Anticipating Christmas with family!

After an appointment with Dr. Serody on the 17th, it looks like "plan B" needs to be delayed:-( The Mozobil can only be administered if Kancho's counts are "in desired range" or the medication will not work. We will be visiting the BMT clinic weekly so they can check his counts and estimate when we can move forward with Mozobil. Kancho's sister Fran visited this past week and was able to meet the staff treating Kancho as well as see the new Cancer Hospital facility. Fran and Kylee walked the neighborhood looking for pretty x-mas light displays. On Saturday we went to the Nutcracker ballet downtown with my close friend Nicole who lives here in Raleigh. We are anticipating my parents and sisters arrival the 23rd for Christmas together.

God Bless,

Ali, Kancho and Kylee

Time to re-group!

The initial autologous stem cell collection attempt (11-29-09 thru 12-11-09) was unsuccessful for Kancho. The doctors are moving onto "plan B" which includes the addition of Mozobil. This medication is suppose to prompt a quick release of stem cells from the patients bone marrow within the 12 hr period following the injection. Kancho will be injected with the Mozobil at 9pm on 12/27/09 and they will try to collect his stem cells in the 1-2 days that follow (the Mozobil can only be given for 4 days max). If successful, Kancho will go inpatient for the actual transplant procedure on or before 1/5/10, and remain in the hospital for 30 days. Once discharged, we have to remain in Chapel Hill for 3-6 weeks until Kancho's blood counts "recover" and they are comfortable releasing him from their care. Our estimated return to Kannapolis will now be mid to late February 2010. The positive side to this setback is that we now get to spend Christmas Day (also Kancho's birthday) together YEY!!!!! Kancho's sister Fran is arriving today from VA to spend some time with us before the holiday. Photo is of Kancho and Kylee at a Raleigh library looking at books about Horses :-)

Thanks for all the continued prayers and positive thoughts,

Ali, Kancho and Kylee

Safely to Raleigh!

We successfully moved and unloaded two months worth of "stuff" to Raleigh on 11/29/09. We are settled in and getting to know our way around a bit outside the usual route to and from UNC hospital. We have gone daily for tests to see when Kancho will be ready for the stem cell collection step. The staff are nice and keep reminding us to be patient with the process. It's funny how the clinic has these HUGE remote controls.......they must think all patients are senile huh? Kancho is staying active by playing the Wii daily and we found out that the new bone marrow hospital rooms have Wii in them, so he is happy to get to play when he is hospitalized. The final photo is of Kancho and Kylee decorating our tree in the Raleigh house. We are trying to make it feel as "close to home" as possible. My parents have joined us to assist with Kylee and we really appreciate the sacrifice they are making for our family.

Love.

Ali, Kancho and Kylee

Headed to Chapel Hill

We finally have some firm information to pass along to everyone! Kancho will begin an autologous stem cell transplant on 11/18/09 and should complete the process by mid January 2010. We will be living in the Raleigh area during this time thanks to the support of friends and family. We are so proud of Kylee as she entered a horse show on 11/7/09 and won two blue ribbons. We continue to spend quality time as a family when Kancho is feeling up to it. We look forward to posting good news in the months to come.

Luv,

Ali, Kancho and Kylee

Looking forward to the holiday season!

We have had fun this October with a pumpkin patch trip and a visit from Kancho's mom and sister (Elsa and Fran). Our appointment at Chapel Hill was postponed until 11/5/09, so we will post more about Kancho's next treatment options following that date. Happy Halloween to all :-)

Luv,
Ali, Kancho and Kylee

Hyper CVAD treatment cycles come to an end!

Kancho had an uneventful hospitalization for the last of 8 treatments he has been undergoing since January 09. In October we will hear recommendations on what Kancho's treatment options are going forward from his doctors. Kancho has his PET scan on 20th followed by an appointment with his local oncologist (Dr. Williams) on the 21st. Kancho's bone marrow will also be rechecked for cancer cell activity. Kancho's sister and mom will be coming in town to join us for these appointments and procedures. The following week Kancho and I will go to UNC Chapel Hill for a consultation with Dr. Serody (stem cell transplant oncologist).

Kancho has enjoyed helping Kylee with her nightly reading homework. We are gearing up for Halloween time, one of Kancho's favorite times of the year. Kancho is excited to be going with his buddy Kitka to the Panthers vs Redskins game today in Charlotte.

