Kenny Update--April 30th Evening

We have been in to see Kenny and Jo is with him now. We are waiting for him to be transferred to his room. He will be in a step down ICU instead of full ICU over at the James Cancer Center at OSU. He obviously has one big headache and they have him on a good pain management medication. He is in great spirits as always and has been dosing off and on. He woke up well in recovery and when the nurses asked his pain level on a scale of 1 to 10 he rated it a 3 with all of the pressure that had been relieved. The nurse was uncomfortable with him coming out of surgery and him not having any pain meds so she administered a dose anyway. As that was wearing off he DID ask for his next dose. I think he has had more of a headache then he has realized for several weeks but was used to it. He has some bruising around his left eye. His pupils are almost the exact same size so they were able to relieve the constriction around the artery that feeds the optic nerve. His vitals are good but he is very pale. Blood labs are going to be run in an hour to check his hemoglobin levels.

It has been a whirlwind few weeks for the family. Jo and I are breathing a lot easier than we have. There is still a long difficult road ahead for Kenny and we covet your continued prayers. One large battle has been won today but the war continues. 

~Ken and Jo~

Kenny Update--April 30th

Kenny is doing great and the surgery is done. We just spoke with the surgeons and in their words “…the surgery went better than we were expecting”. The tumor was 3.3cm X 5.0cm X6.5cm and they were able to remove 90% of it. They have relieved a lot of the pressure that was pushing against his brain. He will be in recovery for a couple of hours before we will be able to see him. I told the surgeons that there have been hundreds of people who have been praying for them and they had smiles on their faces. One told me that they are always happy to take all of the prayers they can get. THANK YOU ONE AND ALL!! 

~ Ken and Jo~

Kenny Update--April 30th

It's a little after 7: 30, Kenny just went into the OR. He was doing great. The surgery will be 6 - 10 hours long. We will post late this afternoon or early evening. Jo and I are doing fine. XO

~Ken and Jo~

Kenny Morning Update--April 30th

It's about 5 in the morning and we are at the hospital waiting to check Kenny in!

~Ken and  Jo~

Kenny Update--April 29th

We are here safe and sound in Columbus. Dinner is finished, we have added all of the addresses in the GPS and we made a dry run to the hospital since I’m not sure how open my eyes will be around 4:30AM. Kenny chose Wendy’s for dinner tonight and enjoyed the last good meal he is going to have for a while. All is calm and he is starting his surgical prep work then off to bed early. We really enjoyed getting to go to service at The Creek this morning. Thanks Shan, Seth, Stan, and Lisa for this morning. Thank you everyone for your prayers! 

~Ken and Jo~

Kenny Update--April 28th

The errands are finished. The car tires have been checked and the tank filled. Big Red has been repacked for the 3 of us for an extended stay. Tomorrow we are heading over to Columbus, Ohio to our new home away from home for the week.

We are to be at the hospital at 5AM Monday morning; surgery is scheduled to start at 7. The procedure will be 6+ hours.

Prayer concerns
All medical staff has a laser focus on their task in dealing with Kenny.
The surgeons have steady hands and listens as God whispers in their ears.
Protection of Kenny’s brain

Praises:
The State of Ohio’s Motto – “With God All Things Are Possible”. http://www.ohiohistorycentral.org/entry.php?rec=1885
So many doors have been opened, schedules have been cleared for Kenny. It has been humbling to watch.
Everyone who has been praying on our behalf. We cannot thank you enough.

~Ken and Jo~

Kenny Update--April 25th

We are finally home with Kenny!!!

~Ken and Jo~

Kenny Update--April 24th

Nothing is impossible with God. We said that this is our verse that we would be using for this cancer go around. I also posted Sunday “Thank you one and all for all of the prayers and the difference you are making in our lives. There have been needs met even before we realized there was a need.” and WOW is that true.

So part of what we are doing in Columbus, OH was to meet with the surgical group for a consultation. I thought it was a pediatric neurosurgical group but was not. It was with an ENT group at Ohio State University that specializes in base of the skull surgery. It went very well. They are willing to do the de-bulking procedure to reduce the size of the tumor. The focus will be to remove some of the tumor around the brain stem and the optical nerves to create some buffer areas before he begins proton therapy. There are several risk involved with the surgery but there are greater risk during proton therapy without the surgery.

We meet with 4 doctors and supporting staff as they performed exams and started to walk us thru the MRI images and their plan for the surgery. As the lead surgeon was finishing up with us on our questions, one the other surgeon’s received a page and excused himself from the meeting. A few minutes later after we had finished and discussed with Kenny on the options - we decided to go ahead with the surgery. We were told that it was going to be a couple of weeks before it could be scheduled and they were going to look at available appointments that we could book. We were told that this will not be scheduled as an emergency surgery BUT he wanted to do this as soon as possible since the tumor has grown during the chemo treatment. As we told the doctor, we will work with any schedule that you have. This is a priority for us and we will make any necessary adjustments to meet their schedules. They left the room and all returned a couple of minutes later telling us that the page they had received a few minutes ago was for a cancellation this Monday – would we be willing to take that slot? Uhhhhhh…..OF COURSE WE WILL!

