Yesterday we got our final PLAN. As hard as it was to hear the news, we now have some direction and know what to push towards.
Angiosarcoma is very rare. Sarcoma makes up only 1% of all cancer cases in the US every year. Of those 1%, Angiosarcoma is only 1000 cases per year in the US-where Kevin’s location could make him not just a little rare, but the most rare. He’s pretty special 🙂 But we knew that…
Kevin’s tumor is not removeable by surgery, as there are no enough margins around the tumor. With the drastic rate that Angiosarcoma divides and spreads, most times, even when surgery is an option, during the healing process from major surgery, the cells re-occur anyways.
However, this type of cancer is very responsive to chemotherapy! Kevin started a chemotherpay (taxol) drip last night at 11pm and will continue on this drip 24 hours a day for the next 6 days. They will slowly increase the dosage to slow the growth of the tumor and to rid of it.
With angiosarcoma there is no cure on the books. I’ll just give you a moment to let that sink in, as we had to as well….
It was hard to hear that, but as Kevin told me after Dr. Thornton and her staff left, ‘Do you believe in miracles baby?’ and I nodded wholeheartedly.
Just because there isn’t a cure, does NOT mean that we cannot go on leading a normal life. Kevin will continue on chemotherapy as long as he has to to rid his body of the current tumor. After that, we can go on to live a normal life, and will just keep monitoring the cells to see when/if they recur (in all cases thus far, it has recurred).
There is a clinical trial we are trying to get on for when Kevin is off the chemo to keep the cancer at bay for a longer period of time. We will go on that trial if we are approved for it!
Kevin could and SHOULD go on to live a long happy life, just with a few big bumps in the road. We believe in miracles and healing. If Kevin can have one of the rarest cancers on this earth, why he can’t he be one of the rarest miracles?
We believe in healing, we believe in God’s will for our lives. He has brought us through SO much as a couple, and we’re moving ahead.
We are currently working out the logistics of our new Baltimore Life, but are most likely considering me relocating to the area until treatments are done, and then moving back in with my parents when we’re back in Lancaster to save funds.
Our financial situation ahead is unknown, but we ask for the Lord’s provisions in housing and bills.
Thank you for your thoughts and prayers. We appreciate you.
Hi Kevin and Brenda,
Our God is the ultimate healer and miracle worker. We are continuing to pray for Kevin’s healing. I can’t comprehend what you are both going through, but know that my prayers are with you. We love you both, and look forward to you coming home. Brenda, let me know if you’d like Anne and me to visit with you during the day sometime to give you a break and we’d be happy to make the trip down to see you.
Kevin and Brenda,
I too believe in miracles!
Prayers continue…for you both.
Brenda, I told you once before, I wished I lived closer to you.
Those words come to me many times a day now.
Please remember…Many, many people LIVE with diseases that are ‘uncureable’!
Love and hugs to you both.
God Bless You.
I got up once during the night to check the blog site and several times this morning. We do care about both of you guys. We continue to pray for all your needs to be met and of course lots of your wants too. We will pray that Kevin will have the stamina to handle the chemo well and that you, Brenda can handle all that is in your lap too now. Praying that you will continue to draw closer to the one who is there for you “all the time”. We do care about you all.
I am glad that you finally have some answers, although not news that you wnated to hear! Try to keep your spirits up…because miracles do happen every day. Many of us in IICU are, and will continue to pray for him!
~Laura Marks
I am glad that there is finally a diagnosis for Kevin’s cancer – at least there is a starting point. Like I’ve said before, your belief in God and his abilities is truly one of the best testimonies I’ve encountered. And yes, many people live with “uncureable” diseases and do many wonderful things with their lives!
You both are still in my thoughts and prayers, and will continue to be!
God Bless!
Kevin and Brenda,
I was reflecting on Deborah’s comments and it made me realize that we all live with an uncured flesh disease that will one day lead us from this life to life eternal. We sometimes call it old age but whatever it is it is the same for all of us. I am so glad that you and Kevin and many who read your blogs have the assurance of eternal life because our spiritual disease has been cured through the Death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Praise be to God our Father, to Jesus the Son and to the Holy Spirit who ministers to us in ways that are incomprehensible. We look forward to seeing you soon!
Curtiss
Well as you say Brenda it is hard news to take but at least you know what the procedure is for now. I believe you are both very strong people and with God’s guidance he will help you through the tough days ahead. My Niece’s husband just went through chemo – was 6 days on 4 days off then back to 6 days on. Although it was a different cancer I know that it is tough on them and the family as well. Take care – thinking of you all.
Dear Brenda and Kevin;
You are both strong willed and so much in love with each other that I believe you will pull through this!
…..just think back when you two met, the struggle you had, to be with each other and Kevin struggling to get his work permit to move to USA ….I am sure that was very hard and you were both determined to be together and you got it accomplished …This unfortunately is another bump in the road (tough as it maybe) you are both going to see through this …. with your Faith and love for each other and your strong will to be together……
Brenda and Kevin,
Now you know what the problem is and now you know what needs to be done. Eventhough the diagnosis may not be what you had hoped, at least now you have answers. With your faith, and the support and love of everyone who is routing for you, there is no way the outcome to this will not be positive. You already have witnessed many miracles in this incredible journey that you are on. Firstly, Kevin was placed in the US close to the most amazing and progressive hospital in all of the world. Secondly, you have the Sarcomia Guru on shift just when Kevin needed her most. Thirdly, you have your love for each other, which is unwavering and finally you have your faith, which will sustain you through this next chapter in your lives. You have been witness to these miracles all along …. so do not lose hope, stay strong and sure….and know that everyone is behind you and praying for you each step of the way.