Round Two

Monday became the day where we devised another attack plan on the cancer. We met with the oncologist first thing in the morning. Many foreign-language-sounding terms were thrown around as potential medications, or drug regiments, while most of us sat peering out the corners of our eyes at each other, wondering what on earth they were talking about. Due to the aggressive spread of the cancer, it will be necessary for Pop to undergo additional radiation (this time to the brain), as well as another round of chemotherapy. Although the body would ideally have much more time to heal between regiments, the cancer is not offering many options. The oncologist (along with the family) decided that radiation would start as soon as possible, followed up immediately by the chemotherapy. When the decision was made, Pop got a big grin on his face. "I'll be able to ring the bell twice now at the radiologist's office," he joked. (The bell is rung upon completion of your radiation.) Amazingly, two hours after the oncology appointment, the radiologist called and wanted to make a time to see Pop that day. There was a shuffling of schedules, and before long Pop was sitting in a familiar chair having a consultation with the radiologist again. The doctor expressed his shock at the rapid spread, but reassured the family that they would do all they could to try to shrink and eliminate the existing brain tumors. Depending on where the tumors are located in the body, the side effects of radiation can vary greatly. As the doctor proceeded to explain that headaches, hearing loss, dizziness, nausea, etc, are to be expected, Pop broke out into laughter again. "Well, I can't hear already. Headaches, dizziness, and nausea, no problem. And...what I do forget now, I can blame on the radiation once we start." The doctor smiled. "I don't think you're gonna have any trouble Ken. With your attitude, and your strength, you'll take it well," he added shaking his head. To move as quickly as they could to slow the spread, they asked Pop to start radiation the next morning. They took him back right away and created head-holds (forms that are molded to your specific head that keep you from moving during radiation) and specific tumor images.
With radiation underway, thankfully the side effects have been minimal. We continue to pray for low side effects, a continued sense of humor, strength, hope, and endurance. This second round is going to be a challenge, but one that is feasible with the Creator walking along-side. He never leaves us, nor forsakes us. He gives us doctors, nurses, loving friends, and family to walk the journey with us. But, most importantly, HE is there to comfort us.

Slowing our Pace

Over the past two weeks, Pop's health has been getting better and better. So good, in fact, that he started working the beginning of this week. Last week when we saw the oncologist, he was a bit stunned that Pop was asking to go back to work. "I mean, feel free to do whatever you would like," the doctor stammered, a bit perplexed that Dad was looking forward to going back. "Sounds good," Pop replied, rather satisfied that he didn't have to push the issue. Pop loves working with his hands, and it has been great for him to be back at work. The routine is refreshing, and the day brings variety along with it. Of course, giving himself no slack, he can't believe how tired he is at the end of a day. It is a good tired though, and he is resting better at night.
Today we finally met with the doctors to discuss the liver biopsy and the brain scan that were taken last week. We all walked into the waiting room laughing at Joel's antics on the elevator-ride up. They have come to know the Keefer family at Hershey Medical in the cancer wing, since we all tend to show up together and congest their small consultation rooms (we know they secretly love seeing Emma). After an amazingly short wait in the waiting room (only 25 minutes this time), we all crowded into the consult room to wait for the doctor. Joel was generous enough to show us some dance moves while we waited. One of the head doctors finally arrived carrying Pop's folder. His demeanor wasn't upbeat, and he cut straight-to-the-chase. "So...the preliminary results from the liver biopsy are coming back as cancerous. It is the same type of cancer cells that are making up your tumor." He did a thorough job of describing how these cells are quite rare, but appear to be rather prevalent in Pop's cancer. With a pause, he continued. "That is not the most concerning part, however. It appears that things have spread to the brain. There are three tumors growing in your brain." The silence that followed was like a deafening gong. For just a few seconds we were left with our thoughts. Tumors...brain...liver. Again, it was within the realm of possibility, but highly unlikely that it would spread so quickly and to such vital organs. The doctor finally spoke, and we looked at images of the tumors. This was well outside his realm of expertise, so he kindly gave us some resources. We walked out quieter than when we entered, but hardly defeated. Over lunch we talked about some lighter things, and how more answers will come on Monday when we meet again with the oncologist. It would be nice if the news was different, but it still can't stifle the joy we have. We may cry, and it may cause us to grow weary at times, but the love that is unstoppable covers us all. We will wait upon Him.

