Surgery Update

Thanks to God, your prayers and skilled doctors and nurses we had another successful surgery. The procedure went somewhat longer than planned but from everything we have been told it went well (hard to tell because most of my head is in bandages). Back to my “mummy” look. They did take cartilage from my left ear to reconstruct my left side of nose. What is really neat is I can breathe through my nose again! What a bonus! I have a new trumpet there but that is temporary. Back to sleeping in a chair again but that is temporary also.

So, onward and forward through the battle until we reach that blessed shore… definitely looking for that new body…

Thank you again for your care and attention – I cannot imagine going through challenges like this without a great wife, family and friends as a support system! We are truly blessed. Our prayer is that God reward you for your faithfulness toward others. We hope your New Year is a blessed one as you love and serve our Lord Jesus Christ, creator of all things!

Steve & Sandy

2 Cor 4:18, While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal.

Rom_8:28, And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.

Rom_11:36, For of him, and through him, and to him, are all things: to whom be glory for ever. Amen

Tuesday - Surgery #5

We hope all of you had a great Christmas time celebrating the most amazing birth of the One who became our Answer and Remedy for our sin and our separation from God. But the greatest day was the day He saved me!

Just letting you know, friends and family, that tomorrow brings another surgery to debulk the flap once more. This should be the final chop shop so we are praying for good success and God’s will. We are planning for a 3 hour surgery but in a new facility. But I do need to let you know I have a new surgeon (below). We have become close friends as we see eye-to-eye (literally) on most things…. We met at a Single-Vision Bible Conference…      (just kidding….)

Thank you in advance for your prayers and inquiries. Your concern is very much appreciated!! We will keep you posted on how it goes…

 

Steve & Sandy

Ps 91:2, I will say of the LORD, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in him will I trust.

Another Surgery Update

Well, the 5^th surgery went well yesterday for the doctors to close up two surgical sites from Monday and last week. They also told me all the margins were clear of cancer on those sites. The only downside to the surgery was it being the most painful day of my life. Even after about 50 local shots of anesthesia to the sites. Even after the surgery there was a lot of pain, even on pain medication. But today I woke up no longer with pain and have had no pain or meds since - so again I am very thankful. Definitely don’t want to go through that again…. But the Lord got us through… now on the mend…

There will probably be another surgery in a month or so for the nose reconstruction…details to follow when I have them. Thanks again for your inquiries, comments, encouragement, and prayers!

Steve & Sandy

   Ps 91: 14, Because he hath set his love upon me, therefore will I deliver him: I will set him on high, because he hath known my name.

    15, He shall call upon me, and I will answer him: I will be with him in trouble; I will deliver him, and honour him.

More surgeries this week

All, just a quick update that I had another minor surgery yesterday that went well (snuck one in on you!). And I have another follow up surgery on Friday. Mostly closing up two surgical areas from last week and yesterday. Still bandaged up and still grateful for God’s gift of no pain (and no medication). Has to be your prayers!

I believe in about a month is when the doctor wants to do the nose reconstruction surgery. After that I think I am done (whether I am or not) if you know what I mean. I definitely have my Halloween costume on early… will keep you posted. Thanks for following the trail and walking with us!

Steve & Sandy

513.706.7184

2 Cor 4:18

Surgery Update

Well, the surgery took a little longer than expected due to performing 4 areas instead of the 2 mentioned earlier. But all went well, last night a little rough due to nausea and dizziness. But all day today no pain and no meds. Totally amazing and totally a blessing indeed! Has to be the prayers of God’s people and God being merciful! So I thank you again for being our support system. We told the doctor and the nurses there were many people praying for them and for us.

I look like a train wreck since my head is all bandaged up but functioning fine. Follow-up appointment next Monday to remove stitches and do another small surgery. Maybe their saving the pain for then….  J

Thanks again for your care. We appreciate you and your prayers!

Steve & Sandy

2 Cor 4:18

3rd Time is a Charm - surgery tomorrow

Well, if having my face cut open twice is not enough I thought I would go for a charming third time. Tomorrow I have another “flap debulking” surgery at 2:45pm. It is scheduled for 3 hours as last time but we are hoping for shorter. The plan also is to remove half of my right ear due to another tumor. Good news is the hospital is close by this time.

