Happy Holidays!

Chemo is over & the powers that be may do some radiation treatments sometime around Christmas. Kevin maintains that positive attitude and is looking forward to colder weather so he can sit by the fire although, he has been known to turn on the AC and have a fire anyway. He still has the occasional trip for emergency treatment of elevated temperature but at least not another surgery! KB’s winter football team, the Mount Pleasant All Stars is playing in the state championship at Rock Hill this weekend so we are sure pulling for VICTORY. Miss Becky is enjoying her usual Christmas craft projects and looking forward to a relaxed holiday. They wish all of you a very Merry Christmas!

Happy Turkey Day

Kevin’s chemotherapy is over and he’s awaiting further consultations with the powers that be. He has retained his good looks and positive attitude but hoping some of that nastiness within is G-O-N-E. He and Becky wish for everyone a wonderful THANKSGIVING.

Race for Operation Burning Daylight

Kevin has successfully tackled his first chemotherapy session and will go back in a few weeks for round two. He hopes to cheer his team on at the Race for the Cure this weekend on Daniel Island and please look out for us with our Operation Burning Daylight t-shirts.

Fall Update

Well, the Blanchards have settled into football and fall baseball season with lots of great coaching advice from Coach Blanchard. Kevin finally met with his oncologist and is going to start chemotherapy in the next two weeks. We hope that everyone is enjoying this beautiful Fall weather in Charleston and keep Kevin in your thoughts as he tackles chemo.

Every day is game day and ALWAYS keep your eye on the ball!
Love to all!

Otto Wright Von See

On Friday, August 29, Otto Wright Von See was born and named after his paternal grandfather and his beloved uncle Kevin Wright. He was 8lbs. and 6 oz. and is a very healthy happy baby. Kevin has blessed him with lots of hugs and kisses every day since his arrival. So we have another little ball player in the family for Coach Kevin to get ready for the big leagues.

Wednesday Update

We've hit a few bumps in the road this week but after a quick trip to our favorite MUSC floor hangout, we'll be looking forward to a glorious Labor Day Weekend. Congrats to all our back to school students. Work hard, study hard, play hard and remember to always keep your eye on the ball.

Friday Update

Kevin is busy resting and keeping up with the Olympics. He has begun coaching KB to get his head back in the game for the start of school next week. Go Kevin and Go USA!

A Magical Sunday

If you've ever seen the 25 most exciting seconds of college football, then you know how magical it is when my Clemson Tigers rub Howard's Rock and run down the hill into Death Valley.

That is how magical the day has been for Kevin. His good friend Ed Darby took him a signed football by Tommy Bowden and Tommy and the Tigers said a special prayer for Kevin after their last practice. What a special gift!

Thanks Ed for bringing such joy to our main quarterback this afternoon!!!

Sunny Saturday Update

Kevin, Becky and KB are hangin' ten and enjoying the sunny weather these last few weeks before school starts. They are staying cool in Hobcaw with rest, summer reading and a very difficult puzzle. Love to all!

Monday Update

OBD has rounded third and made it back to home base in Hobcaw.

Also, a few weeks ago, we all went to our family lake house on Lake Greenwood. It was truly a beautiful weekend full of absolutely beautiful memories. See new pictures, I just couldn't resist sharing some of the good times!

Tuesday Update

OBD is moving forward. Macho man is walking the halls gaining strength. The fight continues...

Friday Update

Kevin is hanging tough and he says TGIF! Keep on commentin' as we are reading them to him each time he calls us to check in.
Love to all!

Surgery Update

Kevin had surgery yesterday and the lead surgeon said "Kevin paid his dime, so we gave him his ride. It's what he wanted". The predicted 8 hour surgery turned into a 13 hour surgery. Check back for frequent updates and keep the comments coming, Kevin will be anxious to read them on the blog.
Love to all!

Sunday Afternoon Update

We are returning from a great, fantastic, fun filled weekend at Lake Greenwood where there was lots of skiing, sunning, eating, ice cream churning, boating and board game playing. Before Kevin's turn at bat sometime later this week, he and Becky wanted to thank you all for your many prayers. We will keep you updated this week by blog updates but Kevin AND Becky have requested, PLEASE NO visitors at MUSC!!!

Welcome to the Major Leagues

Well,...sometimes you just have to swing the bat...

Surgery will be next week. Will post update when Kevin is out of surgery.

Tuesday Update

No surgery tomorrow, Thursday or Friday. MUSC is flying in an oncologist from MD Anderson to review Kevin's case. Keep the comments coming! Love to all!

