Hope everyone had a great Christmas

I cant believe the end of 2008 is upon us. It seems like just the other day we were saying hello to 2007. This year has brought a few new challenges to Brenda and I, most notably, Cancer... I would have never believed that I would have a blog about me having cancer. My oh my, how times have changed.....

This year Brenda spoiled me rotten, just like I do her. She added to my collection of watches with a Tissot T-Race and a back up camera for my F250. I am so blessed with such a wonderful God fearing wife.

After my little incident at Carolina Motorsport Park at my last track day, I had a bit of repair to do to my R1 track bike. I installed a full set of race glass with stock decals and a few custom ones. I think it turned out rather well.




I hope everyone has a great New Year. As always never give up the faith my fellow fighters. We pray for you each and every day!

Believe,

Kevin

Well I wanted to use my DX as a witness to others...

Since my DX in August, I have always wanted to use what has happen to Brenda and I for the glory of God. I have talked to many folks both in person and over the net about what God has blessed us with over the years.

This week, I met with the Oncologist to see about resuming my chemo treatments. Since I am still open, down to 3cm long, 2.5co wide and I did not get the depth measurment today but improvong everyday, chemo has been pushed back into January. I may be allowed to start an oral pill but no Avastin till maybe February.

At the Onc's office I met a lady in her mid 40's who has Non-Hodgkins lymphoma. We began a conversation on our stories of the last few months. I was telling her how good God had been to Brenda and I. We talked about me playing softball and ministering with Crossfire for the last 6 years or so, motorcycle riding and all aspects of life in general.

And then the door was opened...she asked me why do I think I have cancer....... Just what I needed to hear. As I talked about the Faith provided by my Savior, I watched as she listned intently. Just as I was about to ask her if she had ever asked Jesus into her heart....she was called to her room.

I should have been bolder and asked the nurse for a few more minutes. Lord, I ask and pray you have put a task in front of me, I did not complete the task. I pray that you will water the seed you allowed me to plant. Lord, if you see fit to allow our paths to cross again, please give me the words I need to say.....

And Tuesday, a good friend of mine called and asked me give my testimony at their church the Sunday before New Years Day. I have prayed for doors to open and God is answering those prayers. I covet your help in praying for this lady I met at the Onc's office and for my speaking at a new church in a few weeks.

For those that have know and heard me witness on the ball field, you guys know I am more comfy in a dirty ball uniform infront of 30+ softball players. This will be a new experience for me and I pray for God's strength and the right words to say.

I am not embarresed to say......I am a CHRISTIAN. I am so thankful to this day for what God has allowed me to do and most importantly, what He is going to allow me to do in the coming years.

On the answered prayer front.........

When we met the Doc on Monday, my last CT scan when my infection was found was compared to my scan from several months back. Being off chemo for over 2 months, I was worried about the lesions getting larger or spreading in my liver. Doc said there was no groth and the same amount of spots.....Glory be to God!

Anudder answered prayer....

Jessica, a friend from church, mid 20's DX with Non Hodgkins in February 2007, recieved a clear PET scan. All evidence of a large mass in her chest...GONE!!!!!!

To my friends and fighters, prayers from our house to yours!

Believe,

Kevin

Still nothing much new....

I hope you all are doing well and thanks for dropping by and leaving comments. Still nothing much new on the healing front. I am still on the wound vac and my incision site is down to 4cm long, 3cm wide and 2cm deep. I have developed a hernia in the wound, a mild one with NO pain. I did check with my surgeon and he said nothing needs to be done at this time, thank you Jesus.

I am still feeling efects from chemo, I think. Even though it has beed almost 2 months since my 2nd treatment, I am experiencing extreme fatigue with no warning. I have had some trouble sleeping, but I am about to get back to normal. I am still felling "chemo brain"....for those that know, you understand, lol. I am so ready to continue my treatments.....

Last night, Brenda and I ventured out to Greenville, Sc to see Trans-Siberian Orchestra. As usual the show was outstanding and Brenda said her ears were ringing most of the day.....it wasnt that loud, lol. we did have front row seats and it was great seeing some great guitar work with some awsome singing. I did catch a drum stick and a guitar pick...

I hope my friend you are ready for Christmas. We have put up our tree, and wrapped gifts galore. The biggest gift? Jesus dying for our sins. Do you know him? Have you asked him into your heart? I hope and pray so.

