October 22nd

Hello everyone, we are finally at home again. Kirk was released from the hospital yesterday. He is doing O.K. but he is still having to use the feeding tube. We have a home health nurse that is helping but for the most part I have to take care of most of the feeding part because he has to have it 24/7. He is eating as well but until he is getting the nutrition that they feel that he needs he will be on the feeding tube.

Next Monday he has an appointment with both his surgeon and Dr. Swan who he hasn't seen in almost a month so I'm sure they will want to do a full check-up.

Again thank you for all the cards the phone calls and prayers. It helps that he knows how much he is loved by all. Just pray that he continues to improve.

God Bless!
Kirk & Laura

October 4th

Hey everybody, sorry I haven't posted until today. It has been a little crazy. Kirk had his surgery on Friday and that went great. They put a new connection from his stomach to his intestines to help with the emptying of the stomach. They left the stent area alone because it was to close to the pancreas. But that should be O.K. because the biopsy from that area was benign. Kirk is doing O.K. but it is taking a little longer than expected for his digestive system to kick back in so he is still on I.V. Food (TPN) and liquids. They want to start him on tube feedings first (the tube is in his stomach) so that this will help stimulate his intestines. Once this works he can then start to eat some soft foods. Right now he is having trouble with the tube feedings because his system is just not working well enough. Hopefully things will start to move in a couple of days.

I've been going out every morning after I take Chase to school and then coming hope at night to get Chase. Then I try to stay on weekends so I haven't been at home much. As soon as I have more news I will try to post. Keep Kirk in your prayers he really needs them right now. Thanks!

God Bless!
Kirk & Laura

September 26th

I just wanted to let everyone know that Kirk will be going into the hospital in Bristol on Friday to have surgery. The stent that he had put in at Cleveland is open but for some reason his stomach doesn't seem to empty the way that it should. They are going to go in and try to either take the part with the stent out and reconnect, or do a bypass by pulling up another piece of the intestine and making a new opening in the stomach. Hopefully this will help relieve the bloating and fullness that he has all the time. The same doctor that put in his port-a-cath is going to do this surgery and we feel comfortable with him.

All of Kirk's other tests have been very good. The biopsy that he had done when they did the endoscopy was benign and all his other tests were good as well, so hopefully this will get him all straightened out. I will keep you posted on how things go. They said that he would probably be in the hospital for 4 to 7 days. As always, please keep him in your prayers as he is really dreading this.

Thanks to all and God Bless!
Kirk & Laura

September 10th

Hello everyone, well we went to see Dr. Swan today. Last week Kirk had a PET study and a bone scan and we got the results today. Dr. Swan wasn't sure about the bone scan because it actually stated that things seemed to have gotten worse but Kirk has had three scans so he thinks that they were talking about the second one because the PET study showed that the bones were healing and that he had responded to the treatment very well. His blood marker was below normal today at 143 so Kirk got an excellent report. The PET study showed something around the stent area and suggested that he have another endoscopy with the light in his stomach to check that out but Dr. Swan said that this could be just some irritation or scar tissue. He scheduled an appointment for Kirk this Wednesday to have that done. For now Kirk doesn't have to go back to the Dr. for three weeks. He still has to get his shots for bloodcounts and his trial study injections but if this last test is clear he is good to go for a while. He has done really well and I'm very proud of him and I know that all of you are too. He has been through a lot and kept on going. Right now he is at Chase's football practice being a coach which he loves.

As soon as we know about the last test I will post to let you know to. I hope everyone had a wonderful summer since it is coming to an end so soon. Thanks again for your support and prayers.

God Bless!
Kirk and Laura

August 27th

Hi everyone, we just got back from Kirk's doctor visit just a few minuutes ago and this is what we know. Kirk has now completed six chemo treatments which is how many that Dr. Swan wanted him to have. He went over all of Kirk's records and bloodwork and decided not to do anymore chemo right now but to run some more tests. His weight is holding, he didn't gain any this time but the last two chemo treatments really seemed to drag him down a little more than usual, but he didn't lose any either. He eats really well and the doctor was very impressed with that and he isn't in any pain which is also a big improvement from when he started. All in all, Dr. Swan thinks that he is doing very well and is pleased with the results so far. Next week Kirk will go for a PET Scan, which he has never had before, and a bone scan. Then we will see Dr. Swan again in two weeks to get the results. Hopefully these will show that everything is clear and he can continue to recover from the chemo and get his strenght back.

He did have a birthday this past Friday and he received so many wonderful cards and gifts and had dinner with about thirty of his best friends last night. He enjoyed it so much. It's hard to believe that he has went through so much and for him to be out and about is just wonderful.

Thank you all for your continued support. Your prayers have helped get us through this each and everyday. We appreciate and love you all!

God Bless!
Kirk and Laura

August 8th

Hello to all, I hope everyone is staying cool during this hot weather and is having a nice summer. Well today Kirk finished up his 6th chemo treatment. This is how many they had intended on giving him so hopefully this will be his last. Probably by next week they will start sceduling tests to see how things look. Bone scans, CT scans and I am going to request a Pet Study which has never been done but is very good at detecting cancer. If all goes well this will be over and he can continue to recover. He is still gaining weight two more pounds this past visit and out of the forty pounds he lost he has gained back twenty-five so he is doing very well. We go out when he feels like going somewhere like to eat or to the movies. So he is getting out and doing some things which is also good.

