Chemo #9 and well...what?

Hey Everybody!
  Sorry it's been so long since we last wrote...life just sorta happened!  Our puppy Cookie has decided to take up the hobby of chewing on furniture and clothing, Nicole started school and our computer had an unfortunate run in with a bottle of water and needless to say it was unable to be recovered.  But...thanks to one of Nicole's regulars allowing her to borrow his lap top, we are back on the web and ready to go!
  On Tuesday, January 17th Ken had chemo treatment #9 and received the results of his latest CT scans.  According to the scans, Ken cancer did not shrink at all over the last 8 weeks.  It didn't grow...but it didn't shrink.  The doctor ordered a PET scan that Ken had today, and we will receive the results of this next week.  She seems to be confident that the chemo is working and hopeful that the PET scan shows that the cancerous areas are less active...we'll have to wait and see.
  Now...true to form to what the Weather Channel said, this was the most depressing week of the year, for us!  We left chemo with a great deal of questions.  What happens if the PET scan comes back showing the same amount of activity as before?  What are the back up plans if this chemo really isn't doing the job?  Are they planning on treating this as a chronic illness and therefore the goal isn't to shrink the cancer, rather, just keep it from growing? 
  Because we feel sort of clueless and like we've been left in the dark about these things, we have chosen to seek a second opinion.  We figured this would eventually need to happen.  So we will meet with this doctor next week to find out what his suggestions are.  Whether he agrees with the treatment our current doctor is doing, or whether he doesn't, we are open to what he has to say. 
  But it's not all bad...Last weekend we visited the National Western Stock Show downtown.  And while we didn't get to see any of the rodeo events, we got to have a little fun!

Ken got to eat some delicious beef jerky...

We visited the petting zoo...

Got up close and personal with this guy...

And watched the collies try and herd some sheep!

Hopefully we will have answers to all of these questions within the next week or so.  Until then, we hope your winter blues aren't too overwhelming and that you all are well. 

Love Ken and Nicole

Chemo #8 & The Bronco's Win!!

Hello from colorful Colorado!
  The New Year began with chemo treatment number 8...and a few adjustments.  Due to the fact that Ken's neuropathy (numbness) continues to get worse, the doctor decided to reduce his intake of this medication by 20%.  This means that hopefully the side effects should begin to subside a little.  Ken will be coming off of this medication altogether at the end of February and according to the doctor, over time he will begin to feel better, as this one chemo causes most of the unbearable side effects he experiences.
 Today Ken went in for another CT scan, at the bargain price of $1,170!  This is a regular procedure that is done every 8 weeks to monitor the growth/shrinkage of the legions in his lungs and liver, as well as the tumor in his bootie.  Please keep him in your prayers that we will receive good news next week when we get the results.
  Congratulations to the Denver Broncos for beating the Pittsburgh Steelers at home this weekend.  Clearly we were celebrating the win...and here's a picture of Ken after celebrating a little too hard!

  The weather here has been a little wacky lately and with the temps dipping pretty low, the dogs have been forced to entertain themselves inside...for you viewing pleasure, here's a clip of what we see and hear on a daily basis...enjoy!

  We hope that you all are staying true to your New Year's resolutions and are doing well!
  Love Ken and Nicole

Chemo 7 and Fa la la la la

Hello everyone and Happy New Year!
  We've definitely been slacking some on the blog front, but we've been busy otherwise!  Let's see what we've been up to since we last saw you...

 First of all, we received an early Christmas gift from Auntie Cappy and Uncle Jim.  They got us tickets to the Patriots/Broncos game on December 17th. 

Nicole had never been to a pro football game before, so it was certainly an exciting day for her. 
 It was an afternoon filled with lots of laughter, sunshine, food, parachuters, an F-16 flyover, and of course a Patriots win! Not too shabby for your first football game! :)
 
Since Ken had Chemo a few days before Christmas and because we were traveling home to New England for the holiday, Nicole needed to be creative!  So...instead of opening all of his gifts before we left, Ken got 12 days of Christmas this year.  Now we have a few things to look forward to this spring like going and watching a great college hockey rivalry and to the theater to see Wicked!!

On December 20th, it was business as usual, when Ken had chemo treatment number 7.  His neuropathy continues to get worse, while his spirits continue to remain high.  After this next treatment, should the neuropathy be the same, we will need to consider whether or not Ken will take a medication to counteract the neuropathy or to just have him come off that particular chemo altogether. 

Friday, December 23rd, it was wheels up, as we flew to the northeast to enjoy the holidays!!  We were able to spend time with and see so many wonderful family and friends and eat, eat, eat! 

We made it as far north as Rutland, VT to see JC and family. 

As far east as Framingham, MA to visit Grammy. 

As far south as New Haven, CT to visit the Peabody museum with Sophia and Joseph and to eat some delicious pizza...

and many place in between! 

 We would like to thank everyone who rearranged their schedules and drove many miles in order to see us, hotels Kent, Bolduc, Soriano, and Thulen for putting us up, especially Sophia and Noah for giving up their beds for us and to Jim and Cappy for taking such amazing care of our doggies while we were gone! 

  Now we're back in reality and awaiting chemo number 8 this week.  With 2011 in our rear view mirror, we are able to reflect on everything the year had given to us...the good, the bad, the ugly.  And while the most recent things aren't the best, we've come to realize that all of you are the ones that keep us energized, optimistic and full of love.  We consider ourselves so fortunate to have you!  It is our hope that 2012 is a year full of health and happiness for you all...oh, and a cure for cancer wouldn't be so bad either! ;)
  Cheers!  Ken & Nicole
 

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