A year ago, today...

Kenny passed away a year ago, today. I've been thinking about him, all day... what he went through, how he fought, how he died, and all that has happened, since. I miss him, very much.

Kenny Tributes

Hi to all,

I just wanted to let any of you who were still waiting for t-shirts or memorial patches to know that the final orders are going out next week. If anyone else would like a t-shirt, memorial patch or GMS shop towel, I can order more, at any time. You can still reach me at 608-358-4418.

Thank you, to everyone, for your help and support as we stood by Kenny during his fight. And, thank you, for your kindness, as we shared our grief in having lost him. The first winter snow has hit in the city where I live, and it makes me think about what Ken would have been doing right now, if he hadn't gotten sick, and if he were still at home, enjoying a little down time during this off-season for the shop. It's funny how realities sink in, in waves, and how in mourning, the memories cycle round and back around, day after day. Just last weekend I was unpacking groceries on a Saturday night, and I thought to myself, I think I'll give Kenny a call after I get these put away. Like so many Saturday nights over so many years in the past. And then it hits. I'll never be able to chat with him on the phone, ever again. I just miss him. I know we all do.

Thank you, for everything.

Memorial T-Shirt, Patch and Shop Towel

Here is a picture of Kenny's memorial t-shirt, memorial patch and shop towel. (Ordering information is available on the previous post.)

The picture on this t-shirt is a custom design, which Inga, Debbie and I created, and which was realized through the talent of Miranda Osborn, graphic designer. The missing-man rider, (the bike with no one riding it), the train, (because Kenny loved trains), the corn, (because this is the Midwest!), and the F5's in the distance, flying in "missing man" formation, (for all the years that these jets flew over Ken's shop, going to and from the airbase that was just up the street at the Springfield airport), are all features with special meaning for us, and our memory of Kenny.

Special thanks to Jodell at Embroidery Professionals in Deerfield, WI, for doing all of the heat transfer work for these t-shirts, and having them ready in time for the ride! She will be filling future orders for us, as well, since so many people fell in love with the color version. There is no deadline for ordering, as orders will be placed weekly, for as long as people want the shirt.

The memorial patch is from "TropiCool Accents" in Texas, (made in the U.S.A!), and is fully embroidered, with a one-of-a-kind midnight blue custom-dyed thread for its background. Special thanks to Mike Williams at TropiCool, for creating such a beautiful design, and for his quality workmanship. Kenny would have approved!

The shop towel is the exact towel that Kenny always used at the shop, which so many of you commented on, (how Kenny was always dusting or polishing something as he talked with you), and, in fact, these very towels came from his in-shop supply. They were custom embroidered, by Jodell, at Embroidery Professionals in Deerfield, WI.

We only hope that these items are a fitting tribute to Ken, and that they will help you to hold on to your memories of him, with love and honor.

Thank you, riders!!!

THANK YOU, RIDERS
Thank you, to everyone who attended last Saturday's "Kenny Grman Memorial Tribute Ride". What an awesome group of people! We're sorry to have missed those of you who were unable to make the ride. Though the morning started out with a few sprinkles in Springfield, the weather was beautiful the further south we rode, down to Mt. Olive, where it was sunny and warm.

PHOTOS
The big group photo that was taken at the Springfield airport, (prior to the ride leaving for Mt. Olive), will be embossed with the event info, and then it will be made available to all riders, as well as those folks who missed the event but who still want a copy of the picture. Also, we will have a CD of all pictures from the event, which includes pics from the Springfield airport, where we met up, pics taken during the ride down Interstate 55, pics at the cemetery, and pics from the banquet hall.

T-SHIRTS, MEMORIAL PATCHES, SHOP TOWELS
The memorial items are available for ordering. Please call or write Laura Grman, (Ken's sister), at either of the following: Cell phone: 608-358-4418 eMail: laura@stratess.com

T-Shirt $25 (Color or B&W)
Memorial Patch $15
Shop Towel $15

(Cash, Check, Money Order or Credit Card)

Special thanks to Stan Hall and Dave Winkle, for leading the ride. Thank you, also, to the Springfield Airport Authority, for allowing us to use their parking lot and conference room for meet-up and registration.

