We hope spring has found you in your part of the country. As for North and South Carolina, it has been the 2nd coldest spring on record. Surely, any day now, the humidity will be here in full force along with 90 degree days and lots of sunshine. Although the temperatures have been cool, we have a lush green lawn, blooming flowers, and bluebirds nesting in the bluebird house. What I have learned about myself is that I like living in an area that has a change of seasons whether it be spring, summer, winter or fall.
Kenan has been through some changes herself. She was released from her clinical trial with Dr. Powderly, here in Huntersville. After scans in January and February, there was continued growth in her tumors located in her liver. Dr. Powderly and Dr. Sato (Philadelphia) agreed the Huntersville trial of medications was not working. Therefore, she was on the hunt again for a new clinical trial.
We were excited to learn that Dr. Sato was beginning a new clinical trial in Philadelphia and he invited Kenan to participate. As with the clinical trial in Huntersville, the clinical trial would require weekly blood tests, treatments, and scans for the first six weeks. Kenan and Billy were not looking forward to weekly flights to Philly. So, our resourceful girl, got online and found the same clinical trial starting at Emory University Hospital in Atlanta, Georgia. This would be a 5 hour drive from Charleston rather than weekly flights to Philly. Therefore, Kenan applied and was qualified to participate in the new clinical trial in Atlanta. Dr. Sato agreed to still monitor and review Kenan’s scans, etc.
Since March, Kenan and Billy have been making the drive to Atlanta once a week. Last Thursday, May 2nd Kenan’s scans were read by a nurse at Emory and Kenan and Billy were told there has been a 25 % increase in the targeted tumors. As a result, Kenan was advised that this trial was not working and will not be returning to Emory University Hospital in Atlanta. This was bittersweet because you never want to hear that a treatment was not working, but Kenan and Billy were not big fans of Atlanta. In fact, Billy might have his name and an artist sketch of his face hanging near the nurse’s station as a visitor to “WATCH OUT” if seen!
I hope you don’t mind Billy, but it does make for a good story… During their last visit, the nurse attending Kenan did not put in her IV comfortably. She was hurting Kenan. When Kenan spoke up for herself, circumstances went downhill from that encounter. At some point around this time, Billy was allowed to go back and be with Kenan. Kenan disclosed to Billy her treatment. They both were then on edge, agitated, and stressed beyond the usual stress of the visit. Kenan left the treatment area and her attending nurse said, “that woman is evil!" The attending nurse said this in front of Billy! As you can image, Kenan’s Knight in shining armor (or Clemson Tiger), sprang into action. He did not let this nurse’s (and I use that title distastefully) actions or comment go unchallenged. And last time I checked, strong, positive, thoughtful, giving, and caring was not a definition of evil the last time I checked. However, a patient asking for comfort from a trained nurse and that request being dismissed with disdain and contempt might define EVIL NURSE!
As of the writing of this entry, I do not know what is next for Kenan’s treatment plan. I assume an upcoming trip to Philadelphia to see Dr. Sato will be forthcoming. Now that school will soon be out for me (June 12th), I will try to write blog entries more often.
Kenan is feeling well, going to work every day, and running! She was in Nashville last weekend helping Anna celebrate her upcoming wedding to Brian.
Most recently, Kenan and Billy returned from a (it will make you jealous trip) to the Bahamas. Thank you to the Reilley Family!
Another fabulous recent event was when Kenan got to meet Coach Roy Williams. In fact, we all met him! Kenny had Coach Williams speak at his annual Employer’s Association luncheon. Kenan, Billy, Pete, Kenny, Aunt Karen, and I all attended. It was a great motivational speech. We had the opportunity to get a few autographs and participate in a meet and greet with Coach Williams at the end. Coach Williams was very personable and both Kenan and Pete got quality time with him. Sadly, Jetty did not attend. She surely would have been tapped for a Carolina Mascot appearance on the football field next year!
Pete and his girl, Caroline, are heading to San Francisco May 10th for five days of travel. They will duplicate the trip Kenan and Billy took last year. Maybe Kenny and I will do the same soon!
Safe Travel to them all!
Say a prayer for Kenan,
Sue
Here is a picture of Kenan telling Roy all about her escapades on Franklin Street after UNC won the National Championship in 2005 and 2009!
Here is a picture of Kenan telling Roy all about her escapades on Franklin Street after UNC won the National Championship in 2005 and 2009!
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