This is perhaps the most difficult update we have tried to produce since the start of Kenny’s battle with Glioblastoma Metaforme (GBM) in late 2012. In spite of trying just about every “mainstream” medical intervention that has been recommended, as well as several “alternative” treatments and interventions, the cancer keeps popping up in several different parts of Kenny’s brain. These new tumor sites are causing symptoms that have proven very difficult to control. Insomnia, anxiety, confusion, elimination and eating difficulties are among the symptoms that are causing the most discomfort. While multiple medications have been tried to control these symptoms, at this point in time nothing seems to be working.
Due to his occasional confusion and disorientation family and friends are taking turns to make sure someone is always nearby, especially through the nights, which seem to be the most difficult time for Kenny. Make no mistake though, Kenny is still Kenny. Even though his short-term memory is severely compromised and he has periodic nighttime confusion, he has not lost his quick wit and sense of humor (which of course keeps us all smiling). In recent months, usually during intense and serious conversations with doctors and other family members, he has often tried to mitigate the seriousness with a bit of humor. One of the tricks he uses on his dad is to wait until no one else is the room or is looking, and then flash his dad a big smile and the one finger salute. This has proven very effective in getting his dad to lighten up but also may occasionally require his dad to explain to others in the room why he is laughing. Kenny also remains very considerate of other people and for those that have spent time with him in the last couple of months I think you will agree his favorite words are “sorry” and “thank you.” When he can’t finish his meal at a restaurant, which is often the case, he will always apologize to the waitress or waiter. Just this week as we were all driving back from an appointment at City of Hope (which didn’t leave us in the best of spirits), and he probably thanked us 10 times in the car for “being there with him”, as if there is some other place we’d rather be than with him at a time like this. He is also quite serious about his breakfast rule so be forewarned, if you go out to breakfast with Kenny don’t even think he will let you pay for it.
Even though things look pretty dismal at this point there are still a few more things to try. Avastin and CPT-11 have been stopped and we anticipate starting a different drug next week. The drug is mostly referred to as CCNU but the generic name is Lomustine. Kenny will also consider an unusual intervention that would require him to wear a cap with imbedded electrodes for at least 18 hours each day. In addition, we will be scheduling a visit with an endocrinologist to see if he/she can help with controlling some of his symptoms. While in a meeting with doctors and his family, we had to have the difficult discussion of how to move forward… trying more meds and treatments that may or may not help with any of the new tumor sites, or focus on quality of life. Kenny of course answers “both. I want to do both”. And thankfully these last couple treatment options do not appear to have severe side effects, so that’s exactly what Kenny will be doing.
When Kenny was diagnosed over a year ago, and we read the statistics on life expectancy for this type of cancer, Kenny told us he was going to beat that number and make it to his 35th birthday. Well he did. And this February 13th, we will be celebrating Kenny’s 35th birthday. Go Kenny. You inspire us every day. You keep our hearts full and our faces smiling.
Again, words cannot express how thankful we are for the prayers and support by all of you. While Kenny’s family wants “to do it all” by they too need rest and sleep. So, thank you to our family and friends for being here with us during this journey. Whether it’s taking on shifts with Kenny or sending your love and a listening ear, it means more to us than you’ll ever know.
4 Comments
superkenny
Linda Stinner: I doubt any one of us will ever understand why this has happened, but I do know countless people have been greatly changed because it has. Kenny, know that we continue to pray for you and for your doctors. May you continue to feel the love, support, and concern we all have for you and for your family. You are an amazing and inspiring man, with the most beautiful smile ever. May you find comfort, hope, and healing with the next round of new meds. Love you and your dear mom!
January 25 at 4:52pm ·
Phyllis Feigum: Hi Kenny, I feel that I have not endured a quarter of what you have gone through...my chemo & radiation is done...getting stronger every day..but always think of friends, family, and acquaintances going through this life journey that can steal parts of our being that makes us who we are....if we let it...you are an inspiration to so many..you reminded me of what a sense of humor can accomplish...I was thankful to have kept mine....and pray for you, your family and all my cancer friends...stay strong and if I may...( give you one finger up...!) aimed at our cancer of course....
January 25 at 5:20pm ·
Tiffany Dacko: Thinking of you Kenny Melton, today and everyday.
January 25 at 5:24pm ·
Morgan Scott: Well said! Kenny inspires me everyday.
January 25 at 5:25pm ·
Gail Ruwe: My prayers to Kenny, and to his entire family.
January 25 at 5:25pm ·
Mark Arcarisi: Kenny... I'm praying for you. Please stay strong. These new treatments sound good. Positive thoughts for the new treatments.
January 25 at 5:29pm ·
Bridgette Hadley: Thanks for the update! I can only imagine how difficult this time is and I will continue to keep Kenny in my thoughts and prayers!
