The Cancer Diaries

Meeting with the Anesthesiologist today

2012-01-25T05:07:00.000-08:00

Well we are back in Houston and Chris has an appointment with the anesthesiologist this morning. He should have surgery tomorrow sometime as long as everything looks good to go! He has been feeling good but still tires very easy. I know its discouraging for him not to have his strength back but as I remind him everyday just 3 months ago you could hardly make it out of the bed. It will take time! Chris is so excited about being able to have this tumor removed and I am too. Anyways wish us luck and keep Chris in your prayers.
Love you all!
xo
k

Endoscopic Surgery

2012-01-05T20:29:00.000-08:00

Sorry I haven't updated this sooner but on our last visit to Houston, Chris ended up with another appointment before we left with the head and neck surgeon, Dr. Hanna.
They discussed removing his sinus tumor and decided on Endoscopic Surgery for the 26th of this month. My birthday is on the 25th so I am considering this a birthday present for my soul and mind. I am so ecstatic that the tumor is now small enough to for them to be able to operate. The Doctor said there were no hot spots on Chris's MRI and the tumor appears to be dead but we are going back to Houston tomorrow for a new catscan and another Brain MRI. This new MRI will show sections spliced in the opposite way to give the Doctor a clear view of the bones and nerves near Chris's tumor. He said it was good the tumor had receded upwards towards the front of his head because before it much to close to some arteries and inoperable. He told Chris the reason for his headaches is probably because of exposed bone in the sinus cavity. Normally the bones would be covered with tissue and mucous but the Chemo probably killed that tissue as Chemo not only kills cancer cells but normal cells as well. We failed to ask if it would grow back. I will be sure to remember to ask that on the next trip to the head and neck center. Chris is so happy to be able to get this out of his head! Dr. Hanna assured Chris though if he saw anything that might be a risk he wouldn't chance it and won't do the surgery. The tumor is very close to the optic nerve but as of now he does not see a problem I guess we will know after he looks at the scans that they will be doing tomorrow. I can't believe its been almost 8 months since this began. Its been one heck of roller coaster ride but things just seem to be looking up now and I pray that they continue that way. Life and my perspective on things have changed so dramatically. I hate that it took my husband having Cancer for me to appreciate life and my love ones in a way I can't explain. It took my husband having Cancer for me to experience a closer relationship with God than I have ever had before and for me to truly never ever take anything for granted. I have found that I had more friends than I ever thought I had and I have experienced complete true kindness from friends and strangers alike. I have said it a million times but I feel so blessed beyond words for all of you. Thank you for that.
xo
k

Gamma Ray Knife

2012-01-02T10:42:00.000-08:00

Well today started early, we got to the hospital at 6:30am. Chris was first taken in and fitted with a Halo, they don't screw this into the skull but into the skin. It looked like it hurt but Chris assured me it didn't he just felt alot of pressure and while he was being pushed around in a wheelchair he thought he looked like Magneto from X-men LOL. I was thinking more along the lines of Hannibal Lector...

Next he was given another brain MRI that took smaller splices in case any other tumors were present. No new tumors! Yay! Chris then finally went in and received his treatment.

He told me he didn't even know it had started until a voice across the microphone said 4 minutes remaining. I am so happy that this was an easy treatment for him. When he was finished they observed him for a little while and gave him some steroids to prevent swelling in the brain. We have to stick around Houston for the next 24 hours to make sure everything is OK and then we will be able to get back home to our kitties and doggies :D Next thing we need to find out about is what in the heck are they going to do with this tumor in his sinus. Its still there and it gives Chris bad headaches. It hasn't appeared to grown and has shrunk ALOT, enough they should be able to get it out. So that's where Chris stands right now. Thank you everyone for the prayers and for keeping up with our blog!
xo
Kendra

Visit with the Neurosurgeon, Christmas, and all that good stuff

2011-12-30T08:37:00.000-08:00

So we just got back again from Md Anderson yesterday Evening. On the 27th Chris met with Dr. Amy Heimberger where she went over the MRI scans of his brain. She explained his 3 options for the removal of his brain mets. Option one: Surgery, she explained alot of people just want it out ASAP but there ran some small risks of infection. Option 2: Full Brain radiation. I don't even know why this was an option honestly but she didn't push it. Option 3: Gamma Ray Knife which is a pinpointed laser of radiation that destroys tumors within approx 3 months time.

This is the plan Chris is going with. Since his tumor is small there is a 95% success rate for this procedure to eradicate his tumor. And I don't know about you, but I like those kind of odds!! We go back to the Hospital Sunday for them to put an IV in for Chris then on Monday (Jan 2) he will have the procedure. Then we have to stick around Houston another 24 hours before being able to go home. I can't tell you how thankful I am for my cousins who always graciously take us in, they are Awesome. As soon as we got out of the neurosurgeons office we ran into Stacey and her sister Robin who is also going through this Melanoma roller coaster. I was happy for Chris to meet Robin and it felt good to give Stacey a hug. They have been through so much and I ask everyone to continue to pray for them as they pray for us.

The next day Chris went to his audiologist appointment, no change in his hearing loss, but I do believe the ringing in his ears hasn't been as bad then we took a trip to the MOHS dermatology clinic where they took more samples of moles that proved atypical a couple of months ago. So I really hope they come back OK this go around. We really want to go visit the Melanoma floor to see all our nurses from Chemo but I think Chris wants his scans to be completely clean so he show off, at least that's what I say. I miss those ladies, especially our Nurse practitioner, Jessie. She was the best. Anyways that was our hospital news! We had such a wonderful Christmas and I can truly say that I have been calm and not" freaking out" like I usually am, and I know its because of prayers. Thank you! In between our hospital appointments we got in some good visits with all my cousins. We drove down with my Aunt Lorna and I enjoyed her company so much during our stay and on the drive Its nice to change things up every once in a while! Well I just wanted to update everyone on whats going on. I hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas and will have a very Happy New Year. I am ready to put this past year behind us look forward to a new year of Chris healing and getting better!

Love you all

6 months of BioChemotherapy results

2011-12-22T15:41:00.000-08:00

Honestly the following is just a copy and paste of my facebook status from yesterday. I am terribly sick with the flu I must have picked up a bug at MD Anderson and I have to stay away from my honey so he doesn't get sick :(

Well we didn't exactly hear the news we wanted to hear but this is whats going on. His lung tumor is almost gone its just a small spot now. His sinus tumor has shrunk considerably. They think both are most likely dead and that is the remaining tissue. They have found a spot on his brain. It is very small the size of a half of a pea. The radiologist wasn't even convinced it was a melanoma. BUT it wasn't there his last scan and its where melamomas like to take up residence in the brain. Biochemo treats the whole body but not the brain. We will meet with a neuro surgeon next week for a consultation and then they will perform pinpoint radiation (gamma knife)and zap it. His Dr. thinks that a small piece of his sinus tumor must have broke off and went to the brain. Dr. Patel says the procedure is very effective. The next step after that would be removing the remaining sinus tumor. Well we are headed home. Thank you for the prayers, please continue to keep us on those prayerlists. It could have been much worse news and I am thankful that his tumors were not still active and that no other tumors besides the one in his brain have metasized anywhere eles. Today has been stressful but atleast I know where Chris stands.

Dear God..