So we are still in Columbus, Ohio. We have 3 additional appointments starting at 7:30 tomorrow morning to prepare for Monday. WOW!

Praises
Both Jo and I had an urge to pack an overnight bag for a just in case Kenny became ill before we could get home tonight. Both of us figured the other would say that was overkill and try to nix the idea. When we discussed it this morning we both laughed that we were thinking the same thing and yes it probably was overkill but we would feel better and put the bag away when we got home. Surprise!

A cancellation came at just the right place and time!?!?!
They were able to get us in hotel room at a really reduced rate since so we would not have to do a round trip back from Indianapolis early in the morning!

We had a gift card from Bob Evans that we had not used yet and we were going to stop at one on the way home for dinner. Guess what restaurant is next door to the hotel we were booked at? Go ahead – I’ll wait. Bob Evans you say? YEP! Thank you Dan! Did you have any idea that God was using you in a greater plan?

Prayer concerns
Risk during the surgery – Stroke, blindness, permanent double vision, ect, ect, ect. Not to make light of any of this but without the surgery and the proton therapy the risk are death, blindness, ect, ect, ect.

The family – this is going to be a stretch for all of us. Gods timing is going to warp speed right now and we are tightening our grip for a wild ride ahead of us.

Kenny

Thank you one and all for your prayers – you HAVE AND ARE making a difference in our lives.

~Ken and Jo~

Kenny Update--April 22nd

Kenny has had a great week and was able to stay away from the hospital. Kenny was actually able to have a normal week. Not a single doctor’s visit. He attended Bible Bowl practice on Thursday and was able to attend church this morning.

He was registered at Proton Center in Bloomington, IN last Thursday and we received a call from the Ohio State pediatric neurosurgery group that they would like to have a consultation this Tuesday afternoon. So we are planning a day trip to Columbus, OH and back. This Thursday he is currently scheduled to reenter the hospital for another round of chemo. Not sure if that will hold but that is the plan at the moment.

We pray that each person that is dealing with Kenny’s case has laser focus on the task at hand and for the wisdom in his situation. Thank you one and all for all of the prayers and the difference you are making in our lives. There have been needs met even before we realized there was a need.
 

~Ken and Jo~

Kenny Update--April 16th

Today was a very busy but great day in Kenny’s cancer battle.

We spent the better part of the day at Riley Hospital downtown having a consultation with Dr. McMullen from the IU Proton Therapy Center in Bloomington, IN. Kenny is eligible for Proton Therapy and we were greatly encouraged by the meeting today. There may be a surgery to de-bulk (remove some of) the tumor and create a space cavity to protect the brain stem and some areas where the optical nerve runs thru. The additional goal would be to focus the radiation to a smaller base tumor. A specialized pediatric surgical group for base of the skull tumors that Dr. McMullen has previously sent patients to will be consulted with over the next few days at Ohio State University. Even if the surgery is not an option Kenny is still eligible for the Proton treatment however the surgery would decrease some high risk factors. There will still be chemo treatments that will need to continue at various stages of this process. There are a lot of items that need to happen over the next few short weeks.

We have been told that Kenny’s tumor and cancer is rare for his age. To put it in perspective this will affect about 50 kids in the US this year whereas there will be about 617 people who will be struck by lightning in the US. Truly there are days when being unique has its drawbacks. The statistical odds for treating the cancer successfully are still the same. Not great but he has a fighting chance and this is one additional treatment option that was not there last week. Fortunately the facility is located just a little over an hour from where we live. The next closest facility is in Pennsylvania.

Kenny has not had a fever as he usually does at this point in time and has been able to stay out of the hospital over the weekend! We know that he had a lighter chemo this last treatment but we are thankful that we have been able to skip one hospitalization this 3 week session. Blood labs were drawn late today and we are expecting that his white cell count to be in a safe range from infection.

Prayer concerns are
Surgical Team at Ohio State University is able to de-bulk the tumor. And I’ll ask for it now - with no side effects.
The “process” of the treatment continues to have God’s timing and we have patience.
As much sleep and rest as possible over the next couple of weeks. I can already see a VERY hectic 3-4 week stretch in the very near future before he will begin proton treatment.

We are thankful for
This additional avenue has been opened up for Kenny.
Those children and their families who have gone thru the Proton Therapy over the last 10 years. Having made this program more successful for us today.
Work has been flexible in my time off.
Your Prayers!

~Ken and Jo~

Kenny Update--April 14th

Kenny hung out with his sister Jacquie on Saturday night, here is a little piece from their evening.   

~Ken and Jo~

Kenny Update--April 13th

So far Kenny does not have a fever today. Usually this is the day that he goes back to the hospital with one for several days of antibiotic IVs. Big Red has been packed and setting in the closet just in case.
We received a call from Dr. Lazarus this afternoon. Kenny is a candidate for proton therapy in Bloomington, IN and Dr. Lazarus discussed with Kenny, Jo and I the meetings he had. An appointment has been arranged for Monday morning for everyone to discuss the details to see if this is an option to be pursued. Thank you for all of the prayers! 

