November Brought Us Good News and Gave Us Many Reasons to be Thankful

Hi Everyone,

I apologize for keeping people waiting on Kris' status. It took a long time for Kris' physical side effects to wear off but not long to start feeling healthy and looking great again. Because those physical side effects were still so prevalent, our monthly visits to the Oncologists were disappointing. We just wanted to hear good news...but instead we got no news. It was a waiting game. November brought GREAT NEWS! Kris received clearance from both his Radiation and Medical Oncologists that he is 99% cured of MALT Lymphoma in his eye. What a wonderful reason to be thankful!

Kris is now officially in remission and will have to continue careful watch for the next few years. He is so excited to conquer the world again.

Kris has been so touched by all of your prayers. We are so thankful for friends and families like you.

Tomorrow Marks Kris' Last Treatment

Pop the champagne, Kris has made it to his last day of treatment! Tomorrow, Kris will have finished 17 sessions of RT -- its been a long month but he is so happy it will be over with soon. This weekend Kris and I will be at a wedding up in Portland and are headed to a much needed vacation in Jackson Hole following that. In a few weeks Kris will have to take a few more tests to see whether or not the treatment has worked and removed the cancerous cells from his body. Promise to keep you posted. Xxx

Halfway Through Treatments

Kris has made it past the halfway point of his daily RT. Today's session will mark his 10th visit - only seven more to go after this! He's still feeling pretty good and I think he has his health to thank for fighting hard against all those negative side effects. He's been surprising doctors with his success thus far. His eye is a little sore, he is a little more tired, has a little less of an apetite and has developed sensitive skin on his face, arms, back and neck. Apparently its called a "radiation rash" which almost looks like a sunburn that has the tendency to spread to areas other than the one being treated. We've found that unscented Aveeno lotion does the trick but if it gets worse, the doctor can prescribe something stronger. The final stretch will definitely be harder on him - your support has been such a blessing and part of the reason Kris wants to tough this thing out. Thank you, everyone!

Radiation Is The Way to Go

Kris' MRI results showed his tumor is not located in the Lacrimal Gland. It has been determined that the best type of treatment for Kris is Radiation Therapy (RT). Last week, he was fit for a mesh mask that is bolted to the table so his head stays still. He likes to pretend he is a hockey player. And to be honest, he looks like that Mighty Duck mascot. Haha, sometimes you just have to laugh at this kind of stuff. Tomorrow, Kris will have his 4th session of RT. Right now, he's feeling great -- a good sign to doctors that his strength and great attitude will get him through the therapy just fine. His humor and tenacity are very admirable. This whole experience has emphasized just how precious life is.

Kris received a book called AntiCancer from a new and very dear friend of ours who has been battling Stage 4 NHL for three years. The book is highly recommended for anyone who has been touched by cancer.

Oh and one more thing -- July 21 is Kris' last day of treatments. We're on the countdown!!!

MRI to Determine Therapy

Thanks for checking back in and sorry it has been so long -- things only seem to progress on a once-weekly basis. Last week, Kris got to see his family. He also met with Dr. Selch, a Radiation Oncologist at UCLA and had a follow up meeting with Dr. Pinter-Brown. Both doctors agreed that Radiation Therapy (RT) would be the best option as a first line of treatment as long as Kris' tumor is not in the tear-producing Lacrimal Gland, wherein Rituxan (a chemo alternative) would be the best form of treatment. Yesterday, Kris had a MRI to see whether or not Kris' tumor is/is not in the Lacrimal Gland. There is a follow-up appointment with Dr. Selch on Tuesday to hear back on the results. Let's hope the ball starts rolling from here. Glad there is finally news to update you all!

Greatest News!

Our visit today with Dr. Pinter-Brown brought good news -- Kris' CT scan and Citicosis report (a bacteria carried by Cockatoos that has been found in a few MALT eye patients) came back good and the cancer appears to be isolated.  Kris was thrilled to know his cancer wasn't caused by a tropical bird -- and of course the fact it hasn't spread was pretty darn good to hear too.  The doctor referred us to Dr. Selch at UCLA Medical Center's Hematology and Oncology Department to discuss radiation therapy and other options.  A schedule will be determined in the next two weeks so we're hoping to begin treatment mid-June.  Thank you for all of your prayers, we are so grateful for our friends and family and lucky to be part of such a strong unit.  Keep 'em coming!  P.S.  Kris celebrated with a beer, a Laker win and an Allie Zack-provided peanut butter & jelly cupcake.  

Awaiting Results

Tomorrow we're visiting with Kris' Oncologist, Dr. Lauren Pinter-Brown, Director of Oncology at UCLA Medical Center to hear the results of Kris' latest tests.  A biopsy of Kris' tumor tested positive for CD2o-positive b-cells, the cells that are common in most NHL cases.  At least his white blood cell count was good and his lymph nodes are not swollen -- both great signs the disease might not have spread yet.  These last three weeks of waiting have been very stressful but have also taught us a lot about what is important in life.  Kris is in great spirits and we're hopeful the rest of the results will be in his favor.  Keep Kris in your well wishes and prayers.  With love.