Biopsy Update

In my family, I have become known as the Blog Chick and I must say that up
until yesterday, I have had no problem writing updates on my dear beloved
Uncle Kevin. But, I know so many people are checking this blog for updates,
so it is really an honor to communicate his situation to his wonderful
friends and supporters even though this update is the hardest I have
written!

On their way home from a very long day at the hospital yesterday afternoon,
Becky called my mom and asked that we meet at their house to be available
for some news shortly after Kevin and Becky told KB.

Here is what they said...

During a very long day of tests at MUSC on Friday, they determined that the
cancer has come back very aggressively. His surgeons have analyzed the test
results and scans and have gotten lots of second opinions from all over the
country as well as from our trusted family doctor/savior, Dr. Fairey, to
determine if they will either do another liver resection surgery middle to
end of next week or start Kevin on chemotherapy immediately. Becky and Kevin
were suppose to hear from their surgeon today on whether or not he had
decided to do the surgery or if he was going to start chemo, but this
evening, shortly after supper, he called and said that he wants to do some
more tests at the beginning of next week to see if the cancer has spread to
other areas of Kevin's body before they make the decision to operate.

I am personally devastated by this news and you can only imagine how Becky,
Kevin and KB and the rest of our immediate family are handling this
situation. Their phone is ringing off the hook and I hope that Kevin's
siblings and friends know that it is a daily pleasure for them to check this
blog and see your comments. Kevin's way of dealing with his situation is to
talk about it, so please feel free to go visit Kevin, you will be amazed how
much better HE will make YOU feel!

Every day for the next week will be very challenging for Kevin, Becky and KB
and we will spread the news immediately as soon as we know if Kevin will
have surgery or if he will start chemotherapy.

Thank you for your love, support, prayers, jokes, hugs, meals, donations,
sweet treats and friendship!

Remember, every day is game day!

Medical Update

Today Kevin had the biopsy surgery and the doctors said that once they got in there, "It was like nothing they had ever seen before". This is questionable information for Kevin and we will anxiously await the results from the biopsies which will be in sometime at the end of next week. They have removed one bag and tube and have let Kevin remove the other bag, but left the tube in just in case. He is home from surgery and enjoying some homemade ice cream. The Blanchards have enjoyed their summer so far creating many memories at the beach, Lake Greenwood and attending as many of KBs activities as possible. After today, they have asked that all put them in your most sincere prayers that the results from these biopsies are positive.

Enjoy your summer and stay cool! The Blanchards look forward to seeing you all very soon!

Friday, June 13

Kevin is having a second biopsy next week because of suspicious results from the last one. The Blanchards are still forging ahead. Look for an update on this biopsy as soon as results are available. Thank you to all friends that are still checking this blog for updates on Kevin, I know the updates are not as frequent, but they are still very much enjoying the comments you post! Happy Summer!

Friday, May 23

Surgery #8 is over and we are waiting on some test results. Not sure if this will be the last one. Happy Memorial Day from the Blanchards!

Wednesday, May 21 Update

Kevin is having another surgery at the end of the week. UGH! Cross your fingers and toes, say 10 Hail Mary's, blow all the daffodils in your yard and say a prayer that this will be the last surgery!

They found the leak!!!

Hallelujah! They found the leak!!! This is great news and a huge relief for Kevin, Becky and KB!!! Kevin had surgery on Thursday and during the surgery, the doctors finally found the leak in Kevin's liver. He will be recovering from this surgery for three weeks and is told to take it easy...very difficult for someone with as much energy as Kevin, but we are trying to MAKE him sit on the couch and rest. If he sneaks out and you see him out in public rewiring a restaurant or house, please call Becky and tell on him immediately. Our family is ecstatic this week with this great news...finally!!!

And the battle continues...

Unfortunately, Kevin is having another major surgery at MUSC this week. Although this battle has continued WAY TO LONG, we are hopeful that this surgery will correct major complications. It will take three weeks to determine if this surgery is successful which means more waiting and wishing for Kevin. Kevin, Becky and KB have asked me to specifically thank all their friends for support and encouragement over the past five months as the road has been very difficult. Keep on praying that the Blanchards will get a break this time!

Also, on a personal note to Becky, we think your blue eyes are shining brighter than ever! :)

Friday Update

Unfortunately, Kevin continues to struggle with complications and this has been a very difficult week. He has been at MUSC every day for procedures and tests and is praying for any good news. Will post another update as soon as any medical information is available. Love to all and we will greatly miss the Blanchards at the Bishop reunion this weekend. It will absolutely not be the same without them!

