Prayer Service

There will be a Memorial Prayer Service tomorrow night.

http://www.smallandpietrasfuneralhome.com/book-of-memories/1986467/Jacobs-Kenneth/obituary.php

It is with a heavy heart that I announce that my husband and best friend Ken passed peacefully into Heaven yesterday evening.
His battle with cancer was met with the same stoic calmness he carried throughout his life. We are comforted in knowing that we were so very blessed to share his life and that his spirit will live in our hearts Forever.

Radiation can't be done soon enough

Radiation has been harsh, and Kenny has been feeling so very weak, sick and tired. We went Tuesday (10/28) for bloodwork and his levels had dropped to 4.8 so they admitted him and transfused 5 more units of blood. He was discharged at 8:30 last night and had to be back first thing today. What is it with these hospitals discharging at all hours?? He has four more doses of radiation..Mon-Thurs and the Drs seem confident that it will stop the bleeding, I pray they are right. None of the treatments so far have had the effect we had been hoping for and Kenny continues to lose weight and get weaker. My heart breaks to think of all that he has endured and what lies ahead. Your prayers mean so much and we are blessed with the love and support from our family and friends.

Hospital stay # 3

Hi all, sorry it's been a while, sooo much has been going on. Chemo didn't seem to change much and this past Sunday(10/12) he had been feeling very weak and right along his levels would go up and down with every transfusion. I called the on-call and they had me bring him in to the E.R.. His levels were back down to 5.7 so they started giving him blood and admitted him to the MICU. On Monday they kept transfusing and monitoring and on Tuesday they did an endoscopy- no new bleeds, just seepage. Wednesday they met with the Radiation team who think they can help the bleeding - so he began his first of 15 radiation treatments on Wednesday. He goes every Monday-Friday for 3 weeks , chemo is on hold till then. They didn't release him from the hospital until 9:00 last night!  We lost track of how much blood he received but I think it was 6 or 7 units. He is exhausted but happy to be home. Hope all is well in your world, thank-you for the support :)

More Transfusions and chemo

More blood last Monday, chemo on Tuesday , 2 more pints on Friday and 2 more today. I think we should start calling him ... Dracula. We're hoping that he starts feeling the benefits from the chemo soon. He still doesn't have an appetite and is fatigued and sore . They increased the pain meds but he doesn't like taking them. Overall we're taking it one day at a time and that seems to help. The kids are crazy busy and they keep this place lively and interesting. We are enjoying the beautiful weather and the changing leaves. Hope each of you is able to cherish these wonderful Autumn days.

Chemo and Autumn begin again

The days are melting together and I cannot believe that today is the last day of Summer. Since the filter surgery, Kenny's legs have been quite swollen but that is finally starting to get better. Tuesday was the first day of chemo since July 1st. Although his levels were high enough to get treatment, he had to go back Friday for 2 more pints of blood and he will go again tomorrow for a tune-up before Tuesdays scheduled chemo. Tomorrow is also our 23rd wedding Anniversary and for Kenny I'm praying for a Good day- good mobility,good levels, good appetite and good outlook.  A lot to ask for I know but hey, I'm an optomist :) Thank you for keeping us in your prayers and may you all have a lovely first day of Autumn !

Moving in the right direction

I have to admit it's been a long road since the original surgery and with the blood levels staying low, I was worried that they would need to go in again.  But yesterday his levels were finally good enough that he didn't need a transfusion! Hayley has been keeping track and since August 11th, Kenny has received 18 pints of O neg blood. Many thanks to all who donate, it truly is the gift of life.
We see the Dr again on Tuesday to discuss the next round of Chemo. Thank-you for the love and prayers :)

Two steps forward, one step back..

