Memorial Day Walk (May 31, 2004)

The walk from the base of Minnehaha Falls to the Mississippi River and back was attended by 40 friends and family. At 5 pm Jane lit candles and passed them out to participant prior to the decent to the base of the falls. When we reached the Mississippi, a moment of silence was held. Some of Keith’s ashes were broadcast on the beach and river. Jane, Claire, Amelia, Paula, and Keith’s Mother and Dad spread the ashes. We returned to the falls through a heavy downpour. We felt Keith must have been watching and smiling as he remembers many Memorial Day rainy camping trips and picnics with his friends and family.

The picnic was moved from the open tables to the cover of a pavilion. The last of the picnickers left for their warm and dry homes about 8pm.

May 16, 2004

We are approaching two months since we lost Keith on March 31. There continues to be activity on the web page indicating people are wondering what the Kamman family has been doing. Jane, Claire, and Amelia boarded Amtrak in St. Paul early in May and went to visit friends in the State of Washington. They will return home soon to Minnesota on Amtrak. Paula and Craig (sister and brother) are back to work and learning to adjust. Cathy and Paul (Mom and Dad) are also working on adjusting to the void left by Keith’s passing.

The family wants to do something that will keep Keith’s memories alive and contribute to public awareness of the Melanoma Cancer fight. One thing we want to start is an annual walk to draw public attention to Melanoma. May is Melanoma Month, a time set aside to help raise awareness of this terrible disease.

The family is planning to get together at Minnehaha Falls on Memorial Day and walk from the foot of the falls to the Mississippi and back. This is a walk that Keith, Jane and the girls had often taken. We will wear a black ribbon (which is the Melanoma ribbon color designated by the American Cancer Society). We plan to have a picnic after the walk to finish the day. Because this is occurring so close to Keith’s passing there has been little planning of publicity for the event. If you would like to join us for the walk and picnic, please do so.

The walk is not long, however, there are a lot of stairs to the base of the falls. Those who are not up to negotiating the stairs can guard the picnic baskets so Yogi will not run off with them. The picnic will be potluck so bring something to pass and any yard games to share (bocce ball, Frisbee, etc.) Dress comfortably and weather appropriate (as we will walk come rain or shine! And since it is a Kamman “outside” event….the chance of rain or snow increases significantly!).

Time: 5 pm

Date: Monday, May 31, 2004

Picnic Location: Minnehaha Falls picnic area by the playground and bandstand – look for red and black balloons – that is where you will find us!

RSVP not necessary (If you do plan to attend feel free to send an e-mail to cathykamman@hotmail.com or paulkamman@hotmail.com as it will be helpful for planning tables, plates, napkins, etc.)

April 9, 2004

We want to thank everyone for your generous support throughout Keith's illness. The funeral service was a great tribute to him. We had planned for about 200 people and were amazed at the 500+ of you that were able to attend. We are overwhelmed with gratitude. Not only had we been blessed with a fine husband, son, and brother but also with unbelievably good friends and relatives. We can not thank you all enough.

Thursday, April 1, 2004

Keith passed away peacefully last night at 10:15 p.m.

Keith's family said they will post arrangements here when they are made.

Thank you, God, for blessing the world with Keith's presence. We will miss him.

Wednesday, March 31, 2004

Keith is resting comfortably and his condition continues to decline. Hospice continues round the clock in Keith and Jane's home. We are hopeful he will be at peace soon.

Thank you to those who have forwarded a memory of Keith. As we mentioned earlier, we are compiling a book of memories for Claire and Amelia. The memories may be about what Keith did or you did together, something he accomplished, what you thought of him or any thing you think a person would like to hear about a father that they were too young to remember. Photos would also be great. Please send them to: Jane at jmkamman@yahoo.com or Cathy (Keith's mom) at cathykamman@hotmail.com or Paula (Keith's sister) at PO Box 7031, Minneapolis, MN 55407

Monday, March 29 , 2004

Keith continues under hospice care at their South Minneapolis home. Although he was heavily sedated, he continued to have pain break through until early Sunday evening. He is now sleeping deeply and getting well-deserved relief. We are expecting him to be with us for only hours to a couple of days.