Kenny would have been really moved at the outpouring of love and kind words from all of his friends and customers. Kenny will always be remembered, and his family will always remember all of you, for the friendship that you have shown and all that you have done. Again, thank you, very very much.

Keep watching the blog, for more info on pictures!

Love to you all,
Laura
(Ken's sister)

Kenny Grman Memorial Tribute Ride & Fundraiser, Saturday, 9/18/2010

Kenny Grman Memorial Tribute Ride and Fundraiser
Saturday, September 18th, 2010
1200 N. Airport Road, Springfield, IL 62707
(We're meeting at Standard Aero's parking lot, formerly Garrett Aviation)

Registration: 11:30am–12:30pm
$20.00 Donation

Photo: 12:45pm
We will be taking a photo of the entire group, before we leave the Airport. This photo, embossed, along with a full CD of the 'best photos of the day', will be made available to all riders. Info will be available at Registration.

Ride: 1:00pm
We'll be leaving for Mt. Olive, IL, where Ken is buried, at 1:00pm, sharp. The registration staff will stay around until 1:30pm, for any late comers, but please try to make it before 12:30pm, so that you can be a part of the big group photo at 12:45pm.

Destination:
Hurley’s Banquet Center & Main Street Saloon
113 W. Main, Mt. Olive, IL 62069 (217) 999-3411

The route we're taking from the Airport will be Interstate 55, Exit 44 Mt. Olive, Left on 138, which turns into Main Street.

When we first arrive in Mt. Olive, we will stop at the cemetery where Ken has been laid to rest, where we will pay our respects and say a few words. From there, we will continue on to Hurley's Banquet Center.

Event:
2:00pm - 5:00pm
Hurley's Banquet Center
Lunch:
Pulled Pork Sandwiches, Potato Salad, Cole Slaw, Baked Beans
Triple Chocolate Cake
Beverages & Beer

5:00pm - 8:00pm
Hurley's Tavern
Kenny Tribute:
Our Thank-You's to Everyone
Share Your Stories About Kenny - Pass the microphone, which will be hooked into the bar-wide sound system, so that everyone in the bar, no matter where they are sitting, will be able to hear.
Kenny's Favorite Music

We will have the following items available:
- "Grman's Motorcycle Service" T-shirts (Memorial Commemorative)
- Kenny Grman Memorial Shop Towel ( 12" x 12", custom embroidered, the kind he used)
- Memorial Patch ( http://www.tropicoolaccents.com/product143.html )

9:30pm
If you wanna stay on....
Live Music / Band

We're making this a very special tribute event for Kenny, and we're hoping to see as many of Ken's friends and customers as possible! Please spread the word!!!

If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to call or email:
Laura 608-358-4418
laura@stratess.com

Kenny Grman Memorial Tribute Ride & Fundraiser

Dear friends of Kenny,

As many of you know, Ken Grman passed away on Wednesday, July 28th, after a long battle with esophageal cancer. After 30 years in Springfield, as the owner and operator Grman's Motorcycle Service, where he provided the highest quality workmanship and customer service to be found, we are now saying 'goodbye' to Kenny.

From the very day of his diagnosis, and the subsequent months while he was fighting, dozens and dozens of Kenny's friends and customers sent their kind wishes and support, asking if there was anything that they could do to help. There were countless offers to throw fundraisers and the such, but due to the potential financial complications, nothing could be done, at the time. Sadly, we have lost Ken, and the family is now working through the slow process of grieving, and figuring out how life will now change as a result of his departure.

We appreciate hearing every horn that honks as it drives past the shop, as we know that you are sending your condolences with that small gesture, which means so much to us. Finally, we are able to throw that big party for Ken that we weren't able to throw, earlier, and with the planning now finished, we are ready to extend our heartfelt invitation to you all:

Kenny Grman Memorial Tribute Ride and Fundraiser
Saturday, September 18th, 2010
1200 N. Airport Road, Springfield, IL 62707
(We're meeting at Standard Aero's parking lot, formerly Garrett Aviation)

Registration: 11:30am–12:30pm
$20.00 Donation

Photo: 12:45pm
We will be taking a photo of the entire group, before we leave the Airport. This photo, embossed, along with a full CD of the 'best photos of the day', will be made available to all riders. Info will be available at Registration.