2011-12-16T20:39:00.000-08:00

Dear God.
First and foremost I want to thank you for all the wonderful blessings you have bestowed upon me throughout my life. Thank you for giving me parents who cared for me and thank you for rest of my family and friends who mean so much to me. I truly don't deserve all that I have. Forgive me for the wrongs I have done throughout my life and all the mistakes that I will make in the future. Right now I am coming to you on my knees and asking you that you take care of my husband. I am a complete wreck and am so scared about his upcoming hospital trip. Please God if it's in your will please lay your hands on Chris and heal him of this horrible disease. Please take away our fear and be with us as you have been during this dark period of our lives. God thank you for sending Chris to me. He is truly my best friend and love of my life. Through prayer and love we have overcome so many obstacles throughout our marriage. Please let me be able to keep Chris here on this Earth. I just can't imagine not growing old with him and not having a family with him. My heart aches so bad when I think about him not being here. I just don't know if I will be able to make it without him, I love him so much. Dear God just please be with us and take all theses negative thoughts out of my head I ask for greater Faith and the ability to see the positives in life right now. I need you more than ever and I know you hear me. Please answer my prayers with good results next Wednesday. Thank you for listening God . I Love you
Amen
k

Restaging and Headaches

2011-12-14T09:05:00.000-08:00

Well Chris has been having a 5 day headache that wont seem to go away. It's making me really bad nervous. He called MD Anderson yesterday but his Dr and nurse were both off. I got an automated call later that day that said he now had an appointment on the 20th and 21st for his complete PET scan and also Dr. Patel is suppose to re- stage his cancer. Then we will go back on the 27th for a brain MRI. So looks like we will be doing alot of traveling to Houston in the next two weeks. Chris didn't even tell me about the headaches until yesterday, I guess he didn't want to scare me but it's too late. He says it feels weird and it won't go away. Last Friday I had to go to the ER because my left side was hurting so bad they took Xrays and nothing seemed wrong so they think I just pulled a muscle real bad around my lung area. So the Dr. prescribed me some Lortabs and Muscle relaxers. Chris took some of my pain medication and its the only thing that seems to help his headache. He still has some pain meds from his last visit to the hospital but they are a little too strong and makes him dizzy and sick. Needless to say I don't mind sharing. I am so scared that the tumor in his sinus is continuing to grow and that is what is causing the pain or there is something new inside growing. I pray pray pray pray that its just a sinus headache. The weather here has been so crazy and we live in a drafty old house. So hopefully that's all it is. I just feel so helpless when it comes to Chris. I just wish I could fix everything but I can't. In better news we had a lovely Thanksgiving and we also had a great time at the Christmas Festival in Natchitoches a couple weekends ago. Got to see all my wonderful cousins and catch up with old friends. I only can wish for more good times like this with Chris in the future. I pray that this PET scan will tell us only good things. I am praying hard for a Christmas Miracle and hope you are too. Sorry I haven't written in a while but there hasn't been much to update other than Chris's headache he has been doing really well and building back up his strength and putting weight on. He looks so great. Anyways love you all and thank you keeping up and reading the blog.
All my love
Kendra

Chris feeling and looking good at the Christmas Festival

A mole? no no no no no no

2011-11-20T21:26:00.000-08:00

Uhggg so today Chris says to me.. is this a mole? I really don't know.. they are small but it looks like some a few moles coming up on his arm and one his head. Now I am freaking out honestly. Tomorrow morning I have my follow up for some biopsies with our Dermatologist so I am going to have her look at Chris for a minute. Also his itching seems to be getting worse and worse, although oatmeal baths and Cocoa butter seemed to help for a little bit.

I am dreading Dec 27th. I just keep praying so hard. I just don't know what I would do if they tell us it's still growing... to imagine Chris went through almost 6 months of torment is unimaginable. I need your prayers more than ever. I hate when the doubt sets in, its gets me so down. I just love Chris so much I can't imagine a life without him. Also everyone please continue to pray for my friend Stacey and her family, her sister is also Battling Stage 4 Melanoma. Please help spread the word about the importance of getting your skin examined yearly, it could save more lives then you would ever know.
Love all of you so much.
xo
k

All my love.

2011-11-11T15:21:00.000-08:00

Well Chris is continually feeling better and that is such a wonderful thing! Everyday he grows a little bit stronger. Last week I went the dermatologist for a check up,she said everything looked OK but she wanted to take a couple of biopsy's on a couple of less than normal looking moles. Since this whole ordeal every time I see a new mole pop up on myself or anyone I have melanoma paranoia. I encourage everyone to get check up especially if you have a fair complexion and have more than 20 moles. Just to be on the safe side!
I just keep on praying that everything will work out in Chris's favor. I am feeling better about things and haven't been so down in the dumps. I just couldn't have made it this far without every ones love and support. I would like to give a special thanks to The Nakatosh Priesthood, MPH, The Cancer League of Northeast Louisiana for all the prayers and financial help. Also my friends and family,, I feel so much gratitude for the phone calls, the weekly visits , cards, flowers..donations... Just EVERYTHING! All the love we have received from everyone is overwhelming and I just want to let you know I won't ever forget it. Your all pretty darn Awesome and don't you forget it.

Time sure does fly! 11 years married today!

2011-11-04T22:21:00.000-07:00

Awwww we had a very nice today. Our day started off with a phone call from MD Anderson, they said that everything looked pretty normal on his blood test results, although his white blood count seemed to be elevated but it's still OK. We went out for lunch, I won 60.00 at bingo paradise off ten, went for ice cream then we went to the movies and saw Tower Heist (which wasn't as funny as I hoped but still good). We had a very nice anniversary and had alot of fun. No moping around today and Chris was in good spirits. I hope to have at least 50 more!
xo
k

Think happy thoughts.. Think Happy Thoughts..

2011-11-01T22:44:00.000-07:00

Geez I wish I could fall asleep. Every night it seems I get to bed between 2-3 am. I try to make myself wake up early to get things on track but it doesn't seem to work. Maybe I can blog myself to sleep?!
Anyways Chris is feeling better, his stomach finally started acting right. We finally talked to his nurse and she said if he continued to have this pain for the next 24 hours that he would have to immediately go to the ER, needless to say I went to Wallyworld and bought heating pads, an array of gas medications, antacids... well something seemed to work because by the next morning he felt better. Today Chris went and gave blood hopefully everything will turn out to be ok. This past weekend I had a fun Halloween I even won a costume contest! I won a mini Heinekin fridge, it's so cute! It could not have came at a better time I gave it to Chris for an anniversary gift seeing that we decided not to get each other anything this was quite a surprise for him. I wanted to wait until Friday but I couldn't keep it a secret I won, I was too excited.
Well aside from my happy win I have still been down in the dumps. I just can't get into a normal routine, I feel so unmotivated and depressed. Sometimes when I am by myself I have these morbid thoughts like, this is what its going to be like if something happens to Chris, just no one here to talk, no one to snuggle to, no one to laugh with. Its sick, I know this. I have been trying so hard to think positive but horrible thoughts cross my mind on the daily. I just wish I could know what was going on in his body. I promise after this post no more being sad posts I will try and create some happy days that will make for happy blogs. Love you all.
xoxo
k

Sad and Feeling Bad

2011-10-27T12:14:00.000-07:00

Well we have been home for a couple of days now and although I feel relieved not having to go to the hospital for a while I feel so incredibly sad. Chris is feeling miserable his stomach is in severe pain and I don't know what to do about it. I called his doctor and left a message. We have tried everything. He is having a feeling of just like a rock on his stomach and has been dry heaving. He is suppose to go do blood work today but he doesn't think he can make the 30 minute drive. I guess we will try tomorrow. I feel so bad I cannot help him feel better. I just don't know what to do. I don't know how I am going to make it the next 2 months, I keep worrying about ,what if the cancer continues to grow.. Why oh why do I continually think the worst? Why couldn't we just know tomorrow? To make matters worse I had a lady tell me recently she went through biochemo successfully only for her Melanoma to come back full force a few months later. Thanks lady I hate this so much.

All Finished!

2011-10-24T11:45:00.000-07:00

Well they are letting Chris go home today yay!!! We are now just waiting for the IV therapy team to come and remove Chri's PIC line out of his arm. I know that will be a relief for him!! Please pray for patience for me as the next 8 weeks are just gonna be tough. It seems all I do is wait. I hate cancer so much!!! Thank you for going through all of this with me! I will keep you updated periodically the next few months until we go back for testing. I am scared and excited and relieved feeling all at once.

