Distraction was the theme for Friday. We tried to stop Kevin’s mind from working overtime and going over every tiny detail about his situation. He was thinking a mile a minute last night and didn’t sleep, so he was physically and mentally exhausted today. However, we have been watching some Daily Show and Colbert Report episodes to let Kevin think about something else and, most importantly, to give us all some smiles and laughs.
Besides Jon Stewart’s jokes about the sad state of our country, we have something else to smile at. Kevin’s platelet and white blood cell counts seem to have stabilized at decent levels! This means we won’t have to worry about any blood transfusions any time soon, and radiation will continue.
This afternoon, we took Kevin for a walk outside. He has always been interested in cars; he started reading Motor Trend when he was elementary school-aged. As soon as we got outside today, Kevin said that he wanted to look at the cars parked alongside the road. As we walked down the sidewalk, he recited the make and model of each car we passed, often interjecting comments about people he knows who have that car.
We also have been watching the Winter X-Games, a favorite sports event in our family. Kevin has been teaching Kathlin some things about half-pipe tricks and other things the contestants do to defy death while hurtling down an icy slope. We have recently put up one poster of Kevin jumping off the cornice at Kirkwood, and two others of Kevin racing for the Colgate ski team. We hope these posters will help him visualize the activities he wants to resume—a look into the past that might become a glimpse into the future.
P.S. We and Kevin send our apologies to anyone named Steve or Bob…Kevin holds nothing personal against you, we swear!
Friday, January 29, 2010
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
GET OUT!
The radiation oncologists decided to do localized radiation on Kevin’ brain stem this week due to the fact that his white blood cell count was slowly falling. His white blood cells rose for a couple days. They may have leveled off today. We are a bit sad that they didn't rise more today, but we aren’t panicking quite yet. One day at a time…
Kevin is also starting to experience more of the nasty side effects of the radiation. Nausea, sore throat and hair loss are not fun to deal with. However, Kevin is still an amazing sport and puts a lot of effort into physical, speech and occupational therapy sessions.
When Kevin was first diagnosed with cancer, Mom’s brother and sister-in-law, Karl and Ellen, told us a story about one of their friends who won a battle against a brain tumor. He emphasized the importance of visualization and positive thinking, and in order to do this most effectively, he named his tumor Murray. He focused on thoughts like, “Murray, GET OUT of my body!” Karl and Ellen suggested that Kevin also name his tumors. Kevin has named the large tumor Steve and the small tumor Bob. GET OUT of Kevin’s body, Steve and Bob!
Kevin is also starting to experience more of the nasty side effects of the radiation. Nausea, sore throat and hair loss are not fun to deal with. However, Kevin is still an amazing sport and puts a lot of effort into physical, speech and occupational therapy sessions.
When Kevin was first diagnosed with cancer, Mom’s brother and sister-in-law, Karl and Ellen, told us a story about one of their friends who won a battle against a brain tumor. He emphasized the importance of visualization and positive thinking, and in order to do this most effectively, he named his tumor Murray. He focused on thoughts like, “Murray, GET OUT of my body!” Karl and Ellen suggested that Kevin also name his tumors. Kevin has named the large tumor Steve and the small tumor Bob. GET OUT of Kevin’s body, Steve and Bob!
Sunday, January 24, 2010
A Good Weekend
Kevin’s platelet levels rose both Saturday and Sunday! We were concerned that the radiation was making his platelets drop, but if that were the case, it probably would have taken a couple more days of no radiation for his platelet levels to bottom out. Now, we are more convinced that the platelets were reacting to a medication that Kevin stopped taking on Thursday. The radiation oncologists may still decide to switch to more localized radiation sometime this week to give his bone marrow in his spine a break, but at this point, radiation is still scheduled to continue.
Kevin had two good days of rest. He enjoyed a chocolate milkshake from Jeffrey’s Hamburgers on Saturday night. He had to drink it slowly because it was so thick (lots of ice cream in that one!), but he liked it, and reported that it’s also tied for third.
