Kerry was diagnosed with throat cancer in 2011. After 6+ years of remission the cancer returned and had metastasized to the lungs. Kerry started his 1st intense round of chemotherapy in late November 2016. This combination of chemo proved to be very aggressive and difficult to sustain as it attacked his heart. Kerry suffered from a couple minor heart attacks. During recovery, he was also diagnosed with a bad case of severe pneumonia bordering septic shock. The next several weeks his care was focused on getting healthy and stronger to continue getting chemo treatments.
After the first round of chemo Kerry’s essential nutrient/vitamin levels were low and difficult to maintain. His new regimen was a trip to Benson to have his magnesium/electrolytes replenished via IV fluids. This proved to be a battle as the magnesium was difficult to maintain. This was a result of the type of cancer Kerry is battling.
Kerry’s many, many IV treatments resulted in some setbacks, hospital stays, and overall weakness making it difficult for him to gain strength in his legs and arms. Week to week the strength became the paramount struggle. Kerry worked with physical therapists and used resistance bands to help keep the strength in his legs.
In late January/early February Kerry was strong enough to start a new round of chemotherapy. This new chemo was an immunotherapy that would boost Kerry’s own immune system to help fight the cancer. This cycle was to last for 45 days (mid-march) and conclude with a PET scan of the progress.
Kerry’s cycle concluded on March 14th with fluids and a PET scan. The PET scan revealed that the cancer had moved yet again and had grown in some previous areas. This told the doctors that the current immunotherapy treatments were not enough for this cancer. Doctors have determined that the cancer is in a state that is no longer treatable. Therefore, Kerry has moved home under hospice care to continue his battle.
Currently, Kerry is resting comfortably at home with family. He continues to use every opportunity to crack and joke and really enjoys having visitors to keep him company. Kerry is looking forward to his benefit dinner on April 1st. He is excited to see friends and family that he has not seen in a long time.
See you there!
The family is looking to raise money to compensate for medical expenses that have been incurred during this very difficult time. You can donate here:
http://gofundme.com/bergy .
