver and colon tumors/spots look like.
Now on to the Hands and Feet part of this post. It may seem I want to talk about my fingers and toes. On the contrary actually. While getting treatment i was sitting in the pod next to a woman who I overheard was receiving her first treatment. I started by giving her a pointer on what med she wanted to Numb her port. a bit later I felt like I "needed" to talk to her and provide answers considering I probably had been through what she is going through. As I got up to go talk to this woman who was working a puzzle Leah asked what I was doing. I told he I was going to be Jesus to someone. Many of you may not know this but to talk to a "stranger" is at the bottom of my comfortable list and something I need much pushing to do. I got no earthly pushing on this one but rather some internal/ Heavenly pushing.
I walked over to the puzzle table and introduced myself and offered to share a little of my journey and answer any questions she might have. She had surgery to remove stage 3 colon cancer and is on the same regimen of Chemo I was on in my first round before my liver surgery. We talked for about 10 - 15 minutes enough to learn a little about each other and provide information that might take off some of the anxiety she has. I remember that first treatment and having more questions than answers and wish there was someone who could answer all those questions for me.
Without having shown my faith I hope this Woman felt and understands the love and help Jesus is through his believers. After sitting back down in my pod I heard a nurse walk past her and talk about going to the same church and where they each sat. I at least know she attends a church. Assuming I have Chemo in two weeks I will see her again and hopefully get to talk with her.
Somehow you are pushed by the spirit when you need to be. Glad I could listen and do my humble part.
-- Kent
Treatment went as normal as the last three treatments did. Next week I will be scheduled for a PET scan in order to see how effective the treatments have been and to see what the liver and colon tumors/spots look like.
Now on to the Hands and Feet part of this post. It may seem I want to talk about my fingers and toes. On the contrary actually. While getting treatment i was sitting in the pod next to a woman who I overheard was receiving her first treatment. I started by giving her a pointer on what med she wanted to Numb her port. a bit later I felt like I "needed" to talk to her and provide answers considering I probably had been through what she is going through. As I got up to go talk to this woman who was working a puzzle Leah asked what I was doing. I told he I was going to be Jesus to someone. Many of you may not know this but to talk to a "stranger" is at the bottom of my comfortable list and something I need much pushing to do. I got no earthly pushing on this one but rather some internal/ Heavenly pushing.
I walked over to the puzzle table and introduced myself and offered to share a little of my journey and answer any questions she might have. She had surgery to remove stage 3 colon cancer and is on the same regimen of Chemo I was on in my first round before my liver surgery. We talked for about 10 - 15 minutes enough to learn a little about each other and provide information that might take off some of the anxiety she has. I remember that first treatment and having more questions than answers and wish there was someone who could answer all those questions for me.
Without having shown my faith I hope this Woman felt and understands the love and help Jesus is through his believers. After sitting back down in my pod I heard a nurse walk past her and talk about going to the same church and where they each sat. I at least know she attends a church. Assuming I have Chemo in two weeks I will see her again and hopefully get to talk with her.
Somehow you are pushed by the spirit when you need to be. Glad I could listen and do my humble part.
-- Kent
Thursday, December 27, 2012
Happy Anniversary!!
Today is our anniversary. 15 years ago we were married and so normally we would celebrate that in some way and then go to the relations Birthday/Christmas get together in the evening. For several days both Leah and I expected to spend this anniversary very different. We expected to have a conversation while I was sitting in the Chemo suite getting my 4th treatment. What you have to understand is the normal procedure on a typical visit is first a Lab Blood draw, second a visit with the Doc or Nurse Practitioner or Chemo Nurse, then third and finally you get your treatment.
So today I had my blood draw and then met with the Nurse Practitioner expecting counts to be somewhat low but high enough for treatment. We talked about how the last couple of weeks went and what to do about certain symptoms like the Neuropothy (numbness in fingers and toes). She prescribed a Medication that should begin to help with that symptom. I was told in 3 or 4 weeks I may start to notice some improvement. Here's hoping I actually feel some improvement.
After the usual once over the Nurse Practitioner did she looked at my counts. My neutrophils or Infection fighting white blood cells were at 600. For a reference 7,000 is the low end of a normal range and the high level of normal is 15,000. I have teetered around 1000 or 900 for the last several treatments both in this round and the first round this summer. Due to the extremely low count today they decided to send me home without treatment. I will return next week with hopefully wbc being high enough to do treatment.
