Wednesday, September 9, 2009
Thursday, September 3, 2009
September 2nd
Hello everyone! Kent is healing very well. He has been up and is starting to get his appetite back. He even got had a chance to go to watch Kennedy perform with her cheer team on Tuesday night. We are so proud of him.
Kent's first appointment this afternoon was with Dr. Childs. He looked at Kent's incision and it looks to be healing well. Kent still gets tired quickly, but that is to be expected. He will still be taking Coumadin (explained in a bit: they will figure out the right amount as his diet and activities returns to normal) and an iron supplement. Dr. Child's told us that they took out 633 grams (about a pound and a half) of tissue and mass. He said that the whole kidney was the size of a small football (about 15 centimeters long).
His oncologist Dr. Kent DiFiore put him on a blood thinner "Coumadin" to thin out his blood and make sure that he does not get any more blood clots. That has been a recent worry with the doctors that the blood clots would block vessels or move through to the lungs or heart. His first doses of Coumadin pushed his INR (International Normalized Ratio) blood levels up to a really high level. Normal is between 2.0 and 3.0 and his first reading on Monday was 7.1 (They warned him not to shave or go anywhere near knives). They stopped the Coumadin for a day and Tuesday's level was down to 4.1. This evening, Wednesday, his INR level was 2.8 and he started back up at a lower level of Coumadin.
The next appointment was later this afternoon with Dr. DiFiore. His office is in Salt Lake City at the UCS Cancer Center. We went over the CT scan results that Kent had taken while he was still in the hospital. They found that he had two peripheral nodules in the lower lobe of his right lung. According to the radiologist, these two nodules could either be metastases (new tumors) or infarcts (tissue that is dying or dead). DiFiore was skeptical about doing a biopsy because of Kent's thin blood, so Kent asked if we could do a PET scan. This test is like a CT scan but PET imagining is a diagnostic procedure used in Nuclear Medicine to visualize metabolically active tissue using sugar or glucose molecules. These molecules, labeled with radioactive Flourine-18 are referred to as FDG. After the FDG is injected into the blood stream, it is distributed throughout the body (head to toe) and picked up and incorporated into cells. These cells, containing small amounts of radioactivity, will be detected by the scanner. So they will essentially glow. If the nodules are metastasized tumors, they will glow. If they are infarcts, they will not be detected at all.
We will see the results of the PET scan early next week.
If they cannot detect any tumors, then Kent will be on Coumadin for at least 6 months and have to have frequent scans to make sure that no other tumors show up. If the nodules end up being tumors, then his cancer will be upgraded to a level 4, and he will begin treatment for those tumors. The treatment for stage 4 renal carcinoma is a daily pill called Sutent. This treatment is only available for stage 4 cancer patients. Side effects of this pill are minimal. When we find out what the results of the PET scan are, we will post an update. Keep the prayers coming. Thank you for all of your well wishes.
Carrie Kafentzis
Kent's first appointment this afternoon was with Dr. Childs. He looked at Kent's incision and it looks to be healing well. Kent still gets tired quickly, but that is to be expected. He will still be taking Coumadin (explained in a bit: they will figure out the right amount as his diet and activities returns to normal) and an iron supplement. Dr. Child's told us that they took out 633 grams (about a pound and a half) of tissue and mass. He said that the whole kidney was the size of a small football (about 15 centimeters long).
His oncologist Dr. Kent DiFiore put him on a blood thinner "Coumadin" to thin out his blood and make sure that he does not get any more blood clots. That has been a recent worry with the doctors that the blood clots would block vessels or move through to the lungs or heart. His first doses of Coumadin pushed his INR (International Normalized Ratio) blood levels up to a really high level. Normal is between 2.0 and 3.0 and his first reading on Monday was 7.1 (They warned him not to shave or go anywhere near knives). They stopped the Coumadin for a day and Tuesday's level was down to 4.1. This evening, Wednesday, his INR level was 2.8 and he started back up at a lower level of Coumadin.
The next appointment was later this afternoon with Dr. DiFiore. His office is in Salt Lake City at the UCS Cancer Center. We went over the CT scan results that Kent had taken while he was still in the hospital. They found that he had two peripheral nodules in the lower lobe of his right lung. According to the radiologist, these two nodules could either be metastases (new tumors) or infarcts (tissue that is dying or dead). DiFiore was skeptical about doing a biopsy because of Kent's thin blood, so Kent asked if we could do a PET scan. This test is like a CT scan but PET imagining is a diagnostic procedure used in Nuclear Medicine to visualize metabolically active tissue using sugar or glucose molecules. These molecules, labeled with radioactive Flourine-18 are referred to as FDG. After the FDG is injected into the blood stream, it is distributed throughout the body (head to toe) and picked up and incorporated into cells. These cells, containing small amounts of radioactivity, will be detected by the scanner. So they will essentially glow. If the nodules are metastasized tumors, they will glow. If they are infarcts, they will not be detected at all.
