Recent Updates - Round 3 (most recent)

7/21/10  Connie is home now and is feeling great!  Her chest cold was zapped by a Z-pak and she said it went to work right away!  thanks everyone for praying for her.  every cold seems to put a scare into us these days.  She's tired but home and thankful.  thanks for checking on us again.  Love from the cards to you all.

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7/18/10  Prayers REQUESTED.  Nothing major major but ...Connie has still asked for some prayer support.  She is in California attending a reunion of her college buddies.  She's developed a chest cold/heaviness and is a bit worried.  She is scheduled to come back on Tuesday.  Please pray that this doesn't develop into anything worse and that she can stay the full trip.  She has some meds with her but is still a bit worried.  Thank you for lifting her up during this trip.  She so appreciates the prayer support!!!  Love you all.  KEN

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7/7/10  Everything still going great.  Just a quick update today.  Next clinic appt. on Friday!

Hoping for a good report again.  :o)  God Bless everyone.

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Update:  6/21/10     Greetings Everyone! 

Well, from the looks of the previous post, we haven’t posted for quite a while.  Actually, I did.  But, recent IT problems and a switching of my hosting company deleted many entries for the first part of the year.

Let me recap:  First, all is going really well for our Connie girl.  She is staying healthy and trying to manage all the “little” problems that being transplanted twice brings.  She has skin issues, dry eyes, muscle problems (slight), she’s not as strong as she was and she must stay completely out of the sun all the time.  From time to time, she has liver issues (on meds for that) and thyroid issues and other internal issues but the Doc’s stay way on top of that so we are blessed to be able to control all these. 

The big news is that she was due for her bone marrow test last month and her blood counts were so good, the Doc’s canceled it.  YAY!  We don’t like those anyway although Connie has had almost 30 of them!  So, we are doing really good considering.

Over the last 6 months we’ve had a few scares with pneumonia, breathing treatments, illnesses and flu.  We even had to go into the hospital in Feb for a virus she contracted that could have been very dangerous.  Fortunately, they jumped on it and she’s now past that.  So, we are feeling so blessed to be in good health with no real signs of her disease in the blood.  The Doc’s have now let us go a full month between appointments…that’ a huge blessing.

So, because of all the good news and because Maddie is at camp this week…WE are going to go to Boston for a few days.  Just the two of us.  We are going to fly into Boston, rent a car and eat our way up the coast of New Hampshire and Maine.  Sound fun?  It does to us.  So, we are doing it!  Don’t worry…I’ll keep her out of the sun. 

I’ll update more when we get back but, if you want to follow our trip a bit, log on to Kenny Joe Cardell on Facebook and become my friend.  I’ll be posting most days.

Love you all.  Thanks for checking on us again and being a fan of ours.  We never take that for granted.  We love that you love us.  Back at ya!!!!

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12/15/09  Update:  Connie got good news again from the clinic today.  As usual, there is always some good news tempered with some “concerns”.  Not “concerns” really but, just things they want to keep an eye on.

Today…it was her EOSINOFIL levels.  Her levels were high today.  This means that she is more prone to getting Gvhd (graft vs. host) in a bad way.  Dr. M. said they were just going to keep an eye on it but…he doesn’t want it to get any worse.  The treatment is steroids and Connie-girl hates steroids. 

So, we are praying against that.

Her liver counts were about the same so, that’s good.  She does have to stay on her medicine for that.  She is still popping about 30-40 pills (various) a day.  So, what’s one more in the mix…huh? 

We now get two weeks off before we have to go back.  Our next appt. is Dec 29th.  This means we will have a wonderful Christmas with friends and family and then plan to hear good news right after that.  At least, that’s how I’m going to choose to think about it.  Love you all! 

And…Merry Christmas!!! 

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11/18/09  Update:  Again, great counts!  Connie is on a short leash these days (we want a really long one).  They are watching her liver counts to make sure they are under control.  All was good.  Her main counts were all in line and her liver counts had gone down some.  Everyone was pleased.  For us, it’s kinda emotional sometimes.

We sit there and they draw her blood.  Then they come back and say they need more.  Then…we….sit.

Connie always wants to wait for the results instead of getting a phone call.  When they don’t come, our mind wanders.  “Did they find something wrong?  Are they checking it twice?  Are they getting a second opinion?  Is it bad news again?”  Nope… they were just busy. 

When nurse Wendy walks out the door, with a smile on her face, we know we are O.K.  We take a deep breath and look over the results and then we feel 1000 lbs. lifted off us and we go. 

Unfortunately, as we walk down the hall knowing that we are O.K. for today…there still is a waiting room full of people dealing with horrible diseases .  Their fate is not at all certain. 

We grieve for those people.  We pray for those people.  We love those people. 

Pray for them as well…will you?

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11/10/09  More good news at the clinic.  Connie's counts were good yesterday AND her liver counts lowered.  wooo hooo . The doc's are pleased.  They are keeping a close eye on it however.  They just told us we have to come back for a blood draw on the 17th...we thought we could go until the end of Nov. but, they want to watch her liver.  We'll take that!  Much to be thankful for !  God Bless everyone!

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11/6/09  Connie had a clinic appt. on Monday.  Has good news and not so good news. The good news was that her counts were pretty good.  No signs of any leuk coming back.  The not so good news was that her liver counts were high again.  Means that she has to go on some meds again.  They had already taken her off them before so, she was a bit discouraged.  The meds worked last time so, let's all pray that it works again.  The liver is what cleans the body of all the toxic meds she takes all the time. Very important.  She will have to return to the clinic on Monday to check it again.  Also, her eyes are so painful.  They are always dry and we are contemplating an expensive trip to Boston to try and get her some relief.  Pray for that too if you will...love ya..

Oh - and here's an update on Joe (as written by Mindi - his wife): 11/6/09

Dear FOJ (Friends of Joe), good news! Joe was discharged yesterday and is now sleeping at home. I wish I could tell you he is sleeping comfortably, but that wouldn't be accurate. The pain down his legs is still quite intense, causing not only discomfort, but stress because it causes Joe to be concerned about what his future holds. Dr. Jackson and the other doctors and nurses who have been providing his care believe that the pain is partly structural. I think they mean that his body is having to adjust to the fact that so much of his musculoskeletal system was repositioned. They also believe that the pain is partly chemically triggered by a substance they coated over his nerves to stimulate re-growth. Their description caused me to think of a plant that has just been re-potted into a larger pot. Eventually those roots will spread out and the plant will flourish in its new, roomier environment. But at first, the shock to its system may put a strain on it temporarily.

Thanks for Praying everyone!

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10/30/09  Update:  Joe McKenna Surgery Update

From Mindi’s own words…

“Today was emotional (Fri). Early morning rise and shine: Joe wept tears of joy when he heard all the many things Dr. Jackson and the surgical team were able to do yesterday to relieve him from that constant excruciating pain. The description that follows is probably not very accurate clinically, but may paint a picture of what this tired wife thinks she heard in laymen's terms: Through the incision in Joe's back they removed the existing instrumentation, removed the degenerative bone fragments, addressed the scoliosis leveled L3 to help him stay straighter, and decompressed his vertebrae. Then through the incision in his belly they inserted spacers between his discs, addressed the stenosis by widening the space to free his pinched nerves, and re-fused L3, L4 and L5 to give him strength and stability. And they did all that without having to give him a blood transfusion because they were able to "recycle" his own blood cells! Amazing, isn't it? A medical marvel and a divine miracle - anyone who thinks faith and science are co-mingled is just nuts in my humble opinion.

Mid morning reality set in. The PT helped Joe get out of bed into a chair, then, when it came time to take a few steps back to bed, the journey turned out to be tougher than expected. He's fine, but we got a sobering glimpse of what Dr. Jackson means when he keeps say that we must strive for slow and steady progress, a little bit at a time. 

Joe still isn't eating; in fact he isn't even drinking fluids yet. Just ice chips and lemon sponges to suck on. Which about sums it up. 48 hours without food or beverage feels like forever. But that gives us something exciting to look forward to tomorrow, right?

At this point Joe is quite uncomfortable, of course. Front and back incisions, and just 24 hours post-op after 12 hours of surgery. But as Randy Smith phrased it when he visited this morning: "Today is the worst day of Joe's life. Every day will get better from this day forward!" In terms of his back pain - that certainly seems like a great way of describing the situation.  He's made it through the toughest part. Tomorrow will be a little less uncomfortable, and the next day will be a bit easier than the day before.

Please keep praying. For health, and healing, patience, joy, faith, hope and love. You know. You've been here. We lean on the Lord and on our loved ones and thank God for every single blessing. Every day is a gift!”

Let’s all support them as they begin the long road to recovery. 

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Joe is the one in yellow!

10/22/09    Prayer Request

My good buddy Joe McKenna is facing a pretty serious surgery next Wednesday,

Oct 28th.  He needs our prayers.  As long as I have known Joe, he has had back problems.  He just can’t shake it and is in chronic pain.  This surgery is a big deal.

Here’s what his wife Mindi says about the surgery.

“They're saying 12 hours in the operating room, then 2-3 in ICU before I will be able to see him. They'll do an incision in his back, work on it a while, flip him over and do another incision in his belly, work on that a while, then flip again to do part 3 on his back.   Joe is the best patient in the world - cheerful attitude and doesn't complain. But this is really major. So your prayers are certainly much appreciated.

In fact, although Joe doesn't normally like people to fuss over him, I believe he would actually welcome the prayers from your huge prayer chain that you've developed over the years while you all have gone through your health challenges.”

Joe and Mindi have been friends of mine for years.  If you will remember all those Connie foot-rubs in the hospital?...that was Mindi.  She was amazing.  Joe too, was my champion while we fought our way out of the cancer ward.  They mean a great deal to me.

If you would like to pray for them…please do so.  If you can send him an email …please do.  If you can send him a note…please do so.  It’s all about being ABLE. 

WHEN, WHERE, HOW…?

Surgery Wed - Oct 28th (Dr. Jackson is the main ortho surgeon).

Probably there at the hospital a week in recovery.

KU Med Center: Mailing Address

The University of Kansas Hospital
3901 Rainbow Blvd.
Kansas City, Kansas 66160-7220

Once Joe is home: Home address:  12203 Wyandotte Court, KC  MO 64145.

His email is jmckenna@kc.rr.com.

Joe’s cell phone is:  816-213-0910.

Home phone is:  816-943-1148.

Thank You for caring everyone.  We are all in this together. 

This verse I found says it all…

Heb 13:3  “Think too of all who suffer…as if you shared their pain.” 

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Here's some FUN NEWS!!!!

Ken’s Brother Billy Bob is Engaged!!!!

His new fiancé is Christy!  She’s a doll!  He’s been dating her for almost a year and they invited the family to the engagement “after party”.  On Saturday, Sept 26th, Bill arranged a

“covert operation” down at the Plaza in Kansas City.  Christy thought that they were going to the Plaza Art Fair.  He arranged for a horse-drawn carriage ride and they strolled around the

J.C. Nichols Fountain.

Little did Christy know that Bill’s friends were in the bushes videotaping the event.  Myself and the fam. were across the street watching in between parked cars.  Then it happened.  He dropped to one knee and popped the question.  Of course, we couldn’t see if she said yes but, she hugged him shortly afterwards so, we thought she gave him the “thumbs up”! 

and she did! She said YES!

A group of about 20 of us were waiting at a restaurant for the happy couple after the event for drinks and dinner!  It was a great night! 

CONGRATS BILL AND CHRISTY !!!

WELCOME TO THE CARDELL FAMILY CHRISTY!!!!

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10/4/09  Connie Update:  All is good in Connie Land!  Her counts were perfect, her liver function test was within range and they are letting us go for a MONTH now before the next appointment.  She didn’t get any word on her Iron levels but, the Doc’s didn’t seem too concerned so , we aren’t going to be either. 

Her Mom and Sister came to KC this weekend.  We had a great time with them.  Cousin Emille from Columbia got married and they all went to the ceremony.  Our weekend was so full of family, Homecoming (Maddie) and visitors.  It was awesome to feel normal and full.  We are even having more family come over on Sunday nite for a huge dinner at our house.  So, great times.  Every day we have like this is a huge blessing and we do NOT take it for granted.  Thank you all for praying us thru all this.

We will keep on walking.  You keep on walking with us …O.K.????  Love you all.

Many of you have asked how Lisa - Carla’s Sis is doing with her brain tumor.  Here’s her latest update:

Well I hit the 2 week mark this week for my treatment. My first week was very rough. I was very sick and throwing up a lot. I wish that the nurse would have stress to take the anti medicine a little more. I guess some just go through treatment without it but I am on it 24 hours a day. My stomach must be sensitive to the Chemo.

After a week of what felt like pregnancy sickness I finally got it all to calm down. I still do not fell well and my taste buds are not doing well with fool. I have been able to get by with eating what only sounds good.

I had my second visit with the oncologist yesterday and he was not pleased with my weight loss. With the sickness I have lost 15 pounds (not a fun diet at all). He said loose no more, or I will not have the energy to get through the remaining 4 weeks. He was surprised I was still working and thought I would be home resting. I have cut my hours back to 6 hour days, but I may need to go to 4 days a week very soon. I start out great but when I get home I hit the bed for a well needed nap. I am not sure if this is the chemo and radiation or my age!!!!!!

Some good news is there is a new pill out there for after my treatment. It is not any more chemo just a pill that he wants me to take for one year as a preventative. This new medication has had the great results for this type of cancer that I have. The issue is he had not had any luck getting me on the list to receive this because mine was 100% removed during my surgery and there is no more cancer there. The medication is only being approved to those that still have the cancer and unable to get to the cancer because of the location in the brain. I am very thankful that mine is 100% gone (with clean margins) but it has made it difficult for me to qualify. He did say that he is determined to keep trying. My insurance may not cover due to the fact that it is preventative and I have no signs of the cancer still there. The doctor said there are very few side effects and much easier to take. I could use everyone's prayer on this and lets hope that he finds a way to get me approved.

I am still eating very healthy, walking daily, juicing vegetables daily, and taking more vitamins than I can tell you. I honestly thing this is due to my still working and getting through this with little problems.

When I received my Chemo pills they were separated into 3 different containers. My big excitement came the other day when I threw away my first bottle that I completed. I kept telling myself only 2 bottles left to go!!!!!!

I have started the dreaded side effects of chemo brain. I can see the word but I cannot say it, or forget what I was going to do when I get into the room that I walked to. I call one of the staff in to tell them something and have no clue what I was going to tell them when I get there, so I make something up. Kimberly, at work, said it’s not chemo Lisa it is our age!!!!!

Once again I want to say thank you to all of you that keep checking in with me to see how I am doing. The prayers are wonderful and I know God has been with me in so many ways through this journey.

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9/17/09  Clinic Appt today.  We are up to every two weeks now.  Yay.  Connie is doing good we think?  She has energy, is fully engaged in life and keeps getting good reports from her Doc’s.  We will never understand why God has blessed us this way, but…we are trying to live thankful lives.

She still has her “manageable” problems and they get tiresome.  Eyes, skin rashes, hair, gvhd and puffy cheeks but, she’s here and we are so grateful for that!  She got to see Maddie enter her Freshman year at High School.  A HUGE milestone in her life.  She just got back from Seattle for a one week “dream vacation” with our buddies, the Motts.  (Become my friend on Facebook and check out our pics…under Kenny Joe Cardell).  Again, a trip like this was only a pipedream a few years back.  Someday, these types of things will become “normal” again but, for us, they are not normal…they are huge blessings.

Oh, and if you are in the KC area… come by our house on Saturday and help Connie fill over 80 shoeboxes she’s collected for Franklin Grahams Good Samaritan organization.  It’s called

                                            Operation Christmas Child

                                          Saturday (Sept 19th)   between 2:00 - 5:00 p.m. 

They go to poor kids all over the world.  Come .  We’ve got all the stuff, just need help stuffing boxes.  I’m baking my world famous chocolate chip cookies.  Bring your kids. 

Pray for another good report today on her blood counts.  Pray for her problems to become smaller and smaller.  Pray for continued good health for her.  And Thank God with us for His mercy…that’s what we do everyday!

Also pray for Carla's sister, Lisa.  She begins radiation today.  God please bless this woman!

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9/4/09 Update: ALL IS GOOD in Cardell land. Boy, what a great thing to be able to report. No crisis, no upcoming procedures, no looming doctor visits…just two weeks off! Wooo Hooo. Connie just had an amazing report from the clinic.

