More Chemo & A Move

Hey Everyone & Happy Spring!
  Well, it seems we've sort of hit our stride in dealing with this whole cancer thing.  The doctor came back with news that radiation and surgery are not options for Ken at this time.  Surgery would most definitely result in a colostomy bag and radiation presents a high risk for internal bleeding.  So, at this point in time Ken will just continue chemo every two weeks, until....well that's this BIG question.  Right now it looks like that will be forever...so we'll just have to wait and see. 

  In between chemo treatments, we entered step one of phasing ourselves out of Colorado, when we got rid of most of our things, put what was left in storage and moved in with Uncle Jim and Auntie Cappy.  They have been so gracious to let us stay in their home these last few months that we're here.  The dogs are most the most excited, however, because this means lots of pats on the head, walks outside and treats!! 

  Ken's Uncle Paul made a quick visit to Colorado this past week and Ken was able to go and have dinner with him.  It's always so nice to see a familiar face! 
  And I think that's really it to report.  We hope you all have a fantastic Easter and we'll talk to you soon.  Love, Ken & Nicole

New Chemo & Peter's Visit

Hey Everyone-
  On Monday, March 5th Ken had a GI scan with barium.  He had to drink a barium liquid and then every 20 minutes or so for an hour have scans taken of his GI track.  This is to see how his digestive track in functioning as well as to see whether or not his Crone's is isolated to just the ilium.  Then on Tuesday, March 6 he had a CT scan with contrast.  This was a routine scan to monitor the growth/shrinkage of the cancer throughout Ken's body.

  On Friday, it was time get excited when Peter landed in Denver...maybe not as exciting to some as Peyton Manning landing in Denver, but it certainly made our weekend!  And we tried to make the most of it!  Of course we took him to our favorite sushi spot, Junz.  Then made time for Nicole to kick his butt in cribbage.

 On Saturday we went downtown to REI and did some shopping and walked with the dogs along the river walk and enjoyed the nearly 70* weather.  Peter and Ken also revisited the crime scene where Lenny had his go cart crash a few years ago and decided to do a race in his honor.  There were a few spin outs, but Ken was the winner.  Later that night we went back downtown to watch the Colorado Mammoth, Colorado's indoor lacrosse team win over their opponent in a buzzer beater game.  And no trip to Denver would be complete without an afternoon at Auntie Cappy & Uncle Jim's for some delicious food, tasty wine and fabulous company.   Sunday afternoon came waaaay too quickly and we were back at the airport dropping him off.  But we all (especially Lily and Cookie) enjoyed his company and hope to see him again soon.

  Tuesday, March 13th it was back to business as usual.  This day was bittersweet.  On the one hand Ken was happy to be off of the chemotherapy that causes the neuropathy, but bitter at the fact that he needs to continue chemo.  The most recent GI scan showed that Ken's GI track is functioning mostly at a normal level, the Crone's is contained to the ilium, and that is was less inflamed than before.  The most recent CT scan showed that there was no change in the size/shape of any of the cancer in Ken's body.  Not awesome news...but what's important is that it's not growing.
  Our doctor said that she is taking Ken's case in front of "the board" later in the week.  The board is made up of medical oncologists, surgical oncologists, radiation oncologists and GI specialists.  In fact, the first doctor who operated on Ken is slated to be present for the presentation of his case.  According to our doctor, they are going to discuss such options as a new chemo regiment, radiation and even surgery.  Our doctor thinks that perhaps surgery may now be an option, because of the amount of shrinkage of the tumor in Ken's rectum.  But for now, it's just more of the waiting game, and like we always say...we'll keep you posted.
  We hope you all are enjoying this unseasonably warm weather, wherever you are and Happy St. Patrick's Day to all of our Irish friends! :)  Love, Ken & Nicole

Chemo #12, the GI Doc and Fun in the Sun

Hey There Everyone!
  On Friday, February 17th Ken had an appointment with a GI doctor to discuss the location and possible treatment of his Crohn's disease.  Did you know that Crohn's disease is a form of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). It usually affects the intestines, but may occur anywhere from the mouth to the end of the rectum.  Ken has had this disease since he was 15 years old.  The exact cause of Crohn's disease is unknown. It is an autoimmune disorder. An autoimmune disorder is a condition that occurs when your body's immune system mistakenly attacks and destroys healthy body tissue.  People with Crohn's disease have ongoing (chronic) inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract (GI tract).  Prior to being diagnosed with cancer, Ken's doctor verified that he had Crohn's disease near his ilium.  However, since getting routine CT scans, there has been a discrepancy between where this doctor said his Crohn's was and where his current doctor thinks it may be.  The GI specialist will be running test on Monday, March 5, to verify the Crohn's whereabouts, and then she will decide a course of treatment.  When we met with her, though, she did say that treating the cancer was the number one priority.  We'll keep you guys posted.
  On Tuesday, February  21 it was wheels up for us as we headed to to Key Largo, Florida, for 7 days of fun in the sun!  Our trip highlights included such things as getting see old friends, boating, seeing dolphins swim off the bow of the boat after sunset, visiting Key West, feeding the manatee, snorkeling the John Pennekamp reef, swimming out to Christ of the Deep, and eating such delicacies as Stone Crab, Snapper and Grouper.  Many thanks to James and Jenn Kent for letting us crash in your vacation home and to Mr. and Mrs. Kent for making a special trip down from Coral Gables to see us!  We miss you all already and can't wait until we see you again! :)

 Also, many thanks to Kris & Lola and Jim & Cappy for taking such good care of our girls when we were gone!!  You guys are awesome! :)
  It was back to reality on Tuesday, Feb. 28th when Ken had the last of his first 12 treatments.  He discussed the possibility of radiation with his doctor, and after much careful thought and consideration, has decided NOT to proceed with it.  Due to the fact that this disease has already metastasized (moved to other parts of his body) we feel that it is better to just stay the course and continue chemotherapy.  Another CT scan will be done in few weeks, and we will know then whether or not the cancer continues to shrink.  We will make sure to keep you all posted.   

  Waiting for us in our mailbox when we got home was a package from Mrs. Katie (Beach) Beaupre!  We opened it to find a bunch of little boxes wrapped and numbered, along with a card and a short story.  As we read the story, there were instructions as to when to open each box...

As we opened each package we found many of our favorite sweet treats!  Thanks, Beach, for thinking of us!!  And for writing such an awesome and creative story!  :)
As winter winds down and begins to turn to spring, we hope you all are happy and healthy...wherever you are!
Love, Ken & Nicole