As soon as we start getting tests results back I will post to let everyone know what is going on. Sorry I haven't posted as often but there hasn't been a lot of news but I soon as I know anything I will be sure to let you know. As always, thanks for your thought and prayers.

God Bless!

Kirk and Laura

July 19th

Hello everyone, well we made it through the Hampton trip and had a wonderful time. We left on Tuesday July 9th and went to Virginia Beach for three nights and then on to Hampton on Friday July 13th to watch Matthew in the All State Football Game. Kirk had a wonderful trip, he ate seafood for four nights straight, (crab legs, his favorite). We would go to the beach during the day and rent an umbrella and Kirk could read or just relax and the kids played in the ocean. Matthew ate with us on two evenings, so he was glad we were so close. The whole trip was really good, not only getting to see Matthew play but also just getting away and having some relaxation that we all needed so badly. Matthew also played very well in the game but I think that seeing some of the size and attitudes of some of the East players that are going to play in college confirmed even more that he does not want to try to walk on at Tech. He said that Hampton was his last game and I think he meant it.

But it was back to the doctor on Monday and Kirk got a wonderful report. He had gained five more pounds and his blood marker is now down to 135. Dr. Swan says that they would like for it to be as low as 125 when this is over. He had a chemo treatment this week and is scheduled for another on August 6th and hopefully that will be his last. He felt so good last week that the tiredness of the treatment is really bothering him this week. I just keep telling him that it is almost over and then he can feel good all the time.

I hope everyone is having a wonderful summer. We have been praying for rain so hopefully it will come soon. Thanks again for your support and keep Kirk in your prayers.

God Bless!

Kirk and Laura

June 28th

Hello everyone, I thought I would let you know how Kirk's tests turned out. The CT Scans showed nothing new which is a good thing. They will show the original spots on the bones for about 2 years because it takes that long for bones to heal. The endoscopy was unclear because the doctor said that the stent looked good but he couldn't see past it which was unusual, so Kirk had to go to the hospital and have an upper GI. This is where they had him drink the contrast and then x-ray to see if it moves through the way it is supposed to and it did. So his stent is open and working. He also had an ECHO cardiogram on his heart. Sorry if I misspelled any of that. This was to see if the chemo had damaged his heart in any way. This test also turned out very good. The blood marker that we have been watching is actually fluctuating a bit. It went from 181 to 235 and then back to 198. The doctor didn't seem to conerned over this. He said that it could do that. Kirk has had 4 complete chemo treatments and Dr. Swan said that he wanted him to have 6. So that leaves 2 more. He was supposed to have another one starting this past Monday but we talked with Dr. Swan about Matthew's All State Game in Hampton on July 13th and he said that it should be O.K. for Kirk to wait until after we go on this trip. That way he will feel really good for the game and not wiped out. When we left his office they told Kirk to go and have a good time and we would resume when he got back. So the next chemo treatment is scheduled for July 16th.

Today Kirk had to go for his Clinical Trial treatment and he is feeling pretty rough this afternoon. It is to help the bones rebuild themselves and it makes him feel like he has the flu. For the most part he has been feeling pretty good and next week he doesn't have a single appointment. This will be the first week since all this started that he has a full week off. I feel like he so deserves a really good week and a nice vacation, he has been through so much.

So that's all the latest news. After his next 2 treatments he will have more tests to see how everything looks and we will go from there. I pray that it will have gotten it all.

I have to say that we just love Dr. Swan. He doesn't look at cancer like it is a death sentence, he looks at it like it's just another illness and you do your very best to treat it. He has always been very positive with us and it helps you to keep going.

Well when I have more news I will be sure to post. I hope everyone has a happy and safe July 4th.

God Bless!

Kirk and Laura

June 8th

Hi everyone, sorry I haven't posted for a while. We usually see a lot of people but for those of you who we don't here is the latest update. Kirk has now finished 4 complete chemo treatments, his blood marker was at 181 before the 4th treatment and 150 is normal. He just had his treatment this week and is feeling really tired but each day gets better. June the 11th and 18th they are going to run some more tests, CT scans and also where they put the light into his stomach to look at things. It has a name but I'm not sure what it is. After that we will know for sure how things are going with the chemo. The Dr. seems to think it is working well and he does seem to be improving. He is gaining weight and still eats really well. Even if he has to have more chemo we will probably put the next treatment off a few weeks just so he will feel really good to go see Matthew play in the All State football game in Hampton on July 13th. He can't miss that. I hope everyone is enjoying the start of summer. Ours is improving day by day with the help of prayers. Keep them coming.

I will post again as soon as we know some tests results.

God Bless!