Her counts were good, her liver function tests shows signs of improving and the best news was, her chemistry (donor blood) shows that she is holding at 100% donor. That’s HUGE! That means that Jason’s cells are doing their job and keeping the Queen Bee at bay. Amazing! We don’t have to go back to the clinic for two weeks now. Actually, that’s also great news because it means we don’t have to think about it very much for a while.

And….We are going to SEATTLE! Wooo Hooo. Our buddies, the Motts will accompany us. We’ve been friends for over 25 years. Our kids grew up together. We just decided a while back that if we got the opportunity - We were going to DO IT! So, we are gone next week to sunny (or rainy) Seattle. It will be a dream trip. We are also going to go into Canada and see our exchange student son…Manny! He’s studying up there. It will be a great reunion!

Carla Sister Update - Lisa is home recovering from her brain surgery. She has to wait a couple of weeks for the incision to heal a bit before they can begin the next stage of treatment. She will begin that in a short while. The biggest PRAYER REQUEST for Lisa (and Chuck- her husband) is for PEACE. Obviously, they are on new territory in their lives and they need to find their way. Pray for sleep for Lisa and for Peace for their family as they deal with this. Also, pray for their doctors and that they make wise decisions. Lord - Please lift up this family in your healing hands!

Well, better go. Gotta get ready to get out of town. What an amazing thing to report! Love all of you!

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8/19/09  Carla Sister update- News not good!  They did the biopsy and the cancer is in stage 4.  She needs our prayers asap!  Carla is heartbroken and I am sure

the family is devastated. Lisa is Carla's baby Sis and is 52 yrs old.

Her kids are adults but, this has to be a terrible time for them.

Please pray for Lisa...Pray for Carla. 

Pray for all of them! 

Thank YOU.

8/17/09  -  Prayers Requested

Connie’s best bud Carla is in Arizona right now for her sister’s brain surgery.  They found a tumor last month and are operating today.  Her name is Lisa.  Bob just emailed me with this update:

             “Just spoke with Carla.  Lisa is out of surgery and doing fine.  They took out as much  

          of  the tumor as they could, without any problems.  They are now going to biopsy 

         what they grabbed and expect to know by Wednesday what the next course of action will be to treat the “brain” and some of the other minor lesions they had previously identified.

But the main thing is, so far so good.  No complications. “

If you have time to pray for Carla and Lisa and her family…would you please?

Also, we just heard a childhood friend of Krista’s - Tess Sunderland was struck by lightning this past week and is in serious condition.  She was on an archeological dig in Arizona as was hit.  Her sweet family live in Leawood and are friends of ours.  Pray for Tess, and her parents - Kate & Whitney!

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8/17/09  Greetings from the Cardell Mansion:  Man! - Are we in full swing here!? 

Let me give you the update.....

First- Connie had another clinic appt. last Thurs.  Great news again!  Jason and Connie are working well together.  Her counts were very good!  They are pleased.  She got to stop steroids and she is delighted about that.  They even told her not to come back for 2 WEEKS!!!  That’s huge.  Each time you have to draw blood, it takes it’s toll on us.  It’s that “edge of the cliff” thing I’ve written about before.

Next- Krista Leigh turned 25 Yesterday!!!  Wooo Hooo.  25!  Man…I still remember that little girl singing all the commercials on TV at four years old.  Now, she’s a beautiful woman! Still barely been kissed and has a heart for God!  I’d take 20 more like her!  We had an awesome family time with her last night.  She opened all her presents and we had CAKE! 

And…da la lap…da la lap….da la lap…This just in….

MADDIE IS IN HIGH SCHOOL!!!!

What?  How’d that happen?  Today is her first day.  She was nervous but excited.  What a riot!  When we were diagnosed in 2003 for the first time – Maddie was in 3rd grade.  I grieved over what life would be like at her age if the Doctors were not successful. 

Today – another milestone for Connie – she (MADDIE) is in High School! 

Thank You God for your faithfulness! 

Oh- and this… we have rebuilt our aging garage and the new garage doors are coming this week.  If you haven’t stolen my tools yet, you only have a few days left!

Much love from us.  Thanks for staying in the battle with us! 

We still need your prayers!

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8/11/09 

Long Update today – Connie is doing well.  New clinic appt. on Thursday. 

Connie got to stop the steroids on Saturday and is now hoping they all worked.  The side effects aren’t fun.  She gets puffy cheeks, stays up all night, eats more and feels buzzed all day.  It does help with the skin itchies but, she doesn’t like the way it makes her look.  The good news is that she is seeing some of the puffiness in her cheeks going down now.

Her mouth sores are beginning to wane a bit.  She gets shots once a month in her mouth by her dermatologist.  Last week she got several and they appear to be helping.  Her mouth tightens because of the sores and it’s hard to eat sometimes.  She also is losing some taste buds and that’s a problem for her because she “loves to cook!”

Her eyes are still having some problems.  She puts in drops constantly and has to have some pretty tough medicine to combat it.  She is about 80% better than they used to be.  The steroids however, make her sight blurry.  She can’t really drive anywhere far by herself because the sun hurts her eyes.  She also can’t see very well for distance.  Not good driving conditions.

Her skin is still itchy but she uses creams all the time to help.  Some of the Gvhd (graft vs. host) stuff is really deep and the itchies are waaaaay down under the skin and she can’t get any relief on those.   It takes her about 30 minutes of dousing herself at night before she can finally hit the bed.

The spots they removed on her back for biopsy are healing but are sometimes painful.  Remember, they took off about 5 spots that were cancerous?  They burned several of them off and they are now healing but leaving a scar.  She doesn’t have to bandage them anymore but, they are still sometimes open.

Her hair is coming back slowly and she still needs the wigs for a while.  She estimates about 6 months before she can fashion a hair style out of the real stuff. 

Her weight is still fluctuating because of the steroids and she never has clothes that actually fit her.  It’s and up and down kind of thing.  It’s hard for her to dress right for the right situation.

She still has to stay completely out of the sun and will for the rest of her life.  That’s hard because she so wants to take walks, go to the park, garden, go on vacations or play outside with Maddie.  All is problematic  but can be done.  If she gets a sunburn, it can activate T-cells and mess up the transplant completely.  We know of a man who lost his life from this.

I have to tell all of you…despite all this….We totally consider every day a BLESSING!  We are daily reminded that we are in “bonus time”.  We know that our God has placed his hand on her and we are totally “in His grip” right now.  It’s a good place to be.  God Bless all of you for being on this journey with us!!!        It means everything!!!

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7/31/09  Onwards and Upwards.  Connie got more good news at the clinic this week.  Counts good, liver good, chemistry good.  She had to see the dermatologist to get shots in her mouth.  Gvhd causes your mouth to tighten and there are some sores.  Also, he froze her skin cancer spots and said they “looked good”? 

Her face is still a bit puffy but her hair is getting thicker now.  She still has to wear a wig but, it’s nice to see it’s coming back.  She’s still on steroids but, they are weaning her off them.  She doesn’t like steroids because of all the side effects.  Once again, she is buzzed and was up at 3:30 a.m.  She sure gets a lot of work done though!  We appreciate every day God gives us.  Now, she gets to work with Maddie as she prepares to enter High School.  This was a pipe-dream a few years ago…now…it’s here.  Yay God!!! 

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7/24/09  Good Results!  Connie’s counts were really good.  Looks like we are keeping the

Queen Bee at bay!  She still has "manageable issues", probably always will but, it’s so good to hear her counts are right where they expect them.  Sweet Nurse Wendy came and gave us the good news.  We could tell she was having a bad day. 

Evidently, down at the clinic, they had to immediately admit 3 people into the hospital unexpectedly.

That is so hard on everyone!  Not just the patients who have their world “rocked”!  It’s also hard on the Dr.s and nurses who have grown to love these people!  We understood and tried to lighten their loads with laughter a bit.

Anyway, all is good for the Connie counts.  Her liver counts have also lowered.  So, ANOTHER WEEK of freedom and keeping the scary moments away.  Yay.  Next week, Connie has another blood draw and Dr. visit.  Carla is going to take her.  Then, they hope to take Nurse Wendy out for dinner.  These three are like “peas in a pod”!  Love all around.  Thanks for praying for us and checking in on us!

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7/22/09  Me and my Chipmunk are doing well!  I call her that because her little cheeks are all puffed up because of the steroids.  She's doing well however, and is really busy being "normal".  Clinic appt. is tomm. so I will let you know the counts.  We are not expecting any bad news!   Thanks for praying and checking on us.  We love that you do!  Ken

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7/16/09  CLINIC UPDATE:  ALL IS WELL.  :o)

After going to Carbondale, Colorado…then Aspen… then Buena Vista…then Trail West Young Life Camp…then Breckenridge…then back to Kansas…then to Clear Lake, Ca…then to San Francisco…then to Oakland…then back to Kansas…then to the Clinic…. 

ALL IS GOOD!!!!    Wooo Hooo.

Her blood counts were good, the best we’ve seen since the L-Push.  Her liver counts have come way down to the point where one is in the “normal” range.  That’s huge!  Her chemistry (the percentage of donor vs. host blood) is also good!  So, the BIG picture items are all aligning up well.  This is a huge blessing.

Connie is still dealing with many issues from her last procedure.  She is on steroids still that cause her face to balloon out (puff up).  She still is having trouble sleeping (steroids) and she is up at 4:30 a.m. most mornings. She still has itchies all over her body but, they are manageable.  Her skin biopsies still need further attention (next week).  Some have proved to be cancerous.  She has developed eye infections in each eye and saw another Doc today for that!  Got some medicine.  And, lastly, she has to still wear her wig which is hot and sticky during these Kansas summers.  (Maybe she needs to go to the mountains again!?).

Remarkably, thru all this…she still works, she is fully active in the girls lives and activities, she travels and organizes our household and…she never complains!  I’d be a basketcase!  She continues to maintain her faith and her love for others.  She is my hero!  Thanks for checking on us again everyone! 

We love you all!

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7/14/09  Quick Update today – Connie returns from CA. today.  Ken is busy doing chores so the house is presentable.  She said it’s been a great trip.  I’ll get more details tonight.  I’m sure she will be tired so, I made the bed with clean sheets and everything!  What a great husband…huh?

I have to hide all the “junk food” too.  Maddie and I have been fending for ourselves…ouch!

Thursday, she will have another clinic appt.  They will want to check her out again.  She also has to have her skin biopsys looked at when she gets home.  She seems to be managing all the Gvhd problems right now so, we’ll see.

All is good for now…will report more later.  Much love everyone. 

The traveling gnome is coming home!

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7/10/09  O.K.  What are the Cardell’s up to now…it’s been 10 days since the last posting. Well, it’s not the Cardell’s but, Connie Cardell.  She is in CALIFORNIA!

Yep, she gets back from the mountains where her heart gets filled up with friends and family and…that’s NOT ENOUGH!  No, she has to jump on a plane and travel to Clear Lake, CA and spend a week with her college buddies.  A Reunion!  Don’t know if you remember her last reunion but, now it’s an annual thing.  They’ve been to Tahoe and Chicago and now, she’s in Clear Lake.  What a riot! 

She was really tired after we got home from Colorado and she thought about passing this one up but, the gals are amazing and SHE LOVES THEM!  So, she decided to go, even if she was tired!  I’m excited for her.  She’s even going to mix in some business while there.  We have several clients in the Bay Area (S.F) and she’s going to call on them on her way out of town.  See, she’s like the energizer bunny!

Dr. M. and Wendy cleared her for takeoff on Monday and she left on Tues, a.m. at 8:45 p.m.  Yay!

I want all of you to know that I have my “to do” list, I’ve been doing my Fatherly duties and…and…so far, Maddie is still alive.  We’ve had a few close calls but, so far she’s breathing.  I figure my job is not nourishment, not life lessons, not even getting her to her umpteenth teenage activity!  My job during this week is to make sure she

is “alive” when Connie gets home.  If I do that…All will be well.  So, that’s my goal. 

I also have to paint the entire upstairs.  I try to do these projects while Connie is away because of the fumes.  Hopefully, I will complete this project.  I haven’t even started yet!  :o(   I will today – yeah sure!

Well, better go.  Connie will be home on Tuesday nite.  I’ve got work to do.  Much love y’all!

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7/1/09  Greetings Everyone!  O.K.  O.K.  I’m so sorry I didn’t update this!  Woah…

We’ve been on a whirlwind and it’s a good one.  After our “good news” last week, we just lost our heads and took off to the mountains!  Yes, the mountains!!! 

We had some “behind the scenes” plans that if we got good news and Jupiter aligned with

Mars, we’d take off and see our friends – The Owings – who live in Carbondale, Co. 

Remember? we tried to see them earlier when we heard of the disease coming back again.  Well, this time…we were praying for “good news” so the Doc’s might give us the go ahead

to take a quick trip.  We got it and we TOOK OFF!  Krista went with us for the first part of the trip.   We spent 3 beautiful days with our friends the "O's".  (scroll down to April to see a picture of their family skiing!).

Well, it was perfect.  Maddie was at camp all week in Buena Vista, Co. and we thought we’d swing by there and pick her up after that.  Krista returned home on Saturday for work but, we traded her with Maddie.  Also, because we were in Buena Vista, we thought we’d look in on our friends up at Trail West Camp (a Young Life Family Camp).  Our friends – The Johnsons – were working there on staff.  They arranged for us to have a room at camp for a night and we got to spend two incredible days with them (more on that later). 

After we picked up Maddie, we went to Trail West and then two days in Breckenridge on the way home.  Connie and Maddie had some "Mom time" shopping.  Arrived home after a 12 hour drive last night at 10:00 p.m.  What a whirlwind trip!  More on that later too.

Here’s the better news.  Had a clinic appt. today because the Doc’s wanted to see Connie asap when we returned.  We still have “good news”!  YAY!  Her counts were great!  They are weaning her off the steroids as soon as they can.  They looked at her skin biopsies we did before we left and she had two or three spots of skin cell carcinoma.  They removed these and Dr. M. said that after what Connie’s been thru…these are like mosquito bites.

He wasn’t worried at all about them.  He did say her liver was still having problems but, he thinks it’s the meds she’s been taking.  So, he took her off one of them to see if it improves.  Her “itchies” are under control at the moment and her GVHD is also under control.  Overall,

Dr. M . was really pleased and it was great to see him!  Connie loves her Dr. M.!

More on our trip tomorrow but, all is well!  Thank you all for checking on us.  Love you.

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6/23/09   10:00 a.m.            WOOOO   HOOOO !!!!!

BM TEST…. GOOD !

LIVER COUNTS...IMPROVED A BIT !

BLOOD COUNTS…NORMAL !

Still awaiting some skin biopsy stuff but, good news from the clinic today! They are even starting to reduce her steroid meds. 

PRAISE GOD! 

more later...after I get the full report!

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6/22/09  Late nite update : Connie’s throat scan went well today.  There were no complications and they did a full scope even down to the small intestines.  The Doc said it looked good but, what they were looking for was signs of gvhd.  They took some samples to biopsy but, they won’t be back until later next week.

It always amazes me how God shows himself to us on our path.  First, as we walked into the endoscopathy area, a sweet little gal greeted us at the front desk.  As we filled out the numerous forms, we noticed the twinkle in her eye.  We had seen it before, we just couldn’t place it.  Turns out, the smiling face on the other side of the glass was a gal named Kristin.  She was the daughter of our good buddies, Roger and Marsha.  Roger and I roomed together at KU for one semester and were business partners in college with our wholesale school supply business we started.  What a riot!  She was adorable and immediately put Connie at ease.

I sat down as Connie completed her paperwork and I looked to my left.  I noticed another smiling face.  There sat another angel – Janet.  Janet is like me…another fellow-sufferer who is walking in the similar (very worn out) shoes.  Her husband Greg (who Connie adores!) also has leukemia.  Connie and Greg visit each other in the hospital.  They need to find a more fun place to meet, don't they?  Greg was in there THE EXACT SAME DAY AND HOUR as we were.  He needed a scope for some lung problems he was having.  Janet and I talked for about an hour as Connie and Greg got their procedures done.  They woke up together.  Greg came by to hold Connie’s hand.  She scolded him for not wearing hats outside in the sun.  It was love all around.  They are very special people.  Two gold nuggets God has given us along the way.

I poured Connie into bed about 1:30 pm after feeding her some homemade egg salad and tomato soup.  She loved it.  Then she crashed for most of the afternoon.  I finished watching the U.S. Open on my dvr and fell asleep myself for a bit.  We both woke up about the same time.  It’s amazing how emotional these things can be and how they take their toll on you.  Sometimes I feel drained for no reason, Connie is the one doing all the work!