Love you all!

xoxoxoxox

Kendra

Last Treatment Days 3 and 4

2011-10-22T12:51:00.000-07:00

Well not too much is going on. Chris has been sleeping pretty hard the last few days. I don't blame him. He has gained about 10 pounds in fluid and is pretty red. Also he has thrush but they have been giving him something that melts on his tongue to get rid of it. I am so excited that this is the last treatment. I will definitely not miss spending every 2 weeks here. Although I must admit I have grown fond of several staff members and I will miss them. The nurses here are the best ever. Chris has one more full night of Biochemo tonight minus the Cisblastin and tomorrow he will only have the Interferon. I can't believe the whole summer passed away so fast and November will be upon us in no time. November 4 is our Anniversary! 11 years. Wow! It wasn't easy and we certainly have had our share of struggles not including our current one but I am so proud we have stuck with it. I am more in love with Chris than the day I married him. I think we make an awesome team! :D
I keep thinking about having to wait for 8 weeks to know what's going on with Chris. I just have to give it all to God and know he will take care of us. I am happy that at least the wait will be going on during Nov and Dec, I will have lots of Holiday things to do to distract me.
Anyways in other news I have smoked only One cigarette today and yesterday I smoked only One and 1/2. I really don't want one until after I eat. Hopefully by the time we leave (hopefully Tuesday) I will be smoke free and stay that way! Oh and guess who won Bingo 4 times today!!!!!! Me!!!!!!!!! I was so excited!! I won a Scrabble board game, a pretty scarf, one of those hard plastic drinking cups with straw, and a 5.00 gift certificate. That made my day!! :D Anyways well let me stop because I think I might be rambling.
All my love
xo
k

Day 2 of last treatment

2011-10-20T14:33:00.000-07:00

Well not much going on today, Chris has mainly been sleeping in between visits from the nurse to give him medicine and blood pressure checks from the CNA's. This week Dr. Kim is Chris's rounding doctor and he came in and told Chris that his blood work from yesterday was fine and he shouldn't have to have a blood transfusion this round. So that's good. I haven't been feeling very good I think the chantix is making me sick. I have only smoked 2 cigarettes today though so that's wonderful. Its been so embarrassing to me that here I am with a husband fighting for life against cancer and I have been choking down smokes. I actually have taken Chantix before and it worked well but I ended up back smoking. Ugh. The first time I took it, it took about 10 days for me to quit but I see this time it will alot sooner,cigarettes are already starting to taste really really bad! Oh last night I got up to use the bathroom and discovered our bathroom was starting to flood! Omg! Luckily maintenance came right up and fixed it. I would have hated to wake up this morning in a foot of water. Anyways that whats going on! Please keep praying for Chris.
xo
k

Day one of Last Treatment

2011-10-19T18:02:00.000-07:00

Well today has been quite a day. We left this morning at around 8 and arrived at the hospital at around 12:30. We had to ride a shuttle to Chris's first appointment at the Mohs Clinic and by 1:45 (his appointment was at 2:00)I was a tad worried when we arrived back to where we were picked up, I asked if we missed our stop but apparently the shuttle driver forgot to go there on his round... humph. Anyways we finally get there and if you remember from my previous post I wasn't sure what we were doing there except to meet with a surgeon. Well apparently they didn't know why we were there either. So after an hour and a half of trying to figure things we were told that Chris was there to get another better and deeper biopsy of a mole on his ear.. but he should wait until after Chemo to have it done.. So that appointment was kind of a waste of time and also made us late for the next two appointments! We got back to the Main hospital and Chris gave up a little blood and had his chest X-rayed. We finally met with Dr. Patel and she told us that is was Amazing Chris was on his sixth treatment. They are going to lower his dose of cisplatin because of hearing loss and also lower the vinblastine due to the start of nerve damage in his fingers and toes. Dr. Patel said after the end of his treatment they wouldn't schedule him back for tests for another 2 months. They said there was no point in doing anything any sooner because even if the treatment does not kill the cancer or it continues to grow, Chris will be too weak to handle any other kind of treatment at that time. So we will have to wait 8 weeks after this last treatment to find out anything. Its going to be so nervewracking and I don't know if I will have the patience to wait that long!
Anyways I am trying to make this short I have an awful headache and need some sleep. Oh! I am on day 2 of chantix!! Go me! :D I hope your all doing well continue to pray and I will continue to update. All my love.
xo
k

Chris's Fundraiser.. I am still in Awe.

2011-10-17T11:38:00.000-07:00

Well the fundraiser has come and gone and I am still feeling the love and kindness resonating through me as if we were still there. I just can't thank everyone enough. God just keeps on answering our prayers over and over again. Its just so overwhelming. The Nakatosh Priesthood REALLY out did themselves and they cooked some of the best jambalaya that I ever had. Chris was nervous about going as he doesn't really like being the center of attention but when he got there and saw everything and everyone his anxiousness disappeared. From our dear friends and family who stopped by and passersby's who donated to the cause, we are just so thankful. You have no idea how much this has helped us not only financially but spiritually. I still get happy tears every time I think about the kindness of the whole event. It was Awesome. We couldn't have asked for a better day. The sun was shining and this was the BEST Chris has looked or felt in months!

My beautiful friend Mandi and her way Awesome shirt!

Oh the food was so GOOD!

Chris was all smiles! He looked so good!

My lovely friends Vanessa and Mandi

I was so thrilled to see my cousin Karen and Aunt BooBoo! That's my daddy on the right!

Chris and I with the Nakatosh Priesthood, they are AWESOME!

Chris with my cousin's Adrian and Carolina

Serving up food

Chris Visiting with Family and Friends

Ragan and Mandi posing with Chris and I

Chris watcha looking at!? With the Nakatosh priesthood and our mommies!

Working hard!

Chris and his Sister Susan

Chris our nephew Phillip, Sister Susan, Nephew Matt, and Susan's Bf Matt

Ok he is looking in the right direction now!

Chris and his Mom

Me and my love :D

Aunt BooBoo, Karen, Me, and Chris

Suzy, Susan and Stacy lookin pretty

I just want to thank everyone again we are beyond grateful. We love all of you so much.
xo
k

Eating like a piggy

2011-10-14T21:18:00.000-07:00

I know its been a while since I have written an entry, sorry about that. Everything has been OK the past week. We have had lots and lots of company and I have just tried to stay busy and keep my mind off of stuff. Tomorrow is the Jambalaya lunch fundraiser, I can't wait to see family and friends and eat some yummy food! Speaking of food, Chris has been eating REALLY well!! Normally at this time he would be in day 2 of Chemo but since he got the extra week at home his appetite has absolutely picked up. I need to buy a battery for my scale to see if he has gained any weight. I can't really tell by looking at him, he is still pretty skinny. The hospital called the other day and Chris has a new appointment with a surgeon before he admits to the hospital. I see that she is a plastic surgeon so I'm THINKING that means that maybe the tumor in his sinus will maybe be able to be operated on?!? I don't know.. but I do know they would probably have to go in through the front of his face hence the plastic surgeon. I really need to get to the phone first when the hospital calls so I can ask these kind of questions. Husbands! humph! :D I actually called to ask but it just went to the nurses voicemail, so I guess we will find out Tuesday. Since Chris's appetite is back I was hoping his strength would too, but it seems he is feeling pretty tired and weak, I know his bones are working hard to make more blood, I just hate that he gets so winded so fast. Anyways loves that's that! Please keep praying as Chris moves into his last Treatment. I am so scared but so full of hope all at once. I pray pray pray this works!!
xo
k

Its a small world.

2011-10-04T23:03:00.000-07:00

Well Chris is still getting his appetite back slowly but surely and seems to be feeling a little better today. Our friends Kim and Kevin came over today and presented Chris with a video game that he really wanted, how cool was that? It put a big fat smile on his face and now he has something to look forward to doing while stuck at home for the next few weeks. MD Anderson never called back with the results of Chris's blood tests so I am assuming everything is good for now.

Well I wanted to ask a favor from everyone. On our second round of treatment at MD Anderson I was with my sister in law and she bumped into a client from the salon she works at Named Stacey Rachal.(small world huh?) Now Stacey was on the same floor as Chris and was with her sister who is also has Metastatic Melanoma. Recently they received disheartening news that she has now developed leptomeningial disease click HERE to find out more about what this is. I just want to ask all of you to pray for Stacey, her sister Robbin Friday Tucker and for their family. I have been crying for the last hour my heart hurts so bad for her. So please add her to your church prayer list and lets hope for better news their next trip to Houston!

xo
k

A positive attitude is half the battle.

