December 1, 2009

“Praise the Lord, for His mercy endures forever.” 2 Chron 21b

We received good news today with the results of my scan from yesterday.  And I really felt all your prayers carrying me through yesterday and today.  I truly felt the peace of God, the peace that “surpasses all understanding” (Phil 4:7).  Thank you, my dear prayer warriors, you have helped us beyond measure.

The scan from yesterday looked good (chest and abdomen), revealed no new tumors, the existing areas of concern were smaller, the area of fluid was smaller although not gone as we had hoped, and the lung appeared to be somewhat more inflated.  While all of these were positive developments, the fluid remains a problem.  So where do we go from here?

Our options are basically down to two.  One, continue on the chemo indefinitely in sort of a “maintenance” mode.  This is somewhat complicated by the fact that at my last infusion I had an allergic reaction to 1 of the chemo drugs.  Option two, a surgery to remove my entire lung, the left part of my diaphragm, the lining of the lung and the lining of the heart.  This surgery is extensive and would require a 2 week hospital stay.  It is possible that the surgery would remove any remaining cancer and “cure” the cancer for good.  There is always a possibility that the cancer could recur in another area and we would then go on chemo again.  The surgeon is confident he can perform the surgery but does not know if it is the best route for me.  He has performed this surgery only 5 other times, but with success.  Given that my situation is very unique and not textbook, they cannot say for sure that the surgery would work.  Praise the Lord that He is the God of “uncharted waters”!

We were advised to think about this for a few weeks.  So in the meantime, I will have another chemo round on Monday and will begin more in-depth scans of my brain, body, and also a lung and heart function test.  They want to make sure that I am a good candidate for the surgery and that there is no cancer in any other area of my body before they proceed.  They believe that if the surgery is successful my quality of life would be very good, even with just 1 lung.  A target date for the surgery would be sometime during the week after Christmas.

So, while we are encouraged with the results from the scan, clearly we want to make a good decision regarding the surgery.  Whew! 

We covet your continued prayers as we go forward.  God has always been faithful to provide us with the direction we need.  Obviously we are going to rely on His direction as we make our decision.  Please pray that He would make His will known to us and close any door that leads in the wrong direction. 

Thank you again for all your prayers.  You know it and we feel it – those prayers make all the difference!  We’ll keep you posted. 

Love,

Kay and family

November 29, 2009

My dear friends—

Please remember us this week as we go in for our “re-assessment”.  We start this process tomorrow am with a CT scan at 11:00.  Then on Tuesday morning we go in for the scan results and consultation with the surgeon and the oncologist.  The fluid around my lung continues to accumulate, although it is less volume than it was when I first started the chemo back in August.  The oncologist tells us that we are in “uncharted” waters as my case has not followed the normal progression they generally see.

We met today with the elders in our church for a special time of prayer.   We did that back in August too and today’s meeting was just as special.  Those meetings have been very encouraging  for me and just a sweet time with the Lord. 

As you would imagine, we are eager to see where we go from here.  The waiting is difficult but we know that God is still in control.  He is not surprised by our “uncharted” waters.  Please pray for wisdom as we go forward.  As always, we thank you for your prayerful support. 

Philippians 4:6  - “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God”

Kay and family

November 22, 2009

Dear NCLM friends and colleagues,

While my traditional southern upbringing would dictate that I write to each of you individually, unfortunately that is not very practical at the moment.  So please overlook the obvious faux pas of this group email.  For some time now I have been meaning to send a note of THANK YOU to all of you for the overwhelming acts of kindness and generosity you have extended to my family and me this past year. 

I have worked for the League of Municipalities for nearly 20 years.  (Oh. My. Gosh!!)  During the course of my tenure, I have witnessed many extraordinary things accomplished by the NCLM, it’s staff and boards.  While I have stood in awe of many of those accomplishments, I have been even more amazed at the support extended to my family over this past year.  Ours is truly a remarkable organization. 

“Thank you” seems painfully inadequate to express the depth of our gratitude to you.  These words cannot convey our appreciation nearly enough.  We have been so richly blessed by your generosity– the many notes, emails, cards, gifts, phone calls, the awesome gift of meals, accumulated TIME, that priceless birthday video and of course the many prayers offered on our behalf.  The list goes on and on.  These and countless other gestures have helped to make our difficult path a bit easier.  Thank you!