   It's been quite a roller coaster lately and I really haven't had the chance to keep up with the blog. I'll try to get it caught up. Last Friday the hemoglobin was still low (6.8) so he got 2 more units of blood...then this past Tuesday it was 6.4 so 2 more units. Then he seemed to start feeling better and eating better. Because of his levels we still have not started back on the chemo. So today when he went in and his level was 8.3 it was encouraging. So he received only one pint of blood. I had mentioned to the nurse that his left calf was swollen and seemed a little sore so she let the Dr know. After a quick trip to the ultrasound unit, he was found to have a large blood clot. Normally that would be treated with blood thinners- however, because of the blood issues he's having, that is not an option. So he was sent to Interventional Radiology (I.R.) and they inserted a filter through his neck down into his chest to prevent the clot from travelling where it shouldn't go. He sailed through the procedure with flying colors and was none too happy that they opted to admit him for observation. We're hoping he can come home tomorrow and if the bloodwork continues to stay up, maybe chemo can begin on Tuesday. Fingers crossed and prayers said :)

Surgical recovery...slow going

  We returned to St Francis on Wednesday for the post surgical check-up... and again on Thursday so that he could receive 2 more pints of blood. His levels just aren't staying where they should. The surgery has left him very sore and fatigued, he has no real appetite and he's losing weight. On the bright side, he is sleeping well and even though he needed 2 more pints yesterday, the Dr still feels that he is heading in the right direction. The Dr will be conferring with Yale to get a second perspective and we go back Friday to recheck his levels... they have 2 units on hold just in case :) I know he's frustrated because he can't get around too well but he's trying to be patient. All other treatment is on hold until he can be stabilized. Hopefully this can be done without further Surgery. Kids all started back to school so it will be a little less hectic during the day and probably a little boring, but it will give him a chance to rest. Hope life is being good to you and yours, thanks for all your warm thoughts and prayers.

Home sweet Home

    Finally got to bring Kenny home today :)  He's tired and sore but very glad to be home. We have a follow-up back at St Francis on Wednesday. The clinical trial is on hold because one of the side effects is bleeding so we can't take that risk at this time. Yale has recommended that we return to the first chemo because even though it didn't shrink the tumor, it also didn't allow any growth so they believe that we should be a little more patient with that treatment. We'll find out Wednesday if St Francis agrees. This has been a very scary week and I for one am glad it's done.
Some folks have asked for our address to send a card- they really do brighten his days so feel free... 185 Cassidy Hill Rd. Coventry, CT. 06238
Hope everyone has a lovely weekend.

Major detour

This post is a little late but I couldn't manage it any sooner.
Kenny wasn't feeling great over the weekend but he really couldn't put his finger on what was wrong. I called the Dr. and they said watch for fever- so no fever we figured things were ok. On Monday we headed to Yale New Haven to do the intake for the Clinical trial that would supersize his immune system. Half-way there, Kenny got very sick, but afterward he felt a little better so we continued to Yale... the Smilow Cancer Center. We met with the Dr first thing and let him know what happened. He took vitals and sent us straight to the Emergency Room- no waiting, straight in. Lots of tests, poking and prodding.. then more testing all within a short time. Drs of all shapes and degrees started pouring in... they couldn't believe that Kenny was conscious and coherent but his hemoglobin was only 2.5. Your hemoglobin is normally around 14...you're sick at 9 and usually unconscious around 5. Many of the Drs said they had never seen numbers this low. The tests showed he was bleeding internally and had been for quite some time. They admitted him into the ICU and gave him 6 units of blood and a unit of Plasma ( God Bless the Blood Donors!)
On Tuesday the gastroenterology team did an Endoscopy to find the source and to possibly stop the bleeding. They found the bleed but it was arterial so the Vascular team came in and stopped the bleeding. Surgery went well but he needed two more units of blood and all kinds of antibiotics afterward. He moved from ICU to the oncology floor yesterday but he's running a slight fever so they're keeping a close eye on him. Too soon to know whats next. Thank God and all the wonderful Drs and Nurses at Smilow for such good care. 
And to all our friends and family, your Love and Prayers are so greatly appreciated!

