Monday, December 14, 2009
The final journey
Operation Burning Daylight has been successful and Kevin is on his final destination to watch over us.
Monday, December 7, 2009
December
Kevin had a rough couple of weeks but Hospice has gotten his meds regulated and he is a little relieved. This amazing organization has offered phenomenal support and quickly realized the positive spirit they are dealing with in Kevin. He continues to have quite an impact on everyone he meets.
The beautiful Christmas decorations are up at the Blanchard household and of course, they have their continuous fire that brings comfort to all of us. So, they are enjoying the holiday season and looking forward to each day.
The beautiful Christmas decorations are up at the Blanchard household and of course, they have their continuous fire that brings comfort to all of us. So, they are enjoying the holiday season and looking forward to each day.
Thursday, November 12, 2009
November Update
Kevin has finished his chemotherapy regimen at Hollings Cancer Center. He was prepared and ready and has come through with flying colors and a smile on his face – positive and optimistic. David tells us the story of one of the treatments when the administrator left the room to prepare the chemical injections and came back covered in a full protective suit for handling hazardous materials, saying it was one of the most potent cancer drugs available. They told Kevin to prepare for those dreaded side effects of chemo treatments so David was especially concerned that day about his bedside-assistant knowledge to be able to help his best friend. Kevin dozed off and David was afraid to let him go to sleep while they “waited” for the side effects. When David gently woke him, Kevin sat up and asked for a sandwich and crackers. He had his snack and just rolled over and took a nap.
Kevin’s doctors are amazed at his fortitude and determination and people at the Cancer Center marvel at his positive attitude. He’s been very, very tired but continues to look great. We’ve had a memorable Fall and thank goodness our Charleston weather has cooled enough for Kevin to sit by his beloved fire-place inside and his fire-pit outside. It’s one of his favorite hobbies now in addition to watching David work on restoring his "yacht" – a small boat that is beginning to look gorgeous with all the refurbished and new mahogany. They were even able to take the ride of their lives up the Inland Waterway all the way to Georgetown. David hasn’t finished building the new seats so I think they sat on bar stools. We’ve all had some smiles about their trip and they absolutely loved it.
We also got to spend a great weekend together at a home at the beach on Isle of Palms. We can’t discuss the hilarity of the singing (and dancing) performance of Mandy and Kimberly that included their Uncle Kevin (dance prop). It’s just a shame we don’t have it on tape. We had planned meals that included grilling and oysters, a pirate treasure hunt and Suba made us a delicious Orange Creamsicle Cake. And thank you to Sam and Scott for that wild late Saturday night wake up call . And thank you to KB for taking some time out of your busy schedule instead of working on those sports activities so much.
Kevin is so proud and grateful that KB is attending Bishop England High School, his Alma Mater. Even though he coaches from the sidelines now, he enjoyed attending the home football games and of course, stood at the fence at the end zone so he could see the play action better. It was really amazing to be standing there with him and hear him anticipate and then call the play before the team even lined up. KB knows he does that with pro teams too so he is used to his father’s sports expertise. We keep telling Kevin he should write a how-to book but he’s handy at so many subjects, maybe he can’t decide on the theme. He and Becky are deciding who is going to teach KB to drive since his birthday is next week and I think KB has decided it will be Uncle David!
Kevin’s doctor is not going to do additional treatments for now so Kevin, Becky and KB are hoping for a peaceful and calm Holiday Season. Kevin’s type of cancer is very slow growing and that makes for some very stressful anticipation and uncertainty of what’s ahead. But Kevin is very tough and doesn’t have a negative thought. Becky still loves her job at Christ Our King and is so happy to get to be with her work family everyday. KB has settled into his routine at Bishop England and really enjoyed being on the Football Team. He is sticking to that very busy social schedule and has already started Baseball Training. As any family dealing with a disease such as Cancer, they appreciate the little things - all of the loving generosity that has been sent their way – too much to ever acknowledge! Some days are easy and some days are very difficult. The changes of the teen years are hard enough but to have a parent with a dreaded disease really changes everything. We are hoping (most especially for KB’s sake!!!) that we will be able to update this blog more often so that people won’t have to ask “How is your Dad?”, “How is Kevin doing?”
We haven’t decided on our Holiday schedule but I’m sure it will include a bunch of fun, laughing, a great meal and just being together. We will keep you posted so be sure to send them a note.
Kevin’s doctors are amazed at his fortitude and determination and people at the Cancer Center marvel at his positive attitude. He’s been very, very tired but continues to look great. We’ve had a memorable Fall and thank goodness our Charleston weather has cooled enough for Kevin to sit by his beloved fire-place inside and his fire-pit outside. It’s one of his favorite hobbies now in addition to watching David work on restoring his "yacht" – a small boat that is beginning to look gorgeous with all the refurbished and new mahogany. They were even able to take the ride of their lives up the Inland Waterway all the way to Georgetown. David hasn’t finished building the new seats so I think they sat on bar stools. We’ve all had some smiles about their trip and they absolutely loved it.
