Hello friends and family! I wanted to again thank you all for your love, hope and prayers. This week I had calls and messages from New Jersey to California and Washington to Florida and many places in between. I simply cannot express how much love I feel from all of you and how powerful this is in lifting my spirits and supporting my recovery.
Well team, I wish I could say round 4 went great but it caught up with me and hit hard; by far the roughest 3-4 days since this started. What most people don’t realize is that it’s not the actual chemo days that get to you, it’s the side effects that follow. The chemo generally leaves the body in 24-48 hours, but the impact to your body is what causes the problems. I won’t elaborate on these side effects because the list is too long but suffice it to say that they are completely debilitating. Unfortunately the side effects are both additive and cumulative; so after each chemo session, they hit you sooner, harder and last longer. But, to add a bit of my personality to this rather sobering topic I’ve posted a selfie I took yesterday. In all fairness, I had not done my hair yet.
On to lighter, more positive thoughts…. Summer is finally GONE in AZ. This makes for beautiful cool mornings on the back patio, lunches under the shade trees with family and friends and cool evenings and beautiful sunsets. It truly is about spending each precious moment with those you love.
Last week the hydration IV’s seemed to help immensely and I’m hopeful that they will have the same impact this week. That said, I will have to pace myself and not go all out… I may have overdone it last time; it just felt so good to “feel good.” If this continues to help, I may ask if I can start getting TPN IV’s at home to infuse much needed nutrition and calories to boost my weight.
Another bit of good news is that I’ve now heard from 7 people who have scheduled or gotten their Colonscopy as a direct result of my situation and urgings; several resulted in early detection and removal of pollops that left untreated would likely turn into cancer. For those still on the fence or putting this off; know this… One day of chemo side effects makes a Colonoscopy look like a sniffle or a headache. Please message me or reply to the blog if you’ve taken this step. As I battle through this an essential part of what I’m doing, what I’ve always tried to do is to help people. In this case, early detection makes this disease very preventable. PLEASE TAKE ACTION NOW.
As I close out this abbreviated blog, I’ll share the inspirational title of a book I’m reading: Tough Times Never Last, But Tough People Do! By Robert H. Schuller. This short read shares countless stories of people overcoming insurmountable odds through their unyielding drive to persevere, their faith in God, and the overwhelming support of those they know and love. To close where I started, I feel this love and energy from all of you. For those that know me well, know that to me…”No” doesn’t really mean NO, it just means you haven’t worked hard enough to get a “Yes.” In this case I am working as hard as I can. Until next time…. Hug your family, show them your love, and be thankful for every minute you spend with them
With love, hope and prayers,
Kevin
The Upside of Down - an update on hope, love, and oncology 
Thinking of you Kevin Prayers to you and Mary. Mary we miss you at work just know that we are all thinking of you. Xoxo Peterson
LikeLiked by 1 person
I love you Godfather. It’s a tough road, to be sure, but if anyone is capable of coming out with their hand raised like a true champion, it’s you. All my thoughts, prayers and love are with you every day. Sending my cosmic energy your way as well!
“Suffer now, and live the rest of your life as a champion.”
-Muhummad Ali
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks for the progress report, Kevin. Hang in there my prayers are with you.
LikeLiked by 1 person
My Brother, sending love & prayers, good thoughts and positive energy.
We love you and miss you, and are so proud of your fighting spirit!
“It’s not the size of the dog in the fight, it’s the size of the fight in the dog!!”
With Gods help and good care, you will achieve victory!
Know that we are here for you, and we will see you soon.
All our love,
Mark & Teresa ❤️❤️
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hi Kevin,
It was so good to read this and I’m so glad you felt good enough to write it!! Your book sounds inspiring!!
Love you, xoxo
LikeLiked by 1 person
PRAYING FOR YOU AND A BETTER WEEK AHEAD!
LOVE, JULI & DEREK
LikeLiked by 1 person
Kevin, you are an inspiration. Even with all you are going through you still find humor. I laughed out loud when I saw the picture of the dog. Prayers and love continue for you and Mary.
Jeanne Miller
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hi Kevin, Jay and I had the pleasure of meeting you last spring at your Father (my uncle Bruce) and my Aunt’s home. I have been following your progress and praying for you. I don’t know if my Aunt Marilyn told you that Jay has been diagnosed with Stage IV Colon Cancer. The last month has been a life changing whirlwind! He has had a BIG surgery already and will be starting chemo soon. It is these times that do make you realize how short life is and to embrace those you care about every chance you can.