We will see the results of the PET scan early next week.
If they cannot detect any tumors, then Kent will be on Coumadin for at least 6 months and have to have frequent scans to make sure that no other tumors show up. If the nodules end up being tumors, then his cancer will be upgraded to a level 4, and he will begin treatment for those tumors. The treatment for stage 4 renal carcinoma is a daily pill called Sutent. This treatment is only available for stage 4 cancer patients. Side effects of this pill are minimal. When we find out what the results of the PET scan are, we will post an update. Keep the prayers coming. Thank you for all of your well wishes.
Carrie Kafentzis
Thursday, August 27, 2009
KENT IS HOME!!!!!
Kent was released from the hospital today! They took the staples out and they got the results of the CT scans. The scans did show two nodules, one on each lung. He has stage 4 clear renal carcinoma. He was put on blood thinners to helps with blood clots. The doctor's are meeting tomorrow to discuss how to treat the cancer. We should know their decision by Monday. Kent will start treatment when he is stronger and has recovered from his surgery. Please keep all your prayers and support coming. I believe it really makes a difference.
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
Latest update from the hospital
Kent needs to get a CT scan to make sure that the cancer has not moved to the lungs. He will get one before he leaves the hospital.. The vein and the lymph nodes do no have any cancer cells on them. (good news!) right now they are classifying the cancer as a stage 3 clear renal carcinoma, which means that it had spread outside of the kidney. The stage could change based on the CT results. Now we have to focus on getting him up and about so he can go home!
Tuesday, August 18, 2009
Kent's Calendar
Hi Everyone,
My name is Cyndi Kafentzis. I am Kent and Carrie's sister-in-law. I have spoken with people who would like to help the family out during this difficult time. I have been asked about meals, helping with the kids, and anything else that may come up. As most of you know we are lucky enough to have a very large family. A few of them will be coming over the next few weeks to help take care of Kent during his recovery. I thought that if I could put together a calendar letting everyone who wants to help out know what's going on and what is needed it would be helpful to everyone involved. If you would like to help out in any way, please email me at cyndikafentzis@hotmail.com or call or text me at 801-550-0233.
Thank you everyone for all you love and support. It is appreciated!
Cyndi Kafentzis and the Kafentzis family
My name is Cyndi Kafentzis. I am Kent and Carrie's sister-in-law. I have spoken with people who would like to help the family out during this difficult time. I have been asked about meals, helping with the kids, and anything else that may come up. As most of you know we are lucky enough to have a very large family. A few of them will be coming over the next few weeks to help take care of Kent during his recovery. I thought that if I could put together a calendar letting everyone who wants to help out know what's going on and what is needed it would be helpful to everyone involved. If you would like to help out in any way, please email me at cyndikafentzis@hotmail.com or call or text me at 801-550-0233.
Thank you everyone for all you love and support. It is appreciated!
Cyndi Kafentzis and the Kafentzis family
Friday, August 14, 2009
Busy! Busy! Busy!
Hi everyone. Nothing really new to report. We have had quite a full week that was completely unrelated to Kent's surgery next week. I think it has helped keep our minds a little bit off what is going to be happening next week. I will call it a welcomed diversion.
Kennedy has had cheer just about every day this week starting at 6:00 am. I have been dropping her off and working long hours getting my class set up. I had Eagle camp (when all the new 6th graders come to see what they can expect at school) on Thursday, so my classroom had to be kid ready (walls filled with math posters and rules -- check).
Konner and Kent have been busy with "two-a-day's" this whole week. In case you are not a football buff, that means that they have had practice (well Konner practiced and Kent coached) in the morning from 6:30-10 and then again at 6-9 at night. It ended tonight with a scrimmage. I also must note that Konner made one of the two touchdowns as a sophomore on the varsity team. We are so proud of him and what he has accomplished so far.
I wish I could stretch time out a little bit. I will be taking the rest of the weekend to plan out the first couple of weeks of school, so if I can't be there, someone will know what to do. Oh, and Kent and I are going to the Markosian's on Sat. for some Colosimo sausages with the rest of the middle school staff. I really need to get over to Costco. Thankfully it is never super crowded on Sunday.
Thank you so much everyone for your prayers and offers of help. Right now, however, there is really nothing that we need except your prayers and support. Thank you for thinking of us. We are truly blessed to have such wonderful friends and family.
Kennedy has had cheer just about every day this week starting at 6:00 am. I have been dropping her off and working long hours getting my class set up. I had Eagle camp (when all the new 6th graders come to see what they can expect at school) on Thursday, so my classroom had to be kid ready (walls filled with math posters and rules -- check).
