When you fall down, you gotta pick yourself back up

Well yesterday was a doozie. It started off well, Chris wanted to get out of the house so we journeyed to Winnfield to rent some movies and get an ice cream cone from sonic. We came home watched our movies and Chris fell asleep on the couch. My mom was here so I went into the other room to visit while he slept. Not much long after I heard a huge thud. At first I thought is was our dog Sam as he likes to just flop out on the floor but it was just to loud. I got up and there was my honey face down on the floor in a pool of blood. I am so thankful my mom who is also an RN was here. Needless to say I kinda froze  for a second and didn't know what to do but we sat him up and he was alert but then started going  out again. We grabbed a towel as he busted his chin open and applied pressure while got his head on a pillow and his feet against the wall.

He had gotten up to go the bathroom and his blood pressure just dropped too much and he fainted. After about 10 minutes he sat all they way and we helped him to the truck. I got to the emergency room in Winnfield in record time, I was so scared because he lost quite a bit of blood and seeing that his blood platelets are low to begin with  that freaked me out even more. Well when we got there he almost fainted again in the wheelchair in the waiting room while I filled out paperwork. They brought him back into the ER his blood pressure was still low so they started him on an I.V. He ended up getting five stitches and prescription for some antibiotics. So that was my day yesterday, hopefully we won't be having anymore like this again. I took a picture of his chin before stitches if anyone wants to see I added it below, although I must warn you its pretty yuck.

Prayers and love

xo

k

 

Blood Tests Results

So Chris has been feeling "OK" today he ate a little but mainly slept. I gave him a facial today and a body scrub, his  face and skin is looking a lot better, he was peeling really bad, I found body oil was more moisturizing than his lotion so I am going to stick with that from now on.  MD Anderson called back with Chris's blood test results and they said his white blood cell count was down and his platelet count was down to 80 so that's pretty low but normal with the treatment. We go again on the 1st for more labs and they said it should be back up but in the meantime he needs to be getting his rest and needs to stay away from anyone with even a little cold since his immune system is so weak right now. Everyday I wake up I still can't believe this happening, its just not something I can get used to. I hate it so much. Please keep praying.

xo

k

Cancer Financial Assistance for Louisiana Residents and Out of State Plus Chris update

So I have been filling out forms, licking envelopes, and slapping on the stamps for the last two days, I have found lots of resources, many for Louisiana Cancer Patients but also some for out of state . I will list them all below, hopefully it will help someone eles who just kind of had to start from scratch. 

Well Chris had an alright day today we took him for blood tests  and ran some errands. Although still fatigued I feel like he is feeling better this time than after the first round. I found out we have to go back early to Houston and do outpatient tests for 3 days before they actually admit him and start his BioChemotherapy. Blahhh so that means we will be gracing the halls of MD Anderson for at least 10 days this go around.  His appetite is still not back to normal but its getting better atleast. Well folks thats whats been going on.

We love you all and hope you have a nice weekend. Keep on praying.

xoxo

k

Helpful Links for Assistance:

http://www.cancercare.org/ (anywhere) Cancer Care provides small one time grants for travel costs

http://www.cancer.org/   (anywhere) The Cancer Society of America can direct you to resources in your community

http://www.benefits.gov/  (anywhere) Fill out a form here and will give you possible Government programs that can help

Louisiana Low Income Home Energy Assistance- http://www.lhfa.state.la.us/downloads/energy/liheapExpress/LIHEAPProviders.pdf

Look for your Parish and email them for an application

Louisiana Medicaid- http://www.dhh.louisiana.gov/publications.asp?ID=92

Louisiana SNAP (foodstamps)- https://webapps.dss.state.la.us/FA

Page goes directly to online application

Louisiana Weatherization Assistance Program- Will help low income families make their homes more energy efficent - http://www.lhfa.state.la.us/downloads/energy/WAPProviders_040709.pdf

Look for your Parish and email them for an application

Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program- Will help with Electricity Bills

http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/liheap/index.html

Look for your Parish and email them for an application

 Louisiana Food Commodities- Contact  mike_s@ldaf.state.la.us let him know what parish your from and he will direct you to the right resource to whom to contact for an application

Social Security Disability- 1-800-772-1213

Cancer Foundation League http://www.cancerfoundationleague.com/

Helps with one time assistance grants for residents  suffering from Cancer from Northeast Louisiana

Angel Flight- http://www.angelflight.com/ helps provide free flights for cancer patients

I have applied to most of these programs but have not heard back from any yet so cross your fingers.

