Dear Friends & Family…I know you have all been stalking the site to see what is coming, so here it is:
It took about 2.5 hours for the dye test. While in there, they found no direct pour of blood inside. However, they did find that his stomach is completely filled with clotted blood. They are still unsure the reason, but there are two arteries that go into the stomach. They cotorized (sp?) the one artery to minimize blood flow to the area.
The main suspicion is that (and this is where we’re “cautiously hopeful”) the chemo did it’s job and is essentially causing the tumor to melt, which leads to bleeding. If this is the case-YEA! However, there are still many many uncertainties, and I do not want to downplay the seriousness of the current condition.
Due to the artery cotorization, Kevin has to lay flat on his back completely still for 6 hours. He’ll be FINALLY done with this at 7pm. In the meantime, we have him pretty well sedated with his anxiety medication to make him more comfortable. He also cannot drink until this 6 hours is done. So, he’s pretty darned miserable right now.
Our fears were alleviated slightly hearing this could all be due to the tumor disintigrating, however, we still have reservations about the outcome. Kevin is stable-his blood pressure is holding, and they are giving him fluids to hopefully bring his heart-rate down. Kevin did lose a lot of blood, and subsequently, needed several transfusions. We ask you to please go donate blood to “fill the bank”.
We met with the pulmonary doctors, who plan to do a bronchoscopy tomorrow to see what may be causing Kevin’s severe coughing espisodes. They fear there may be a perforation in the windpipe, or something like that, that developed from the tumor. Pray that Kevin stays stable through the night so they can do that procedure tomorrow. It only takes about 15 minutes, and they will sedate him for the procedure.
Both the cardio-thoracic and general surgeons are “holding steady” to see how Kevin does through the night before they consider any OR options. We really have no idea what they’ll do, or what the plan is, but they need to see how he does tonight. It may be possible there is an oozing blood leak somewhere that didn’t show up on the dye scan.
So we’re just waiting and praying. Please leave some positive, inspirational comments tonight for me to read to Kevin when he wakes up. We love you all and continue to ask for God to lift him up. If you haven’t already…read the verses that accompanied today’s devotional:
Isaiah 43
Israel’s Only Savior
1 But now, this is what the LORD says—
he who created you, O Jacob,
he who formed you, O Israel:
“Fear not, for I have redeemed you;
I have summoned you by name; you are mine.
2 When you pass through the waters,
I will be with you;
and when you pass through the rivers,
they will not sweep over you.
When you walk through the fire,
you will not be burned;
the flames will not set you ablaze.
3 For I am the LORD, your God,
the Holy One of Israel, your Savior;
I give Egypt for your ransom,
Cush [a] and Seba in your stead.
4 Since you are precious and honored in my sight,
and because I love you,
I will give men in exchange for you,
and people in exchange for your life.
5 Do not be afraid, for I am with you;
I will bring your children from the east
and gather you from the west.
6 I will say to the north, ‘Give them up!’
and to the south, ‘Do not hold them back.’
Bring my sons from afar
and my daughters from the ends of the earth-
7 everyone who is called by my name,
whom I created for my glory,
whom I formed and made.”
Wow-Thanks for the update. I will Pray that the evening is good, and tomorrow they are able to figure out how to fix this complication!!!!
What Scary Stuff-but you guys are obviously extremely strong-and your faith is very very obvious-so you will get through this!!!
Hi Brenda and Kevin…
I remember Kevin from years ago when I stayed at my Aunt and Uncle’s (Roy and Leona Wiebe’s) on Polson. As kids, my brother and I would hang out with Kevin and Ken when we would visit. (ok – long introduction over)
I’ve been visiting your site daily for the past weeks, praying that you would be surrounded by miraculous peace as you walk through this murky water. Brenda – I am praying that you would be surrounded by those who love you – and that you would allow yourself space and permission to be on the receiving end of care. And Kevin – I pray for your body to be made whole and strong and for your mind to be flooded with rest and you trust in the one who made you and passionately loves you both.
Much love!
Karla Penner
Wpg
Thanks for keeping us posted Brenda. You are doing a great job, even if you don’t always feel like it. Keep pushing through. We are pushing with you.
Love Ya!
Hey Brenda, I got a short update at work today on what was going on so I wanted to check her to get the full story. We’re praying for you guys and hoping they will get everything figured out soon. I can’t imagine how overwhelming everything must be and I admire your strength as you go day by day. Please let me know if there’s anything I can do for you.
