Tuesday, October 16, 2018
Goodbye
We had to say goodbye to Lee this Tuesday, October 16 @ 2:04 a.m. He was surrounded by family and many prayers.
Monday, October 15, 2018
Duke and more
It is very difficult to post a blog tonight because Lee is very sick. Currently he is in the medical intensive care unit at Duke Hospital.
Last Tuesday, Oct. 10 he was administered a new chemotherapy drug. It was new only to Lee. On Wednesday afternoon he began to get very sick with intestinal problems. I called Duke Oncology and was told to give Imodium AD and clear liquids. By morning he seemed fine, and requested some applesauce and dry toast . One bite determined he could not eat, and within the hour was rolling in mid-abdominal pain. I called Duke again . We were told to go immediateliy to the nearest ER.
After completing the day in the ER, we learned he had pancreatitis. He was admitted to Frye to control pain, rest and evaluate his condition. After 24 hours he was transferred to Duke by ambulance, and admitted to ICU.
Now after having been at Duke 24+ hours this is what know:
1. Pancreatitis
2. Septicemia ( e-Coli And 2 other types)
3. A blocked gallbladder and cbdx
4. Beginning kidney failure
5. Confused and Dissoriented at times
6. Obstruction middle lobe cancerous lung
We also know that all this is the result of the very powerful chemotherapy. It is apparent that all his vital organs are struggling to survive.
Lee loves loves life .. Each morning he begins the day with thankfulness for yet, another day. He then prays for another one.
Thank you for your commitment to prayer during
Our difficult day and the ones ahead.
More later....................................Brenda
Last Tuesday, Oct. 10 he was administered a new chemotherapy drug. It was new only to Lee. On Wednesday afternoon he began to get very sick with intestinal problems. I called Duke Oncology and was told to give Imodium AD and clear liquids. By morning he seemed fine, and requested some applesauce and dry toast . One bite determined he could not eat, and within the hour was rolling in mid-abdominal pain. I called Duke again . We were told to go immediateliy to the nearest ER.
After completing the day in the ER, we learned he had pancreatitis. He was admitted to Frye to control pain, rest and evaluate his condition. After 24 hours he was transferred to Duke by ambulance, and admitted to ICU.
Now after having been at Duke 24+ hours this is what know:
1. Pancreatitis
2. Septicemia ( e-Coli And 2 other types)
3. A blocked gallbladder and cbdx
4. Beginning kidney failure
5. Confused and Dissoriented at times
6. Obstruction middle lobe cancerous lung
We also know that all this is the result of the very powerful chemotherapy. It is apparent that all his vital organs are struggling to survive.
Lee loves loves life .. Each morning he begins the day with thankfulness for yet, another day. He then prays for another one.
Thank you for your commitment to prayer during
Our difficult day and the ones ahead.
More later....................................Brenda
Wednesday, October 3, 2018
Duke Visit and PET scan yesterday
This is an update for Lee with a report of the PET scan on October 2. We have to admit that we both had mixed feelings concerning the unknown events that could possibly unfold. Lee's increasing fatigue had advanced to the point of having to ambulate with the aid of the rolator. The recliner for sleep was beginning to become a major part of his day. In addition, his appetite had waned and food had become something he did not look forward to. So it was in light of those negatives that we left for Duke as we tried to prepare ourselves for the worst while praying for some good answers.
Praise the Lord! The report from the PET was good! The scan showed there was NO cancer anywhere else in Lee's body and the cancer had not moved or spread into his lung any more. The report was a bit strange and difficult for us to follow but after the two radiologist answered all our questions we could begin to understand their description of the scan. In layman's terms it essentially means that the cancer cells inside the tumor have been completely killed by the chemo drugs; however in the process the tumor size had somehow "expanded" and there are tumor cells on the outside of the tumor that need to be eradicated. Imagine an egg where the inside has been destroyed, expanded the shell and still has some cancer on the shell.
This report was encouraging and we were told that there will NOT be radiation because it would hurt the existing good lung and it would make Lee very sick. It was recommended that Lee continue another session with chemo, but with another drug. He will do one session every three weeks and each session will last one hour. Sons , Lee Jr., Todd, and Doug will continue taking turns to go with their Dad as they have been doing so faithfully since this began last March. We are blessed to have them!
We are grateful that we were able to attend Lee's high school class reunion on September 22. He had decided earlier that he was too tired to go, but on the day before he worked hard to regain some strength and enjoyed seeing all his friends. A big thank-you to all those who helped make that evening very special for him!
Now, we just need to pray for Lee to regain his appetite and some energy! As our SS class at First Baptist keeps reminding us.........Lee is such a trooper!