Konner and Kent have been busy with "two-a-day's" this whole week. In case you are not a football buff, that means that they have had practice (well Konner practiced and Kent coached) in the morning from 6:30-10 and then again at 6-9 at night. It ended tonight with a scrimmage. I also must note that Konner made one of the two touchdowns as a sophomore on the varsity team. We are so proud of him and what he has accomplished so far.
I wish I could stretch time out a little bit. I will be taking the rest of the weekend to plan out the first couple of weeks of school, so if I can't be there, someone will know what to do. Oh, and Kent and I are going to the Markosian's on Sat. for some Colosimo sausages with the rest of the middle school staff. I really need to get over to Costco. Thankfully it is never super crowded on Sunday.
Thank you so much everyone for your prayers and offers of help. Right now, however, there is really nothing that we need except your prayers and support. Thank you for thinking of us. We are truly blessed to have such wonderful friends and family.
Monday, August 10, 2009
August 10th
Kent has been officially scheduled for his surgery on Friday, August 21st. His urologist (Dr. Childs) had wanted the surgery done on Monday, August 17th, but the cardio team that we want for the procedure is only available on that Friday. So that is the day we will do it. We have the honor of having some of the best doctors and technicians in the state, and we are willing to wait a few more days to get the best.
He is scheduled to be at St. Mark's at 6:30 in the morning on Friday, August 21st.
By the way, I left out a very special person when I was thanking our family for their support. Kurt Elliot (or as I like to call him -- Squirt) has been there for Kent this whole last month supporting and hanging with Kent when before we even knew there was a problem. So a special thank you to the co-pilot that never sleeps.
Kent and I really appreciate all of your specials thought and prayers.
Thanks for your care and compassion.
Love, Carrie
He is scheduled to be at St. Mark's at 6:30 in the morning on Friday, August 21st.
By the way, I left out a very special person when I was thanking our family for their support. Kurt Elliot (or as I like to call him -- Squirt) has been there for Kent this whole last month supporting and hanging with Kent when before we even knew there was a problem. So a special thank you to the co-pilot that never sleeps.
Kent and I really appreciate all of your specials thought and prayers.
Thanks for your care and compassion.
Love, Carrie
Sunday, August 9, 2009
From the beginning. . .
Just so everyone knows the story from the beginning. Kent went in to see the doctor in July. His ankles were swollen. He thought it was from squatting all day re-caulking the shower, but after putting up his feet all night, his ankles were still swollen. So he went to the doctors to see if something was wrong.
His doctor, Ronald Lopez, did some initial blood tests. When the results came in, they showed that he was slightly anemic and his creatinine levels (the protein in his blood) were high. Lopez's nurse set up appointments for Kent to see a gastroenerologist to get a colonoscopy and upper endoscopy. The results of those tests were normal. Then he was sent to a nephrologist to check his kidneys. Blood tests revealed that his kidney levels were still high. They scheduled him for an ultrasound (July 30th) which revealed an approximately an 8cm-9cm mass on his left kidney. The right kidney appeared normal. He went in the following day to talk about what needed to be done next.
He was sent to the lab for a chest x-ray. The results of the chest x-ray showed no abnormalities. He was scheduled for an MRI on Monday, August 3rd.
Monday's MRI results were read on Tuesday, Aug 4th by urologist Dr. Blake Johnson. He showed Kent the mass on his kidney. It was in the center of the left kidney and had expanded throughout almost the entire kidney. There is a very small section of good kidney at the very bottom of the left kidney, but it is not big enough to be viable or useful to Kent. Dr. Johnson advised Kent that the whole kidney should be removed. He did say that the right kidney, liver, and lymph nodes were all clear of any masses. As he was looking at the other MRI pictures, he discovered that the mass looked like it had expanded to the the inferior vena cava. "The inferior vena cava is the large vein ascending through the abdomen. It collects blood from the hepatic veins, the lumbar veins, gonadal veins, renal (kidney) veins, and phrenic veins. These vessels usually drain regions that are supplied by arteries with corresponding names. The inferior vena cava enters the heart through the right atrium."(innerbody.com)
Dr. Johnson wanted to confirm his findings with the MRI radiologist before we went forward with the kidney removal. After talking with the radiologist, he confirmed that mass had indeed expanded 8 cm into the inferior vena cava. He then told us that the surgery just became more serious. Kent would still have to have the kidney removed, but now they would have to also go into the vein to clean the mass out of the vein.
