Kris’s Story

Site created on June 21, 2021

Thank you for visiting Kris' CaringBridge site to get updates on his cancer journey.  Thank you for your support, prayers, and positive messages. It means a lot to Kris, E-Beth, and Braden. 

On Monday, May 17th, Kris went to see his primary physician because of a constant rumble in his belly. In addition, 30 days earlier, Kris tried donating blood but was turned away because his hemoglobin level was too low. It was a first for Kris. Figuring he'd knock out 2 birds with one stone, he went to the doctor. The doctor assumed it was acid reflux so medicine was prescribed and iron pills for the low hemoglobin. 3 days later Kris was contacted by the doctor to see how he was feeling. With no improvement, they suggested a CT scan to see if there was any blockage. 

On May 25th, Kris got a CT scan. The next morning (Wednesday), Kris received a call from his doctor stating he needed to see a Gastroenterologist ASAP. The doctor noticed a large mass in the colon and spots on the liver. Due to the sense of urgency, Kris's doctor reached out to a GI and shared the images. The GI cleared his schedule to meet with Kris the following morning for a consult and sent him to get blood work and an MRI the same day. He told Kris he believed it was cancer but would need to do a colonoscopy and biopsy first. The following Wednesday (June 2nd) he was scheduled for a colonoscopy. The following day the GI confirmed it was cancer.

On Monday, June 7th, Kris met with an oncologist to review his medical history, blood work, scans, and pathology report. It was determined he had late-stage 4 colon cancer.  He was shocked considering he has never missed a yearly physical in over 20 years and has always been told "You are the picture of health!"

Kris completed a PET Scan and was told cancer had spread to the Lymph nodes in his neck, C7 on the spine, abdominal walls, ascending colon, liver, and sternum. 

Kris has met with two oncologists and started his first round of chemo on Thursday, June 17th. He did well but is fatigued.  

On Sunday, June 27th, we will fly to Houston to meet with a medical team at MD Anderson. After much research, MD Anderson continued to come up as the #1 cancer hospital in the country. Kris' treatment and the path forward will be determined by the doctors at MD Anderson when they see him on June 30th. 

We cannot thank you enough for all of your support. The cards, prayers, emails, and texts have been amazing. They keep him staying positive and moving forward. If you don't already know, Kris is a FIGHTER. He does not give up and will do whatever it takes.  Please keep Kris in your prayers. We believe in the POWER OF PRAYERS!

Thank you Merry Cella for the encouragement to create this site. 

Newest Update

October 16, 2023

Journal entry by Elizabeth Sokolowski —

Happy Monday! I hope you all are enjoying the fall weather. 

This Saturday is an important day for The Sokolowski Family.  We are walking to end Colon Cancer. We would love for you to join us regardless of where you are located.  You can walk a mile or three miles.  The purpose of this walk is to honor Kris and bring awareness to colon cancer.  Below are the details about the walk and our SokoStrong Page. Right now, we have 21 people on our team. WHAT A BLESSING!  

Please please schedule your colonscopy. When Kris was diagnosed, he wanted to spread the word about his story so he could save lives. Yesterday, I heard another story of someone who got a colonscopy and they found a precancer polyp. I am so thankful his story made an impact on another life.  

Details about Saturday:
https://impact.ccalliance.org/team/528171
https://impact.ccalliance.org/event/2023-atlanta-walk-to-end-colon-cancer/e455909

Location

John C. Howell Park

797 Virginia Avenue NE

Atlanta, GA 30306

Parking There are five paid lots off North Highland Avenue. There is also street parking available on Barnett Street and Virginia Avenue which are next to the park.   Schedule

9:00am - Participants Arrive

9:30am - Opening Ceremony

10:00am - Walk Starts

Course Details The Atlanta Walk is a hilly, 3-mile-long course.

 

Furry friends are permitted to attend, but they must be up-to-date on shots and cannot be on a retractable leash.

Read More of the journal titled "October 16, 2023"
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