More Later........................................Brenda
Praise the Lord! The report from the PET was good! The scan showed there was NO cancer anywhere else in Lee's body and the cancer had not moved or spread into his lung any more. The report was a bit strange and difficult for us to follow but after the two radiologist answered all our questions we could begin to understand their description of the scan. In layman's terms it essentially means that the cancer cells inside the tumor have been completely killed by the chemo drugs; however in the process the tumor size had somehow "expanded" and there are tumor cells on the outside of the tumor that need to be eradicated. Imagine an egg where the inside has been destroyed, expanded the shell and still has some cancer on the shell.
This report was encouraging and we were told that there will NOT be radiation because it would hurt the existing good lung and it would make Lee very sick. It was recommended that Lee continue another session with chemo, but with another drug. He will do one session every three weeks and each session will last one hour. Sons , Lee Jr., Todd, and Doug will continue taking turns to go with their Dad as they have been doing so faithfully since this began last March. We are blessed to have them!
We are grateful that we were able to attend Lee's high school class reunion on September 22. He had decided earlier that he was too tired to go, but on the day before he worked hard to regain some strength and enjoyed seeing all his friends. A big thank-you to all those who helped make that evening very special for him!
Now, we just need to pray for Lee to regain his appetite and some energy! As our SS class at First Baptist keeps reminding us.........Lee is such a trooper!
More Later........................................Brenda
Friday, September 21, 2018
CT Scan on Sept. 18
Once again, Lee and I were positively anticipating the CT Scan of his lung in that we were hoping to once again be told that the cancer was reducing. That was not the report we received. In fact, as it turned out, we really did not get a report.
The pictures of the CT scan were shared by the oncologist and the report was that the scan was too obliterated to even see the tumor, much less be able to identify the size. The question now is, what was causing the inability to view the lesion on the lung. According to the doctor who explained the image, they are not sure. It could be fluid on the lung or something else which no one seemed to want to speculate at that point.
So in view of that report, The chemotherapy that was scheduled for that afternoon was canceled and Lee has now been scheduled for a PET scan in two weeks, on October 2. We have been told that the PET will give a more in-depth view and should answer all our questions. He will also have an appointment at that time with the radiation physician. This was very confusing because Lee had been told in June that the tumor had diminished in size, and radiation was not part of the future plan because it would create too much scarring of his lung.
Not only are we both very confused, we are disappointed. The only positive thing going for Lee right now is that without any chemotherapy for the next two weeks or more we are hoping he might regain some strength and appetite. I believe he had reached the point in his treatment when it had become imperative for him to rest and take a break.
I wish I could write a more positive blog today, but I really do not know what his future is at this time in his therapy. I will ask you for your continued prayers in this overwhelming assault on Lee's body. Please pray that he will be able to regain some strength and appetite. I ask you to pray for me and the children so that we will continue to help Lee in his fight by keeping a positive attitude and showing an abundance of love that we all have for him.
More Later........................................Brenda
The pictures of the CT scan were shared by the oncologist and the report was that the scan was too obliterated to even see the tumor, much less be able to identify the size. The question now is, what was causing the inability to view the lesion on the lung. According to the doctor who explained the image, they are not sure. It could be fluid on the lung or something else which no one seemed to want to speculate at that point.
So in view of that report, The chemotherapy that was scheduled for that afternoon was canceled and Lee has now been scheduled for a PET scan in two weeks, on October 2. We have been told that the PET will give a more in-depth view and should answer all our questions. He will also have an appointment at that time with the radiation physician. This was very confusing because Lee had been told in June that the tumor had diminished in size, and radiation was not part of the future plan because it would create too much scarring of his lung.
Not only are we both very confused, we are disappointed. The only positive thing going for Lee right now is that without any chemotherapy for the next two weeks or more we are hoping he might regain some strength and appetite. I believe he had reached the point in his treatment when it had become imperative for him to rest and take a break.
I wish I could write a more positive blog today, but I really do not know what his future is at this time in his therapy. I will ask you for your continued prayers in this overwhelming assault on Lee's body. Please pray that he will be able to regain some strength and appetite. I ask you to pray for me and the children so that we will continue to help Lee in his fight by keeping a positive attitude and showing an abundance of love that we all have for him.
More Later........................................Brenda
Monday, September 17, 2018
Delinquent Me
Delinquent meaning one who has failed in their duty to follow through on an obligation ( BLOG) would be named Brenda. I am a month behind in keeping you up to date regarding happenings around Lee and his chemotherapy treatments.
I suppose one reason I have not written the blog is because he has had some really hard days during the entire month of August and as of today. In the beginning the chemo treatments after day three caused a lot of fatigue that lasted about three days and then he quickly recovered. At that time there was mild nausea, but no loss of appetite. Things begin to change by the end of July and all of August. It was then that the nausea, even though mild, was interfering with his appetite. Food no longer tasted as it once did. He had to force himself to eat most of his meals. Breakfast seemed to be the easiest one and he could consume more food in the early hours. Lunch changed to liquids only, usually instant breakfast supplemented with ice cream. Gatorade was encouraged in the afternoons along with a sometimes snack of peanut butter cracker. The evening meal became his choice of whatever he thought he could eat. Prior to each meal, he began to say "keep the portions small". His weight loss has begun to become more obvious.