Kirk and Laura

May 15th

Hi everyone, sorry I haven't posted for a while things have been really busy. Kirk is doing well. He has been getting out a lot, going to eat, going to games, and the movies this past weekend. He started his third round of chemo yesterday and so far is doing O.K. We met with Dr. Swan before he started and he told us that by looking at some blood markers the chemo seems to be working. The marker he is using is supposed to be around 150 but Kirk's was over 400, now after two complete treatments Kirk's is down to 242. Dr. Swan said that he wanted Kirk to take this treatment and then one more and we would start tests again to see what to do next. Kirk is eating and putting on weight so that is another good sign. It is amazing in going through this how many people's lives cancer has touched but the good thing is it can be cured or in some cases treated to where the people can still have good lives. We have met many wonderful people with extroardinary stories. Well thanks again to everyone for your support and prayers. We love you all.

God Bless!

Kirk and Laura

April 29th

Hello to all, it's been a few days since I last posted and during that time Kirk has finished up his second chemo treatment. He hasn't been nauseous but so very tired. Even though they have him going everyday for shots to help boost his white blood cells and blood platelets he still has to get IV fluids periodically. His blood pressure is running low and this helps to boost it by giving his blood a boost. Today we had to go for xrays and a shot and IV fluids so we were there all day and he was absolutely worn out. He doesn't have to have chemo again until May 14th so hopefully he will have some good days before that. He has an appointment with Dr. Swan on Thursday so hopefully we will have some new news to share.

This weekend is prom weekend at Rural Retreat and we are helping Micki Jo and Casey do a dinner for some of the couples. We were going to do it at our house but we thought it might be to much and Micki Jo and Casey were nice enough to offer doing the dinner at their house so we are just going to go to their house and help them. I hope Kirk feels a little better by this weekend so he can enjoy it. Things are still looking good he has just gotten tired from the chemo and I think that is just part of it.

Well I will post again as soon as we have some more news. God Bless to everyone!

Kirk and Laura

April 24th

Hi everyone, well first I have to say that the benefit that the fire department did on Saturday was AWESOME! Not only did they do well raising money but Kirk so enjoyed the fellowship. They had a nice chair for him to sit in and then everyone could just gather around and talk with him. He really really enjoyed it. It made him so happy to see everyone. Then he went to church on Sunday and what a wonderful moment that was as well.

Monday we went to Dr. Swan's thinking he was going to get a treatment but he ended up just doing an appointment because Dr. Swan wanted him to take some medicine the night before and the morning of his treatment. He did tell us some good news. The bloods counts that they are using to track Kirk's cancer are down which means the chemo is helping so he will stick with the same regimen for treatments.

Today we went for the treatment and we were in Abingdon from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm this afternoon, then we go back tomorrow and Thursday to finish the chemo called VP16. This is given over a three day period. Then in addition we have to go back and forth between Marion and Abingdon until next Friday to get injections to keep his blood levels from dropping so low. Right now he is doing O.K. with the treatment he is really tired but not nauseous. Keep your fingers crossed and pray. They gave him a lot of anti-nausea medication before the treatment and he has pills at home, so I hope we are ready just in case.

Well just wanted to let everyone know how things are going. I will update again in a couple of days after treatment just to let you know how he is tolerating them. Take care and God Bless!

April 20th

We met with Dr. Swan on Monday and we really liked him. We had to wait about two hours but he spent more than an hour with Kirk. He did a thorough exam and asked as many questions as possible and even talked about running more of his own tests. Kirk will have his next chemo treatment on Monday at Dr. Swan's office and then Dr. Swan will run the tests he talked about just to see how things are doing. He talked about a PET Study which Kirk has never had.

Kirk continues to eat well, and he had gained about ten pounds since we have been home. He likes to go out daily and this weekend he plans on attending the benefit that the fire department is doing for him. We are continually amazed at the generosity of the people of our community. Debbie at the Florist is also doing ribbons in memory of the Tech deaths and taking donations for Kirk for the ribbons. We are so proud to live in Rural Retreat and Wythe County. What a giving community.

I will update again after Kirk's next chemo treatment. We are hoping that he can get through it without getting to sick. Please continue to keep him and the people involved in the Tech incident in your prayers. We never know what the future holds but with trust in God and the love of our neighbors, We will prevail!

Go Hokies!

Kirk and Laura

April 14th

Hey everybody, more good days. Kirk has had some really good days. In the past two days he has been to 3 soccer games and an equipment sale. He doesn't get out of the car because it has been so cold but he does go. Today he ate a piece and a half of jelly toast and one egg this morning, drank an ensure before lunch, ate about 2/3 of a really big hamburger for lunch, had an ice cream cone about 1:30, a half of a peanut butter and banana sandwich at 3:30, a bowl of potatoe soup, a piece of homemade lightbread and some fruit for supper and a brownie and a glass of milk for a night- time snack. Not to shabby. Hopefully the weight he lost will come back pretty quick.

We see Dr. Swan and Monday and hopefully we will come up with a really good plan for treatments. Please keep Kirk in your prayers. We wouldn't be this far without God and our prayers being answered. Have a wonderful weekend. Love to all.

God Bless!

Kirk and Laura

April 11th

Hi everyone, I probably won't post everyday now just because some days the only thing new going on is what Kirk ate and you might get tired of hearing about that. Anyway, he did eat some cornbread and beans, applesauce and chicken for lunch. Not a whole lot but it's getting better. We also have an appointment with Dr. Swan who travels between Abingdon and Marion. We've heard he is really good. We really liked Dr. Blow and especially the nurses on 2 West, but this way he can take his treatments in Marion which is even. We are going to ask him to work with our doctor in Cleveland as well just because they have been so good with everything that's happened.