She’s doing great though.  Tomorrow a.m.  (Tues) she will have a clinic appt. which sweet Carla will take her to.  Hopefully, she will hear news about the BM test.  Hopefully, it will be great news.  Hopefully, her liver function will have improved some and Hopefully…just Hopefully….they will clear us to take a short trip to Colorado to see our dear friends.  If they clear us…We’re outta here!  We’ll see.  I’ll update before we go.

Pray!  Thanks.

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6/19/09  Update:  (11:00 a.m.) Looks like Steroids are in the picture now.  They are concerned about her liver so, they aren’t waiting for the biopsy results.  They just called.  Connie is crying. 

She just is so tired of going thru all this.  As news comes in regarding her test results, things change.  Then , we have to adapt.  It’s hard.

As always, I try to talk her “off the ledge”.  I try to remind her that, this is what the doc’s wanted.  I tell her that by going thru this course, we have our best chance.  She still suffers.  We have been told by the doc’s that a good dose of GVHD is her best chance to beat this thing.  We know that.  This apparently is a good dose.

The fear for her now is that the GVHD will be the thing that gets her.  It can attack the kidneys, the lungs, the stomach and yes, the liver.  They are upping her dose of liver medicine and putting her on steroids immediately. Today, we will run our errands and then stop by CVS and pick them up.  She doesn’t like them.

In our heads, we know that this is ultimately what they wanted.  Perhaps, it’s what is needed?  Maybe, just maybe?, it’s the path to never having to deal with this disease again!?  We don’t know…but, God does!

So, once again.  That is who we will trust!  We will trust Him!

"approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need" (Hebrews 4:16).

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6/19/09  Update – (10:00 a.m.) Well, looks like things are starting to get a bit hectic over here.  Connie is starting to show signs of the GVHD hitting her.  At the clinic, when they did her BM test, her liver function test showed very high results.  One of the signs of GVHD is that it hits the soft organs and so they watch that closely.

In addition, Connie’s throat was showing signs of tightening as she swallowed and ate food.  Her back is also showing some rash activity.  Because of all this…they wanted to see us in the clinic yesterday.  We went down around 2:00 p.m.  By the time we left, she had to have a skin biopsy at KU Med and they drew blood again.  Her liver counts were still high.  She is going to have a scope on her throat on Monday.  This is all to determine if it truly is GVHD.  If it is, she will be put on steroids in an effort to curb the effects.

Connie doesn’t want to go on steroids.  They make her face fat and she knows they are pretty strong.

Most of all, she is worried now about all this.  We are back in our “scary place”.  They feel that because of her diligence, they caught this very early.  Now, we just have to see if we can keep it at bay as we battle the “Queen Bee”.  Pray for us to have courage, for good results on the BM test and for her upcoming scope. 

Of course, all this is happening when we were going to try and sneak away to Colorado to see friends again.  Of course…  Love you all.

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6/17/09  Connie had an eye appt. today.  They put another tear duct plug in.  Her right eye has been really dry.  Hopefully this will help.  She went to KU eye center and once again, a teaching hospital, had and intern do it.  Didn't work - tried 3 times - finally had to have the REAL Doctor do it.  Now her eye is really sore from all the poking.  Ugh.  Otherwise, doing o.k.  She has some rashes and still is concerned about her liver but, she's working!  So, I guess she's doing O.K.

Thank You Sweet Nurse Wendy for talking her "off the ledge" last night.  We love you!  Next report will be in about a week, when the BM test results come in.  Thanks for hanging with us.

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6/16/09  Noon – The BM Test went well and it was rather quick.  Connie says they don’t even hurt anymore.  This was her 21st gang!  She's like a pin cushion now.  She only takes a small amount of Demerol these days, so she wasn’t even loopy when she called.  She didn’t get to see Dr. M. and she had some questions for him.  That’s always hard because she functions better when she has his advice.

The somewhat scary news was that her liver function seems to be affected a bit.  The nurse practitioner who did the BM test has prescribed some medicine she wants Connie on.  Hopefully, that will help with the problem.  Connie’s counts were good but, not perfect.  No one seemed too concerned about them. (?) For us, of course, it’s scary again.  Gvhd? No Gvhd?  Liver problems? Not perfect counts?  Etc. etc.  It’s just always something…that’s the journey we have been on. 

One sure thing always has to be remembered.  Our Lord never changes…He loves us today as much as he did back in November of 2003 when Connie was first diagnosed.  He is our refuge in times of trouble and it is in Him that we will find our strength.  Pray for us as we await the results (takes about a week). 

God Bless you all. 

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6/15/09     Tomorrow is another BM test for Connie (8:30 a.m.).  She is not real worried about the actual test.  As I've said before...it's the results that are scary.  She has seen very little of the Graft vs. Host symptions normally associated with a L-Push.  We truely don't know if that is good or bad.  They said she might not have any (and it can work) or she might have severe symptoms (and they need to be treated).  So far, not much.  She is experiencing a rash on her back and the top of her chest.  Also, her esophagus (sp?-throat) is burning a bit.  They said, GVHD can attack the soft tissues, ie: mouth, gut, throat and intestines.  So, Dr. M. will check her out tomorrow.  Pray, Pray , Pray.

OH, and on the Contribute 3 deal?  It all the sudden started working again.  I'm not sure what happened?  I did try to re-open a case with Adobe but, They never got back to me.  So, if all the sudden...we go dark...go to my Facebook account.  Look up Kenny Joe Cardell...I'll be there.  But, for now...maybe they like me again?  Who knows...I can't ever get a real person to talk to.

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6/10/09  Looks like Connie has another BM test coming up.  June 16th, Tuesday.  Ugh.  It's her 21st I think she said.  What an amazing woman!  Anyway, please pray for her upcoming ordeal.  It's not so much the test, but waiting for the results that is hard.  We will look to the heavens for good news again.  Usually, the results take about a week.

NOTE:  NEVER buy ADOBE CONTRIBUTE 3!!! - which is my website update program!   For the last three years, about this time, they shut me out of my editing program.  I have to go thru two weeks of emails (because you can't get a person) to get it up and running again.  It's RIDICULOUS!!!  I have 10 days to accomplish this again.  If I can't...I might be dark for a while.  I will certainly be searching for another editing program!  sorry...I needed to rant!  Ken

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Thursday   6/4/09  (11:30 a.m.) Counts are GOOD AGAIN !!!  Wooo Hooo.  Yay God!  Thanks all for checking in!  Happy Happy!

That's good right?...then they have to scare us with a bone marrow test next week!  ugh...  I guess we never can "just rest"!?  Can we?  Let's just pray that the BM test confirms perfect counts! 

Love you all !

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UPDATE: (5/28) 4:30 p.m.  PERFECT AGAIN !!!  Yay!  Still no side effects from the L-Push.  So far, she has energy (more than I do!) and feels great.  We don't know if that's good or bad but, we're happy.  We have another week to live without concern...yoo hooo!  Thanks for checkin in everyone!

It's good news so far!  ....

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5/28/09  Connie and Carla at the clinic today.  10:00 a.m.  Just checking counts.  S/B o.k.

Will post results when they get back.  Love you all. 

____________________________________ 

UPDATE: (5/21) 3:30 p.m.  PERFECT AGAIN !!!   Keep em' comin Lord!!!  Yay!

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5/21/09  Thursday.  Clinic Appt. today.  1:30 p.m.  S/B routine... hopefully.  Carla is back and pressed into service today.  Hopefully, those two will be "salt and light" down there today.  Pray for steady counts!  Love you all.  KEN

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5/15/09  The clinic appt. was PERFECT.  Connie is doing great!  wooo hooo.  Her counts were right where they wanted to see them.  She even got to see Dr. M!  He's her shot of "encouragement".

So, all is well!  and yes, we are going to take a trip this weekend to Branson, to celebrate!  Just the two of us~!  How cool, heh?  Love you all.  KEN

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5/13/09  All is well on the home front.  Connie has a few “itchies” but, not too bad.  We will see how things go at the Clinic tomorrow.  Our appt. is at 9:00 a.m. 

Hopefully, we will be home with a “perfect” report before noon!  I am always apprehensive of these “non-eventful” clinic appointments…because #$%$# happens…you know what I mean???  Thanks for checking in on us.

P.S. I’m picking up Carla today at the airport…Bob is stuck in a meeting. 

I’ll get an update on Lisa and post tomorrow if I can.

Love you all.

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5/11/09     O.K. Got the report on Carla’s sister, Lisa.  Thank You so much for praying for her.  Looks like the Doc’s have ruled out a stroke (Thank God!) and also ruled out a heart problem.  They thought it might have been something regarding her previous cancer diagnosis from many years back, but they ruled that out also.

The fortunate news was that Lisa, who works in a hospital, was just getting off her shift.  She went to the elevator and started feeling queezy.  She returned to her bosses office and her boss said, “Lisa, you don’t look to good.”  Shortly after that, Lisa collapsed.  She was right there…in the hospital ( a God thing!).

Her boss got help and they treated her right away.  Lisa recognized Carla when she called but said that when her boss was talking to her, she could see her lips move but, nothing was registering.  

They did a host of tests and an MRI and there were no blood clots.  The doc’s think now that she had an internal reaction to extreme low sodium.  The symptoms mimicked a stroke but, are less serious.  Again, thanks God.  She may be able to go home soon from the hospital after additional tests.  Carla flew to Arizona this weekend to be with her.  It’s her baby sister.   Hopefully, we will hear more good news soon.  

Go Lisa Go!!!

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5/8/09                                                              IMMEDIATE PRAYER NEEDED

This time, it’s not for Connie.  It’s for Carla’s SISTER who live in Arizona.  We just heard, Friday nite at 7:30 pm that she had a   STROKE!     We need to pray for her…ASAP.  She is only Connie’s age, 52 and Carla just talked to her this a.m.  It’s been awful!  Please lift Carla up and her Sister – LISA !  She is an amazing woman.  Pray for her treatment, her Doc’s and her family.  Lord, YOU are a God who saves!

Thank you.

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5/7/09  Great clinic report.  Counts were good and all is well.  And, here’s the best news…Connie got to have her “pik line” taken out.  She’s free!  Yay.  No more dangling tubes in her arm.  No more daily flushing.  She can now have a full emersion bath!  That’s HUGE for her.  So, it was a GREAT day!  Next clinic follow up is in about 7 days. Yay! 

Thanks for loving on us and praying. 

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5/7/09  Follow up appointment today (Thurs) at the Clinic  (1:00 pm).  Carla is taking Connie.  Pray all goes well!  We know it will.  Love you all.

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Pictures of the L-Push   5/1/09  Bob and Carla and Randy S. attended. 

      Ken and Connie                               Connie and Carla                       Randy and Carla

  The cells arrive                  God Bless You Jason!          An amazing gift!         A beautiful sight!

  Connie holding the tube.                     Celebration!                         Connie with her best buds!

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5/5/09                                It’s CINCO DE CONNIE day!

Hope you all are enjoying it.

On this day, 3 Years ago, Connie received her second transplant.  Because of this, we celebrate this as one of her many “birthdays”.  She also celebrates 5/4/09 yesterday, which is Jason’s birthday (donor).  We don’t steal his thunder, we just celebrate it as one of Connie’s special days as well!  It’s because of him we can celebrate.

So, EVERYONE who is reading this has to DRINK A MARGARITA today

for Connie and Jason!

Really, you have our permission!  (Not that you need our permission but,

go ahead and blame it on us!!!!) 

Love you all.  Happy Birthday Jason and Connie!!!    Three amazing years!!!

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5/4/09  Monday - Nothing much going on today.  We are at home doing work and enjoying the day.  Sounds normal, doesn't it?  Clinic appt. on Thursday.  Thanks for checking....

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5/3/09  Sunday -  All is well.  The push went great.  We arrived sharply at 8:00 a.m. as instructed and, as is always the case, we sat around for two hours while they got organized.  It was a wonderful day for us as “hope” arrived in the cooler.

We were blessed with this sweet nurse named “Judy”.  Almost immediately, we knew she loved the Lord.  She sat with us, explained things and made Connie’s nervousness seem to disappear.  We were blessed with a couple of friends who got to see the cells arrive and they prayed over them for us.

We couldn’t help but thank sweet Jason who gave us an incredible gift of time and pain.  Connie cried as his name was mentioned.  She knows he doesn’t like needles and for him to do this for us…well, we can’t describe it.  Someone asked, “If he doesn’t like needles, why would he sit and do this?”  My reply was, “You don’t become a cop and not be afraid sometimes…and yet, still…you push thru to help others.”  It’s in his makeup to help others.  He’s amazing!

The push was about an hour long and Dr. A. said it was a full sample.  They collected the maximum amount they needed.  He said Connie looked wonderful…and she did.  So far, there

are no side effects and she feels great!  The side effects could hit her within 4 -6 weeks if they are coming. 

So for now, we are doing great and are happy and enjoying the weekend.  We still have to be careful but, hopefully, the Queen Bee is on her last legs!!!!  Pray that it is so!  Love you all.

I'll post some pics of the Push on the site on Mon/Tues.  I got yelled at for taking so many.  :o)

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4/29/09  UPDATE  Wednesday  5:30 p.m.

The Push is ON !!! 

Got the call a little while ago.  Looks like Jason is doing fine.  His test was a “false positive” and so, he’s cleared to go.  The cells will arrive sometime overnite on Thursday and we are to go into the hospital on FRIDAY early in the a.m.

It’s been a weird week or so for us as we have had to wait for God’s timing.  I’m glad we did.  We were confident that, at the exact perfect time, the push would happen.  We are trusting God that this is true.  Thank you all for praying for us and with us. 

We have tonight and tomorrow off so, we will be enjoying that at home.  We really don’t know what to expect with the push or if it will be difficult for Connie.  If you would, pray that Connie is at peace with all this.  That she accepts the cells in her body in a perfect way. Pray that the “Queen Bee’s” days are numbered and the push will eradicate this

&%*$#! disease

once and for all from her body.

The rest is in God’s hands.  More after the push on Friday.  Love you all.  Ken

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4/28/09 Tuesday - No news yet.  4:20 p.m.  Connie did get up enough nerve to call the clinic for an update.  (Denial is sometimes a great thing!) They haven't called back yet.

4/27/09  Monday - Nothing happening today.  They might call us today or tomorrow to tell us what the next step is.  Connie and I feel like we are "circling the airfield" awaiting news that we can land.  The good news is that we have an unlimited supply of fuel.  Our God's grace is sufficient!  More when we know...

No news over the weekend...just doing the family thing!

Maddie is awake now and already wants to go to a friends

house and watch a movie!?! What??? Noooooooo.....!

4/24/09   Friday - Just heard (11:52 a.m.) on our voicemail that they are now shooting for Thursday, April 30th for the L-push.  They are still doing testing but, they are getting everything ready now to "GO" for that date.  We'll see huh?  More later when they call back... 

We just got back from Maddie's oral surgery.  She's groggy but doing well.  Connie is excited to "dote" over her little one and care for her.  She's not sick so, Connie can
"be a Mother again" and spoil her child.  She's actually excited about that!  Makes her smile.  More later...

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4/23/09  No news today.  If they call us with a solution, we will post.  Hang with us!

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ON HOLD!

(3:15 p.m.  Wed.)

Connie and I have learned that, as soon as things are set in place, they can change. 

They have!

Evidently, Jason’s blood has tested positive for a virus.  Because of this, they put Connie’s procedure on hold until they can retest.  They are attempting to figure this all out now.

We know that Jason has been healthy.  He’s not been out of the country.  He was tested two weeks ago and he was totally clean.  But, now it is showing up!  So, it is possible that it’s a “false positive” and everything is fine.  It’s also possible that a virus does exist in his blood and the L-push wouldn’t be good right now.  From what we know, the virus is not harmful to him, it’s just a positive result.

Either way, Connie and I feel this is in God’s hands.

As I said in our last post, we are counting on the Great Physician to do what is right for Connie and we know He is watching over this process.  He is!  As a matter of fact, Connie was praying about all this yesterday and she talked to God about it.  She basically said, “Lord, this is going forward.  The only way it would be stopped is, if you do it.  The Doc’s are ready, I am ready and Jason is ready.  Lord, if it’s not supposed to happen now, please stop it.  Only you can do that now.  If it be your will.” 

Well, it has been stopped…for now.  We see that as a “God thing”.  He is in control.