Thanks for everyone’s thoughts and prayers over this past year and a half while on this journey. We have been functioning well through all this thanks to God’s amazing grace. And sure makes Heaven that much sweeter… one day closer!

We will send an update after the surgery so you know how it went… thanks again.

Steve & Sandy Kuenkel

2 Cor 4:18

Update 4/10/2015 - POST-Surgery Update

All, well, another surgery is in the past. We went in early this morning anticipating to spend the night at the hospital…. And the surgery only took 90 minutes instead of 3 hours!  And there was no need to spend the night. We were back home by 1pm and then took a 7 hour nap! Definitely different than last year. And we certainly thank the LORD for that and for all of your praying. There is not much pain so far, 18 stitches, have a huge wrap around the surgical site (and my head) and one drain tube coming out of the top (gained a little horn…). 

Now to mend and heal. Sounds like there may be one or two more surgeries in our future but no details at this time. We will keep you posted… thanks again for all your encouraging thoughts and prayers!

Steve &  Sandy 

Psalm 119:111, “Thy testimonies have I taken as an heritage for ever: for they are the rejoicing of my heart.”

stevekuenkel.blogspot.com

Update 4/08/2015 - Surgery Update

All, it is now confirmed my “flap debulking” surgery is scheduled for this Friday (April 10^th) at 7:30am. From what I am told it should be about a 3 hour operation and a one night stay in the hospital. By referral of my flap surgeon, I met with a Facial Reconstruction surgeon this week (not sure why I would need him J ) that will help with some future surgeries with my nose and other features. 

It will be interesting to see how all this turns out when complete. But we are so thankful and blessed to have so many praying and supporting us through this journey that God has so graciously protected us through. We will give another update on the other side of the gourmet stay at UC Hospital.

Steve &  Sandy 

Psalm 142:5, “I cried unto thee, O LORD: I said, Thou art my refuge and my portion in the land of the living”. 

stevekuenkel.blogspot.com

Update 3/24/2015 - Clear for Take Off

All, just wanted to drop a note to say thank you again for praying for us. Friday I had my first scan since my surgery last Feb. In fact it was a PET scan from the thigh to top of head.  The purpose was to see if there is any cancer in my face, especially under the free flap (surgical site). If there would be any cancer then they would not do the second surgery.  If you remember after the surgery the pathology report showed no cancer in all areas except for one spot in the left sinus where the tumor was removed. That is why the doctors were pushing for radiation, to finish the job. But when researching the pros and cons of doing radiation the potential damage did not warrant the tiny benefit to be realized, especially when there was not a lot of history on these types of tumor/surgeries.

 

Then yesterday I met with the flap surgeon (his actual title is an Otolaryngologist but I like to keep things simple. Plus I can’t pronounce it.) to review the results. THE RESULTS WERE CLEAR! No detectable cancer anywhere on the scan! I am sure he was surprised because I elected to not do radiation and/or chemo after surgery. So, the alternative protocols I have been doing for 2 years have been effective. I really thank the LORD for all the people (doctors (medical and naturopathic), researchers, friends, websites, cancer forums, etc) that have contributed to the overwhelming knowledgebase in regard to this battle.

 

SO, I am scheduled to have the follow up surgery April 10. It is for “debulking the free flap.” It’s taking me awhile but I’ll get those glamour shots done some time. I still feel fine, am able to work, eat, walk, talk, drink, pray, worship, and give Sandy grief…. I am definitely on borrowed time (actually, aren’t we all?). thank you again from the bottom of my heart for everyone’s concern and prayers on our behalf! We are truly blessed!

Steve &  Sandy 

2 Corinthians 7:11, “….In all things ye have approved yourselves to be clear in this matter.”

Update 2/16/2015 - this time last year

Well, this time last year we were picking out funeral songs! Since we skipped the funeral you can listen to one of the songs with the link below. It was the day before my “heroic” surgery, as one oncologist described it. February 17, a year ago – I am definitely on bonus time! Although the Lord knew I would be around today to write this email. I am very thankful to Him for granting me life, eternal life, and all the blessings that come along with that. Many which are praying friends and family. Many of you still come up to me and let me know you are praying, which I am grateful!