I hope my fellow fighters that your treatments are going well. Keep the faith and I pray for you all each and every day!

Believe,

Kevin

Hope all my friends are doing well....

Nothing much to update. I am still on the wound vac and will be for at least another week or so. Maybe by Christmas I can finally be un-hooked for good from this thing. The good news...my incision started as 11cm long, 8cm wide and 11cm deep is now 7cm long, 4cm wide and 4cm deep. God is good to allow me to heal this fast.

I hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving. Brenda, her mom and sister tore up every mall and outlet center between Asheville, Charlotte and Greenville. Austin, my nephew and I went to Carolina Motorsport Park for a little motorcycle track action. We detoured a bit to drop in on my uncle Jerrey in Lexington. It was my first time back on the race track since Road Atlanta in the Spring. I did have a little lowside on Saturday in oil, coolant or sand in turn 2. Nothing major and I am thankful I was able to walk away and ride for the rest of the day.

On the way home on Sunday, we stopped at my brothers house for lunch. It was great spending some time with my family that I do not get to see very often.

On Monday I had a tooth pulled. For the last few years we have been fighting to keep tooth 31, lower right back molar, after 2 root canals and 2 crowns...it had finally had enough. After some pain meds on Monday afternoon, I did very well and feel fine right now.

As well look outside, the weather is changing, most all leaves have fallen and Winter is just around the corner. Christmas is coming. Take time always to remember the Reason for the Season, I know we are all swamped with things to do this time of year, I can relate, but without my savior Jesus Christ, Christmas would not exhist. Is he your Savior? If you died right now, do you know where you will spend eternity?

I hope all my fellow fighters and survivors are doing well. I do ask that you remember Michele, she had a rough time with chemo this week, round 6 for her. Susie took her last chemo on Friday, I hope and pray as you start radiation that your body continues to heal and rid itself of this terriable beast.

Believe,

Kevin

The road to chemo.....Again...

I am on the road to recovery so I can start chemo again. The wound in my abdomen started over 10cm deep....after todays visit, down to 5cm deep. It is amazing watching new skin develop. It is about 7cm long and 5cm wide...thank you Jesus for helping me to heal.

I was scheduled to originally have my 4th chemo treatment today. I stopped by the cancer center today to visit a couple of friends I have met. Toby was there with his wife Susie, she is on her next to last chemo treatment. She is an inspiration to me, staying strong throughout her treatment. Please say a prayer for her, Toby her husband will be having a quad bypass next Friday.

As we approach Thanksgiving, take a moment to reflect on what you are thankful for..... Me you ask? I am thankful most of all for Jesus saving my soul, right behind that my health. Again I said HEALTH. God still has a master plan for me and I am excited about what he has in store for me. I am thankful for my best friend, my confidant, my wife that I love dearly. There are SO many things God has done for us.....

This week has been better for me. I still have my days, but they are getting fewer and far between. I am just ready to get back on my treatment paln and put this phase in my behind me and my wife.

Thanks for stopping by!

Believe,

Kevin

Would you look at the size of the hole in my abdomen?

Yes it is official, my alter ego is a kangaroo. I have a "pouch" in my abdomen. No really I do. My surgery last week found a deep infection right on top of my stomach. I was opened back up the entire length of the original incision. Back to square one so to speak.

At the wound center last Thursday, my wound vac was ordered. After many phone calls to my insurance carrier, they have finally agreed to cover the vac but at the out of network rate. Gotta love them, lol. I orginally thought that the vac was at the wound center, wrong, it was shipped to me and arrived yesterday. I go today to have my next attachment installed that I get to carry around for the next 4 to 6 weeks.

I do not go back to Cancer care until December 17th for a review of the healing and hopefully the return to my treatment. Actually, last Friday, I missed going to chemo. Brenda and I have made some friends that we laugh, cut up and even cry with. They share the same battle for their lives as we do.

This week has been really tough for me on an emotional level. Lots of thoughts enter my mind that havent been there at all since this ordeal has started. Dont get me wrong, I still BELIEVE with all my heart that I am going to beat this disease, sometimes the human side focuses on the negative and "what ifs". I try my best to stay positive all the time.