In addition to the food issue, Lee began to sleep more and more. He retires each evening around 9-10, or sometimes earlier. It is never later. He sleeps until 8:30-9:30 each morning. Those 12 hour nights are in addition to the 4-5 hours accumulated during the day. I find myself waking him during the day and reminding him to move around, walk and/try to drink more fluids.
As you can imagine, this schedule is making him weaker. He does try to go a few places and we continue to enjoy our Sunday School on Sunday mornings. He can still drive his truck, and enjoys short trips around the neighborhood. On good days, he still has lunch with his buddies at Shorty's Short Stop about 2-3 miles from our house.
Tomorrow, September 18, I will go with him and his son, Lee Jr. to Duke oncology. He is scheduled for a CT scan of his lung. He will spent some time with his oncologist and I would like to be there for the report. It will be another long day that begins at 9:30 and ends around 9:30. I am fortunate to have Lee Jr. along with us to do the driving. I can probably rest on the way home. Unfortunately, I am still dealing with a knee that needs surgery. I have been waiting on this CT report before I make a decision as to the date.
We are praying that the tumor has once again reduced in size and that Lee can take a much needed break from the chemotherapy. I will send another blog later this week.
More Later....................................................Brenda
I suppose one reason I have not written the blog is because he has had some really hard days during the entire month of August and as of today. In the beginning the chemo treatments after day three caused a lot of fatigue that lasted about three days and then he quickly recovered. At that time there was mild nausea, but no loss of appetite. Things begin to change by the end of July and all of August. It was then that the nausea, even though mild, was interfering with his appetite. Food no longer tasted as it once did. He had to force himself to eat most of his meals. Breakfast seemed to be the easiest one and he could consume more food in the early hours. Lunch changed to liquids only, usually instant breakfast supplemented with ice cream. Gatorade was encouraged in the afternoons along with a sometimes snack of peanut butter cracker. The evening meal became his choice of whatever he thought he could eat. Prior to each meal, he began to say "keep the portions small". His weight loss has begun to become more obvious.
In addition to the food issue, Lee began to sleep more and more. He retires each evening around 9-10, or sometimes earlier. It is never later. He sleeps until 8:30-9:30 each morning. Those 12 hour nights are in addition to the 4-5 hours accumulated during the day. I find myself waking him during the day and reminding him to move around, walk and/try to drink more fluids.
As you can imagine, this schedule is making him weaker. He does try to go a few places and we continue to enjoy our Sunday School on Sunday mornings. He can still drive his truck, and enjoys short trips around the neighborhood. On good days, he still has lunch with his buddies at Shorty's Short Stop about 2-3 miles from our house.
Tomorrow, September 18, I will go with him and his son, Lee Jr. to Duke oncology. He is scheduled for a CT scan of his lung. He will spent some time with his oncologist and I would like to be there for the report. It will be another long day that begins at 9:30 and ends around 9:30. I am fortunate to have Lee Jr. along with us to do the driving. I can probably rest on the way home. Unfortunately, I am still dealing with a knee that needs surgery. I have been waiting on this CT report before I make a decision as to the date.
We are praying that the tumor has once again reduced in size and that Lee can take a much needed break from the chemotherapy. I will send another blog later this week.
More Later....................................................Brenda
Tuesday, August 14, 2018
Pulmonary Appointment
Yesterday, August 13, was Lee's assigned appointment for a check-up with the Pulmonary doctor, commonly referred to as the transplant doctor. It is necessary from time to time for him to continue those check-ups along with the other scheduled appointments with the oncology doctors.
It does get a bit confusing when we and they try very hard to coordinate appointments along with the oncology one. I suppose the long 3-hour drive to and from Durham engages those of the medical profession to try to help us reduce our travel times by putting them all on the same day. It does reduce travel time, however it makes for a very long and tiring day for lee. We are always thankful for their help in this matter.
The appointment yesterday was just pulmonary and it was with Lee's favorite doctor that he has had for the past three years. His demeanor is one of patience and calm. This works favorably with Lee, especially in the event he has to face another crisis. Lee had the usual clinic day beginning with labs, x-ray, respiratory function tests and finally, a visit with his doctor to learn all the results from the tests done earlier.
The good news is that all tests were within the expected range for Lee based on his tests this past year. The respiratory function test was down a few points, but not enough to warrant further investigation at this time. He was given a prescription for Flonase for a nasal drainage that is causing his cough. The persistent cough he has had for months is not from his lung.
