The Stanford medical team that has been working with Kevin’s case over the past several months got back to us Friday with a ruling on the latest MRI results. They had presented Kevin’s case at “tumor board,” a weekly meeting of Stanford oncology physicians, and had decided that the MRI shows tumor progression. We did not want to hear this news, and we’ve all been pretty upset by it. It’s heartbreaking to watch Kevin struggle after he’s been working so hard to improve. This is another steep drop in the rollercoaster of Kevin’s illness, and we’re trying to readjust to the new reality of the situation.
We’re not yet sure how this news will affect the treatment Kevin is receiving. The chemotherapy will most likely increase, and there may be a change in medications used, but some physicians need to talk and decisions need to be made before we know anything for sure. We haven’t yet exhausted the options for treatment, but this provides little comfort when we must progress to treatments that are riskier or have historically had lower success rates.
Kevin is extremely depressed by this news, but he was having a rough day yesterday even before receiving the bad news. He was exhausted throughout the day. He had a difficult time with speech, swallowing and throat-clearing, which may be due to a number of reasons ranging from exhaustion to the tumor pressing against nerves that control those functions.
Despite all the bad news, Kevin has been able to find some bit of pleasure in tasting certain foods; he has started requesting numerous “junk foods” that he is craving. He is not able to eat solid food at this point in time, but we have been pureeing things to give him the tastes he craves. In the last few days, he's gotten to taste an Its-Its ice cream sandwich, breakfast burritos and a KFC meal. Kathlin has been amazingly loving and patient while feeding him; even though we’re only feeding him purées, he takes a very long time, and a lot of coaching, to get through a few bites. For the millionth time, we are eternally thankful for Kathlin and the love and support she’s given to Kevin and our family.
Thank you to all of you for keeping Kevin in your thoughts and prayers. Please send him a bit of extra hope during this rough time.
Kevin in the tube
Santa Cruz Chocolate Milkshake Rankings
- 1. Marianne's Ice Cream (Mexican Chocolate shake)
- 2. Marianne's Ice Cream (Chocolate Brownie shake)
- 3. Cold Stone (Dark chocolate ice cream, normal chocolate ice cream, and brownies)
- Marianne's Ice Cream (Chocolate Chocolate-chip Swirl)
- 4. Saturn Cafe (Chocolate ice cream and peanut butter)
- 5. Jack's Burgers
- 6. Betty's Burgers
- 7. Carpo's
- 8. Burger King
- 8. Sno-White Drive In
- 10. Chill Out Cafe (Chocolate, banana and peanut butter—I guess too many flavors for Kevin's taste!)
Shake Stars
- ★★★★1/2 Butterscotch Swirl from Marianne's
- ★★★★1/2 Butter Pecan from Marianne's
- ★★★★☆ Bananas Foster Shake (homemade)
- ★★★★☆ Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Dough Shake from Marianne's
- ★★★★☆ 3AM Truffle from Marrianne's
Palo Alto Chocolate Milkshake Rankings
- 1. "Old Fashioned" Chocolate Shake from Peninsula Creamery
- 2. Chocolate Shake from Häagen-Dazs
- 3. Chocolate Shake from In-N-Out
- 3. Chocolate Shake from Jeffrey's Hamburgers
- 3. Chocolate Shake from Rick's Rather Rich
- 4. Chocolate Shake from Palo Alto Creamery
15 comments:
Hi Williams,
We are so sorry to hear this news. We are thinking of you all and pulling for you 100%.
Susan and Ed Murphy
Dearest Kevin, Kathlin, Rich, Carolyn and Stacey
We have been out of internet connection for the past 2 weeks and I just now am getting the update.
You are all in our prayers for this very upsetting news. You have prevailed before and I really feel that we all still have great hope to get control of this tumor again. Kevin, you are a fighter beyond belief and so is your entire family. Kathlin, you are an angel on this earth. May God bless you and give you strength.
With Love
The Runyons
Dear Rich, Carolyn, Stacey, Kevin and Kathlin,
Sending you all lots of love, hugs and hope.
Trish Cronin
I hope seeing me on the cam brighten his day! And i think margot stopped by with some delicious brownies :) and my mom went too?
Keep up the fight dude im trying really hard while being in france! I hope the wine and cheese that im gobbling down for ya will make you stronger somehow. Never give up dude!
I love you all
ro
We are thinking of Kevin and your family every day. Our love and support is being sent every day!
Sending Love and Support,
Rachel
It is a terrible roller coaster you are enduring, but what shines through is the love between you, and we only hope that things will improve again.
Prayers and hope,
Teresa and Andy
Keep fighting Kevin. You can beat this. We are keeping you all in our thoughts and prayers.
love,
Christine and Jan
You in our prayers and thoughts every day. Keep up the fighting spirit! Love, Christine, Kim, and Max
I hope this bad news will be met with even greater fortitude than before. I've been checking this blog since the beginning and have been hoping for your recovery. I still believe you have it in you to beat this Kevin.
Doug
Kevin, we are pulling for you here in Chicago. You are an amazing fighter and it has been inspiring to track your progress thus far. I am keeping you in my thoughts and prayers.
~Rachel B.
The ups and downs of Kevin's condition must be extremely painful for everyone involved. As always, we send our thoughts, prayers and love to the entire Williams family.
Scott, Tania, Matt, Graham and Noelle
You all are great examples of fortitude and endurance. I am thinking about you every day and sending you my love and support.
Sharon Anderson
Sending you love and prayers from NY. So sorry you're all going through such a rough patch - here's to comfort and peace, as well as strength to continue fighting the good fight. You are in our constant thoughts and prayers,
Love, Mary Jo and Bob
We are so sorry to hear about this latest set back. You all have worked so hard and have endured so many ups and downs. We know you have the strength to meet this latest challenge. You are the most incredible family!
You are in our thoughts and prayers constantly.
Love from the Merritts
We are so sad to hear this news and pray it is a setback that will swing back to some good news. As always, you are in our constant thoughts and prayers and we do agree that Kevin has one top notch lady, Kathlin, at his side along with his amazing parents and sister. Love and many blessings.
Kathy & Robert
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