We will know more later as to our schedule when they investigate this further.  We are certain that the course God wants for us will materialize.  He has shown us this time and time again on our journey.  We are not saddened or worried.  Just in our “trusting place”. 

Pray for Jason and his family…and for ours. 

The Lord is still on the throne!

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4/22/09  Wednesday Update -   O.K.  Here’s some details that everyone is asking about.

First, being in remission is a great thing.  It means that Jason’s cells have taken over at the moment and she’s 100% donor.  It doesn’t mean however, that Connie is disease free or that she’s cured.  Dr. M. did say that it was “very very good” that there were no leuk cells present in the last BM test.  By being in remission right now,

it positions us in the best possible way for the L-push.

So, – Is the L-push is still needed?  Yes.  The way Dr. M. described it was that despite having the first full transplant, the particular strain of leukemia Connie has

was not knocked out.  The way he described it was as if there was this “Queen Bee” of stem cells lurking in the background.  The first transplant killed all of it….for a while…but not the “Queen”,  then it mutated and came back in two years. 

Then, Jason’s cells killed it all over again for 2 ½ years but, lurking back in her cells, the “Queen” regenerated and started back again.  It was devastating to everyone.  Jason’s cells killed everyone else but, missed the “Queen Bee”.  By doing the L-push, they hope that this will knock the “Queen” out for good and no more leuk cells will survive.   

Connie asked, “Dr. M.?  Why can’t I just stay right here and live like this?  I’m feeling good. I have energy.  Can’t we just fill me up again every three years or so?”  To which, he replied, “Connie…I’m not going for 3 YEARS…I’m going for 30!”  That’s why he’s her guy!

So, if we don’t do the push, Jason’s cells will still kill most of the bad cells but probably not all of them and we’d have to repeat this again.  I’m certain Connie couldn’t take that.

Dr. M. said that the cells will probably arrive Thursday nite (around 9:00-10:00 p.m.) and we will have to go to the hospital for the infusion.  It shouldn’t take that long but, as we know from the past…nothing EVER goes really as planned and we could be there late into the early morning.  If they (the cells) get delayed, then we might have to stay “on call” and make a early morning road trip down to the hospital.  We’ll see.  They are being flown in by the Nat’l Bone Marrow donor program (they have their own plane- how cool is that?). 

He also said that any complications from the infusion won’t show up for a while.  Usually 4-6 weeks.  Mostly, the L-push can cause severe “graft vs. host” disease which can affect the skin, major organs and in severe cases can be fatal.  To treat it, they use steroids (which Connie hates) and they can cause other severe problems.  Another major scary thing that an L-push can cause is “marrow depletion”.  Again, only in severe cases…it can wipe out the marrow in a patient and that is a “very bad” thing.  Especially in a body that has already had two transplants.  We must pray against these severe complications as we go forward.

Finally, Connie asked Dr. M. her favorite question, “Dr. M. … if I was your wife, what would you do?”  He replied, “No Question – I’d be heading to the push as fast as I could!” 

So, off we go!  We know having Dr. M. (and the whole BMT staff) on our side is like having Mickey Mantle and Roger Maris in the same line up (a little baseball analogy here – 62’ Yankees Dream Team!).  But, ultimately…our faith remains in God – the Great Physician.

Ps 121 – “ I will lift up my eyes to the mountains; from whence shall my

help come?  My help comes from the Lord, Who made the heaven and earth. 

He will not allow your foot to slip;   He who keeps you will not slumber. “  

_______________________________________

4/21/09  Tuesday      GREAT CLINIC REPORT!!!       (3:00 pm)

I know that there are people all over the country checking this site and lifting Connie up.  So, for right now, let me just report that connie’s counts were very very good today.  The doc’s are pleased.  The push is on. 

More tomorrow (with details) but, all is good right now.  The best news was that Dr. M. was there…he’s her guy!  She relies on him and he was totally awesome …once again.  Wendy was there also.  All her favs.  Thank you Carla for holding my girls hand today.   

Oh, one quick detail I can reveal… connie’s meds have been reduced to just one pill a day and that means….wait for it…..  she can drink a Margaritqa if she wants!!!!  Woah!!!!  Guess what we’ll be doing tonight????   More tomorrow.

_____________________________

4/17/09  Friday - Sunday  Just a quiet weekend at home!  yay!  Not much happening (hopefully).

Just keep our buddy Jason (our donor) in prayer this week as he prepares another amazing gift for Connie.  Lord, keep him healthy and Bless his sweet family!  Amen.

_____________________________

4/14/09  - Evening Report

O.K.  Phew…regrouping here at the mansion.  Connie and I got the news about the same time all you did.  I was on the computer and she was with Debbie and Cindy (her coworkers) in the kitchen.  I saw her dip her head and I heard tears…when I got there…she gave me the “thumbs up” sign and I knew.  There was rejoicing in the kitchen again!

Now, several of you have asked us what this means? in a global-sense?  In a micro-sense, it’s the best news we could have gotten.  100% grafted donor (Jason) cells.  The Doc’s said that even if she wasn’t fully there, they would still do the push.  It’s just a better way to go into the next treatment with no leukemia present.

In the global sense, we are not out of the woods yet.  She still has to have the Lymphocyte Push on the 23rd and there are still serious side effects possible (a topic for another day).  We know that her relapse was because her leukemia came back after 2 1/2 years.  The Doc’s are pretty certain that if, left alone, the leuk cells would almost certainly come back again.  What we are going for here is the “home run”.   We are hoping that the push from Jason will be enough to knock this stuff back where it came from. 

That’s the physical side, the natural.  Now, let me tell you about the spiritual.  There ALWAYS is a spiritual…some just don’t see it.

I’ve mentioned that our buddy Brent Bishop has been coming over and praying for our gal.  He came again on Monday and we sat for 2 ½ hours.  We laughed, we cried, we told stories and then Brent prayed for us.  He prayed for Connie’s cells and that God would “right what was wrong” and that as Creator, He would “cleanse her impurities down to the cells and marrow”.  At one point, he giggled during our “very serious” prayer because God gave him a picture of her.  Here’s his own words in an email just a few moments ago:

“One of the pictures I saw in my mind, as I prayed for Connie yesterday is that she would

be a woman who confounded her doctors and caregivers....because of her health.  

I started laughing while I prayed for her and saw this picture (and felt awful while

I laughed by the way!) but could not help it.  Remember, I told her after we were

done praying what that laughter was all about?”

Well, that’s exactly what happened.  Dr. A. was being very careful to tell us this was a tough case and that they still would proceed if she “wasn’t” in full remission.  They would “try” this and if it didn’t work, they still had the full transplant as an option.  The problem for Connie is one of toxicity (too much chemo) and how her organs could hold up.  Well, when our sweet Wendy called Connie…she said that everyone down there was “totally surprised and delighted” at the outcome.  As a matter of fact, when Wendy got the news…she didn’t believe it. 

She told the lab guy to go back and “check it again”!  He said, “Hey, would you like to talk to my supervisor?  It’s correct!”  Sweet Wendy was NOT about to call her Connie-girl with a faulty report!  I guarantee that she was going to be SURE!!!!  It was obvious in her voice that NO ONE totally expected this.

I would call that “confounding” wouldn’t you? 

After we settled down after the call, I went in and lay down on our bed.  Soon after, Connie came in and snuggled in.  The phone rang many times, we couldn’t answer it.  We both were totally exhausted.  A tired that we rarely feel.  We couldn’t lift our arms or move our legs…we just held each other.  We both slept for about 2 hours.  For us, I guess we didn’t realize how much weight we’d been carrying around until God removed some of it.  In a very real sense, it had blanketed us.  We didn’t feel it until it was gone.  We are lighter now.

So, rejoice with us today.  Today, we are good.  Today…we have received good news.  We don’t need to go back to the clinic for a week!  They will do one more blood draw and labs before the L-push.  Today…we are rejoicing and praising and thanking you all for praying us thru this once again. 

We’d be so lost without all you! 

Tomorrow is TAX DAY but, who the heck cares?!!?

__________________________

3:45 P.M.

JUST HEARD !  100% Donor cells.    IN REMISSION!

The push is on!!!  woo hoo  that’s what they wanted!

Amazing…thanks for loving us.  Thank You Lord!

KEN

4/14/09     2:15 p.m.     No news yet, UGH!!!

We are back from the clinic after 2 ½ hours but, results of Connie’s labs weren’t ready!  They called down there twice but, the chemical part of the test was not available yet.  It’s been a WEEK!  So, we wait now for a phone call.

Other parts of Connie’s counts look good.  Hemoglobin, platelets, neutrofils, etc. but, it’s the percentages that they need to analyze that aren’t available.  So, we left.

If all goes well, meaning the percentages are favorable, we will proceed to the lymphocyte push on Thursday of next week.  The 23rd.  We await news…pray we can handle the wait.

Thanks.  Will post later…

________________

4/14/09  Tuesday :  Results Today - Appt. at 11:00 a.m.  Thanks for lifting us up! 

___________________

4/13/09  Monday - Prayer day - Results of BM test tomorrow...

___________________

4/10/09  God Bless Our Sweet Friends

Is. 52:7  - “How lovely on the mountains are the feet of him who brings good news…”

If you remember at the beginning of this newest part of our journey, we were about to head off to Colorado to see our great buddies, the Owings.  They had just moved to Carbondale from Kansas City and we haven’t seen their new home.  Our kids have grown up with theirs and we always have an awesome time with the “O’’s.  Then, we got the news.  We couldn’t go.  Our hearts went, but we stayed home.

Today, I received a great picture of them high atop one of God’s mountains.  It warmed my heart.  Just knowing that people all over this country are praying for the Cardell’s is humbling.  Anita, shown below with her “boys” is a breast cancer survivor and “gets it” when we express our pain and struggles.  Greg, the Dad has been my friend (and fishing buddy) for about 37 years.  I basically taught him everything he knows about fishing! Friends like these are rare in this world.  They would do anything for us and vice versa.  Someday soon, we will meet again on a mountain close to them.

Below is a picture of Greg and Bob Phillips.  Bob was Ken’s college roommate and has also been a friend since High School at Shawnee Mission South.  They both have aged much more than I have, but still look pretty good, heh?  Along with his wife Cindy, Bob is counted as among our closest comrades!  They hurt when we hurt and rejoice when we rejoice.  We have been on many a trip with these folks and we know they are praying for us…daily!

As we have a lull in the action at the mansion today, I just wanted to acknowledge a couple of old buddies who have remained faithful to us…and who we LOVE! 

God bless the Owings and Phillips!

Everyone have a happy Easter!  Our HOPE is in the fact that HE IS RISEN…INDEED !!!

Now, we hope to hear Good News again next week.  Love you all.

__________________________________________________

4/8/09  Connie is home…Thank You Lord!  (11:00 a.m.)

Having just endured her 20th hip invasion, Connie is home.  Sweet Carla took her this morning.  We were going to “tag team” it and I was going to go down around 11:00 a.m. but, they went really fast today.  I didn’t even need to go.  You all MUST be praying cause, that never happens.

Carla had been banned from the house for a while because she was around illness in her own family.  For about 10 days, she couldn't come.  Spiritual warfare I bet!  Having her help is like giving Connie a bag of platelets…it just energizes her.  Carla drove her home and now Carla is helping Connie put away all her clean clothes.  There were 4 baskets full of clothes because Aunt Karen did it all this weekend for us.  What a blessing!  Connie didn’t need platelets or blood today.  Just labs and a blasted BM test.  Now, we wait.  Our next appt. is Tuesday the 14th.  I think that is when they will discuss the “results” with us.  We might get a call earlier but, we’ll see. 

“They that wait on the Lord…”    right?  Is 40:31.

Last night, we received a knock on the door.  It was Laurel Hadley, a sweet friend of ours.  She gave Connie a small afghan for her lap and some cards.  The women at Rolling Hills Pres. made it and Laurel brought it to Connie.  They are praying for her.  This act of kindness warms her heart and her lap!  Cheryl, our neighbor brought over lasagna for us on Sunday.  Hot and steamy!  Awesome…once again Cheryl. 

On Monday, my friend Brent Bishop came over to pray and minister to us.  He’s done it before.  He lives in Longview, Washington.  His parents live in Lawrence.  He has an international mentoring and prayer ministry.  He loves Connie.  He sits with us.  He hears our complaints.  He speaks words of encouragement and faith to us.  He gives us “course corrections”.  He listens for God to speak…then he speaks to us.  Monday, we laid our hands on Connie and we prayed.  Just the three of us.  God was in the room.  A while back, Connie had a moment laying face down in our master bath floor.  She heard God speaking to her.  Not audibly but, still very clearly.  God spoke words of faith to her and the word that she kept hearing was that God was “going to restore her health”.  She has never let go of that word…restore.  Brent helped us focus again on what God said and he encouraged us that if God spoke it…It will be done. 

In my study this morning…I was reading in James.  It says…

“Is anyone among you suffering?  Let him pray.

Is anyone cheerful?  Let him sing praises.

Is anyone among you sick?

Let him call for the elders of the Church, and let them pray over him,

anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord;

and the prayer offered IN FAITH will RESTORE the one who is sick,

and the Lord will raise him up, and if he has committed sins, they will be forgiven him.

Therefore, confess your sins to one another, and pray for one another, so that you may be healed.”

“The effective prayer of a righteous man can accomplish much!’.

It amazes me that God keeps sending His people to our aid.  They come bearing gifts, bearing prayers, bearing hugs, bearing friendship.  Whatever we need …it is supplied.  When we are weak, they are strong.  When we hurt they bring comfort.  When we are afraid, they give us courage. 

Today, as I was sitting at my desk awaiting news from the clinic.  I was fearful.  Carla was with Connie.  My thoughts chased the wind…a dark wind… “surely, the news won’t be good.  Surely, we can’t beat this again?  Who are we that God would care?  What could His purpose possibly be in this?  Why Connie?…why now?  Hasn’t she been thru enough?”  “Lord, forgive me for my lack of faith and trust in you!”  Just then, sweet Debbie Babb walked in my office.  She has worked with Connie for over a decade…she saw me…she asked if she could hug me?  We both cried.  She prayed for me and reminded me that even when we don’t know what to pray…God sends the Spirit himself to

“intercede for us with groanings too deep for words”.

(Rom 8:26). 

Once again, God had his angels standing by.  They carry us as we journey.  At the exact right and perfect moment...comfort and faith are RESTORED and we are ABLE to walk again. 

______________________________________________

4/7/09  These verses were sent to me by our good buddy Cathy Johnson... read them as if you had "Connie and Ken eyes"...you will see what they mean.  Thanks Cath!  Ken

"Do not fear, for I have redeemed you. 

I have called you by name, YOU ARE MINE! 

When you pass thru the waters, I will be with you...

When you walk through the fire, you will not be scorched...

You are precious in my sight...do not fear, for I am with you...

Is  43:1...

"Show me your ways,

O Lord,

teach me your paths;

guide me in your truth and teach me,

for you are God my Savior,

and my hope is in you all day long." 

Psalm 25:4-5

“And now I entrust you to God and the message

of his grace that is ABLE to build you up and give

you an inheritance with all those he has set

apart for himself."  

Acts 20:32

“This is what the Lord, the God of your father David, says:

I have heard your prayer and seen your tears;

I will heal you.”

2nd Kings 20:5

___________________________________

4/6/09  Monday – Update report

Greetings everyone!  We had an uneventful weekend.  Yay!  No fevers, no problems…just keeping our Connie girl from being bored.  Right now, bored is good!  I like that…she doesn’t.

O.K.  Here’s the scoop.  On Wednesday…we are going to need your prayers.  We need them everyday but, on Wednesday…she is going to have her 20th Bone Marrow test.  (BM tests I call them).  It’s where they go into her hip and remove a piece of the bone and some marrow.  It’s the definitive test to see what’s going on.  The test itself used to be scary but now, Connie just sails right thru them.  She's like a pin cushion I think!

It’s the results that we all need to pray for.  Usually, we don’t hear until a few days after.  What we want to see this time is that Connie is in “remission” again.  That means that her orig. cells are beat back and there is no sign of the leukemia.  We want to see Jason’s donor cells coming on strong!  If that happens, and Connie is in remission…they will do what they call a “lymphocyte push”.  That’s where they collect more of Jason’s cells and reinfuse Connie with them.  The idea is to give Connie’s system a “push” of more cells in the hopes it wipes out the leukemic cells.  There can be several unpleasant side effects of this approach but, we just want to face one thing at a time.