If you have any other links you would like to add please do so under the comments section. Thank you.

Homeward Bound

Boomer

So we will be headed home soon. I am so happy! Although all the fluid is not off Chris yet he will continue taking his Lasix at home for the next two days.  His blood work should be back in an hour and then they should give him his discharge papers. We will probably be back here on the 10th. That will give us a two weeks back at home .  I am going to pick up Boomer our dog at Chris's sisters house on the way back he has been living there the last month, I can't wait to see him and have him back for a while. The rest of our animals have remained at home, Boomer is rather rowdy and quite the escape artist hence why we left him with Chris's sister he kinda needs extra extra  attention :) Anyways I have everything packed up and ready to go I can't wait to sleep in my own bed and I can't wait to to see Chris's progress the next go around! Well say a prayer for Chris and our trip back home.

xo

k

Side Effects

So Chris started to lose his hair this morning.. not anything noticeable but it is definitely coming out. When we get home I will shave it down to the scalp. I guess being a man during chemo is a lot different than if you are a women. I would be FREAKING out if my hair started to fall out but  for us ladies our hair is our crowning glory it's something that defines us and is something we  can utilize to change our whole appearance, not that men aren't finicky when it comes their locks, Chris just isn't. He usually shaves his head in the summer time not to mention he was in the Military so he is used to it.  His skin is also peeling and coming off in large pieces but that's just another side effect of the treatment. The poor thing. They still haven't started him on anything to get all the fluid off, he is bigger today than he was yesterday. They are still waiting for his blood pressure to  come up and most likely will start Lasix this evening. I visited the social services here in the hospital this morning and they are trying to help me with some transportation issues. There is a possibility in the future we might can be able to fly to Houston thru a service called Angel Flights, pilots donate their time and personal planes for cancer patients to help with costs of traveling. How generous is that? Hopefully they have some volunteers in Alexandria or Shreveport.  When I mentioned the idea to Chris I don't know if he was that keen on it.. I think the idea of maybe getting air sick might be throwing him off.  Honestly its expensive to drive here in our truck and I have to do all the driving and the drive rattles my nerves but on the other side of things, we are only 5 hours away, people travel here from all around the world, we are very lucky in that aspect so I shouldn't complain. I also need to get into touch with the Cancer Society to see what other programs we are available for.  I am happy to report I haven't been freaking out near as much and by freaking out I mean uncontrollable sobbing.  I know in my heart Chris is going to be a part of that 12% that makes it and I know It will take me a while to get everything straightened out financially but I will get it done. I can't wait to go home its a possibility for tomorrow evening or the next day. Hopefully tomorrow, I miss my animals and my house. Well loves that's whats going on. As always thank you for taking the time out to read about us and please say a prayer.

xo

k

Stay Puft Marshmallow Man ?

OK well maybe my title is exaggerating a little bit...

but I must say my poor baby's body is extremely swollen. They won't start lasix  for removal of fluid until tomorrow because they don't want his blood pressure becoming any lower today. Yesterday was his last day of Chemotherapy and today is his last day of Immunotherapy with  the IL-2. The next two days will be  spent under observation and getting the fluid off of him.  If you don't know Chris, he is long and lean and came in this go around at around 182 pounds, this morning they weighed him in at 205. Yikes!

