December 23, 2008

Dear Friends,

To follow up on our last email notice, I ended up having an endoscopy late last week which revealed a viral infection in my esophagus.  So now after 4 days on a new medication the virus seems to be getting better, I am feeling better, eating and drinking better, and just better overall.   Just in time for Christmas! 

I know you have been praying for me and for my family, and I know your prayers have been answered, yet again.  What a wonderful gift we have been given.  I am convinced that for you to make time to pray for my family, or anyone for that matter, is one of the purest expressions of love to be found.   Thank you. 

For now It seems nice to have completed the full treatment plan and to finally be feeling more like myself.  We’ll go in for  testing near the end of January to where we are and what additional steps, if any,  we need to take.  We have been praying for a cure, as I know many of you have too.  Thanks again!

At this point, we are looking forward to spending a quiet (sort of) Christmas celebrating the birth of Jesus.  We wish for each of you a very happy Christmas and time to enjoy the holiday with your family and friends.  We hope you enjoy safe travels and fun times with you and yours.  It is indeed a happy season!

Thanks again for all your prayer support and all your care that we feel every day.  It truly makes all the difference!  Happy New Year---

Kay and family

December 13, 2008

Dear Friends,
Please accept my apologies for being so late in getting out this latest update.  As most of you know, I had my last chemo infusion on November 17, nearly 1 month ago.   I had my last radiation treatment on November 25, last oral chemo on November 26. 

While we had expected to be “recovered” from the treatment plan by now, that has not been the case for us.  We have had a very long 2 weeks.  I have experienced some extreme nausea and fatigue, which has led to dehydration, etc…..    Many trips to UNC for IV fluids and anti-nausea medication later, they tell us to expect about another week of this before it finally subsides.  We are exhausted with our situation.   Apparently the radiation created quite the case of esophagitis in my chest and there is a lot of pain involved in eating, drinking, etc.  The sooner this esophagitis clears up the sooner I will be back in normal land. 

While all this has been problematic, and a REAL pain to deal with, we are grateful that we were able to complete the treatment plan without missing a single treatment, the UNC staff has been so supportive and kind in helping me with the rehydration process, and my doctor says this development does NOT indicate to him any reason to think the program did not work.  (Good news!!)

We are trying to make it through the weekend without another trip to the ER.  Given my suppressed immune system we try to stay away from places like ERs, but have had to make a few trips there nonetheless.  As today comes to a close I have to say it has been a pretty good day for me,  so maybe we are reaching the point where things are going to start improving. 

Please pray that this esophagitis will heal, quickly, and I can get back to having more “regular” days with my family and preparing for/enjoying the Christmas season.   Your prayers have proven invaluable to us many times over, and we thank you for your willingness to take care of us in this way.  We know it makes all the difference and has repeatedly.  Thank you all so much for your concern and prayers. 

Kay and family

November 15, 2008

My apologies for such a delay from my last email update.  Unfortunately I have developed a pretty painful case of esophogitis over the last 2 weeks.  The esophogitisis led to some pretty wicked nausea --- can’t keep anything down --- dehydration – you get the picture.  On Sunday, 10/2, I ended up in the UNC ER for 3 liters of fluids, anti-nausea meds and morphine.  Whew!  Monday morning rolled around and it was time to go in for another chemo infusion and extra fluids.  We skipped fluids on Tuesday, but had them on Wed – Fri of this week.  They seem to be helping, although slowly.  What a long week!

Even with all the trauma of this week, we still see God’ provision at so many turns.  My veins are still holding strong (THAT is a miracle!); and only 1 more day of chemo infusion, 7 more days of radiation, and 6 more days of chemo pill.  We have come a long way from where we started on Aug 25.

We so appreciate your prayers and unwavering support in getting us here.  Where would we be without  you?   We thank God so much for the gift of you and your dedication to us. 

On a sad note – we said good bye to our long term friend Macy on the evening of Macy 10.  She was a good and loyal companion for nearly 14 years.  I have often said we should all live as well as Macy!  The timing is never good on these things, this time particularly so since it followed a long day of treatment at UNC.  But we knew it was time and Macy is all the better for it.

Please continue to keep us in your prayers over these next 2 weeks.  We’re close, and we’re ready!!  We promise to stay in better touch.  We’ve got better drugs now – and strict instruction to use them!   Take care--- we love you.  

KSN and family

October 21, 2008

Hello all—

I thought it might be time to check in and let everyone know how things are progressing. 

I had my 3rd chemo infusion of Phase II yesterday, 5th chemo total.  All went well!  My blood counts are good (the chemo can really get these counts out of line and cause you to have to suspend treatment if it gets too bad), my weight is steady (THANK YOU EVERYONE FOR ALL THE GIFTS OF FOOD!), no nausea, and it only took ONE STICK to get into my vein!  Last week took only 1 stick as well.  Given that I still have bruises from my sticks 3 weeks ago, the one stick status is a huge answer to your prayers.   Only four more sticks to go! 