New Possibilities

Yale New Haven Smilow Cancer Center today proved to be quite informative and has offered some new possibilities.
   The most exciting is a Clinical trial for a new "designer" medication that enhances your immune system to help it fight off your cancer rather than the medication fighting the cancer. There is a waiting list for this study and they need a few more of his test results to be sure but it looks like he is eligible. Stomach cancer is not very common so the list is not too long.We will know by Friday. 
   If the clinical trial doesn't work out, they have a new "DNA testing" for your tumor. Certain drugs have been effective against certain markers within a tumor so even if the drug is not traditionally used on your specific cancer, they may work on your specific tumor.  There is also a test they are doing on his previous biopsy to see if he has a certain tumor count that they have a new drug for that has proven to be effective. It is not likely that he will have this as it is extremely rare- but they are checking just in case. These are the cutting edge "investigational" drugs. 
   In addition to these, there is a new standard treatment medication that targets the blood supply to the tumor- this is the medication that St Francis talked about. Yale's Cancer team also feels that the fact that Kenny's first chemo regimen -although showed no reduction, shouldn't actually be ruled out totally because it also prevented further growth.
  If we need to wait for the clinical trial, we will continue with one of the standard chemo treatments while we wait.
   So, overall today was a good day. Very long, very exhausting but it offered hope... so it was definately worth it. I will update as soon as I know more. Thanks for all the support and well wishes.
  

Home again, home again...

  New Hampshire was just what the Dr ordered. With no cable or internet our time together was truly together. Fresh air and lots of Sunshine, board games, fireworks, an awesome view- plus the hot tub made for a wonderful relaxing reprieve.
  Now back to what's next. We have an intake appointment at the Smilow Cancer Center at Yale New Haven on Tuesday August 5th. They will do bloodwork and ask plenty of questions to determine if he will benefit from and if he meets the criteria for the trial. Fingers crossed and prayers said for a better path on this journey to recovery. Hope all is well with you and yours.

If at first you don't succeed...

Unfortunately, the CT scan showed no change with this last chemo regimen. No better, no worse. But... the Dr. still has a few tricks up his sleeve. He is working on getting Kenny into a new med study at Yale New Haven that has showed some promise with his type of cancer. This new chemo targets the tumor in a different way than the previous chemos- we will know more after vacation. So for now, we will enjoy the reprieve from appointments and chemo and plan our week of family time away from the everyday chaos that is our happy, hectic life. Wishing you all blessings and thanks for all your Love and support.

3rd times the charm?

Yesterday was the 3rd round of the new chemo. The port was acting up so 4 hours turned into 6 but it's better now. We met with the Dr and he will be doing a CAT scan on the 11th to see if this chemo is having a better result than the last. The nurse told us that if this one doesn't work, the Dr has one more medicine up his sleeve- I'm hoping for this one. The good news is we will be able to go on Vacation before the next round of chemo - so hopefully Kenny will be feeling good for the ride to New Hampshire. I think it will do the family good to spend some peace and quiet time together- no cable, no internet- just a lake and a hot tub :)
Here's wishing all of you a safe and happy 4th of July!

Hanging in there

Everyone has been so thoughtful and caring. Thank-you. Kenny is hanging in there- its the third week since chemo and over all he's feeling okay. He has some joint issues happening and we're not sure if they're chemo related or not but his spirits are good and he does what he can. Next Dr's appt and chemo is this coming Tuesday so we should find out more then. 
Wishing you all a wonderful, healthy week :)

Great Game and comments enabled

Great game on Wednesday and a good time was had by all. Kenny is extremely wiped out but it was definately worth the trip! 
On an additional note, we have adjusted the capabilities of the blog after hearing that people were unable to leave comments. You should now be able to comment without any strings attached :) Hope you have a wonderful week .

Go Boston!

Tomorrow Kenny is heading to Boston to cheer on the Red Sox. It is their annual trip and the timing worked out well around the chemo. His sister has planned a tour of Fenway before the game and hopefully his adrenaline will keep his energy up :)  They have great seats down the first base line and Hayley is hoping to get a good look at her favorite player... Brock Holt! It's gonna be a long day but these are the memories that will stay in their hearts always.....Go Red Sox!!

