Ken's Journey to Health and Healing
UPDATE 9/4/21:
Hi, my name is Penny Smith. I’d like to share a little bit about my husband, Ken, and his story.
Ken has been diagnosed with stage IV colon cancer that has now metastasized to his liver. This diagnosis was a huge shock as Ken has been well the past 3 years.
His journey with cancer started in 2018, at age 50. He had stage II colon cancer, no lymph node involvement therefore no chemotherapy was indicated. He went on to successfully recover from a colon resection surgery. See my Facebook post from 8/2018. https://www.facebook.com/1453190177/posts/10215821081067304/?d=n
Regular surveillance follow-ups with medical oncology ensued, which included CT scans every 6 months for the first two years and blood work every 3 months. Last summer, at the 2-year mark, Ken was allowed to wait an entire year before having a follow up CT and go to 6-months surveillance or blood work. The blood work taken in January didn’t reveal an increase in CEA level enough to warrant further testing, as it was within the “normal” range. (Although for Ken, his CEA was always 1.3 and in January it was 2.6. Under 3 is considered normal. In hindsight, this probably was an indication…) So, he had his first one-year CT in July. The result of the CT, shockingly, showed 2 lesions in his liver which appeared to be metastatic disease. Sadly, the blood work also showed his CEA level to now be 26, an indicator of tumor growth. Later, an ultrasound-guided biopsy confirmed, it was indeed colon cancer in the liver, now a metastatic, stage IV, non-curable disease. During the ultrasound biopsy, a third lesion was also found. A PET Scan confirmed the findings and that the metastasis is currently isolated to the liver.
The recommendation for treatment is chemotherapy, followed by surgical resection of the liver, followed by additional treatments (which we haven’t learned yet what those are). Regardless, we were informed that there is no cure and if Ken agrees to undergo these therapies, the chance that he will still be alive in 5 years, is very low. In the past seven years, we have watched several loved ones with stage IV cancer quickly lose strength, joy for living and determination to fight as they rapidly declined to their passing. In Ken’s case, the purpose for chemo is to shrink the tumors so he can then undergo a liver resection. Ken just can’t imagine the physical battle he faces to try to recover from a liver resection after several months of chemotherapy. Recovering from his colon resection surgery was memorable enough. Today, Ken feels great, has energy to walk the dog several times a day, work full time and do normal everyday life with me! He is in no pain.
So, after wrestling with what options were presented to him (no options really), two questions persisted for Ken, “Are there ANY other options???” and “Can I have a say in the QUALITY of my life over the next five years, while still fighting this disease???” Ken is a man with a strong faith and asked God to give him direction, and through various leads, doors are being opened! There ARE stage IV cancer survivors who live after implementing a holistic treatment approach along with conventional medicine. For Ken, QUALITY of life outweighs the small percentage of hope for QUANTITYof life. Trust me, he is not giving up! On the contrary he is 100% committed to changing and fighting to beat this disease!!!
We don’t yet know what lies ahead in terms of exact treatments and Kens specific plan or how implementing holistic treatment methods will affect his day-to-day life. Ken’s wish is to seek treatment in the United States vs going to Mexico, if possible (due to Covid, fear of borders closing again and work commitments). Ken’s cancer coach estimates that it will take $150k over the next 6 months to afford the best options in the United States. He is scheduled to go to the Riordan Clinic in Wichita, KS end of September. His first 3 days will cost $7k. At that appointment, we will learn what the next 6 months will look like in terms of treatments and the financial aspect. We are also seeking to find a local provider who can assist with administering prescribed treatments from The Riordan Clinic. Payment for treatment needs to be made up front as holistic treatments are not covered by health insurance. Because of this, we decided to start this fund raiser now.
Our original goal was $25,000. We have now lowered the goal to $15,000 because of the VERY generous donations we have received in the mail. THANK YOU!!!
Ken’s wish is that we are genuine and transparent with you. As our family and friends know, just two days before Kens CT appointment, we purchased a UTV as a way for us to spend some fun time with one another enjoying the peace and beauty on the Northern WI ATV/UTV trails. We were able to take the machine out twice. Before we could possibly ask anyone for assistance, we needed to do all we could to eliminate as many expenses as possible. Therefore, we have sold the machine. Bittersweet day, for sure, but once again, we count our blessings…the machine sold in just one week!
We are all in! With my own experience, having been diagnosed with breast cancer this year (finished treatment in July), we have committed to the following: we immediately changed our diet to plant-based, losing weight (so far Ken’s lost 30lbs!), daily exercise, and as mentioned above, reduce our expenses down to food, property taxes, insurance and basic utility bills. We live simply and Ken plans to work at least part-time, if treatment and his continued health allows.
Under my husband’s tough exterior, is a true softie. He first and foremost loves God and has pursued Him all the days I’ve known Ken. His love draws no boundaries, which is best evident by his love for our four children. His love and care extend into our families and neighbors, being the guy who cuts lawn or snow blows for our neighbors in need. He’s a rock on which so many of us lean, especially me. He’s rooted in the Word of God and firmly believes that God has a plan that we just can’t see. But that we are called to trust in Him while caring for, loving and praying for our neighbors, friends and family. His greatest prayer is one of thanks, “for today”, and prays for the opportunity to see others as God sees them and to serve them as best he can. I truly admire my husband and his steadfast, unwavering love.
If you are led, please share this page to reach more people. If it’s in your heart to donate, we appreciate it from the bottom of our hearts! If you have read this story, thought about us, said a prayer for us, shared this page on our behalf and/or donated, we pray a special blessing over you! Thank you and God bless you! ❤