Three Chemotherapies

On Tuesday, Kevin received all three chemotherapy medications that he is currently taking. The appointment was a long one; he was at the hospital from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. However, he managed the appointment and the trip to and from the hospital well. The Netherlands/Uruguay soccer game on TV helped the appointment go a bit faster—plus, Kevin, Kathlin, Mom and Dad were happy they got to see the entire game!

After the major dose of chemo on Tuesday, we have been keeping a close eye on Kevin’s nausea and coughing. So far this week, he hasn’t had many major problems (knock on wood!). He has been coughing a bit more, which always makes us nervous because it might mean he isn’t controlling his secretions well. For those of you keeping close track, the secretions, coughing and swallowing issue is one of the main symptoms Kevin has been dealing with since he got sick. However, Kevin’s coughing hasn’t prevented him from eating well over the past few days, and he’s managed to keep up a good appetite. He has a new favorite milkshake: the Mexican Chocolate shake from Marianne’s. The cinnamon and chocolate combination seems to hit the spot—he even requested the shake a second time this week.

Today Kevin starts outpatient therapy. Mom, Dad, Kevin and Kathlin have just left for a long appointment for speech and physical therapy evaluations. After today, we will get a feel for how Kevin handles traveling to therapy.

We have thought of another way that you all can show Kevin your support. Kevin’s 22nd birthday is on July 27th. Since it’ll be an extremely emotional day for Kevin, he won’t be up for a huge party. However, we want to continually remind him how much support he has out there, so we thought of another way for you all to give him birthday wishes. It would be wonderful if each of Kevin’s supporters sent him a birthday card or postcard via “snail mail.” We will collect the cards as they come in. Presenting all the cards at once to Kevin on his birthday would be an impressive physical showing of just how many of you are cheering him on.

You can send postcards or birthday cards (no packages please!) to:
Kevin Williams
240 Quail Run
Aptos, CA 95003-9565

Thank you so much for your continued support and readership of the blog. If you feel like taking a few moments to write Kevin a birthday card or postcard, please do! Even if you don't directly know Kevin well or know him through someone else, receiving cards from you all will show him just how many people are thinking about him. Feel free to send the cards at any time; we’ll collect those that come in early and save them for his birthday. Also, thank you for the great suggestions for podcasts and geology / geography videos—if you think of any others, please pass them on!