2nd round 2nd time around

Sorry this entry is late. Tuesday the 10th was the 2nd round of the new chemo. His blood count numbers were excellent so he can continue to receive the full scheduled treatment. The fatigue is still extreme but his spirits are good and he's eating a little better. 
Because there are three weeks between rounds, toward the end of the last round, Kenny felt well enough to visit his friends at the Ellington Big Y. Everyone has been so supportive and encouraging and we so appreciate all of you. Thank-you for all your positive thoughts and prayers.

8th day update

Today is the 8th day since the last chemo and Kenny is finally starting to feel better. His appetite is better and he's smiling a little around the edges. Still not great but we'll take it :)  

New chemo treatment

Tuesday was the first of the new round of chemo. Two huge viles of red meds and a two hour intravenous drip. 6 hours later we were on our way home. Kenny also began daily chemo pills. The side effects for these meds are a little different than the other meds. Cold sensitivity, hand and foot rashes, hair loss etc. Unfortunately this one has also left Kenny feeling really sore and extremely tired. Plus he's not really eating yet. He says today was a little better than yesterday so at least he's heading in the right direction- but hopefully tomorrow he will feel like eating again. Stay tuned.
We really thank you all for your support and prayers.

CT Scan says....

Because Kenny has been feeling better and has been able to eat, we had faith that the chemo was doing what it was supposed to do... unfortunately that is not the case. Although the tumor may have decreased a little or moved some, it basically looks no different from when we began. The good news is it hasn't grown or spread. There are two standard chemo cocktails that are used for stomach cancer - we will now start the other one. The new chemo will begin May 20th and then every 3rd Tuesday til July. He will also start taking a "chemo pill" every day. This time the side effects are a little different and more than likely he will lose the rest of his hair.
Tuesday night we had a chance to visit with Kennys Big Y family and it was such a joyful night! Everyone has been so supportive and Kenny really had a great time seeing all his friends. Our spirits remain high and we will keep fighting till we get it right but the support from all of our family and friends makes each day a little easier-Thank you  :)

Round 6

  We have accepted the routine that is chemo. St Francis makes it as painless as possible. Valet parking makes getting in and out easy. We get the same nurse every week-Melissa is great. Bloodwork is first- always good so far. Then the anti-nausea meds are given while they mix the two batches of chemo.  The first bag takes about an hour and a half to drip in. Then wait for Melissa to come in and switch to the second bag which takes about an hour to drip in. This week everything went smoothly. 8:00 arrival and he was out of there by 1:30- not bad. Kenny has been really fatigued and not sleeping well but he's hanging in there and staying positive.
  Next Tuesday will be the first CT scan since the original diagnosis. It will show how well the chemo has worked and will help the Dr. decide the next course of treatment. We are looking forward to good news.
  Thank-you to everyone who has been so thoughtful ~your cards, kindness and prayers are much appreciated. 

Birthday cards and chemo

The week began with lots of wonderful birthday cards filled with warm wishes.  Today was round 5 and it went really smooth- nice Birthday present! The sun was shining, blood levels were good and he's actually gained some weight :) The side effects seem to lessen with each round and even our nurse thinks he looks really good. We hit Dairy Queen on the way home for his favorite vanilla soft serve. The fatigue is still an issue but he's in good spirits and trying to stay positive. A very Happy Birthday all things considered.

Happy Easter

As we begin the Holiday weekend, Kenny is feeling pretty good- still extremely tired, but good. We are grateful for the off weeks that allow him to rebuild his strength and blood counts before the next round. Unfortunately, the next round is Tuesday April 22nd- Kennys 53rd birthday. But, he's being a good sport about it :)  and usually the fatigue hits harder the day after chemo so he should be able to enjoy his birthday cake.
We'd like to wish all our family and friends a wonderful Easter and thank you all for your love and support.