We have been trying to convince Kevin to get out of the hospital bed and sit up in a chair more often, and we were more successful with that convincing this weekend. Today, he ate two meals in a chair (that may be a record since he got to Stanford), watched most of both football games in the chair and went for a wheelchair ride outside to get some much needed love, licks and dog hair from Chammy. We’re very proud of his hard work!
Kevin had two good days of rest. He enjoyed a chocolate milkshake from Jeffrey’s Hamburgers on Saturday night. He had to drink it slowly because it was so thick (lots of ice cream in that one!), but he liked it, and reported that it’s also tied for third.
We have been trying to convince Kevin to get out of the hospital bed and sit up in a chair more often, and we were more successful with that convincing this weekend. Today, he ate two meals in a chair (that may be a record since he got to Stanford), watched most of both football games in the chair and went for a wheelchair ride outside to get some much needed love, licks and dog hair from Chammy. We’re very proud of his hard work!
Friday, January 22, 2010
Platelets
Yesterday was pretty stressful, again owing to miscommunication between doctors. The first doctor who visited in the morning nonchalantly told us that Kevin’s platelets (which make your blood clot) were below 50,000, so they were going to halt radiation, and that the MRI from the night before didn’t show that the tumor had responded much. This was not news we wanted to start the day with. One of our main goals for the moment is to continue radiation; we feel it is very important to continue the treatment that is hopefully going to cure him. Therefore, we want to make absolutely certain that there’s a darn good reason for stopping radiation, and that the “reason” isn’t a miscommunication.
After much stress and talking to several other doctors to figure out what actually was going on, it turned out that everything is just fine. The first doctor had his facts wrong. Yes, Kevin’s platelets are dropping, but they're still above 50,000. Even if the platelets were below 50,000, the radiation oncologists would switch to localized radiation on the brain stem. Plus, the MRI does show that the tumor has shrunk a bit. We are thrilled that radiation continued as scheduled this morning—and that it seems to be working!
Kevin enjoyed a personal cheese pizza for lunch. A few days ago, Mom discovered that Kevin could order off the pediatric menu. He would much rather have mini cheeseburgers, tater tots, taquitos or pizza from the pediatric menu instead of puréed asparagus and mashed potatoes every night. He said the pediatric menu “is more my speed.”
Kevin also tried the chocolate milkshake from Häagen-Dazs last night, and he thoroughly enjoyed it. It’s the new second-place shake. He drank most of it in literally under 60 seconds! The rest of us splurged and also had milkshakes; we decided we needed something sweet after such a hectic day. The lesson learned from yesterday (and a lesson I should have remembered from Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy): don't panic.
After much stress and talking to several other doctors to figure out what actually was going on, it turned out that everything is just fine. The first doctor had his facts wrong. Yes, Kevin’s platelets are dropping, but they're still above 50,000. Even if the platelets were below 50,000, the radiation oncologists would switch to localized radiation on the brain stem. Plus, the MRI does show that the tumor has shrunk a bit. We are thrilled that radiation continued as scheduled this morning—and that it seems to be working!
Kevin enjoyed a personal cheese pizza for lunch. A few days ago, Mom discovered that Kevin could order off the pediatric menu. He would much rather have mini cheeseburgers, tater tots, taquitos or pizza from the pediatric menu instead of puréed asparagus and mashed potatoes every night. He said the pediatric menu “is more my speed.”
Kevin also tried the chocolate milkshake from Häagen-Dazs last night, and he thoroughly enjoyed it. It’s the new second-place shake. He drank most of it in literally under 60 seconds! The rest of us splurged and also had milkshakes; we decided we needed something sweet after such a hectic day. The lesson learned from yesterday (and a lesson I should have remembered from Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy): don't panic.