The Lord God has given us an interesting journey to say the least, one of which is not over yet. He has been so faithful to provide all that we need in so many ways. If we had an hour here to share just some of those provisions you would, like us, just shake your head and marvel of how great God is! We still wonder why He would choose us to demonstrate His goodness. Wow. So, we are very thankful to say the least.

So the challenge before us this year is to do the follow up surgery which reshapes the flap from the original surgery and make my surgery side look more like my other side (there’s a scary thought!). I have been told by the doctors there is no way to have a prosthetic eye since there is no “socket” to hold one. Plan B is to have an eye tattooed on. That should be interesting. I’ll send a picture when that becomes a reality.

I was tested a few weeks ago to find that my immune system and liver are still compromised which is baffling knowing all the alternative treatments I have been doing over the past 2 years. I am better for sure but not well yet. so, recently I have tweaked my protocol somewhat to address this issue. In the meantime, I am able to drive, work full time, eat, drink, pray, worship, enjoy family and friends and all that good stuff. I just do it with one eye and a weird face.  But you just wait till I get my tattoo eye…

Thank you again for praying for my healing! Love you all….

Song - “No More Night” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4iPIi7sunEU   - AMEN!

Steve & Sandy

Psalm 28:7 “The LORD is my strength and my shield; my heart trusted in him, and I am helped: therefore my heart greatly rejoiceth; and with my song will I praise him.”

from Steve | onward and forward...

It is hard to believe it has been a little over a month since my last update and many of you have expressed that you have still been praying for Sandy and I. Thank you very much! It is so encouraging. There is still much healing to be accomplished and here is where we are at this time:

-          Last week I did get my customized glasses (well, one side of a pair of glasses, a modern monocle?). It is great to see detail at a distance again!

-          The free flap is shrinking slowly with the intentions that 80% of it will shrink away because most of it is muscle. And with no nerves to stimulate the muscle tissue it will atrophy and shrink but leave enough mass for a later cosmetic surgery. Other surgery sites are healing, but slower than I prefer (imagine that).

-          After meeting with the local oncologist once and the radiologist twice and consulting with a naturopathic doctor in Kenya and another oncologist in Mexico, and doing hours and hours of research we have chosen to wait to do any conventional radiation or chemotherapy treatments. As you might remember from a previous update we were told from the post-surgery pathology report I was clear of any detectable cancer in my bones, nerves, brain, and the margin surrounding the tumor EXCEPT for one small spot in the upper sinus area. Because of the potential damage that would be created by the radiation and chemo it did not seem worth it for the little benefit I would gain (reducing my reoccurrence rate by only 20%). We are choosing other options to eradicate any remaining cancer cells that have a higher success rate with no side effects. We feel very good about this choice. So this is the path we are on and praying like crazy that God will make it very effective and we gain the healing that is much needed.

-          I am driving again (all the kids say woo hoo!) and working two part time jobs also. I am so thankful to be productive again. It is definitely harder to mow grass with one eye – try it – with the loss of some depth perception it is hard to see when things are lined up right – hey, but it is great to have that problem because that means at least two things: 1) I’m alive to struggle with the change, and 2) I can see something at all! Aren’t we blessed more than we deserve? The Lord is so good!

 

Thank you again for praying for my healing! Having the tumor removed is so glorious and getting my strength back each day is awesome! Thanks is advance for your prayers for my continued healing – maybe I should name this “Operation Eradication!” Love you….

 

Oh, by the way, I attached a recent picture for those of you that are not local so you can see the surgery free flap. Also, when trying to choose a style of monocle it was a hard decision…. I passed on the first two…..

 

Steve & Sandy

John 5:24 “Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life.”

from Steve | my heroes...

Most of us have a hero or heroes in our lives that influence us in a great way. My greatest hero happens to also be the Creator of the universe and everything in it – the Lord Jesus Christ. There is no one else that comes close. Not anyone. He is the greatest! And He never makes mistakes. I have not always been a great disciple or follower but He has always been faithful and great. I have no reason why He would choose me to be His child…but that is why it is called grace! Getting something I did not deserve. Oh, how I love Jesus!