Round Four

    So the new system at St Francis still has a few kinks. Chemo yesterday took only 6 hours rather than 7 like last week! ( It should take around 4). Kennys bloodwork was very good and he's maintaining his weight- and his hair :) He is still very tired but his appetite is good and he doesn't seem to have any of the other side effects of weeks past.            Unfortunately, now that he's feeling a little better, boredom is setting in.  Next week - no chemo then two more rounds before a CT scan to check on the progress. 
Thank you all for the love, prayers and cards.

No April fools for Round 3

Today Kenny felt better than he has in a long time.  The Dr. feels this is a good sign that the current treatment is working and we will continue this course for 3 more rounds. 
St Francis put into place a new computerized system- starting today- April fools day- boy were they tempting fate. Needless to say it was an Epic failure. All the staff stayed in good spirits despite all the delays and glitches. Our appt was for 10 a.m.- we saw the Dr and then Kenny waited until 2:35 before he was finally hooked up to the chemo- he finished  at 5:15 p.m.... really long day. The Dr. says that people build up a tolerance to the side effects of chemo so we're hoping that this round will be a little easier on his system than the last two.  Positive thoughts :)

Night before Round 3

Tomorrow we meet with the Dr. before chemo. This past week has been okay, still very tired with some discomfort but overall okay. We have a lot of questions for the Dr. - hoping for a few answers. Kenny has enjoyed the cards and well wishes. Our continued thanks for all your love and support.

A Week of Rest

It's been a good week! He's really tired and not really hungry but the overall discomfort is less and he's eating and keeping hydrated.  Now he has a week off from chemo to build up his strength for the next round. Hoping that Spring brings plenty of Sunshine and energy.

March 19th

The new meds seem to be doing the trick! Today was so much better than last Wednesday. He ate some food and is in good spirits too :)

Chemo- round 2

   3/18/14     Todays bloodwork was very good. They changed the anti-nausea meds and added a new one to take at home (fingers crossed). 
  After he has the bloodwork,  he meets with the Dr or APRN , then gets moved to a room where the chemo meds take about 4 hrs to drip in.  We try to get plenty of nutrition in today just in case tomorrow isn't great.  A stop at Dairy Queen on the way home is just what the Dr ordered. 
  Thank-you again for your love and prayers.

March 16th

Feeling much better.  Corned beef dinner tastes much better than the ensure! Tuesday is the next chemo. We spoke to the Dr and they will be trying a new anti-nausea drug to see if it reduces the bounce-back time. Thanks for the prayers and well wishes.

March 14th

Today was better, still no appetite but his sense of humor has returned.  Watched a little Spring training. Drinking fluids to stay hydrated and getting plenty of rest.

Chemo begins

March 11th- Chemo day one:  A very long day. They placed a port-a-cath in Kennys upper chest to make chemo and bloodwork easier. From there we went over to the Cancer Center for the first round of Chemo. They do it slowly at first to check for allergies or reactions. 2 types of medicine- one has a 90 minute feed and the other a 60 minute feed. But for the first day, it took almost twice as long. Kenny felt pretty good during the chemo- tired but good. 

March 12th:The fatigue remained and the nausea began- even with the meds, food isn't an interest. Nourishment comes from the strawberry ensure.

March 13th: Nausea still here- keeping hydrated is an issue. 

Kenny's Story

Kenny was healthy till he wasn't. It started with what we thought was a pulled muscle... or maybe a hernia. The PCP said it wasn't muscular and told us to wait to see if anything showed up on an already scheduled routine colonoscopy. We moved up the colonoscopy and it was clear but thankfully the Colon Dr ordered a CT scan. From there things moved quickly. Endoscopy and then PET scan- confirmed diagnosis- stomach cancer. 

After meeting with the Oncologist, we were told that surgery wasn't an option at this time and it was decided that chemo would begin right away.

This blog is only meant to update family and friends as we travel the path to recovery. A way to check in on his day to day well-being. We appreciate your prayers and thank each of you for your love and support.