Ride: 1:00pm
We'll be leaving for Mt. Olive, IL, where Ken is buried, at 1:00pm, sharp. The registration staff will stay around until 1:30pm, for any late comers, but please try to make it before 12:30pm, so that you can be a part of the big group photo at 12:45pm.

Destination:
Hurley’s Banquet Center & Main Street Saloon
113 W. Main, Mt. Olive, IL 62069 (217) 999-3411

The route we're taking from the Airport will be Interstate 55, Exit 44 Mt. Olive, Left on 138, which turns into Main Street.

When we first arrive in Mt. Olive, we will stop at the cemetery where Ken has been laid to rest, where we will pay our respects and say a few words. From there, we will continue on to Hurley's Banquet Center.

Event:
2:00pm - 5:00pm
Hurley's Banquet Center
Lunch:
Pulled Pork Sandwiches, Potato Salad, Cole Slaw, Baked Beans
Triple Chocolate Cake
Beverages & Beer

5:00pm - 8:00pm
Hurley's Tavern
Kenny Tribute:
Our Thank-You's to Everyone
Share Your Stories About Kenny - Pass the microphone, which will be hooked into the bar-wide sound system, so that everyone in the bar, no matter where they are sitting, will be able to hear.
Kenny's Favorite Music

We will have the following items available:
- "Grman's Motorcycle Service" T-shirts
- Kenny Grman Memorial Shop Towel ( 14" x 14" custom embroidered)
- Memorial Patches

9:30pm
If you wanna stay on....
Live Music / Band

We're making this a very special tribute event for Kenny, and we're hoping to see as many of Ken's friends and customers as possible! Please spread the word!!!

If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to call or email:
Laura 608-358-4418
laura@stratess.com

Love to you all!

RSVP for Ken's Memorial Tribute Ride on Sept. 18th

Hi all,

We're finalizing the details for Ken's Memorial Tribute Ride, planned for Saturday, September 18th, (please see previous Post), and we need to get an idea of how many folks will be joining in.

Please email me at laura@stratess.com, or call me at 608-358-4418, to let me know that you're joining the ride.

We'll know by tomorrow just exactly where the riders will be meeting up on the 18th, though we know it will be somewhere here in Springfield at 12:00pm, noon. We'll also know the route we'll be taking down to Mt. Olive, where Ken is buried. The pig roast, picnic foods and beer will be served at Hurley's Banquet Center on Main Street, in Mt. Olive. Afterward, we'll continue on at Hurley's Tavern, next door.

Fliers will be posted and distributed around Springfield next week, so keep your eyes open for one, and spread the word!

We miss our Kenny terribly,
Laura
(Ken's sister)

Save the date!

It looks like Saturday, September 18th, will be the date of Kenny's memorial tribute ride, which will run from Springfield down to Mt. Olive, IL. The exact time and starting point is yet to be determined, but we wanted to give you the heads-up on the date, so that you can start making your own plans.

The intention is to meet up in Springfield, do a drive-by Ken's mom's house by the Springfield Airport, and then past Ken's shop, Grman's Motorcycle Service, on Browning Road, (right there by the airport), and then up to 5th Street, and then south, on out of town on Interstate 55. When we arrive in Mt. Olive, we will meet at Ken's grave site in Calgary Cemetery, maybe have someone say a few words, and then from there we will head into town, to Hurley's Banquet Center and Hurley's Tavern on Main Street, where we'll be roasting a pig, right there in the parking lot between the banquet center and the tavern. The rest of the details will be coming, soon. ...Also, we're planning on Saturday, September 25th, as the alternate date, in case the 18th is rained out.

Many thanks to everyone, for your calls and ideas for this tribute ride. Keep them coming. Ideas for advertising the event, ideas for things to do at the event, ideas for tribute and memorial items, anything you can think of. Again, I can be reached at 608-358-4418, or email me at laura@stratess.com. And, of course, post a comment directly to this blog if you'd like, so that your ideas can be shared with everyone here.

Kenny would be truly touched, and I can just hear him saying "I can't believe you're going to this much trouble on my account!" I don't think Ken ever fully realized just how appreciated and loved he truly was... no matter how often we tried to tell him. Kenny was our one-of-kind Springfield son.