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
Ups and Downs
Radiation went well this morning, but it tired Kevin out as usual. After resting, he had a good physical therapy session involving a machine that holds him in a swing/harness so he can practice walking without the weight of his whole body on his legs. Kevin tried this machine last week and strongly disliked it; his coordination and movement have improved since then, so he was able to better tolerate the exercise this afternoon.
After physical therapy, Kevin was hit by nausea. This could be a side affect of the radiation, or it could be the result of medications, physical therapy or the food he had for lunch… regardless, it made Kevin more miserable than normal, so we’re hoping this isn’t a sign of things to come over the next several weeks.
I’ve introduced several animals, so I should start introducing human characters in this story. I’ll start with the most important one. Kathlin, Kevin’s devoted and committed girlfriend, has been an amazing help and source of strength for Kevin and our family. Normally a geography major and environmental studies minor, Kathlin has memorized every medical detail about what is going on with Kevin. Kevin feels most comfortable around her, and the nurses love her because she does a lot of their work for them! The nurses have even invited Kathlin to use their washer and dryer, which came in handy this afternoon after Kevin’s bout of nausea. We frequently comment that Kathlin is the best thing that’s ever happened to Kevin. The last few months may have been a totally different story if Kathlin wasn’t around to keep Kevin motivated and strong, and she deserves our endless love and gratitude.
After physical therapy, Kevin was hit by nausea. This could be a side affect of the radiation, or it could be the result of medications, physical therapy or the food he had for lunch… regardless, it made Kevin more miserable than normal, so we’re hoping this isn’t a sign of things to come over the next several weeks.
I’ve introduced several animals, so I should start introducing human characters in this story. I’ll start with the most important one. Kathlin, Kevin’s devoted and committed girlfriend, has been an amazing help and source of strength for Kevin and our family. Normally a geography major and environmental studies minor, Kathlin has memorized every medical detail about what is going on with Kevin. Kevin feels most comfortable around her, and the nurses love her because she does a lot of their work for them! The nurses have even invited Kathlin to use their washer and dryer, which came in handy this afternoon after Kevin’s bout of nausea. We frequently comment that Kathlin is the best thing that’s ever happened to Kevin. The last few months may have been a totally different story if Kathlin wasn’t around to keep Kevin motivated and strong, and she deserves our endless love and gratitude.
Monday, January 18, 2010
The Bionic Man
Kevin did not have radiation therapy over the 3-day weekend, so the last few days have been pretty quiet. The head residents have switched and there’s a new attending physician, but these sorts of changes seem to be par for the course in a teaching hospital. We have brought the new team up to date, and everything seems to be proceeding well. Kevin is still taking small steps in the right direction; his symptoms are slightly improving with each day.
About a week ago, Kevin had a frustrating physical therapy session, but luckily a sympathetic occupational therapist saw our dissatisfaction and offered to help. She showed us “Nessy,” a contraption that may improve Kevin’s movement. Due to the location of Kevin’s tumors in his brain stem, he has trouble controlling the left side of his body. While Kevin still can’t connect signals from his brain to his left side, Nessy continues to work the nerves on his left arm. Nessy, which looks like a forearm/wrist brace, sends small electric shocks to open, relax and close Kevin’s left hand. It’s pretty surreal to watch his hand move again.
An update on the milkshake rankings: Kevin has deemed the chocolate shake from Rick’s Rather Rich as very good and rich (true to the name). He’s ranked it in 2nd place, tied with In-N-Out, behind 1st place Peninsula Creamery, and ahead of 3rd place Palo Alto creamery. It seems that In-N-Out is getting some points for emotional comfort food, but hey, who knows, maybe it does stand up to the “fancier” shakes!
Thank you to everyone who is checking in and sending love and support from around California, the States and the world.