 

But the purpose of this email was to mention some other heroes in my life that really surfaced during my journey of cancer, surgery, and now recovery. That would be our children: Roanna, Alisa, Ryan, and Jamison. They have really been there for us. They have served and honored us well. We are very privileged and blessed because of them. And it would not be accurate to not also mention their spouses, Rick, Mike, Jayme, and Danielle, which love us like their own parents. God has used them during this time to be a huge encouragement and support. God said, so it is true, in Ps 127:3 “Lo, children are an heritage of the LORD: and the fruit of the womb is his reward.”

The boys live here locally and Roanna drove from TN with her two little ones and Alisa flew here from Tanzania and had to leave her two little boys with Mr Mom, I mean Mr Mike, for the surgery. They helped us in so many ways: with transportation, with food, cleaning the house, groceries, laughing, praying, crying, keeping close to Sandy during my surgery, paid for a hotel so Sandy could stay near the hospital. The boys took turns spending the night with me while in the Burn Unit Intensive Care so Sandy could get rest. They missed sleeping those nights while a doctor or nurse came in every hour. (We like sharing the pain! It’s a family thing…) They helped to smuggle in carrot juice (one of my home protocols) when the doctors weren’t looking. They brought in special artwork from the grandkids to put in my hospital room with the flowers. They helped us with all the doctor appointments, MRI’s and CT Scans, insurance, applications, etc. They created and managed the blog site so everyone could follow these updates, helped sell a lot of things on Craigslist…and I could go on. They took huge burdens off of us while going through this while still trying to balance their work and family responsibilities. We have very special kids and kids-in-law who love the Lord and love us. Very special indeed and we thank the Lord for them!! They are our HEROES!

 

Update: 1) met with the oncologist this week to discuss the chemo journey – sounds like a lot of fun we would love to avoid. I have a follow up appointment with the radiologist to finish deciding on the radiation treatment, another journey I would love to avoid. We will keep you posted. 2) the eye doctor is working on making me a set of glasses (actually it should be singular) so I can see again while the free flap is healing and shrinking (will take about 5 months). It will be highly customized since it will be one half of a set of glasses and will be hard to keep on my face. We’ll see how good he is! 3) still healing the 3 surgical sites of which the throat hurts the most.

 

Thank you again for praying for my healing! You are an important contributor to our support group! We love you.

 

Steve & Sandy

Ps 55:22 “Cast thy burden upon the LORD, and he shall sustain thee: he shall never suffer the righteous to be moved.”

from Steve | Steve must leave the band...

Yes, it is true. Steve can no longer play the trumpet. Actually, I never have played the trumpet but today the doctor removed a device inserted in the left side of my nose called a trumpet. Its purpose was to provide a structure for the surgical site to heal around so that the end result will be to have a left nostril to breathe with. It was also where the feeding tube was inserted when I had that. This trumpet was the last device to be removed and am I glad! It was creating a lot of discomfort (okay, the correct word is pain) whenever I swallowed. Since it had been stitched to the inside of my nose I felt like a bass in the everglades with a fishhook in my nose and every time I swallowed (which is more times during the day than you normally would think) the pain meter would get a nice escalation. So that is gone and I can now swallow with ease and breathe a lot better – freedom feels so good… thank you LORD!

We also met with the radiologist doctor yesterday to evaluate the need for radiation treatments. It was a long appointment but very encouraging. The doctor reviewed the pathology reports stating there was no evidence of cancer in the nerves, was no evidence of cancer in the bones, was no evidence of cancer in the margin area around where the tumor was extracted except for one area in the upper sinus cavity but could not determine how much because it was small. The diagnosis was that there is a 30-40% chance of reoccurrence and with radiation treatments it gets lowered by 20%. We discussed the side effects. But it was determined that there is no urgency to have to do the treatments right now. We have a follow up appointment next month to decide which direction to go. Our focus right now is for everything to just finish healing. The first meeting with the oncologist is April 1 (no connection to Fool’s Day, that is reserved for Atheists (Ps 14:1 “The fool hath said in his heart, There is no God…”) While we gather information and continue to heal I continue to do my anti-cancer diet (mostly vegan) and alternative protocols to help build my immune system. So we will know more later and will keep you updated.