Kirk is feeling really good and he even rode to Marion with me today. Everyday he seems to be getting more strength we just need to fatten him up. Hopefully that will come as well. Thanks again to everyone for everything especially the prayers.

God Bless!

Kirk and Laura

April 9th

Hi everyone, just wanted to let you know that we had a wonderful Easter. Matthew and I went to church which was wonderful and then we had Easter lunch with the family. Kirk went for a ride with his Dad, while me and Chase visited my mother. I took Kirk for a ride today, just running errands around town but he loves to get out. He says it is so much better then just watching t.v. all day.

We are going to try to contact the oncologist in the next few days to see what the next step will be. I feel sure they will want him to wait at least another week or two but we'll see. I will keep everyone posted.

Thanks to everyone who has been bringing food. We have had some great meals and it really helps out. We've got some great cooks in our area.

Keep praying. God Bless!

Kirk and Laura

April 7th

Hey guys,

Had another good day today. Kirk continues to eat a little more each day. He had several visitors today, his cousin and family from Richmond, Ricky, Lisa and Travis, Pastor Jonathan and Jeff Parker came by and serviced our heatpump. He has been up all day doing some farm paperwork and he watched a movie. Each day he seems a little stronger. He even wants to ride over to the barn tomorrow, so he is already tired of being inside all the time.

We are so looking forward to Easter, just being together as a family is such a gift to us. Again, thanks for the prayers and comments and we hope that everyone has a Happy Easter!

God Bless!
Kirk and Laura

April 6th

Hi everyone, just wanted to let everyone know that things are still going good. Kirk ate well today and with the feast that Linda Reasor sent and the food that Nancy sent over he has a lot to choose from. He also was up sturring about today working on the computer and doing farming over the phone. He said to tell everyone again how much he appreciates the prayers and well wishes. He has talked with a few people and he said it's incredible to hear people's voices. He was so sick at one point he just couldn't enjoy anything. Miracles do happen and we hope that they will continue. We are also glad to hear that Dallas Vaught is at home. We didn't even know that he had been in an accident but we will keep him in our prayers as well.

We saw on the news tonight a segment on web-sites when people are sick and what they said was so true. It is like your connection to the world and to know that that many people are praying for you can only make things better. It's absolutly the way to spread prayers and helped us get through our latest ordeal.

Thanks again and God Bless!

Kirk and Laura

April 4th

Home at last! Home at last!

We can't begin to tell you guys how wonderful it fills to be at home. First, the ride home yesterday was awesome. Mike and Alisha's motor home is beautiful, it really was like being on tour with someone famous. It was the best way that Kirk could have possibly rode home. He could just kick back and relax. Mike had to drive for about 15 hours yesterday. I don't know how he did it but we will always be so grateful to him and Alisha. Allen Dix was his co-captain and we said that Alisha was the stewardess. So we really had a good day.

When we got home, Matthew, Chase, Don, Alexis and Brittany were all here. They had all the lights on and a big banner in the kitchen that the kids at school had signed. The homecoming was so sweet and emotional for all of us. Mike said that was the best part of the whole trip for them to see how happy we all were.

Then last night, to sleep in our own bed. I can't even describe that, it felt like I was sleeping on a cloud. At one point I thought about pinching myself to make sure it was real.

Kirk has had a good day. He's just been relaxing and watching some t.v. Now he just needs to continue eating and putting his weight back on. Then we will worry about treatments. Again, thank you all for your comments and prayers I know that is why things are continuing to look up. Prayers are being answered.
I wish there was a way that we could do something for everyone that has reached out to us. You all are so special and we love you all! We will keep this site updated because it has been so useful for everyone. Again, thank you continue to pray and God Bless!

Laura

COMING HOME!

Kirk and Laura are on their way home. Mike and Alicia arrived at 11:45 am to pick them up. Laura was so excited when I talked to her. She saw them pulling into the parking lot when we were talking on the phone and she got really excited. I know they will be so glad to see exit 60. I am sure Kirk will post something tonight or tomorrow when he gets settled back in here at home. I will continue to do whatever is needed to keep you informed if need be.

The Rural Retreat Fire Department will be sponsoring a fundraiser for Kirk on Saturday, April 21st from 11 am to 4 pm at the fire house. There will be games, hot dog sale, and a car wash. Please try to attend and support them. There are many expenses that they are incurring over and beyond what the insurance will pay. If Kirk is feeling up to it I am sure he will be there for a little while.

Continue to pray for his strength and healing, and for Laura, Matthew and Chase. The are very special people to all of us.

Please remember to give them some time to rest when they arrive back home.

Thanks for everything everyone is doing, I know that Kirk and Laura and the boys are so appreciative to everyone that has sacraficed their time to help out. What a community we have here in RR!

God Bless,

Monica

April 2nd

Kirk will be coming home on Wednesday. Mike and Alicia are going up with their motor home to get Kirk and Laura. The oncologist in Cleveland said today that Kirk will be able to have another chemo treatment in a week or so. They are going to try to get in with an oncologist closer to home. The docs in Cleveland will still be in touch and follow his progress, however it will be easier on him to be able to travel to and from his treatments closer to home. He will need a doc close to home in case he gets a fever. Laura sounded good on the phone tonight. I think they are excited to finally be coming home. They miss the boys and their families and friends. Thank God he is coming home. Continue to pray for his healing and strength to continue the treatments.

