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