Special(ist) Update

Today my parents were in Seattle to see a specialist. We are super hopeful, but since I was not there, I let my dad write up the details of the visit.

Dad: "We were in Seattle today and saw a pulmonary oncologist, Dr. Santana. He was great! We spent over an hour with him discussing Kimberlee’s illness. I would say he was very positive but not delusional in plans for her recovery. This is what I remember: In short, she will probably have the tumors for the rest of her life, however long that is. We are after treatment and not a cure. Treatment can increase the length of her life. We don’t know how long. He has had patients live for 1-2 years or up to 10. He was encouraged that Kimberlee is so healthy, outside of cancer, and she really is. He said if she wasn’t so healthy he would be more concerned and started chemotherapy in the hospital today. So given her level of health, he feels the best treatment option is, in my words, gene therapy. He says some lung cancers grow because they have a genetic mutation that has “turned on” the cancer cells to grow a tumor. If she tests positive for some of these genes that we can aim treatment at those genes or mutations. This would be a pill, not chemotherapy. If she has the genes and if she responds well to this treatment this could drastically impact her tumors. The tumors could shrink which would reduce or eliminate the cough Kimberlee currently enjoys. This could also reduce her pain in her shoulder. Currently, her pain is controlled during the day with ibuprofen and adds a little hydrocodone at night as needed. Her pain is well controlled for now.

"He was encouraged that her liver functions tests (LFT’s) are normal. These show how well your liver is working, and again hers are normal. There is a chance that these blood tests won’t show anything, meaning she doesn’t have a high level of the genes circulating in her blood. This is good and bad. It’s good in the way that she doesn’t have a high enough level to be detected. It’s bad in the respect we won’t know which specific genes’ the tumor has. So then we need to do a guided CT biopsy. This is essentially using a CT scanner to guide a needle into her tumor in her chest. Then many cells could be taken for analysis. I have already been in contact with our local pulmonologist to schedule a guided CT biopsy in a couple weeks depending on the blood tests. The blood tests take 10-14 days for results. So we are trying to be proactive, seeking the best treatment and diagnostics. We should be able to do lots of the treatment, whichever kind we do, here in Yakima. Dr. Santana may give us the treatment plan and we get everything done here. If we do the gene therapy route these medications are expensive. We are pleased to report we paid off our student loans this month so now we have full access to our income to take care of this. It makes us laugh that we thought our big news of April was telling everyone we have our loans paid off. We often laugh at that!

We are trying to stay positive and patient while we await tests. So it will be a couple weeks before we know anything more and start treatment. It seems like forever to wait longer. But, this may lead us down a road that Kimberlee doesn’t need chemotherapy now, and possibly ever. So she is encouraged by the thoughts of not enjoying all the wonderful side effects of chemo. She is excited to be herself and be present with the kids as long as she can. We all know chemo treatment comes with costs in quality of daily life. He did say that no matter which treatment we do cancer will eventually mutate. It will overcome whatever we do, but between now and then we seek out the best treatment options. We are willing to do whatever we can to treat her but want to enjoy quality days whether it is 1 day or a million, we want to enjoy quality days every single day! We take moments every day to embrace a little longer. When I leave to work, our goodbye kiss is a little more meaningful and tender. We are focused on enjoying moments together.

"We want to thank everyone for everything they have done so far. We have been overwhelmed. But not in the way you think. Of course, we have shed tears and lots sleep over this adventure. But we have been truly overwhelmed by all the love and support we have received. I wish I could thank every person individually who has brought my wife flowers, or left a note, or food, or a sunshine basket, or a hug when she was down, or the kind words via text, or activities with our kids, or dinner at your home, or a ride for my wife to an appointment, or all the other things I’m forgetting. Thank you for all the wonderful support! We count our family, friends, and relationships among our greatest possessions!

"To sum up: we are awaiting tests to determine what type of treatment is best for Kimberlee. Then we will begin treatment.

"Each day we pray for effective treatment. We feel all your love and prayers. We feel uplifted by all you have done for us! Thank you so much!"

The way he said it was just so perfect! But I just love seeing how my parents treat each other. It has always been loving, but I have seen slight changes. The constant holding of hands now. Being more conscious of being together instead of doing things apart. Helping and seeing eachothers needs before their own. That is what true love is, and I am so glad I have two amazing parents who emulate this! All I can really add is a thank you! So imagine me hugging each of you 5 times through this screen! And I don't mean an awkward 2-second side hug. I mean a long, two arm squeeze of all my emotions and thanks! Now go give your loved ones a hug and tell them you love them! Thanks again for all the prayers and love you've given us!