Monica

April 1st

Hello everyone. Kirk is having a great day. He will be coming home on Wednesday! I promise that is not an April Fool's joke. Laura said that they are taking away the IV nutrition (this has a technical name, but I can't remember it) tomorrow because Kirk is going to have to start eating more on his own. He will be having another chemo treatment soon. Laura said that they are going to decide whether to go up to Cleveland to take it or someplace closer. They are not sure at this time exactly when or where this will be.

Please remember when he gets home that his immune system is low due to the chemo and he needs to rest. We will all have to let him have his rest and not visit for a few days after he gets home. I know that he and Laura both appreciate everyones concerns.

Monica

March 30th

Kirk and Laura had a good visit from Mike and Alisha. They left around lunchtime today. Laura said that Kirk ate a little more today and has had no nausea. It seems that everyday he improves a little from the day before. Prayers are certainly being ansewered. I am thankful for that. She said that he gets out of the room and walks down to where the computer is 2 or 3 times a day to check out the blog, so keep the comments coming. It is good for both of them to have a connection to home.

God bless.

Monica

March 30th

I talked to Laura around 11:00 this morning. She was getting herself some breakfast. She said that it is very busy in the mornings with Kirk. She is very happy because Mike and Alisha Huff are on their way up for a visit. They will be spending the night with them tonight. Mike is going to stay in the room with Kirk. Laura and Alisha will go somewhere for dinner and stay in a hotel. This will be good for Laura to get a nice meal and a good nights rest. She said that they are going to try to take some of the IV's away today. Take the nausea and pain meds from the IV and put a pain patch on and give him the nausea med by mouth. They are going to try to take some of the nutrition away and try to get him to eat a little more on his own. If everything goes well they may be back in RR next week. Praise God!

Monica

March 29th

I talked to Laura around 1:00. She said that Kirk had eaten some oatmeal this morning for breakfast. He got up and took a shower and sat up for a little while. He ate a little broth and drank some Ensure for lunch. So, it looks like he is starting to eat a little on his own now. She said that he actually looked like he was "filling out " a little bit, maybe gaining a little weight back. It is possible that they will be able to come home sometime next week. I noticed that some of the nurses from BRMC had commented on the post a few days ago. Laura had said that they had made some friends when he was out there. The nurses up in Cleveland are the same. They just love Kirk. Isn't that so typical of him to make friends no matter where he is or how bad he is feeling. They do have many friends and that is why I believe there is HOPE for Kirk. I wear my little Relay for Life bracelet everyday that says HOPE because he means so much to us and to his family. So, keep praying for his strength, and healing. He is in God's hands.

I posted the address to the Cleveland Clinic on the right side of this page at the top above Kirk's picture. If anyone wants to send cards, keep in mind that they might come home sometime next week you may want to go ahead and send them so that they will reach them up there.

Monica Patton

March 28th

Kirk and Laura really enjoyed their visit yesterday from Don and the boys. Kirk slept quite a bit yesterday though. He had a rough night last night. Laura said that he was up and down all night. His back was hurting and he felt bad. They started the nutrition through the IV last night so mabye that contributed to his sleeplessness. They are going to focus on getting some calories in him for the next few days. He will be getting Insure ( hope I spelled that right) starting today. The goal right now is to get him stronger so that mabye he can take his next chemo treatment. It is scheduled for April 2, but we don't know if he will get it then or not. It just depends on how this nutrition works out. Keep praying. I know that my prayers right now are that this is his low point and he will improve and get stronger.

Monica

March 27th

Just talked to Laura, Kirk is having a good day. He ate a popsicle and some graham crackers this morning. The docs are still saying if they can keep introducing some solid foods over the next couple of days and he does well then he will be able to come home.

He is resting up for his big visit from Don, and the boys. Blaine Rhodes, Don, Matthew and Chase are going up today to visit. I know that Kirk and Laura miss them terribly.

Pastor Jonathan just stopped by. He said that there was a little over 100 people at the healing and prayer service on Sunday and they collected about $500.00 for Kirk and Laura. After the service there was continous prayer for Kirk for 24 hours. Thank you to everyone that signed up and kept the prayers going. As I have said before the power of prayer is remarkable. God hears us and Kirk's health is in his hands. If you were not able to attend the service and wish to contribute you may do so through the church. You can send donations to Grace Lutheran Church - Justice and Mercy Fund at P.O. Box 478, Rural Retreat, VA 24368. Please indicate your contribution is for Kirk Heldreth on your check.
God bless you.

Monica

March 26th

I see on yesterdays comments that Laura has figured out that she can make comments. I am so glad that she can access this blog. It is so helpful for them to keep the communication line going. She said at lunchtime today that Kirk's white blood count is up over 1,000 now. There was a new group of docs in to see Kirk today. They are changing his meds. They are thinking this might be part of the reason for the nausea along with the chemo, the stint surgery, and the fact that he hasn't eaten for so long. They are also putting some "nutrients" in his IV (this is NOT a feeding tube). If he can start to eat for a couple of days they will let him come home. He is being moved into a private room sometime today. Laura said that she had a good nights rest last night in the hotel. The hot shower was nice too. She sounded really good when we talked today. Keep praying that Kirk will get strong and heal.