As we approach this Thanksgiving season, we wish for all of you a very happy holiday.  Please know that the numerous acts of kindness from each of you are among the many blessings my family will celebrate this year.  I look forward to being back in the office soon.  Until then, please accept our heartfelt thanks and may each of you have a very happy Thanksgiving. 

Kay Nunnery

October 29, 2009

Hello all—

Sorry to be so incommunicado but I have had a rough couple of weeks following my treatment last Tuesday.  We had to delay that treatment by a week due to a low white cell count, but the count rebounded nicely after a week’s hiatus.  My next treatment in scheduled for Nov 9.  After that treatment I will have another round of x-rays and scans for a “re-assessment”.  There has been some continued discussion about removing my lung even if we get the all clear signal after this treatment.  The fluid around my lung continues to be a problem and although the volume has decreased it has not completely cleared up.  We will likely have to make some serious decisions going forward, but God has never failed to provide us with clear direction so far. 

We remain so grateful to everyone for your continued prayer support.  The most critical of needs right now is resolution of this fluid issue.  Please pray also for my physical and emotional strength, and for my family, especially my Mom who is under significant stress.  And as much as I try to protect Andrew from all my issues, he is quite the little worrier even at such a tender age. 

This is so hard.  I confess there are times I don’t think I can do this.  I don’t want to even consider how difficult it really would be without your prayerful support.  Once again, “thank you” seems painfully inadequate. 

So, we march on.  Clinging to the Lord.  And thanking Him for the gift of you.     

Kay and family

September 14, 2009

False alarm.  I was not able to take chemo today after all, we’ve been delayed a week.  My white cell count was too low, not severely low, but low enough for concern.  The doctors didn’t want to risk me getting some type of infection that could really set me back.  They seem to think the white cell count will come up on it’s on over the course of the week.  They advised me to get plenty of rest and stay away from crowds until then.  One piece of good news is that they were able to get my IV started with no issue!

So, we will try again next Monday at 9:00.  Hopefully all will go well and we will be back on track. 

Thanks for all your prayers for today.  I felt everyone of them and was very calm throughout the process.  You guys are the greatest and we thank God for you daily!

Have a nice week!  ☺

September 13, 2009

Here is yet another apology for being so late with my update, but I have been quite “under the weather” following my surgery, chemo and esophagus dilation over the last several weeks.  I have begun to feel better this past week but have rationed my limited energy over the course of the day to doing things for Andrew.  So MANY of you have written me and called me and emailed me and I promise to get back to each of  you as I can.  Please understand that I so appreciate your care and your prayers and I feel awful that it is taking me so long to reply to you.  I will eventually so please don’t hold it against me.

I go in for my 2nd of 4 chemo treatments tomorrow.  I am hopeful that I will not be out of commission longer than next week since I won’t have the additional procedures to complicate things.  I am eager to have this week behind me and hopefully start getting back to normal next week.  With your prayerful support I am optimistic that will be the case.

Please continue to pray for a successful treatment with endurance for the journey.   We continue to thank God for each of you standing along with us. 

“Therefore we also pray always for you…”  II Thess 1:11

  Kay and family

August 25, 2009

I’ll apologize first, for the late arrival of this update.  You have all been so nice to call, send cards, emails, notes, etc and I am sorry to be so late in getting back to you.  Everyone is so kind and considerate to reach out to me so often and I do thank you.  I will tell you that I had just an awful week last week after the surgery and that is why it has taken me so long to get back to you. 

As you saw from Kevin’s email after the surgery we were not able to do the TALC procedure because my left lung would not inflate.  So, Plan B, insert a catheter that has to be drained every 2 days.  Kevin has taken on this task admirably!  (I must admit - managing this process certainly takes “high maintenance” to a new level!)  Adjusting to this catheter has been a real, REAL struggle for me, aside from just the soreness from the surgery and the disappointment over the situation I find myself in - hence my difficult week last week. 