About a week ago, Kevin had a frustrating physical therapy session, but luckily a sympathetic occupational therapist saw our dissatisfaction and offered to help. She showed us “Nessy,” a contraption that may improve Kevin’s movement. Due to the location of Kevin’s tumors in his brain stem, he has trouble controlling the left side of his body. While Kevin still can’t connect signals from his brain to his left side, Nessy continues to work the nerves on his left arm. Nessy, which looks like a forearm/wrist brace, sends small electric shocks to open, relax and close Kevin’s left hand. It’s pretty surreal to watch his hand move again.
An update on the milkshake rankings: Kevin has deemed the chocolate shake from Rick’s Rather Rich as very good and rich (true to the name). He’s ranked it in 2nd place, tied with In-N-Out, behind 1st place Peninsula Creamery, and ahead of 3rd place Palo Alto creamery. It seems that In-N-Out is getting some points for emotional comfort food, but hey, who knows, maybe it does stand up to the “fancier” shakes!
Thank you to everyone who is checking in and sending love and support from around California, the States and the world.
Thursday, January 14, 2010
Fred and Sir Flint
Overall, radiation continues to go well. Kevin is very tired after his radiation sessions, which have unfortunately been scheduled for the morning. Therefore, he doesn’t have much energy during afternoon physical and occupational therapy sessions. However, he continues to be an excellent sport and give the therapy sessions his best shot. We are so proud of his hard work and patience.
Kevin has been living with a quiet, agreeable, fine-finned roommate: Fred the beta fish. Michele’s son had the wonderful idea of giving beta fish to hospital patients, so soon after Kevin arrived at Stanford, Michele visited with a fish in tow. I learned from my old beta fish (RIP Tofurkey) that they DO have personalities, are entertaining to watch and can be fun to take care of. Inspired by alliteration, Kevin named the fish Fred. Fred is dark Colgate red and sits beneath Kevin’s “LIVESTRONG” poster and Colgate pennant. Fred is pretty low-key, but he gets excited whenever anyone approaches him around feeding time. Kevin’s appetite has started to mirror Fred’s; Kevin has finally started to feel hungry, and he’s been eating more.
The high point today was a visit from Sir Flint, a black lab therapy dog. Paws for Patients bring very well-trained and calm dogs to visit patients, and we are thrilled that they finally stopped by. Sir Flint jumped onto a chair and put his front paws and head on Kevin’s bed. As much as we love Chammy, she wouldn’t behave well enough to stop there; she’d jump into bed and roll all over Kevin. It was wonderful to see Kevin smile as he pet Sir Flint. Kevin even laughed when Sir Flint “waved” goodbye with a paw when he left the room. We hope to meet several more therapy dogs in the coming weeks!
Kevin has been living with a quiet, agreeable, fine-finned roommate: Fred the beta fish. Michele’s son had the wonderful idea of giving beta fish to hospital patients, so soon after Kevin arrived at Stanford, Michele visited with a fish in tow. I learned from my old beta fish (RIP Tofurkey) that they DO have personalities, are entertaining to watch and can be fun to take care of. Inspired by alliteration, Kevin named the fish Fred. Fred is dark Colgate red and sits beneath Kevin’s “LIVESTRONG” poster and Colgate pennant. Fred is pretty low-key, but he gets excited whenever anyone approaches him around feeding time. Kevin’s appetite has started to mirror Fred’s; Kevin has finally started to feel hungry, and he’s been eating more.
The high point today was a visit from Sir Flint, a black lab therapy dog. Paws for Patients bring very well-trained and calm dogs to visit patients, and we are thrilled that they finally stopped by. Sir Flint jumped onto a chair and put his front paws and head on Kevin’s bed. As much as we love Chammy, she wouldn’t behave well enough to stop there; she’d jump into bed and roll all over Kevin. It was wonderful to see Kevin smile as he pet Sir Flint. Kevin even laughed when Sir Flint “waved” goodbye with a paw when he left the room. We hope to meet several more therapy dogs in the coming weeks!
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
Radiation Therapy has Begun!