One of Keith's last wishes is that he wants his girls to know him. One of the ways the family intends to honor his wish is to organize a book about Keith. We invite all his friends (that includes relatives) to contribute. If you recall noteworthy things about Keith that Claire and Amelia will cherish later in their life, please forward them to Jane Kamman at jmkamman@yahoo.com , Cathy at cathykamman@hotmail.com, or mail to Paula Kamman at PO Box 7031, Minneapolis, MN 55407.

The memories may be about what he did or you did together, something he accomplished, what you thought of him or any thing you think a person would like to hear about a father that they were too young to remember. Photos would also be great.

March 25, 2004

Keith is at Methodist Hospital in Rochester, the Mayo. He is receiving aggressive pain treatment, which has yet to be completely successful. He continues to have excruciating periods of break-through pain.

The oncologist met with Keith and family yesterday (3/24), the words we hoped to never hear were spoken. There are no additional medical treatments for Keith's cancer. Any possible treatments would be too toxic and taxing on his already weakened body.

We are going to treat Keith's pain and try to keep him as comfortable as possible.

Arrangements are being made for hospice care in Keith & Jane's home. We hope to be home soon.

We ask for your prayers of mercy and peace for Keith.

Thank You.

March 23, 2004

The adjustment made to the medication last night did not work. Keith woke up in excruciating pain and was taken by ambulance to Rochester.

Please set aside a minute to say a special prayer for Keith today. He really needs your love and support!

March 22, 2004

Even with last week's morphine epidural catheter procedure, pain continues to be an overwhelming problem for Keith. Monday evening (3/22) an adjustment will be made to the medication. A form of lidocaine (an anesthesia) will be added to the morphine. Hopefully this will help with pain control.

This past weekend was special. Keith's brother, Craig, and Kari Alexandre were married. Keith served as Best Man and Kari's friend, Sara, was the Maid of Honor. Keith was in such pain and felt so sad that "I can't even make it to my brother's wedding!". Craig and Kari adjusted their day and were married at Keith and Jane's house. Keith witnessed the event in his wheelchair. The Chaplain from Rochester, Scott Jorgenson, led a very special ceremony. He led the small group in prayer gave us the bread and blood of Christ. He also was able to help Keith relax. (On the light side, he ran a little short of wafers because Claire and Amelia found "the God crackers" on the kitchen table and ate a few while the adults were busy in the other room.)

Later that afternoon, Pastor Scott renewed the vows for Craig and Kari at Oak Knoll Lutheran Church where Grandma and Grandpa Kamman were wed in 1934. The 5 flower girls were beautiful in their pink dresses and hats. A last minute glitch with the music led to an unplanned opening hymn of "Jesus Loves Me" sung by the 5 flower girls (and attendees). This also was a very special ceremony.

Keith enjoyed hearing about his brother's and his new wife's day. Keith was happy to hear that the vows exchanged in his home were so meaningful to them.

Thank you, Scott and thank all of you people who have been propping Keith and Jane (and all of us) up .....

March 17, 2004

Keith was admitted to Mayo Methodist hospital on Sunday to be stabilized for a pain-relieving procedure scheduled on Monday (3/15). He received an epidural catheter with a pain pump for treatment of his significant pain. The pain pump delivers a combination of morphine and clonidine automatically. The device was inserted into his back and is attached to a "fanny-pack like" bag hanging on the side of the bed. He was kept over Monday night for observation and appears to be receiving relief from the procedure. He, Jane, Cathy and Paul arrived home Tuesday evening.

So the Kammans are all home together again. The girls had a fun couple of days at Grandma and Grandpa Kimble's and are now back home chasing the cat around their house and watching Scooby Doo videos. And Keith is home resting more peacefully than we have seen him in some time.

The nurse shared that often times patients sleep for 48 hours straight (or longer) after coming off of such high pain episodes prior to the procedure. His doctors are slowing stepping down his other oral pain killers. His blood pressure is now on the low side and is being monitored and his pulse is finally at a normal rate. He will follow-up with Mayo next week.

And with everything else going on ....Jane was "published" in the Minneapolis Star Tribune! She (aka "The Amazing One") found the time to write a letter to the Editor that was published this past Monday regarding the need for a planetarium in Minneapolis. Jane - you really are amazing, but I hope you already knew that!