Chris's hand 

Notice Chris's elbow he can't even bend it he's got so much fluid on him

                                 

I really like our doctor this go around not that I didn't like our last Doctor but Dr. Davies really seems to have a positive attitude and makes me feel better about the situation. When we first came here Dr. Patel told us  Melanoma was incurable. But Doctor Davies says with the IL-2 (part of the Immunotherapy) there is a 12%  CURE rate. I would have taken 0.0000000001% chance. I think that is a good thing. The Thing about the IL-2 is that not a lot of people can handle it. It's extremely Toxic and dangerous for anyone who does not have a strong respiratory or cardiovascular system.  Today the nurses told Chris he has some of the strongest lungs they have ever come across..kinda weird seeing he was a pack a day kinda man but wonderful news nonetheless.

My mom was here all this weekend she kept me company while Chris slept.  I was so happy to have her here. No matter how old I get the comfort that  I feel from my mother never fails to literally feel like a warm blanket wrapping me up. I love her so much.





My mumsy and Me

Yesterday Mom and I went to the observation deck to eat lunch and we accidentally stumbled upon a BINGO game in progress. She won twice! She won a small quilt and pillow and a 5.00 gift certificate to the gift shop. But seeing there are no losers I also received a prize after Bingo, another 5.00 gift certificate. So that was a nice and fun distraction. There wasn't much in the gift shop under 5.00 but mom managed to find her a pretty chain that you hang your reading glasses off and I found a pretty beaded bracelet. Next door to the gift shop there is a Flower shop, I couldn't help but take this picture, mind you all they have there is flowers, balloons and plants ...

I got a real kick outta that one. Anyways  I will end it here. Thank you for reading ,praying, and following us on this journey.

All my love

xo

k

Lung Tumor Before and After 1st Treatment with BioChemotherapy

                      

                       BEFORE                                                          AFTER

Pretty Awesome huh? This makes me happy now it needs to Disappear forever! 

xo

k                     

Just Venting..

Well today Chris is pretty much out of it. I forced him to drink 3 sips of milkshake and he ate 4 bites of jello. He is starting to retain fluid as I notice his face is starting to get puffy. I can't tell you how hard it is not to be able to do anything for him to make him feel better. His blood pressure is a little bit up from yesterday. His bottom number had been running around 40 but is now up to 50. He has a bright green bracelet on his wrist that says high risk for fall. I don't think he has been up since we have gotten here not even to go to the bathroom. I have spent most of the morning watching episodes of "The Bic C" a program on Showtime that tells the story of a lady who also has Stage 4 Melanoma, in the first season she refuses Chemo or any treatment because she does not want her hair to fall out, among other reasons... I am only on the third episode but its kinda funny and endearing all at once I believe in the 2nd season she starts taking treatments. I wish Chris were up to watching it but all he wants to do is sleep. I have so much paperwork for his SSI and his Insurance company to do but I need him awake to help me to do it as alot of the questions are about his past jobs. I guess I will get to it when he feels a little better. I found out online yesterday that his Ambulance ride here the first time cost over 4,000 and Insurance only covered a few hundred dollars of it, I don't  quite understand why, they wouldn't let him leave by any other means. We asked them if we could just take him via car but they said we couldn't. I guess I am really not worried about it, I was just appalled at how little the insurance paid. I am really lost when it comes to finding out programs for Chris to utilize while there is no income coming in. SSI is going to take forever and I got a note saying they are going to have to do some more investigating into his actual case and he will only be able to get it if it is definite he terminal or he will not be able to work for the next year. Plus the 20 plus more pages of questions he has to fill out before they even start doing so. Why would they make it so hard for people that are so sick?  Next I need to find out about any VA programs that Chris may be eligible for also maybe Food stamps. I hate having to do these things. I hate that I don't have a job that I would be able to support us and be able to be Chris's caretaker at the same time. If anyone knows of any programs and could guide me to the right places I would appreciate it ALOT. I have a million things to do and all I want to do is just hold my baby's hand and just tell him everything is going to be ok. My mom is coming to visit us today here in the hospital and I can't wait to see her and have someone to talk to while I am here. Anyways keep the prayers coming and I apologize in advance for all my venting. I love you all.

xo

k

Great News

 Well we arrived to the hospital yesterday morning we didn't have far to drive as we arrived to Houston the night before and spent the night with my cousins Adrian and Carolina (Thank you guys for everything!!!)  Before being admitted Chris had to go get a chest X ray and have an appointment with his Dr.