Thanks so much,
Laura
(Ken's sister)

To all of Ken's dear friends,

With Ken's visitation services and burial now behind us, we can turn our attention to planning the memorial tribute ride for Kenny. We're still deciding on the exact date and place, but we'll know, very soon. We do know that it will be on a weekend, sometime in the next few weeks. We'll post the specifics, in a few days. Please keep watching, and spread the word. We're going to do it up right, and show the world how bikers say "goodbye" to their loved ones! It will be a wonderful tribute.

The visitation service was overwhelming, and Ken's entire family was moved, beyond words, by the outpouring of love and respect that was shown by all of Ken's amazing friends. I only wish that we could have gotten a picture of the parking lot and street at Butler Funeral Home, as I'm told they were filled with bikes.

All the many stories that were shared with us, in the receiving line last night, really meant a lot. Thank you all, so very much.

From Inga and all of Ken's family,

Love,
Laura
(Ken's sister)

To all of Ken's beloved friends and family,

The following is the eulogy that was written for Ken, and read by Ken's nephew, Neil, at the burial service that was held, earlier today. We wanted to share this with all of you:

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I’m Neil Kenneth, Kenny’s nephew, and our family wanted me to speak on their behalf, today, to share our memories of Kenny, as we pay tribute to him. Knowing Kenny, he wouldn’t have wanted us to make such a fuss, but like Kenny, we’re gonna do it anyway, because we do what we want!

Kenny had been fighting a terrible battle with Esophageal Cancer since his diagnosis last December. Because this deadly disease is such a silent killer, it is often not diagnosed until it is in its latest stages, as was the case with our Kenny.

But we are here today to talk about Ken’s life and who he was.

Kenny was the hardest working man that we ever met, - when he wanted to work. Until he wanted to sleep, and then he was the hardest sleeping man that we ever met! But, when he was awake, he was a determined visionary who turned his dream of “Grman’s Motorcycle Industrial Empire” into a reality, against all adversity.

For instance, Ken was met with great adversity when he first attempted to acquire the zoning he needed for his shop’s current location. The entire neighborhood pressed the zoning commission to vote against him. But Ken persevered. And, in the end, he won-over every single person who had previously voted against him, through his professionalism, his courtesy and his consideration for the neighborhood, and by showing them all that he was not the stereo-type that they had originally feared. In fact, the meticulous pride that Ken took in the care of his shop and property even compelled the Springfield Airport Commission to send him a “Thank You” letter, for keeping his property so nice, because it made such a good impression on the incoming flights. Determined, charming, proud and committed to his dreams.

And why did Ken decide he wanted to fix motorcycles? Because he kept crashing them! And they usually weren’t his! They were his brother Mike’s, and then his brother Mike’s again, then his various friends’, and then his brother Mike’s, yet again…. and so it began. From the early beginning, Ken and his buddies dragging their motorcycles up and down the basement steps at Walnut Street. And as Ken’s friend Mark used to tell him, “Ken put more miles on his bike carrying it up and down the stairs on Walnut Street than he ever put on it on the road.” But Ken was smart, and as was true with everything else throughout his life, if he was interested in it, he figured it out, and then he knew it as well or better than anyone else. Some would even say that Kenny was a genius. Not an academic, because his feelings for school began on the first day of kindergarten, (when he kicked and bit his teacher, and ran home and told his mom “I’m not going to THAT school!”), and those feelings pretty-much continued throughout his school years. But when it was on his terms, he could master anything. He was ninety-nine percent genius, and one-percent crazy, as is the case with all geniuses.

And, with genius comes passion. Of all of Ken’s many hobbies and interests, Ken loved railroads and trains, having built many model railroading boards. He loved guns and bullets, and even spent the last weeks of his life buying bullets for fun. He loved playing guitar. And, he loved his John Deere Tractor. In fact, in these last months as Ken was undergoing his treatments, one day when he was actually feeling pretty good, the first thing he wanted to do was cut his grass, which he did. And then, later said, “That was a bad idea!”

And with passion comes love. Kenny was devoted to his friends and family. In the journey of life and love, Ken’s journey began with Debbie when they were fifteen years old. And, after marriages and divorces, Ken and Deb still remained a part of each others’ lives until the day Kenny died. You may not always get it right, but what matters is that you tried. And from Ken and Deb’s journey, came Matthew, Ken’s only child, who is so much like Kenny that it astounds us! In fact, when Matthew was only a year old and barely walking, he would mimic Kenny, taking Ken’s keys and walking to the front door, holding up the keys to the lock and turning them back and forth with focused deliberation, just like his dad! We know that whatever Matthew decides he wants to do for his career, he will be as determined and successful as his father. Kenny loved Matthew with all of his heart.