We are so grateful for the continued support of family and friends :-)

God Bless,

Ali, Kancho and Kylee

Finally back in for treatment!

Well, we are finally back in the hospital for the last treatment in the hyper CVAD regimen. We have been out of the hospital for over 7 weeks now while Kancho was trying to get his white blood cell count back up. We spent a lot of quality family time together and that was nice. Kancho was able to play outside and swim with Kylee more than usual. We got out of the rhythm of treatments so it is hard to adjust back into the swing up here on the oncology unit. Kancho is in room #3454 and will be here for at least 5 days (hint hint). Kylee turned 5 on 9/14/09 and she really enjoyed her party at Plaster Creations in Kannapolis. Please keep the thoughts and prayers coming.

Love,

Alison

Change of plans :-)

Well......................Kancho was not admitted as planned Monday of this week. His white blood cell counts remain too low for chemo to be administered. We will hang tight until 9/15/09 when his rescheduled admission will occur for cycle 4 part b. In the meantime we will enjoy our family time together and Kylee's 5th b-day on 9/14/09!

Thanks,
Ali, Kancho and Kylee

Long time no post :-)

Well.........we have done a poor job of updating folks via blog in August huh? Kancho got out of the hospital around 8/8/09, and has been savoring the last few weeks of summer! He has gone to my parent's to fish a couple times and we hit the NC coast last weekend. Kancho finds it very therapeutic to watch and hear the ocean waves. Kylee and he were great travel partners in the back seat where they used one another as a pillow. Kancho will be admitted next Monday 31st for his final chemo treatment under the prescribed hyper CVAD regimen. He will take a PET scan upon discharge so the doctors can determine the next course of action. Kancho is relieved to be completing this 8-month regimen, but is apprehensive about what is to come next. I have been in touch with our UNC oncology folks regularly to coordinate our next trip there to talk to Dr. Serody. Thanks for all the continued prayers and kind gestures.

Love,

Ali, Kancho and Kylee

Back in hospital to start cycle 4

Hello all! It's Ali posting for Kancho today. We had a memorable trip to San Francisco last week where Kancho was able to attend two Giant games!!! We returned home Sunday and received a visit from Kancho's close friend and Seminole fan, Dr. Sgro who lives in Georgia. Kancho was readmitted to the hospital Monday for cycle 4 part A :-( He should be released tomorrow if we are lucky! His spirits remain good and he hopes these next two tx's produce the outcomes we need before entering stem cell transplant (estimated for October). The doctor ordered a CT scan today to rule out additional growths since Kancho has had an increase in abdominal pain this week.

Thanks for your continued thoughts and prayers,

Alison, Kancho and Kylee

Well, not much excitement since last post. I have been in and out of the clinic for blood count checks and they began coming up as of 7-20. That being said, I didn't have to be in the clinic all last week!! I'll be back in the clinic for a blood check tomorrow to see if things are still progressing as planned for my next treatment.

As you can see by the pictures, I have had plenty of time to spend with Kylee!! Kylee and Alison talked me into riding the horse they lease. Riding Vivian was ok, but I'm a city guy at heart.......not many horses in the city :-) The next picture is in front of the Independence High School basketball office. I haven't been back to my place of work since diagnosis in January. It felt weird, but I was able to retrieve some of my personal items from the office.

I go back into the hospital on 8-3-09 for treatment cycle 4 part A. I'm hanging in there b/c of all the love and support I get from everybody.................thanks!!! Take care until next time.

Kancho

7/1/09-7/15/09

It's Alison! Well it has been a couple weeks since last post and a lot has happened. We were able to join my family for an annual July reunion for a couple days in Charleston, SC last week. Kylee enjoyed the time with her cousins. This week Kancho's sister Fran and mother Elsa are visiting. Kylee and Fran got their nails painted Monday! Kancho has been to the clinic daily and his blood and platelet counts have gradually improved , however his white blood cell counts remain low. We have an appointment with the oncologist tomorrow to see what the next treatment step will be before stem cell transplant in September.

Thanks for all the continued support and prayers.

Go Redskin Fans!!!