Waiting for Dr. Patel (I told him to smile but he wouldn't listen! I don't blame him.. )

While at the Doctors appointment they examined his tumors that were visible and said that they had shrunk and that was very good sign that his treatments were working! The bad news was Chris's tumor did not carry the BRAF mutation which if you remember I mentioned earlier BRAF is a mutation that is sometimes found in Tumors and they have figured out a way to treat tumors with the BRAF mutation with just drugs and not all this Chemo and Immunotherapy. Although they said his tumor did carry the NRAS mutation but I don't think there was much they could do with that, as where Chris's tumor was located and they really didn't divulge much more information about it. Next we were sent to admissions where we received the room we would be living in for the next 7 days.

Chris relaxing in the new room

Although smaller than the last room we had the view is alot nicer.

You can see the 1/2 mile MD Anderson Skywalk also in the view not pictured is the Chapel directly below us and the parking Garage directly to the right




 
OK enough with views and rooms and blah blah blah lets get to the good news!

This morning the Doctor came in and told us normally they don't look at any results until after the 2nd treatment but they did look at Chris's chest xray and he said they were really pleased and it had really shrunk although they didn't say how much.. later I will ask the nurse practitioner if we can see pictures! That wonderful wonderful WONDERFUL news everyone. I just know if his lung tumor  is  shrinking his Sinus tumor has to be shrinking too! The reason they don't normally check the progress of the tumors until after the 2nd treatment is because their normally isn't any progress after the first treatment and I assume they don't want to tell the patient right off the bat.."Well nothings happening yet.." and get everyone involved discouraged. 

Well Chris started his Biochemotherapy yesterday and has been taking to it well so far, only the normal side effects. His blood pressure is pretty low but they are monitoring it well. I just want to thank everyone for all their prayers! Things are looking up for the first time since this has started and don't want to get my hopes up too much but I am very excited that small piece of good news this morning. I am proud to say Chris has prayers coming in from all around the world and that is AWESOME!

We love you all so much!

xo

k

Dread and Hope among a million other feelings

Oh geez I don't want to do this again. I am all packed up and ready to go to Houston. Chris is napping right now and I am just enjoying my last few hours here at home. At least we wont be gone as long as we were gone last time. Should be a week or less . I am so thankful I have someone to watch my house and pets, that's a REAL relief. I am just dreading the drive and just doing this all over again.  I keep praying that when we get there the Doctors will say, "Mrs. Verzwyvelt we can't believe this but all the cancer is gone, its a Miracle, you can take your husband home now".... Wouldn't that be Awesome?  I know this is just the beginning of this fight but I am already so tired. I am so frustrated feeling  this mass of feelings that range from Anger to Sadness to Hope. I am scared honestly. I am scared that the chemo treatments wont work, I am scared that cancer will take the man I love, I am scared he will be in pain, I am scared that I don't know what the future will hold but I guess no one does and I have to quit worrying about it because I don't know. I keep saying to myself everything is going to be OK and I pray so hard till I can't pray anymore and that is all I can do. I have been reading my bible that my friend Mandi gave me  and I keep the prayer cloth that my cousin Shontell gave us on Chris at all times these things give me hope and comfort.
I am happy to say that one of Chris's tumors that is visible under the skin under is shoulder blade is visibly down at least by 60% I would say. I don't know if I ever blogged about that tumor but when Chris was in the hospital at Cabrini he had several Melanomas just pop up in the fatty layer of the skin a couple on his head, one on his neck, one under his shoulder blade and one on his side. I actually have a picture of 2 that they removed one from his neck and one from his head if you would like to see them. Its just a tiny bit gross but I will link the pics below.

Removing 2 small Melanomas for Biopsy

Normally the tissue from Melanomas are Gray or Black the lady who removed them said this was the first time ever she had seen them pink/fleshy colored.. I wonder if that is a good thing?

Chris having his neck Stitched back up

Anyways that's the news!  I feel better getting some feelings out on here. I just gotta suck it up and deal with and let God handle the rest.