If Connie is NOT in remission, they have plan B and C, I’m sure.  One of the plans means a

full transplant again with another donor from the registry.  This is a longer process and again, has it’s own pitfalls.  We hope for whatever God wants for us.  This approach probably means more chemo and another long hospital stay.  Again, we take one step at a time.

The Doc’s are leaning toward the “push” but, when her counts come in…it can change on a dime.  We really ARE living each day by faith.  On the home-front, my goal is to keep her positive, get meals that are somewhat interesting to her and keep looking for God’s mercy.  He has been showing Himself to us in His people!  Thank you all for being willing to minister to us.

So, please PRAY on Wednesday morning, we go in at 8:30 a.m. and pray for the days after…they are so hard as we wait for news.  Once again, you lift us up when we can’t lift ourselves!_____________________________________

4/5/09  Quiet Sunday.  Nothing happening.  Woo hoo!  Just enjoying a day at home!  Love you._________________________

4/4/09  Saturday

All is good here.  Connie is enjoying a day where she doesn’t HAVE TO do anything.  There are still the normal flushing of the lines, taking temperatures every hour and eating a neutropenic diet but, nothing scary today.  She is dealing with having to wear a wig again and her real hair is barely hanging in there.  Overall, it will be a good weekend.

We are going to get caught up on laundry, cleaning and organizing and then watch some basketball.  Normal things.  I have to throw in a trip to the grocery store but, again, normal stuff.  Unless she develops a fever, we can look forward to being with family uninterrupted.  Things we used to take for granted. 

So, if you are reading this on Saturday…Thank YOU…for checking in on us.  Our goal will be to have a “NORMAL” weekend.

NOTE:  Ken needs friends…On FACEBOOK!    Just kidding…I used to have like 20 friends but now, I looked and have 80!  What’s up with that?  Krista has about 1200…  anyway…if you want to see more pics of the “fam” or if you want to send me a private note…that’s a good place to write to me.  Fyi…it’s under "Kenny Joe Cardell". 

Let’s be friends!

_______

Friday  1:45 a.m.  Home already! - Con didn't need blood.  Doing O.k.  Looks like BM test next

Wednesday.  Mid next week Y'all...we have a few days more of freedom!  Man, we need that!

Love you all.  KEN              Everyone have a great weekend.  Enjoy this spring weather! 

________________________________

10:15 a.m.   Friday - Heading to the clinic.  Love you all!  Ken

_______________________________

4/2/09 - Evening at the Mansion –   Thursday nite.

All is good right now.  No fevers.  Two days of freedom.  Tomorrow we go back to “ scaryland” but, for today…we are home.  It’s been great.  We are still fearful of all things “germs” but, so far, we’ve been keeping them at bay.  Connie’s white blood cells are so low, even the slightest cold could be disastrous.

If you are a regular visitor to our site, you probably have heard me talk about a “darkness” or a feeling of “morbidity” that sometimes creeps into your being and there is really no way to shake it.  Well, on Wednesday, Connie woke up with those thoughts.  We both have had them really, but luckily, usually not on the same days.  Usually we can pull ourselves out of it but, on Wednesday…

it took some special effort. 

Lately, it’s been real important for Connie to be ready to take Maddie to school in the morning (around 8:30 a.m.).  This is no easy task for someone who can barely make it to her sink in the morning.  I think she wants to take every chance she can get to put another memory in Maddie’s little tank .  It was a beautiful clear sunny day so afterwards, I suggested we take a drive and look at all the flowering trees.  We just drove around to some pretty places.  Connie asked me to stop.  We did.  Just the two of us in the car. 

She proceeded to tell me that deep down she doesn’t “feel” like God is with her this time.  She doesn’t understand any of this and she feels like God is silent on her sorrows and sufferings . 

There was much more said, but the sadness in her soul was palpable. 

We cried, we held hands, we pleaded with God.  We prayed again…then drove some more. If it was up to me, I would ha ve driven her around all day.  After a while, she wanted to get back to the house.

In darkness and in faith :  I’ve previously called it a “ dry period ” or a “plateau” of faith.  I’ve even referred to it as a “blackness of the soul” but, anyone who has had faith for a long time has experienced it.  It’s not really a doubting of who Christ is, or what He came here to do…it’s more of a feeling that “ God has pulled away from you .”  Never once have we doubted we’ve been redeemed.

We have never once, questioned that we are in His hands.  It’s just that we cannot fathom the mind of God and it feels like he can’t “ hear us” sometimes.  I know thru scripture and His character that this never happens…it just feels like it does.

Even Mother Teresa, struggled with spiritual darkness.  Most of you know that she was called to minister to the lowest of the low in the gutters of India.  People with leprosy, skin diseases - the social outcasts of their society .  She ministered Christs love to them.  It has been reported that she had “feelings of doubt, loneliness and abandonment.  God seemed absent, heaven empty and the bitterest of all was that her own suffering seemed to count for nothing”.   MOTHER TERESA! 

Despite her inner feelings, she continued to walk and do what God told her to do.  In her

loneliness and doubt, she continued to worship and glorify Him.

I’ve read stories that Dr. Dobson – Founder of Focus on the Family and Chuck Colson – Founder of Prison Ministries each have had similar experiences.  Both of them are cancer survivors as well. 

Dr. Dobson has had a heart attack, a stroke and prostate cancer…He knows about “darkness”. 

The key question here is not that we are experiencing it, but… how we are to react to it?   How do we walk thru those soul-struggling times where we wrestle with whether we are worthy of Gods mercy?   Do we denounce our faith and Gods sovereignty because we have experienced impenetrable darkness? I have asked before, “who are we”?  that God should rescue once again?  Do we just give up and say, forget it?  May it never be!

Connie has been reading a daily commentary by Oswald Chambers called, My Utmost for His Highest.  Our buddy Richard Beach (who currently is in his own cancer battle) gave it to us.  It’s brilliant and deep.  He speaks of this dryness.  He says,

“Has God trusted you with a silence - a silence that is big with meaning?  God’s silences are His answers…His silence is the sign that He is bringing you into a marvelous understand of Himself.

If so…know that “you will find that God has trusted you in the most intimate way possible, with an absolute silence, not of despair, but of pleasure, because He

saw that you could stand a bigger revelation.”

So, as we walk and, sometimes walk in darkness , we know that our efforts are not in vain.  God is not thru with us yet and someday we will know what He is teaching us.   It will be for a greater purpose…one bigger than ourselves.  We are His workmanship.

One of my favorite verses in James says the same thing,

“Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him.” 

Our goal is to remain steadfast.  To hold fast to what we believe.  And to walk in faith regardless of the path He has chosen for us.

Hopefully, prayerfully, we can do that.  Good night.   We love you all.

_______________________________

3/31/09  Update from the Mansion   evening.

Phew, what a ride!  I last left you all with Connie suffering a fever which is not good for her in her condition.  It usually indicates an infection and she has no

“infection fighters”.  That was Sunday. 

Monday, we had another clinic ordeal.  While Connie and Kris had their 26 hour adventure at the hospital previously, they removed her picc line (in her arm).  They thought it might be causing the fever so they took it out.  Later, we found out that cultures showed it was not the culprit.  Anyway, due to all the meds needed, she needed to have a new picc line put in.

We were excited that they do these as an outpatient in the clinic vs. going into the hosp. for it but, unfortunately…it took 3 times to get it done right.  Each time, Connie had to endure a painful procedure in her arm and then get up, and physically walk down to the x-ray area (third floor to first floor) and each time, she was exhausted!.  I almost had to carry her down there each time.  She was anemic and her lips were white.  Then, we’d come back and start all over again.  Three times!  Ugh.  That would have been bearable but, that waiting room was full of SICK patients!  People were coughing and weezing all around her.  She had a mask, but…man…I wanted to yell, “Hey, YOUR GERMS COULD KILL THIS GIRL – STOP COUGHING!!!”  But I didn’t.

What amazes me is that inside the clinic all the techs and nurses have to put on yellow paper gowns every time they come in her room.  They wash - every chance they get.  They are total “germaphobes” and we appreciate that!  Then, they send a neutropenic patient into an elevator with tons of strange people, janitors and other nurses and doc’s going up and down.  (Pssst. - IT’S A SMALL ROOM WITH NO VENTIL-ATION!)  We then, get to walk to a waiting room full of SICK PEOPLE??  What’s wrong with this picture? 

Anyway, it took us 5 hours to get her line right and finally get all her IV’s done.  She was trashed.  We got home and realize we JUST MISSED our good buddies, the Owings who where here from Colorado.  Crud again!  Then, later that night, Connie had a low grade fever again.  It just never stops.  Luckily, the Doc’s let her have a Tylenol and the fever stayed under control.

Today (Tuesday), at our appt, we just needed antibiotics and her lines flushed.  We spent most of the time talking to all our favorites down there.  It was nice.  No scary things today!  No fevers, no weird procedures going wrong.  We still were down there 3 hours.  The good news is we don’t have to go back til Friday.  Woo Hoo …two days off!  That’s a lifetime for us.  We are happy.

So, our plan is to stay in quarantine and keep fevers out of here!  Do some work and run errands.  We hope to have two days where we don’t think about being sick.  It will be hard to do but, we are glad we get to try. 

Able things:  Our neighbor Rheta brought over sticky buns and a card.  Her hug however was the best present!  I found out it was Krista’s friend, Greg Buckman who shoveled the rest of our drive that night!  So, it was a tag team effort between Jeff and Greg.  Great job guys!  Our friend Lisa B. brought a great mag for Connie and a subway card!  Our sweet daughter Kellie is trying to help us with aid from the Leuk & Lymp. Society (a huge help with med bills).  Neighbor Cheryl – pot pies for dinner and brownies.  Courtney Schock, Carla’s daughter, sends me a magazine subscription with a note each time.  This time it had an Itunes card in it for the girls.  Cards and letters for Connie also.  It’s just amazing!  Thanks for loving on us everyone!

______________________________

The Cancer Road

If you are reading this, you are going to be touched in some fashion by cancer.  You will either have a relative or a friend or someone close to you who deals with it.  Somehow, you will be touched by it in a personal way in your lifetime.  To me, this is outrageous! 

For those of us that have personally received “the call”, it is life-changing for not only the patient but for their friends and loved ones.  In our case, this disease has caused pain for not only Connie, but for over 50 of our relatives and hundreds of our friends.  It’s awful.

Troubling Stats:

• 1 in 2 : That’s the chance of a U.S. man facing a diagnosis of cancer in his lifetime. 

• 1 in 3:   That's the number for women who will face it personally.

• 1.4 :      The number of Americans, in millions, who will get cancer this year.

• 43%:    The percentage of all Americans that will get cancer sometime at current rates.

This is outrageous!  Cancer is about to overtake heart disease as the number one killer in the U.S.  An estimated 565,650 people this year will die from this disease in the U.S.  Now, with over 80 million baby boomers crossing over into their 60’s, these numbers will certainly be rising. 

Some good news is that cancer diagnosis and treatments are getting better.  Survival rates are getting higher.  Technology is doing amazing things to help people “live” with cancer once they get it.  These numbers continue to rise because of new drugs and new treatment protocols.  The problem is, research and technology focus on treating the cancer once it’s diagnosed…surprisingly little is spent on what is “causing” the cancer.  With leukemia, they still don’t know what causes it.  We still don’t know.

Why am I telling you all this?  Because I want people to know that when cancer strikes a family…they need SUPPORT!  Support like we have gotten.  It is impossible to deal with this disease without help.  Many people are too proud to ask or too shy to let their needs be known.  DON’T!!!    People need to know when you are hurting.  Not just for cancer…but for other stuff too!  Our community needs to be better at meeting needs of the hurting.

In our case, you all are doing it right.  You have wrapped your arms around us.  All of you! Hopefully, this website is an example of what can be done to help folks!  Everyday on it’s pages, you will find people who are ABLE to help…and who do…without asking!  It’s amazing.

If you are hurting now…because of cancer or something else…please…let people know.  They will help! 

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9:30 p.m.  Sunday - Connie’s fever went to 100.3, then 100.8 and then 101.0.   We called the Doc’s and they let her take a Tylenol.  She’s back to 98.8…wooo hooo!  If she stayed at 101.0, we were headed back to the hospital.  Thank You all for praying for us.  I swear to you…as soon as I post things…light flows in this place.!  I know you are praying!  THANK YOU! 

P.S.  Aunt Karen came over and we cut Connie’s hair.  It was coming out in handfuls again.  UGH!  It was hard but, we left about 2” all around.  She looks cute!  always....

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6:30 p.m.  Connie is running a low grade fever…please pray with us it doesn’t get any worse.  She will have to be admitted if it does.   Thanks.  Again, need your prayers.  Thanks.

Sunday Update:  3:00 P.M.

Had our clinic appointment today.  We got there around 8:00 a.m.  We were the first in and last out!  They close the clinic at noon but we took a bit more time.  We got home at 1:00 p.m.

Yesterday, Connie slept most of the day.  She did wake up to eat dinner.  Our sweet neighbor Cheryl and her twin boys brought over a hot steaming pot pie!  Connie could eat it since it was freshly prepared.  She said it was “unbelievable”.  She’s so happy eating something that is hot and good.  Her ordeal (with Krista) from the day before had totally exhausted her.

This morning, she had trouble walking from our bed to her sink.  I came in and found her hunched over the sink struggling to hold herself up.  She didn’t have the strength to wash her face with a washcloth.  The chemo has really kicked her butt this time.  Dr’s say she is at her bottom now and her counts should rise here pretty soon.  Hope her energy level rises too.  After she got blood at the clinic, color came back into her face and she started feeling better again.  She could barely hold her head up.  This time, there was no reaction to the blood thank God.

It has been a taxing few days for us.  That’s the way this disease upsets a family.  Went in for a routine appt. and 26 hours later , after being admitted into the hospital, she got to come home.  As a family, it’s hard to function, let alone, get anything done.  Sometimes we move from crisis to crisis and I thank God that we have people who will pick us up. 

As the 4-6 inches of snow came down, I looked out my window and there was Jeff Mott on my driveway shoveling again.  He cleared a pathway for Connie to walk and for us to park.  Within hours, it was covered again.  He came back.  Then, this a.m. when we went to the clinic…someone (?) had shoveled the walkways again and brushed off the cars.  Amazing!  Connie could barely walk to the car so, it was HUGE that he did that for us!

Over and over again, God’s people come to our house and help us.  There is no way we could make it without amazing people stepping in to help us.  It’s overwhelming.

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3/28/09  Update:   Afternoon   2:00 p.m.

O.K. Everyone, they are home!  Thank God, and all of you for praying!  What an ordeal!  Seems like things just got going from bad to worse all night. 

Connie said about 2:00 a.m., she woke up in a drench.  Her clothes were wet and her sheets also.  Her fever broke.  They replaced her linens and she got new P.J.s on and was better after that.

This morning, KC is experiencing a huge Spring snow storm.  It has been sleeting all morning and tonight we are expected to get 3-6 inches of snow!  Ugh.  Krista had to drive Mom home in that.  They arrived and I got them out of the car with an umbrella.  Connie looked weak but good.  She is in bed right now and is sleeping.  She is so happy to be in her own surroundings.  She even had a bit to eat…NOT hospital food. 

We have to go right back into clinic tomorrow at 8:00 a.m. to check things.  She had the line pulled out of her left arm and a new one inserted in her right.  Now, she is sore in both.  They were worried the left one was infected so, they took it out.

Tonight, she will rest in her own bed.  Have Krista and I take care of her and she will be glad she is in the comfort of home.  

Thank You’s :  To the Smith (Randy & Deb) who rushed over to pray with me last night.  And for being willing to give up their nite to take fresh clothes to Krista and Connie in the hospital.  They were life savers last night!  To Bob S. for being available to me 24/7 to “talk me off the ledge – again!”  When things were going from bad to worse.  To the Babbs for being willing to help despite having friends over last night.  Even though we didn’t need them, they were willing to leave their guests for us!  Means everything!  Also, to Krista, who endured 26 hours of “fear” and “confusion”.  No 24 year old should have to endure that.  She was a “Rock Star” for her Mom.  Connie is safe and at home.  That is what it important! 

God Bless you all for praying her home!

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3/28/09  Update:  Morning   Good News!

Krista just called (10:00 a.m.) Looks like Connie improved over the night and they are going to let her go home.  Woo Hoo.  Don’t have any more details than that but, that’s great news!  I am going to get the house prepared for her.  More later. … 

THANK YOU all for praying us thru this!!!  Ken

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We Need Prayer Again

Friday Nite

Connie and Kris went down to the clinic today at 1:30 pm and they have run into complications.

