A short update on Kim's condition
From: Kyle
Date: January 17th, 2004
Hello to all of Kim's Friends and Loved ones, this is Kyle, his eldest son, writing on his behalf, as he is currently too tired and run down to be able to write to all of his friends. I would like to thank everyone for the support and concern you have shown, it is very heartwarming, and I know it helps my Dad's state of mind. I know he would like to write, and talk to all of his friends, but he just doesn't have the energy. Know that he thinks of all his friends often, with love and happiness. As most people that knew my dad well would expect, he has come to terms with his condition, and is not afraid of what might come. Kim has led a very full life, has made wonderful friends, and has a family who loves him dearly, and, rather than wish for what might have been, he instead cherishes what he has, and the life he has led. Kim wants everyone to remember and cherish their friendships with him as well, rather than feel sad about his condition. Consider this a celebration of friendship, rather than a cause of sadness. He, and his entire family, are doing everything we can to get him the best possible care, and although we have hope, we all understand that there is a very real possibility that he will not get better. Thankfully, I was able to get about 3 weeks off from work to come back and be with my Dad, I wish I was able to just quit my job, and spend all my time with him, but unfortunately, that will not be possible for another 3 months or so. As of Saturday, he is still feeling tolerable, tired and a bit nauseous, there is still some pain, but his pain medication has made things much better. Here is how he is doing, and how his care is progressing...
1) Chemotherapy has been postponed pending the decision whether or not to operate on the tumor in his colon. We are also still hoping to get him into a clinical trial at Stanford, which would require that he not have had chemotherapy previously. However, one way or another, we expect to start chemo later this week, whether at Stanford, UCSF, or the county hospital.
2) The results of the bone scan indicate that the cancer has spread to the weight bearing parts of his bones, and the lining of his belly.
3) Today, the 17th, he went in for additional X-Rays, and he is scheduled for an MRI the 21st. He will get radiation therapy at certain sites to try and prevent bone fractures.
4) A colonoscopy will be performed Tuesday, which is necessary for basically all follow on treatment.
5) On Friday, we went to a naturopathic doctor, who prescribed several herbal medicines, as well as hydrotherapy, which involves alternately heating and chilling the body. We have also gotten some Chinese mushrooms that are supposed to help with cancer. We are going to see the naturopathic doctor again on Wednesday.
6) Unfortunately, there are no clinical trials available at UCSF that would apply to my Dad, we are still hoping that we will be able to get him in to a clinical trial at Stanford, we should know by next Tuesday, or Wednesday at the latest.
7) In addition to conventional medicine, Kim is trying, and is willing to try, just about any other alternative treatment, including Chinese medicinal mushrooms and reading religious texts, such as the Falon Gong. If anyone has any material (books, herbs, etc.) or any suggestions, they would be appreciated.
Kim would like to thank everyone for the effort put into the upcoming benefit concert, though he cannot be there in person, he will be there in spirit. I will try and update everyone as the situation progresses. Thanks to everyone again for your concern and support, Kim wishes everyone the best, and sends his regards.
If anyone has questions, please email Bryn at: chowchuv@yahoo.com Kim is pretty tired most of the time, and cannot read all his emails and respond on a regular basis, only when he is feeling well.
posted at: 22:16 | path: | permanent link to this entry