In the meantime my off day allowed Leah and I to have a small celebration of our 15 years together.
To everyone thank you for your continued prayers. They are much needed and greatly appreciated.
--Kent
So today I had my blood draw and then met with the Nurse Practitioner expecting counts to be somewhat low but high enough for treatment. We talked about how the last couple of weeks went and what to do about certain symptoms like the Neuropothy (numbness in fingers and toes). She prescribed a Medication that should begin to help with that symptom. I was told in 3 or 4 weeks I may start to notice some improvement. Here's hoping I actually feel some improvement.
After the usual once over the Nurse Practitioner did she looked at my counts. My neutrophils or Infection fighting white blood cells were at 600. For a reference 7,000 is the low end of a normal range and the high level of normal is 15,000. I have teetered around 1000 or 900 for the last several treatments both in this round and the first round this summer. Due to the extremely low count today they decided to send me home without treatment. I will return next week with hopefully wbc being high enough to do treatment.
In the meantime my off day allowed Leah and I to have a small celebration of our 15 years together.
To everyone thank you for your continued prayers. They are much needed and greatly appreciated.
--Kent
Monday, December 17, 2012
who you touch!!
Leah and I stopped in at the grocery store tonight to pick up some much needed Milk. I stayed in the car as Leah went in and picked up a couple items. While Checking out the cashier asked Leah how her husband was? Leah asked what she meant since we really don't know her that well. The cashier told her the last time we were in together I was about to begin my chemo round. The cashier remembered Leah and what we had told her almost a month and a half ago. She continued to tell Leah she was praying for me.
Of all the people you talk to many of them you never expect to impact. It just goes to show you that if you share your story, people are listening whether you think they are or not. Sharing "His" story seems like the right thing to do whenever possible. It intersects with each persons story so sharing your story seems like the natural transition.
I have completed my third treatment of this round. Once again they pumped it through 4 hours faster due to us arriving around noon. When they do that it is much harder on my stomach but I still manage to keep all my food down and have to eat every couple of hours. My symptoms usually turn around and come back to "normal" on Tuesday after treatment. Therefore I am looking forward to tomorrow.
As for the Cashier in the store. Thanks much for your thoughts and prayers.
--Kent
Of all the people you talk to many of them you never expect to impact. It just goes to show you that if you share your story, people are listening whether you think they are or not. Sharing "His" story seems like the right thing to do whenever possible. It intersects with each persons story so sharing your story seems like the natural transition.
I have completed my third treatment of this round. Once again they pumped it through 4 hours faster due to us arriving around noon. When they do that it is much harder on my stomach but I still manage to keep all my food down and have to eat every couple of hours. My symptoms usually turn around and come back to "normal" on Tuesday after treatment. Therefore I am looking forward to tomorrow.
As for the Cashier in the store. Thanks much for your thoughts and prayers.
--Kent
Monday, December 3, 2012
Thanks and LOVE!
Greeting to all as December is upon us!
Sorry we have not written in such a long time! Kent had Chemo on Thursday, November 29th and seemed to not tolerate as well as the last round. Kent is in the second treatment of round 2 chemo. This past week his Chemo nurse was on a much deserved vacation to Ireland and so we had another wonderful chemo nurse! (many Thanks! to these chemo nurses for all they do!) To fill you all in a bit... Kent receives Chemo for about 4 hrs plus pre medications in the Cancer Treatment Center and then wears a pump home to continue the chemo over 41 to 46 hrs and then returns to get the pump removed on a Saturday. This week the nurse ran the chemo pump faster and Kent felt some of the side affects more than other treatments. He was weak and had a bit of nausea. When he felt like this he would eat, and it "cured" the nausea for the most part. Over all he did pretty well and we are thankful that he is still able to carry out work as well. Many of you ask how he works on Chemo weeks. He works the first part of the week at work and then the day of Chemo depending on how he feels does a little work or play ~ ( he loves to watch videos,do games or a snooze.) He then works on Friday at home and returns to work on Monday. This seems to work well for him and we are thankful for that.