My weekly pattern is setting up such that I am pretty much confined to bed/sofa on Wed thru Sat.  My side effects are extreme fatigue, pain in my feet (those thick fuzzy slippers rock!) and shortness of breath along with general flu like symptoms.  Between the pain in my feet and the shortness of breath it has become a real struggle just to walk up/down our stairs and also to make it to my daily radiation appts in Chapel Hill.  But so far I have not missed one appt although I was wondering if I would make it last Friday.  My spirits take a real hit during this time since I basically have to check out of all family activities, which is difficult for a Mom.  But I had a sweet and timely note from a dear friend last week who reminded me that it is ok to be weak.  In 2 Corinthians 12:9 God says “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.”  And it is surely His strength that has gotten me this far.  Thank you for praying for me – getting me to this point. 

Then on Sunday I wake up feeling much better, and feel pretty good on Sun – Tuesday.  What a great reminder that at some point I will feel better –what a great anticipation!  Those days are such a blessing. 

And so, after this week is finished I have 4 more weeks of treatment.  We were told yesterday to expect the last 3-4 weeks to be the most difficult, but I am determined to see this through.  This aggressive treatment plan is my best hope for a cure and that is a great motivator!  So far I have had no esophagus inflammation to speak of, although this becomes a real threat the last few weeks of treatment, making it difficult to eat and stay hydrated.  

I know I will walk those days covered in your prayers and we are so grateful to you in every way.  We thank God daily for you, our prayer warriors and partners. I will keep you posted as I can.  Thanks again for everything.

Kay and family

October 7, 2008

Dear Friends,

We wanted to share with you the good news we received yesterday from my doctor.  The scans from last week show improvement in the 2 tumors in my lung.  The primary site is smaller and the secondary site has “vaporized” and is barely visible on the scan.  No new sites were seen.  The lymph nodes in my chest did not show much change, but overall this was a very good report.  We are told that this was a good response to the 2 chemo treatments and we are right where we need to be to begin this next phase. 

My infusion went well yesterday, they got my vein on the second try and it held throughout the treatment!  This was huge because the drugs they are using are so strong and so irritating to the veins that accessing them each week (6 more to go!) can be a real issue.  And the veins in my arms are quite irritated at this point.  My doctor does not want to put in a “permanent” port because of the risk of infection.  (A special thanks for praying me through this!)

We praise God for this good report!  We know that God led us to this treatment plan, but we also know that ultimately all healing comes from God.  To say again that we thank you for your prayers is a gross understatement.  I hope you can see answers to YOUR prayers in this report. 

Obviously we are very happy with this good news.  We continue to pray – and praise!  Thank you for joining us. 

Gratefully,
Kay and family

Psalm 28:7   The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in Him and I am helped.

October 5, 2008

Dear Friends,

This last week has been a week of scans, x-rays and other tests as the doctors prepare my radiation treatment plan.  On Monday, I will begin daily chemo and radiation treatments.  Each Monday will be a chemo infusion plus radiation, then Tues – Friday I will receive radiation along with a chemo pill.  This is scheduled to last for 7 ½ weeks, ending the week of Thanksgiving.  So far I have had 2 “mega-doses” of chemo that have hit me fairly hard to be honest. 

This is an aggressive course of treatment as we knew it would be.  “A curative approach” as the doctors say.  That is certainly our prayer!

We continue to be so grateful to everyone for all their love and support, and most of all for all the prayers being said for us.  Your prayers are a wonderful gift and we thank you with all our hearts.  They have most certainly carried me through to this point.

Please continue to pray for me as I start this next phase of treatment.  Many of you have asked me for specific areas of concern and there are several.  Please pray for

1. My veins - that they would be easy to access and not so sensitive to the medication (I’ve already had some issues with this although God blessed me with a good experience last week!)

2. My endurance – that I would weather this treatment well and without complications (bleeding/blood clot issues, pain in my feet and hands, burn issues from the radiation, fatigue)

3. My family – especially Andrew, that he would not be too traumatized by this situation and that we can keep things as normal as possible for him

4. My mindset – that I would be mentally strong and have a positive attitude during this tough treatment

Again, we thank you for your kindness to us during this difficult time,  and we are especially appreciative for all the prayers.  It is truly a special blessing to walk through those hospital doors covered in prayer.   

Kay and family

September 14, 2008

So, we’re off to Chapel Hill tomorrow for my second chemotherapy treatment.  This will be another 6+ hour day.  We are told they are prepared to prevent any adverse reaction like I had last time, and have a few more meds in store to make the after effects a bit easier this time.  Good news!

