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!)