Next steps

This last week Kerry had his port a cath placed to be able to have easier lab draws and for the continuous chemo pump. He also had a head CT scan, PET scan and we met with the radiation oncologist and our regular oncologist again. It was a busy week and felt very long.

The port placement went well. He had an allergic reaction to the soap they used to clean his skin and broke out in hives. So we added that to his allergy list and gave benadryl until it cleared up. The port site seems to be healing well and he says it’s not near as sore as it had been. He went back to work on Wednesday without much trouble.

Kerry’s fancy port. It will allow for much easier access with labs, chemo and IV infusions. After multiple IV starts this week and lab draws, he’s thankful to have it.

Tuesday he had a PET scan and we met with the radiation oncologist. The worst part this week was waiting for the results from the head CT and PET scan. We didn’t get those until Thursday afternoon when we met with Dr. Mattar. The head CT was clear. The PET scan and chest CT from a few weeks ago showed a nodule in his left lung. Dr Mattar felt like it was likely benign, but they will be watching the spot closely and Kerry will have another CT scan in 3 months to monitor.

During his radiation oncology appointment we met with Dr. Rine. He spent lots of time with us answering questions and going over the recommended treatment plan. He was very straightfoward, honest and easy to talk to. They also marked Kerry for radiation and ran through the simulation of what radiation would look like. He got his first 3 tattoos (tiny freckle sized dots) on each hip and lower back to help align for treatment each week.

Thursday we met with Dr. Mattar, we were the last patients of the day. He joked with Kerry about our ‘notebook of questions’ and explained things very well. We have a treatment plan and will be starting that tomorrow (Monday). Dr. Mattar again went over risks and benefits as well as why this is the recommended course of treatment.

Kerry will work a half day Monday until 11. Then he will drive to Newton to have labs drawn and will get the chemo pump put on around noon. His first radiation treatment will be at 2:15 in Wichita. They say that the first couple of weeks aren’t bad, but week 3 the fatigue hits. Kerry is hoping to work as much as possible as long as he is able. Since he will do radiation every day during the week that means he will be working half days mostly. We are so very thankful that his job is willing to work with him and allow him to continue working.

Some specific ways you can pray for us and for Kerry:

  • First and foremost that we would glorify God in all things. Specifically that we would be sensitive to opportunities to share the gospel and the hope that we have in Christ with others. We have a unique opportunity in this, pray that we use it for His purpose.
  • That Kerry has minimal side effects during treatment. He is hoping to work throughout.
  • Pray for our children. That Kerry and I lead them well in times of stress and times of unknown outcomes. Pray that we remember and teach them that our hope does not lie in any medical treatment, diet or lifestyle change, but that our hope lies in Christ and Christ alone.
  • Healing. We ultimately pray for Kerry’s healing and that he will be granted many more years on earth without cancer. We trust that the Lord’s will will be done and even if He doesn’t heal Kerry…He is still good.

We thank you all for the prayers, meals, encouraging notes and acts of kindness you’ve shown to our family. We have been blessed beyond measure and we are thankful.


Waiting to meet with Dr. Rine (radiation oncologist).

14 thoughts on “Next steps”

  1. We love you and are always praying for you. Remember: “My fear doesn’t stand a chance when I stand in Your love”.❤?
    Kim & Wendy

  2. Kerry and Erin, My prayers are with you as you have started this difficult journey! You have an in credible testimony as you share on Facebook! You are “in HIS Arms! ”
    Della Regier

  3. Thank you for sharing as well as you guys specific prayer requests. We stand believing with you for the Lord’s strength, peace, and healing in Kerry’s body for the Lord is very well able to do exceeding and abundantly, above all that we could ever ask or think. Sending our love and prayers from us here in Oregon. And if there’s anything we can do to help, please do let us know also. We love you all.
    ~Frank & Ann

  4. Lord,
    You have taught me that faith as small as a mustard seed can grow into an amazing tree.
    Today I give you my little seed of faith. I place it firmly in the ground of your word. I water it with truth. The warmth of your love will make it grow.
    Today I ask by faith that you would bring healing from this cancer. I place my trust in you. May this seed sow healing into every area where the tumor has emerged. May it grow into a strong work, redeeming and restoring with great strength and power.
    Amen.

  5. Prayers for all of you continue. Thanks for sharing this journey and allowing us to lift you all up to the One who has already scripted the perfect ending for each of us.

  6. What can I say that is worth reading? Your response to this all is godly, appropriate, and is of the truth. Longer term, realizations will continue to set in, and human weakness is always at our door. Yet, the Spirit of God abides within and will always be with you both. He truly will work out all things to His glory and for your good, whatever the ultimate outcome in this life.

  7. What a beautiful blessing you and Kerry and your family are to this world!
    John 10:27-30
    “My sheep hear my voice and I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand. My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all, and no one is able to snatch them out of the Father’s hand. I and the Father are one.”

  8. Thank you for your update and for the specific prayer requests so I can pray intentionally for you all during this journey! Praying for healing, wisdom and strength as you fight the good fight Kerry! Faith in Christ dispels fear every time! The resources in medicine are finite but Christ’s resources are infinite! It’s so assuring to know Jesus always keeps his promises! Keep hope in your hearts!???

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