                It is hard to believe the surgery was one month ago from this past Monday. How time flies when you are having….. fun…. We are so thankful to the LORD for bringing us this far and healing so quickly.. God has made these bodies so amazing on how they heal and mend (Ps 139:14 “I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvellous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well.”) There is still much to heal in my throat and neck and back and face. We thank you for praying still – it is much needed and appreciated.

 

Steve & Sandy

Colossians 4:2 “Continue in prayer, and watch in the same with thanksgiving;”

from Steve | I am SO THANKFUL!

I have been home for 7 days now and so far Sandy doesn’t want to discharge me! She said I could stay a while longer! Healing is going well but mentally it seems so slow. But all I have to do is think of other individuals that are going through or have gone through much worse challenges than I and I must close my mouth and be thankful.

Today, when I think what has taken place the past 12 months and especially the past 3 weeks I get overwhelmed with thanksgiving.  I am so thankful for:

-          My faithful God and Saviour Jesus Christ who promised to keep me, promised to never leave me, promised to never forsake me, promised to love me, promised to protect me, promised to give me all I need, and I could go on for pages…. What an awesome LORD, there is no one like Him!

-          God’s word – it sustains me, gives me eternal life, comforts me, reveals to me what is true – so important when there are so many lies out there.

-          A family that genuinely loves and cares for me. They have been tested and they shine forth. Our kids have honored Sandy and I like no other parents could enjoy. Sandy has gone through the wringer and has been so faithful.

-          A church family that demonstrates biblical Christianity in how they weep with those who weep and rejoice with those who rejoice. How God has stirred in their hearts to encourage, to pray, to give, to help…. Wow, they have honored God – they get it – how ministry is supposed to work. We are so blessed!

-          Others friends around the world who do the same – just amazingly generous. How can this be? It has to be a God-thing…

-          The tumor is GONE! – How God used the doctors, nurses, and other hospital staff that are very skilled at what they do to answer our prayers and get this thing off my face!

-          This affliction – yes, this affliction. It is a journey I would not volunteer for but one that God chose me for - it pressed me toward my Saviour, knowing nothing can touch me without His loving care and always meant for my good and His glory. It’s all about Him, not about us. We have to start with God (not ourselves) to make sense of things.

-          I am thankful to be alive – I am so blessed to have had 58 years of no hospitals, no surgeries, two eyes and good health.

-          For all the prayer intercessors on my behalf! You definitely made the difference!!! I thank God for you.

Prayer requests:

-          Continued healing of my body - my left back where tissue was taken (staples to be removed Monday), throat (8 inch cut) where lymph nodes were removed, left face where flap is (looks like a large skin-colored pouch from forehead to bottom of nose) – that it heals correctly (will take months)

-          Challenges of finding my new normal – one eye and all the surgery challenges, vocation, get back to prison ministry

-          I make the right choices going forward to help my body be cancer free (close, but not quite there yet).

 

Steve & Sandy

Isaiah 25:1 “O LORD, thou art my God; I will exalt thee, I will praise thy name; for thou hast done wonderful things; thy counsels of old are faithfulness and truth.”

from Steve | no place like HOME!

Well, it has been 11 days since my surgery to remove the tumor and my left eye and today I got to come home! This is about a week or two earlier than originally planned by the doctors and staff. This has to be a God-thing because all the reports keep coming back that I have been healing faster than anticipated. Also, I am now too healthy to stay in a facility for any further treatments if we want the insurance company to pay for it. We met a lot of great people and had great care but being home is the best!

There are so many thoughts to share about this experience but I do not want to write a LONG treatise that no one will want to read. Here are some highlights to the 11 days:

-          For me the surgery was easy (I was unconscious for 24 hrs!). Now the days following in ICU were pretty intense. So Sandy’s worst day was Monday (day of surgery), mine was Tuesday, the following day.

-          The doctors and staff at the hospital, burn center, and the rehab facility were tremendous. (of course, they had half the world praying for them!) We met a lot of great, talented people and had many interesting conversations. It definitely takes a special type of person to do that kind of work! We thank God for them.

