Kirk / Cindy Morehead Kirk Morehead

Welcome
We were looking for a place where family and friends could come together in one place to support Kirk and Cindy, as well as find peace in answers and updates about his well being throughout his journey with his new diagnosis. 

Cause for Concern
The first question everyone asks is, "How did you know something was wrong?". During recent golf lessons, while learning a slightly different swing, dad started to notice an uncomfortable feeling in his abdominal area (more specifically, what felt like a bulge below his sternum). That paired with slight lower back pain, a small recent weight loss, decline in appetite and few other GI related symptoms he followed his instinct and sought medical attention. After experiencing some covid related setbacks, they acted as quickly as possible with a CT scan and he received results on Wednesday, October 24th.  Along with a large abdominal mass (10cm x11cm), and multiple smaller tumors, he was diagnosed with a rare Appendiceal (appendix) Cancer, Pseudomyxoma Peritonei. 

Pseudomyxoma Peritonei (PMP)
This cancer starts as a tumor on/in the appendix. After rupturing, it slowly makes its way throughout the abdominal cavity in a jelly-like, tumor carrying substance. Dad also has a rather large mass (about the size of a large grapefruit) attached to his appendix. The standard of care includes Cytoreductive Surgery (CRS) to remove the jelly-like material, all visible tumors and organs (or parts organs) that are being compromised by the cancer.  CRS is directly followed up by HIPEC (Hyperthermic Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy). HIPEC is an additional 2 hour procedure that allows the doctors to kill microscopic cancer cells with 107 degree chemotherapy drugs, put straight into the abdominal cavity. All together we are planning on a 10-16 hour surgery.  Dad should expect several days in the ICU, followed by a minimum of 1 week hospital stay. 



Together with friends and family we are hopeful for a full recovery, we are confidant in the surgeon's abilities and in God's hands we will remain!   Please read the journal entries for up to date info...