So we set out for our appointment at UNC today a bit undecided as to what we needed to do.  After all the tests were in the team decided on a new chemotherapy they offered to start today and we had looked at a few other treatment options and wanted to discuss those with my doctor.  I was still feeling pretty puny and wasn’t sure I was ready for it on that basis alone.   We asked God to order our steps and after the discussions with the doctor decided to go ahead and start the chemo today.  I am due for another esophagus dilation soon and we were trying to schedule around that too, which ultimately got scheduled for Sept 1.   The new chemo is said to have easier side effects than the last ones were I had and the hope is it will kill the final cancer cells and my body will recognize no need for fluid production and then the catheter can be removed.  We’ll do this chemo 1 time every 3 weeks for 4 treatment cycles and then reevaluate my condition.  We feel very blessed to have such highly acclaimed medical care right here at us and feel like we made a good decision to stay at UNC and begin therapy today. 

So, I got one behind me today!  It was a long day, we got there at 9:00 and got home at 6:30.  My wonderful Mom and my neighbor extraordinaire Brenda, kept things moving at home. 

As for specific prayer requests:

1. That we would glorify God in all we do.  We always ask God to help us with this as we are so challenged by this but know this is what we are meant to do and what we want to do, regardless of the outcome. 

2. Peace and comfort for Andrew and Kevin.  Their lives have been so disrupted only to have to confront this again so soon.

3. Complete healing and restoration of my health!  We are asking God for a miracle.

4. NO MORE FLUID! 

5. Vein health – it took 4 sticks today to get my IV started  (due more to operator error than vein health I think)

6. Good health during therapy – this particular therapy is prone to decrease my blood count levels more than the last one and the risk of infection is great, particularly with this catheter in place.  You all prayed me through this last time with my blood levels never getting too low to receive my treatments.

Thanks again for your notes – I’ll get back with you all as soon as I can.  Thanks too for your prayers which I always feel as I head over to UNC, update email or none.  You guys have been awesome!

“Reach out and touch the Master’s Throne, there’s healing for your mind, your body, and your soul”  from Broken But I’m Healed by Byron Cage

Kay and family

August 12, 2009

Hello all,
I'm sending this update out to let you all know Kay's surgery was completed this afternoon. The lower lobe of her left lung did not expand back to normal size under inflation by the surgeon, so they did not do the talc procedure. Instead, they inserted a catheter in her side which we will use to drain the fluid from between her lung and pleura every 2-3 days. The surgeon explained that there are some patients whose lungs reinflate on their own after 2-3 months. If that should occur and the fluid stops being produced, then they will take the catheter out, is my understanding. However, the fluid is most likely being produced by malignant cells, so that has to be brought under control also.

This development should not interfere with her next line of treatment, and we were told that if the results from the testing of her biopsied cells returns this week, she will most likely start chemo next week. Thank you for your continued support and prayers, we couldn't ask for better friends and family. Love to all.

Kevin

Romans 5:3-5 Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance, perseverance character, and character hope. And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out His love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom He has given us.

August 11, 2009

Thank you all for the kind emails, cards and phone calls you have been sending me.  I appreciate every one and they are a real encouragement to me. 

I am scheduled for surgery tomorrow (8/12) at 3:00 pm at UNC.   This surgery is designed to drain the fluid in my lung and perform a “TALC” procedure to prevent the fluid from returning.  The final test results are not in yet from my original biopsy, so there has been no decision on how to treat the cancer once we get past this surgery.   And they do want me to recover some from the surgery tomorrow  before starting a new treatment.  Given the late start of the surgery tomorrow,  I’ll likely not come home from the surgery until Saturday. 

A number of you have asked how you might pray for us specifically.  Thank you for being so considerate – here are the specific requests:

1. Andrew – that he will be comfortable and “worry-free” while he stays with my sister during my hospitalization.

2. Kevin – for his stamina as he tries to care for me and keep up with work, home, etc.

3. That the medical team would work with a Divine precision tomorrow.  That the surgery would be a success, the fluid would remain gone and my lung would re-inflate.  That I will be able to endure this surgery both mentally and physically. 

4. The doctors – that God would guide their steps as they determine the best course of action to treat the cancer going forward.