In the last decade of his life, Kenny was blessed to have found his Inga, who truly loved him without reservation. She understood him better than anyone, and she provided the balance and stability that held them happily together. Kenny said that, because of Inga, his life was whole. And, he often said that he knew that Inga would be with him till the day he died. Tragically, as fate would have it, Ken got sick, and Inga selflessly cared for him, night and day, to the very end. Ken’s family is indebted to her, and will love her, always.

Throughout his life, Ken’s many friends knew him for his devilish sense of humor and his weird wit, his selflessness and his generosity, and his constant willingness to always lend a helping hand, whenever needed. His home-body ways, his love of old “Western” movies, his intensely analytical mind, and his unmatched pace at work, are some of the unique traits that made Kenny so special. In the Harley community, the respect that Kenny garnered was unmatched, with a reputation that reached across the nation, earned through his honesty and professionalism, and his dedication to quality workmanship and customer service. He was “the” premiere Harley motor man. He was, in a way, a living legend. Though he may now be gone, we can take comfort in knowing that there are countless Harley motors out there that will be running strong for years to come. In a way, a little piece of Kenny still rides with them.

We all have our favorite memories of Ken, who touched so many lives. We’ve all heard Kenny say “How long have you know me?” We can now say, not long enough. But we won’t forget his other favorite sayings, such as “Chance favors a prepared mind”, or “Smith and Wesson always beats four Aces”, or “It’s not that I don’t care, but it just doesn’t matter”, or, whenever he added oil to a fresh motor, “Ahhh, new oil, the elixir of life!”

Kenny always wanted people to remember the good times, and the good things, and to never to be unhappy on his account. We hope that we have honored those wishes, here today. Though we will all grieve for many days and even years to come, the memories of the good times and good things will bring us comfort and last forever. So now, every time you hear that lone Harley motor in the distance, think of Kenny.
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As promised, here is the schedule for Ken's visitation service. We're still working on the planning of the memorial tribute, and we'll keep you informed via upcoming posts, very soon.

Visitation Service:

Family will receive friends from 4:00pm - 7:00pm, on Sunday, August 1st, 2010, at Kirlin-Egan & Butler Funderal Home at 900 South 6th Street, Springfield, IL.

Kenny will be laid to rest at Calvary Cemetery in Mt. Olive, IL.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Huntsman Cancer Foundation, 500 Huntsman Way, Salt Lake City, UT 84108

To Ken's dear friends,

We should know by tomorrow afternoon, (which would be Thursday, 7/29/2010), of the dates and times for Ken's visitation services and his memorial service. We are planning something very special. In the meantime, we are asking anyone and everyone who has a kind rememberance or funny story about Kenny to let us know, as we are hoping to have a tribute event, where everyone can get up and share their story with the rest of us. Feel free to leave a comment on this blog, if you have a story that you'd like to take the time to write and share with all of us, right away, and/or give me a call, and we can chat about Ken's tribute event. My cell phone number is 608-358-4418.

Ken put up such a great fight, but we suspect that the cancer had spread to his brain, as things were just starting to fail. He was tired, and he was ready to let go. We are grateful for the time we had with Ken, over the last seven months, to say our "I love you's", and our "I'm sorry's", and to help him put things in order as best they could be put, before he moved on to that great motorcycle shop in the sky. As Ken's brother Mike put it today, we know that all of the Harley's in heaven will be running a lot better, now!

More tomorrow,
Laura

To all of Ken's dear friends,

Our Kenny passed away this morning. The fight was just too much, and he was ready. He went peacefully, with Mike and I at his side, holding his hand.

