Friends,
Ken is being well taken care of by a fantastic team of doctors, nurses and other healthcare professionals here at Ochsner Medical Center. Some of you may know that in the past few weeks he was diagnosed with metastatic neuroendocrine cancer (poorly differentiated), which is a rare form of cancer. After multiple tests and in collaboration with MD Anderson, the decision to start chemotherapy was made 12 days ago.
It was a course of a three day treatment that took place at the hospital and then he was home in time to see the Saints beat the Houston Texans.
Since then, he has had many good times and up until recently has had little side effects from his first chemo treatment. However, over the past few days he has gotten noticeably weaker (but still with his charm, go-get 'em spirit, and of course sharp wit) resulting in us admitting him back to the hospital. He is currently in Ochner's Intensive Care Unit. The Critical Care Doctor explained to us this morning that he is in septic shock. Septic shock is a potential risk associated with chemotherapy resulting from the weakening of the immune system from the chemos effect on white blood cells. The next 24 hours will be very critical. The doctors are doing all they can to prepare his body to fight what has become pretty massive infections throughout his body/blood stream effecting vital organs. Yesterday he had a renal/kidney failure and has been on dialysis since last night.
At this point we are taking each day at a time to see how his organs are responding and will keep you posted. While doctors believe the situation to be very critical, the next 24 hours will become very telling. Clearly we all are worried, but have faith that God has given Ken's medical team the wisdom to help get him through this and certainly with Ken and all of us the strength to stay strong, have hope and keep faith (to quote the bracelets that were made in Ken's honor by Diane's youngest daughter, Casie).
"Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; Do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go." - Joshua 1:9
Thanks Mike. We are all thinking about Ken and you there in NO. Love, Lisa
ReplyDeleteThinking of and praying for your family and your Dad. "The Lord gives strength to His people; the Lord blesses His people with peace" Psalm 29:11
ReplyDeleteSenator Hollis and all of the family are in my prayers everyday. If there is anything i can do please let me know. God Bless. Megan
ReplyDeleteMiss Diane and Mr. Ken,
ReplyDeleteY'all have been and will remain in our prayers. You HAVE to be there at Christmas! Like Casey said, stay strong and keep faith. Miracles do happen every day. We love you all.
Love, Hoy & Nikky
What a great place to gather our thoughts and prayers. We love you ken. Your amazing strength and endurance is moving. We will all walk this journey with you and hold your hand. God has been so kind to bless us with so many people that care. God has been working with you closely and will continue to do so. I love you.
ReplyDeleteBrother-in-law(Floyd), Sister-in-law(Eleanor) and Mother-in law(Elsie)will travel to NO on Thursday to visit with Ken and family. That will perk up the gathering that they are having down there.
ReplyDeleteSenator and family,
ReplyDeleteYou are and will remain in our thoughts and prayers! Keep up the fight and please let us know what we can do!
-Haynie family
(Randy, Daynese, Ryan, Dayna)
Ken,
ReplyDeleteSending you positive thoughts and prayers for you, my sister, and family. Hope to see you soon! Love, Marla
Senator, Diane and family
ReplyDeleteMy thoughts and prayers are with you. I know of no greater fighter and person than Ken and know that he has the strength to conquer anything -- thanks for the blog and hang tough.
David Satz
That's one of my favorite pictures of Ken. He was hard at work and loving every minute of it.
ReplyDeleteSharon