The family is now gearing up for Craig and Kari's wedding this Saturday. The girls are anxiously awaiting their flower girl responsibilities and Keith is resting up for his Best Man role. (And Craig and Kari and frantically pulling all the wedding details together......).

Thank you for your continued kind thoughts and prayers!

March 12, 2004

Keith will be admitted to the hospital on Sunday and will have the epidural procedure on Monday. Hopefully that will relieve his pain so we can get him off the mind numbing drugs. He remains so very patient. We’re turning him every 2 hours whether he likes it or not, since we’re seeing signs of pressure sores. You know Craig and Kari will wed next Saturday. Keith is to be the “Best Man”. If he can’t get to the church they will have the vows done at his bedside and then go to Oak Knoll Luth. Church to repeat what was done. It’ll be a small gathering. I’ve had 2 dreams in which Keith is walking. I do hope God is sending me messages. Love, Cathy

March 6, 2004

Keith continues his battle with cancer.

Keith, Jane, Cathy, and Paul drove to Rochester Wednesday night for Keith's monthly check up. Thursday began with a 6:30 am blood test followed by a 7:30 CAT scan and a 12:15 session with the Pain Control (PC) Doctors. The day ended with a meeting with Keith's Oncologist.

Keith's pain medications where changed to what the doctors' hope will be a more effective treatment. The PC Doctors plan to meet with the infection Control Doctors to evaluate the risk of implanting a spinal epidural catheter. The catheter would inject pain medication directly into the spine. This was said to be highly effective a sure way to control the pain Keith is having. However, it is a high-risk procedure because it increases the risk of infection. Keith's ability to resist infection is extremely low because of Chemotherapy and the continuing battle with the infection on his face.

Dr Marcohvic, Keith's oncologist, reviewed the result of the morning tests. Keith's blood counts are extremely low. This is the result of chemotherapy. Keith will receive a blood transfusion to correct this on Tuesday. The CAT scan result was mixed. Some tumors are gone, some new tumors have appeared, some are smaller and some may be larger. The Doctors feels that this indicates the chemo is having an effect and wants to continue with it at least another month. Keith will start the next round of chemo this weekend. The treatment is administered for 5 days and he is off for 25 days. We pray that Keith's pain will diminish and that next month' s scan will show significant reductions in tumor numbers and size.

On a bright side of things!!! Keith's brother Craig announced that he and Kari would be married soon. The wedding will be at Oak Knoll Lutheran Church in Minnetonka, MN. The date is set for March 20th. The wedding will be small and held in the chapel. The alter is the same alter that Craig's Grand Parents were married in front of and the communion rail was made by his Great Grandfather. The ceremony will be officiated by Scott Jorgenson (a family friend and Chaplin from Mayo Hospitals). Keith will serve as the Best Man and Claire and Amelia (with Kari's 3 nieces) will be flower girls. Currently Claire is perplexed how she can be a flower girl because she doesn't have a "flower girl dress". That situation is quickly being remedied. (They learn to work the angles young, don't they?)

Our best wishes and prayers to you!

The Kammans

February 29, 2004

Keith, Jane and the girls moved home this past Thursday. It was a sunny and warm February day (warm for Minnesota in February anyways). They are settling in to being at home. They have not really been home as a family since before they left for Germany in December. Needless to say, their cat has not stopped purring.....

Keith is sleeping in the den and has access to the whole first floor with his wheelchair. His pain is still a problem but it is better than before. He is able to sleep/rest longer periods of time which is good. His blood pressure is coming down (due largely to a blood pressure medication) but is still higher than normal. He spends most of the day in his bed with sporadic "wheelchair" time throughout the day.

His next Cat Scan is scheduled for this Thursday at Mayo (March 4) and will meet with the oncologist to discuss what options they will do next. Keith and Jane are continuing his physical therapy at the Courage Center twice a week. And spending time with the girls remains his top priority.

On the lighter side of updating.... Thursday after moving home, Keith was experiencing a fair amount of pain. His daughter Amelia [age 2] came to Keith and said, "This won't hurt, Daddy." She climbed right onto his hospital bed with her plastic Fisher Price otoscope and checked his ears which she "diagnosed" as "okay". She then proceeded to check his nose and said "There's a bugger there but I got it." Keith smiled through his pain. It reminds me something that Frederick Buechner wrote:

"Listen to your life. See it for the fathomless mystery that it is. In the boredom and pain of it no less than in the excitement and gladness: touch, taste, smell your way to the holy and hidden heart of it because in the last analysis all moments are key moments, and life itself is grace."