Luv

Ali

Slow but steady improvements

Hi! It's Alison posting for Kancho again this week. Can't believe it is already July! We forgot to post a photo from the Survivor's Hawaiian Celebration in June at CMC-Northeast so I included it this time. It was inspiring to be surrounded by so many success stories and to spend time with Kancho's health care providers and hospital volunteers in a casual setting. Kancho has shown slow improvements this week and is eager to return home in time for the holiday. His mouth and throat sores have diminished with the help of increased nutrition intake and antibiotics through his IV. Unfortunately his white blood cell count is at zero so he is not able to heal and fight off infection internally as you and I would. He has to wear a mask so he can visit with guests and leave his room to take walks with Kylee without the risk of catching infections. He has also been getting daily blood and platelet transfusions to assist his system with the rebuilding process following his recent chemo treatment. The best news of the week was Kancho's PET scan results which indicated a small reduction in his pelvic tumor, but more importantly a moderate reduction in the cancer cell density and activity in the tumor tissue. This will likely mean he will proceed with the last cycle of his initially prescribed Hyper CVAD regimen, and then move forward with stem cell transplant. We will find out more details as we enter August and talk with Dr. Serody at UNC Chapel Hill. Overall the news was positive and we continue to follow the lead of our doctors toward the goal of remission.

Thanks for your thoughts and prayers,

Alison, Kancho and Kylee

Not home for long :-(

Hello everyone this is Alison posting an update for Kancho. He had to be readmitted to the hospital today due to infection from mouth and throat sores that are keeping him from eating or drinking and causing him great pain. He has lost over 10 lbs since we returned from Florida and they will be able to give him fluids and nutrition through an IV in the hospital. We are bummed......of coarse, but naturally want him to feel better more than be home. One of the hardest aspects of this journey for me has been seeing someone I love so much in intense pain while I can't do anything to help relieve it.

The highlight of our week, despite these trials was Kancho's reunification with his stepbrother Frank Spasoff (picture above). Kancho and Frank have only seen each other a couple of times in their lives and ironically Kancho's battle with cancer has brought them together after 20+ years. It proves to show us that within times of tribulation, there are hidden miracles to be found. Frank spent dinner at our home Tuesday evening and it was a joy to get to know him better. He is such a warm and genuine person who we hope will remain connected to our family into the future.

I will update you all as I get more info about Kancho's condition in coming days. My hope is that he quickly begins to gain strength and heals so he can come back home.

Love,

Alison

Cycle 3 completed!

I was admitted on 6/16/09 for cycle 3 part B. The treatment went ok and I was able to get home to spend Father's Day with Kylee and Ali. YEY!!!! The care partners on the unit shared my excitement about getting released as they escorted me down to the car. I enjoyed Ali's lunch break visits where we cuddled and looked at pictures from our recent trip to Florida to keep my spirits up. Kylee had a pirate themed week at daycare and I attached a photo of her dressing like a pirate for a class treasure hunt. Even though Kylee is used to being home with me during the summers, she seems to be adjusting to attending daycare and making the best of it without "daddy daycare" this year. She is such a trooper and source of joy for me right now!

Love,

Kancho

Therapeutic Trip to Florida

We went on a family vacation for the first time since my diagnosis. The trip was fantastic! I can't believe how therapeutic this was for my entire body; I felt like the "old me" so to speak. As you can see the sunsets were outstanding! We watched all the beautiful sunsets, played with the dolphins, and went fishing with Captain Kerry. Kylee liked the fishing the best. She beat all of us by catching 10 fish. We also enjoyed hours of pool time. Ali surprised me with a renewal of vows ceremony to mark our 12 years of marriage (anniversary on June 14).

I have been readmitted to the hospital today (room #3447) for cycle 3 part B. I hope to be back home with my family by Father's Day!

Love,

Kancho, Ali and Kylee

Well, I've had a long 7 days since last posting. I have been in the clinic daily for transfusions or blood count checks and things are improving gradually as expected. A loving couple from our church, Jane and Joe Gufree, have been a godsend as Joe takes me to and from the clinic daily so Ali does not have to take off work and they both make us yummy food! We get to see Ali's parent's weekly and we are grateful that they live close by. Kylee and I have been watching baseball when we can (Go Giants!!). We hope to take a family trip before I am scheduled for readmission on 6/16/09 for cycle 3 part B. I plan to prepare by relaxing and enjoying some special family time next weekend. Ali and I will be celebrating our 12 yr anniversary on 6/14/09 in addition to father's day that weekend. It is weird how this challenging illness has brought Ali and I closer than we have ever been. We are grateful and look forward to many more years of marriage together. Hope everyone has a nice weekend and we will post again on 6/16/09 or soon after.