Monday Update

Well, Kevin is headed back to MUSC for another surgery this week. Hopefully this surgery will correct complications and bring us closer to our goal of making it to the oncologist. Kevin is bummed that he is still dealing with surgeries and complications and really misses all of his friends. It will take about a week to completely recover, heal and determine if this surgery will be the last one...

The Jefferson Award Winner - KB Blanchard!!!

Tonight I was very proud to have attended the Jefferson Awards Banquet and Ceremony with my family. We celebrated Becky's birthday and how well Kevin is doing, but also celebrated KB's charity work before we all went to the Jefferson Awards. Before I burst, KB was one of the six local winners of the Jefferson Award. He was dressed up in his new suit and carried himself with maturity and grace as he mingled with Mayor Joe Riley and Chief Rusty Thomas as well as the other 53 nominees. We are so proud of KB and the charity work that he has done over the years. Please look at the pictures from this very exciting evening to the left. Kevin is doing great this week, jumping over hurdles and beaming with pride over KB's big accomplishment. Becky had a great birthday especially because she was able to share her day with KB and his big win.

Congratulations KB, I am so proud of you and so honored to be your cousin!!!

Monday Update

Did you ever read the Where's Waldo books? That is sort of how we have started to treat Kevin...Where's Kevin? He has been back to MUSC this past week and now he is at home again. He and Becky are hanging in there and taking it day by day. Kevin says he used to like roller coasters, but not anymore!!! This roller coaster ride has lasted too long! Just pray that the carnivale is closing soon and that the Blanchard's can get back to having fun.

Tuesday

Kevin is at home sweet home today. He has had minor hurdles every day, but has overcome them all in true Kevin Blanchard style. He is definitely taking one day at a time and could be admitted back at MUSC at any point. Kevin is in great spirits and extremely positive. We are sure that his attitude and positive spirit will help him clear each hurdle each day.

Tuesday

Kevin went in for a check up Monday morning and was thrown ANOTHER curve ball...He was admitted back into MUSC for more testing and procedures. Will post a more detailed update as information becomes available.

Sunday

Wow, what a week it has been. Kevin and Becky have been on quite a roller coaster, but they are home now. Although, status can change with Kevin at any point, they are expecting to be home all week this week and then back to MUSC for another minor surgery next week. Please call Becky to check on them and tell them a joke, they need a little bit of "spirit lifting".

Super Bowl Sunday

The latest word from the team of doctors at MUSC is that "Kevin has an angel on his shoulder". He has tackled some major road blocks the last few days, but he is pulling through of course. That is what Kevin Blanchard does...he pulls through. Kevin will be in the hospital all week and will be having another surgery, testing and any other fun trickery that the other team throws his way. PLEASE keep Kevin in your prayers as this weekend was very tough on him and Becky. And, the prayers ARE working!!! Kevin is a fan of any team playing the Patriots, so lets go Giants and win us a Championship!

Thursday Update

Kevin had another surgery on Tuesday and cleared that hurdle as he has done all others. Two of the drainage tubes have been removed and they moved the "rib rod" that was resting on one of Kevin's nerves. Now, he is not in nearly as much pain. Kevin is doing his best to get as much rest as possible and is looking forward to spending Sunday evening in front of the tv.

Monday

Kevin has had to go back into the hospital this evening. Will update the troops as we get more information.

Sunday Update and Game Plan

Friday's follow up visit at MUSC and team meeting with surgeons presented another hurdle for Team Operation Burning Daylight. Excess fluid resulted in a quick surgery to insert another drain. Although this play presented a bit of trickery for the team, we are at home now and recuperating. Please keep Kevin in your prayers as this new "rib rod" as Suba has called it is giving him quite a fit. Friday is the next checkup, but check back for mid week update.

Wednesday

Healing a day at a time and enjoying the fire and ESPN.

Sunday Evening

Operation Burning Daylight has returned to home base.

Thursday Battle Strategy Update

Okay troops, we are facing another hurdle on Friday. Tomorrow will be the 9th day of invasion and during the strategy meeting this afternoon, Kevin, his surgeon and wingman, KB determined that a sneak attack is necessary. So, Kevin will undergo another surgery tomorrow to repair liver ducts. Kevin's surgeon said that he has never met a patient that has had such a positive attitude going into surgery and that this characteristic is genetic because KB exudes the same positive attitude. Spirits are high, morale is high and the troops are just diggin' in! This is just another hurdle and we'll take it one day at a time.

It will take Kevin at least 5 days to heal, so he has personally requested NO VISITORS. He wants to hurry up and get well so that he can see you all when he gets home and it just takes too much out of him to visit with anyone except Becky and KB.

