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.