Love you all.

xo
k

Nice Weekend and Very Random Pictures

So if you didn't notice I took the weekend off from the blog. I needed a little break! We had a nice weekend and had visitors galore. Its so nice to be surrounded by family and friends. I just wanted to thank everyone for all the love and support. Chris has been doing well the past few days, we are leaving tomorrow for Houston, we are going to spend the night with my cousins and then Wednesday morning we will hit the hospital for the next 7 days. I thought I would post a few random pics for you guys, I am normally a picture taking machine but haven't been taking too many here in the last few weeks I regret all the missed family picture opportunities I have had but I am sure I will have plenty more opportunities when we get back home, I haven't fixed the date stamp on my photos I am still working on it!

I recieved this pin from my sister in law and its true. Cancer Sucks!

No its not Wasabi and Pickled Ginger its Spinach Ice Cream with a little watermelon! We had so much extra spinach left over I had to do something with it, it DELICIOUS and does not taste like Spinach! I will give you the recipe at the end of this blog!





Chris napping and if you look close our White kitty Angel is snuggled against him he has diligently laid with Chris day and night :)

Pretty Flowers adorning my dresser thanks to Susan, Vanessa, Leah and Aunt Lorna Thank you so much ladies!

 Spinach Ice Cream

2 cups of Spinach lightly packed (FRESH!!!!)
2 cups of ice
3/4 coconut milk (can substitute regular milk or soy milk for this)
1/4 coconut cream
2/3 cup powdered milk

Throw this in the blender and go to town. Serve immediately or store in freezer for up to a week. It tastes like Coconut ice cream but you get all the benefits of Spinach!

Well my loves that's whats been going on. We love you all so much thank you for everything and thank you for reading.

xo
k

Red Beans and Rice

Well I heard back from MD Anderson about Chris's blood tests  from yesterday and the nurse said there was nothing of concern and everything seems to be OK for now. So that's great news.  Chris also had a phone interview with the Social Security Dept this morning and the good news is I am pretty sure he will qualify, the bad news it takes 5 months to get stuff started... ACK! And no backpay.. Something just seems very wrong about that but we will take what we can get! In other news Chris ate 3 bowls of red beans and rice for lunch.. ha! So I can now conclude that his appetite is all the way back :D We also got a new phone fedexed to us today, I can't BELIEVE I washed our cell phone yesterday and we already got a replacement, it was literally a Friday Verizon Miracle. Anyways I hope everyone has a fun safe weekend, keep us in your prayers and thoughts.

xo

K

Note to self: Cellphones and Washing Machines don't mix

I can't believe it's already Thursday! This week has gone by entirely way too fast.  Today Chris is feeling  and looking so Good, we headed to Natchitoches for blood testing and  I ran a few errands. The rain today was a blessing as I didn't have to drive Chris around in the heat  and I don't have to worry about watering my plants this evening. Yippie!  My sister and mom visited most of the day and we caught up with some movies we hadn't seen yet. Chris's appetite is slowly coming back as I caught him rummaging the pantry  lol.  So all in all today was a nice day minus me accidentally washing our cell phone.. Ack!

As usual, Thank you all SO much for the prayers and love.

And a big  Thank You to whoever sent us a gift in the mail, there was no note or return address on the envelope it was only post marked from Tennessee. We appreciate it so much.

xoxo
k

Feeling a little better

Laying here next to Chris I wish so hard that I could have this moment forever, he is sleeping sweetly while the TV hums in the background...  Today was a good day for him we had lots of visitors and he ate more than he has in days, including  half of a snickers! The day started out with a visit from my Daddy he brought us a Watermelon it was perfectly ripe and it fed all the visitors who were to come. Chris's sister Susan stopped by next and then came my beautiful mother, my friend Connie, and then our friends Kevin and Kim. It was really nice having our family and friends here today it made the day pass along nice and kept Chris in wonderful spirits.
I have noticed his hands and feet are returning back to their normal color hopefully the rest of his body will follow soon. (My sweet little lobster. :D)
He was only nauseous once today as I am trying to beat the nausea with meds before it hits him. I made him some yummy veggie soup with enough Garlic to kill an army of vampires he seemed to enjoy  it as I got him to eat 2 mugs full. I like seeing him feeling better it makes me sad when he's feeling sick. Well that's the story my morning glories. Keep us in your prayers and thoughts.