I hope you all are able to enjoy getting ready for the Holiday's as we are at our house. It is starting to look like Christmas ! ( at least inside ) :) This year we will look at Christmas a little differently. This year we have been reminded to Cherish LIFE! We are thankful to Kent's mom who put a wreath out this Thanksgiving setting the stage for this Christmas! She put a foam wreath that was bare and put many foam leaves out so we could write what we were thankful for..... Kent wrote LIFE! I wrote the many Christian Doctors that GOD has placed in our lives to sustain LIFE! and Lydia wrote her Christian School and Church which she loves! My Dad has also set the tone for us this Christmas as his sermons have been on LOVE!
This year I think of many people and family that Struggle this holiday season....and need LOVE! This year Kent's dad struggles with daily tasks that we take for granted as he struggles with a form of Alzheimer's . We also think of his mom whom has the task of giving him the love and care he needs to be cared for. We pray for Strength for her and we say to them, "WE LOVE YOU! We pray for our niece who struggles with Diabetes at age 9 and all that goes with that! WE LOVE YOU! We also pray for grandparents, in Jenison who that in their 80's and 90's are somewhat independent and can care for themselves. WE LOVE YOU! Then I am thankful for my Gram in Chicago who went for Independence to dependence in early NOV. after a fall and major brain injury. I am thankful for her because she has been a great role model for me and my faith. Her life and faith has touched many people and now it is our time in her time of need to say, WE LOVE YOU gram! I also would like to say to my parents who caretake for their parents and children and who also are walking with cancer themselves, WE LOVE YOU!
Lastly at this Christmas Season, WE LOVE YOU JESUS!
Much Love~ Leah for Kent and Lydia
Sorry we have not written in such a long time! Kent had Chemo on Thursday, November 29th and seemed to not tolerate as well as the last round. Kent is in the second treatment of round 2 chemo. This past week his Chemo nurse was on a much deserved vacation to Ireland and so we had another wonderful chemo nurse! (many Thanks! to these chemo nurses for all they do!) To fill you all in a bit... Kent receives Chemo for about 4 hrs plus pre medications in the Cancer Treatment Center and then wears a pump home to continue the chemo over 41 to 46 hrs and then returns to get the pump removed on a Saturday. This week the nurse ran the chemo pump faster and Kent felt some of the side affects more than other treatments. He was weak and had a bit of nausea. When he felt like this he would eat, and it "cured" the nausea for the most part. Over all he did pretty well and we are thankful that he is still able to carry out work as well. Many of you ask how he works on Chemo weeks. He works the first part of the week at work and then the day of Chemo depending on how he feels does a little work or play ~ ( he loves to watch videos,do games or a snooze.) He then works on Friday at home and returns to work on Monday. This seems to work well for him and we are thankful for that.
I hope you all are able to enjoy getting ready for the Holiday's as we are at our house. It is starting to look like Christmas ! ( at least inside ) :) This year we will look at Christmas a little differently. This year we have been reminded to Cherish LIFE! We are thankful to Kent's mom who put a wreath out this Thanksgiving setting the stage for this Christmas! She put a foam wreath that was bare and put many foam leaves out so we could write what we were thankful for..... Kent wrote LIFE! I wrote the many Christian Doctors that GOD has placed in our lives to sustain LIFE! and Lydia wrote her Christian School and Church which she loves! My Dad has also set the tone for us this Christmas as his sermons have been on LOVE!
This year I think of many people and family that Struggle this holiday season....and need LOVE! This year Kent's dad struggles with daily tasks that we take for granted as he struggles with a form of Alzheimer's . We also think of his mom whom has the task of giving him the love and care he needs to be cared for. We pray for Strength for her and we say to them, "WE LOVE YOU! We pray for our niece who struggles with Diabetes at age 9 and all that goes with that! WE LOVE YOU! We also pray for grandparents, in Jenison who that in their 80's and 90's are somewhat independent and can care for themselves. WE LOVE YOU! Then I am thankful for my Gram in Chicago who went for Independence to dependence in early NOV. after a fall and major brain injury. I am thankful for her because she has been a great role model for me and my faith. Her life and faith has touched many people and now it is our time in her time of need to say, WE LOVE YOU gram! I also would like to say to my parents who caretake for their parents and children and who also are walking with cancer themselves, WE LOVE YOU!
Lastly at this Christmas Season, WE LOVE YOU JESUS!
Much Love~ Leah for Kent and Lydia
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