We also got to spend a great weekend together at a home at the beach on Isle of Palms. We can’t discuss the hilarity of the singing (and dancing) performance of Mandy and Kimberly that included their Uncle Kevin (dance prop). It’s just a shame we don’t have it on tape. We had planned meals that included grilling and oysters, a pirate treasure hunt and Suba made us a delicious Orange Creamsicle Cake. And thank you to Sam and Scott for that wild late Saturday night wake up call . And thank you to KB for taking some time out of your busy schedule instead of working on those sports activities so much.
Kevin is so proud and grateful that KB is attending Bishop England High School, his Alma Mater. Even though he coaches from the sidelines now, he enjoyed attending the home football games and of course, stood at the fence at the end zone so he could see the play action better. It was really amazing to be standing there with him and hear him anticipate and then call the play before the team even lined up. KB knows he does that with pro teams too so he is used to his father’s sports expertise. We keep telling Kevin he should write a how-to book but he’s handy at so many subjects, maybe he can’t decide on the theme. He and Becky are deciding who is going to teach KB to drive since his birthday is next week and I think KB has decided it will be Uncle David!
Kevin’s doctor is not going to do additional treatments for now so Kevin, Becky and KB are hoping for a peaceful and calm Holiday Season. Kevin’s type of cancer is very slow growing and that makes for some very stressful anticipation and uncertainty of what’s ahead. But Kevin is very tough and doesn’t have a negative thought. Becky still loves her job at Christ Our King and is so happy to get to be with her work family everyday. KB has settled into his routine at Bishop England and really enjoyed being on the Football Team. He is sticking to that very busy social schedule and has already started Baseball Training. As any family dealing with a disease such as Cancer, they appreciate the little things - all of the loving generosity that has been sent their way – too much to ever acknowledge! Some days are easy and some days are very difficult. The changes of the teen years are hard enough but to have a parent with a dreaded disease really changes everything. We are hoping (most especially for KB’s sake!!!) that we will be able to update this blog more often so that people won’t have to ask “How is your Dad?”, “How is Kevin doing?”
We haven’t decided on our Holiday schedule but I’m sure it will include a bunch of fun, laughing, a great meal and just being together. We will keep you posted so be sure to send them a note.
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
Fall Update
Summer vacation is over, seasons are changing, fall is approaching, school has started and football is back on the schedule. AND Chemo Vacation is over as Kevin has started his last round of chemotherapy to slow his lung cancer. Most of his chemo drugs have been experimental because of his rare type of cancer and have had little effect. He didn’t lose his hair and didn’t have too much trouble with other side effects but he was informed this last drug is very powerful and will have some of the dreaded side effects that most chemotherapy causes. HOWEVER, the doctors forgot who they are dealing with. He decided he was not going to participate in their predictions and has handled this treatment just like all the others – with a positive attitude that it’s not going to get him down and by the grace of God, he remains positive and optimistic. He has been able to stay on top of all the physical treatments throughout almost 2 years and he tells us “that’s just what you do.”
Enjoy the cooler weather...if it ever gets here and as always keep cheering for our Clemson Tigers! Love to all!
Enjoy the cooler weather...if it ever gets here and as always keep cheering for our Clemson Tigers! Love to all!
Thursday, June 25, 2009
OBD Summertime Update
Kevin Blanchard is the most positive person we know. He has been battling liver cancer, bile duct cancer and now lung cancer for 1 year, 6 months and 19 days since the silent mess was discovered. He’s survived over 13 surgeries, major organ removal, 3 series of chemo-therapies, other drug-therapy, loss of his livelihood and major changes in his life plans and daily activities. Because of his liver/bile duct/ digestive metabolism, he hasn’t lost weight like some people going through this kind of battle, so he still looks great - same handsome guy that we all know and love! After all of this effort, some of the lung tumors are stabilized, some are growing and there are a few more in different sections. Now he’s going to take a “chemo vacation” so that he can enjoy some quality time this beautiful summer with KB & Becky before deciding on the next plan of attack. Kevin remains positive and steadfastly resolved in his belief for a successful win over this vicious opponent and wants to thank everyone for their continued prayers and support.
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
Spring is on the way
Happy St. Patricks Day and almost Springtime!
Today, Kevin begins an experimental chemotherapy treatment and it just so happens that the following excerpt was found in an article published this past weekend.
Hollings Cancer Center at the Medical University has just been named as the only authorized National Cancer Institute center in South Carolina. Dr. Melanie Thomas, Kevin’s oncologist, is associate director of clinical investigations at Hollings and is spearheading a clinical trial at Hollings to test a liver cancer drug. She transferred from MD Anderson to MUSC last fall and brought with her other clinical trials Hollings wouldn’t have been able to initiate on its own.” So, Kevin is in very capable hands.