Thanks

Monica

March 25th

I talked to Laura around 4 pm today. She said to thank everyone for coming to the healing and prayer service this afternoon. There were many people there to pray for and support Kirk and Laura. The pastor had given her a copy of the service last week and she read it to Kirk this afternoon around 2:15 while we were here having the service. She said that he was not having a very good day today. He woke up sometime last night and was feeling nauseous again. She said they were probably going to do some more tests tomorrow. Look at the stomach and make sure the stint is still in place and do another CT scan of the stomach. They are talking about a feeding tube if he still can't eat in a couple more days. It has been about 5 weeks now and he really has not eaten much at all. Laura said that she will probably go a hotel via a shuttle bus tonight to get a good nights sleep and a shower. She found a computer in the hospital that she can access the Internet on. She can get on this blog and read your comments, but she cannot sign in to post hers. So, I will continue to do my best to relay her messages to you, and you keep the comments coming to them. Thank you again for everything everyone has done to help out.

Monica

March 24th

Kirk was feeling much better today. He was awake more than he was yesterday. Laura said that he asked for a bowl of cereal for breakfast. They wouldn't let him have that because they are trying to gradually get him used to eating again so he stuck with jello, sherbert and apple juice. She said he got up once and walked around in the room. Once again our prayers are being answered. Remember the healing and prayer service tomorrow afternoon at 2pm at Grace Lutheran church. Thanks for checking in on Kirk. I know they both appreciate everything everyone is doing.

Monica

March 23rd

The "immediate" relief that we were all expecting Kirk to have after his procedure yesterday did not happen. He was still pretty nauseous this morning. He slept most of the day. His white blood cell count is low. The docs say this is due to the chemo treatment. He is very weak, but hopefully he will start to feel better in a few days when his blood count goes up. He received blood platelets yesterday. Laura is staying with him in his room. She is sleeping in a chair. She won't leave him for very long at a time, only long enough to get herself something to eat. Please remember Kirk and Laura both in your prayers. He is struggling right now and he needs our prayers. Remember the healing and prayer service at Grace Lutheran on Sunday at 2pm.

Thank you.

Monica

March 22nd

Laura said that they got the stint in and everything went well. They took him in sometime around 2 pm and I talked to her around 6 pm and he was already up in his room. He was a little sick when he got out but that was probably from the anesthesia. She does not know when they will be able to come home but we hope it will be in the next couple of days. Thank God the stint was successful and maybe he will feel like eating tomorrow. Thanks to everyone for their prayers and concern!!

Monica

March 21st

Talked to Laura this afternoon. She said that they are doing the stint tomorrow. She was not sure of the time, just sometime tomorrow. He is settled in a room and resting. She said that the doctor told them that after the procedure he would have immediate relief and he should be able to eat. Please continue to pray that the stint is successful and he does okay. Thanks.

Monica

Healing and Prayer Service

Please join us on Sunday, March 25th at 2:00pm at Grace Lutheran Church in Rural Retreat for a special Healing and Prayer service just for Kirk. The power of prayer is amazing. Together we will lift Kirk up in prayer. Please try to attend.

March 21st

Here's the latest. Kirk and Laura arrived in Cleveland around 5am this morning. Laura said the plane ride took 1 hour and 35 min. and Kirk traveled really good. He is still in the ER right now. They are moving up to a room very soon. He has seen a doctor and he said he can do the procedure to put the stint in to open up the tube between the stomach and small intestine. She said that they have already talked to several doctors. Thank God he is finally in Cleveland. I will pass along anything else I hear today.

God Bless.

Monica

March 20th

There really isn't much to report today. They are just waiting to be moved to Cleveland. They are hopefull that it will be tomorrow. Laura said that Kirk rested good today and is feeling pretty good tonight. She said that he got cold last night and she covered him up with the VT blanket that Buster had all the kids sign for him. That was a great idea. He is eating things like sherbert, popsicles, and jello. She said he seemed to really like the cold things. They sit better on his stomach. I faxed comments to them last night and again tonight. Keep them coming. Kirk likes to hear from everyone. It is good therapy for him knowing that everyone is thinking about him. Also, keep praying that God will make him strong and heal him.

Monica Patton

March19th

PRAISE GOD!! Our prayers are being answered. The tumor in the tube is benign! They are waiting for a room to open up for him in Cleveland. Instead of taking the helicopter they will be going to Tricities airport in an ambulance then a plane will take them to Cleveland. Continue to keep Kirk in your prayers. I will update you again as soon as we hear more.