More love than you'll ever know
xo
k

Home Sweet Home

Well we made it back home last night, sorry I didn't update sooner but I was so exhausted physically and mentally that I pretty much went to sleep not much longer after getting home. My sweet momma disinfected my house so I wouldn't have to worry about anything after not being here in practically the last month and much to my surprise my Daddy put this pretty red tin backing behind my sink and countertops in my kitchen, i love it! I also received a package from my friend Mandi she sent us a beautiful bible and a note that was so sweet and endearing that it just made me cry. She highlighted verses about healing and comfort and I read them all aloud to Chris last night. She also shared our story with her friends and they made a donation to Chris's love fund at Sabine State Bank and I just can't Thank them enough. It was truly just such an amazing gift of  love and support. Thank you so much Everybody every prayer and every dollar helps us tremendously.

So today I made an appointment for lab work for Chris and have been writing down everything I do so I don't forget (what time I give medicines.. vital signs.. etc) I flushed one of his pic lines today but the other one is not cooperating, I will let my mom who is a RN have a go at it and if not I will have to call the infusion therapy and see what I need to do.

It feels really nice to be at home but a little scary too. I keep thinking what if something happens?!? There is no button to press for the nurse or doctor!
Chris is resting and seems happy, our dog Sam was so happy to see him although I think the cats are impartial lol. I wish we didn't have to go back to the hospital and this was it and Chris was done but its not the case. I opened my shop back up for this week while we are at home, I have my own small independent makeup line that I hand make everything so if your interested in that you can order at http://www.simplykendra.com/.

Please keep praying for Chris and please pray for me too. Everytime I get on the Internet I cannot help but look up Metastatic Melanoma and everything I read is so disheartening. BUT Chris will not be a statistic I know in my heart he will be that case that confounds science.
I love you all
xoxo

k

Still here..

Well we had hoped to be on the road by now but they needed another day to observe Chris. His blood pressue had been running  around  80/45 the last few days and they just could not let him leave with it being so low but  today it has been slowly rising and his blood count is up. The doctor just came in and said everything was looking good and hopefully we can head home tomorrow.
I  am happy to annonunce I can now take care of Chris's pic line while at home  I changed the cap, flushed the line, and changed his dressing yesterday.

Look at that purty dressing

We will be home until the 19th as we return for the second round July 20th for approximately a week. While at home we will still have to get his labs done, so Monday I need to find a place for us to start going.

I know alot of you especially our family like to see a pic of Chris on here from time to time  but as many of you probably already know he hates having his picture taken but I snuck this shot in yesterday for you guys :)

you better guarantee he is gonna be mad I put this picture up!

Apparently my camera not only decided upon itself to start date stamping my pictures but its putting the wrong date and year in also! I am going to have to figure out how to fix that....hmph :)

Oh and before I forget to mention it we just wanted to thank our friends in Arkansas, Jeff and Stephanie Greer for having a Fund Raiser/Garage Sale for Chris, that was so Awesome. Thank you guys so very much. Much love and thanks coming your way.
Anyways cross your fingers we can leave tomorrow and send all your good wishes and prayers this way.