Thank you for your continued prayers and thoughts for Keith, Jane and the girls!

(add by Paula Kamman)

February 16, 2004

Keith continues his cancer battle with high spirits and determination.

He has completed his second physical therapy treatment in the pool at the Courage Center in Golden Valley, MN. Cathy (Mom) continues daily PT on his legs. The IV treatment for his infection on the cheek graft is completed. And his 5 day oral chemo treatment is done, as well. We now do the waiting game for the next CAT scan which will occur in early March. Keith continues to have break through pain and remains on high doses of pain medication. The good news is that the break throughs occur less frequently . The bad news is that the high levels of medications are taking their toll (his pulse is very fast, his blood pressure is too high and his feet are swollen). Jane and Keith are in close contact with Keith's doctors to monitor all the medications and their side effects.

And thank you to Paul's cousin, Janice Perisian, and her husband, Frank, who have lent Keith and Jane a van that is handicap accessible (wheel chair lift and power seat). They have also lent them a ramp to use for access at their south Minneapolis house. Keith and Jane are planning to move home this week. On Sunday, Keith, Jane, and the girls attended a birthday party for Great-Aunt Louise. She celebrated her 90th birthday. This was the "maiden voyage" with the van and was a success (as was the birthday party!). Transportation will now be much less physically exhausting for Keith.

2/5/04 Keith Update

Keith and Jane spent Wednesday (2/04/04) and Thursday (2/05/04) at Mayo in Rochester. Wednesday was spent on a CAT scan and an MRI of the Brain. Thursday was spent meeting with Doctors.

Thursday Keith was pleasantly surprised to see a High School classmate, Stephanie Sebold. She came up to him, said she had been keeping track of Keith’s progress on this web page, and knew that Keith would be at Mayo this week and was watching for him. However, we were sorry to hear why she was there with her Mother and Father. Her Father is starting the cancer battle. We should all support the Family in our prayers.

The meeting with the Infectious disease Doctor indicated the infection on the cheek graft is under control. The Oncologist told us that it appears the tumors on the spine are not growing, nor do they appear to have shrunk. It is too early to be certain. It takes 6 to 8 weeks to draw a conclusion. Not what we want to hear but not as bad as it can be.

There is a lot of cancer though out Keith’s body, none on the brain and no additional tumors on the spine. That was good news. There are not many new tumors, but some have gotten larger. There are a lot of tumors in the lungs. The Oncologist thought all this was good that we were not seeing a lot of new tumors or a lot larger tumors. He was quick to point out that we would rather see everything in remission.

Keith started on chemo therapy today, which is what we were all hoping would happen. Dr Marchovic, his Oncologist, said that this chemo is about 20% effective.

2/3/04

Keith's status is similar to the last update (1/27/04). He continues to have high levels of pain that is being managed with medication. Break-through pain occurs often and is treated with an immediate-release pain medication. We remain hopeful that the swelling of the spinal cord tumor will go down and relieve the pain as well as restore leg function.

Keith's strong spirits are reflected by his insistence to leave the house and go places. Sunday afternoon was spent with his family, Paula, and three other friends at the Minnesota Zoo. The dolphin show and coral reef exhibit were big hits with both Claire and Amelia. They are still staying with Jane's parents and are beginning plans to move back to their home.

Keith has his first consultation appointment with the Courage Center today (2/3). The assessment will lay out the physical therapy program (hydrotherapy, etc.). Keith's first objective is pain control and then leg function. Follow-up appointments are also scheduled at the Mayo Clinic late this week. We are hopeful that the infection in the face is under control and that systemic cancer treatment will be able to begin.

We hope this update finds you and yours warm and ready for these next six weeks of winter!