While tomorrow will be a long day, I am so grateful to know that as I walk through that door, I don’t go alone.  An army of prayer goes with me and I want you to know how thankful we are to each of you.  An army of prayer -- that is powerful.  And we feel it!

Every day I receive encouraging notes, phone calls, cards, emails, hugs and support that just continue to amaze me.  While I must confess the “Why me?!”  question comes to my mind way too often, I also have to ask the same exact question with regard to the outpouring of kindness and support we keep receiving.  At every turn everyone just keeps giving and giving and giving.   We can’t thank you enough. 

We are told in James 1:17 that “every good and perfect gift is from above and comes down from the Father”.   Please know that as you continue to care for us, we thank God daily for the gift of you.     

So, again, we’re off to another round of healing tomorrow.  With God and your prayers alongside us.  What more could we ask for really?? 

Kay and family

August 27, 2008

Well, we have completed one treatment.  Actually treatment 1 on Monday turned into treatment 1A and continued on Tuesday am with 1B, given a brief adverse reaction I had to the first chemo drug.  The staff was quick to react on Monday and got everything under control and I was able to receive all of the necessary drug.  But we were there from 9:30am to about 6:00pm, long day!  We got home and Mother had spent the afternoon at our house picking Andrew up from school, doing our laundry, changing our beds, etc.  Our precious neighbor Arrin Dutton had dinner ready for us when we got home.  With all that waiting for me, I was immediately feeling better once I got home!  Tuesday’s treatment went along much better. 

Today has been a pretty good day, I’ve felt well and I was very HAPPY to get up and go to my office on today (Wednesday).  I am privileged to work for such a great organization and with such a terrific group of people.  They have been beyond supportive. 

My next treatment will be on Sept 15.  It feels good to me to know I now have some drugs circulating that are starting to work against the bad guys. 

So far I am feeling well, although they tell me to expect reduced energy by tomorrow.  We’ll see how it goes.  We’re hoping for and expecting the best. 

Our continued thanks so much for all the prayer, love and support  extended to my family and me.  We continue to see God’s hand at every turn, and He is working through all of you to bless us.  How I long for words more adequate than “thank you”!

Philippians 1:3:   I thank my God in all my remembrance of you!

We’ll continue to keep you posted.

Kay and family

August 24, 2008

What a difference a week makes! 

At my last update we were scheduled to meet with the Duke University oncologist on Wed which we did.  In a manner that can only be described as a “God thing”, we were quickly scheduled with the UNC oncology team on Tuesday. 

The meeting on Tuesday at UNC was impressive.  They have a true team approach and we met with the head of thoracic oncology, one of his associates, an associate professor of radiation oncology, one of her associates, and the research nursing coordinator.  Dr. Mark Socinski is the director of the clinical trial I am recommended for and he met with us at length, assuring us he believes this program is the type of approach that can cure my illness.  He does not believe surgical removal of my left lung lobe will improve my outcome, although he will reassess that periodically.  They use a combination of 3 chemotherapy drugs for 9 weeks and then add 7 weeks of radiation.  Their radiology program is one of 3 in the county that can effectively deliver the very high dose of radiation they use in this program.  We were impressed with everything we witnessed at that meeting. 

Then we went to Duke on Wednesday.  They recommended  a compressed course of 2 chemotherapy drugs, surgery to remove the lower left lobe of my lung, then more chemotherapy and additional radiation.  We met with an associate of their oncology program who stressed to us that surgical removal of the lung was the best way to ensure a good outcome in my situation.  We never met the radiologist, be we were told that the 2 chemo drugs were not the same ones offered to us at UNC but were standardly used in cancer treatments.  They were insistent that I needed surgery. 

So, we were quite confused.  But we, along with many of you, took it to the Lord.  I relied on this verse:  “Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you saying, ‘This is the way; walk in it’ – Isaiah 30:21 

God was so faithful to answer us and we have definitely felt led to UNC.  Thanks to all of you for the prayerful support that helped get us to that decision.  At the end of the week we both felt like the UNC program was more cutting edge, more aggressive and where we need to be. 

We go in tomorrow morning for the first chemotherapy treatment.  They have told us to expect a 6 hour day there, a little longer given some final blood work we need to complete.    The next administration will be in 3 weeks.  They assure us that while this is a very aggressive and difficult program, they have lots of tools to help me get through it. 

Again, our many heartfelt thanks to all you for your care, concern, prayers, many offers of help, cards, emails, phone calls – the outpouring of love has been just overwhelming to us.  We are thankful to the Lord for providing you to us.  He continues to be with us at every turn and we are grateful to serve such an awesome God. 

So, we’re off!  It’s time to start getting well.  We’ll begin that journey tomorrow.  In God’s hands. 