Back on for the Ride

Well, we have not been here in a while. Our apologies for the infrequency of the posts as Pop has waited-out his 6 weeks of no treatment. He has been feeling better and better each day, and we can't help but feel the miracle of his short-term health. On June 21st, Pop underwent a high-resolution CAT scan. While it hadn't been the full 6 weeks since his treatment was done, the oncologist was anxious to see what was going on due to Pop's improving health. "I just can't believe how well you're doing," the doctor said over and over again. "Well, I'm feeling good," Pop would always smile back. The CAT scans were looked at by both his oncologist, and radiologist, and meetings were scheduled to review the images. Both meetings came with positive results. The two doctors saw "significant shrinking" of the tumor, and were amazed how well the regiment of chemo and radiation had worked. The oncologist called up to Hershey Medical Center right away to set-up an appointment with the surgical team to have a consultation. As a family, it was wonderful news to hear. The tumor has shrank, Pop's health is increasing, and surgery is now an option again! Rarely does one get excited for surgery, but in Pop's case surgery means a shot at curing the cancer. In typical Pop fashion, he went ahead and registered himself, and both sons, in the Covered Bridge bike ride in August. It is a 65 mile ride that meanders around southern Lancaster County. Of course, Pop doesn't mention this to anyone until the confirmations show-up in the mail. Then when confronted about it, he got a little smirk on his face. "I knew all of the doctors would say it's too early, so I decided not to ask if it would be a good idea. And...well now that we're registered I guess it's too late to ask. I guess we'll just have to ride, " he calmly stated, with an obvious tone of sarcasm. It didn't come as a shock to anyone who knows Dad. His ambition and energy are part of what make him unique. I guess that puts Joel and I behind the 8-ball. We better get in riding shape!
Finally, last Friday we were able to have our appointment with the surgical team from Hershey Medical Center. The CAT scans had been sent up, and the team had studied and discussed them. When the surgeon walked in the room, he was visibly pleased. "It has been a while since we've seen you Mr. Keefer, but you look like you are doing very well. We are impressed with the response of your tumor to treatments, and it looks like surgery could be an option." He went on to discuss that the tumor looks to have pulled away from the hipatic artery, and what the surgery would entail. "So, we will schedule you on the 19th of July to have surgery, and with your health, I think you will recover quite nicely," the surgeon stated optimistically. To make sure that all the images were correct, and that the tumor was clear of all the vital areas, the surgeons ordered a number of tests to be done this week. The most revealing would be the full-body PET scan. The ball had been set-in-motion, and we were all trying to wrap our minds around the events that had now placed us on the road to a cure. We went out-to-eat on our way home from the hospital to discuss and celebrate the news.
The beginning of this week didn't bring any tests, so Pop has tried getting small jobs around home taken care of. Yesterday, was the scheduled PET scan, which means lots of strange liquids to be drank. Megan and Emma went along to entertain Pop during the long procedure. A few hours after the imaging was done, the family met with one of the surgeons to discuss things. It was a different surgeon this time, and his entrance into the room wasn't near as exuberant as the meeting before. He mentioned the tumor, then quickly turned the conversation. "There are two dark spots on your liver that we are concerned about. The cancer appears to have spread to this organ." He tried being delicate with his words, but the enormity of the statement sent a shocking blow. The air left the room, and a numbness set-in. The family knew that this was a possibility, but somehow with all the expressed optimism from the doctors it didn't seem likely. The surgeon went on to explain that the dark spots could be an infection, but the odds are extremely low that that is the case. Either way, we will know for sure next week when they do a liver biopsy.
As we sat around the dinner table last night, we were honest with one another. We talked openly about how this might change things, and how we were all feeling. Tears were shed over the disappointment and uncertainty, but smiles were abundant and plentiful as Emma made a mess of everything. Things have taken an unexpected left turn, true. But, everyone's prayers are still very much felt by the family, and we know that we rest in an unshakable place. God's love and mercy has proven to be enough before, and it will prove sufficient again. We pray for wisdom and clarity for the doctors, and for an unsurpassed strength for the family. Lord, we surrender our hopes and dreams, our wishes and desires, so that we can take on Yours.