Chemo #6 & Brenda's Visit

Howdy Partners!
 It had been pretty quiet around here since Thanksgiving...until Ken's sister, Brenda and her husband Jon arrived from Connecticut!  They may have only been here for 48 hours, but we made sure to make the most of it!

  When we asked them where they wanted to go to eat, their response was that they wanted steak and something "Denver."  Well...where else did we take them, but The Buckhorn Exchange!  It is regarded as Colorado's most historic eating and drinking emporium.  This famous steakhouse opened it's doors in 1893 and was the first restaurant in Colorado to hold a liquor license.   Since opening nearly 120 years ago, it has seen such visitors as former presidents, famous actors, astronauts, Great Britian's Princess Anne, AND now us!!

See those antlered friends behind us?  They're just a few of the hundreds of heads that adorn the walls of The Buckhorn.  I'm sure we'll never forget the deer, moose, giant buffalo and mountain sheep, as well as the indigenous fowl and fabulous gun collection hanging on the walls around us as we dined! 

Speaking of dining...The Buckhorn's menu is rather eclectic.  Not only is it written in five different languages, but the selection isn't what you'd see at your run of the mill steakhouse.  If you're feeling adventurous, you can order rattlesnake, fried alligator tail, Rock Mountain oysters (it's not really seafood, you know!), smoked buffalo, sausage, elk, Colorado lamb, Cornish game hen or quail.  Or if you're Brenda you can order a NY strip steak! :) 

Much of the next day was spent shopping and chatting.  We visited The Bass Pro Shop...apparently we couldn't get enough wildlife that weekend!  Here are Nicole and Brenda at the "Shooting Range".  Needless to say, Nicole was the low scorer of this little game...look at her, she doesn't even know how to hold a gun!


Sadly, though, their trip had to come to an end.  It was so wonderful having them here, despite the fact that it snowed most of the time.  But hopefully we'll see them again soon!

Back to reality...On Tuesday, December 6th, Ken had his sixth chemo treatment.  This marks the halfway point of this concoction of drugs.  When we met with the doctor she informed us that at the end of these 12 rounds Ken will be taken off whichever medicine he's taking that causes the numbness in his hands.  This is because they do not want to cause permanent nerve damage.  Whether he will eventually have to go back on this specific drug, we are unsure.  But, she did say that once these 12 weeks are up, Ken will need to continue chemo...indefinitely.  What this means for him, we're not sure.  We have a lot of questions...will he be able to go back to work once he's off the numbness causing chemo, will he be able to go back to work ever, what kind of work will he be able to do if he continues on a bi-weekly chemo schedule....the list goes on.  As for now, we can only take it one day at a time.  This last chemo treatment has caused a greater deal of fatigue, a greater sensitivity to cold and vomiting for the first time.  So, needless to say, the days are very quiet in hopes that Ken can get as much rest as  possible. 

BUT...as to not leave on a sour note...a BIG thanks to Maureen and Mark for the package of goodies they sent our way!  Nicole can't wait to kick Ken's bootie in Scrabble Slam!  And how did you know Lemon-Heads are Ken's all time favorite candy?  (Nicole didn't even know that!)  It was very thoughtful of you and the timing was perfect! 









 And a Happy early birthday to Nicole's God daughter's baby mama, Tara!  May all your birthday wishes come true! 
  And to all of you out there reading this, we hope you're finishing up your holiday shopping early so that you are able to have a few relaxing weekends ahead!
  Love to you all, Ken and Nicole

Chemo #5 & Lots to be thankful for

Hey Everyone!
  On Tuesday, November 22nd, Ken had his fifth round of chemo and we received the results of the latest round of CT scans.  We were told that the legions in Ken's liver and lungs are shrinking.  Therefore, we can definitely say that this is stage 4 cancer.  This isn't the news that we were hoping for, but in trying to stay positive, at least there was no growth.  In the upcoming month Ken will have a PET Scan which will give us more information about the activity in the legions and tumor.  BUT...moving on better and happier...like I said, we have lots to be thankful for...

