Some Surprises

Yesterday, we were pleasantly surprised by the news that Kevin would restart radiation. It was a large ordeal to transport him to the radiation oncology department with an ICU nurse, a respiratory therapist, two transport men and the ventilator. The whole group got stuck in the elevator for a few tense moments yesterday, but after some tugging and rearranging, they spilled out of the elevator doors like clowns falling out of an overstuffed Volkswagen bug. The ICU nurse and respiratory therapist need to travel with Kevin to monitor him during radiation. During transport, the respiratory therapist squeezes a ball to give him a breath every few seconds. Despite all the commotion, Kevin did well during radiation. We are thrilled that radiation can continue while he is still on the ventilator.

We also learned yesterday that another unknown has been introduced into the equation. The MRI from a couple days ago shows that the bleeding is more extensive than everyone previously thought. That is why things are going so slowly and why things may continue to move at a snail’s pace. In order for the brain stem to function normally, the tumors and blood need to leave. The blood needs to be reabsorbed, which is a long and slow process in the brain. Some doctors say the radiation may help with the blood; others say absorption is the only thing that will help. Basically, the doctors reaffirmed that Kevin’s recovery will be slower than everyone originally thought, and no one knows what Kevin’s neurological function will be once everything is out of the brain stem. Please keep hoping and praying for a positive outcome!

Today’s surprise is that the hospital is running on backup emergency power. The Palo Alto / Menlo Park area has lost power because of a private plane crash in East Palo Alto. All of Kevin’s medical equipment is still working. The TV isn't operating, so we set him up with a Harry Potter audiobook instead. If the power is still out this afternoon, radiation will not happen today.

Thank you again to everyone for checking in from around the country and the world. We truly appreciate all the love and hope you are sending to Kevin and us.