First Connie had to have platelets and then blood.  The blood products caused her to have a fever and they thought it was perhaps from her line.  Her line was replaced and they gave her two round of antibiotics.  At 7:00 pm. She seemed to be doing better.

Now, 8:20 p.m. her fever has spiked and they are admitting her into the Hospital!  I can't go down there so this all falls on Kris. She's being so brave!

Please pray.  Krista is with her and is crying.  They are going to the hospital now.  Please pray for us!

Thank You.

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3/27/09  Quick Update:  1:15 p.m. Connie had to go to the clinic without me today.  Krista took her. It’s possible she might need blood products again.  For some weird reason, I became sick last night.  Now, I’m in isolation upstairs and must stay totally away from Connie.  It’s tough not to be there with her.  Hopefully, all will go well.

I’m doing fine now, maybe just something I ate but, I still have to stay away from Connie for the next 24 hours.  Ugh!  So, once again, life is not dull at the Cardell residence.   Please pray for today and that Connie (and Krista) do well down at the clinic.  Thanks  KEN

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Did I ever show you all the sweet picture that Kellie and Maddie made for us while in the hospital?  I now have it as wallpaper on my computer..ha.

See, even this brings us JOY...sort of ???  love you all.  Ken

3/24/09 Tuesday – Clinic Day

It appears we are on the “every other day” schedule for a while.  It was so nice to have the weekend off.  Today, our appt. is at 2:00 p.m.  Connie is very tired.  She gets winded now just getting up from bed and walking.  They DO kick the crap out of ya.  Despite all that, I came home from dropping Maddie off and there she was…on the treadmill !  Walking !!!!  She was going real slow but it got her heart rate up and that’s good.

Today, she might need blood products.  That would mean several hours down at the clinic.  Usually, that’s when I get caught up on my walk thru the Bible readings.  Platelets take about 20-30 minutes but they have to give Connie Benadryl first.  That’s what messes her up.  They do that because she can be allergic to them and they try to head it off before it starts.  She doesn’t like this because she comes home loopy and wants to sleep all night.  If she has to have whole blood, then the process is longer.  Usually 2-3 hours.  So, it might be a long day.

One of the things you have to battle with this disease is mental fatigue.  All the appointments, the medicines, the trips to the drug store, the cleaning, the repetition, the boredom, the fear of the future.  I could go on…. It’s a battle sometimes just to keep your head in the game. 

Instead of this process being one of “why me?” or “Oh crap!” which believe me, I was there.  We are now trying to shift our focus to, “O.K. God has this on our plate.  Let’s deal with it and try to find joy in each day!”  The joy is there.  It is the same for everyone.  Sometimes you just have to slow down and see it.  So, that’s our focus now.  Each day is a blessing and God has placed special events in there to encourage and strengthen us…we just need to tune in.  Maybe it’s an email from a friend, or a touch from a nurse.  It can be the smell of a flower or even the sight of a daughter returning home from school.  It’s there.  We just need to see it.

So, we walk again.  This week in Kansas City will be the prettiest of the whole year!  The Bradford Pears are blooming along with the crabapple trees.  Flowers are springing up and the weather is warm.  There is basketball in the air and God is still on the throne.  We have much to be thankful and joyous about.  Thanks for walking with us.

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3/22/09   Weekend Update

Not much to report except that we had a great weekend.  Maddie is still on Spring Break until Tuesday and we have just hunkered down at the mansion.  Lots of Bball,  My Brackets are horrible this year.  As a matter of fact, they are so bad that I ripped them up and they are now scattered all over my floor.  It’s an off-year I guess.  At least KU is still in the game.  How bout that Sienna?  They almost beat Louisville?! Woah..

Connie is doing good.  The biggest challenge is eating right now.  We have to be very careful and prepare food that is “safe” for her to eat.  Variety is a challenge.  Sweet Carla introduced some new food items to her.  It seems to be working.  Everything has to be fresh or frozen.  No fresh veggies, no leftovers, no foods touched by other humans.  Totally on a neutropenic diet.  We have to go back into the clinic on Tuesday again.  Probably will get blood products (ie: platelets or blood).  That’ll be a long one.  So, for now, we just try and stay safe and keep any illnesses away.

Tomorrow is taxes day.  I have about a weeks worth of work to cram into a few days. 

I’ll sign off but, first I have to say that we have the BEST friends in the world.  I have two buddies who have undertaken projects for me that I in no way could have handled.  One involves getting a roof put on my Brothers farm property and another is a carpet replacement project that I’ve put off for 2 months.  These two guys have stepped in so I could focus on Connie’s care.  I can’t believe it.  So, THANK YOU Jeff M. and Mike M. for going waaayyyy beyond the call of duty for me.  You have lifted a huge burden on me. 

God Bless you both.

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3/20/09  Update – Friday nite

Connie is home now.  All is well on the sickness front.  It was a weird couple of days.  Maddie is doing fine.  As a matter of fact, after the first 24 hours, it was as if she didn’t have a thing wrong with her.  So, it’s safe for Connie girl to come home now.

She is happy about that but, she said that Carla was an amazing caregiver.  She even got Connie to eat (no easy task).  It’s good to know that…if…for any reason…the husband cannot fulfill his duties in accordance with preferred Connie-care, the second runner up will be able to step in.  Connie said Carla and Bob were awesome!

Clinic appt. was pretty fast today.  Con’s counts are doing what they are supposed to so far.  She didn’t even need any blood products.  That’s good news because it adds hours to our appointment times.  Here’s the better news…we don’t have to go back until Tuesday!  Wooo Hoo.  Now we get to settle in for a weekend of Bball.

The Plan – Looks like what they are considering now is called a “lymphocitic push”.  This means they would go back to our buddy, Jason and ask for more cells to help Connie.  He emailed her a couple days ago and said,

                                     “Of COURSE, I will help!”

He is amazing and he loves Connie.  We are sooo grateful to him.  The key now will be to get Connie back into remission again.  Means that her orig. cells need to be non-existent in the bone marrow.  So, yet another bone marrow test will be forthcoming.  I believe this is # 20 !  Ugh.  Will keep you updated as we learn more.

We are still in isolation and Con’s counts are way low.  She has no infection fighters and must eat very carefully.  She is on a ton of meds, “anti’s” I call them.  Anti-viral, Anti-fungal,  Anti-biotics,  etc.  She is getting tired a lot and shows a few signs of minor bruising.  These are caused by her low platelet count.  We’ve been thru this before – we know what to do…unfortunately.

Thank you all again for helping us.  The kindness you all have shown touches our hearts.  We are hanging in there…so far.  Love you all.

GO JAYHAWKS!!!!

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3/18/09  Update – Clinic Appt  - Dinner time

Carla took Connie to clinic today.  They arrived at 1:00 pm and Con had to have platelets.  This usually takes about an hour.  Today it took longer.  They were still there around 4:15 pm when I called her.  She was pretty loopy from the Benadryl they give her beforehand.  We are so grateful to have a friend like Carla.  She has totally stepped in to be Connie’s caregiver (no easy task).  Now, she will have to take Connie to her house and pour her into bed.  Hopefully, there will be no issues and Connie can sleep thru the nite.

One good thing…sort of…Connie got Carla to watch her very first American Idol program.  She drug her kicking and screaming but, she watched it.  Hopefully, she enjoyed it.  Ha.

Looks like Connie can come back probably Friday.  Maddie woke up today as if she had never had a fever or anything (kids!).  We’re still being careful and keeping her inside.  But, she’s already bored and wants to go play.  Can you believe that?  I’ve washed everything that kid has touched for the last 3 days.  Hopefully, all will be well again at the mansion.  Bye for now.  Thanks for checking in on us.

It’s time for March Madness….Get your pics done…I am going to!  Good nite.  KEN

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3/18/09  1:00 P.M.     Connie is at the clinic with Carla. 

Ken can’t go because of Maddie being sick.  It’s killing me. 

Just pray for her.  You’ll be home soon hon.  Ken

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“The Lord maketh my feet like hinds feet,

And setteth me upon my high places”.

Ps 18:33 and Habakkuk 3:19

This verse above is the inspiration of a little book called Hinds Feet on High Places  written by a British woman named Hannah Hurnard.  It’s an allegory of the Christian life.  Our good friend Gwen Lehleitner gave us a bound copy with our name on it during our last transplant.  I read this book several years ago and Connie is reading thru it now.  Hannah suffered from a speech impediment and was a shy girl.  She began this book in 1955 and it was published in 1975.  In 1983, she was diagnosed with cancer and moved to the U.S.  She died in Florida in 1990.

Without giving away too much of the book (you have to get it and read it! -It is a very quick read.), it’s about a little girl named “Much Afraid”.  Much-Afraid is on a journey with the Sheppard to the High Places where “perfect love casts out fear”.  She tended flocks in the Valley of Humiliation with her friends and fellow workers Mercy and Peace in the village of Much-Trembling.  As she goes on her journey, she is accompanied by Sorrow and Suffering.

What struck me about this book is that it was written before the author knew she had cancer but, it aptly portrays the journey that cancer patients are on.  Connie read this passage two days ago and it spoke to her.

Indeed, if only the path they were following would begin to ascend,

they could not doubt

that they would soon be …approaching the High Places,

where no enemies could follow

and where the healing streams flowed.

Now instead of that, the path was leading them down into a valley

as low as the Valley

of Humiliation itself. 

All the height which they had gained after their long and toilsome

journey must now be lost and they would have to begin all over again,

just as though

they had never made a start so long ago

and endured so many difficulties and tests. 

As she looked down into the depths of the valley, the heart of

Much-Afraid went numb…

If she went down there, as far as getting to the High Places was

concerned she must lose

everything she had gained on the journey so far.  She would be

no nearer receiving the

promise than when she started out from the Valley of Humiliation.

We know in our heads that God never lets his word go forth without producing fruit.  We know that He has a plan for us and that His ways are not our ways.  We know not to lean on our own understanding.  We also know that the rain falls on the just and the unjust alike.  For Connie, I know that she cherished every moment of the “height” she had gained by fighting.  I know that she got most of her life back and it was magical to dwell on the plains of “normal” for so long.  She had 2 ½ years there.  Now, it appears we are back down the path of pain and suffering for a while.

Although we want to say, “Really God???  Again???”  It is not our place.  We are to walk.  We are to finish the journey with our eyes fixed on Jesus.  He’s the author and perfecter of faith (Heb 12:2).  Regardless of the valleys or the mountains, we must remain as Paul was … content in whatever circumstances I (we) are in. (Phil 4:11).

As for us, we will run with endurance the race that is set before us (Heb 12:1) 

We need that endurance today.

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3/17/09  OH, and it’s Kellie’s Birthday Today! 

HAPPY BIRTHDAY sweet Kellie!          

Hey, I didn’t have much time but, I organized a parade for you today.  Just go down to Westport Road and Broadway.  A bunch of your friends have gathered there.  They will be wearing green.  Much Love girl.  Wooo Hooo 23!.  Dad

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3/17/09   9:30 a.m.  Prayer.  Working on about 3 hours of sleep.  Last night Maddie got sick three times upstairs.

When this happens in a normal household, it’s a pain, it’s a mess, it’s inconvenient but…when it happens in our house with Connie sick….it’s a crisis~!  Maddie also isn’t famous for hitting the bowl or even the toilet if you know what I mean.  So, Ken was up most of the night sterilizing things.

Anyway, we moved Connie out of here this morning.  Carla came to get her.  In reality, it’s like moving an entire hospital room.  Her meds, her clothes, her lotions, her antibacterials, her pillows…you get the idea.  Maddie is still sick upstairs and we can’t have Connie anywhere near the two of us.  Connie has no white blood cells to fight this.  Hopefully, it will be only a day or two.  Today was supposed to be our day off.  Ugh..  Clinic tomorrow.

So pray for us please.  Keep this from spreading.  Help us keep the business going amidst all the chaos.  It’s hard right now.  Thanks…KEN  more later….

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3/16/09   Update – Had clinic appt. today at 10:45 a.m.  Finally got out of there around 12:30 p.m.  Got Connie’s counts and they have dropped.  In this world of “what’s bad is good and what’s good is bad”, this is good now.  It means the chemo is doing what it is supposed to do.

Actually, it was a pretty boring clinic appt.  That’s o.k. with us.

Upon walking into the clinic, we got to see our good buddy Mary Beth.  She is an amazing woman.  She is an oncology nurse and has had her own bout with Leukemia, of all things!  Ugh.  The good news is she’s doing great and this was just a routine check up.  Time with her was a blessing.

Then, thru the doors came this gentle tall sweet man.  Actually, I heard his voice first and recognized it immediately.  It was ED! and his dear sweet wife.  Ed is our hero and a huge fan of the Cardell family.  He was the man that taught the “survivor” class for our first transplant.

I knew immediately that I would like this man when he got up front of the class of about 30 people and said, “When you go to the BMT clinic, they are going to tell you all the reasons that you are going to DIE from your disease.  I’m going to tell you all the reasons that you are going to MAKE IT !”  He then proceeded to teach the class how to be a “Warrior” thru this process.  It was our guide to getting thru it the first time. 

Unbeknownst to me, in the middle of the class, he yelled out, “Is Ken Cardell here?”  I was stunned and sheepishly raised my hand.  He said, “I’ve been to your website.  That is EXACTLY what you need to get thru this ordeal!”  He then told the class all about it.  I kinda felt like a “rock star” for a moment.  We all know however, that Connie is the “rock star!”

He then proceeded to ask, by name about Krista, Kellie and Maddie.  Amazing.  His presence was a light for us and he encouraged us.

At the clinic, we got to see Dr. A. , Wendy (Con’s bud and miracle worker) and we even got to see Dr. M.  He’s the guy!  He was so encouraging to us.  They all are really.  They mentioned they are consulting with a Dr. Appelbaum in Seattle who is probably the leading expert on AML leukemia in the country and are determining the best course for Connie.  Dr. M. suggested that if we wanted to go to Seattle and sit with this man, he’d make it happen for us.  So, we are considering it.  Not that we don’t feel safe with the KU team, we totally do, but sometimes meeting face to face with another expert triggers thoughts and ideas that could be looked at.  Our treatment would still be in KC in any event.

Random and Planned acts of kindness – Our good buddy Lynn Anderson stopped by with a goodie bag.  Had small pillows in it, a gift card and lots of love.  We had about 13 incredible people clean our house on Friday.  (And the kids haven’t wrecked it yet either.)  Wooo hoo!  People have dropped by cards and greetings.  Pam Williams brought more food (awesome, her second time).  Sister Karen brought over cookies and spent the afternoon with us.  Bob and Carla have been by our sides every day.  I really could go on for 3 more pages but, you get the idea.  We are so blessed.

Well gotta go, - more tomorrow.  We have the day off again from the clinic but we are way behind in our work so, hopefully we can get caught up. 

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3/16/09      9:00 a.m.    We take Jan (tall , handsome, German dude) to the airport today.  He leaves at 10:30 a.m.  Then, we are off to the clinic for a 10:45 a.m. appt.  One of Connie’s ports is stuck so we have to get that taken care of.  It needs to be flushed each day and sometimes, they get stuck.  We don’t know if she will need blood products or other procedures.  One day at a time now…

More later.  Thanks you all for the HUNDREDS of acts of kindness shown our family , just over the weekend!  We are amazed once again. 

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3/14/09   WE ARE HOME !!!  PRAISE GOD!!! 

Got home around 4:15 p.m.  Woah.  What a ride.  More later.  Love you all.

We are resting tonight.  Tomorrow is our DAY OFF.  Back to the clinic on Monday.

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Friday 13th – Update   Evening

Last day of chemo.  Two bags.  One at 4:00 p.m. and one at 4:00 a.m.  Then we are done!  We are hoping to go home tomorrow.  Our discharge time keeps getting pushed back.  Connie wants 8:00 a.m. but the nurses are saying we’ll be lucky if it’s noon.  We’ll see.   Connie and Nurse Cheryl are  tag teaming  the parties involved.  I wouldn’t want to be on the other side of that pair!     :o)

Today, I am told, about 13 or 14 sweet women cleaned our home.  Krista said “it’s Hospital clean”.  We are so grateful to you people.  You make carrying this burden a whole lot lighter.  Thank You Thank You dear friends.  Connie is so comforted knowing that her environment is safe when she comes home.  It’s probably safer than where we are right now!