In other news, the pathology report came back and there was a rare cancerous tumor that was removed. The medical team at MUSC is researching this tumor and has instructed team Operation Burning Daylight to follow up with an oncologist in upcoming weeks to determine the next battle.

We are updating the blog as we get information. Keep up the positive prayers and the funny comments on the blog. They are really keeping Becky and Kevin going. They have figured out how to access the blog from the hospital room (Go Becky!!!)

Love to all and GO OPERATION BURNING DAYLIGHT!!! WE KNOW YOU CAN DO IT!

Tuesday

Formerly, the 25 most exciting seconds were when my Clemson Tigers ran down the hill into Death Valley. Now, the 25 most exciting seconds were when doctors heard Kevin's liver rumbling and bumbling this morning. This is a great sign that his liver is getting back to normal.

Kevin was in a great mood this morning before his minor stent surgery. He had two stents put in and is resting fine now. All went well and although he is super tired, Kevin is doing great. Today was a good day! He has unbelievable positive stamina. Becky feels good that today was so positive and is looking forward to a quiet evening at the hospital with her main man. Her other main man, KB got through a tough History test (thanks Sam!) and aced the vocab test (we hope...that was my subject!)

No news on when the Blanchards will be back at home base in Hobcaw, but hopefully Kevin will keep clearing these hurdles and be home soon.

Monday Update

Kevin's liver has still not started working properly, so the doctors have decided to put a small stint in tomorrow afternoon. This is not a major surgery and as stated before, just another hurdle for our tough man to conquer. Kevin looks good and is still walking the halls a few times a day. He is just irritated that he can not have a cheeseburger and some of those juicy Sticky Fingers wings. He really appreciated the cards from KB's classes and KB really enjoyed hand delivering them this afternoon. They would still appreciate no visitors as it just takes too much out of Kevin. He knows you are all thinking about him and we are delivering the comments from the blog during his visits with KB each day.

Sunday

Holding steady. Please absolutely no visitors!!! Thank you in advance for understanding!

Friday Update

KB had a great visit with his daddy this afternoon and looked at the battle scar. KB immediately said it reminded him of field goal posts. Kevin will be thinking of you all at your games this weekend. KB really appreciated all the support he received from his friends at school this morning. Kevin is still saving all energy for his team meetings with his main quarterback, KB.

Thursday Update

KB and I saw Kevin this morning and have spoken with him this afternoon and his exact words concerning his status were, "I scored a touchdown, but the other team pulled some tricky moves so our team is going into a new strategy session and to review some films."

In other words, the doctors are still trying to manage the pain and although Kevin is in good spirits, they are trying to keep him comfortable. We will keep sending progress updates, and let you know when the team is at home and ready for visitors.

I am printing out the comments and Kevin and Becky are reading them every day. Please keep cheering them on!!!

Post Surgery Update

Surgery is over and the tumor is gone. They took over half of his liver. The pathology report will come back on Monday. When Becky asked the surgeon what the prognosis was, he replied that "this is a hurdle race and this is the first hurdle". KB and Becky will get to see Kevin shortly.

Kevin woke up this morning and said..."Are you ready for some football?" Appropriately, the tumor was the size of a football. He went for 2 and scored! TOUCHDOWN!!!

The prayers and comments were very encouraging today. Thank you so much for your thoughts and prayers!!!

Mid - Operation Update

We just got word from the operating room that Kevin is doing great. Becky and KB will be able to see Kevin this afternoon and we'll send another update at that point. Becky is going to be able to spend the night with Kevin tonight and KB will hanging with me in Brickyard. I have a computer at the hospital and you can not imagine how much they have enjoyed your comments. Please keep them coming, it is a nice distraction. Kevin was able to read the blog last night and was thrilled with all the support.

Daffodils

As the first flower of spring, the daffodil is a symbol of hope. To the American Cancer Society, it represents the hope we all share for a future where cancer is no longer a life-threatening disease.

Monday, January 7, 2008

Monday night
We will be leaving in the morning for our mission and we look forward to it. We are ready and prepared. Before that happens, KB, Becky, and I must take a moment to say thank you. Saying thank you is inadequate for the support and encouragement all of you have given to us these past 3 weeks, but, I do not know what we would have done without you and our faith. I have heard and felt each prayer that has been said, your phone calls, your visits, your moral support has truly gotten us to this point and we are so very grateful. KB's friends have given him tremendous support so he has been able to stay strong. We know that you are with us and God is at our side...how can we not be successful. Love, Kevin
P.S. Operation Burning Daylight command posts will keep you updated