Our needs seem so great, but we remain convinced that God is able to do abundantly more than we can ever imagine in this situation.  Thank you for continuing to stand with us. 

Psalm 3:4  “I cried to the Lord with my voice, and He heard me…”

Kay and family

July 29, 2009

All—

I am sorry to have to share this with you, but there were some cancer cells found in the fluid drained off my lung last week.  We got the call on Monday am and since then have had a PET scan, chest x-ray, MRI of my brain and consults with the oncologist and surgeon.  The doctors are very surprised by this turn of events.  And so are we as you can imagine.  Last week I was “cured”, this week I have moved to Stage IV lung cancer.

The MRI of my brain was clear.  The cancerous cell count in the fluid is low.  The PET scan showed no cancer anywhere except in the fluid. There are no masses or tumors in the lungs.   It appears we have caught a recurrence early in the game.  All of this is considered good news. 

The fact that it has returned so soon after such an aggressive treatment is not good news. 

The tests this week reveal that the fluid has begun to accumulate again.  The surgeon has suggested a surgical procedure to drain the accumulating fluid and eliminate future fluid problems with a TALC procedure.  We are scheduled to have this done on August 12, followed by a 2 day hospital stay. 

The doctors are performing some additional tests on the tissue samples collected last August during my biopsy.  Once this tissue test is complete and all test results are in, the doctors will meet collectively to determine the best course of action.  We expect to begin some type of chemotherapy in late August, allowing for some recovery time from the surgery on Aug 12.  There is talk of removing  my left lung but no one seems to really want to do that, but that option is still on the table. 

Obviously we are saddened by this news.  This is not going to be easy.  We need a miracle.  But, at last check, God is still in the miracle business. 

I am thankful to I know if I die today or 20 years from now, I will spend eternity in heaven.  Everything in me wants to be here (and be well!)for my husband and son.  I have so much more I want to do here.  And I intend to fight for that opportunity.  But ultimately the outcome of this situation is up to God.  Whatever He decides, I will respect and accept His decision.   He is the God of the universe and this is His call, not ours.  We have long ago put this situation in His hands and we trust Him with the outcome.  I know that He works everything to our good, He loves Kevin and Andrew even more than I do, and He will care for and provide for them either way. 

Yes, I want that miracle, but I submit to God’s authority in this.  That is just the only way I can walk this path.

Thank you for your love and concern, thank you for standing alongside us, praying for a miracle. 

For now, we have decided to go to the beach for some quiet family time this weekend before the hard work hits.  We will likely not share this with Andrew until next week.  On Monday I go in for another esophagus stretch. 

I promise to keep you posted as I can.  Please remember us on Monday, Aug 3 for the endoscopy procedure and again for the lung surgery on Aug 12th, along with the following hospital stay.  

“Whatever my lot, Thou has taught me to say,
It is well, it is well, with my soul”   --  Horatio Gates Spafford

Kay and family

July 22, 2009

Thanks for your prayers yesterday.  I felt every one of them as I went through my procedure.  Sincerely, I did. 

The final result of our appointment yesterday was that I had 1 liter of fluid drained off my lung.  The fluid has been sent off for testing and is not due back for 5 days.  The fluid was not actually inside my lung, but on the outside around the area of radiation damage.  It is believed that the fluid is a result of that damage.  Because of the lung damage and fluid accumulation, 1/3 of my lung was collapsed.  (It’s no wonder I have been feeling so miserable!) 

Per an xray after the procedure, the lung has re-inflated. (Praise God!) I am breathing easier and did not experience the same level of pain in my side last night as I had been before the procedure.  We are told that all of this is not unusual and they see it happen many times.  One of the nurses we work with asked a special favor of her “best” surgeon to perform the procedure for me and he agreed.  So we were in good hands physically and spiritually! 

It was a long day but worth it.  I am encouraged that now with the fluid accumulation gone and the newly inflated lung I will really begin to feel better and gain strength.  What a wonderful thought!!  Please pray that the fluid and cancer are gone for good.

I have to share with you that yesterday as I was waiting for and dreading my appointment and procedure, I got this mental image of myself and God.  In the image I was like a toddler clinging to the leg of her parent.  And then I was reminded of the story in Genesis 32 where Jacob wrestled with God.  Then finally , after many hours of wrestling with God, Jacob stopped wrestling and started clinging.  Clinging to God for His blessing.  And so we cling.  And are blessed.  And again God used you to bless us.  