Please join us in praying that the treatment will be successful.

PS  You know I can’t resist --  “Go Heels!”

Kay and family

August 17, 2008

My dear friends,

“Thank you” is a painfully inadequate expression, but regrettably it’s all I have available to let you know how much we appreciate the extreme outpouring of love and support we have received from each of you and many others.   Please, please, please know that we think of each of you with tremendously grateful hearts.  And even greater is our thankfulness and praise to God for providing each of you to us to partner with us during this difficult time.  What an amazing gift!

Last week was a full week of additional tests and meetings with the DukeRaleigh oncologist.  We have been offered a course of treatment to be conducted at DukeRaleigh, but have also been referred to Duke University for an oncology consult there as well.  The University has a program that is similar to the Raleigh program although it is conducted on a “compressed” delivery schedule and is considered a bit more aggressive.  Our consult there is on Wed morning of this week, 8/22.  We are also still trying to schedule a second opinion consult at UNC and are hopeful to have that appt early this week or perhaps next week at the latest. 

Our main prayer this week is that God will lead us directly into the treatment program He has planned for us and that we will be able to get started with that asap.  Timing is critical.

We are in a difficult place and my heart grieves at the path that lies before us.   Given that, still we know we are in God’s hands, and there is simply no better place to be. 

Thank you all for your prayerful love and support. 

Kay and family

August 7, 2008

I have added several folks to this list, and I apologize in advance for not keeping everyone up to date with what's been going on. It was a choice Kay and I made about a month ago to keep folks from worrying. I know you would all want to know what the doctors found yesterday. I wish I had better news. Kay has been diagnosed with stage 3 lung cancer. She was allowed to come home yesterday after the biopsy surgery and is resting now. Details haven't been worked out, but she will start radiation and chemotherapy next week.

She has had a persistent cough, not a pronounced cough, really pretty mild, since November. She first went to the doctor last November, and in the months since they have treated her for asthma, pneumonia, and allergies. They didn't do a CT scan until June because she didn't fit the cancer profile-young, healthy and a life-long non-smoker. If you or anyone you know has had a persistent cough that doesn't seem to go away, don't ignore it and be insistent that the Drs follow up with a CT scan. It can make a huge difference.

Sorry for conveying news like this in an email, but this seemed like the best way to reach a lot of folks at one time and free up time for me to take care of Kay and Andrew right now.

Thank you all for being our friends, we love you all. Sorry if we have been distant and hard to reach lately, we have been working through this situation as best we knew how. 

Kay will still be working through the effects of the anesthesia today I'm told. Feel free to email or call, but please keep in mind that we haven't told Andrew what the diagnosis is just yet, he's been over at a friend's house since yesterday, so talking in detail over the phone may be difficult until tomorrow.

If I could ask for one thing from y'all, it would be to pray for Kay and for her doctors.

Kevin

August 5, 2008

Well, the results are in and while the conditions in my lung have improved overall, the surgeons are still concerned about the suspicious “spot” in my lower left lobe that remains unchanged.  The good news is that my scans show the pneumonia/pleural effusion has improved significantly so my lung is in better condition for the surgery.  This is a complicated surgery given the position of the area in question.

The surgery is scheduled for 2:00 tomorrow at DukeRaleigh.  We have been told we can expect anything from minor scar tissue to advanced malignancy.   The length of the surgery will be determined by the severity of my condition, anywhere from 1 hour to 4 hours.  Whew!

We are stressed and concerned, but we are confident of one thing and that is we KNOW God is in control of this situation and we are so thankful for that.  And also we are thankful for all the support and care you continue to give us.  Thank you for your prayers and we will keep you posted as we can.

I’m sorry that my absence from the office is going to be extended.  I can tell you, I miss being there!  Thanks for holding down the fort.

August 5, 2008

The scheduling has finally taken place, at least partially.  I am headed over to meet with the surgeon this morning and have another scan at 1:30 today.  The surgery is tentative for tomorrow. 

Of course we are praying that the scan will show significant improvement and we can avoid the surgery.

Thanks to all, once again, for all your support and concern, and especially your prayers.

Kay S. Nunnery

August 3, 2008

All –

It's been such a whirlwind week at my house.  First the news regarding my most recent xray was no change.  Then the surgeon and pulmonologist agreed, very slight improvement.  More antibiotics.  Then on Friday the surgeon was again suggesting biopsy sooner rather than later.  At this point it looks like we will be trying to have the biopsy sometime this week.

I can’t tell you how much I would prefer to be in the office this week!  Please forgive my absence and I will hope to rejoin all the fun very soon.

I appreciate everyone’s concern, well wishes and most of all your prayers.  I’ll keep you posted. 

Kay S. Nunnery