Hang in there Kevin!
Wendy Vaughn
LikeLiked by 1 person
Wendy, I do remember and I’m so sorry to hear he’s facing this same thing. Please reach out to Marilyn for my phone number if there’s anything I can do to help. It really does help talking to someone going thru the same thing. I have two friends facing the same challeng, and we talk to each other regularly to help each other in this battle. I will add jay to my prayers and sincerely extend my offer to talk to him.
Love, hope, and prayers?
Kevin
LikeLike
Wendy, I’m so sorry to here this. I will add Jay to my thoughts and prayers as well! Encourage him to stay strong, fight to not be a statistic but an outlier on the positive side, and to have with in the healing power of Our Lord.
LikeLike
So sorry to hear that round 4 has been so difficult. TPN sounds like a good idea to keep up your strength. Encouraged by your fight and focus as it inspires me to really look at each day individually – all as a gift. The hustle of this world (sometimes craziness of the MSA role) require us to consciously slow down and breathe to ensure we appreciate the opportunities around us to love others and make a difference in the lives we touch every day Keep up the fight and remember that you are making a difference in the lives of all of us who care about you. Donna
Donna Watson BD-CareFusion Medication Solutions Architect (770) 315-5952
Sent from my iPhone
LikeLiked by 2 people
Hey there Kevin. Let’s hope these effects are short term and you get to feeling better again soon. Keep those IV’s going, my friend.
Separately, I agree with your comments regarding colonoscopies and early detection of potential issues. Thank you for helping to spread that good word. I had my first one about a year ago – zero pain, minor inconvenience, low cost, enormous value! Plus, one of the nurses told me that an hour’s sleep on propofol (they used on me) was equivalent to a solid 8+ hours at home. Bonus!
We’ll continue sending positive mojo your way, Kevin. Your tenacity and overall approach to this is enlightening and quite impressive. Thank you for continuing to fight the fight while inspiring others.
Richard
LikeLiked by 1 person
You make me laugh and cry all at the same time. I want you to know that I got a colonoscopy shortly after my recovery last year. It was one of the best things that I did for myself. And, my experience was great! The pre-work was a breeze…much better than what I had to go through 20 years ago! Additionally, I felt like I was going to a spa and (bonus!) woke up feeling amazingly refreshed. There’s something said to getting your plumbing cleaned. NO ONE SHOULD BE CONCERNED FRET OVER A COLONOSCOPY!
We dearly miss you!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I love you to read your posts! You are such an inspiration. Keep up the great work on your fight! Thank you for your encouragement to get a Colonoscopy. It truly can help. We will miss you next week when we get together. You truly are such a pleasure to be around and so much knowledge to learn from. We do miss you dearly!
Hang in there my friend!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hey There Champion….
Thank you Kev for being such a warrior and inspiration to us all through your transparency. It is evident, that you will be victorious in your fight and witness to us all. Sending well wishes, prayers, and good vibes for a better week ahead and strength along the way.
“There is only one way to succeed in anything and that is to give everything. “I firmly believe that any man’s finest hour, the greatest fulfillment of all that he holds dear, is the moment when he has worked his heart out in a good cause and lies exhausted on the field of battle – victorious” -Vince Lumbardi
Love You Buddy,
Doug, RoseAnn and Family
*but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint. Isaiah 40:31
LikeLiked by 1 person
Kevin, I hope you know how special you really are. Your insight, faith, attitude and approach to this fight and this life are so inspirational to all of us. You have a place in all of our hearts, and our thoughts and prayers are with you. You are blessed with an extraordinary family and collection of friends. Your positive demeanor is infectious and you humble my heart with your true gratitude for everything and everyone in your life. Our prayers will continue as we send our love and support to you, Mary and your family. If god brings you to it, he will bring you through it. Keep up your amazing outlook and fight. You are a hero! xo
Sending love, hope and prayers your way….
Love,
Ben and Michelle Hobson
LikeLiked by 1 person
Got my referral for my colonoscopy making appointment this week . I’m recovery from another surgery I had on Monday
LikeLiked by 1 person
Love you my brother hang in there I know what you are going through keep your faith . It is the only thing that got me through it,
LikeLiked by 1 person