2011-10-01T19:53:00.000-07:00

Well today was a nice day. We had got to visit with Chris's little sister from Florida this morning and then we visited with some more friends later on in the day. Also our nephew Matthew, came home today from his deployment in Afghanistan! We wanted to greet him when he got off the plane but Chris's stomach was still hurting really bad and just couldn't endure the car ride there and back. Hopefully we will see him soon!
Chris's mom brought him some pine nut oil, it's suppose to help protect and soothe the stomach. He really could tell a difference after taking it and he is actually starting to feel a little better. It was funny to me today when his little sister, who hadn't seen him since he was diagnosed, turned and said to me " Omg I thought he would be a lot worse.." Well that's because Chris has an amazing attitude and is in such great spirits you can almost forget he has cancer. He is so Awesome. Everyone tells us a positive attitude is half the battle and I believe it. He is fighter and he will keep on fighting, I love him so much!
Keep us in your prayers and please join us Oct 15 for Chris's fundraiser. I am still in awe that this was put together for Chris, its such a blessing!
xo
k

Side Effects suck

2011-09-29T22:01:00.000-07:00

Well we got in Tuesday night and the drive from Houston seemed to take forever this go around. Thankfully MD Anderson gave Chris an extra week at home in hopes to fatten him up. I must say he has been trying his darnedest to get food down, the only problem it seems it that the food is going nowhere and is just sitting on his stomach. The chemo has really messed up his GI tract. Before we left the hospital Tuesday they sent Chris to an audiologist because he has been having constant ringing in his ears, Cisblastin, one of the chemo drugs can cause hearing loss. They said he did have some loss and it may or may not come back. Also his nerve endings in his feet and hands seem to be getting worse, another thing that will hopefully come back but they can't be certain. So these are some of the side effects he is also dealing with ,besides the nausea and what not.
Well we went to Natchitoches today and Chris did his blood labs , I think everything will be OK, that blood transfusion last week really did him a world of good. After that, I hit the grocery store and loaded my buggy down with lots of fattening food. There is no way he is not going to gain some weight this go around, hopefully I wont! I also picked up a newspaper yesterday and I asked Chris to read it to me while we were driving and as soon as he opened it he saw his face lol there was an insert for the Fundraiser Oct 15. He was surprised and touched. I just wanted to let everyone know in the flyer its says we do not have insurance but we do have some insurance, just no income but the bills are already racking up, each of Chris's treatments cost around 93,000 a pop. Ack! Insurance covers some of it but if you can imagine a nice chunk is left. I have just been putting the bills in a big Manila envelope and will worry about them when I have to. There is nothing I can do about it right now and they will just have to wait. It's really not my main priority. Chris getting better is. I just love him so much and I can't imagine not growing old with him. I hate cancer so much. It sucks!!! Sometimes I think I torture myself by reading about it constantly on the Internet and I have to keep reminding myself, everyone is different. Does anyone watch the Big C on Showtime? Well its about a Melanoma patient and her struggle, anyways on the season finale her son is talking to the Dr asking him how much time his mom has left and he tells her possibly 10 months -2 years but then he tells him "but sometimes there are those who defy who all odds.." And that will be my love. He has already defied many odds and he will continue. I know he is in the best hands in the world at MD Anderson and I know he has the best support system (you guys!) ever. Please keep praying.
xo
k

Look at those scans!!! :D

2011-09-26T13:50:00.000-07:00

Sometimes I get on here and I will re-read my blogs and I get embarrassed because I think I am being a little to whiny and I want to apologize for that. Well today I promise no complaining, no whining, and no worrying. We finally got to see Chris's latest scans of his lung and they are just AMAZING!!! The picture quality is not the best because for some reason my camera is working but they are not loading onto the computer so I took pictures of the pictures with my camera phone, does that make sense? Regardless here they are:

Wowie Zowie, right?!? I hope his sinus tumor is shrinking that much as well!

I had someone ask me recently why my page is called sinuscancer.blogspot.com and not something to do with melanoma. Well honestly I started this blog before they told us it was melanoma we just knew he had a malignant tumor in his sinus cavity and we were told it was most likely Sinus cancer it is Extremely rare for a melanoma to grow in the sinus cavity. So that's the reasoning.

I also wanted to share with everyone and invite everyone to the

Jambalaya Plate Lunch Fundraiser for Chris that is being sponsored by the Nakatosh Priesthood. How unbelievably Awesome is that? A big huge thank you to all of them and to my friend Mandi who helped bring our story to her family. I honestly have not experienced such kindness. It makes me wanna cry! I just want to thank EVERYONE involved On October 15 in Natchitoches on the riverbank from 10:30-1:30 They will have Jambalaya plates for purchase. This will include jambalaya, green beans, crackers, dessert, and a drink for $6. 100% of the proceeds will go to the Chris Verzwyvelt Love Fund at Sabine Bank. I heard Mandi's mom Mrs. Joy will be cooking so it should be extra yummy. I also wanted to thank you Mrs. Tammy Armstrong for Everthing. If you would like to know more please visit the facebook event page Nakatosh Priesthood Jambalaya Plate Lunch Fundraiser for Chris Well that's the story my loves. I feel so blessed and lucky to have all of you in my life. God is listening to me and that makes me happy.

xoxo

When will I ever wake up from this nightmare?

2011-09-24T13:04:00.000-07:00

Well yesterday we found out if Chris loses anymore weight he will not be able to take his last treatment. The doctor told Chris that she didn't think Chris understood what a "miracle" this is, that this treatment hardly works for anyone. So it will be my #1 priority to fatten him up as much as I can when we get home. Ensure Ice Cream shakes.. butter.. cheese.. if its fattening its going into his mouth. I feel so especially bad for him this time around this has been the worst round of treatment for him. Stomach problems galore, throwing up, chills, fever, swelling,redness... the list goes on. It hurts my heart watching him so sick. I just can't explain the array of feelings that go through my mind constantly. Only if you have gone through this could you understand. Not to mention other worries that I have kept at bay in my mind like health insurance in the future, money in general, and once this is over with (crossing fingers) I am going to have to look into going into a new profession. I love being an Esthetician but it is generally contract work, no benefits, no steady paycheck. If I lived in a larger area I could find a salary job but really how many spas are there really in Winn parish surrounding area? Not too many. I have my makeup shop but its not enough to pay the bills, it might pay one bill! Ugh I just feel so frustrated. Well sorry for all the moaning and groaning but I am allowed, its my life and my diary. Thank for putting up with me and please keep us in your prayers!
xo
k

Strength needed

2011-09-22T09:58:00.000-07:00

So as usual I am feeling pretty depressed. I don't want to be here as Chris doesn't want to be here either. We arrived in Houston Monday night where we stayed at my cousins Laurette's apartment. The next morning at 6:00 am we were at the hospital for testing. He had Ct-Scans and Blood work to be done. Needless to say I passed out asleep in the waiting room and I am pretty sure I was snoring. 6am is hard to do after making a 5 hour drive and not getting but a couple of hours of sleep. The good thing about 6am is that you are pretty much done with everything by 10:00 am. We didn't have to be at MD Anderson until 10:30 Wednesday morning. I decided to call a cab to pick us up that morning instead of parking`at the hospital. The cab drive will end up being 40.00 round trip and if we would have stayed in the parking garage here it would have ended up being 72.00 so at least we saved some dough. When we arrived to his Doctors appointment the first thing they do is take his blood pressure and weigh him. He is down to 166 pounds. Last visit he was at 178 pounds. I told you he was getting skinnier and skinnier. I hate it because he LOOKS like he has cancer now. Well in the Doctors appointment they told him the small tumors in his left lung are now totally gone and the big one in his right is still shrinking, although she didn't say how much. They didn't take a scan of his sinus tumor because they took an MRI before he left last time and I have the results to that if you didn't see it's a couple of posts down. Well during question and answer time we asked if this doesn't work (the biochemotherapy) are there more options? They went on to tell us of new clinical trials and whatnot and but said if the Biochemotherapy is working stick with it because its the only thing that can cure it. BUT then I learned when they say cure it they mean keep it at bay for maybe 5 years.. 10 years if he's lucky. Melanoma is not curable. It will come back. But the only good thing about that is who knows what wonderful advancements they will have made in 5-10 years!?! And just like my friend Leah mentioned on a facebook post of mine, No one has an expiration date and God is still in control and still performs miracles. Its still disheartening though. Especially when your husband turns to you and says I know I wont live to be an old man. We also had a long talk about children and unless it just happens we will not try to have them. I just don't think having one would be a good idea if their father has a chance of dying or being so sick again. It hurts my heart tremendously but its for the best. During the appointment they also took a biopsy of a very dark mole that had recently popped up on his back in the last month or so. Hopefully it won't be a melanoma. I can't imagine a new one popping up during all this Chemo, that would be crazy. After his appointment we went down to admissions and waited what felt like an eternity for a room. To bide our time we went to the cafeteria, we walked around a little, we visited the Hospital Library

Chris looking for some good Science Fiction

We ended up waiting almost 5 hours for a room. Ack!