-          Our kids have been such a huge support to Sandy and I. Way beyond what words can describe! How privileged we are as parents! (Ps 127:3)

-          We have been blessed by so many visits, posts, comments, cards of encouragement, flowers, and gifts from all over this planet – it still just amazes us! Thank you very much!!

-          Sandy has been such a trooper throughout this entire journey. I know this isn’t easy on her and I hate she has to go through it but she knows as well that God can be trusted and He does everything perfect and in His time.

-          Our pastor and church family have been such a HUGE support for myself, Sandy, and our family (just the way God designed it to be) – He is honored

-          The follow up visit with the ENT surgeon yesterday was very encouraging

o   The pathology report showed no cancer was found in lymph nodes taken from my neck or margins of where tumor was – AMEN!

o   Healing process is going really well. All tubes, IV’s, drains, some of the 200+ stitches removed

o   The trach hole is still healing so it makes talking difficult (no comments please…) :)

o   Most of my face is numb and will be for about 5-6 months (so I feel no pain where the tumor surgery took place)

o   Most of my pain is in my neck (all the way across) where lymph nodes were extracted and on my back side where all the tissue, muscle, etc was taken to make the free flap for the face – but my pain over all has been surprisingly low (I am very thankful for that!) – actually less pain than before the surgery

-          What is really awesome is I can now sleep more than an hour or two stretch! I slept 3.5 hours two times last night – that is a record for the past 8 months! Woo-hoo!

-          Future expectations: it is supposed to take several months for the free-flap (the 11cm skin patch) to shrink down to its intended size for future cosmetic surgery. In the meantime, my face looks like it has an over-inflated half softball sewn on my face as a tarp. Most people think I have a HUGE patch on half my face but it is the actual skin flap taken from my left middle back (which still has staples in it to keep my back together). So, it will take months to fully recover from this but the scary stuff is over.

 

There are more details we would love to share but you get the idea of the our progress along with the other posts. You, as with us, can see God’s hand in this entire event and we give Him thanks and praise. Again, we want to express our thanks to you for your thoughts and prayers and concern! You have been amazing! God has been honored by your participation in our journey. We are anticipating to see exciting things on how God orchestrates this into His majestic plan. He has brought us through a big, dark valley – thank you for holding us up when we could not do that ourselves. We rejoice together!!

 

Much love!

Steve & Sandy

Acts 20:24 “But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God.”

post surgery update | one week!

Oh what a week! God has been so good to our family. Thinking about last Monday so much has happened - thanks to our God, Steve is doing so well recovering!

Steve is now officially moved out of the University Medical Center and is now at Cedar Village. 

[5467 Cedar Village Dr. | Mason]

Ryan was able to transport him there this afternoon and help him get all situated in his new room. 

The doctors are very pleased with the progress he is making in his recovery. He should be able to get his feeding tube out tomorrow, which I know he will be so thrilled for-as it had been really irritating his throat. 

Steve has another checkup with the doctors on Thursday, so pending the status of that appointment he may be able to go home after that!! (A big praise there!)

I know many of you have been so kind and thoughtful asking about sending cards and visiting him.

It is best to keep mailing cards to their home address. We will make sure Steve and Sandy get them! 

Also. Visits to see Steve at this rehab facility are available. The best time to come would be between 3p-8p. (And just a friendly reminder to please be cautious of sickness/germs-as he has to be very careful.)

day 4 post-op update | by Roanna

Good news Dad was moved to a new room that's not in ICU.  

The doctors were able to remove the trach.  Now he will just wait for that area to heal.  It does make it difficult to talk, but that doesn't stop him from cracking jokes.  

The area on his back where they removed skin, fat, muscle is really sore.  But the area on his face is accepting that skin flap really well.  

When I see or hear about all of the hourly, daily things that our Dad is going through to heal the word COURAGEOUS keeps coming to mind. 

He is strong & courageous because God is with him everywhere he goes.  

 
"This is my command--be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the LORD your God is with you wherever you go."  Joshua 1:9

Blessings,

Roanna 

post surgery update | "thanks to The Lord"

"He's doing so well! I don't see any problems here!"