Thanks for all your emails and phone calls and prayers and support and other assistance.   The list goes on and on.  Once again you’ve helped me overcome an obstacle.  

Psalm 34:17  “The righteous cry out and the Lord hears them”

God bless---

Kay and family

July 20, 2009

Dear Friends,

Just to let you know, I will be going to UNC tomorrow for a minor procedure.  I covet your prayers at 2:00 tomorrow (Tuesday). 

Last week we started investigating a rather intense pain that I have had for 4 weeks now on my left side underneath my arm and around my shoulder.  After an X-ray, CT scan, and 3 trips to CH the doctors are perplexed as to what may be causing the pain.  The CT looked good (Praise God!) and the only notable change was an increase in the size of an area of fluid that has been present outside my lung for some time.  Given the scan didn’t show anything in the area of discomfort my doctor has requested the entire thoracic team gather and review the scans to provide direction.  That will take place tomorrow.  (It was nice to hear that the areas visible on the scan did not reveal any cancer.)

We met with my radiologist on Friday and she said she is going to recommend that the area of fluid be drained, likely tomorrow directly after my appointment.  She is not happy that the fluid is there.  It could be hiding something on the scan or could be completely innocent and just a product of the radiation damage in my lung.  While we have been told that the fluid doesn’t always cause pain the radiologist thinks it is worth a try to see if draining it will alleviate the pain.  They will test the fluid as well. 

So off we go.  Our prayer is that this procedure will alleviate the pain, make the fluid go away, not return and that the fluid and affected area will be benign.  Thank you for praying with us as always.  I certainly don’t want to head off tomorrow without your prayers going with me. 

By the way – my esophagus burns have healed!  The last dilation (number 6) opened my esophagus to 16 mm.  Their minimum allowable is 18mm so I have a few more dilations in my future, but the burns have healed and it is much easier to eat now. Thanks for your prayers over this issue.  We’re finally seeing the light  and it is a blessed relief for which we are VERY grateful.

I’ll let you know how things go tomorrow.  Thanks again for praying us through this latest issue.  As I tell anyone who will listen, it is prayer that has carried us this far!  May God bless all of you----

Kay and family

May 26, 2009

All –

Late this afternoon I had the reading of my CT scan from Friday.  Dr. Socinski tells us it looks “good” with “no evidence of metastasis”.   He could not comment on the original tumors given the “radiation changes” seen on the scan which are clouding the area.  (They don’t call them radiation “damages” but when asked what “changes” means the answer is “scar tissue, fluid accumulation, collapse, etc.” so damage is an appropriate term.)  He feels that with my overall improvement and the fact that there does not appear to be any new tumors that I am still a candidate for “cure”.  He wants me to have an Xray in 2 months, a repeat scan in 4 months.  The radiation “changes” are likely to continue to heal some more even this far out from the radiation therapy which ended 6 months ago. 

I am on stretch 4 of the esophagus, with likely 2 – 3 more stretches needed to correct the problem.  I am eating better and my weight is picking up (I can’t believe I am actually happy about that!) which are both HUGE praises.  Also, I am encouraged that Dr. Socinski is still expecting a cure in my case and still some improvement with the radiation “changes”.  I continue to struggle with strength and stamina, chest pain which is ongoing between the esophagus and radiation “changes” in the lung, and my overall morale. 

This has been a long hard road for all of us.  Our lives have been turned upside down and inside out.  But I remain so grateful to everyone for their prayers, concern, love and support.  I am reminded each time I visit that hospital how truly blessed I am and for how much I have to be thankful.  No one can tell me why I got lung cancer.  And no one can tell me it is gone and will or will not return.  The only thing I can be certain of is that God is in control of this situation.  And I am learning that is enough. 

Our news today was good.  Praise God!  Thank you all for your prayers and many other efforts that got us here. 

Have a great summer –

Kay and family

May 6, 2009

Dear Friends,

It’s been a little while since my last update and I thought it might be a good idea to check in and let you know how things are going. 