Waiting Waiting Waiting

We finally made it to our new room at around 6:00 that evening. They didn't start Chris on chemo right away as they wanted to give him a blood transfusion first. I guess the blood shortage is gone at least here at MD Anderson. They started him on his fluids when he got to the room and at around 10:30 they decided to give him his Temadar since its one of his only chemo drugs in a pill form and just like last time we were here, he took it then threw it up. *Sigh* that's the chemo that really helps his sinus tumor. At around 11:00 pm they finally started his blood transfusion.

They ended up giving him 2 units. He said it made him feel a little better and also he didn't feel as cold. So that's good. Thank you to whoever in the world donated that blood. He needed it! Well folks that's the story thus far. I know I have lots of gaps in my blog but sometimes there is not much to write about and sometimes I just don't want to think about the cancer so I ignore all things related to it. I have alot of people that tell me how strong I am but really I am very far from it. I only deal with what has been given to me. I cry on the daily and I am scared outta of my mind. I try to be strong and I pray for strength but I don't feel it really. I just feel really sad and I worry about the future. I love you all so much and thank you for being here for me I have really learned who my true friends are through this whole situation and I will continue to put on my brave face and I will continue to pray for strength ,I will continue to pray for the very life of my husband and I will continue to appreciate all of you for your kind words, your prayers and for simply being here for me. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.
xo
k

Time again Already

2011-09-18T10:26:00.000-07:00

Well its time to go to Houston again! The time at home seemed so short lived this go around. Chris's appetite is finally back but his weight is still low. We got his blood test results back and his hemoglobin levels were at 8.6 so that was great but the nurse told me he still needs a transfusion, so hopefully they will have some blood available at the hospital this go around. His white blood count was up at 17.4 which is high and usually is a sign of infection but since he hasn't been running fever it is probably because they gave him a shot of something or other before he left the hospital to help raise his white blood cell count. This will be his 5th treatment of 6 so this time before he is admitted we go a day early for ct scans of his lungs and head. Pray that 6 treatments will do it. I don't know how much longer I can take this. The past 4 months have felt like eternity.
xo
k

My ever shrinking husband

2011-09-13T00:21:00.000-07:00

Well it seems like Chris is getting skinnier everyday. I wish he could put a little weight on. I keep cooking but nothing seems to hit the spot for him. After his last blood test his hemoglobin level was still at 8.1 . We went again today for his labs hopefully his levels have remained the same or maybe they have gotten higher but I doubt it, I don't think he is eating enough to get his body to start producing any more blood cells but lets hope I am wrong. I have only left the house twice since I have been home ( for labs) and I am feeling stir crazy. I wish gas was cheaper! Life is just so strange sometimes, one day your doing great the next day not so good. One thing I have really realized throughout this whole experience is everything that I thought was important, isn't. Objects and possessions no longer hold much power or influence in my mind. I would throw away everything I own if I knew it would heal Chris. The only things that really matter are God, each other, our family and our friends.

Love yall xo
k

Yes we are accepting Donations Please Click here for Info on how to help

X marks theTumor! Before and After MRI pictures

2011-09-08T18:14:00.000-07:00

Well we got home yesterday and it feels so wonderful to be back! Chris already had to go do blood work today so we shall find out what the results are soon. Hopefully his hemoglobin hasn't dropped any. If you haven't already read on facebook we got back the results of Chris's MRI and his head tumor has shrunk significantly I am so happy!

BEFORE (X Marks the Tumor)

After

Here is the Report if you would like to read it

Anyways thats all thats going on. Chris is eating a little but is very tired. Keep us in your prayers and we will keep you in ours.

xo
k

National Blood Shortage

2011-09-06T19:30:00.000-07:00

Did you know we are going through a National blood shortage? I had no idea, but who would. Even our Doctor didn't know until she found today when Chris wasn't able to receive his scheduled blood transfusion for today. They have blood but they are saving it for necessary surgery. His Hemoglobin level is 8.1 and they do transfusions at 8.0 :/ His nurse just came in and said they were still trying! They have been trying all day, the staff here is so awesome. Anyways I posted my concerns on facebook earlier and when I logged back in just now there were so many of my friends ready to donate and help. How absolutely wonderful is that? If he does end up needing someone to donate, Chris's sister has the same blood type, so that is great news. Well Chris still isn't eating much of anything, not that he is not trying. He just can't keep anything down and everything tastes really bad. He had his MRI this evening, I am not sure if we will find out the results before we leave in the morning or not but they should give us a call if anything is up. Well I am so happy that this is our last night here. We will be heading back in the morning and aren't scheduled back until the 9/19. I ask you all if you see that LifeCare Blood Bus and you have the time donate a pint or two, People really need it right now. Love you all so much
xo
k

Broth? Yes Please!

2011-09-03T17:32:00.000-07:00

In good news today Chris had some beef broth and crackers today along with some Gatorade! He is not feeling as nauseous as he had been feeling in the last few days. My Aunt Lorna and Cousin Laurette came and cheered everyone up and as of the moment he's quite awake and alert over there but that might have something to do with the fact LSU is playing on television! ha. In bad news they cancelled Bingo today. How dare they! They didn't bother telling anyone, just no one showed up. I didn't feel that bad for me as I did for the cancer patients who look forward to it every week. Grrrrrrrr! Anyways today went by a little faster than yesterday so hopefully that trend continues throughout the week. I have been trying to make only healthy food choices while I am here because these hospital stays have been hard on my waistline! I come back a few pounds heavier every time I go home. Its difficult when they make a new homemade cake everyday and have them so nicely displayed throughout the cafeteria. I have a major sweetooth and its my downfall. So nothing but salads and water for me! Well that's the news! Pray for Chris and my waistline! :D

No change

2011-09-02T19:51:00.000-07:00

Normally time at the hospital seems to go by fast but the last 2 days seem to be dragging by so slow. Well the results of Chris's lung xray came back today and his tumor has not shrunk but as I have been reminded it has not grown either so that's a good thing. I just really had my hopes up that this time it would be almost gone. We also found out that Chris has another tumor in his other lung apparently he's had it since the beginning and its super small but it would have been nice to know about before now. Does he have tumors anywhere else I don't know about?!? He has been really sick feeling and hasn't ate and is barely drinking anything. My Aunt Lorna and cousin Laurette are coming to visit tomorrow so maybe that will help the day go faster and maybe it will cheer up Chris. Also Hospital Bingo is tomorrow so maybe I can win a teddy bear or something?!? :) I gave some blood today and they gave me a T-shirt and some apple juice and cookies. It took 20 mins! I don't know why it took so long, it was suppose to take around 5-10 minutes. I was starting to feel a little faint. I really don't like giving blood but it still makes me feel good afterwords at least I know it will help someone somewhere. Anyways that was my day hope you all have a nice labor day weekend.

All my Love

xoxoxoxxo

When Reality sinks in

2011-09-01T09:17:00.000-07:00

So it seems like when we are home , even though I am very much reminded of the fact that Chris has cancer from cleaning his PIC line to taking him to labs, things still seem to start feeling almost "normal" again. It's easy to pretend that everything is fine for a little while but then he is admitted to the hospital and BAM! the real reality of the situation literally slaps me in the face and it hurts. I am scared for my husband and I just feel so literally helpless in the process. I hate this feeling so much.

