Battle With Cancer: Kevin's Story
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Battle With Cancer: Kevin's Story
If you have the privilege of knowing Kevin, you understand that he touches the lives of those around him with his positive attitude, an infectious smile, and passion for life. Kevin elevates friends and family through laughter, kind gestures, and unconditional support and love.
The Beginning: In May of last year, Kevin began to experience mild pain in his back. Kevin was active in the gym and on the volleyball court, and for months he believed the pain was related to his activities. At this point, his doctor also believed his pain was muscular; thus, the course of his treatment was planned accordingly. As the pain progressivly worsened, it began to impede Kevin's daily activities. With no relief in pain from the current treatment, Kevin's doctor ultimately ordered a CT scan.
The Diagnosis: On Sepember 9, the results of the CT scan revealed a 10-centimeter tumor in Kevin's chest. Kevin's doctor immediately referred him to MD Anderson's Suspicion of Cancer Clinic for further testing and diagnosis. After the initial consultation with an oncologist in the Suspicion of Cancer Clinic on October 4, Kevin underwent a week of imaging, labwork, and a biopsy of the tumor. After a grueling two-week wait, the oncologist shared the results with Kevin and me on October 20. Kevin was diagnosed with Ewing's Sarcoma - a rare, agressive, systemic cancer. Kevin, along with his family, was devastated.
The Treatment: On November 3, Kevin began chemotherapy. Kevin would have to endure an 8-cycle 6-month treatment regimen. Due to the agressive, systemic nature of Ewing's Sarcoma, the oncologist prepared Kevin for the intense treatment and side effects; however, in reality, Kevin was unaware of the severity of the side effects. Kevin faced countless complications from the chemotherapy, which resulted in numerous admissions to the MD Anderson Emergency Center and hospital, blood transfusions, loss of consciousness, blood clots, etc. In spite of complications, Kevin fought hard to recover and continued along the course of treatment. Throughout treatment, though, the oncoligst and nursing staff were pleased with the cancer's response to chemotherapy. Despite progress, in February, Kevin's oncologist, a thoracic surgeon, and Radiology Oncology made the decision to extend Kevin's chemotherapy by 6 additonal months of chemotherapy and add radiation to his treatment regimen. Additionally, in the midst of an already-agressive course of treatment, Kevin would face surgery to attempt to remove the cancerous tumor and affected ribs. In the face of devastating setbacks and extended treatment, Kevin has maintained a positive attitude and a bright smile that his friends and family know and love.
How to Help: Kevin initially thought he could maintain his work load as General Manager with Banana Republic; sadly, though, he could not. Kevin looks forward to resuming his role with Banana Republic when his team of doctors decide it is appropriate; however, Kevin currently maintains his employment through FMLA and disability programs. The expenses associated with cancer treatment, prescriptions, and medical supplies are financially devastating.
Please support Kevin today in his fight against cancer.
If you have the privilege of knowing Kevin, you understand that he touches the lives of those around him with his positive attitude, an infectious smile, and passion for life. Kevin elevates friends and family through laughter, kind gestures, and unconditional support and love.
The Beginning: In May of last year, Kevin began to experience mild pain in his back. Kevin was active in the gym and on the volleyball court, and for months he believed the pain was related to his activities. At this point, his doctor also believed his pain was muscular; thus, the course of his treatment was planned accordingly. As the pain progressivly worsened, it began to impede Kevin's daily activities. With no relief in pain from the current treatment, Kevin's doctor ultimately ordered a CT scan.
The Diagnosis: On Sepember 9, the results of the CT scan revealed a 10-centimeter tumor in Kevin's chest. Kevin's doctor immediately referred him to MD Anderson's Suspicion of Cancer Clinic for further testing and diagnosis. After the initial consultation with an oncologist in the Suspicion of Cancer Clinic on October 4, Kevin underwent a week of imaging, labwork, and a biopsy of the tumor. After a grueling two-week wait, the oncologist shared the results with Kevin and me on October 20. Kevin was diagnosed with Ewing's Sarcoma - a rare, agressive, systemic cancer. Kevin, along with his family, was devastated.
The Treatment: On November 3, Kevin began chemotherapy. Kevin would have to endure an 8-cycle 6-month treatment regimen. Due to the agressive, systemic nature of Ewing's Sarcoma, the oncologist prepared Kevin for the intense treatment and side effects; however, in reality, Kevin was unaware of the severity of the side effects. Kevin faced countless complications from the chemotherapy, which resulted in numerous admissions to the MD Anderson Emergency Center and hospital, blood transfusions, loss of consciousness, blood clots, etc. In spite of complications, Kevin fought hard to recover and continued along the course of treatment. Throughout treatment, though, the oncoligst and nursing staff were pleased with the cancer's response to chemotherapy. Despite progress, in February, Kevin's oncologist, a thoracic surgeon, and Radiology Oncology made the decision to extend Kevin's chemotherapy by 6 additonal months of chemotherapy and add radiation to his treatment regimen. Additionally, in the midst of an already-agressive course of treatment, Kevin would face surgery to attempt to remove the cancerous tumor and affected ribs. In the face of devastating setbacks and extended treatment, Kevin has maintained a positive attitude and a bright smile that his friends and family know and love.
How to Help: Kevin initially thought he could maintain his work load as General Manager with Banana Republic; sadly, though, he could not. Kevin looks forward to resuming his role with Banana Republic when his team of doctors decide it is appropriate; however, Kevin currently maintains his employment through FMLA and disability programs. The expenses associated with cancer treatment, prescriptions, and medical supplies are financially devastating.
Please support Kevin today in his fight against cancer.
Organizer and beneficiary
TJ Douglas
Organizer
Rosslyn, TX
Kevin Bammel
Beneficiary