I know God is real and still has a master plan for this trial. I have no idea why I am having to basicially start over in my treatment plan. But I know the one that does know. I hope and pray every day for my friends and fighters that are battling this disease, Susie, Michele, Diane, Rob and many others. No matter what the odds are, NEVER, EVER give up the fight!

Believe,

Kevin

Gotta love infections.

Yep, infections. It seems I have been taping gauze over my incision site for a year. Well it has been over 2 months. Yards of tape and piles of gauze, stop the insanity!

With the results of last weeks CT scan, my surgeon wanted to see me yesterday. Evidently there was a pocket of infection deep within my right side abdomen. I was now faced with a choice......wait out the healing or an out patient surgery to clean out the junk...Hummmm tough choice...

Needless to say, it was back to the OR today for a short procedure. Rolled into the OR room at 3:30pm and rolled out at 4:10pm. The sad part, I was there from 12 noon to after 5:30pm. An incision was made following my surgery incision from August 20th. I cannot tell exactly how long, it is still covered. My abdomed was "scraped" out so to speak and packed with antibiotics. I go on Thursday to the wound center to have a wound vac installed. It will pump out all the puss from inside to speed healing.

Chemo has officially been put on hold until I am fully healed. I am not upset at all, just a little frustrated. I still keep telling myself that God has a Master plan and He KNOWS 100% what HE is doing.....

My faith is still strong and I still have that wonderful peace in my heart. Brenda and I are doing well, I know it is so hard for her to see me in the constant condition of getting cut, poked, prodded, etc. I can not imagine what that feels like. Please keep Brenda in your prayers, she is my strength in this world and I love my wife.

I have cancelled the Barber track day for next weekend to allow my abdomen to heal. Track days require alot of moving from side to side and the more time I have to get better, the sooner I can be back up to speed. I did sign up for a 2 day event at Carolina Motorsport Park the Saturday and Sunday after Thanksgiving. I should be ready to go by then. CMP is located close to my brothers place and I will be dropping by. Love to see some of my family at the track as well...hint, hint....

Keep up the FIGHT my fellow SURVIVORS!

Believe,

Kevin

What a day.....

I was reading back on what I have posted and I actually cant believe I havent mentioned this...I am saying its Chemo brain and I am sticking to that.

The week of my followup visit with my surgeon, September 5th I believe, I developed an abcess on my insision site. It opened up maybe 3" deep and 2.5" long. For the next few weeks, we kept it packed with gauze as it healed from the inside. To watch new skin grow was real amazing.

The abcess healed up to 2 very small holes that were "tunneling" somewhere. Since I was cleared to start chemo by both my surgeon and onc and wanting to get this phase of my life behind me, I went and started. During the healing time I was placed on 2 different antiboitics, kyoflex for 10 days and cipro for 27 days.

The few days after my 1st chemo session, the drainage changed from body fluid to a yellow green substance, yummy. I was kinda concerned to say the least. We made a trip to the Onc's office to be checked out. The nurse feared the drainage was coming from a pocket under what was already healed. I was sent for an imediate ultrasound on October 9th. If any pockets were found, chemo would stop, I would be opened back up to remove the infection. The result of the ultrasound...no pocket and I am not pregnant....thank you Jesus!

After this past weekends treatment, a new ingrediant was added to the drainage...a great smell.....now we were really worried. Smell=infections...or so I have been told. I was running no temp and I actually felt decent.....

Fast forward to last night...I started experiencing severe right side lower abdominal pain. It was hard just to get out of the recliner. I checked my temp and had a mild fever...great....now what?

Today, the pain was a bit better, but I made the appointment with the Doc JUST in case. After seeing the nurse at the Onc's office, she felt the infection was tunneling from the right side of my abdomen, just where my pain was. I was sent to the Wound Center for more specialed care.

The Dr there measured the dept of the tunnels and was shocked how deep they went. He numbed me up and removed the skin between each hole, easier to heal one place than two. Then the real prodding began...a pocket of the yellow stuff was found and drained and guess what? Instant relief to my lower belly! He kept irrgating the area with saline until it was coming out clear. A mix of bleach and water was put in next to set for 10 min and then drained.

To be sure there was no others hiding somewhere...I was sent for a CT scan. If something large was seen, back to surgery it would be. The last place I really wanted to spend Thursday night. While waiting for the results, I continued to ask God to get me and Brenda through this. God is still on the throne and he hears our prayers. No large infection was found!