Love

Kancho, Ali and Kylee

Transplant consultation today

Hi all, it's Ali typing this entry.....
Kancho and I traveled to Chapel Hill today for our consultation appointment with Dr. Serody at the Bone Marrow Clinic. Given that the session included 3 1/2 hrs of information and I am exhausted, I will share the "short" version :-) Dr. Serody would like to see Kancho proceed with completing cycle 3 part B of the Hyper CVAD regimen here locally followed by another PET scan. The reason behind this is that they want to make sure the remaining pelvic tumor has reduced in size as much as it can before moving onto stem cell transplant. Stem cell transplant can only be administered one time and as long as the tumor is not gaining in size, there is no rush to do it sooner. The doctor described the transplant tx as a "seal the deal" kind of option, however there are little clinical outcomes to define cure rate for Kancho's rare type of lymphoma. Ball park is about 30% success rate from stem cell transplant for similar non-Hodgkin's lymphoma patients. The doctor estimates that we will enter phase 1 of the transplant process (collection of Kancho's stem cells) in September and then phase 2 (actual transplant) in October where we will be hospitalized in Chapel Hill for at least a month. This overall timeline for transplant could vary depending on Kancho's recovery time after cycle 3 concludes, and the response his tumor shows over the next 3 months. We met several UNC hospital staff who will be involved with us from now forward, and all of them were very supportive. Kancho is scheduled for outpatient chemo tomorrow which will conclude his cycle 3 part A tx. We will observe his blood counts for the next few weeks and update you as we approach another hospitalization at NEMC for part B. Thanks again for all your concern and prayers. This will be a long process and the sustained support we have received from family and friends has been amazing. Keep it up!

Luv,
Ali

Coming home today........fingers crossed!

I have had an uneventful hospitalization this week. Things went pretty smooth and if all goes as planned I should be discharged this afternoon. I will have completed cycle 3 part A of the initially prescribed Hyper CVAD chemotherapy regimen. We are headed to the Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center at UNC Hospitals this Thursday for our consult appointment with my transplant doctor (Dr. Serody). We should find out more about when we will be staying there for the 6 week treatment process. Ali has had a childhood friend Nicole in town for a "girls weekend" and Kylee has been having a blast with them getting toes painted, hair fixed and playing dress up! I will keep everyone updated once we return from our appointment Thursday.

Love,

Kancho

Philippians 4:6,7

‘Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.’

Acts 4:30

‘Stretch out your hand to heal and perform miraculous signs and wonders through the name of your holy servant Jesus.’

Back in for chemo treatment 5/19/09

Lots of clinic visits this past two weeks. I think I have been up there daily whether for count checks, to get platelets or blood transfusions, or for a neupogen shot (helps to jump start my white blood cell production). It has been nice to have Ali's godfather John here for the past few weeks to help out. He is traveling back to Florida as I write this. I am scheduled to be admitted to CMC Northeast this coming Tuesday for cycle 3 part a. The doctor wants to keep me on the Hyper CVAD chemo regimen until UNC Hospital's bone marrow transplant unit is ready to admit me. We have our consult appointment in Chapel Hill with Dr. Serody on 5/28/09 where we will likely learn a whole lot more about the estimated 6 week stay there for my transplant. As you can see I allow Kylee to sleep with me some before I have to leave the house for hospitalization. I'm a sucker for her puppy dog eyes! Thanks for all your continued prayers.

Kancho

May 10th 2009

Ali's birthday and Mother's Day were reasons to celebrate this weekend and value our time together. We attended the NC Research Park "Village Fest" Saturday evening where there was food and live music to enjoy. My favorite local band "Super Glide" took the stage at 7pm and Kylee danced with a friend near the stage for hours. Sunday morning Kylee helped Ali fill my med box which can take an hour or more, but Kylee takes great pride in her role to nurse me back to health. Hope everyone has a restful Mother's Day weekend.

Love,

Kancho, Ali and Kylee