Love and prayers,
Beth
Psalm 33:18-22
But the eyes of the Lord are on those who fear him,
On those whose hope is in his unfailing love,
to deliver them from death and keep them alive in famine.
We wait in hope for the Lord;
he is our help and our shield.
In him our hearts rejoice, for we trust in his holy name.
May your unfailing love rest upon us, O Lord,
even as we put our hope in you.
Romanis 15:13
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.
i am so tired, i am drained. however, my heart and mind were wondering about you, so here i am. doesnt it always come down to the simple things in life we miss the most. a favorite pillow, a blanket, or a book. even a pen. i have a favorite pen, and i cannot find it right now. everyone asks about you, everyday. you are thought of- i bet your nose itches alot because of that. my nose hasnt itched for a while, but im sure it will once you read this… thinking of you xoxox
Brenda,
Those were the verses that got me thru some really hard times. You are so faithful and God is even more faithful.
Lots of us in Penn Manor and my church are really praying for you and Kevin tonite. We love you and your mom so much.
Blessings for a quiet nite and good news tomorrow.
We’ll keep praying!!!
Sending my thoughts and prayers during the wee hours of the night. Kevin is a strong man and can make it through this. Also praying for a positive outcome tomorrow morning. I’m so proud to be your friend, Brenda. I am constantly amazed by your strength, courage, and faith. I always knew you were a wonderful woman and your ability to stand so tall (hehe) in tough times further reinforces that. Oh, there was a blood drive at work today! 🙂 Stay strong hun. Hugs and kisses Kevin!
Hi guys, back again. I’ve been laying in bed trying to fall asleep but my thoughts keep coming back to the two of you. Here’s the conclusion I’ve come to. This is just God’s way of telling the insurance company who’s boss. He’s not ready for Kevin to be discharged because his time at JH’s is not up. God placed Kevin in the care of great doctors and he wants Kev to stay there longer! Yes, it’s a rather nerve wracking way to go about it but how else is he supposed to keep you there with the sarcoma guru? So take that insurance company, we’re in this for the long haul. Love you! :*
23rd Psalm, The Lord is my Shepherd=That’s Relationship! I shall not want=That’s Supply! He maketh me to lie down in green pastures=That’s Rest! He leadeth me beside the still waters=That’s Refreshment! He retoreth my soul=That’s Healing! He leadeth me in the paths of rightousness=That’s Guidance! For His name sake=That’s Purpose! Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death-That’s Testing! I will fear no evil=That’s Protection! For Thou art with me =That’s Faithfulness! Thy rod and Thy staff they comfort me=That’s Discipline! Thous preparent a table befor me in the presence of mine enemies=That’s Hope! Thou annointest my head with oil=That’s Consecration! My cup runneth over=That’s Abundance! Surly goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life=That’s Blessing! And I will dwell in the house of the Lord Forever=That’s Eternity!! Face it, the Lord is crazy about you Kevin!!! Praying all you have been through in the last 48 hours is from the tumor breaking down. Praise God you 2 know our Savior and can hold onto Him, stay steady on this roller coaster, if He brings you to it, He can bring you thru it!!!
Good morning Kevin and Brenda. You were in our prayers last night and this morning as well. You have many prayer warriors back in Lancaster and elsewhere, too. My prayer is that you will both find your strength in the Lord as David did, and that you will have friends to help you do so; such as Jonathan did for David.
Much Love,
T&E
As I walked this morning I watched the ducks in the water. Their calmness as they got close to the fountain, thru the turbulance reminded me of my relationship with the Lord. They seemed to remind me that even though there is turbulance they can still be calm. We can walk in the turbulance in our lives an thru it to get closer to our Fountain. Love & prayers to you both today!
Brenda & Kevin – You both are in my prayers as it is obvious that you need any extra strength you can get. My mother likes to tell me that God doesn’t give you anything that you can’t handle, but I’m pretty sure something like this would have broken me! Both of you are such an inspiration of living faith, even through hardships! May you both continue to be sheltered by the Lord. You’re getting many prayers from here in Idaho!
Thanks for keeping us all updated! Thinking of you!! Keep the faith.
PRAYERS FROM THE MIDWEST!!!
Hi Brenda & Kevin – We officially have not met u but we feel like we’ve known you for a long time. Bethany talks about you
two ever since your wedding. We wanted you to know that you have many many people praying for you two in the Grand Rapids,
Michigan area. We continue to lift you up to the Lord and we
are praying that this is only a temorary setback. May you find
comfort knowing that He is with you every step of the way!!
Hope to meet you someday!