Reminders

In recent days "cancer" has been very present in our lives. We've discussed it a lot with our family and friends and even though we are both better able to have these conversations, we're reminded that there is no escaping it. We appreciate the love, support, prayers, and strength that are sent our way each and everyday, but talking about it, at least with Ken, brings down his mind and spirit.
Ken had his PET scan this week which is another reminder and comes with some anxiety about how his treatment is progressing. We will be meeting with his doctor next week to discuss the results. This reminder marks the half way point in Ken's treatment. We are anticipating positive results with little or no signs of the Lymphoma in his body. We were told that this wouldn't be wishful thinking, but a likely result as this type of Lymphoma responds well to treatment. Ken's fourth round of chemo began today and we are reminded of how horrible the last round was. The ginger is in full force and none of us are sick. It can't be as bad as last time!
People often ask me how I am doing. The truth is, I have bouts of awful anxiety, but I don't let those moments affect my overall being. I don't know how or why, but I've found an internal strength that allows me to keep going. I believe that everything is going to be ok. At this point, to live any other way would not be fair to Ken, to Stella, or to myself.  We both continue to strive for a "normal" life with as few "reminders" as possible.

The Perfect Storm - Round 3

       Unfortunately this time around has been much tougher than expected, in part because we've all had the flu! Not sure what the point of flu shots for the entire family was. So Ken is dealing with crazy side effects from chemo which he actually describes as the flu times ten and the real flu all at once. Yesterday was the worst, but I'm pretty sure he will only feel better from here. Treatment was on Thursday and because he had a non-student day Friday, he thought he would be able to go in and just hang back. Big mistake! He felt awful, barely got himself to school, and was then chaperoned home by two guidance counselors. Thanks, Amy and Mayu! He was able to sleep most of the night and has been sleeping or at least resting on the couch all morning.

       It's been relatively easy to get back to normal life in between treatments and stay active and busy. Stella, along with holiday craziness keeps us distracted and moving forward.

Living!

We are determined to keep living and refuse to let cancer run our life. It would be very easy to sit at home, be sad, and give up. Ken, more than anyone, lives EVERYDAY to the fullest! He is an inspiration for me and so many others. So, we decided we would follow through on our plans to vacation in Utah with my family. It was a much needed break! Leaving only one day after Ken's treatment was risky, but we were determined to keep living. We introduced Stella to the wonders of Utah and enjoyed taking her sledding and watching her excitement as she experienced snow for the first time. Ken and I were also able to catch our first ski runs of the season and snow shoe through fresh alpine powder.

Round 2

It's been a bit more challenging to find the time to update the blog these days. Stella learned to crawl last week and the baby proofing has yet to begin. She is also working on not one, but two new teeth. So when she's not moving about the house, Stella is just a tad bit fussy. The good news is that Ken's second round of treatment went significantly better than the first. He had Rituxan last Thursday and Chemo on Friday. His pain/nausea level was much more manageable this time around. He never even took a nausea pill. The difference is likely attributed to the new steroid the doctor gave him, but I like to credit the loads of ginger I incorporated into our diet the week prior to treatment. Who knows. Either way it worked!

Brotherly Love

Over the weekend Ken started feeling better and he got the idea to shave his head. Once he gets an idea in his head, there's no going back. So he called his brother and requested his help. Most people would say wait until there are at least signs of hair loss, but Ken's doctor predicted it would be out by November 4th. He literally picked up a calendar and said, "You're starting chemo on Wednesday, so it should be out by November 4th." I guess they've got it down to a science. So what the heck, shave it off now. He looks pretty good. Thanks Jim!

Chemo Sucks!

Last week was rough! After Wednesday's treatment, Ken came home and slept most of the afternoon. When he woke up the symptoms really set in. He was incredibly nauseous, fatigued, and said it felt like his insides were being ripped apart. I have never seen anyone in this kind of pain. It is hard to describe, but from what I gather it's like the flu times ten. Ken did make it through the night and started feeling a little better after visiting the doctor again on Thursday. They did another fluid flush and pumped him full of vitamins and liquid. I've been keeping track of his pain level on a scale of one to ten. Wednesday night being a nine, a little better on Thursday night, and even better over the weekend. We should have a good week or so before he has to go through this again. The good news is the medicine is working and it's breaking apart all the tumors. Next time around he's got different drugs that should help him cope with the pain better and a sedative to help him sleep some of it off.

Chemotherapy Round 1

Well the first round is complete. Ken received his first chemotherapy treatment today. He is pretty fatigued, but otherwise feeling OK. He has been resting all afternoon and is asleep on the couch now. The fatigue is supposed to be more intense in the next few days, so the rest is important. He goes back to the doctor tomorrow for another fluid flush.

Aside from the obvious, we are both trying our best to carry on as normal a life as possible. Ken is succeeding at keeping his head in the right place and not letting this disease get the best of him.

Treatment Begins

Ken had his first day of treatment today. It wasn't actually chemotherapy, but a drug used in conjunction with chemotherapy called rituxan. He didn't experience any of the side effects common with the rituxan and after sitting with an IV drip for six hours, he was only mildly cranky. A Subway cold cut combo and a nice long walk with a chatty Stella quickly cheered him up! Ken will go back in tomorrow for a fluid flush. I guess to flush out all the dead cells that get broken down from the rituxan. On Wednesday the chemotherapy will begin.
We don't really know what to expect from this whole thing. Each case is so different and individual reactions are unique, but so far so good. We can only take one day at a time at this point.

Bone Marrow Biopsy

Ken had his bone marrow biopsy yesterday. It went well and he is in great spirits as always!

Here we go...

I didn't intend on starting a blog, but this seems to be the best way to keep EVERYONE updated and "in the loop." In the last two weeks we've had an outpouring of support from across the country and it's only fair to include everyone that loves us informed about Ken's treatment and remission!
So here's how it started:
In late August Ken began noticing a few swollen lymph nodes around his head and neck. He quickly went to his doctor and was eventually referred to an ENT. The next day, September 30th, he had an immediate biopsy and that afternoon the ENT called and said he had Lymphoma. We soon learned the type...Non-Hodgkin's Follicular Lymphoma grade 1, stage 4.  This slow growing Lymphoma is often diagnosed at a late stage because there aren't any early symptoms. By the time you begin seeing swollen lymph nodes, most lymph nodes are involved along with bone marrow and other organs.
With the help of Ken's dad, we scrambled to get two oncology appointments and a treatment plan. Ken will have a bone marrow biopsy on Monday the 17th and on the 24th treatment will begin. Treatment is chemotherapy along with a drug called Rituxan (RCHOP). He will get treatment at Mission Hospital, about 15 minutes from our house. He'll have chemo once every three weeks, lasting for six cycles, a total of about four months.
Our focus has to be eliminating the cancer and keeping Ken in remission for a LONG, LONG time! Ken has a strong and healthy mind, body, and spirit. He is handling this mess beautifully. He is keeping me strong too. We are going to be ok.