Earlier last week, we received a package courtesy of the staff at Canaan Elementary School.  It was full of such goodies as pajama pants, wool socks, cookbooks, heating pads, books, games for us to play at chemo and so much more.  Special thanks to Midge and Gail for the Whole Foods gift card.  We were able to buy lots of fruit and veggies that we juiced!   And to Lisa for taking the time to duke it out with the postal service! :)  The package was such a nice surprise and it's so comforting to know that even though we're here, we're still apart of the CES Family!

  On Thursday, Ken had the privilege of going to watch the Denver Broncos win over Rex Ryan and his obnoxious Jets...sorry Brenda!  Many, many thanks to Eric and Joanne for the tickets!!  Ken was seated in the end zone where Tebow scored the winning touchdown...a memorable night for sure!  And thanks to Kris to being Ken's personal chauffeur and showing him around Sports Authority Field...literally! :) 


 This past weekend we were able to spend time with friends bowling...a "sport" that Nicole is epically bad at.  However, it was great seeing everyone and getting out and trying to be normal.  A special thanks to Ryann and Brandon for Ken's new Iowa sweatshirt and to Kurt and Michele for the new sweatpants!  Now Ken can cheer for Iowa in style and in comfort!  

And the packages keep coming!  On Monday we received a package from Phil, Brenda and families.  It was loaded with plenty of tea and hand warmers, a yoga DVD...which Nicole is super excited about, and lots more.  Even Lily and Cookie got some goodies!  The best item in this package...the cooking apron Ken is donning in this picture...now Nicole's personal chef gets to look the part!

At a time of year when we are lead to reflect and think about all that we have to be thankful for, our list can go on and on.  Ken and I would like to thank our families for their unending support throughout this difficult time.  Cappy and Jim for always being at our beck and call, whether it be for us or our doggies!  Our friends here in Colorado who have become like family, thank you for treating us as such.  Our friends back east, we love and miss you and even though we don't talk as much as we'd like, we think of you often.  The medical professionals who are making decisions about Ken's treatment, the nurses who administer his chemo, and the new people we meet at chemo every week that help really put life into perspective.  The Chili's regulars who are like an extended family.  And most importantly, each other...because no body should have to go through this alone.
  We hope that you all had a wonderful thanksgiving and have a list just as long as we do of things and people to be thankful for!
  Love Ken & Nicole XOXOXO

Chemo #4 & Other Stuff

Hey Everyone!  It's Lily and Cookie this time.  We figured it was about time we told you the real story about what's been going on around here!!  

  First and foremost, we got to celebrate Ken's birthday!!  On November 7th he turned 37.  He thinks he's an old man, but we think he looks pretty good, all things considered!  Nicole made him a cake, even though we told her that sugar isn't good for him!!  And we went shopping and got him a few important things he's going to need now that the weather is getting colder.  A big thank you to Jenn Kent & Family for the amazing loose tea set that they sent to Ken. (It is perfect because Ken can't drink anything colder than room temperature!!)  And to Sean & Maryann for the nice hat they got so that Ken can keep his head warm while outside!

  That day was kind of bittersweet for him.  See...Ken and Nicole decided that it would be best for Ken to take a leave of absence from work for a few months in order for Ken to stay home and get as much rest as possible.  So, his birthday was the last day he worked.  He was so appreciative of all the kind things his co-workers, employees and regulars did for him leading up to that day and especially on that day.  He is going to miss them all very much, but secretly, we are super-pumped that he is going to be with us all the time now!!

  On November 8th, Ken had his fourth chemo treatment.  He is noticing that he is feeling the side effects from it much more quickly.  But fortunately he had Ryann offer to come and deliver some Starbucks...always something that puts a smile on his face!!  The weather is beginning to get colder and therefore Ken's hands and throat go numb pretty easily.  Thankfully, his sister Brenda got him this awesome neck warmer thingy that covers his face and protects his throat.  Nicole says he looks like Darth Vader...but Ken doesn't find the humor in that!  
  Another round of CT scans is scheduled for Wednesday, November 16th.  This will help them better understand if the spotting in Ken's lung and liver are changing in shape or size.  So please keep him in your prayers that they can definitely say that it is not cancer in those areas!!

