Kam's Port Removal and Updates

We woke up on Tuesday morning to a lot of unexpected snow. So much snow it caused a lot of accidents and slip and slides. Tuesday was a big morning for our family, as Kam was scheduled to have his port removed from his chest. This is a HUGE milestone in the cancer world, as it signals the doctors don't think you have active cancer anymore. And despite all the roadway challenges, Kam was able to get his port out uneventfully and without complications. Thanks to excellent doctors and Jesse's amazing driving skills. We love boring. And we are grateful that his cancer battle is over. He will continue to check in regularly with his doctors as we await the 6 months for his immune system to bounce back to a normal-ish state.

Kam's LAST infusion using his port. 

It's been nice to see Kam in great spirits. He is working hard on studying for his driver's permit so he can start practicing driving soon. He gave me a good scare last week, as he overdid his PT exercises and his knee started hurting, a year to the date he started originally complaining of knee pain. But thankfully it went away with ice the next morning. Kam has also been cooking a lot for himself and making some really incredible things to eat.

Kam and Petey watching YouTube Videos

Jesse and I had a good laugh this morning, as Kam has often referred to himself as the "human garbage disposal." As you can imagine, during chemotherapy, that crown was passed on to his 13 year old brother. This morning, Jesse discovered he'd need to go grocery shopping again as we were out of the ingredients needed to make tonight's dinner. Where did they go? Kam's stomach! We've never been so grateful to have to go unexpectedly grocery shopping mid week, ever. And now.. we have two human garbage disposals in our house! Bless. 

Kam has received packages, letters, treats and small toys from the MIB--Make it Better Agents. It has been a pick me up and a source of joy for Kam towards the last half of his cancer battle. If you're looking for an awesome organization to support-- they've blessed our family greatly. Another great organization that benefitted Kam was Brody's Bricks. A local organization that gives out free Legos to kids undergoing treatment. A wonderful distraction from the difficult cancer treatments. 

Kam's most recent fortune brought him, and all of us, a lot of joy. It was so good and perfect, I had to share it with you all. 

"You are going to have a very comfortable old age."

Lastly, many of you know I was struggling with lockjaw (Trismus). Would you believe that it finally released as I was typing this blog? Blessings abound for our family. And we are grateful.  Thanks for cheering us on to the finish line. 

No Evidence Of Disease (NED)!!

Kameron continues to get stronger and sassier each day since his last chemo treatment. His blood counts have reached a safe enough level that his oncology team is discussing possibly removing his port. After undergoing multiple scans, Kameron's medical team (radiology, oncology and orthopedic surgeon) all agreed that Kameron shows NO evidence of active disease (NED)! Kam saw his orthopedic surgeon this morning and he agreed that all is well. Kam, in the future, will need to have a job that doesn't require heavy lifting, running or jumping for the remainder of his life. 

Kameron is diligently working each week with physical therapy to improve his strength and endurance. We are seeing positive improvements and growth on that front, each and every week. He is hoping to be able to get a job once his immune system is back to normal, which won't be for 6 months post-chemotherapy. We still have to take extra precautions and avoid potential infection exposure to Kam.

Kam has nearly regained all of his pre-treatment weight and is eating as a healthy 20 year old man typically does. He still needs medications to help with his nausea, which is very well managed at this point. The oncology team says it could take him a few months to not need medications and for his GI system to return to its usual as well.  He is quite happy with having less and less doctors appointments and for getting to sleep in his own bed. His cat Petey is glad to have Kameron back at home on a full time basis, and he regularly is found on the couch with Kam supervising his video games.

An example of how well Kameron's eating these days

We are so grateful for everything that Kameron's medical team has been able to do for him and our family. Kam is cancer free, y'all! It's everything we have been wanting and praying for him. Thank you, Jesus! While there is always a chance the cancer could come back, his medical team continues to watch him vigilantly. Kam will continue to see his cancer doctor monthly, and have repeat scans this first year every 3 months. We will likely hold our breath a bit until we can hear "no evidence of disease" for some extended period of time, on repeat. 

The Thank You drawing I made for Kam's Cancer Clinic

Kam's hair is starting to grow back in.  It's incredible that the only physical sign of what his body has been through is fresh growing hair, a scar on his right knee, and some unchanged minimal high frequency hearing loss that won't even be noticeable or problematic for him. He is continuing to dream dreams and is planning on what may be next for his future once his immune system returns to normal. When you've seen your kid have to lose their dream due to circumstances beyond their control, seeing him plan for a future again is so exquisitely BEAUTIFUL. We are excited for him. This young man has battled hard and strong. We are grateful for the opportunity now to rest a bit. 

Thank you for all of your continued prayers, love and support. Showing up for our family when we were hardest hit, has meant the world to us. And it matters a great deal.