Dear Singers -
I hadn't received any updates on Ken until today and it's some tough news. Ken was told that his pancreatic tumor cannot be surgically removed due to its location. It leans against the portal vein in the pancreas. Even though it was a stage 1 tumor, they are having to treat it in a different way. During his chemo infusions he lost 30 lbs and he was hospitalized 3 times, so they came up with a different plan. He's now starting a treatment plan for 6 weeks to kill the tumor, and so far, he seems to be tolerating it pretty well, except for the fact that he gets very fatigued. Ken can't drive now, so his wife, Dorothy, is driving him 5 days a week to Thunderbird hospital.
Ken really could use some prayers, and since we haven't had any update since January, maybe time to drop off another card! You know how much you would want encouragement, support and love if it was you! His address is just a little below this note. Thanks for sharing some love with Ken (and some support for Dorothy).
Stay well,
Pamela
Dear Singers -
I have received word that it was determined Ken does, in fact, have pancreatic cancer. It sounds like they found it early. He spent some time recently in the hospital preparing for the start of his treatment plan. He is at home now, but I'm sure he'd love to hear some words of encouragement as he begins his treatment protocol.
As a reminder, here is his address:
Ken Carnes
16257 W. Cactus Valley Lane
85374
Pamela
Dear Singers -
I'm happy to report that Ken Carnes had his heart-valve replacement surgery today and the doctor said he did well! He will most likely be going home tomorrow from the hospital. This is wonderful news! I am sure he is relieved to have this behind him and he'll be able to enjoy Christmas!
No update on the pancreas biopsy results yet.
Pamela
Dear Singers -
I have a further update on Ken Carnes, and it's some good news! They did the pancreas biopsy, and it does not appear to be an aggressive kind of cancer, nor has it spread anywhere. They are still examining the tissue samples and should know more this week, but although it's not a clear report, this was good news!
Also, he is scheduled to have his heart valve surgery this Friday, so please keep Ken in your thoughts and prayers. Pray that Ken goes into this procedure confident of the outcome.
As a reminder, here is Ken's address:
Ken Carnes
16257 W. Cactus Valley Lane
85374
I'll let you know when I hear more.
Pamela
Dear Singers -
I just heard an update on Ken Carnes. He has had a biopsy done and it indicated possible pancreatic cancer. This news definitely complicates the heart surgery that was planned in a couple weeks. His doctors are recommending that the heart surgery be postponed until after they determine what needs to happen with the pancreas. This is obviously not any kind of news they wanted to hear! This is not any news that anyone wants to hear, but especially already knowing that he has the heart surgery ahead of him.
Please keep Ken in your thoughts and prayers!
As a reminder, here is his mailing address if you would like to drop him a card or note:
Ken Carnes
16257 W. Cactus Valley Lane
85374
Pamela
Dear Grand Singers -
As I mentioned in choir on Wednesday, we have two members going through some serious health issues.
Ken Carnes - Ken has had to step down from singing in our Warm & Fuzzy Holiday concert due to the fact that he is having heart surgery. I talked with Ken, and I thought he said his surgery was in a couple week; I've heard that the surgery isn't until December. Either way, heart surgery has got to be pretty scary to be going through! Please keep him in your thoughts and prayers. Marvin Brinkman will let me know how he is doing after the surgery, and I'll update you.
If you want to drop a card or note off to Ken, here is his contact information:
Ken Carnes
16257 W. Cactus Valley Lane
Thanks, everyone!
Stay well,
Pamela
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