Nurse Cheryl has already been speaking encouragement to Connie.  Our day Nurse Jody was also great.  I swear, these people who work in our nations oncology wards are a special breed of people!  Their compassion is amazing.

We’ve also been told that we don’t have to report to the clinic until Monday a.m.  That’s huge.  That means that we have Sunday off.  It’s big because that’s Jan’s last full day here in KC.  He heads home to Germany on Monday a.m.  We are so saddened that Jan spent most of his trip here in our house.  We sooo wanted to take him to Colorado to snowboard.  We wish he had not been drug into all this medical stuff.  We firmly believe that God had him here for a reason.  We are just sad that we weren’t able to spend as much time with him as planned after he came all this way.  Our hearts are sick for him.

Tomorrow morning we will rise early, get all Connie’s stuff packed up.  I will be running all over the hospital and getting her prescriptions for the ride home.  There is tons of paperwork and approvals and exams to be done, so…we’ll be busy.  The payoff will be big however, because we will be home again with our kids.  Connie will cherish the ride home.  She will cherish our home and most of all seeing the girls.  Thank you all for supporting us during this difficult week.  You all are amazing.

God Bless.  You know…I’ll keep you posted.

Ken

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3/12/09   Thursday = Busy Day Today  - evening update.

We had a few “ledge moments” last night, but we prayed thru them and when we woke up we seemed to be in better spirits.  It’s just sometimes we feel the darkness.

Yesterday was a chemo day.  Means Connie gets two treatments 12 hours apart.  The last one was given to her at 4:00 a.m.  And, unfortunately, they aren’t real quiet about it.  We both were awakened and that’s gets us both thinking.  We call it the “heebie jeebies”.  It’s those horrible dark moments when the devil seems to taunt you with, “this won’t work” or “what makes you think God will save you again?”  It’s when we are the weakest in our faith that he seems to attack us.  It’s when we look at each other and ask, “Why me?  Why do we have to do this again?  What did we do wrong?  Is there any hope for us?”  It’s a horrible scary place and sometimes we just have to work thru it. 

As I’ve said before, “His mercies are new every morning.”  And I believe that because, when we wake and have our wits about us…we realize how blessed we are and have been throughout our lives.  We see God’s hand in our situation and we realize that God has never left us.  So, today, we woke up and got in the game again.

Perhaps an email we received from our buddy Ro on the west coast said it best:

“Connie – Be the type of woman that when her feet hits the floor each morning –

the devil says, “Oh CRAP – she’s UP!”

That’s who we want to be today!

Already this morning, Connie convinced the nurse to “unhook” her.  That means they take all the tubes out of her arm and she can move free.  She loves this feeling.  It makes her feel whole.  When you are hooked up to R2D2 (the pumps) you feel like you are bedridden and sick.  When they release you, you can move.  You can shower.  You can walk.  Today, Connie even went down the hall and rode the stationary bike again.  Today, she rode thru Napa in her mind.  I hope she had a nice trip.  She seemed to enjoy it.

We also learned today that we have to have this new special medicine that is several thousands of dollars for each prescription.  They are not sure that our plan covers it so, we now have another thing to worry about.  They are checking on it now.  We will need this drug for about 6 months.  Ugh.  So, I was on the phone all morning with our prescription plan people.  Sounds fun, huh?

Today, for some reason, it was “visitor day”!  We didn’t announce it or anything…it just was!  Maybe we needed encouragement or something?  Our good buddy Deb Smith came by in the afternoon. They were followed by Greg and Lisa, who were down for the second time.  Our sweet friends the Dickermans and the Motts came by later in the afternoon.  And then Bob…and then Randy. They all brought encouragement with them.  So nice to see faces that love us and hurt with us.  Most everybody (including Connie and I ) can’t believe we are in here.  It takes a while to get their heads around it.  Two weeks ago we were planning a trip to Colorado.  What?  Now we are in the hospital?

Today was a great day.  We got to see many friendly faces and we got to rest.  More tomorrow.

Love you all.  Ken and Connie

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Update:  3/11/09   Evening

Today, (Wed) was a pretty good day.  Connie has been tolerating the treatment well so far.  She was excited to be “unhooked” for about an hour today.  She got to get up and walk and even did the stationary bike for a while.  It made her feel human.  She took a shower, got on new clothes and rearranged her clothes drawers.  Even the little things can be so calming to her.

She was having an awful time with her pik line.  They put it in your arm and it goes straight into a vein.  It was sore and painful for the last two days.  Our sweet nurse Robin (who now made it into our “Favs” list) suggested a heating pad and that made all the diff.  Her arm is feeling better and she can bend it now without pain.  Way to go Robin!

Our sweet buddy Cindy P. visited the hospital and brought Connie messages of love.  She also stopped by our house and dropped off a meal for the kids.  They love her so much!

Carla also came down to spell me today.  She was here when they hung the bag of chemo at 4:00.  That’s always a hard time for Connie.  To ease her pains, Carla gave Connie a One- Hour foot massage.  Are you kidding me?  The nurses were amazed.  Anyway, it helped and I was grateful she was here.  The next bag gets hung at 4:00 a.m.  Then we get the next day off.  Ken, of course, will be watching some Big 12 basketball. 

I went home today and got some bills paid, clothes cleaned and I checked in with Krista and Jan.  They were doing fine but the house showed signs of no parent being around.  I did what I could and then left.  It’s amazing how hospital time goes so slow but, home time flies by!  Three hours in here seems like three days.  Three hours at home seems like three minutes.  Parallel universe maybe.

Best bud Bob came down around 7:30 pm.  He’s Carla’s hubbie.  He stayed and prayed with Connie.  He’s been with us 24/7 thru all of this.  We had to kick him out however.  Idol was starting!  Ha.

We continue to be humbled by the generation of others.  You are holding up our family and we are so grateful.  Thank you for all the cards, the gifts and the acts of kindness.  Every one of them are noticed.  I swear …if I put a Ferrari on my needs list, one would show up in the driveway!  Keep praying…we feel it.

Ken and Connie

P.S.  NOTE: The cleaning crew is now going over to the mansion at 8:30-8:45 Friday morning.  Thank you all for your help!

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3/10/09   Updates from KU Med.  evening

Today was fairly uneventful. Thank God.  The way they do Connie’s chemo is one bag, then wait 12 hours then another.  Then a 24 hour period to relax.  Then repeat.  So, today was our relax day.  And we did.  Connie slept most of the day.  It was good.  She needed that.  Sleep is amazing because it not only refreshes you but, it takes your mind off of things for a while.

We are actually on the 4th floor of the Hospital.  From our room, I can see the tops of the tallest buildings down on the plaza.  I’ve driven by those buildings 1000 times so I know that people are being “normal” there.  I can also see American Century towers – just the tops though.  We have friends in there.  It brings us comfort to see them.  At night, the lights are beautiful.  Last night, I sat at the window and watched the storm roll in.  I saw the lightening and the heavy rain.  I felt cozy up in our scary room. 

Our friends, the Bernards made their way to visit us tonight.  They are amazing.  Last two transplants…they had season tickets.  They became very familiar with the “washing of the hands” regimen needed to come see us.  It was refreshing to see them.  Also, our three girls came a callin.  Mom needed to see them so, that was great.  One of the rules is that they had to be “clean” in order to visit.  Since I can’t guarantee their rooms are clean, this was a good substitute.

Tomorrow is another chemo day.  We will rise, face the day, and ask God for His mercies.  The Bible says “they are new every morning!”  We will claim that tomorrow and look forward to more healing.  So far, we have met special angels all the way down here.  It’s amazing what God does when you are open to it.

Anyway, gotta go.  American Idol is on and Connie doesn’t like me tapping away when singing is going on!  What’s up with that?

ONE NOTE:  Evidently, our two sweet friends Chris Nash and Cindy Patrick have agreed to spearhead the CLEANING CREW at our house.  We can’t thank you guys enough.  Both of you – you get CONNIE HUGS on demand!  Anyone interested in helping, they are starting on FRIDAY (13th) at around 10:00 a.m. at the mansion.  The address is on the website somewhere.  Thank you all for making our home safe for our return!  Amazing!!!!

More tomorrow.  Love Ken and Connie

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3/09/09  Hospital Update – Evening

Greetings everyone.

We dropped Maddie off at school (7:45 a.m.) and she got one big huge hug from Mom before she was “let go”.  Poor Maddie – Mom had to hug her right in front of Panera’s - where all Maddie’s friends meet before school.  Usually, she would care, today…she didn’t.

Last time we were at St. Luke’s, this time it’s K.U. Med.  Our arrival time was 8:00 a.m. and as we scrambled to get all the luggage inside, I dropped my phone.  Luckily, the parking attendant found it and held it for me.  He was a great guy and seemed generally pleased that he found it for me (more on him later).

We walked the scary walk again.  Thru the hermetically sealed doors, past all the scary signs and into our “isolation chamber”.  The room is fine except the TV is mounted almost at ceiling level.  Connie and I are already needing chiropractic.  Maybe they want us all to be “looking up”?  The nurses and staff are great and we were scheduled for our first chemo at noon.  It was actually 3:30 before they came in.

As the first bag was hung, Connie cried.  We so thought we were done with all this.  She watched as the fluid came down the tube.  She also cried a bit when they put in her pik line.  That’s the port they use that goes directly in the vein.  Again, been there …done that!  This time it’s in her arm – just above the bend.  To Connie – this is a constant reminder that she’s sick again. 

The Lord seems to be sending in sweet angels to us already.  The gal who did Con’s heart ultrasound was having trouble with her boyfriend.  She saw Connie’s Prov. 31 verse on a small box Krista gave her.  She asked what the verse was.  We quoted it.  She said thanks and then downloaded about her troubles and we said we’d pray for her.  Connie gave her a Woman of Faith brochure and invited her to attend.  She seemed to need someone to talk to.

The KU Chaplin came by.  She is a Lutheran minister and said she prays daily for all the patients on this floor and the Doctors.  She knew of Hillcrest Cov. and wanted us to know that she’d be on her knees for us.

Sweet Carla helped us get settled and had to leave around 11:00 a.m.  When she left the room, she walked to the parking garage.  She gave her ticket to the attendant and he said, “You’re upset, aren’t you?”  She said, “Yes – My best friend is in there.”  He said, “Give me a name”.  She said, “Connie”.  He said, “The rest of the day – I’ll be praying for her!”  Made Carla cry.

We are tired, comfortable, warm, scared, angry, grateful, confused and apprehensive.  We also know we are loved and well cared for.  It’s an emotional place.   I keep telling Connie that we have to enter in order to leave.  We have to have chemo because it is what will make her well.  We have to endure the pain for the joy that is to be set before us later (Rom 8:18).  We almost have day 1 in the book.  

Your prayers are sustaining us.  God Bless You.  KEN

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3/9/09  We are checked in.  We will update later.

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Look what our buddies the Thrutchleys did for us!!! 

You guys have all been so amazing!  We love you!

We're good on the Crocs...already delivered. 3:00 p.m.

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Saturday  3/7/09     1:00 p.m.

 NEEDS

– Many people have asked us if we need anything…we can never really respond to this because we are usually so overwhelmed.  Well, today …I sat down with Connie and asked what would be “helpful” if people wanted to give.  It’s going to be a rough few weeks but, these things would lighten our load a bit on the home front and in the hospital.

Physical Needs:

Soft Sockies for the Hosp.

P.J. Pants for Connie – Soft and comfy – Size Medium.  (2-3 pair)

Henley T-shirts for Con – buttons on front- helps with access to her pik line (size  Medium – lightweight)

White washcloths (plain) – we usually have to use once then wash them.

Slide in slippers for Connie – size 7.5   ( two pairs)

Used pair of Croc's - size 7 we will return. Just for in the hopsital.

Old magazines for Ken (while in hosp.) helps him escape for a while.

Mini Series DVD’s – Comedy’s / Romantic fun ones / Old sitcoms, etc /and a couple action ones for  Ken  - put your name and address on them so we can get them back to you next week.

Papergoods for our return home – plates, cups, napkins, paper towels, wipes.

Antibacterial things – wipes, hand sanitizers, air sprays.

Small pillows for hosp – being in bed for 7 days, these help Connie position herself.

Chipolte/ Panera / Starbucks gift cards for the kids…we will have 3 kids home while we’re away.

Dinners – Probably for Tues/Wed/Thurs evenings – 5 people / coordinate with Krista 913-481-1302

Cleaning Crew: Since we will be home on Saturday (late – 14th) or Sunday (15th), the main level of our house has to be pristine.  Anything Connie touches.  If someone would take this on…we’d be so grateful.

Encouraging e mails – Lots of em.  They are Connie’s daily bread!

Since Connie is in isolation now, we shouldn’t be having many visitors in the house.  If you wouldn’t mind, if you want to help, can you just drop it by our small garage door?  Just put a note in there who it’s from so we know…O.K.?   Drop them by anytime, the kids will get them to us. Many thanks and Blessings!

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3/6/09  Update   4:00 p.m.  Friday

GOING INTO THE HOSPITAL!

Well gang, we just got off the phone with Dr. A. and Dr. McGuirk.  Looks like they have a plan to beat this thing back.  Without going into all the details, the plan includes chemo to buy us some time.  Then, once the disease is back in remission…we head to her third transplant.

Evidently, we were supposed to go in for a consult around 10:45 a.m. but, Connie and I didn’t know (nor were we especially aggressive in finding out either).  So, when we got home, Dr. A. had left a message.  We called and got the news.

We are O.K.  We know what this will be like.  We have to “go in” in order to “come out”.  So, that’s what we will do.  This time, it will be less intensive.  We will only be there for 5-6 days vs. 38 the other time.  We can do that in our sleep!  Connie is the “chemo Queen” so, we pray that she will do great again.  Can we beat this thing back to oblivion again? 

We pray so.

So, K.U. Med at 8:00 a.m.  Ed, we are getting our armor out.  We will be warriors again!

Dr. M. said that the first time, Connie’s leuk was somewhere between ALL and AML.  Remember?  It was a weird kind like..biphenotypical AML..so, now…as the most recent test came back…the strand is different.  Something about CD33+ vs. now being CD33 negative.  Dr. M. is going to consult with M.D. Anderson and Sloan Kettering collegues to confirm the treatment plan. 

They did say that Connie is now 91% / 9%.  That’s a deterioration of 2% in just a few days.

So, chemo is needed right now.   So, we will go in Monday and begin.

I’m convinced we have the best Doctors in the world!  There are 4 of them working on this and also the pediatric Doc’s at Childrens Mercy.  They all concur.  We know these guys are one of a kind!  Thank God they are here in Kansas City!

For now, we can enjoy our weekend and get ready for the days ahead.  You people who write and call are AMAZING.  We never could make it without you?

Much love,

KEN

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3/6/09  Update   Friday  Noonish

Not much to report on the medical front today.  We are supposed to be going down to the clinic and discussing results of her latest BM test but, Connie is kinda dodging the phone.  She doesn’t want to go!  She wants to have her weekend.  She doesn’t want to hear from them.  She wants to pretend all this is not real and we can just live in denial over the weekend.

Today, she woke up early and prayed.  She did her a.m. routine.  We took Mads to school.  She went for a long walk with Carla and Amy W.  It was amazing!  She rode home and her favorite song came on the radio.  She cranked the sound up and rolled down the windows.  It was an amazing feeling for her.  She said she wants Krista to drive her around today with the top down and crank some Journey!  (Again, part of the denial that she is sick). 

We will eventually call the clinic but, when we do, it could open the possibilities we have to go into the hospital.  Tough huh?  In reality, that’s where our help will be administered…it’s our hope place.  It’s how we will get better.  Sometimes, it doesn’t feel like that though.

NOTE:  THANK YOU HEARTLAND COMM. CHURCH!!!

Wed nite, the Pastoral Elders and friends met at Heartland and formed two groups to lift Connie up and ask God for his mercies.  Krista and Kellie went and were ministered to.  People poured out their prayers to God on Connie’s behalf.  It was a sweet time for them and for us.  We knew they were praying for us.  Our sweet Goddaughter Courtney was in Chicago, at the very same time, praying for us.  It’s amazing and we feel the outpouring. Thank you to everyone who is touching our souls.  You have no idea what this means to Connie!  Tom and Sue?...We know your hearts are breaking with us..Thanks!

So, we walk on.  I will post when I know our next move.  Wouldn’t it be great if our next move was to have dinner with the family and rest all weekend?  Love to you all. 

