Kevin’s Story

Site created on December 16, 2018


I have been dreading writing this post especially this time of year!
Kevin wanted me to set up a caring bridge site for family and friends which I will update over the weekend.  I was surprised because he isn't really one for social media. But I said I would! 


As many of you are aware Kevin has been diagnosed with stage 4 colon cancer on December 7th.   It has been a rollercoaster of emotions the past few weeks!  It started with a stomach pain that wasn't going away, and weight loss because wasn't eating, he was thinking a hernia.  Went to urgent care on Halloween, and sent for additional testing.  They were thinking hernia as well.  Following weeks had x-rays, ultrasound, blood work and nothing came up.  Then they scheduled CT Scan and that was the test where they finally found something.  Scheduled a colonoscopy on December 5th and that is where they saw the huge mass in his colon and couldn't finish the colonoscopy, it was impassable.  Surgery was scheduled to remove the mass before he left that day.  He went in to the hospital on December 7th to remove the mass in his colon but they were unable to remove it, once they went in that was when they noticed he had cancer cells all over his abdomen wall and his liver, as well as the colon was able to get biopsies though.  Couldn't remove mass in fear of a rupture and cause septic toxins, so they inserted a colostomy bag which will stay indefinitely for now.  Thankfully when I got the news his dad and brother was with me it was rough.  I had to break news to Kevin after in recovery he was thinking surgery went well.  That was not easy! 😢 I was going to let doctor tell him next day but I can't keep a poker face!! He knew something was up. 5 days in hospital and couple bumps in the road since then but he is home now, has visiting nurse and taking day by day.  Had his staples removed yesterday morning (Thursday) saw the oncologist that afternoon and meet with his nurse and social worker.  Social security in place but won't start receiving benefits unitl April. 😫 going to be tough but we've been down this road before unfortunately when Derek got sick. CANCER SUCKS! Has affected to many of my family and friends!!  Derek has been told and is dealing with it ok ( I think) he does not talk about it.   We have our days.  LOTS of emotions!  The social worker suggested that we go and see a grief and loss counselor to talk.  I will be asking my primary this week for a referral.


Next steps will be chemo to try to stop the spreading more and shrink the cancer that is there.  Monday and Tuesday are chemo  days the two weeks off then Monday, Tuesday chemo.  4 days a month.  This is incurable and not operable, but the chemo will give him a quality of life versus quantity 😢 Still trying to get his swelling down that he has on his feet, going down very slowly,  he is slow moving but getting around as much as he can. No driving, working or heavy lifting.  Pain meds still, colace,  Ambien, miralax and vitamins. Today they started him on iron supplements,  since blood work he had done at oncologist yesterday came back with he is anemic.  LONG road ahead!  Port will be placed on January 3rd then chemo starts January 7th.  Scans every 3 months. 


I will keep you all updated and teach Kevin how to post and update, as we hear news.

Newest Update

Journal entry by Gail Robinson

Kevin is doing as well as can be expected!  Just trying to think where I left off, last week when he fell for the third time in one day it caused him a trip to the ER in an ambulance. Falling was becoming daily.  He had stopped breathing entering the hospital and they had to bring him back.  His  sugar dropped to 23! He was so confused and out of it very sleepy. It was so scary!  Had three staples placed on back of head from fall hit concrete.  He still doesn't remember anything about that day, and still has moments confusion. 

They have him on oxygen since having trouble breathing.  Still not getting much rest, even though they have it where now no more vitals or blood draws he has to be rotated about every 2-3hours he gets very uncomfortable.  Lost sooooo much weight.  Have him on a morphine pump, they just want him to be comfortable and not in pain.  He is trying his best to keep fighting but his body is saying otherwise.  Happening way to fast!  

Since Friday when he was told about Hospice and that the doctors can't do anything more, he has his moments when he thinks he is going home and is adamant about it.  Its so sad. And is very weird not having him here, empty feeling when I cared for him for the past five months and 24 years living together. 
His mind comes and goes, very hoarse and not eating much.  Loves having visitors and grateful for your love and support.  He is worried about Derek and I keep trying to tell him it will be fine don't worry about that!  Even though the past few days I don't even know. It's crazy the phone calls to make, funeral planning, looking around the house and seeing so much to do. Haven't been able to just sit and absorb what is happening.

I want to thank everyone who has visited Kevin, the well wishes, prayers, thoughts, gift cards, cards, flowers, and go fund donations.  And everything else ❤️❤️As well as making sure Derek and I eat!
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