I was sent home after spending over 10 hours at the Cancer center/Wound Center/Hospital. To say it was a long day is an understatement. I am on a horse pill of an antiboitic, 875mg! Plus we have to irrigate the site 2 times a day. But this is a step in the right direction.

My wound care Doc and my surgeon will be talking tomorrow to see "if" I need to be opened any more. So I am not out of the "additional surgery required" window. Please my friends, I covet your prayers, I just am not ready for more surgery......

My chemo treatments will be placed on hold to allow me the time I need to completly heal. So it looks like I will get a month break. Not to happy about that but I still know God has a plan. What? I still have no idea. I was able to share my Faith with a few people in waiting room. Maybe someone there needed to hear what God has done for me?

My fellow FIGHTERS....I pray for you daily. We will defeat this beast.

Believe,

Kevin

Another day......

The chemo hit me REAL hard yesterday afternoon. I was so worn out. I made it 3 hours at work before I needed a nap. I have talked to people taking chemo and they say no treatment is exactly the same. The few days after, I dont know which Vman is gonna wake up, the one ready to take on the world or the one who can barely make it to the shower....but both are ALIVE!!!!!

While sipping cold liquids now my lips tingle, just a start of the neuropathy that may or may not get worse. It can include numbness in my hands and feet. I am doing a few things to prevent those symptoms including B6 and Glutamine powder. I was still able to drink them, it was better with a straw. The 1st bite syndrome is still there, really with everything I eat now.

Today, I worked about 6 hours and started eating well again. I still have a bit of nasuea, and may have to start taking the meds, it looks like I may need them, lol. Last night, we went to bed at 8:45 and I slept till right at 9am today, I am sure that was what allowed me to make it at work today.....along with all the prayers. Life is GOOD! Tomorrow I hope to make it all day with my Saviors help.....I have so much to do...new ads....new banners...stop the insanity...

Everyday I thank God for giving me health and life. Yes I said HEALTH!!!! Even with all the tests, prods, pokes, opperations.....I still am alive! What I am experiencing is a drop in the bucket to what Jesus went through. As long as I have breath, I will Praise Him for what he has done for me......

This is something I have posted on a few message boards...call it Vman's points to ponder:

"I urge each one of you to take a look deep inside yourselves. Are you living for the moment at hand? Or are you focusing on what tomorrow, next week, next year may bring? There is NOT one of us that is guaranteed another breath. This trial has made me take a long hard look at what I focused my energy on. Little things have a whole new meaning to me. Dont let a major event in your life make you do a check on what is important. Do that before anything happens. I cannot change the past, I cannot predict the future. But I can make every second today count!"


Thanks for dropping by and I enjoy your comments.

Keep fighting this fight, one day I KNOW there will be a cure!

Believe,

Kevin

Not as bad......

I know this may come as a shock to many that have taken chemo, but this one was no where near as bad as the 1st. I want to thank Jesus for that. I was more aware of what was going on all weekend. I experienced no numbness or nasuea. God is so good to me, even through all what the last few months have brought on us we are "Still Blessed"!

I am still experiencing the fatigue. Today it took what seemed like all my energy just to get out of bed and make it to the shower. I am gonna head to work for a few hours to make sure there are no fires that need to put out and come back home and rest this afternoon.

To my fellow FIGHTERS....stay positive and keep the Faith!

Do drop in and say hello!

Believe,

Kevin

Chemo round 2

Hello all! I hope this post finds my friends well!

Today was my 2nd chemo, it still seems hard to say that word...chemo..... Something I am getting more and more familiar with every day. I am constantly doing more and more reading of what drugs are available, how they work and what I may experience.

Todays treatment was a bit shorter, maybe 4.5 hours or so. Still watching the drugs enter my body is un nerving. I KNOW they are doing good, but it doesent make the process any easier. I keep visualizing what the medicine is doing to the METS in my liver...sometimes I believe I can actually hear them scream in pain as their blood flow is cut off.

I was actually able to eat very well tonight, had a craving for some red meat and Fatz Cafe answered the call...one ribeye and fries to go. MMMmmmm good....its amazing now only eating beef every other week or so...it used to be a major staple of my diet.