Keith's Update (1-27-04)

Keith, Jane, and the girls are settling in at Jim and Joan Kimble's (Jane's parents) house in Golden Valley. The Kimble's house is only a short drive from where we (Paul and Cathy) live which makes it convenient for us to visit. Jane, Cathy (Mother), and Joan (Jane's Mother) are performing physical therapy on Keith's legs. Keith was at Park Nicollet for a doctor appointment Tuesday (1/27). The purpose of the visit was to get Keith set up for the high dose antibiotic to fight the infection on the face. It was his first outing since returning from Rochester. He did well with the wheel chair considering it was the first time he used it outside the house or hospital. The Doctors are anticipating that the swelling on the spinal cord tumors will start to diminish this week. The Doctors also feel that the pain Keith is experiencing will go away when the tumors shrink. Although the Doctors are not optimistic, we are praying that he will regain control of his legs when that occurs. Keith was quick to point out that the big concern he has is not so much the legs but gaining control of the cancer throughout his body. He is scheduled for Doctors appointments late next week and he is hoping to start Chemotherapy at that time. He is looking for other options to use after Chemo and will likely try to get back to Germany when he regains his strength. Keith remains optimistic and is eager to continue the fight against his cancer.

Keith's Update (1-24-04)

As Keith was getting ready to leave the hospital Thursday, his pain really spiked. The doctors ran some more scans. The Doctors were concerned about his heart and lungs. The good news was that the scans (EKG, CAT) indicated that the heart was normal and there were no blood clots in his lungs. Separately it was found that the "flap" (face graft from the face surgery in October of 02) is infected. He remained at the hospital until late Friday night. The bacterium in the infection is resistant to common antibiotics. Keith will be treated at home with an IV administered medication. The serious implication is that his cancer will go untreated systemically until the infection is resolved. The Doctors fear that his immune system will be so low from the oral chemotherapy that the infection will take over and kill him. The IV antibiotic will last for two weeks and then Keith will begin five days of an oral chemotherapy. The doctors were anxious to get Keith out of the hospital before he got sick from any other patient.

Keith & Jane arrived at Jane's parent's house at almost midnight Friday. He had a difficult night with little sleep due to the pain. Although he is on pain medication to help manage the pain, it is difficult to get comfortable. We are hopeful that the pain will subside within the next week as the swelling in the lower spine (at the radiation site) starts to go down. The doctors do not think that Keith will regain much more movement in his legs. Keith is not discouraged; he is going to work on his physical therapy until he can walk again.

Thank you for the continued prayers for Keith, Jane and the girls. It means a lot to them all.

1-20-04

Keith is still in the hospital going through radiation treatment. He is due to complete his radiation treatment this Thursday. He has regained a very small amount of movement in his legs this week. The doctors have told us that progress cannot be measured in days but in weeks. After his last radiation treatment Keith & Jane will be heading back to Minneapolis. They plan on staying with Jane's parents for several days as they learn how to manage their new situation. Once back home he will begin chemotherapy with hopes of preventing new tumors from appearing in the spine. Keith and Jane will be deciding on several options for treatment from this point. They are both determined to beat this and appreciate all the support.

1-14-04

Keith, Jane, and girls arrived in Minneapolis at 4 pm on Saturday 1/10/04. Keith was in a lot of pain and unable to walk. He spent Saturday night and Sunday (1/10, 1/11) at their home in south Minneapolis. Late Sunday afternoon, Cathy, Keith, and I went to Rochester and spent the night in a motel. Keith received an MRI and blood test early Monday morning and returned to the motel until 11 am Tuesday. Keith met with his Oncologist at 1:00 pm Tuesday. His Doctor identified two tumors on his spine that had not previously been identified. Keith was admitted to Methodist Hospital in Rochester for treatment shortly after 2:00 pm. He was evaluated by a team of Neurologists. Surgery was ruled out because of tumors (lesions) locations. Radiation of the tumors was decided on. The first treatment was administered Tuesday night at 8:30 pm. A total of 10 treatments are planned. Discussions with the Neurology indicate that it is not likely that Keith will regain full function of his legs. Their goal is to prevent continued deterioration with hopes of regaining some function.

Tumors in Keith lungs have grown in size and number since the last scan in early December. Treatment of the lungs and other tumors will be pursued after the tumors on the spine are resolved. Keith remains optimistic and said he will continue to fight. He wants to see his girls grow up.

1-10-04

Keith is home and is in a lot of pain. He has a 6 am appointment at Mayo on Monday (1/13/04). Mayo will assess the tumor on his spine and evaluate for radiation treatment. We are praying that Mayo can treat the tumor on the spine and Keith can return to Germany to complete that treatment. Note previous postings on the spine tumor.