God Bless.
Monica

March 19th

I am moving this picture back up to the top. I know how proud Kirk and Laura both are of Matthew and Chase. They are good boys. Matthew has been so strong through all of this and helped to keep the business and things at home going. This is just another reason for them to be proud. Laura said that today Kirk is in a better frame of mind. What a fighter! I think they both feel better knowing they are going to Cleveland. They are moving to Cleveland, OH via a helicopter out of Johnson City called "Wings" hopefully tomorrow or Tuesday. She said that they will probably put the stint in up there to open up the tube between the stomach and the small intestine. This is a risky procedure. There is a chance that the tumor might move into the bowel. Laura said that many of the nurses and even doctors in Bristol have become attached to Kirk. She said that they all talk about what a remarkable person he is and how they pray for his recovery. I am sure that you are like me and not surprised by that statement, because if you know Kirk you love him. He makes it easy. They both thank everyone for the support and prayers. Please continue to post your comments. I will print and fax these to Laura while they are in Cleveland. Your support and concerns really matter to them.

Monica Patton

March 17th

Laura asked me to post today. She told everyone in her last post on Thursday that they were going to run a light down in Kirk's stomach on Friday. They did this test late yesterday afternoon. The bad news is that they did find a blockage. It is a tumor in the tube between his stomach and the small intestine. This blockage is what is causing Kirk's nausea. Laura wants to go back to Cleveland, OH next week and talk to the doctors up there. They will possibly put a stint in to open up the tube. It is vital for them to open up this tube so he can eat and get the nourishment he needs to be strong enough to continue fighting. Please keep Kirk in your prayers. The power of prayer is remarkable. We all know how competitive Kirk is, and he will win this game with our prayers and support.


Monica Patton

March 15th

Hey everyone, I'm sad to say that we had another little set back today. The doctor decided to try to take Kirk off of the IV medications and put him back on the same medicine in pill form. He started out good, even ate a good breakfast but by 10:00 am things started looking bad. His stomach started hurting and the nausea started to return. He visited with Harpo and Barbara for a little while but started looking pretty pale. By lunch while Allen was there everything broke loose. He was really sick so they had to start the IV medications again. This always seems to calm things down but he sleeps alot.

Later in the afternoon the Doctor came in and told us that at this point he does not think the nausea is coming from any of the treatments. Now he is concerned that there may be a blockage in the small tube coming from the stomach to the small intestines. This is also where they did a biopsy and found some cancer cells about a month ago. They are going to run the light down in his stomach tomorrow to see if this is the case. If so, there are two options, a stint or a small procedure that is usually used to correct an ulcer. If not, he said that we would have to try some stronger drugs to get things progressing.

Kirk was sad because he really wants to come home. But if this will get him to feeling better a couple more days is worth it. As soon as we find out what the deal is, I will let everyone know.

God Bless!

March 14th

Well, we had a much better day today. Kirk was feeling much better and very chipper today. We had such a nice afternoon we chit chatted about everything. Something we hadn't done in a couple of weeks. He slept some but not as much as usual. The doctor told him this morning that he was going to change a few things because Kirk needed to be at home. He started today by giving him the last of his chemo through the IV. Orginally, he was going to have take chemo for ten days orally but the doctor decided that may be upsetting his stomach so he had them give him the whole treatment today. Kirk seemed to handle it O.K. When I talked to him at around 9:00 pm he was still doing well.

Tomorrow I think they are going to make more medication changes but we are not sure what it will be yet. Kirk still isn't eating much. He says that he doesn't have an appetite but I also think he is almost afraid to eat for fear of getting nauseous. I can't blame him but he really needs to eat. He had a few visitors today, his dad and Uncle Moon, Lee Alley (Russell Alley's brother), Chad and Mandy and Jim Jon and Regina.

I'm glad that everyone can check this site and thank you so much for the posts. They are very encouraging to Kirk and the whole family. Until tomorrow.

God Bless!

March 13th

Well today was a little better. They took Kirk down first thing this morning and put in a portacath. This goes in on the left shoulder right under the skin, so no more needles. They can use it for IV's and for drawing blood. He was kind of drowsy but rested really well all day. I only got to talk to him a few times but he was in good spirits. Pastor Jonathan was also there today. Now if we can just get him eating again he will be on a roll. Today he was just doing liguids and then as he feels like it he can go to more solid foods. The doctor said that he really wants to make sure he is functioning well before he comes home again, so it could be a few days.

People have really pitched in to keep things going here at the farm. This afternoon when I got home John Huffard was helping to get the plows ready for planting season. Casey Williams has been working of the mornings before he goes to his real job in the evening at Volvo. Then in the afternoons Kyle Kincer a Senior in Matthew's class who is doing Deca comes in and helps. Like I said if it were not for everyone's help we couldn't do it. Our thanks to all!

God Bless!

March 12th

Hey everyone, well things didn't go as well as planned. Kirk continued to get sicker during the evening and after three calls to the hospital at 4:00 am this morning they said to bring him in. We were afraid if we didn't he would get really dehydrated. So he is back at Bristol Regional. The doctor said that he didn't think it was the treatments but where Kirk has been sick for so long his digestive system is really having trouble getting back into a routine, so he said hopefully in a couple of more days he will be straightened out. I tried everything last night but there was no medicine that we had that was going to ward this off. So hopefully he can come home again in a couple of days. Thanks again to everyone for everything. The food, the gift baskets, the cards, the calls, for letting us use vehicles while mine is being serviced and for being such good friends. I don't know what we would do without all of you!

I'm going down early in the morning so I will let everyone know the progress tomorrow evening.