Well Chris is resting right now. He did not have a very good day and he threw up some of his medicine last night. He only takes one of his chemo medicines orally so hopefully it wasn't one that came up. He hasn't eaten since we have been here no matter how much I urge him to. Maybe later I can talk him into eating some Italian Ice or something else light. This time around we finally ended up in a small room. For some reason or other our last 3 visits we ended up landing huge corner rooms but I like the small room it feels cozy in here. The doctors have not come in yet this morning so I don't know anything yet about his chest xray that was taken yesterday but hopefully we will soon. Yesterday Dr. Patel told us after his chemo she would like him to get an MRI just to make sure nothing else is going on surrounding his dizziness upon standing, but I have a sneaking suspicion she just wants to see the progress of his shrinking sinus Tumor as much as we do and can't wait until round 5.

Well that's whats going on just another fun filled adventure to MD Anderson Cancer Center!

Pray Pray Pray!

H-town Bound

2011-08-30T09:06:00.000-07:00

Houston Bound today Folks, Chris admits in the morning for his fourth round of BioChemotherapy. He will take a chest xray before hand so we will be able to find out the progress of his tumor in his chest. We will have to wait until next time to find out any information about his sinus tumor. I am not looking forward to the trip but am happy that we are getting it out of the way and that he is will now be more than 1/2 way through. We are driving with my Aunt Lorna this time around so that will make the drive fun and we are spending the night with my cousin today and then Aunt Lorna will drop us off at the hospital in the morning. The nice thing about this whole arrangement is I will get off paying less in gas this go around since we will be in her car and not our big truck and I won't have to worry about parking plus Aunt Lorna gets to see her kids so its a win/win situation. I am so lucky I have mother watching over my home and animals, I wouldn't know what I would do if she wasn't here! So that's whats going on. I love you all and please say a BIG prayer that everything goes smoothly at the hospital and we have a safe trip.

Picnic and Aching Bones

2011-08-27T20:14:00.000-07:00

Dang has it really been 5 days since I last blogged? Time sure does seem to fly by! Well MD Anderson finally called me a couple days ago and told me all of Chris's blood work looks fine! I am so relieved. He has been up and around just fine and his appetite is still awesome. The only thing that hurts him right now is his bones especially his thighs and knees. I think its a side effect of the Interferon. I am starting to dread for him to go back to Houston next week. I hate it so much for him. :(

Well we had a nice week and even went on a picnic Wednesday. It was nice to get out of the house together and do something. We went to this place not too far away called Clouds Crossing its a cute little bayou.

The dogs came along and enjoyed riding in the back of the truck

We had sandwiches and chips and enjoyed every bit of it, then again picnic sandwiches always taste better then "sittin on the sofa watching TV sandwiches" :)

I even spotted a lizard that I don't think I have ever seen before, could some identify this little guy for me? Sorry not the best picture!

All in all it was very nice day and I hope we have many many mannny more nice days to come.

Well that's whats been going on. I love you all thank you so much for your prayers and support.

xoxo
k

Drawing Blood

2011-08-22T13:29:00.000-07:00

Well oh well lets see.. Today Chris went and gave more blood. I am surprised he has any left to be honest with you as much he gets drained of it! They did actually have a hard time getting some this time around she said that his creatine levels might be low I failed to ask what that actually meant so I suppose that I should google that real fast.. OK back. ha and I apparently STILL don't know why creatine levels would effect the ability to draw blood.. I read that creatine when low only tells us that his kidneys are efficiently working... Hopefully MD Anderson can find it out of the kindness of their hearts to actually give me a call this go around so I know whats going on! Anyways I am happy that we still have over a week to relax at home and Guess what? Its raining! Glorious Glorious Wonderful Rain. I stood out in it for a full 30 minutes until it started thundering. I feel as renewed as my plants, trees, and grass do. :D Thank God for it, I didn't think I could take one more day of this dry sweltering heat. Anyways that's the news!

Saturday Blues

2011-08-20T17:42:00.000-07:00

Sorry I haven't written in a few days, it seems I have had a case of the blues recently. Even though Chris is doing better than I have ever seen him after treatment I have still been feeling down in the dumps. Blahhh I just hate this disease so much and wish it would go away! I haven't been as productive with my time as I probably should be this week I have been doing a lot of sleeping and stressing and I just need to get out of this funk. AND I am not thrilled with MD Anderson at the moment, Chris took his blood tests a couple of days ago and no one has bothered to call us with the results. I have called several times and left messages, they promise to get back with you within 24 hours.. but nothing.. So I hope that means everything is OK!? Normally they call and let me know either way. He has to take labs again Monday so maybe they will let me know something after this test. I am just nervous that he will have to get a transfusion while we are here and I would like to know where his hemoglobin count stands.

In happier news Chris has had a really nice appetite the last couple of days. It seemed like last time he came back from treatment everything savory tasted really bad to him so he ended up with alot sweet stuff like fruit, sherbert, Popsicle's.. but this time he can't stomach sweets and has been eating what I would call real food.. meat, hearty soups, bread... you get the picture. I am assuming his body was craving protein and some complex carbs. I am so happy that we don't have to back until the 31st of this month. Last time we got cheated out of 3 days because of numerous tests but this time around he will only have a blood test and a chest xray and its scheduled the same day he will be admitted.

Well my lovelies that's the news, we love you all and thank you so much for all the prayers, they are working! (Not that I ever thought they wouldn't!!)

Enjoying being at the house!

2011-08-17T14:57:00.000-07:00

Well we are now home! Chris is still feeling well and has been eating a little so that's good! I went grocery shopping today and tried to buy everything I could with high levels of iron as there is a good chance that while we are home Chris is going to have to get a blood transfusion his hemoglobin count was 8.8 and normally at 8 they do a transfusion. The doctors said it was normal at the stage of the game to start receiving transfusions. I found Wheaties and dark organic chocolate have tons! The chocolate had 40% and the cereal was 90% daily recommended allowance. I also bought stuff like Broccoli, Spinach, Greens, soy nuts, hummus, dried apricots.. just wanna try and keep it up as much as possible. Anyways he is still really tired but not as bad as the last 2 treatments. Oh and I know this is kinda gross but he has been blowing his nose and black stuff is coming out.. Its Tumor!!! Gross but wonderful! :)

Oh and I decided No to Florida I just can't leave my love.

Well that's whats going on!

Love you all

What to do, what to do?

2011-08-15T19:11:00.000-07:00

I am so happy this is our last night in the hospital for the next couple of weeks. This is the best I have ever seen Chris at the end of a treatment. Besides being tired which is just a side effect of the chemo and nurses and staff coming in at all times of the day and the night the only other ill side effects he is suffering from his pain in his femur bones and a non existent appetite. The dietitian said a good way to whip his taste buds into shape when we get home is to have him eat pickle slices 30 minutes before trying to get him to eat. So I thought that was interesting and I think we will try it and see what happens. Well I found out today my mom hadn't cancelled the Florida trip just yet just in case I changed my mind the last minute. I am very conflicted to be quite honest with you. If I go it will be the last couple of days before he goes to treatment, when he is at his strongest and up and around and his sister has generously told me she would bring him to his next round on the 31st .. I would be back on the 3rd so I could join him at the hospital for the last 3 days of his treatment.... BUT I feel guilty and I don't know if I should do it or not. I really would love a little break but in the back of my mind I am scared I am being selfish. I dunno. I would love a little input from you guys. I think I will see how it goes the next few days and how well I think Chris is recovering. Anyways love you all and please continue to pray. Chris is now halfway thru with him Biochemotherapy! May the last 3 rounds continue to diminish his tumors and be enough to heal him completely!!

