Ken Luber

Welcome to our CaringBridge website. We are using it to keep family and friends updated in one place. We appreciate your support and words of hope and encouragement.  My sisters and I will try to update here as often as possible! -Kelly
 
In the early hours of January 19th, our life was completely changed.  Dad was taken to the hospital for a suspected heart attack.  Once heart attack was ruled out, they began multiple tests to determine the cause of his abnormal bloodwork, dizziness and weakness.  The first MRI showed swelling and  seven nodules on his brain.  They proceeded with a full body CT scan. This scan showed a mass on his lung, liver and lymph node. After taking a biopsy of the liver, it was determined dad had stage 4 lung cancer that spread to his liver, bones and brain. Doctors also found a pulmonary embolism in his lung and several bloodclots in his legs.  
The course of action for treatment was determined. He was administered heparin for the embolism and clots, along with steroids for the swelling in his brain. They would do 10 radiation treatments to target the cancer in his brain, followed by immunotherapy for the cancer in the rest of his body. Unfortunately several complications arose- dad has a super rare condition called heparin induced thrombocytopenia (HIT)- where his body is basically allergic to heparin therapy, causing his platelet count to plummet, and his body to produce more blood clots.  Within that week at the hospital, dad had several strokes that caused a major decline in his prognosis. The strokes have created a major challenge for treatment and recovery. He is extremely weak, unable to sit up, walk or see. 
He just completed his tenth and final  radiation treatment  yesterday and will be doing stroke rehab at Riverview Pointe care center, nice and close to my parents home. Dad needs to build up his strength before they can proceed with any immunotherapy treatments. We are praying that the physical and occupational therapy will help my dad regain strength to allow for him to go back home with our mom and to start his immunotherapy.  
Dad is only 68 years old. He was working full time up until the day he was hospitalized. He wasn’t on any medications or had any hospitalizations in the past. He is strong, brave, and full of life. We have a long road ahead, but our hope is still strong.