Celebrations

On May 22nd we had a double celebration. Darrell graduated from Red Mountain High School and Ken had a birthday. He turned 51 years old. It was a bit of a crazy day, because of the weather. It was cold (in Arizona?) and rained a lot of the day. Darrell's graduation was scheduled outdoor. Because of the weather the school administrators split the graduates up. A-L in the auditorium and L-Z in the gym. We were in the gym. We only got 2 tickets per graduate. Some people were very upset. After the graduation ceremony we met back at our house for a graduation/birthday party. It worked out fine. We definitely are grateful for Darrell's graduation and for how good Ken is feeling right now, considering everything. We love each of you and feel your love concern, and support as we go through a difficult time.

Ken starts his 4th chemotherapy on Wednesday. He feels fairly well. He still says that he will be grateful when food tastes right again. The cold induced neuropathy is hanging on longer this time. It will be interesting to see if the Doctor adjust the doseage of the oxaliplatin. We will let you know how it goes.

Round "3"

Yesterday, (5/14/08) Ken started his 3rd round of Chemotherapy. He wasn't too anxious to start that process again, but he is making big efforts to keep his chin up. He is still feeling quite well so far, but he is having to be more careful about the cold induced neuropathy. It is getting more pronounced. We are trying to be creative about individually packaged food that can be stored on the shelf not in the fridge. Any way thank you for all the concern and the support. We love you.

Keep your fingers crossed!

So far Ken's second round of chemo has gone much better than the first. He started his anti-nausea medicine on Wed. April 30th, (the first day of chemo) and has kept it going since. He doesn't feel great and he is searching for something to eat that will help, but he hasn't thrown-up this time around. We are so grateful for the that. He says that he has a weird undescribable awful taste in his mouth that he can't get rid of. Another side effect that he is dealing with is temporary neuropathy which is that he can't touch or drink anything cold because his nerves are highly sensitive. It is hard to describe the sensation, but when he drinks or eats anything cold it feels like his throat is closing off. The doctor also decribed it as the pins and needles feeling when a foot or leg has fallen asleep. This side effect is cumulative and can become permanent if not watched carefully. It is very bizarre. Thanks again for all your prayers and support. It means so much and definitely bears us up.

Ken after two days of his chemo. Looking pretty chipper!

Ken taking a break before he goes in to get his pump removed and receives his shot of neulasta.

A close up look at the pump that he wears for 48 hours.

Fathers and Sons

Last weekend (April 25th and 26th) was father and son's campout. After enduring the effort of getting ready for it, Ken said that he enjoyed his time away. He enjoyed the boys, his brother Nathan and nephews and of course his tent trailer(acquired last year). I sent my camera with him so we would have photos to include, but I didn't think to remind him to have some one snap a few of him. So the following photos are with Ken behind the camera enjoying a week without chemo.

Darrell sleeping and Brycen getting in his screen time while at Father and son's. April 26

Reddin with a soda. The snacks and drinks make the camp out fun right?

Nathan Legler and Darrell in front of the tent trailer we bought last year. This is the first Father and son's that it has been to.

Just relaxing and hanging out with cousins. Left to right: Sam Legler, Nathan Legler, Brycen, Reddin, and Justin Legler