January 25 at 5:41pm
Mandy Ochoa Huntsman: Kenny you continue to inspire my family and I daily! Sending love, prayers, and good vibes! Your smile is infectious and touches so many of us. Stay strong my friend. You have a whole team that loves you to pieces and wishes the best for you daily!
January 25 at 5:48pm ·
Ron Rodgers: Love you Ken.Down in Costa.That long ass right you caught that time we were sitting out there with my boys from New York is still vivid in my mind.
January 25 at 5:52pm ·
Brianne Treece Waladis: Kenny Melton, I think and pray for you everyday! I know saying "stay strong" is always easier said than done but know that that is exactly what has helped you endure what you have this last year! You are an incredible inspiration and I truly mean that!
January 25 at 5:59pm ·
Christi Carlisle Kreg: Continued love and positive vibes are being sent from my family to yours! Thank you for the continued updates.
January 25 at 6:08pm ·
Nicola Silva: Kenny Melton..you are an inspiration to us all....constantly praying for God's miracle to happen and heal you...thinking about you always.
January 25 at 6:34pm ·
Robin Sinclair: Love you Kenny- all of 34th is cheering you on!!! ️️️
January 25 at 6:35pm ·
April Carson Baker: Thoughts, prayers, and healing vibes headed your way!
January 25 at 7:00pm ·
Mary Keenan: As Zoe would say I love you Kenny to infinity and beyond!!
January 25 at 7:03pm ·
Colleen Garrett Kolb: prayers to all!! What an amazing strong man!! GO KENNY!!!
January 25 at 7:07pm ·
Apryl Smith: You are always in my thoughts Kenny Melton XoXo!!
January 25 at 7:10pm ·
Brandy Bryant Davies: Keep fighting Kenny. I know that you can beat this. You are amazing.
January 25 at 7:13pm ·
Diane Rosas: Our love and prayers continue to go out to you. Hang in there. Keep fighting. And YES cancer sucks!
January 25 at 7:25pm ·
Courtney Boe-Jameson: Prayers and happy thoughts coming your way!
January 25 at 7:31pm ·
Kerri Lane: Thinking of you Kenny Melton all the time! ️
January 25 at 7:43pm ·
Cyndy Delunas Miller: Kenny you are a hero and a valiant warrior. May the force be with you. Love and prayers from the Millers
January 25 at 7:48pm ·
Christine Whitney: Good to see that you are still in the fight! I wish you well and keep you in my thoughts
January 25 at 7:56pm ·
Jackie Oxley Naah: You inspire me with your openness and sharing. Your honesty, generosity of spirit and strength remind us all of who we'd like to be. You have my prayers and all good thoughts for energy, strength, healing, and lots more laughs with your loved ones.
January 25 at 7:58pm ·
Bryan Lounsbury: Always thinking of you buddy....you are an inspiration to all that know you. Thoughts and prayers to you and your family.
January 25 at 8:01pm ·
Christine Lintvedt Dobbins: Kenny, I am so inspired by your strength. You continue to be in my prayers. God bless you!
January 25 at 8:04pm ·
Steven Young: So sorry you are having a rougher time. Keep on fighting, Kenny, and know that miracles Do happen. I know that! My continuing prayers and Sedona "healing vibes" are with you.
January 25 at 8:26pm ·
Tamy Henderson: Thank you for taking the time and sharing with us the good and bad, we are sending you more hugs and prayers for strength,peace and happiness for the whole family.
January 25 at 9:05pm ·
Grant Gold: I love you Kenny!
January 25 at 9:32pm ·
Sheri Mandel: Kenny - I keep a picture of you near my front door. I look at it and say a prayer for you every day. Your strong spirit and sense of humor are so inspiring! Sending love to you and your family.
January 25 at 10:22pm ·
Jasmyn Stong: Love you Kenny Melton Meril Harrison Brent Duque Dianne Melton & family!!! Praying for peace and healing!!!!
January 25 at 10:34pm ·
Jennifer Sandzimier-Calabrase: My heart is heavy from this news, but I know the spirit of the amazing man that you are. And even as I read the update I see your smile and hear your thank you's as described in your story. I don't think I know a man who is more grateful and genuinely kind then you Kenny Melton. I still remember the visits to see you at Capri Blue and every time I told you how beautiful of a person you were inside, you never accepted it graciously. stubborn and modest man. :)I want to tell you now and I WANT you to accept it like you never did before. You're spirit is beautiful and kind ,and that smile I can't get out of my mind, warms my heart whenever I close my eyes and see it. You encouraged me to believe in who I am, and that I can achieve and get anything I want in this life. Well, I want you to know I'm grateful to call you my friend. And I WANT you to know how you've touched my life. Paper roses!! Ashlynn and I still have them. I want you to teach me how to make them. I'll see you on your 35th! Prayers and peace to you Kenny. And much
January 25 at 10:37pm ·
Maria Hennig: Hi! I am reading this last news and am so impressed by the strenght Kenny has. What love for life and fighting spirit. We can all learn so much from this! My mother is childhood friends with kennys mother but I don't know Kenny myself. I think I met him a couple of times when I visited USA as a child. Even if i don't know you kenny you will be in my thoughts over here in Sweden.
