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While in the hospital, I was unable to access my blog page and update everyone of my surgery. Well the surgery was successful. The surgeon was able to remove the tumor from my lower lobe in my right lung. She was able to use my previous surgery entryways to access the tumor. I will wait four weeks and then go back on chemo. I’m looking forward to going back on chemo because, in the past, tumors have grown when I’m off of chemo. I had a PET scan the Monday before surgery and it only showed the tumor that was in my right lung. I’ve been in this situation four times previously only to have my world turned upside-down. This time I’ve learned not to get ahead of myself and appreciate the present moment.

The complicated thing about this surgery had nothing to do with me. It actually involved my children, my wife and a stomach virus. My surgery was Wednesday, March 25^th and my daughter Katie had a stomach bug beginning Sunday night. She was better by Wednesday, but Anabel became ill on Wednesday night. Followed by Janie getting the bug on Thursday afternoon. I was ready to leave the hospital on Friday, but couldn’t go home. My aunt, Nurse Ratched, and uncle, Dr. Murray Ziggleman, offered their home to me and provided excellent patient care. Last night I had the green light to return to a sanitized, virus-free home.

I included Janie’s facebook post from the hospital with this blog because it incorporates a little bit of everything.

Kevin’s surgery was successful. The surgeon was able to remove the tumor and said his lung looks great. She was amazed to see hardly any scar tissue from his previous three surgeries. I want to thank all of you for your constant support, love, acts of kindness and friendship. We cannot fight this without our family, friends, neighbors, coworkers, doctors, church and most importantly faith. We did not think that we would have surgery as an option again. In October of last year Kevin was even told by one of his main doctors that there was nothing else they could do for him. We were devastated and scared because we felt like we were living our best life full of positivity, love, and hope in an almost normal way. Did she really just tell us to give up? We felt like she gave up on us. We then went to our local oncologist and team of doctors where they brainstormed other combinations of treatment, fought for him on tumor boards, and most recently fought for the option of surgery. I believe these doctors are like many of you and me in that when we look at Kevin, we see a better version of who we want to be and then do whatever we can to help him, or in a doctor’s position, save him. Kevin is so likable and lovable because he truly likes and loves everyone he meets…Except for the Dallas Cowboys, and most times he dislikes the New England Patriots, except when the Patriots are playing against the Cowboys. So let’s keep fighting and living our best life. We will give more updates as we begin to recover. Love and hugs to you all. xx, Janie

A friend of mine passed away last week from colon cancer. She too was in her 30’s and had two children, ages 6 and 3. She was the first person I met who was like me. I followed her example on how to fight this disease. She inspired me to create a blog and share my story. Please hold Leah, Bryan (her husband), Elly (her daughter), and Drew (her son) in your thoughts and prayers.

Band Together For Leah Bracelet

Hello March

I know I have not posted anything in awhile, but it doesn’t mean I haven’t been busy. It’s actually quite the opposite. Janie and I went to Bosnia-Herzegovina and Croatia in mid-February and since coming back it’s been a whirlwind. I plan to write a separate blog about our trip. This post will be an update of my current medical situation.

I had a CT scan on Monday, February 23^rd, and got the results on Wednesday, February 25^th.   The results were complicated, similar to most of my scans. I had two tumors deemed undetectable and the other one doubled in size. Since it was complicated and I’m running out of chemo options, they presented my case at tumor board. A tumor board is a group comprised of medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, and surgeons who collaborate on forming the best treatment plan. They met on Monday, March 2^nd to discuss my case. They decided the best option for me would be to have surgery to remove the one nodule. The choices to remove the tumor were ablation, radiation or surgery. They believe being aggressive thus far has helped me and not to slow down now. Surgery would be the sure way of getting the tumor out of my body. They decided to hold off on radiation because my body can only handle a certain amount of radiation and it’s best to have radiation as an available option in the future. This tumor appears to be resistant to treatment and will continue to grow unless it is removed.

The procedure does not come without it’s own worries. I’m worried about being off of chemo for 10 weeks (6 prior to surgery, 4 after surgery). The previous times I’ve been off of chemo, cancer cells had reappeared. Both of those times I was off of chemo for 5 months and this time will be half as long. But it will still be a thought in the back of my mind. When I think about being worried about future scenarios, it’s a sign to me I’m not present in the moment. This thinking leads me to not appreciate where I am in my life.

I have a lot to be thankful for today. I had a brain scan this past Wednesday and I’m relieved it was clear of any cancer. I’m also relieved the tumor board did not recommend changing my chemo to my final chemo option. I’m thankful I have options, but the next chemo option will be rough on my body and I’ll be on it forever or until it stops working. I’m thankful my body will be able to handle my 4^th lung surgery. I’m thankful I have the support of so many people. All of your support gives me strength to be optimistic about having my 6^th surgery in the past 18 months.

Today is Colon Cancer Awareness Day. Please keep in mind and in your prayers all of those who’ve been diagnosed with colon cancer, especially the newly diagnosed and their families.

Today is also my mom’s birthday. Happy birthday Mom.