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!)