A quick update: Kevin started radiation yesterday afternoon. The first session was longer than it normally will be, and Kevin returned to his room exhausted, but it went well overall. We’ll have to post further updates about what exactly goes on during radiation… since no one can be in the room while the sign says “Beam On,” we don’t have any first-hand witnesses. We do know that Kevin has a custom-made fiberglass mask that is used to steady his head, neck and body on the radiation table. He has Sharpie markings on his body, but it doesn’t seem like he’ll be getting permanent tattoos, possibly because this radiation is image-guided.
From now on, radiation will happen every weekday for six weeks. We’ve been told that we might see improvement in Kevin’s symptoms anywhere from after four days to four weeks. Kevin will also be receiving more courses of the chemo drug he got last week. Apparently, each patient reacts uniquely to radiation, so no one really knows what side effects to expect. We’re prepared for just about anything.
After exiting the radiation machine, Kevin said, in one of his longest sentences in weeks, “I used to think MRI scans were futuristic, but this was unbelievable.”
From now on, radiation will happen every weekday for six weeks. We’ve been told that we might see improvement in Kevin’s symptoms anywhere from after four days to four weeks. Kevin will also be receiving more courses of the chemo drug he got last week. Apparently, each patient reacts uniquely to radiation, so no one really knows what side effects to expect. We’re prepared for just about anything.
After exiting the radiation machine, Kevin said, in one of his longest sentences in weeks, “I used to think MRI scans were futuristic, but this was unbelievable.”
Tuesday, January 12, 2010
Lessons in Patience
Over the past two days, we’ve learned that hospitals desperately need an overarching system of communication that makes doctors, nurses and therapists from every department talk to each other about each patient. Entering things in each patient’s computerized chart supposedly gets information from one person to another… but it only works if they put the correct information in the computer and if they bother to check what’s in the computer! So far, our experience shows that the computer does not communicate between all fifty (or more) hands that are trying to heal Kevin.
Yesterday we saw how this miscommunication is not only inefficient, but can be harmful to patients. We learned early Monday that the radiation oncology department prepared a radiation plan for a glioma—not a medulloblastoma. Throughout last week, various doctors were still deciding which type of tumor Kevin has. We were told that the radiation oncologists were preparing a plan for both, and once the final pathology came down, they would go with whatever radiation plan matched the pathology. Of course, what we are told doesn’t correspond with what is actually being done.
The one piece of good news in all of this: the pathologist signed off on the report that Kevin’s tumors are medulloblastomas (he technically has two tumors in his brain stem). However, on Monday morning, the radiation oncologists realized they had only been planning to treat gliomas. They had to start planning from scratch in order to treat medulloblastomas. So, instead of receiving his first radiation treatment on Monday, Kevin spent a couple more hours on the imaging table so the radiation oncologists could plan for the correct treatment.
Kevin was upset by the news that radiation would start Tuesday afternoon instead of Monday. At least the delay is only a day, but no one with a brain tumor wants to waste time in getting it treated. He has grasped onto the idea that as soon as radiation starts, he will start improving. Kevin has been improving over the past week, but he has trouble recognizing his improvement. We hope that once he starts radiation, he might see that he is slowly getting better.
To end on a positive note… we have a new #1 shake: the “Old-Fashioned” Chocolate Milkshake from Peninsula Creamery. I even had a taste—it was pretty darn good. We’re still working through all the shake suggestions, so I’ll keep you posted if we have a new winner!
Yesterday we saw how this miscommunication is not only inefficient, but can be harmful to patients. We learned early Monday that the radiation oncology department prepared a radiation plan for a glioma—not a medulloblastoma. Throughout last week, various doctors were still deciding which type of tumor Kevin has. We were told that the radiation oncologists were preparing a plan for both, and once the final pathology came down, they would go with whatever radiation plan matched the pathology. Of course, what we are told doesn’t correspond with what is actually being done.