1/8/04

Cathy and I spent Thursday flying to Atlanta and back to Minneapolis. We left on a 10 am flight for Frankfurt Germany Thursday morning with a connecting flight through Atlanta. When we got to Atlanta Paula paged us. Jane had called Paula asking her to stop us from flying to Germany.

You, will likely recall in previous updates we talked about the seriousness of the location of a tumor on Keith’s lower spine and the concern that progression or swelling of the tumor and the danger that radiation treatment may damage the nerve leaving Keith’s legs paralyzed. Dr. Lentz (Keith’s Oncologist in Germany) had asked the Doctors on staff at the Clinic in Mainz were Keith is being treated the following question. If Keith was, your brother and you were making the decision as to where the radiation treatment of the tumor on the lower spine would be performed. Would you have him go to the University in Mainz, Germany or would you have him go to the Mayo Clinic. It is my understanding that each of the Doctors said they would have him go to Mayo. Arrangements have been made with Mayo for the treatment. Keith and family will arrive in Minneapolis at 4 pm Saturday. Keith will return to Germany for the second series of treatments after he recovers from the radiation treatment of the tumor on his lower spine.

1-7-04

Cathy talked with Keith today (1/7/04) and he told her that the swelling of the lower back tumor has again resulted in his loss of mobility. A conference call was initiated with Dr. Lentz (Oncologist in charge in Germany) Dr. Marcovic (Keith’s Mayo Oncologist) and Keith. They all agreed that scans would be performed in Germany. If a tumor is identified that is causing the paralysis it should be treated with radiation at the University in Mainz. The purpose of the radiation treatment is to reduce the tumor by radiation and complete the treatment in Germany. Keith is optimistic that this clinical trial is killing cancer. According to what we have learned about the death of cancer tumors, we are also optimistic. It is also encouraging to see that Keith’s Mayo Oncologist wants this to proceed. I would conclude that he has some optimism about the results so far. We leave for Mainz in the am and arrive there on Friday. When we know what is happening we will call Paula who will e-mail Michelle to update the web page.

1/5/04

Keith met with the Oncologist in charge (Dr. Lentz) and an Orthopedic Dr. on Friday (1/2/04). The Doctors have concluded that the tumor that they first thought may be causing the lower back pain and leg paralysis is not close enough to the nerve to be the culprit. They now think it is from a small tumor that did not show on the scans but is close to the nerve ending. The decision, and Keith’s desire, is to continue with the present treatment. Keith received a six-liter treatment today. Jane said he is in a lot of pain but is determined to keep going. “He wants to win this fight.”

Keith, Jane, and the girls have changed their schedule to return home from 1/19/04 to 1/22/04. Their flight information will be added when we receive it.

(written by Paul Kamman from a phone conversation with Jane)

January 2, 2004 Keith resumed his treatment today (1/2/04). Six liters of his blood were processesed, the goal was to process twelve liters per treatment. Keith said they will continue at this level and if the pain he experiences continues to diminish, they will start increasing the amount of his blood processed. Keith said he had a long talk about his options with Dr Lenz. Keith discussed stopping the treatment and returning to Mayo to have the tumor on his lower back treated with radiation. Swelling will occur because of the radiation and will likely prevent resumption of the Germany treatment for up to two months. He stands a chance of permanent paralyses by either the tumor swelling or high doses of radiation to the nerves involved. During the treatment at Mayo, there is a chance that tumors may spring up on other vital organs. Keith felt his best and most logical option is to continue with the Germany treatment, as the preliminary indication is that process is causing tumors to start dying. The frustrating problem is that it takes time to be certain. Keith remains optimistic and continues to confront the disease.

(written by Paul Kamman)

January 1, 2004

Cathy and I talked with Keith and Jane today. Keith said that the steroids were effective in reducing some of the pressure on his lower back. He said he has regained some feeling in his legs. That is good news as it indicates that the swelling is the result of the tumor starting to dissolve. That would indicate that the treatment Keith is getting is working on fighting the cancer. The plan is for Keith to go back on the treatment at a lower level until that tumor is gone. Some discussion was given to radiating the tumor but Dr. Lentz (the person in charge of the treatment) did not have experience with radiologist in the area and wanted Keith to have it done at Mayo or other noteable facility in the US.

