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.”

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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”. 

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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.”