The entire night before, Kenny was sleeping peacefully, as I kept the vigil through the night. And, there was a very curious occurrence: the fluorescent light in his room kept going on and off, all by itself. Around 11:00pm, I summoned the hospital maintenance man on-duty, and with the lights off, talking in whispers, (so that we wouldn't wake Kenny), I held the flashlight as the maintenance man removed the light switch cover and then disconnected the wires that fed the power to the light. That should have done it, right? Well, ten minutes later, the light started going on and off again. So, I summoned the maintenance man again, and he couldn't figure out what was going on! ... Once again, we were working in the dark, whispering, as I held the flashlight, and the maintenance man removed the light bulbs from the fixture. How weird is that???

Inga and Ken's sister Gina said that the same thing was happening earlier the day prior. And, the light only did this when Ken was asleep. Psychic spiritual energy??? We believe it was...

Inga and Ken's family are making arrangements and getting everything figured out, and we will let you all know what is happening, as soon as we can.

Love to you all,
Laura

Hello again, to all of Ken's cherished friends who are checking in on him, via this blog. It's amazing and heartwarming to know that you're out there, reading, and to see the hit-counts on the site!

In short, it's now time for Ken to take a breather! It's been a rough seven months. So, Ken's taking a break, and that means no chemo and no radiation. Instead, Ken will be taking time to relax, to heal, to gain back some weight, and to get to feeling a little better and little stronger, before he jumps back into the fight.

Ken's due for his third monthly treatment of Zometa, which is the osteo drug that rebuilds the bone, kills the cancer that is in the bone, and shuts out any new cancer cells from getting into the bone. Amazing, huh? With the cancer having spread to Ken's spine and pelvis, these treatments of Zometa are very important. I'm hoping that, after three consecutive months of treatment, we'll see an improvement in the bone mass, and a reduction in the amount of cancer, in the next scans.

The good news is that Ken hasn't thrown up for over a week. This is really wonderful! And, his blood counts are holding strong. The only bad news is that the chemo treatments, over the last few months, didn't kill the esophageal tumors the way that Ken's oncologist hoped that they would. So, when Ken is stronger, the plan is to try a different chemo-cocktail, and go after those esophageal tumors, again.

So, here's the current plan:
Rest
Get stronger
Gain weight
Back off on the pain meds (cuz he's gettin' a little loopy)
Have another Zometa treatment
And then, decide on the next steps, in a couple of weeks, or so.

Thank you, so much, to one and all, for your sincerely concerned inquiries and your kind support. It means a lot to Ken. He wishes that he felt better and stronger, so that he could take calls and visits. Though just not yet, we're hoping he will be able, soon. All of you, who watch this blog, will probably be the first to hear of it, when it happens!

Love and thanks,
Laura (Ken's sister)

Hi everybody!

Just a quick update here, from sister Laura, as Inga is swamped, working and taking care of Ken, and last week was a very busy week.

A week ago, today, Inga came home from work to find Ken throwing up blood. So, one ambulance ride back to the hospital, and four units of blood later, (as his blood test showed that his blood count was down to 1/2 of a normal level), Ken was admitted to the hospital, and stayed for an entire week.

First, a scope of Ken's stomach revealed a bleeding ulcer, 2 cm x 4 cm. (That's a pretty big ulcer.) He is now on liquid Nexium, which will assist in the healing and will prevent any future ulcers.

Second, Ken's J-tube had coiled itself up in/against his stomach, (the J-tube is the one that goes directly into the intestine, after the stomach, whereas a G-tube is the one that goes directly into the stomach), which is the reason his liquid feedings had become so uncomfortable. So, they replaced the J-tube.

Third, due to Ken's ongoing shoulder pain, they did an MRI of his spine, again, to check for any spinal compressions, (since the esophageal cancer had spread to the spine, this is a concern), but all was OK. They attribute the pain to the start of arthritis and lack of activity, in general, causing loss of muscle mass.

Fourth, they did an echo-cardiogram, to check for fluid around the heart, and there was none. (This was a concern, due to the fluid that had accumulated around one of Ken's lungs, about a month ago, which was drained, and has since remained clear.) So, that was good news, too.

Fifth, the radiation treatments on the spine, (the fourteen (14) treatments that had started on July 6th), continued during his stay in the hospital, and, as of today, July 12th, he has nine (9) more to go. The rest of this week, (till Friday), and then Monday through Friday of next week.

The really good news is that Ken's blood is holding its own, rebuilding itself, and the counts are not dropping. Since stopping the internal bleeding of the stomach ulcer, he's doing really well. He was eating solid foods again, and getting some good color back!