Cathy and I plan on going to Germany and spend time with Keith, Jane and the girls. We leave January 8, and return on January 22. We do not know when Keith will be coming back as the delays he is encountering may extend his stay.

(added by Paul Kamman)

December 30, 2003

Cathy and I talked to Keith this am. A tumor on his lower back is putting pressure on nerves on Keith's lower spine. The pressure has caused loss of feeling in his legs and he can not walk without assistance. The Doctors have temporarily stopped his cancer treatment and started him on steroids. The pressure has also affected his urinary system requiring a catheter. Keith remains optimistic and is hoping the swelling near his spine will go down and the cancer treatment can resume on Friday.

(written by Paul Kamman)

December 27, 2003

Cathy and I talked with Keith and Jane this am (12/27/03). He was just returning to their room after completing his fourth treatment. He has “excruciating” pain in his lower back. He is also experiencing a lot of pain in other parts of his body. The Doctors tell him that is expected because the tumors swell as they are dying. Other Doctors have also told Keith that tumors swell as part of their dying process. The swelling goes down as the tumor shrinks and the pain will subside. Keith said that others who are going through the same treatment told him that the pain goes after about the 6th or 7th treatment. Keith just completed his 4th treatment. He remains optimistic and dedicated to win the fight. Jane and the girls are fine and continue to support Keith with his efforts

(written by Paul Kamman)

Update, Sunday, December 21, 2003

The following was extracted from an e-mail Keith sent from Germany. This is a hard time of the year with so much going on.

It is Sunday morning here. It has been an excruciatingly long weekend. I want to be doing treatment, making progress! It is difficult to wait. I really think Lentz (the Dr. running the test) is on to something here. When it works, it works fast. Everyone I have spoken to has had great response. There is a young German doctor here whose uncle lives in Rochester, just retired from the Mayo, and is now building his retirement home in northern Minnesota. So he has been to Minnesota and went to the boundary waters, and the mayo, as has Lentz. We were joking about the facilities at this place being just like the Mayo, as we were crammed into a tiny elevator going to an exam room.

I will be doing treatment on Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday this week. Treatment should last around 6 hours a day if everything goes well. The pain over the weekend has been rough. Lentz said it was the mets swelling, and I should not take any anti-inflammatory. Every morning is rough to say the least. He said it should clear up as the tumors begin to shrink; it is the response he wanted to see.

It sounds like 3 weeks of treatment, but it will take closer to 5 weeks before we are finished with the holidays, and follow-ups. So we will be changing our return date. Probably to the 19th or 20th. We will let you know when we get the final flight info. Looking forward to giving you a positive report on my progress, I think it is coming soon!

(added by Paul Kamman)

(Email from Jane)

Hi all. We arrived and Keith started treatment yesterday. So far, he is reacting the way they hoped he would. He is having some severe pain in his back where there is a bone metastesis, but the doctors think that will clear up in the next few days.We found out we won't be coming home until January 19.

Mainz is a beautiful city and we have already done some exploring. Today Paula, the girls and I went to the Christmas market here in Mainz. Tomorrow we are going to Heidelberg for the day.

Much love to you all- jane

December 17, 2003

We received a call from Paula this am. She said they were all just starting to recover from the flight from Minneapolis to Frankfurt. Paula said the girls slept most of the day on Tuesday. Keith spent all of Tuesday at the clinic. Most of the time was spent reviewing his medical history. Today will be more of the same and the first treatment will be tomorrow (Thursday 12/18/03). The sessions start out slow, 1 or 2 hrs, in duration until they observe how Keith response to them. They will end up lasting 3 to 7 hours. Originally, we thought they would be coming home on January 12. Now we understand that Keith will be at the clinic through January 19. Arrangements for the trip home have not been made, so we do not know the exact date they will be back in Minneapolis.

Paula said she is having problems with the language. Jane is apparently doing better as she had some German language in elementary school.

They are staying at: Atrium Hotel, Fluglatzstrasse 44, Mainz, Germany DEUD-55126, Phone is 496-131-4910. Paula is in Room 324 I assume the hotel operator will answer and we can ask for Keith or Jane by name. The time difference is 7 hours.