  


On Thursday, Nicole's dad, Lenny, and step mom, Terry flew in from New Hampshire for a little visit!  We got soooo spoiled!  

Here is a picture of me (Cookie) enjoying a pig's ear that Lenny bought for us.  Lily had to hide under the bed and eat hers because she was afraid I was going to eat it!  Hehehe...it's so fun being the little sister!

  One thing that Lenny and Terry did a lot of for Nicole and Ken was teach them some new recipes to cook.  They also bought them a juicer that will be arriving on Tuesday.  Apparently juicing your fruits and veggies is a great way for your body to absorb the nutrients real quickly, which is important for Ken.  BUT...the best part about having them in the kitchen was all the food the dropped on the floor that we got to eat!!  Here is Lenny telling us that we won't like garlic...

Since I (Lily) am a terrific listener, I didn't try to stick around to eat the yucky garlic.  Instead, I stuck close to my buddy, Terry, to make sure she was OK.  

 But...that Cookie...she's always looking for a free meal, so she hung out near the food.  I don't think she lucked out at all though. 














  We also took them to the dog park and showed them how we play.  They thought we were adorable...and of course we are.  But...sadly, their trip had to come to an end.  We all were so thankful that they were able to come and visit and are going to miss them very much!!  Hopefully we'll get to see them again, real soon.  
  So...we think that's about it.  We don't know when we'll be back to update you, but Ken and Nicole will make sure to do so soon.  We hope this post finds you all well and warm.  XOXOXO Lily & Cookie (Ken & Nicole too!)

Chemo #3...and SNOW!

Hey Everyone!
  On Tuesday, October 25th, Ken had his third round of chemo.  All of his blood work came back looking good.  He is not anemic and his white and red blood cell counts are up.  This means that currently he is not at risk for infection, his immunity is high and there is iron in his blood to keep him energized.  Apparently, all of these things can be affected by chemo.  We again met with the oncologyst and received more uplifting news.  The tumor shrunk again!!!  What a relief it is to know that all of these toxins are doing some good!  According to the doctor, we will do another round of scans in January.  Then we will know exactly how much the tumor has shrunk and exactly what the staging of this cancer is.
  Chemo treatments continue to be an amazing way to meet new people and hear their fight stories.  This week we met a cute couple, Don & Marion who had been married for 47 and a half years.  She is fighting melanoma...and is hopeful that on one of her off weeks she will be able to go on a cruise...cute! She was also telling us about another couple who drives all the way from Nebraska to attending this particular oncology office.  I forget how fortunate we are to have this state of the art facility literally right down the road! And there was a man named Bob, who was also battling colo-rectal cancer.  He went into the doctor thinking he had pneumonia, but it turned out to be a tumor the size of a grapefruit in his intestines.  The tumor was pressing on his diaphragm and was causing his respiratory system to shut down.  The body is an amazing machine...make sure you're listening to yours and taking the very best care of it!!

Here is a picture of Ken's portable pump and pack.  It is connected to an IV that is inserted directly into the port in his chest.  And this is what it looks like while he wears it out of the office.  It is inconvenient, to say the least, but fortunately it is only on for 48 hours. 

Many thanks to Maryann, who made Ken this kale salad...she and her husband Sean have been so gracious in helping us learn about what foods Ken should be eating. 

Needless to say...Ken is still Ken and craves such things as cheeseburgers and fries.  I guess everything in moderation...right?!







Shortly after we left chemo...it began to snow! It seems WAY too early for this to be happening!!  On Monday it was 80 degrees...and on Wednesday this is what we woke up to...

Well...at least the dogs are happy!! :)

One side effect that Ken has pretty severely is his sensitivity to cold.  His hand and feet get numb and his throat feels like it is about to close up.  We're not sure what this is going to mean for the winter...but in the meantime I will continue to amuse him with my awesome "Caretaker" fashion! In case you weren't sure where I live...it's Colorado! :)
Well...we hope this post finds you all happy and healthy...and warm, wherever you are!  We love and miss you all dearly!  Love, Ken & Nicole

Nicole's Trip & Chemo Round 2

Hey Everyone!