God Bless!

March 11th

Well Kirk finally got home today. He went through the first chemo treatment yesterday and did quit well. He was up at 6:00 am this morning getting ready before the doctor even came in. When he did come in at about 9:00 he said that he could go home and Kirk was ready in five minutes but of course with all the paper work it took about another two hours before we finally left for home. Once we were at home he had lots of visitors and probably stayed up more then he should. This evening he is having a little trouble with nausea but hopefully the medicine that we have will help keep it under control. I really don't want for him to have to go back to the hospital.

I will continue to keep posting so that everyone can continue to keep up and keep Kirk in your prayers.

God Bless!

March 9th

Today Kirk was feeling a little better. He is still sleeping alot but I'm sure that is from all the anti-nausea medicines they have him on. He is still eating but would rather sleep then anything. Chase was out of school today so he went to visit him today and Kirk was so glad to see him. His dad and Nancy were there when we got there and later Dave and Jamie came in. Other visitors were Willie and Jordan Hall, Shawna and Chelsie and Kirk said that after we left Donna Tarter came by. Tomorrow is the first day of chemo and I so hope he doesn't get sick. The doctor came by again this afternoon and said that everything really looked good and before the treatment began they would give him alot of medication to do everything that they could so that he wouldn't get sick. So lets all pray that he doesn't get sick and he can come home on Sunday. Before Chase and I left tonight he said that he really wants to come home!

I am going down tomorrow and will spend the night just so that I can be with him after his chemo. I will let everyone know on Sunday how everything went.

God Bless!

March 8th

Today Kirk had a little bit of a rough day because they ran another CT Scan and put a pick-line in because his veins kept collapsing. This new line will help because now he won't have to be stuck all the time. I finally got to talk to the Doctor this afternoon. This is what we now know, the CT Scan showed that the cancer has not spread so that is a good thing, also they have determined that the primary site is not the lungs or the colon. So they are going to use a chemo regimen that focuses on the upper GI Tract. Our Doctor said that this was better because it would be targeting a specific area. He also talked with the Doctor in Cleveland and they have decided to start the chemo on Saturday. This chemo will be given every 21 days along with a pill form that will be taken for 10 days of the regimen. He also said that if he took the treatment on Saturday and did not get sick he could come home on Sunday. So now I am really praying for him not to get sick but if he does at least he is in the hospital and they can help control it better. I asked Kirk how he felt about everything that was said and he said that he was O.K. with it.

I just want to say thanks to everyone for all of your posts. We love you all!

March 6th & 7th

I arrived at the hospital at about 3:00 pm yesterday afternoon. Kirk was asleep and his sister Jamie and his Granny Sult were there. For those of you who do not know his Granny Sult, she is 89 years old and just the cutest little lady. They left soon after I arrived and Kirk didn't wake up until about 5:30. He ate supper which was pork loin and some sweet potatoes, which he ate a little of, but he ate a whole piece of apple pie. We had a nice evening and we both slept O.K. The nurses do not come in as much when someone is there at night. This morning Kirk woke up at 7:30 am and was already wanting breakfast. He ate some cereal and a little oatmeal. So his appetite is coming back. The doctor I was waiting to see was off today, imagine that, but I talked to his nurse Paula and she had called Cleveland. They are sending all of their notes to our doctor here and she said as soon as they received them the two doctors would talk and decide when to start chemothereapy.

Kirk had a busy morning his IV had to be changed and he had several visitors, his brother Eddie and wife Rita, and Rhea Cole and Scotty Vaught from the County. He enjoyed seeing them. I also apologize if I leave anyone off when they visit. If I'm there, I will know you are there, but a couple of times I think Kirk was drowzy and didn't tell me when someone had visited. Sorry if I missed you but Kirk really appreciates all of the visits and cards and all of your prayers. His phone number is 423-844-2025 and usually lunch time is best for him. Thank you so much for the posts. I am going to print them each day and take them to Kirk. He will really enjoy them. He doesn't think he is important enough to have his own blog but we will have to show him otherwise. Thanks again and I will update tomorrow.

March 5, 2007

On Monday Kirk started the radiation treatments again. I got to his room at about 11:00 am and he had just gotten back. He was a little nauseous but they gave his medications and he basically slept all day. He still ate a little which is good. His Uncle Fred and Beverly drove all the way from Richmond yesterday to visit. He really appreciated that even though he was a little groggy. I am going out after lunch today to visit and spend the night so that I can talk with the doctor in the morning. You have to be there early to catch the doctors. So I will post tomorrow afternoon to let everyone know how he is doing today.

March 4, 2007

Kirk had a better day today. Still not his old self but a little better. They changed his medication and he actually started to eat some small meals today. Grits for breakfast, oatmeal for lunch and pudding for dinner. Not a whole lot but better than nothing. He also had lots of wonderful visitors today. Harpo and Barbara Hilton, Kenny, Sally and Kendra Tibbs, Linda and Curtis Vaught, Pastor Jonathan and his family, Chase, Marcus and myself and one very very special visitor Jasmin our boxer. The head nurse said she could come and visit and she really enjoyed seeing Kirk. Thanks again for the visits and prayers. I will update again tomorrow.

Laura