The one piece of good news in all of this: the pathologist signed off on the report that Kevin’s tumors are medulloblastomas (he technically has two tumors in his brain stem). However, on Monday morning, the radiation oncologists realized they had only been planning to treat gliomas. They had to start planning from scratch in order to treat medulloblastomas. So, instead of receiving his first radiation treatment on Monday, Kevin spent a couple more hours on the imaging table so the radiation oncologists could plan for the correct treatment.
Kevin was upset by the news that radiation would start Tuesday afternoon instead of Monday. At least the delay is only a day, but no one with a brain tumor wants to waste time in getting it treated. He has grasped onto the idea that as soon as radiation starts, he will start improving. Kevin has been improving over the past week, but he has trouble recognizing his improvement. We hope that once he starts radiation, he might see that he is slowly getting better.
To end on a positive note… we have a new #1 shake: the “Old-Fashioned” Chocolate Milkshake from Peninsula Creamery. I even had a taste—it was pretty darn good. We’re still working through all the shake suggestions, so I’ll keep you posted if we have a new winner!
Sunday, January 10, 2010
Chamoix
Thank you to everyone for the suggestions for audiobooks/podcasts, things to see in the hospital and chocolate shakes! Kevin has a lot of shakes to try!
Kevin has had a couple more days of slow but recognizable improvement. We’ve been noticing small improvements in his speech, movement and outlook. His first radiation treatment is tomorrow afternoon, and we’re all anxious to get that started.
Today Kevin got to see Chamoix (aka Chammy), our golden retriever. Our friend Michele has been watching over the dog, and she brought Chammy over the hill today to visit Kevin. Kevin felt up to taking a wheelchair ride outside to get some fresh air, sunshine and puppy love. Once Chammy calmed down from the excitement of seeing everyone, she was quite happy resting her head on Kevin’s lap (and spreading a layer of dog hair over everything). These trips outside significantly tire Kevin out, but we hope that the fresh air, stimulation and re-teaching his muscles to sit in a chair will keep him in better shape while he’s at Stanford.
Thanks to everyone for your comments, thoughts and prayers. Your love is making us stronger.
Kevin has had a couple more days of slow but recognizable improvement. We’ve been noticing small improvements in his speech, movement and outlook. His first radiation treatment is tomorrow afternoon, and we’re all anxious to get that started.
Today Kevin got to see Chamoix (aka Chammy), our golden retriever. Our friend Michele has been watching over the dog, and she brought Chammy over the hill today to visit Kevin. Kevin felt up to taking a wheelchair ride outside to get some fresh air, sunshine and puppy love. Once Chammy calmed down from the excitement of seeing everyone, she was quite happy resting her head on Kevin’s lap (and spreading a layer of dog hair over everything). These trips outside significantly tire Kevin out, but we hope that the fresh air, stimulation and re-teaching his muscles to sit in a chair will keep him in better shape while he’s at Stanford.
Thanks to everyone for your comments, thoughts and prayers. Your love is making us stronger.
Friday, January 8, 2010
Vertigo
Kevin has been slowly improving the past few days; this is probably in response to a chemo drug that is intended to decrease swelling in and around the tumor. The goal is to have him off anti-inflammatory steroids by Monday, when he starts radiation. However, his vertigo is still a major problem. Due to the location of the tumor, vertigo will probably continue to be an issue for the majority of Kevin’s treatment. He’s frustrated that the room is constantly spinning, and we’re trying to figure out ways to both ease the vertigo and teach him to function with it.
A couple positive things: we’ve learned that Kevin loves listening to audiobooks and drinking chocolate milkshakes. Well, I guess we knew he liked chocolate milkshakes before this. We will be getting shakes from various restaurants and fast-food joints to see what he likes best. So far, we’ve compared In-N-Out’s chocolate shake to a shake from the Palo Alto Creamery, and he likes In-N-Out’s shake best. Any other suggestions for shakes around the Stanford area?