~Ken and Jo~

Kenny Update--April 12th

Kenny, Jo and I meet with Dr. Lazarus this morning and had a long conversation on the results of yesterday's medical panel review. It was a blunt and honest conversation that we can wrap our minds around.

Kenny's tumor has grown between MRI images BUT he has clinically shown signs of improvement. I.E. - the double vision, eye movement and headaches are not an issue as they had been. The seizures have not returned since he has started medication. There is a possibility that the tumor grew before the 1st chemo session took hold and the latest MRI was performed. The MRI does not show the health of the mass, just that it is there. All agree that the 2 statements - increased tumor size but clinical improvement do not line up.

He has a stage 3 high grade tumor at the base of the skull. There are 4 options that are on the table today based on the medical board review.

1. Continue the current chemo treatments for an additional 3 - 3 week session. Followed by an MRI and re-evaluation.
2. Change the chemo treatments for a 3 - 3 week session. Followed by an MRI and re-evaluation.
3. Surgery and Radiation. The panel advised against both of these options as they believe the risk outweighs any possible benefit. There is a surgeon in Ohio that will perform very aggressive types of surgery that we can be referenced to should we choose. Normal and gamma radiation was not advised due to the tumor location and pervious radiation therapy he had. Should the tumor shrink then this option will be revisited. One additional medical panel has been scheduled to review proton radiation therapy that is being performed in another city.
4. Withdraw all further treatment and have hospice called in. This will give him an estimated 6 - 12 months at his current state.

Kenny, Jo and I sat down and discussed each of the options that are available and agreed that we will continue with the current chemo treatment for the next 9 weeks to determine if he shows any additional improvement. Again Kenny cannot do things the easy way. The doctor said that he has the rarest of rare type if tumor for his age. The statistical data is almost nonexistent but at the high end is roughly a 20 percent survival rate.

Kenny had blood labs drawn today and while is cell count is low, it is high enough that he MIGHT be able to skip a hospitalization this weekend. He did have a blood transfusion today and is looking better than he did this morning.

We are praying and waiting for what God has in store for us. Each day is a gift.

Prayer concerns are
Kenny’s cell count continue to increase rapidly from his last chemo session and we can skip a hospital stay
Wise counsel and decisions are made on Kenny’s behalf
Kenny continues to show improvement

Thank you for your prayers! This is difficult enough to go thru as a Christian and with the family of God surrounding us. How non-Christians deal with this storm of life we will never understand.
 

~Ken and Jo~

Kenny Update--April 10th

Kenny is doing well from his last chemo session. Thank God for high protein milkshakes! He had a weight GAIN prior to hospitalization and only loss 2 pounds during his stay. The last chemo session was not as heavy as the previous 2 and you can tell that he is rebounding from the side effect quicker than normal. Kenny was able to watch 2 of his video classes today. He is his normal happy go lucky self.
We are praying that the medical review board meeting tomorrow has wisdom and insight for Kenny’s case. We want to thanks each and every one of you for your partnership in prayer. 

~Ken and Jo~

Kenny Update--April 8th

Happy Easter! At home with  Kenny Henry!

Here's a short clip of Kenny! Enjoy! 

~Ken and Jo~

Kenny Updat--April 7th

Just meet with the doctor and this round of chemo will be completed today. We are looking at going home sometime tomorrow morning just in time to have Easter lunch. Even though this chemo session is not as strong Kenny has nausea but we have been able to get a couple of high protein milkshakes down him. Our prayer concern is for the medical board meeting next Wednesday and our follow-up with the doctor at the end of the week. We pray that everyone involved will make wise and correct decisions.
Happy Easter!

~Ken and Jo~

Matthew 28: 5 – 8
5 The angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. 6 He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay. 7 Then go quickly and tell his disciples: ‘He has risen from the dead and is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see him.’ Now I have told you.” 8 So the women hurried away from the tomb, afraid yet filled with joy, and ran to tell his disciples.

Kenny Update--April 5th

We want to thank each and every one of you for the prayers that you have made for Kenny and the family. We are back in the hospital for Kenny’s next round of chemo. He had an EKG, echo cardiogram and MRI prior to heading to the doctor’s office connected to the hospital. The preliminary results were not what we had expected. While his symptoms have improved the MRI shows that the tumor has grown in size.
Additional specialists are being brought in for consultations. There is a panel meeting scheduled for next Wednesday to discuss the situation and where to go from here.
Prayer concerns are:
Wise and correct decisions are made over the next couple of weeks.
That Kenny continues to do well.

~Ken and Jo~

Kenny Update--April 5th

Today is the new MRI, Echo Cardo, Breathing baseline test and the start of round 3 of Chemo. Praying that the discussions on the next steps with the doctors over the next couple of days are productive. — with Kenny Henry at Riley Children's Hospital North.

 ~Ken and Jo~