Upon speaking to my friend Scott, who is a cardio physicians assistant (sorry Scott, I don't know your official title), we made an appointment with another urologist (second opinion) named Dr. Lane Childs. Kent had an appointment with him on Thursday, August 6th. Dr. Childs had already talked with Dr, Johnson and my friend Scott, so he was aware of the seriousness of Kent's situation. He was straight forward and honest with Kent and told him what was going to happen. He called the cardiothoracic surgeon, Dr. Kent Thorne (also a good friend of Scott's) while we were sitting in the exam room. He explained to Dr. Thorne the extent of his mass. Dr. Thorne said that it would be best to do a cardio pulmonary bypass surgery. This involves putting a canulus (essentially a long plastic tube) that will bypass the vein that needs to be cleaned out. This bypass is necessary because it will prevent excessive bleeding and will prevent a piece of the mass breaking off and finding its way to the lungs (resulting in a pulmonary embolism).
Dr. Child has Kent's surgery penciled in for August 17th. This is barring any scheduling conflicts with the hospital (St. Mark's) and Dr. Thorne. We will keep you all posted on the exact date and time as soon as it is confirmed.
Kent's parents; his twin Kurt; his brothers Mark, Andy, Sean, and Kyle; and sister-in-laws Cyndi and Juliene were all gratefully on hand over the week and into the weekend to help during this difficult time. We are very grateful for all of the support and prayers of our friends, Kent's college teammates, high school friends, and of course all of our wonderful family. Thank you so much for your love and concern.
His doctor, Ronald Lopez, did some initial blood tests. When the results came in, they showed that he was slightly anemic and his creatinine levels (the protein in his blood) were high. Lopez's nurse set up appointments for Kent to see a gastroenerologist to get a colonoscopy and upper endoscopy. The results of those tests were normal. Then he was sent to a nephrologist to check his kidneys. Blood tests revealed that his kidney levels were still high. They scheduled him for an ultrasound (July 30th) which revealed an approximately an 8cm-9cm mass on his left kidney. The right kidney appeared normal. He went in the following day to talk about what needed to be done next.
He was sent to the lab for a chest x-ray. The results of the chest x-ray showed no abnormalities. He was scheduled for an MRI on Monday, August 3rd.
Monday's MRI results were read on Tuesday, Aug 4th by urologist Dr. Blake Johnson. He showed Kent the mass on his kidney. It was in the center of the left kidney and had expanded throughout almost the entire kidney. There is a very small section of good kidney at the very bottom of the left kidney, but it is not big enough to be viable or useful to Kent. Dr. Johnson advised Kent that the whole kidney should be removed. He did say that the right kidney, liver, and lymph nodes were all clear of any masses. As he was looking at the other MRI pictures, he discovered that the mass looked like it had expanded to the the inferior vena cava. "The inferior vena cava is the large vein ascending through the abdomen. It collects blood from the hepatic veins, the lumbar veins, gonadal veins, renal (kidney) veins, and phrenic veins. These vessels usually drain regions that are supplied by arteries with corresponding names. The inferior vena cava enters the heart through the right atrium."(innerbody.com)
Dr. Johnson wanted to confirm his findings with the MRI radiologist before we went forward with the kidney removal. After talking with the radiologist, he confirmed that mass had indeed expanded 8 cm into the inferior vena cava. He then told us that the surgery just became more serious. Kent would still have to have the kidney removed, but now they would have to also go into the vein to clean the mass out of the vein.
Upon speaking to my friend Scott, who is a cardio physicians assistant (sorry Scott, I don't know your official title), we made an appointment with another urologist (second opinion) named Dr. Lane Childs. Kent had an appointment with him on Thursday, August 6th. Dr. Childs had already talked with Dr, Johnson and my friend Scott, so he was aware of the seriousness of Kent's situation. He was straight forward and honest with Kent and told him what was going to happen. He called the cardiothoracic surgeon, Dr. Kent Thorne (also a good friend of Scott's) while we were sitting in the exam room. He explained to Dr. Thorne the extent of his mass. Dr. Thorne said that it would be best to do a cardio pulmonary bypass surgery. This involves putting a canulus (essentially a long plastic tube) that will bypass the vein that needs to be cleaned out. This bypass is necessary because it will prevent excessive bleeding and will prevent a piece of the mass breaking off and finding its way to the lungs (resulting in a pulmonary embolism).
Dr. Child has Kent's surgery penciled in for August 17th. This is barring any scheduling conflicts with the hospital (St. Mark's) and Dr. Thorne. We will keep you all posted on the exact date and time as soon as it is confirmed.
Kent's parents; his twin Kurt; his brothers Mark, Andy, Sean, and Kyle; and sister-in-laws Cyndi and Juliene were all gratefully on hand over the week and into the weekend to help during this difficult time. We are very grateful for all of the support and prayers of our friends, Kent's college teammates, high school friends, and of course all of our wonderful family. Thank you so much for your love and concern.
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