We hope that everyone has a great beginning to the spring season!
Love to all!
Today, Kevin begins an experimental chemotherapy treatment and it just so happens that the following excerpt was found in an article published this past weekend.
Hollings Cancer Center at the Medical University has just been named as the only authorized National Cancer Institute center in South Carolina. Dr. Melanie Thomas, Kevin’s oncologist, is associate director of clinical investigations at Hollings and is spearheading a clinical trial at Hollings to test a liver cancer drug. She transferred from MD Anderson to MUSC last fall and brought with her other clinical trials Hollings wouldn’t have been able to initiate on its own.” So, Kevin is in very capable hands.
We hope that everyone has a great beginning to the spring season!
Love to all!
Sunday, January 4, 2009
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
Our family had so many holiday memories that we could write a book. Everyone has their cherished traditions, but this year we wanted to build some new ones for this holiday season. As anyone knows who has cancer or a loved one who has cancer, sometimes creating sweet memories helps overcome grim realities. Our season of sweet memories started with the November/December holiday activity calendar that Suba (cruise director) provides every year. And it concluded with a trip to the beach @ Isle of Palms at the end of Christmas Weekend for Sam and KB to surf in the final glorious weather days of 2008.
There were many highlights that included our vantage point of the Shem Creek Bridge for the Mount Pleasant Fireworks and Christmas Parade, KB’s trip to Rock Hill for state football tournament, Mandy and Sam’s trip to Chicago with Grandmommie, Poppy, Bebe, KK & KB getting to keep Rowland here in Mount Pleasant and our Amazing Family Christmas Race.
We supported each other on the days we felt great and the days we felt a little lousy and always remembered of the spirit of the season. Our day of celebration in honor of our Saviour’s Birth included treasured handmade gifts all around – unique personally designed items from Becky, owl pillows from Mandy, hand-knitted scarves from Kimberly, woodworking from David, pound cake from Suba, hand-painted ceramics from KB and generously, Kevin shared his firewood.
For the Amazing Family Christmas Race, a 15 passenger shuttle was rented and we wore our AFCR shirts made by Mandy. Our alter egos, Zebulon (Sam), Stellouise (Mandy), Sookie (Kimberly), Beeza (Becky), Norton (Kevin), Maverick (KB), Sandra Dee (Suba), Woody (David) and two little boys laughed, giggled, joked and left all worries behind as we read our clues that led us to special locations that included Sullivan’s Island, Mount Pleasant and downtown Charleston. The Operation Burning Daylight Team plays together and prays together. We don’t let the predictions of cancer doctors dampen our spirits and fortitude for creating positive memories. Great fun, great pictures and great memories made for a very joyful journey through this wonderful Christmas season. We’re all grateful for the events of 2008 and we don’t know what awaits in the coming year but the OBD team have named it Divine 09 and we always have faith that everything will be Fine in 09. Blessings to all of you and always remember that the joy is in the journey!
There were many highlights that included our vantage point of the Shem Creek Bridge for the Mount Pleasant Fireworks and Christmas Parade, KB’s trip to Rock Hill for state football tournament, Mandy and Sam’s trip to Chicago with Grandmommie, Poppy, Bebe, KK & KB getting to keep Rowland here in Mount Pleasant and our Amazing Family Christmas Race.
We supported each other on the days we felt great and the days we felt a little lousy and always remembered of the spirit of the season. Our day of celebration in honor of our Saviour’s Birth included treasured handmade gifts all around – unique personally designed items from Becky, owl pillows from Mandy, hand-knitted scarves from Kimberly, woodworking from David, pound cake from Suba, hand-painted ceramics from KB and generously, Kevin shared his firewood.
For the Amazing Family Christmas Race, a 15 passenger shuttle was rented and we wore our AFCR shirts made by Mandy. Our alter egos, Zebulon (Sam), Stellouise (Mandy), Sookie (Kimberly), Beeza (Becky), Norton (Kevin), Maverick (KB), Sandra Dee (Suba), Woody (David) and two little boys laughed, giggled, joked and left all worries behind as we read our clues that led us to special locations that included Sullivan’s Island, Mount Pleasant and downtown Charleston. The Operation Burning Daylight Team plays together and prays together. We don’t let the predictions of cancer doctors dampen our spirits and fortitude for creating positive memories. Great fun, great pictures and great memories made for a very joyful journey through this wonderful Christmas season. We’re all grateful for the events of 2008 and we don’t know what awaits in the coming year but the OBD team have named it Divine 09 and we always have faith that everything will be Fine in 09. Blessings to all of you and always remember that the joy is in the journey!
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