Ken’s Story

Site created on May 6, 2019

Throughout our lives there are many quests, and at this point we are definitely exploring an unfamiliar and unexpected adventure. During Thanksgiving Ken noticed blood in his urine however it went away shortly after, without incidence. Toward the end of February, blood was noticed again in Ken’s urine where he then scheduled a doctor appointment, which led to a CT scan. On March 12, 2019, via the CT scan, a mass was discovered in Ken’s bladder and an appointment made with a urologist for March 28, 2019.  During this procedure/cystoscopy, we were told the mass was a tumor and surgery would be needed.  Surgery was scheduled for April 10, the tumor was removed for biopsy, chemo given directly inside the bladder (Intravesical chemo), along with another small tumor behind the first and biopsies taken of areas in the bladder. On April 18th, we met with the urologist and received the news of muscle invasive bladder cancer (aggressive tumor) and our best treatment options for long term survival rate would be Neoadjuvant chemotherapy (prechemo) before removal of the bladder (Radical Cystectomy) along with reconstruction of the urinary tract.

From this point everything has progressed at lightning speed. Our Journey of Life has become filled with twisted roads to unknown destinations, yet our faith has become our anchor. After inquiring how Ken is feeling becoming catholic and receiving the challenge of cancer around the same time, he declared, “I am just believing, now I need to trust.”

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. Thank you for visiting.

Newest Update

Journal entry by Mary Albrecht

We are dancing with joy to report Ken’s six month postop scan indicates "NO" cancer present throughout his torso.  He will continue to get scans every six months for two years before we can truly say “cancer free,” but we feel grateful and blessed for the here and now.

It has been nearly a year of venturing out into the stormy waters of cancer with some unstable adventures into the unknown. At present we are on the runway, refueling our energy, and becoming equipped to fly through our new typical day to day lifestyles. We still will try to remember time is a precious commodity and enjoy each moment.

There is not enough words in our vocabulary to express our gratitude for the many prayers, acts of kindness, love, friendship, listening ears, kind messages, etc., etc., etc. Thank you with our whole hearts.

Remember the past with gratitude.  Live the present with enthusiasm.  Look forward to the future with confidence.” – St. John Paul II

Patients and caregivers love hearing from you; add a comment to show your support.
Help Ken Stay Connected to Family and Friends

A $25 donation to CaringBridge powers a site like Ken's for two weeks. Will you make a gift to help ensure that this site stays online for them and for you?

Comments Hide comments

Show Your Support

See the Ways to Help page to get even more involved.

SVG_Icons_Back_To_Top
Top