He and son, Lee, Jr had begun their day by leaving at the early hour of 5;15 a.m. but were able to complete the clinic visit around 11;00. They had lunch in Burlington and were home by 3:00. All in all, it was a good day. We are thankful for the good reports from the clinic visit.
Lee returns to oncology clinic next week on Wednesday, August 22. He continues to have chemo every other week. Another CT scan of his lung will be done on September 18. We are hoping the chemotherapy will change to be more tolerable or completed for Lee.
More later.......................................................Brenda
It does get a bit confusing when we and they try very hard to coordinate appointments along with the oncology one. I suppose the long 3-hour drive to and from Durham engages those of the medical profession to try to help us reduce our travel times by putting them all on the same day. It does reduce travel time, however it makes for a very long and tiring day for lee. We are always thankful for their help in this matter.
The appointment yesterday was just pulmonary and it was with Lee's favorite doctor that he has had for the past three years. His demeanor is one of patience and calm. This works favorably with Lee, especially in the event he has to face another crisis. Lee had the usual clinic day beginning with labs, x-ray, respiratory function tests and finally, a visit with his doctor to learn all the results from the tests done earlier.
The good news is that all tests were within the expected range for Lee based on his tests this past year. The respiratory function test was down a few points, but not enough to warrant further investigation at this time. He was given a prescription for Flonase for a nasal drainage that is causing his cough. The persistent cough he has had for months is not from his lung.
He and son, Lee, Jr had begun their day by leaving at the early hour of 5;15 a.m. but were able to complete the clinic visit around 11;00. They had lunch in Burlington and were home by 3:00. All in all, it was a good day. We are thankful for the good reports from the clinic visit.
Lee returns to oncology clinic next week on Wednesday, August 22. He continues to have chemo every other week. Another CT scan of his lung will be done on September 18. We are hoping the chemotherapy will change to be more tolerable or completed for Lee.
More later.......................................................Brenda
Monday, July 30, 2018
Moving Forward!
Moving Forward may seem like an out of place title because there are so many days when Lee feels like he is making no progress and somehow moving backward. Today he is into the fifth day post chemotherapy as of Wednesday, July 25. The past two sessions of therapy seemed to attack his body harder than the ones previously. This extreme fatigue begins on the third day and at first lasted about three days. Unfortunately, the days of lethargy and fatigue have now stretched into a week or more. It seems as though he begins to recoup just in time to return for another therapy session that will knock him off his feet once again.
He will continue to return to Duke every other week for his drugs and right now he is on schedule for another CT scan on September 18. We are praying the results from the future scan will show as much progress in reducing the size of the tumor as the one done in June. I have said before that Lee Kanipe is the strongest man I have ever known, both in his physical stamina and his mental determination to excel and to win at any and all obstacles that come his way. As we pray together each morning to begin the day, Lee's prayer is that he asks for another day. He is not greedy in his request, he is thankful for yesterday, today and sends a request for just another day.
That is what I mean by the title of this blog. No matter what the circumstances that surround us, particularly Lee, he is always moving forward toward another day to face. In spite of a future full of questions, Lee continues to take care of his family. He has become a teacher of sorts, making sure that each of us know and understand so many of the things he has taught us over the years. I told him I needed to write a short book of "grandadisims" because everything he does is the best and the right way! We have begun to collect some of those as they are remembered.
So it is that today I will make that fresh peach pie from the large delicious peaches that Lee purchased on Saturday from the local fruit growers in the Vale area. We will begin planning a time to can tomatoes and maybe green beans from another local farmer. This, another day, will move forward as on all those past days when we have enjoyed the summer months.
More Later............................................................Brenda
He will continue to return to Duke every other week for his drugs and right now he is on schedule for another CT scan on September 18. We are praying the results from the future scan will show as much progress in reducing the size of the tumor as the one done in June. I have said before that Lee Kanipe is the strongest man I have ever known, both in his physical stamina and his mental determination to excel and to win at any and all obstacles that come his way. As we pray together each morning to begin the day, Lee's prayer is that he asks for another day. He is not greedy in his request, he is thankful for yesterday, today and sends a request for just another day.
That is what I mean by the title of this blog. No matter what the circumstances that surround us, particularly Lee, he is always moving forward toward another day to face. In spite of a future full of questions, Lee continues to take care of his family. He has become a teacher of sorts, making sure that each of us know and understand so many of the things he has taught us over the years. I told him I needed to write a short book of "grandadisims" because everything he does is the best and the right way! We have begun to collect some of those as they are remembered.
So it is that today I will make that fresh peach pie from the large delicious peaches that Lee purchased on Saturday from the local fruit growers in the Vale area. We will begin planning a time to can tomatoes and maybe green beans from another local farmer. This, another day, will move forward as on all those past days when we have enjoyed the summer months.
More Later............................................................Brenda
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