That's all I can tell you, for now. I'm heading back down for a visit this weekend, and I'll have more to share, after that visit. And, I bet we'll probably get a post from Inga very soon, too.

Thanks for checking in, and for keeping Ken in your prayers.

Love,
Laura

Hi everyone.

Since my last posting, Ken has had two chest x-rays which have shown no new fluid. They are checking that, once a week. Ken starts radiation tomorrow, on his spine, (where the cancer had also spread), which will hopefully ease his back pain.

We had a bit of a scare, about a week and a half ago, when Ken's blood levels got too low. He received a blood transfusion, which did make him feel better, but not enough to make him want to go out and mow the lawn!

I suspected that Ken's levels had dropped again this weekend, when he was feeling bad enough to go to the hospital via ambulance. However, it was only dehydration. He was ready to go home after only twenty minutes.

Ken has gained five pounds! Five more, and we'll start discussing when to start the additional chemo treatments that Ken's oncologist has recommended. Thank you all, for complying with his wishes for no visitors; visits even with close family take such a toll on him. He thinks of you all, and says not to worry, he'll see you again, soon. As hard as all of this has been on him, he still wants to keep fighting. His attitude isn't always the best, but his perseverance seldom wavers.

I hope you all had a good 4th. I'll get back to you as soon as I am able.

Love to all.
-Inga

Hello everyone! Long time no talk. ...So sorry about that, but my computer has been down and I really have not had time to sit down and post anything. I do see that Laura has stepped in to make sure you all remained informed. Don't know what I'd do without her.

Well, we've been doing okay around here. Lots of doctors and lots of tests. They found some fluid on his lung and after draining it and testing it, they found that it contained cancer cells. They will make an adjustment in his chemo cocktail to focus on this new development. However, we are going to wait until he is a little stronger and a little fatter before we put him through another round.

He has been experiencing some back pain due to the spots on his spine, so they are going to address this with some radiation on his lower back, starting maybe on Tuesday. In addition to the radiation, he will continue his once monthly Zometa infusion, which is an osteoperosis drug that he began a couple of months ago.

He scored a 100% on his hearing test, so the hearing loss I detected must be of the selective persuasion. I was afraid those nasty chemo drugs had damaged the only ear he has left. But fortunately, I was mistaken.

So far as the tumor in his esophagus is concerned, it is unchanged. It didn't really shrink, but then again, it didn't grow, either. You know me, looking for the bright side, always.

His spirits remain high. Our days are spent quietly conversing about the world that seems to be racing around us. Always on the move to our next appointment or test. It all seems so unreal sometimes. But whatever, we're just along for the ride, so we choose to always enjoy any little thing we can, like snow cones. Kens loves snow cones. He bugs me all winter long about when the snow cone stand is going to open. Well, thank goodness, it's now open! I stop three or four times a week to get him a cherry one, or maybe blue raspberry, and every time, without fail, his face just lights up. Loves those snow cones!

So our plan is to fatten him up again while he is doing his radiation and after he has put on a few pounds we'll start chemo again. In the meantime, we'll enjoy the fact that he doesn't throw up but once a week these days.

I'll try to post in a more timely fashion in the future. Thanks for bearing with me.

Love to all!
Inga

Hi everyone,

Here's the latest news on Ken:
His last set of scans, taken on May 28th, showed no real change since the last set, which were taken before the 3-weeks of chemo treatments, (1 week of chemo followed by 2 weeks off, x 3), and that's all the more specific the oncologist would get about it. However, some additional problems have emerged:

1. They found that Ken's spine had 'chipped' at L-3
We think this might have been caused by a fall that Ken took one day, when he lost his balance and kind of fell partly into the corner where the fridge meets the wall, and then to the floor. However, he went to the doctor the day after this happened, and the x-rays showed that nothing was broken. It could be a case of the fall causing a hairline fracture, which normal activity aggravated until it finally broke off. It's hard to say....

2. They found some fluid in one of Ken's lungs
They pulled this fluid out on Tuesday, and are having it tested. They want to make sure that there are no cancer cells in the fluid. If there are, it will change the 'recipe' for the next chemo treatment. They should have the results of this test by early next week, 6-15-2010, or so.
Ken may have accumulated fluid in his lung due to too much inactivity. Also, he had Pluracy back when he was 19 years old, and it could be that his lungs are just more susceptible to fluid accumulating, as a result.