(written by Paul Kamman)

December 12, 2003

Things are moving fast for Keith. Keith, Jane, girls and Paula fly out of Minneapolis this Sunday at 3 PM. They arrive in Frankfort Germany on Monday am. Tuesday Keith starts his first treatment. He is treated every day. I think it is a process that requires him to be attached to the blood filter (my words) for about four to 6 hours a day. We will give you more details when we know. After three weeks, Keith and family will come home. I do not have that date. Keith and Jane do and I will get that to you when things slow down for them. When Keith comes home in January, he will go to the Mayo Clinic and his Dr will evaluate the results. If they are good, Keith will continue for another three-week sessions. If they are bad, we will look for other options.

(writted by Paul Kamman)

Update, December 10, 2003

Keith spent Monday and Tuesday at the Mayo Clinic. Scans, MRI’s and blood test were performed. His Dr was pleased. He used words like “near miraculous, if better results than this I would get a Nobel Prize winner.” The not so good news was that Keith’s cancer drug and antibiotic for the graft on his cheek are taking their toll on Keith’s liver. Keith’s Dr has taken him off the cancer drug Interferon.

Discussions about Keith’s options concluded that he should try a Clinical Trial being performed in Mainz, Germany. The processes are like kidney dialyses. The blood is processed and returned to the body. Keith’s Mayo Dr does not think this is the answer BUT concurs he does not know the answer and feels this should be tried. (We thank him for his honesty.) After three weeks on the Germany trial Keith’s Mayo Dr’s will evaluate the results. If the results are good, Keith will continue. If Keith does not show satisfactory improvements other options will be considered.

Germany, Mayo, and Keith are processing paper work and details. A date for the Germany trial will be established within the next few days. Keith, Jane, and the girls all plan on going.

Thank you for all your prayers, support, and efforts that have made this option possible.

(written by Paul Kamman)

November 11, 2003

Keith and family were at the volunteer banquet and he looked very good! It was wonderful to see him. Keith mentioned that he is pretty sure he has been accepted for treatment in Germany, and that he might be leaving as soon as December. Very good news!! Keep praying for the miracles of modern medicine and Keith's continued path to good health!

(added by mshefveland)

Keith is scheduled for a detailed evaluation including MRI, CAT scan, and bone scan on December 9, 2003.

Keith went to Rochester the week of October 27th to get radiation treatment on the tumor on his femur. Hopefully one treatment is all that is needed.

Update: Friday, October 24, 2003

Keith met with his Mayo Oncologist, Dr Marcovic on Thursday and reviewed the results of his current CAT and PET scans (done Tuesday and Wednesday of this week). The Dr was positive noting that no additional tumors were identified and the existing tumors were either the same size or some were considerably smaller. Keith noted that he has a lot of pain in his hip as well as his right femur. The hip pain is believed to be from the tumor that was radiated and killed in September. The Dr said it is likely that a small fracture had occurred and it should heal on its own. The right femur was x?rayed and a small tumor was identified. The Dr said its location near the outside of the bone makes it painful. The tumor will be treated with radiation treatments. The Oncologist thought it would only require one or two radiation treatments. Keith will meet with a Radiologist soon. The results of the PET scan indicate that there is a significant amount of active cancer.

Some additional positive news is that Keith has gained 3 pounds in the last 2 weeks and we are looking for the trend to continue. He will continue taking high dose Interferon (3 injections per week) and will be reassessed at Mayo again in about one month. The results of the PET scan indicate that there is a lot of active cancer.

Keith and Jane are also exploring the possibility of participating in an investigational blood dialysis type treatment being tested in Germany. They have had preliminary discussions with the staff and the staff next needs to review Keith's medical charts, etc. to ensure he is a viable candidate for this study. If he were accepted into the investigational study, the treatment would not begin until January, most likely.

(written by Paul Kamman)

Keith has had a headache for about a week, which was causing concern and a bit of depression for all of us. We were all very concerned. They immediately set up an MRI appointment for Oct. 9. THE GOOD NEWS is that the brain tumors are breaking up causing inflamation and that was causing the headaches. They had been dormant, but were now breaking up. He is taking some steroid to reduce the inflamation. He is also on an antibiotic because of an infection. This is some very good news for which we are very, very thankful. It is a great relief! The courageous Battle goes on! The struggle continues.

(written by Jim and Joan Kimble)