Hopefully headed home soon

2011-08-14T17:15:00.000-07:00

So this weekend seemed to fly by I actually did alot of sleeping and so did Chris. Although I did make it to Bingo at the observation deck here at MD Anderson I hit Bingo twice and now am the proud owner of 10 dollars worth of credit at the gift shop. What shall I buy? hmmm I will use it tomorrow as the gift certificate expires tomorrow. My friend Connie from home came by and visited me today so that was a nice visit. It gets lonely here at the hospital after a while when I don't have visitors and Chris is sleeping off the medications but the Internet helps as I always say " All my friends live in my computer" which is a little sad in a way but its better than having all my friends live in my head! ha! Anyways Chris is doing really well compared to the last two treatments, minimal swelling and pain. He is still really red and tired and I don't believe he has had a bite to eat since last Tuesday but I have seen him alot worse. Although He does have a bad stomach ache and it doesn't seem to be going away even with medication. Poor thing :(

I can't believe the summer is almost over! I am especially sad my mom has had to cancel our vacation in Florida for the end of the month. I had been dreaming of white beaches and clear water all year. Oh well guess I will have to wait until next year when Chris is allllllll better!!! ;)

Morning Scare

2011-08-12T18:03:00.000-07:00

So today was a little nerve wracking Chris's blood pressure which normally starts running low at the end of treatment starting running pretty low this morning 78/48 and he was running a temp. So they took cultures from his PIC line and took a urine sample to make sure it wasn't suffering from any kind of infection. Which could be possible seeing that his PIC line was clogged all week and I wasn't able to flush it and when he is fell a couple of weeks ago there was a possibility for an infection BUT he has been on antibiotics so hopefully its nothing to worry about. His blood pressure did go up and his fever broke so he seems to be OK for now. I just don't want anything to hinder him from finishing his treatments. He will have 3 more to go after this cycle. Then we hope that the tumors will be gone and we will have a walking miracle! :) I know I have probably mentioned this before but only 15% of people actually respond to the BioChemotherapy and I just think its so Awesome he finally had a lucky break for once! Anyways that's the news for today. Love you guys and thank you as always for all the love and prayers

xoxoxoxoxo

Ack! Look at whats all going in my Babies Veins let alone all the medicine in pill form and his shots of Interferon!

CT Scan Images

2011-08-11T09:25:00.000-07:00

Ok well these images aren't as pretty as the MRI and Xray photos but they get the point across!

Sinus Tumor, If you notice in the before picture you do not see any white area but in the after you do that is the bone you are now seeing and not tumor!

Before CT scan of sinus

After CT Scan of Sinus

Before CT scan of Lung

After CT Scan of Lung

When Dr. Hwu came in this morning she expressed her excitement and the other Doctors excitement at their morning meeting that Chris is responding the BioChemotherapy so well. I am so happy everyone I just know it will continue to shrink and he will continue to heal!

p.s. I am working on a Melanoma website to get a little more awareness out there, please check it out, its still under construction but if you would like to add a link or your blog or have a suvivor story please contact me there at the website http://www.curemelanoma.info/

The BioChemotherapy is Working!!!

2011-08-10T18:57:00.000-07:00

We got great news today and well I just wanna shout it from the roof top.. ALL OF CHRIS'S TUMORS ARE SHRINKING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! What a BLESSING!!! Well we knew his lung tumor had shrunk from being able to see his chest x-rays the last treatment but we were told today it had shrunk an incredible 50% more! The best news though is that his sinus tumor is shrinking but we are not sure how much yet it did not say on the report but I think they want to do an MRI before telling us anymore because it will give a better view of what is going on. Also all the tumors that were in his subcutaneous skin layer are all gone! Anyways I am so excited and happy! Thank you all so much for the prayers. I will keep everyone updated while we are here as usual just pray for Chris while he undergoes his BioChemotherapy because its so rough on him.

Love you all so much

Short Day, Short Blog

2011-08-09T16:02:00.000-07:00

Well today we got to the hospital around 6am and we were out by 8am ! They rescheduled the appointment for his chest scan at 11:20 to around 7 this morning so that was fantastic. Chris even drove to MD Anderson this Morning, so that absolutely made my day! We don't have to go to the hospital until 2:30 pm tomorrow so that will give us plenty of time to catch up on our sleep because you can't get too many zzz's at the hospital. I am so anxious to know his test results. Pray your hardest tonight folks because we shall soon find out how well this BioChemotherapy is working , better yet lets just pray for it to be completely gone!! :D

I am hopeful for Chris!

Tests and Getting Ready for Round 3 ding ding ding!

2011-08-08T21:45:00.000-07:00

So our weekend was nice, lots of visits and nice energy. Chris's sister officially shaved his head and my mom removed Chris's stitches from his chin. Chris regained most of his strength and his appetite. I even got a day to myself , I went to the movies with my mom and sister to watch The Rise of the Planet of the Apes ! Oh and then the best thing happened!!! I was applauded and highfived by a group of children at the movie theater arcade when I managed to wrangle 2 Stuffed animals at once while I attempted the claw game! Ha! Needless to say I was giddy, I needed some applause!

My mom removing Chris's stitches

Ouchie

New Haircut

Well.. today started WAY too early at about 2:30 am we woke up to get ready for the dreaded drive to Houston. We hit the road at around 3am and were at MD Anderson by 8:00. Driving at night isn't my favorite activity but it was nice missing all the traffic.. well at least until we hit the city but that's a given. Chris had an appointment for a CT Scan for his Chest/Abdomen/Pelvis and he also had to have his PIC line unclogged as I had not been able to flush out one of his lines this past week. We got out of there at around 2:00. My dear cousin Laurette has taken us in until Wednesday, then she is kicking us to the curb lol not really, Wednesday is when he should be admitted .Tomorrow we have a super early appointment at 6:00 am CT of his sinus and then at 11:20 he has Xrays of his Chest. So seeing it is almost midnight I think I shall part ways with this Blog for now and get ready for a full day of sitting in a waiting room!

Hugs not drugs.. unless it's Chemo :D

Keep the prayers coming and Thank you for reading.

Ready for Spaghetti

2011-08-03T20:47:00.000-07:00

So the last few days Chris has been recovering from his fall, he is feeling a lot better not only his chin but overall. Yesterday he requested spaghetti for lunch! I think this is the first time he has had any meat in over a month, I happily obliged and whipped some up for him. Today we went out for Chinese, I was nervous bringing him somewhere covered in strangers germs but he wanted to go out to eat, we shared a plate of sweet and sour chicken and it felt so nice doing something that felt normal and didn't involve going to the hospital or taking labs. Speaking of labs we go again tomorrow but this is the last time until we hit MD Anderson so that's a relief ! Oh guess what? The Cancer League of Louisiana called me a couple of days ago and they are sending us a gas card for our next trip to Houston next week, how Awesome is that? Another piece of Awesome news is my friend Mandi's dad is president of a motorcycle club called the Nakatosh Priesthood. They want to do a benefit fundraiser ride for Chris . That is so cool! I just can't believe the generosity and kindness we have been shown by everyone. It just really an amazing feeling to know how many people care about us, I just feel blessed beyond belief. Thank you everyone for showing me your all here with me each and every day and with me every step on this path.

I didn't even have to force him to take a picture with me today! ha!

When you fall down, you gotta pick yourself back up

2011-07-31T15:39:00.000-07:00

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

Blood Tests Results

2011-07-29T19:54:00.000-07:00

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.

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

2011-07-28T18:05:00.000-07:00

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

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

2011-07-26T10:51:00.000-07:00

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.

Side Effects

2011-07-25T12:57:00.000-07:00

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.

Stay Puft Marshmallow Man ?

2011-07-24T14:48:00.000-07:00

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

Lung Tumor Before and After 1st Treatment with BioChemotherapy

2011-07-23T08:47:00.000-07:00

BEFORE AFTER

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

Just Venting..

2011-07-22T11:10:00.000-07:00

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.

Great News

2011-07-21T10:36:00.000-07:00

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!

Dread and Hope among a million other feelings

2011-07-19T12:05:00.000-07:00

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

2011-07-18T14:42:00.000-07:00

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

2011-07-15T19:49:00.000-07:00

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

2011-07-14T15:22:00.000-07:00

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

2011-07-12T20:41:00.000-07:00

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

2011-07-11T09:51:00.000-07:00

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..

2011-07-09T12:05:00.000-07:00

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

2011-07-07T14:48:00.000-07:00

Last Day of Immunotherapy

2011-07-07T14:06:00.000-07:00

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.

