Slow & Steady Wins the Race!

Tuesday, July 13, 2010 – Came home for lunch today and Kellee showed me the tiniest bit of growth of hair on his sideburns where he had lost some because of the radiation treatments. It could be some growth is returning to at least that location. Still no sign of anything hair growth on the rest of his head. Kellee said he thinks since the radiation was shot into his brain from different angles, when hair growth does return to his head it might not all come back at the same rate which could make for some interesting hair patterns on his head. However, the sideburns growth is another positive sign that normalcy will return, eve though it will take time.

This Disappearing Act is NOT an Illusion!

Monday, July 12, 2010 – We started getting up this morning @ 4:50 am so we could be ready to leave by 6:00 so we could check in for the MRI @ 7:30. It wasn’t just Kellee, Heidi & Kent who had to get up and compete for a bathroom and shower, Kory’s work shift was to start @ 6:00 as well, so we had to time it all out in specific intervals. (Plus there was also a “special guest” in the house, which added a whole other dimension which we may possibly blog about at a later time.) We did not quite make our 6:00 departure time, but that did not matter because shortly after we arrived @ the University of Iowa Hospitals and Kellee completely the obligatory paperwork, (the same one for the umpteenth time) he was called in for the MRI.  Kellee was out from the MRI in about 30 minutes. Since we now had some extra time before we were to meet with Dr. S. the Radiation doctor, so we decided to walk through the catacombs of the lower level to the Radiation Therapy department. We were proud of ourselves because we did not get lost!  We checked in at Radiation Therapy early and were called in fairly quickly. After the initial blood pressure, body temperature and weight check, we were led into Exam room #4. After a brief visit with nurse Kelly, a short time later Dr. S. came in and we discussed how Kellee has been feeling lately. (See previous post “Update on how Kellee is feeling…) We were concerned because it seemed for the first three weeks after Radiation Therapy was completed Kellee was feeling better and stronger each day and he has stopped taking Zofran, (anti nausea meds). But now lately Kellee had been not feeling as great. The doctor assured us things will get better, it just takes time. Even though the treatments are over, the side effects can last for quite a while. He even encouraged Kellee to go back on the Zofran for a while to help him get over the hump of how he now feels. After we talked about this for a while he said to us; “I have good news about the MRI!” (See images below.)  He then proceeded to pull up the MRI and we could see side by side images of he MRI from March 11, and today, July 12. The tumor that was clearly visible in the 3-11 MRI was not there! Not a trace of tumor, could not even see any scar tissue!  (Praise God!) Even though the doctor told us the germinoma tumor was very treatable with radiation and he fully expected the tumor to be gone, it was great to hear it was gone and even better to see the images! (With the tumor gone, it means no need for further treatment, such as chemo!) The doctor said he expected Kellee would be feeling much better in 3 months, which is when the next MRI will be scheduled. Then in 6 months there will be even more improvement and in a year he should be close to back to “normal.” So in other words; Patience grasshopper, many moon must pass before full health is restored. Now is the time to leave behind the typical American mindset of  “I want it now!”  So when you offer up a prayer of Thanksgiving for this miracle, please consider also praying for patience during this next year of recovery! Thank-you all from praying for us!

Some people have asked about Kellee’s vision, has there been any improvement? Not yet. In 3 months when the next MRI will be scheduled, Kellee will also meet with the ophthalmologist the same day and they will run some more tests to check if there has been any improvement. This too will take time.

Side View MRI on 3-11-2010 - White Spot in center is Tumor

Side View MRI on 7-12-2010 Tumor is GONE!

Rear View MRI on 3-11-2010 - White spot in center is tumor.

Rear View MRI on 7-12-2010 Tumor is GONE!

