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