xoxo

k

Dear 16-year-old Me

Last Day of Immunotherapy

Today is Chris's last day of immunotherapy!  He is still having all of the same side effects.. fever.. low blood pressure.. and it looks like he is burned from his head to his toes :( BUT we hope to be discharged by Saturday. The doctor came in this morning and he told us they were really pleased with how well Chris has withstood all the treatments seeing how strong they were! So in my opinion, thats wonderful news, I just know in my heart that his tumors are shrinking.
If everything goes well we will be at home for 8 days and then will return July 20th where he will undergo his second round of Biochemo.  This next round will end up being about 5 days worth but the effects will be worse as they will doing the chemo and immunotherapy at the same time instead of seperating them.  They seperated them this time because they needed to know how his body would react and they wanted to keep down all the swelling because the tumor in his head would have not been able to withstand it. Tomorrow I will change the dressing and flush the line of Chris's pic line in front of a nurse so hopefully I wont stumble, I know it all but hate feeling that I am under pressure so cross your fingers for me! Last night my cousin Laurette took me out for dinner for some TexMex and it really did me a world of good to get out of this hospital even just for a couple of hours, I had a great time, she really cheers me up so that was so nice.  I made an appointment with a social worker today so hopefully one will show up to the room later today or tomorrow I need to find out about Social Security Disability and all that Non fun paperwork stuff. Blahhhh is how I feel... I can't wait to sleep in my own bed.  My mom told me someone mowed our grass and when I asked around to my family no one there did it so I assume a neighbor probably did, how awesome is that? They even went around my newly planted banana plants and red canna, THAT makes me even more happy! ha. So thank you to whoever did that, it was so thoughtful. My mom was going to come this weekend but I told her not to bother since we will most likely be home Saturday, I hate for her to just drive here for one day, what is the sense in that, am I right? Although I can't tell you how much I want and need a Mommy hug right now!!! Well thats all that's going on right now thanks for reading, thanks for praying, and thanks for all the donations, we really appreciate it more than you will ever know.
xo

k

We are so blessed to have all of you in our lives. Thank you.

Well today I finished taking my class to clean and flush Chris PIC line. I couldn't help but notice there were nothing but women in my class and they were all wives to the patient.. I wondered if  more Men get Cancer than women so I googled it and found that actually more women get cancer than men but women are more apt to survive.. interesting stuff.  Anyways this is Chris's third day on the immunotherapy and he has been such a good patient. His skin is red and his blood pressure is low but he is handling it like a champ.  I am so happy we will be out of here soon, it will be such a relief to be home for a while.  I just don't think I could have made it without the help of my family and friends. From late night cries to my mom and sister to my kind cousins here in Houston. Thank you for all the visits Laurette and all the love and helping me with just EVERYTHING from accommodating Chris's family to bringing me some of the best Texas BBQ ever and just being here for me I love you so much and appreciate you more than you will ever know. Thank you Adrian and Carolina for visiting us and keeping us in good spirits, thank you for your generosity and love, we love you guys so much. We are so blessed to have family here that we love and loves us. To the rest of our family and friends thank you for the prayers, visits, and love I don't have enough space to  type everyones names  but we have had so so soooo much support. We love you all. Keep reading, keep praying and I will keep updating everyone.

xo
k

Immunotherapy Day 2

Today is Chris's second day of the immune therapy. He's  been having some chills and flu like symptoms but this is normal. The skin on his body is also turning really red and dry so after his shower tonight I am going to slather him down with some lotion.

I tried to get him to come up to the observation deck last night, as Houston put on a big fireworks show for the 4th but he wasn't feeling up to it so I went up there by myself and  honestly I wish I hadn't. Imagine a room crowded full of cancer patients with their IV poles. Now imagine  this woman wondering the room playing and singing the saddest folk music ever. Needless to say I departed before the fireworks were over. It was way too depressing and I couldn't help but thinking this would be some of the patients last 4th of July... ugh.
On a happier note about an hour later I heard more fireworks going off and this time I could see them from our room and they were just beautiful.

Anyways this morning I went to a class to learn how to flush out Chris's PIC line and how to properly dress the area in between Chemo sessions while we are at home. I have one more class tomorrow and then I will perform it for the infusion nurse, Thursday,  on Chris.  I also went and did Laundry this afternoon here at the hospital and if I didn't tell you it was a small world I would be lying. I met a lady from Columbia Louisiana which isn't that far from where we live and this past weekend my sister in law ran into a client from the Salon she works at who is just down the hall from us! Crazy huh?