2011-07-06T11:14:00.000-07:00

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

2011-07-05T16:27:00.000-07:00

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

2011-07-04T17:31:00.000-07:00

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

Chemo Day 3

2011-07-03T14:02:00.000-07:00

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

2011-07-02T12:48:00.000-07:00

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

2011-07-01T12:11:00.000-07:00

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

2011-07-01T08:26:00.000-07:00

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

Metastatic Melanoma

2011-06-30T18:02:00.000-07:00

Well today was probably the worst day. The Doctor came in today and told us that the Melanomas in his sinus cavity was not operable as it is way too extensive and was sitting there under the base of the brain. The spot on his lung and the top surface lumps that appeared were melanoma so my worst fear that it has spread is now a reality... Metastatic Melanoma... They cannot wait the 2 weeks for the tests to come back for the BRAF mutation because the main concern is shrinking this tumor in the sinuses NOW. So the game plan is BioChemotherapy. Which is basically 1/2 Chemotherapy and 1/2 Immunotherapy . They begin tonight and this will last for 10 days. Hopefully after the first round we will be able to go home for a week or so and then he will have to come back and they will do it again. The doctor said 40-60% of patients with Melanoma will see shrinkage in tumors by the second round. Then hopefully they will be able to use the radiation to remove the tumors in the sinus cavity. There is no cure for Melanoma but I have read many cases about Melanomas just disappearing unlike other forms of cancer. So keep the prayers coming and I will keep you all informed with more information in the following days. I can't type too much more I am emotionally exhausted and quite frankly today has been just way too overwhelming.

xo
k

Hopeful

2011-06-28T17:50:00.000-07:00

So happy to be at MD Anderson and out of Houston traffic. Chris has a ct scan at 8:30 tonight and we are both in good spirits. I ordered some dinner and am settling in. We found out the one of biopsied tumors did turn out to be a Melanoma. We do not know about the other. He will be having another biopsy soon and they will be looking for a mutation called BRAF in his Melanoma. We WANT him to have this mutation because if he does have it the tumor can be treated with drugs and that would be a good thing. Still don't know anything about the spot on his lung and am praying praying praying it has not spread anywhere else. I am just glad we are now in good hands and am feeling really hopeful.
xo

Frustrations

2011-06-27T11:31:00.000-07:00

So I left Chris this morning because he was suppose to be transported to Houston today but just found out the Pathology department has not gotten MD Anderson the hard copy of his biopsy results and MD Anderson does not accept admits after 4:30 pm. I am so pissed. I just don't understand why they are so slow at Cabrini, I feel time is of the essence and I am so ready for him to get out of there. His new planned transport time is 6:00 am tomorrow morning so if anyone wants to go visit him one more time, today is the day to do it! This past week feels like it has gone by so fast. I am just so frustrated because we still don't know much, such as exactly what kind of tumors they are (I pray it is not Melanoma again) Has it spread? What stage is it in? He has been hospitalized for almost 9 days now and all we know is he has 2 malignant tumors in his sinus cavity and and a spot on his lung. Its really enough to drive one insane with anxiety. Chris has really been the strongest of all of us. Imagine knowing you have a potenially life threatening disease and your the one having to do the comforting and thats exactly what he has done. I would have already lost it honestly but I prayed for strength and I today I have felt it. Love you all
xo

k

Thank you's

2011-06-26T17:55:00.000-07:00

I just wanted to thank everyone for all the love and support. We appreciate it more than anything. We have had more visits here at the hospital this past week than we have had at our house all year, it seems. It helps pass the time and get the mind off the obvious. We have such good friends and family we are truly blessed. If you have a facebook or Blog we would love if you would link us. Due to the type of Cancer that Chris has there is not that much information available online and I hope this blog will help anyone else dealing with a similar case or we would love to connect with anyone who has gone through this or is going through this. We should have more information in the next couple of days so we will keep you posted.

xoxo

No sleep in sight

2011-06-25T23:52:00.000-07:00

Well I keep reading awful articles about Sinus Cancer here on the Internet and quite frankly I keep scaring the sh*t out of myself. I can't wait to get to MD Anderson so we can actually start doing something about this instead of just controlling the pain. They finally gave Chris another steroid shot earlier tonight to control the swelling, its actually the only thing that is really making him feel better. His parents came earlier to visit and we will have an army of visitors tomorrow before we leave for Texas. They will transferring him Monday if everything goes as planned by Ambulance, I will catch up with him Tuesday as I need to go home and take care of this months bills and pack up some clothes and things. Everyone is so positive and sure that everything will be ok but I am honestly so scared its not funny. I keep trying not to lose my cool in front of Chris but it never fails I have been bursting out in tears several times a day in front of him. I am praying for strength I hope it comes soon.

So here we go..

2011-06-25T07:36:00.000-07:00

Hi my name is Kendra and this is my online diary. Yesterday I found out my husband, Chris, has cancer. I am devastated, mad, sad, and just really confused. I thought this would be a nice way to keep our family and friends (and whoever Else that is interested) updated while giving myself an outlet for my feelings.

The Story So far

About 4 weeks ago Chris started suffering from nosebleeds. We just thought it was the dry hot weather and left it that. Then his tooth started hurting so he made a dentist appointment and the Dentist told him nothing was wrong with the tooth but he thought Chris had a major sinus infection so he prescribed him a Z-pack. After finishing up his antibiotics Chris was still feeling bad and had developed a constant headache. Well his headache continued to become worse and nothing he took made him feel better. Last Friday night he awoke in such pain he was nearly in tears, i brought him ibuprofen and BC powder but nothing helped. Chris went to work that next morning and by the time he got off he was in so much pain we went straight to the ER.

Upon arriving at the ER they immediately gave him a vidocan and c-scan. The vidocan didn't help at all. They brought us to a small room and and a nurse practitioner proceeded to tell us that the cat scan showed a mass in his sinus cavity and that they would have to do further testing to find out more. We were then admitted into the actual Emergency room where Chris was given 2 shots of morphine, 2 shots of Dilaudid, and then 4 more shots of morphine over a 5 hour timespan... his pain was intense and his eyes had began to swell.

At around 6 am they finally moved Chris out of the ER and into a room but not before stopping off for an Xray. I was in shock they made Chris stand up to take Xrays after being pumped up with so many narcotics, the nurse 20 mins before told me he was not to get not even to go the bathroom because they were scared he would faint. Needless to say Chris vomited everywhere, my poor darling.

After the xray we finally get to a room, they put Chris on a Morphine Drip and they have ice bags for his face due to all the swelling that is building up. Sunday passes without much information on whats going on, it seems the hospital is working on a skeleton crew and not to mention its Fathers day.

Monday comes and goes still without any information we are told he is going in for an MRI but it gets pushed for Tuesday morning. An ENT Dr comes in and tells us he has an extensive mass and he is almost positive it is a tumor and not an infection or polyp as we hoped.

Tuesday morning comes and goes and no MRI. We ask the nurse, we ask the the Social Worker, we ask the CNA.... no one knows when they are going to be able to get him in they are talking that it might not be until Wednesday now. We find out they are taking patients from the ER first even though Chris was admitted from the ER and for gods sake he has an Extensive Mass in his head.. what is wrong with these people?!? After calling many people and having to get irate they finally fit him that evening. Hours after his MRI someone finally comes in and we find out not only does he have 1 tumor but now there are 2 tumors. We also find out that there is a spot on his lung that showed up on Xray (we still know nothing more about this as it has not been tested any further yet) He has a Biopsy scheduled for the next day at noon.

Well noon comes and goes, its pouring rain outside and my poor baby hasn't eaten since 5:00 the previous day. His biopsy gets pushed back and doesn't happen until 5:00 that evening instead of 12:00. When he gets out his nose is swollen and he looks just awful. I went and got him an orange popsicle to ease his throat pain. The Doctor comes in and tells us he will do everything he can to find out ASAP the results of his biopsy before Friday, as the Pathology dept is closed on the weekends.

Friday was full of alot of anxiety and waiting but the doctor finally comes in and lets us know although the tests are not all the way done it is cancer, they will know by Monday what kind but this is the info we need to know to expedite getting out of here and into MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston.
After lots of crying and praying the Nurse returns with news that a Dr.Patel from Houston has accepted Chris as a patient and a bed should be open by Monday.

So that's the story so far, I just want to thank everyone who has come by and who has called, texted, facebooked... we appreciate all the love. We don't know what to expect but we will take it one day at a time. Chris is a tough cookie and I know in my heart God will take care him. If you would like to help we are accepting prayers and donations for upcoming expenses. You can find a link to that below. I will keep everyone updated. Thank you for reading. We love you all.
xo
k