  Over Columbus Day weekend I decided to take a trip and escape reality.  I went to Clearwater, FL to visit Brieanne, one of my college roommates and her sweet one month old son.  The best part was that Maureen and Katie, my other college roommates, met me there!  Despite the fact that it rained almost the entire weekend, we had and amazing time.  I haven't laughed that hard in a long time, so I think it was just what the doctor ordered!
  Ken had his second chemo treatment on Tuesday, October 11.  Recently the office that Ken is going to for chemo began opening up everyday for treatment of chemo patients.  This meant that it was FAR less crowded in the treatment room...and much quieter.  We were lucky enough to have our friend, Maryann, come and sit with Ken during his treatment, which enabled me to go grocery shopping and run errands.  Thanks, Maryann!

  After the 4 hour chemo treatment, we met again, with the oncologist...and even received some potentially good news!  She decided to do a "booty exam".  Without getting too graphic, she said that this time it was much easier to do the exam and that it appears that the "mass" is already shrinking!!  We have to thank each and every one of you for your continued support!  It is because of your continued prayer that this is happening!  We won't be for certain how much or how quickly the mass is shrinking until Ken has another round of scans.  At this point those are not scheduled, but we'll make sure to keep you posted. 
This is what Ken looks like in the days following his treatment.  Good thing he has such a good snuggle-buddy!  This time after his treatment, Ken responded MUCH better.  He is beginning to develop more of an appetite, especially for pasta and pizza (random!).  Because of his sensitivity to cold beverages he needs to drink everything at room temperature or warmer, which is difficult.  But, thankfully he enjoys soups and hot tea...and of course coffee!
Like a trooper, Ken continues to work.  His boss has done a great job of accommodating his treatment schedule.  As of right now, Ken is working 5 nights a week.  His shifts run from about 3:30pm -11:30 or 12:30 am.  He has every Tuesday and Wednesday off.  For the time being this is working out fine.  The doctor told Ken that if he can, he should work.  But as time goes on, we are prepared to reassess this situation. 

Since we both don't have to be to work until 3:30 in the afternoon, much of our day is spent taking these monsters to the dog park and watching them play and chase each other around our apartment.  It is definitely a welcomed distraction and we are so happy that we have them! 
Well...that's it!  I think you guys are finally all caught up!  :)  So if you don't hear from us before, check back here in about 2 weeks and hopefully there will be more good news to spread!  XOXO Ken & Nicole

Chemo Round 1 & James' Visit

Greetings from Chemo treatment #1.  On Wednesday, September 28th, Ken had his first chemo cocktail, made with Fluorouracil (5-FU), Leucovorin, Avastin and Oxaliplatin.  The chemo treatments typically take 3-4 hours.  During that time, there are 6 other recliners in that room where various people are receiving their treatments.  TV's are present and WiFi is available.  There is a stocked pantry and fridge for patients, and on this day one woman was lucky enough to be celebrating her last treatment, so there were some sweets for us to indulge in!
Once all of the medicine is administered, a portable pump (I.V.) is hooked up to the port in Ken's chest.  This pump time releases chemo into his body about every 90 seconds.  Ken is to wear this portable pump...equipped with it's own awesome looking fanny pack (pictures to come later) for the next 48 hours.  Then he goes back to the office where they disconnect the pump and flush his port with saline to prevent it from clotting or becoming infected.
After the first chemo treatment, Ken felt very weak.  Nausea is a side effect that he battles, almost daily, but the doctor did give him some anti-nausea medication.  And slowly he is learning when to take it so that he can avoid feeling sick.  Other side effects that Ken is encountering are fatigue, neuropathy (numbness in his fingers), sensitivity to cold drinks, and occasional hot flashes.  Mainly these lasted the first 4 or 5 days after the pump was removed.  However, his treatments are cumulative, therefore the more chemotherapy that he receives, the greater the chances are for his side effects to worsen and/or last longer.   Thankfully, though, he will be receiving his chemo treatments on a bi-weekly basis, therefore his body will be allowed some recovery time. 