Other than all of this, he has been eating well, and enjoying hanging out and watching movies, though he's still sleeping a lot. Just one other problem, in that the last couple of days his back has started hurting him... (it never did, before), so, he's going back to the doctor, tomorrow, (Friday the 11th), to have this checked. It could be that he just strained it, with all the recent travel and moving around for the last couple of doctor appointments, x-rays and other procedures, and such. But, since we know there is a fracture that has occurred at L-3, (part of the vertebrae actually chipped off), it's important to monitor this closely.

After the test results come back on the fluid they pulled from his lung on Tuesday, Ken will get his new treatment plan from the oncologist. It will likely stay on course as originally outlined, which entails another 3-weeks of chemo, (1 week of chemo, followed by 2 weeks off, x 3), but we're not sure when that's going to start.

Thanks to everyone, for your calls and cards. It really cheers Ken up. I hope that soon, by the end of the summer, Ken might be up for a little get-together of some kind, (maybe a little 'customer appreciation' party), so we'll keep you posted. Meanwhile, Ken says "hi" to everyone!

Love to you all,
Laura
(Ken's sister)

Hi everyone,

Just a quick update with the latest news:

Ken is bouncing back from this last round of chemo! (Thank heavens. It got pretty rough, again, with another blood pressure drop to 60/40, due to a potassium deficiency.) The last day of this last round of chemo was 10 days ago, so he's moving into really good territory, now. He had a great weekend, and actually enjoyed the heat wave, because the chemo has made him so sensitive to cold that the extreme heat felt really good to him! It was so nice for Ken to just sit with the door open, to smell the grass and the trees, and to feel the warmth. Good stuff!

Last I heard, May 28th is the date that the next set of scans will be performed. We will learn a couple of things:
1.) How much is left of the esophageal tumor
2.) How much is left of the metastases to his spine and pelvis

I called today, to check on him, and Inga was giving me a run down of all the solid foods he had just eaten. (Eating solid food is a real mark of progress for Ken.) He had eaten fish, shrimp, sloppy Joe's and ice cream. Ken then said "I hope I don't throw this up". To which I said "Well, if you do, just get a plate, because I'm sure the cat will eat it!" It made him laugh. Hearing him laugh is like music to everyone's ears.

So - I'm sure Inga will have more to tell you, as soon as she gets a chance. Meanwhile, I thought I'd put this little update out here, to keep you posted, and to say "thank you", for caring about Ken and staying interested.

We hope to see you all, later this summer!

Laura
(Ken's sister)

P.S.
Ken's son, Matthew, is graduating from Lutheran High School next weekend, (ceremony on the 30th), so we're all really proud of him! Kenny's little boy has become a man. Where does the time go??? If you look at the pic in this blog's 'About Me', it's actually a picture of Ken and Matthew, on Matthew's 12th birthday, when Ken took him for his first motorcycle ride. (Matthew looks exactly like his mom, Debbie, in this photo!) Right after this photo, Matthew started to sprout up, and he didn't stop. He's now tall and thin, with very chiseled and handsome features ...like is daddy!

Hey all! Ken's in the middle of his 3rd chemo treatment and we may have finally found a cocktail of meds that work for him!! His vomiting has been much less frequent this time than in the previous treatments. Yeah!

They will be taking a scan on the 28th of this month, then on to the next round of three. If they go as well as this one has so far, we'll be in good shape. As agonizing as it is to watch my poor guy throw up, I was comforted by his comment that no matter how much he throws up, none of it is as bad as what the radiation did to him. So, at least we don't have to do that anymore.

He is still refusing vistors. I know you all want to see him but he is very cautious about not catching a cold or the flu or any of those other yucky things that could set him back in any way. You will be happy to know though that he has kept his sense of humor throughout this entire ordeal. Always giving me and the other nurses a hard time. His spirits are pretty good and he has really enjoyed having the time to just sit and think. Life doesn't allow much time for pondering, and I am glad for him, considering how much runs through his genius head on any normal day.

My days are filled to the brim with all that has to be done around here and I apologize for all the time between postings; I'll try to post again real soon. Until then-lots of love-Inga