Update on how Kellee is feeling…

 Wednesday, July 7, 2010 -  Here is part of an update Heidi sent out via email to her email address book with a few updates from me:

Overall Kellee has been feeling ok.  He tires more quickly than normal, has extra sensitivity which feels like a sunburn but isn’t, chills,  back pain and other strange feelings which we were told to expect but it still is hard to see.  This past weekend it almost seemed like he took a few steps back. The other night he told me he felt much like he did when he was first having side effects of the Radiation Treatments. He was experiencing the funny taste in his mouth, so eating was not fun. In fact he even got sick one night and thought he was going to again the next night. Another cause for concern is when Kellee moves from either a laying or sitting position to standing up, he gets a splitting headache which can last from 5 seconds to 15 seconds on, sometimes longer. The pain is similar to ”Ice pick head” or “brain Freeze” when eating homemade ice cream too fast.   I find myself asking him “how are you feeling?” probably much more than Kellee likes. Heidi and I are planning to go to St. Louis this coming weekend, but have started to have second thoughts about it, not wanting to leave with Kellee not feeling great.  However tonight he told us not to worry about him and go ahead and travel. Besides, Kerry will be around as well to keep an eye on him.

Tonight Kellee accompanied Heidi and I to Ottumwa to a food taste testing at “The Vine”, which is a new coffee shop scheduled to open in August and at which Kerry will be a co-manager. (We will share more about this at a later time.)  It was good to see where it will be located and to taste some of the food that might be on the menu. 

Kellee continues leading worship at The Bridge each Sunday, working on his worship loops website, goes kayaking and tubing, and the band has played a few shows too – so he’s doing his normal things pretty well, just can’t do too many of them in one day. 

July 18 Sons & Heirs (the band) is scheduled to lead worship at the 10:30 service at TRC.

Monday July 12 Kellee has another MRI and we meet with the radiation oncologist to see what the MRI says.  Our hope and prayer is that the tumor is completely gone – which the Dr’s think will be the case, but as the day draws closer my anxiety increases!  Kellee remains strong and solid in his faith – what a blessing to see!

Thank you all for continued prayer as we walk this journey.  We will update again after the July 12 MRI.

An Insurance Twist!

Last week Kellee got a letter in the mail telling him his health care insurance provider had been placed into rehabilitation by the court. (Bankruptcy?)  The letter was to inform him he was entitled to uninterrupted insurance coverage because another insurance provider would be taking over the policy. Customers with insurance from his current provider will be covered as there will be no stipulations about pre-existing conditions, etc. (Nothing however was mentioned about what policy costs and how they might change, if at all)  There will be a follow-up letter coming in the mail to which Kellee is to respond without delay so he can switch over to the new insurance provider. It will be interesting to see what comes of this…

Smokey Row and a Show

Wednesday, June, 23, 2010  – Kellee performed some songs at Smokey Row, which for those who may not know is a coffee-house in Pella, Iowa. There was a show put on which was to raise some money for Crossroads of Pella and Kellee was one of the four who performed. First there was a stand-up comedian (Andrew L.) who also was from Pella. I am told he was nervous before the show because he knew at this show he could not use his potty mouth which I guess he is wont to do often when he performs. Turns out he was very funny and he didn’t use any off-color language at all. Let that be a lesson, you can be clean and funny at the same time! Next when Robbie F. one of Kellee’s HS class mates. He played guitar and sang three originals songs and some covers. Kellee was up next and he performed  mostly originals but he did do one mash-up medley of a bunch of songs which I am not sure who they were all by, I do know one was by Lady Ga Ga. He shared the inspiration of a couple of his songs in the middle of his set. He said something like, “Without going into a great deal of detail, the last three months have been, well tough. But from the experience some songs came to me, I feel I actually  co-wrote them with inspiration from God, this next song is God speaking to me.” Kellee then sang his song “Come to Me.” It was a special moment!  He was able to share his faith and he did it so naturally and did not sound preachy and his songs were well received.  Heidi and I were so proud of him and very glad we went to the show.  The entire family was at the show that night. Kory went a little early and called us to say he had a booth for us to sit in. Later Kerry came with a group of friends who were in town for their Wednesday Movie Night came as well. Also grandma Faithe was there too! After his show the mom of the stand-up comedian asked if Kellee has any CD’s for sale, when we said he didn’t, she told us she thought he should. (Later that night Kellee burned a CD of his songs to give to her.) The last performer of the night was Richard S another high school class mate of Kellee’s. He performed mostly originals and he played keyboard as he sang. It was a fun night and we enjoyed the evening of fun and music!