Fortunately for Ken though, he had something to look forward to!  A few days after his first treatment, Ken was visited by his friend, James, who lives in Connecticut. James had never been to Colorado, but was greeted with beautifully unseasonably warm weather.  They took a trip to Rocky Mountain National Park, but were unsuccessful in finding any elk...maybe next time!  Ken had to take James to a few of his favorite eateries...Sonic, Hacienda Colorado, and of course Chili's!  He didn't leave hungry!  Although his visit was way too short, it was a welcomed distraction from everything!  So any of you out there looking for a good excuse to come to Colorado, now you have one! :)                                                                              


                                                                              
 
  Well... he's one chemo treatment down...and 6 months to go!  Our spirits are up (today) and we continue to take it one day at a time.  We will try and post after each treatment to keep you all updated.  Thank you all for your continued love, support and prayers!  Love, Ken & Nicole

Welcome to the Blog!

Hey Everyone! 
  So, it didn't take us long to realize that we are unable to keep up with the phone calls and emails coming in, so this is our attempt to keep everyone as informed as we can.  We apologize for the informality of this, but we hate the idea of you guys having questions without answers or feeling out of the loop!
  Where do we start?  Let's start from the beginning, for those of you who are just joining us.  On Tuesday, September 13th, Ken went in for what we thought was a routine surgery to remove some scar tissue in his booty.  While they were in there, the doctor decided to do a colonoscopy and to double check on his chrone's disease.  The next day the surgeon called us saying that the biopsy that was done came back as cancer.  Immediately we went to speak with the surgeon to learn about the staging and grading of cancer, as well as what the implications of colo-rectal cancer are.  Later that day Ken went to radiology and had a CT done of his chest and abdomen.  They were looking to see if possibly the cancer had spread. Later that afternoon we got a call from radiology confirming that spots were found in both the liver and the lungs.  And by 5 pm that night we were meeting with the oncologist.  She was very sweet to keep her offices open late to accommodate us.  She explained to us how the lymp system works throughout your body, what things could be done to remove the "mass" from Ken's body, as well as other treatment options. 
  Over the next  week Ken had a series of tests from a liver biopsy, to a PET scan, to an ultrasound of his legs, to an MRI of his brain.  On Tuesday, September 20th, Ken's dad and step mom, Paula, flew in from Connecticut.  And on Wednesday the 21st we met again with the oncologist for an official diagnosis.  The liver biopsy came back negative.  However, the doctor had some concerns, because the spots in Ken's liver were so small (like the size of the tip of a pen)...so did the tip of the needle hit the tip of the pen?  We can't be certain.  The PET scan showed hot spots in Ken's lung.  However, the spots are so small that they are unable to biospy them because there is risk of the lung collapsing.  There was no variances in the brain, which was good.  So...where do we go from here...
  The doctor is proceeding as though this is stage 4 colo-rectal cancer.  The first order of treatment is chemotherapy.  Ken opted to participate in a clinical trial, meaning that drug A is proven to treat cancer, drug B is proven to fight cancer, if we use both drugs A and B does it make the cancer wonder-drug, so to speak?  Because he is participating in this trial he has a clinical trial oncology nurse present at each round of chemo and that they will be monitoring the shrinkage/growth of his "mass" much more closely.  At the next round of scans, should any spots in his liver/lungs have altered in size, then we'll know that it is indeed cancer. 
  On Monday, September 26th, Ken has his port put in his right shoulder.  This port is where all of his blood will be drawn from and where his chemo will be administered.  This port is to lessen the feeling of being a pin cushion.  However, Ken is still recovering from this surgery...but once it's all healed, it should be pain free!  So, with a diagnosis on paper and the port in place, the only thing left was to begin chemo...

Sit down, buckle up...and hold on...because this is probably going to be a bumpy ride.  But because of all of your prayers, love and support, we know this fight is possible!  XOXOXO Ken & Nicole