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.