January 26 at 12:54am ·
Angela Carlson: Love, love, love, to Kenny and his wonderful family. Kenny, you are amazing, and thank you for being my friend. I am with you always.
January 26 at 5:40am ·
Megan Doten Healey: I have no words. To Kenny's family, you are a testament of love and strength. May God continue to be with you as you battle the life you so miraculously brought into this world. What an amazing son you have raised!
January 26 at 7:17am ·
Rachael VanLiew: Miller Kenny, you are an amazingly strong inspiration to all of us. Your strength, courage, and humor are an incredible example of joy in the face of extreme adversity! Continued prayers and love to you, your wonderful family and amazing friends as you continue this journey.
January 26 at 7:41am ·
Rachel Jonas: Kenny, Cancer DOES suck times 100. But your life is brighter than 10,000 suns!! Thanks for fighting so hard in the face of such difficulty. Our lives are immeasurably better because you are in them. All my love and prayers for continued strength. Big hug. X
January 26 at 8:13am ·
Beth Messmer: Although the news is in this post was not the greatest, seeing your smile, made me smile. You and your family are in my prayers and thoughts. Thank you for sharing your story.
January 26 at 9:14am ·
Julie Elliott: Kenny, I was going to hit the like button because I love the strength and fight you have. I also love the strength of your friends and family. But I don't like this news, so I couldn't bring myself to hit the like button. It is clear that you make a difference in the lives of everyone who has ever met you. When we were kids, every family trip or party was so much better when you were there with your smile, laughter and amazing personality. You are such a special person and we are all better people because of you. Keep fighting, loving and being you.
January 26 at 9:14pm ·
Kimberly Thorne: The Thorne family is there in spirit if not by his side...xoxo
January 26 at 11:52am ·
Eugene Marini: Kenny, you give us all great perspective on things. Keep fighting bud.
January 26 at 2:54pm ·
Tish Page Gober: We think of you often Kenny...many prayers being sent your way. So brave..
January 26 at 5:12pm ·
Bo Champion Audette: I think of you and your family everyday. Kenny, I see you at the beach with your mom, and you continually amaze me. You are always so friendly, and your beautiful smile is contagious. You are always in my prayers.
January 26 at 7:45pm ·
Katie Tavaglione: I no longer use facebook but I have kept my account active so I can check for these updates.......I cannot say that this was the kind of update I was hoping for. I continue to pray for all of you and will never understand the depths of Kenny's strength and courage. always in my thoughts and prayers...... Happy Birthday Kenny.......
January 26 at 8:42pm ·
Glenn Rowden: My prayers will continue for Kenny Melton and family. Thanks for keeping us informed. I know these words are small but know that the love that is behind them is NOT small.
January 26 at 10:29pm ·
Lisa Salem Salamon: Cancer does suck! You and your family are always in my thoughts and prayers. Look forward to seeing you all later this month.
January 26 at 10:37pm ·
Sarah Peach: I love you, Kenny. I don't have any idea how to express the purity of how I feel about you in any other way. But it's genuine, and bright, and honest and beautiful. Your influence is stunningly, breathtakingly widespread. I can only pray that you understand that. XO, for what it's worth. You never leave my thoughts.
January 26 at 11:59pm ·
Nelson Walton: Hang in there tough guy. My best wishes are always there.
January 27 at 6:16am ·
Michele Genovese-Maines: I know all too well how awful cancer is but, the lesson I learned from my sister was to keep on fighting and live life to the fullest each and every day. Hang in there & keep on fighting!
18 hours ago ·
Diane Woolsey Lamb: What an amzing man you are Kenny. Prayers to you....
superkenny
The above post are all the comments from the facebook site. Because we know many "superkenny" supporters may not have a fb, we wanted to share the comments to this site as well.
Sue Hansen
Hi Kenny, continued prayers and love to you and your family...you are an inspiration to all. Keep strong...and continue the fight. And as they say in Oklahoma..."Thunder Up"!!
Gary Duerst
Aloha Family of Kenny,
I heard of the unfortunate loss of Kenny from my son, Tim.
I had the great pleasure of coaching Kenny in ASYO soccer for a number of years. From everything I've read on this website, it is obvious that he remained the great person that I knew as a child/young man. His positive attitude and willingness to do whatever the team needed of him made my situation so much easier. He was always on the top of my list when it came to drafting teams!
Mahalo nui loa (thanks very much) for letting me share a small share of his time - gone but definitely not forgotten.
Gary Duerst
Kauai