KEN

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3/4/09   Afternoon - 5:07 p.m.

Connie just got home from her 19th BM test.  She’s like a pin cushion now, isn’t she?  What a trooper.

Friends Lisa Bernard and Carla met us at the clinic for moral support.  They drew blood again and then the BM test.  We could tell people are praying because it was not as “scary” as it normally is down there.  The procedure went fine and Connie is a bit “loopy” again.  She is now resting (or sleeping it off as I like to say). 

The good news is that we have tomorrow off!  Yay.  She can have a short ‘respite” from all the chaos.

We don’t have to report back until Friday.  Praise God…we need to feel the security of our home for a

day or so.  Hopefully, we can dodge a call from the clinic saying we have to rush down there again for something!

Note:  Once again – the BODY of Christ is rallying around us.  Already,  people have asked what they can do for us.  Can they bring meals?  Can they run errands for us?  Can they help in any way? Honestly, what’s hard to say is…”It’s too early”.  We know we will have heavy needs when they admit us.  Right now, we are trying to cope with the news.  We have kinda “bunkered down” at home because Connie has to be in isolation while her counts are down.  I promise I will be intentional about expressing our needs here as they occur. Thanks for being willing!

I apologize to all of you who have phoned and emailed and texted.  Since events have moved so fast, I’m not my normal self in getting back to you all.  I will.  I’m just swamped with running the business and making appointments and getting meds, etc.  Doesn’t mean we don’t hear you or feel you.  We do.

I just can’t get back to everyone yet.  So, THANKS from the bottom of our hearts.  We know you are ready to fight with us.

Also, we couldn’t get the word out to everyone…so, if you know someone who knows us or would pray for us…Please tell them.  Have them log on or contact me on Facebook.  I need friends.  I saw that Paul Clark has some 800+ friends.  I only have like 39?  What’s up with that?  Anyway, I love you all for caring for us.  Keep it up.  It’s like medicine for Connie’s soul !

P.S.   I just recieved word that our buddies over at Heartland Community Church are going to pray TONIGHT at 8:30 p.m. for Connie.   83rd & Lamar, O.P.  after the Worship and Commuinity Service. If you can join them, please do.    We would be so touched.

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3/4/09   9:05 a.m.

“Is anyone among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the church and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord; and the prayer offered in faith will restore the one who is sick, and the Lord will raise him up… “  James 5:14

We are sick.

Unfortunately, our worst fears were once again realized.  Connie’s disease is back.  The dna test results showed 93% donor and 7% of her old blood.  They like to see 98% to 99% donor cells.  We achieved that for the last 2.5 years.  The 7% of Connie’s old blood is the problem.  Left unchecked, it will come back fully.  We are devastated.

After we visited the clinic and heard of her low counts…our hearts sank.  We so hoped that a virus had caused this.  Evidently, as confirmed today, this is not the easy path.  Today, we are going in for yet another bone marrow test.  Dr. A. wants to compare the sample to last Friday’s and is looking for something in particular.  It will determine the treatment options.  It’s at 1:30 p.m.

Yesterday was a rollercoaster of emotions for us.  We were up when we saw our friends in the waiting room and heard their good news.  We were down when our counts came back.  We were up when we got home and all the kids were there for us.  Then down as we cried together in our bedroom.  We were up when we visited Hillcrest Church for prayer (more on that later) and then down when we had to go get cancer drugs again from the pharmacy.  We were up when all of us watched American Idol as a family and down when the darkness of night crept into our bedroom and hit our soul.  We prayed and cried again.

Today, our task is to put on our armor again.  Become warriors.  Eye of the Tiger.  We must once again run the scary gauntlet.  We will get our game faces on.  For the THIRD time.  Your prayers and emails is what makes that happen. 

NOTE:  As mentioned above, we asked for prayer at our church Hillcrest Covenant when we heard the low counts.  We knew something was up but had no confirmation.  Amazingly, they were having a praise worship meeting in the sanctuary at 12:00 and said we could receive prayer right after. 

I took Connie up there with her mask on and a sweet angel met us at the door.  She said, “I have been waiting for you.”  She walked us to a quiet area on the side of the sanctuary.  We sat listening to the soft music and felt the presence of God come over us.  I held Connie’s hand as the tears started.  Then quietly and almost instantly, the body of Christ surrounded us.  People who weren’t anywhere in sight started coming to us.  Pastor Mark made his way over to us.  He put his hands on Connie and I.  A group of about 15 dear sweet people laid their hands on Connie.  They anointed her with oil.  They gathered us to their strength.  They lifted us up in prayer…one after another.  They pledged help!  Tears covered us, not because this disease was coming back but because these people ministered love to us.  These people took the time to touch us where we hurt.  They cradled us.

At that moment, we knew that God had not forgotten us.  He had surrounded us with his elect.  As they prayed, a soft guitar behind us was praising God.  I worshipped.  I cried.  Connie cried.  We all cried to God.  We know He has heard our prayers.  Now it is up to us to walk this path again.  Not for us…but for Jesus.  For His purposes.  To Him be the glory.  Thank You Hillcrest Covenant, you have touched us in places God only ventures.

We thank all of you who walk with us!

Ken

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3/3/09  Update :  Not Good News.

So sorry to report - Connie’s counts were low again today! 

Disappointment filled the room.  We’ve been at this now for 5 days and the overall picture seems to be getting worse.  It’s not any one test or any one count…they just all seem to be heading south on us.  White Blood cells 2.3 to 1.8, Red Blood Cells 3.5 to 3.2, Hemoglobin  11.5 to 10.4, Neutrofils lower, platelets lower, lymphocites lower.  Not much to be happy about today.

We still do not have the dna results (expected Friday) but, as we watch these counts deteriorate, a positive outcome becomes more unlikely.

Connie is now in isolation.  We have to move back to watching what she eats.  We have to be germ warriors around the house.  Again, a sterile environment.  She wears a mask when around the rest of us.  We go back in at 7:00 a.m. tomorrow for another draw.  We have had to cancel our travel plans to the Owings place in Colorado.  Seems God has another plan.  Sorry O’s – We love you guys.  We’ll be back out there as soon as we can get there.  We are sad for Jan who traveled all the way from Germany and is now stuck in Kansas.

It appears we need to plan for a rocky road ahead again.  A shadowy dark and scary one.

Ps 23 again. "Yay though I walk thru the valley of the shadows..."

We did have a sweet moment in the lobby with some new friends of ours.  They were coming out and told us they just got “fantastic” news that no tumors were present.  After many many bad reports and not much hope…today…for them was a PRAISE GOD day!  We rejoiced with them and hugged them and felt our hearts meld with theirs.  It was sweet.  Inevitably, the discussion gets around to, “Connie, and how are you doing?”

We are wise enough to know now that when good news arrives for others, you don’t rain on their parade with fear and depression.  They are walking out of the clinic on cloud 9 and we would never deprive them of that hope.  We told them our counts were low but they are just checking for viruses.  We told them that we are awaiting some tests but feeling great!  We told them that we are hoping for good results.  Inside, we were stirred with our own fears but still hadn’t gotten the bad news of the day – for us!  That’s what it’s like at the clinic.  Such a mixture of joy and sadness, fear and hope, pain and comfort.

Yesterday we watched a small parade of patients who all had to be under 30 yrs old.  Our hearts broke as I prayed for each one.  Way too young to go thru this type of struggle. Good news is to be celebrated where it can be found. We prayed for good news for them.

Hopefully, WE will still get good news later this week.  But, as the old “eightball game” used to say, “signs point to no”. 

We will continue to look to the Heavens for help.  Please don’t stop encouraging us and pray.

God Bless you.

KEN

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3/2/09   6:40 p.m.   BIG NEWS FOR ALL YOU PRAYER WARRIORS!

Dr. A. called around 5:00 p.m. and told us that we passed test #2!!!

It’s Huge but we are not out of the woods yet.  We had to get past this test in order to get any positive results for test #3 which is the definitive one.

What they did today was examine the bone and there were no visible signs of any abnormalities.  What this means is that whatever is going on is not evident in her bone or marrow yet.  That’s good because we either got it “real early” or it was indeed caused by a virus?  Her counts are still messed up so, something is causing it.

Because of the results, Dr. A. is ordering yet another test that has something to do with “staining” the bone.  This is in addition to all the others.  We should have some news on that by Tues/Wed.  There is also the final test where they will do the percentages (hopefully by Friday).  We still are on a very short leash and must go in again tomorrow for another blood draw.  They still feel something is brewing.  Let’s keep praying that it’s NOT!!!!

Connie and I know, for a fact, that God is in heaven being badgered for Connie.

As far as I can figure, these are the states that we know people are lifting us up from:

Kansas

Missouri

New York

Connecticut

New Jersey

South Carolina

No. Carolina

Florida

Michigan

Minnesota

Illinois

Texas

Colorado

Arizona

Nevada

Vancouver, BC

Oregon

California

Winchester, England

Now, tell me that’s not effective!  We cannot express what we feel !  Keep it up.

I promise I will update tomorrow again after our appointment.  Love you.

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3/2/09  Update:  Clinic Visit

Good news / Bad news:  Good news is that Connie’s counts did NOT crash overnite.  Last time, that happened very rapidly.  Most of her counts were the same with minor fluctuations.  Means, there’s something going on but they aren’t sure yet.  Bad news is that they know “something” is affecting her counts. 

We are supposed to get the second result from the bone marrow test later today.  The first prelim. exam showed “no blasts” and no obvious weird signs in the blood.  Now, they calcify the bone portion of her marrow test and they see if there are any “leuk” cells in there.  That should come later today.  Waiting…ugh!  The third test is a percentage one.  If there is evidence of “leuk”cells, then…we see

how much is the donor blood and how much is Connie’s bad blood.  That will be later this week.

We DID get to come home.  They didn’t admit us to the hospital.  For that, we are grateful and feeling relieved. 

Since we are supposed to be leaving Wednesday nite to go to Colorado with Jan, Connie even floated the idea of how we can still make that happen.  Dr. A. didn’t say “no”.  He just wants to see today’s test results first before he O.K’s it.  So that was good! 

Also, I was under the assumption that Connie couldn’t have another transplant because of the wear and tear it took on her last time.  I guess I was wrong.  Dr. A. said there are several less intensive things they can do to try and beat it back again.  Man…Hope is a wonderful thing!  Ours is in the Lord but, it was still nice to hear.

More later once the results of the BM test are in.  You all have been AMAZING!  Sorry if I haven’t gotten back to you all.  We’ve been inundated with friends who love us and it’s like LIFE to us!

Eventually, I will get back to you all.  God Bless…and keep praying.

KEN

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3/1/09 Sunday  -   Joy in the Suffering

     “For I consider the sufferings of this present time not worthy to be compared to the glory

      that is to be revealed to us.”   Romans 8:18

As my buddy Bob says all the time, “We take good news were we can get it”. 

The good news right now is that we are home.  They let us come home vs. being admitted into a hospital room.  Connie’s counts were not any worse.  They were about the same.  Of course, we were hoping for an anomaly, or a fluke, or a mistake on the test that would prove this is all just a bad dream.  But, it’s not.

Her white blood cells and platelets were down a hair but, her hemoglobin and red blood cells were up.  They did a slide sample and manually looked at the blood and still there were no “blasts”.  Another good sign.  We are postulating that whatever is going on, we found it really early.  We will know more next week.  We have to go in again tomorrow (Mon) for another look.  Hopefully, we can talk to our Doc too and get some answers.

– As is God’s way, often, there is joy found despite our sufferings.  Today, we found joy in driving to the clinic.  The air was clean, the sun shining and the white blanket of snow was amazing as we moved slowly thru the winding streets.  We thought of how wonderful God is as he covers His earth with beauty.  On the way to the clinic, we pass 4-5 of our friends houses.  We oddly drew strength from knowing people in those houses pray for us.

There was joy yesterday as 6 inches of snow fell and we looked out our window and saw Jeff Mott, one of our lifelong friends just shoveling our driveway.  We didn’t ask.  We weren’t even thinking about it…he just did it.  It blessed us.

There is joy in the emails coming in from all over.  Messages of courage, strength and hope.  They touch Connie’s soul.

There was joy last night when Krista, Kellie, Maddie and Jan all gathered in the kitchen to cook with Mom.  Connie just sat at the bar watching them with her mask on.  Her neutrofils are low enough that she still needs to be careful around them.  The kids did most of the cooking as Mom soaked it up.  (Jan is our German exchange student who got to come to visit right when all this errupted.)

There is joy as we left this morning for our appointment and we saw a little tile that hangs by our door.  It says, “24/7”.  It was given to us by Bob and Carla, our partners in life…to the end.  They gave that to us last time to tell us that they will never leave us and will always walk beside us.  Today, they came down to the clinic to sit with us as we got our results.

Finally, there was joy in seeing our dear sweet nurse “Wendy”.  She was our strength last time and nursed us thru many bad reports.  It was NOT her day to be on duty.  She heard about Connie and decided to come to the clinic to be with us this morning before she went to her church.  She came in on her day off!!!  Because she loves us.  It was an amazing gift to Connie because Wendy is our advocate!  Connie didn’t even have to ask any questions…Wendy was already 3 steps ahead of us.  She hugged us, sat with us and comforted us.  We laughed.  We felt cared for.  We were touched.

Finally, there was joy just getting out of our car today.  Joy - because we get to walk into our own home.  We can see our kids again.  We can watch KU play.  We can have at least one more day where we are most comfortable.  Things we normally take for granted.  For today…we are O.K. 

So, thank you everybody who has called, emailed, texted or Facebooked!  You cannot imagine the strength you give us.   Look to the Heavens, for that is where our hope is from.

God Bless.  More tomorrow.

KEN

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2/28/09  Update – Today was a particularly tough day on us.  Again, we are walking to the edge asking God to bring us back to safety again.  We know we don’t walk alone.  Already, prayers are flooding in to us from all over the country.  From our East Coast Prayer team, from our relatives on the West Coast and from everywhere in between.  Connie is so touched by the calls and the emails.  We don’t know what to say.

Here is the latest.  We are ROCKED!  We have had 2.5 wonderful years of good health.  Actually, 5 years since the diagnosis.  We relish every minute we have had with our family and each other.  Obviously, we thought this was just another “routine” appt. but, I guess there is nothing routine about this disease.  Our Docs and nurses must be devastated as well.  Please lift these people up too.  Man, I don’t know how they do this job.  We know for CERTAIN that they love us!

Connie’s tests were low on Friday.  All her counts were bad.  They did the blood test again and it was the same.   Dr. A. was on duty and ordered an immediate bone marrow test.  Connie and Carla were together and they cried.  They called me about 10:00 am and I went down there.  The bone marrow test was done and Connie was “loopie” all day.  They make you suck on a Demerol sucker and she decided she’d eat the whole thing.  It whacked her out all day.  She felt nauseous

and out of it the rest of the day.  She did manage to ship out two orders and return some emails however during her loopieness.

Dr. A. mentioned that he had a hospital room reserved for Connie that day but, without knowing it, she left with Carla and nobody stopped her.  Her counts were so low, he was thinking of admitting her.  When he called, he said the Pathologist looked at the BM sample and didn’t see any obvious leuk cells but, it’s not conclusive.  Also, there were no blasts in her blood.  I think that’s good.  The real results will come back on Monday or Tues. 

So, tomorrow (Sun) at 8:00 a.m. we have to go get another blood test.  Bob and Carla are going with us for support.  They will look at this and see if her counts have improved or deteriorated.  They may admit us right after that.  We are hoping for a good result.  We don’t put much faith in this…but Dr. A. said sometimes counts can look bad because of a virus.  We think that is unlikely but it would be a miracle if that was the only problem.  More answers on Mon. or Tues. 

For now, we wait.  We pray.  We bask in the love of friends and prayer warriors. You all cannot imagine what a support you are to us.  Send us a note so we know you are out there.  Love you.  KEN

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2/27/09                         Urgent Prayer Request

I don't know if anybody even checks this anymore....but we need you!

Unfortunately, today at around 10:00 a.m.  Connie found out that her counts were not good again.  Both her platelets and her neutrofils were down quite a bit.  In addition, her white blood cells were also low.  Something is going on.  We are not sure what.

Right now, she is undergoing a Bone Marrow Test again. 

We all fear the worst and are afraid we are back in the battle again. 

Would you PRAY with us!?  We need it right now.  This I know, that God loves us as much today as He did 5 years ago!  Please pray for a good result!

Love you all! 

Ken

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                  Round 3 Starts above

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