Link to Kellee’s songs:

http://www.myspace.com/kelleevanhemertmusic

Kellee singing at Smokey Row

Grandma Faithe & Kory at Smokey Row

Kent & Heidi at Smokey Row

Kellee sings some more

For a Wedding and Fun for all, plus next MRI is scheduled.

Friday, June 18, 2010 -  Kellee got a phone call from Iowa City, his next MRI is scheduled for July 12. With this MRI we will hopefully find out the final results of all the radiation treatments. What if anything will be seen in the MRI? Will there be any remnants of the tumor (scar tissue?) or will it be completely gone? We are hoping and praying for the later.

Saturday, June 19, 2010 – Heidi & I went to a wedding. The son of a couple of friend of ours got married in Pella @ TRC and then the reception was at a golf and country club in Des Moines. The wedding was very simple and elegant and reception was well planned and efficient. We had assigned seats at tables during the meal seating and we were very near the dance floor, which turned out to be some of the best seats in the banquet hall. We were up close for the couples first dance, which is what actually started the evening festivities.  We had a very good time but had only one picture taken of us. We should have had a few more because it was such a nice setting.

Kent & Heidi at wedding reception

Can you see me (double) now?

Monday, June  14, 2010 -  We left for Iowa City this morning @ 7:00 to see the ophthalmologist for a follow-up visit which was scheduled back on March 11. We first talked to a nurse who asked some follow-up questions and then she gave Kellee a basic vision test. After that she took Kellee to have some other tests which including taking eye measurements to determine to what degree his eye was “off’ and therefore causing the double vision. Kellee said he could not even begin to explain the tests. He did say the tests were conducted in the pediatric vision area, so he got to watch a bit of Toy Story during the testing. To infinity and beyond!  While Kellee was watching a movie Heidi & I were in the waiting room. I brought a book to read, Byzantium by Stephen Lawhead, a book Kory wanted me to read since he really like reading about and studying  Byzantium. Heidi was reading a magazine since she did not bring a book to read, which is a role reversal for us. She usually brings the reading material and I look at the pictures in the magazines.  After the testing we were taken to another exam room and first met with a resident doc, Dr. Chen. She did some tests and even had Heidi and I watch as she did one test where we could see how one of the eyes did not move like the other. We asked her if she expected for the double vision to lessen or go away. She explained since the nerve(s) were pinched by the tumor and not damaged (such as by a stroke), she expected the vision to improve, but to what degree  was hard to say. Stroke damaged nerves typically do not improve. Later Dr. L. came in and talked to us as well. He was the doctor Kellee first saw on March 11 and the one who scheduled the inital MRI that discovered the tumor. He informed us that the degree to which Kellee’s eye is off is actually very slight and there was a very good chance it will improve. It would not take much of improvement for Kellee to notice improvement in vision. The doctor said, to Kellee even though the degree of which his eye is off is slight, it still seems like a big problem to him, Kellee concurred. But the doctor again assured us it was only slightly “off”. He said if there was no improvement over time, it would be very correctable with surgery. We asked how long of a wait would he recommend before surgery, was he thinking 6 months or years? He said not years but one year. Kellee asked how major of a surgery would it be? Dr. L. said compared to what he had just been through, not major at all. (Later Kellee told us he was actually asking how major as in “cost” would it be? So that question is still not answered.) He did want to see Kellee again in 4-6 months so they can check to see if there has been any progress. They will try to coordinated with Dr S. in Radiation Therapy to schedule the next appointment at the same time as the 4 month MRI to save us a trip.  This brings us to the prayer request for the double vision. Pray the vision will improve and for patience during this next year as the vision improves!