We kept hearing this news over and over today from all the doctors and nurses checking in on Steve. 

Today he took several walks up and down the hall of the ICU. And we could see little sparks of his sarcasm coming out.

In the midst of all the great progress it is still tough to see him struggle to get a few mouthed words out or to get a few minutes of sleep as he deals with a new normal with no eye and over 200 stitches.  Steve mention he feels like he is living in slow motion and time is just crawling by. As tough as it to see him in this state we know it's by Gods grace he is with us today. 

There's been talk of getting his trach removed within the next week and possibly moving to another room out if the ICU for the remainder of the hospital stay. 

So thankfully there is not too much to update from today - the recovery is going as planned. The doctors and nurses are very happy and in the exact words of Steve from today "Thanks to The Lord!"

post surgery update | can't keep that Steve down!

[lastNIGHT]
After surgery yesterday evening Steve was moved to another room in the
ICU. There, he was kept a close eye on - monitoring all his levels and
making sure all that was done stayed that way after the surgery. He
was kept asleep until this morning.

We were able to see our dad for the first time around 715pm last
night. Only several hours after the surgery. They only allowed 1
visitor at a time due to the abundance of nurses and staff still
working on him.


Small portion of my point of view at 715pm | Ryan Kuenkel
I was sitting in the waiting room on the 5th floor that consists ofabout 15 chairs and one small table in the middle of the room. 
All of us have found our spots to sit and call home for that night. I madesure I found the spot closest to the outlet to charge my phone. 
Yes I'm selfish. 

I look over and see my mom anxiously waiting trying tostay calm in her chair while Donna sits quietly by her side. I knowall my mom wants to do it go see her husband. I look around and seeour whole family waiting. Well almost everyone. Alisa just landed atCVG airport traveling from Africa and Jayme(my wife) along withDanielle(Jamison's wife) went to go pick her up and bring her to thehospital to meet up with the family.

They announced we are now able to send one visitor to his room. My momjumped up and walked down the hallway to the door and pushed thesilver button to speak to the secretary to allow her to enter. I couldonly imagine what might be going through her mind.

While waiting for the girls to get back from the airport and for mymom to return from seeing my dad, I sit there and I truly don't recallwhat coincided during those minutes but I look up and see my mom. 
I then see Jamison and Roanna run to my mom. I soon follow.Red eyed and tears running down her face she sits and cries and wesurround her. She stumbles out a few words as she explains what shejust experienced. 

We were shocked.

She said that My dad opened his eye and looked at her and mouthedsoftly that he loves her as he squeezed her hand. I'm sure that isexactly what my mom needed to hear and I'm sure my mom was the firstperson my dad wanted to see.

There is more to share of all the little things God is doing to givestrength to our family. All of the doctors and nurses have been greatto my dad.


[thisMORNING]
This morning they noticed he needed more blood and the doctors ordered
for a blood transfusion. Steve was awake at that point to give the
nurse the approval for the procedure. His coloring already looks a lot
better.

Because of the trach, it is uncomfortable for him to talk so he is
using a dry erase board to communicate. But we will count that as a
win!!
He said most of his pain was from the back of his shoulder where they
took muscle and skin.

All of the nurses are saying he is doing so well and that most people
are not trying to talk and sit in a chair only 16 hours after surgery.

Continue to pray for him in his recovery and pain.

Pray for strength and peace for Sandy.
And for the rest of the family.

All of the love and support from all our family and friends has simply
been incredible.

surgery update #3

[stepTWO - surgery officially complete]

Steve made it through the reconstruction portion of the surgery without any complications according to the doctors at this time. They will keep monitoring him closely over the next few days. They are paying close attention to the arteries and veins that they accept each other well and do not clot. 

The tumor has been removed and now it's time for recovery. 

[stepTHREE - recovery]

He is now in an intensive care unit room for recovery and will be woken up tomorrow afternoon. He has a trachea and feeding tube in at this time. 

The doctors were very pleased with how the surgery went. They will inform us on what's next to help insure all of the cancer is gone. 

We have not been able to see him yet but should by the end of the day.