Kenny Update--July 29th

There is so much to update you with Kenny and his current cancer battle. The Proton Therapy ended on Wednesday after 39 treatments. The type of radiation that he received is still active and will be for a while longer. Sunburns started to appear on his neck Friday and while uncomfortable are being treated. The chemo doctor wanted to have an MRI performed Thursday to h

elp him determine what direction to continue with chemo treatment. I was initially opposed to having the MRI since most of the medical advice we were given said that it would be 4 - 6 weeks after Proton treatment before a good baseline could be done. The largest concern was that the tumor could appear larger if the tumor was dying off or if the Proton Therapy did not work. The other possibility was that the tumor would be the same size and it would be difficult to determine why. So we agreed to have the MRI performed with the full intent of ignoring whatever results were given to us.

Much to our surprise and relief the tumor has shrunk from the original post operation de-bulking procedure. Yes shrunk. This is an answer to many prayers and petitions lifted up on our behalf. This is the first measurable medical evidence that any of the treatments he has received has stopped the cancers progression. While we are quietly celebrating the news and waiting for the next scheduled MRI there is also some unfortunate news to add. While the tumor has shrunk there is also evidence that there has been some damage to the brain near the area of the tumor. The tumor de-bulking operation that Kenny had in May was to give some space between the brain and the tumor. This would allow for a lighter Proton dose and give some additional space to minimize the beams from hitting the brain at full power. The brain damage will not be visible immediately and we are not going to know the extent for several months to come. This was a known risk that was discussed with all of us before we started any of the treatments.

So the current plan is Kenny will re-start chemo tomorrow for an additional 3-3week session. We will have another MRI in about 6 weeks and we will continue to pray.

Praises
Gods answer to prayers.
A smaller tumor.
Some calm from this storm in our lives.

Prayer concerns
That the brain damage will be very light and we provide Kenny with the proper post procedure treatments.
The remaining cancer cells are killed by the chemo.

Thank you one and all for the difference you have made in our lives. This storm in our lives has been made more bearable by your prayers and encouragement. 

~Ken and Jo~ 

Kenny Update--July 25

Kenny's last day at Proton Therapy!

~Ken and Jo~ 

Kenny Update – July 19th

It has been a while since we have posted any updates. Attending Bible Bowl nationals last week and getting back into life’s schedule has left little free time.
We are in Bloomington at the moment at the Proton Therapy Center. The current schedule is for Kenny to complete the last of the proton treatments next Wednesday. There have been a few very minor issues that have developed over the last few weeks. Kenny’s throat has burned some from the radiation field and it has been uncomfortable for him to swallow. It has been more like a continuous score throat. He is still losing weight; not as fast as it had been thanks to Jo but still an issue that is closely being monitored. I think Kenny is starting to have nightmares of his Mom chasing after him with multiple high protein milk shakes in hand telling him to wash down his saliva with another drink. His smell and taste are non-existent so there is really nothing that he enjoys eating. Add to that his decreased appetite from chemo and it has the potential to be a perfect storm. The saving grace is Kenny’s age and willingness to eat/drink more than he really wants.

Kenny had two full weeks of chemo and is on an off week this week. The schedule is for him to continue the current chemo for 3 additional 3 week cycles.

Prayer concerns
Kenny’s weight loss.
All of the cancer cells have to be destroyed either from Proton or chemo treatments for this fight to be successful.
5 months into treatment and there is still a very long road ahead.

Praises
Proton Therapy was made available for Kenny’s case.
Kenny is finishing a science project this week – he will finish his school year before the deadline.
The medical staff that have worked so hard to get us to this point in time.
God’s provisions in a difficult storm of life.
The prayers and support that we have received. We really do not know where we would be had it not been for all of the intervention.

~Ken and Jo~

Kenny Update – July 5th

Proton Treatment #25 completed today with 15 more to go. Kenny also has received Chemo each day this week. Tomorrow after his proton treatment he will be heading to the hospital to get his monthly pneumonia preventative breathing treatment, chemo and he will have new blood labs drawn to check his levels.

All in all – it is going well. So having said all of that it appears that I will be heading to Bible Bowl Nationals this weekend with Pop, Julie and Ben.

Prayer concerns
His weight is down; however his enzyme levels are in a safe range.
Some minor issues have appeared and are being monitored.
Blood counts are good tomorrow and chemo is able to continue next week.
The patience ‘thing’ is a tough act with me. We are not going to know how effective this treatment has been for about 9 more weeks.

Praises
Kenny ate almost one whole hot dog in a bun yesterday evening and a small handful of potato chips. He repeated it again at lunch today. Funny how this is a praise.
Other than losing energy quickly – Kenny is doing extremely well.
Kenny is making good progress on his remaining school work. There is light at the end of the tunnel and it is not the train.

Thank you one and all for your continued prayers on our behalf. You have and are making a difference. 

~Ken and Jo~