And another shocking thing...I actually drank cold drinks tonight! On one of the chemo drugs, I am not supposed to be able to do that until Tuesday. Last treatment I tried it on Sunday and was able to have cold liquids. The only side effect I am having is what I call "1st bite syndrome". Some of the foods I eat cause the muscle contractions in my throat. I am combating that by taking very small bites to start with on anything I eat.

I am still planning on being in Birmingham, Alabama for a track day on November 10th. I am so ready to be riding my motorcycle on the track again. It is my high on this earth, just another way to give cancer a black eye!

I continue to praise my Savior, Jesus Christ for all he has done for Brenda and I. There is still a plan in our life for this trial. I do have a good idea, but I know the full plan will be revealed to me in HIS time, not mine.

To my fellow FIGHTERS- I pray for you every day. We are in the battle together and if I can help in any way, please let me know.

Thanks again for all the prayers and do drop by and say hello!

Believe,

Kevin

A little about my journey so far.....

I know I am late getting this blog started, maybe I am a true member of the procrastonators club after all. Maybe a bit about my road so far.

My name is Kevin, 36 years old, married for 13 years to my wonderful wife Brenda. We do not have any kids, consider us DINKS- Dual Income No Kids. I am a Christian, saved by the Grace of God when I was 12 years old. Hobbies include playing and coaching softball for Crossfire Ministries and lots of time spent on 2 wheels on one of my motorcycles. I am an Assistant Parts Manager for MR Cycles, surrounded by machines that I do enjoy all day.

In late July I was having some going to the bathroom issues. After a couple of trips to my General and being doubled over in pain on August 12th, I was finally scheduled for a colonospocy on August 14th. Being my 1st time I could actually remember being put to sleep, I was terrified so to speak. Everyone told me the prep was the hardest part...I wish that had held true in my case.....

Two tumors were found with a 80% block of my colon, now I see why I was having trouble. My GI doc told me I would be having surgery with in a few days. My 1st meeting with my surgeon was on August 16th. Great, put to sleep again I thought......I was more at ease after leaving the Surgeons office though. Surgery was scheduled for August 20th. On August 14th, I layed this Cancer issue at my Saviours feet, his response "I will get you through this son". I actually have a peace about having cancer......thank you Jesus!

My surgeon believed from looking at the pics from the scope that the turmors were contained in the colon. Once I was opened up, susprise...one was outside the colon wall and against my small intestine. So long 19cm of my colon, synoria 9cm of my small intestine. Does that make me a "Semi Colon twice removed"?

Path results were back on Wednesday. Margins clean but 18 of 18 nodes positive. More tests would be scheduled once I was home and recovered. I was released from the hospital on the 27th and what a relief to be home. My road to recovery had started. My lower abdomen was still very sore and the staples were pulling bad. The worst pain I experienced....a sneeze, ouch.

I actually went back to work on September 5th, right at 2 weeks after surgery. I was able to plug along for about 6 hours. On September 6th, I had my follow up visit. My staples were removed and Doc wanted to know how my time at home was going....wife commented I went to work yesterday. He looked at me and said "I havent cleared you for work yet"........my response "its easier to ask for forgiveness than permission".......

I continued working for about 4 hours each day, building strength getting ready for the start of chemo. During this time, I had a PET scan and a MRI.......results....5 spots on my liver. Now I am a stage IV with mets to my liver. After the initial shock, I took a step back and resumed my I am still gonna beat this attitude.

Port surgery went well and the 1st round of chemo was on Oct 5th. Folfox with Avastin was the mix. The watching the drugs go in my body was hard for me, wondering what my body was gonna do. On Friday, the day of after treatment, I felt fine. I was able to eat. Saturday, was a little worse, not as much eating finda in a fog so to speak. On Sunday, well, it was rough. Maybe like the worst day of the flu. Once the pump was taken off, my spirt was lifted, relieved I was done for 2 weeks.

I experienced very little side effects. Not much nasuea and I even was able to drink cold stuff Sunday afternoon. Tomorrow is treatment number 2 of my chemo cocktail. I know how the last one made me feel and I hear many different stories of what to expect. Ryan, a friend here locally who is on the same treatment plan but 5 treatments in, says his has gotten better each time. Others have said it gets worse each time.

I pray daily for strength as my wife and I both battle this beast!

Believe,

Kevin