Well that's whats going on. I continue to pray and ask you to do the same.

xoxo
k

End of Chemo Day 4 and Beginning of Immunotherapy

Well Chris had his last dose of Chemo last night and today at 12:30 pm he started his immunotherapy. He is receiving injections of Interferon Alfa

in his stomach  and is on a 24 hour drip of Aldesleukin both are extremely powerful immune boosting therapies. He has had chills and has been running a low grade fever for the last few hours but seems to be alright as of right now. theses are common side effects. His sister and nephew came for a visit which made Chris happy and me happy as well. I needed all those hugs. Anyways hope everyone is having a nice Fourth of July.

Chris and his sister Susan

xo

k

Chemo Day 3

Well today Chris has been feeling very tired and has been feeling very nauseous I hate watching my strong husband feeling so bad. This morning he coughed up a big clot of blood and the Doctor said that was a good thing and most likely one of the tumors breaking up. He ate a light breakfast and I ordered him lunch but its still sitting there. His sister and our nephew are coming to visit today so hopefully that will liven the place of a little more. As I walk the hospital halls it is so sad to see all the cancer patients from children to the old, its such a horrible disease and it does not discriminate.  I have been looking up things to do when we go home for the week for boosting his immune system, I will talk to the doctor before I leave for more ideas, I also think we will be doing some meditation and guided imagery. Tonight will be the last night for his chemo and then he will start on his Immune Therapy and this is what's going to kick his ass, lots of  super yucky side effects but he shall prevail. I have faith that everything will be alright so keep those prayers and love coming in.

xo
k

Chemo Day 2

So I don't know how people cope with these kind of situations. I feel hopeful one minute and then I break down the next second. I went to the chapel here at the hospital last night in hopes to talk to someone but no one was there ( in the physical sense anyway) So I just sat down and prayed for a while. I know it upsets Chris when I cry and I try not to do it in front of him but I can't help it sometimes. I just feel so so so scared.

Anyways enough with me, last night was Chris's second round of Chemo he is feeling pretty nauseous and tired as he has slept most of the day. They give him a series of 3 drugs everynight 2 via the IV and 1 in pill form. His Chemo currently involves the following Drugs
Vinblastine


Temozolomide


Cisplatin


Yesterday I was able to get Chris to eat and even go on an in hospital excursion  with me and my cousins to the observation floor for a really nice view of the Houston area.

View from the Observation deck at MD Anderson

Chris wasn't in much of a picture mood yesterday

 Today I am not going to force him too eat much  or go anywhere if he does not want to. He ate a yogurt parfait  this morning so that was good and in a few hours I will order him some soup or something light for him.  On  a  MUCH  lighter note the Food is really quite good here unlike Cabrini. You have room service and can order anything you want at anytime and in 45 minutes a man dressed like a butler delivers it to your room, it's kinda funny.

This was taken a few days ago when Chris was enjoying food and before Chemo

Nice... LOL

Well my loves thats the news.
Thanks for reading and commenting and sharing our blog we hope this helps everyone feel more intuned with whats going on, it certainly helps me on several different levels.

Keep Praying.
xo
k

Pictures of Sinus and Lung Tumor

The Following are pictures from Chris's MRI's of his Sinus Tumor and one of his Lung Tumor. We were told there were 2 tumors in the sinus but I only see unless they are just squashed together and now I see why BC Powder wasn't treating that headache. My poor baby :(

Extremely Large Tumor in Sinus Cavity

Mass in the Lung

Day 1 Chemo

Well Chris started his chemotherapy last night and suffered no ill side effects  even thought he felt a slight bit less pressure in the tumors in his sinus cavity. So that's a wonderful thing. I like how they are administrating  the therapy at night so he can sleep during alot of it. Right now he is taking a stress test to see how the first dose affected his heart as the drugs are strong and affect all the vital organs negatively.
Everything feels so surreal. I wake up in the morning and I just can't believe this isn't a bad dream. I have lots of Faith in Chis fighting this . Aside from Cancer, Chris is extremely healthy and strong and his attitude is so positive, he is just so amazing and I just love him so much. I keep saying everything is going to be alright and I can't do anything but believe it.

xo

k