Party by the Lake

Friday, June 11, 2010 – Party by the lake, there were at least two reasons to party this night. Kent & Heidi’s 27th wedding anniversary, but number two and the real reason for the party was a celebration of the end of radiation treatment for Kellee (Radiation Graduation)! The party was arranged by a couple of Kellee’s friends, Sarah G. and Julie L. Heidi and Kent were there for logistical support, grilling and celebration.  It was basically a low-key event, there were a couple of yard games to play; bean bag toss and cowboy golf (I may be wrong to what it is actually called but it involves golf balls on string tossed at a plastic frame work). Food was brought to share, meat to cook by fire and assorted sweet.  Kellee had the opportunity to share his experience with those who came and give the glory to God. Kellee was really touched and excited about the people who came from The Bridge to help celebrate. It was a very warm night and we had a good time with a great reason to celebrate.   

Master Grillers (?) John Sloan, KVH & Don Caldwell at work...

Sarah G. and other participants in the festivities

Kellee showing off his bean bag form.

Our Outdoor conditioned air.

Julia and Heidi chatting & relaxing.

Master Gardener?

Thursday, June 1o, 2010 – I may or may not have mentioned in a previous post that this year I decided to leave the gardening u to Kerry this year since he volunteered. Planting time came right at the beginning of Kellee’s treatments and going back and forth to Iowa City, the only way the garden was going to happen this year was if Kerry took over. Kerry did a great job of planting the garden and we appreciated him doing it! Now comes the hard work of weeding, fertilizing, etc. This week Kerry has been at a camp being  a counselor for kids who come from abused and neglected situations. Therefore, the garden is not being attended to this week. Kellee decided to help Kerry out today so he went out after the rain and did some weeding in the garden. Not only was it great Kellee was willing to help weed the garden, but that he was feeling well enough to do it was another sign how he is feeling better and getting stronger! PTL

Kellee knee deep in weeds!Kellee working in the garden

Kellee working in the garden

An Open Invitation to Party Time!

Two parties to mention; One was this past Sunday, June 6, 2010. Heidi, Kellee and I went up to my sister Sue’s in Waverly for a quick visit. (Oh and we had a few stow-aways on the trip too, my dad, Heidi’s mom and my sister Cindy, who by the way has a birthday coming up on July 2 that end’s in a zero!) Sue’s daughter Annie was back in Waverly to play the pie-ano for a marrying and she wanted to meet with old friends and family, or was it friends and old family? Annie’s does have an aunt with a birthday coming up that ends in a zero. We drove up to Waverly after Kellee got back from The Bridge in Ottumwa, so we didn’t leave until around 1:00. We had sandwiches for Kellee to eat in the van on the way up. He was even able to catch a few “Z’s” on the way up as well.  We got there shortly after 3:00, ate some snacks, played a few games, chatted and left for Pella around 6:00. It was a lot of car time, especially for Kellee having already driven to and from Ottumwa earlier in the day, but it was well worth it!. Sue,  Annie (& T,J, Annie’s little bro)  got to see Kellee and catch up a bit about the whole brain tumor, treatment ordeal. 

Annie & Kellee playing some game with golf balls on a string

Kellee watching Heidi & Faithe play the golf ball on a string game.

Can you tell the two on the left are sisters, one of which has a birthday ending in a zero soon?

The next party to mention is coming up on Friday, June 11, 2010 at Red Rock Fifield Shelter #2  from 6:00 – 11:00 pm. to celebrate the end of Kellee’s radiation! This party is being thrown by some of Kellee’s friends and want anyone who wants to celebrate with Kellee to come on over. Everyone is asked to bring a side dish to share and B.Y.O.B. (bring your own beverages) and B.Y.O.M.T.G (bring your own meat to grill.) There will be people there to man the grills so you won’t have to actually do any grilling. Table service will be provided. Do not park on the grass but do come if you can! Oh, and if you were looking for one more reason to  come celebrate with us; on June 11, 1983, Kellee’s parents were married. 

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