I am actually back at work on a very limited basis, and it feels great to be there.  My organization and its staff have been so good to my family and me, it’s incomprehensible, really it is.  They have just been there for us at every turn, like all of you.  We are so grateful for God’s continued provision.

My esophagus has continued to give me problems.  Scar tissue has formed and constricted the area, closing it up completely at one point.  I have had it “stretched” 3 times now (small procedure done under heavy sedation) and that has helped significantly.  It is wonderful to be able to eat a full meal!!!!  Consequently, I am feeling stronger since I am now able to get the nourishment I need.  Praise the Lord!  They expect that I will have to have this procedure done at least once again in the near future, but for now we are making progress with the esophogitis. 

I go in on Friday, May 22 for another CT scan, results to be given on Tuesday, May 26.  This scan is given at the 6 month anniversary of the beginning of the treatment.  The doctors will be comparing this scan to previous ones to see if there has been any change.  Please keep us in your prayers as we go through this process.  (Whew!) 

Once again, please know how grateful we are to each of you for your support and consideration of us.  God has raised a virtual army to care for us and we are continually amazed and thankful for all He has done.   We know your prayers have made all the difference!

We’ll keep you posted. 

Kay and family

February 16, 2009

Dear Friends,

We continue to thank and praise God for the encouraging reports we have had regarding my treatments.  Overall the doctors are very pleased with my progress, but there are certainly a number of areas that still need addressing as my recovery continues.  We have had much good news and I am feeling a bit better and have begun to eat and drink a bit more easily. 

It is only by His grace that we find ourselves so blessed, and we thank you with all our hearts for crying out for us as we have walked through this place. 

So many of you have asked how you can pray specifically for us and we thank you for that too.  You continue to be a true blessing and we are so grateful. 

Thank you again for taking time to  hear our requests and pray over them.  Here are the latest:

• Total and complete restoration of my health

• Healing of esophogitis and other radiation effects as I am still having some severe pain issues and require a good deal of pain medication

• Regaining weight and strength

• I am participating in an anti cancer vaccine program at UNC and have begun to see some sensitivity to the meds associated with this vaccine.  We are blessed to be a part of this program and would really like to continue but have 6 more weekly administrations to go before we are complete with the 1st phase.  Please pray that I would not be so sensitive to the drugs and can continue on with this valuable program.

• That God would continue to have His hand of love and care on my family, especially Andrew who has been through so much this year. 

Again, you are so dear to ask for specific requests and I can’t thank you enough for your dedication to all of us.  God has blessed us with so much, including entire communities of folks to love us and pray for us.  We stand in awe of what He has done.

Kay and family

January 26, 2009

Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift! -- 2 Corinthians 9:15

This has become our life verse and often our family often relies upon this verse to describe the relationship we have with so many situations in our lives.  Our miracle child and family, our church, school, neighborhood, and now again, the designation of “cancer survivor”.  What sweet words to hear today as we received the results of the scans I had last week.

We were told by our oncologist, Dr. Mark  Socinski, that the reports indicate “no evidence of disease”, with “evidence of radiation” therapy still active in my lungs and doing its job.  We will follow up with another CT scan in 4 months, then  x-rays every 2 months.  After that, we will follow up as needed, based on my individual circumstances at the time, for 5 years, then I will be considered cancer free.  He both opens and concludes that my “CT looks wonderful!”  Again, sweet words that we know are the direct result of Divine Intervention --  requested by so many of you with  prayers on our behalf.

How do we thank you?  There simply is no way, other than to say “Thank You”  and hope that each of you somehow gets a tiny glimpse into each of our hearts to see how  truly grateful we are for each of you and your role in this process. 

This treatment plan has not been easy and we knew that going in.  At times it has seemed insurmountable.  But we have seen God’s hand at many turns and He has seen us through many, many times of difficulty.  We still have lots of work ahead of us in terms of recovery – weight issues, strength issues, medication issues – but we know where to go each and every time we need assistance.  Please continue to keep us in your prayers as we go forward in this ongoing process.

Thank you for helping us get here.  And of course, the ultimate thanks goes to God.  What a truly indescribable gift! 

Kay and family