The audiobook has an amazing effect on Kevin. As soon as he puts on the headphones, his eyes close and we can see his entire body relax. It looks like he instantly falls asleep; lately, he’s gotten pretty good at pretending to sleep. Listening to the audiobook seems to be his favorite activity, besides drinking chocolate shakes, of course.
Thank you all for your comments and thoughts. We truly appreciate each and every one. All comments are emailed to me to approve it, just to prevent any spam, so if your comment doesn’t appear simultaneously, don’t worry! It will be up soon.
A couple positive things: we’ve learned that Kevin loves listening to audiobooks and drinking chocolate milkshakes. Well, I guess we knew he liked chocolate milkshakes before this. We will be getting shakes from various restaurants and fast-food joints to see what he likes best. So far, we’ve compared In-N-Out’s chocolate shake to a shake from the Palo Alto Creamery, and he likes In-N-Out’s shake best. Any other suggestions for shakes around the Stanford area?
The audiobook has an amazing effect on Kevin. As soon as he puts on the headphones, his eyes close and we can see his entire body relax. It looks like he instantly falls asleep; lately, he’s gotten pretty good at pretending to sleep. Listening to the audiobook seems to be his favorite activity, besides drinking chocolate shakes, of course.
Thank you all for your comments and thoughts. We truly appreciate each and every one. All comments are emailed to me to approve it, just to prevent any spam, so if your comment doesn’t appear simultaneously, don’t worry! It will be up soon.
Wednesday, January 6, 2010
Kevin's Blog
On December 30, Kevin was diagnosed with a malignant tumor in his brain stem. We were initially told that the pathology showed a grade 4 glioma, an extremely aggressive and incurable type of tumor. Further review of the biopsy material raised the possibility of a medulloblastoma, which is accompanied with a much better prognosis. A medulloblastoma correlates with Kevin’s symptoms over the last few months. It also correlates with the shape and location of the tumor. Final pathology is pending, but all reports from the physicians are pointing to a medullobastoma.
While Kevin’s survival chances are much better if the tumor is indeed a medulloblastoma, he still has a big fight ahead of him. The tumor is inoperable because of its location in his brain stem. Kevin is gearing up for 6 weeks of radiation therapy, which would probably be followed by chemotherapy. Kevin will stay at Stanford to do the treatment. Radiation therapy will start next week.
Kevin’s and our spirits have been much higher the past few days after hearing the news that the tumor may not be a glioma. The hope that his tumor might be able to be cured has given us a second wind. We’ve strapped our fighting gloves on and we’re aiming to take this thing down. We are all picturing Kevin playing water polo, skiing like a champ and kneeboarding at the Hook and Manresa in hopes that he will be able to do those things again.
Thank you to everyone who has sent us your prayers, positive thoughts and help. This blog will be the central area where you can check on Kevin. Feel free to leave any comments and words of encouragement that you’d like to pass on to Kevin.
While Kevin’s survival chances are much better if the tumor is indeed a medulloblastoma, he still has a big fight ahead of him. The tumor is inoperable because of its location in his brain stem. Kevin is gearing up for 6 weeks of radiation therapy, which would probably be followed by chemotherapy. Kevin will stay at Stanford to do the treatment. Radiation therapy will start next week.
Kevin’s and our spirits have been much higher the past few days after hearing the news that the tumor may not be a glioma. The hope that his tumor might be able to be cured has given us a second wind. We’ve strapped our fighting gloves on and we’re aiming to take this thing down. We are all picturing Kevin playing water polo, skiing like a champ and kneeboarding at the Hook and Manresa in hopes that he will be able to do those things again.
Thank you to everyone who has sent us your prayers, positive thoughts and help. This blog will be the central area where you can check on Kevin. Feel free to leave any comments and words of encouragement that you’d like to pass on to Kevin.
