Kenna's Journey With Lung Cancer

My goodness my 2019 year came with many different challenges for me to overcome; specifically, the last 6 months, which brought new health roadblocks for me to overcome in relation to my Lung Cancer.

As many of you know I have been quiet/healing/fighting for 3 years this week. So many of you check on me privately by offering support in so many ways, like giving cards, gifts, and $. Your support for me on this journey is appreciated. Thank you for your prayers you continually give with love and such wonderful kindness.

I wanted to give you some updates about my journey; it hasn’t been easy, especially this past year, so here is what has happened recently:
In June, I was given an opportunity to be a part of a study at HCI that was designed to help me manage the pain, my weight, and my depression. I was so excited, and with my family and Dennis's support I rented out my home in St. George and moved to the Salt Lake area for what I had hoped would be 3 months but turned into 8 months. I looked forward to learning techniques to manage the many side effects of my Lung Cancer, things that I’d never known before this disease. I was hopeful for the first tine in a long while.

Within three weeks of starting the HCI study, I was sent in to have my heart checked to determine how rigorous I would be able to exercise or do certain physical activities. I was sent to a Cardiologist in Park City, and they ran all the normal tests, while there they determined that I had a silent heart attack. I was terrified, and disappointment with the news. Immediately, the doctor wanted me hospitalized and wanted to do the Angiogram first thing in the morning. However, I needed a minute to process the news, it was a shock. So, they decided to put a heart monitor on me and schedule a Cardiac CT scan first thing in the morning instead of hospitalization that night. All this news scared the hell out of all of us, because of the urgency of needing to check the CT scan. The worst things about the silent heart attack was how much I was in physical pain! I was coughing and weak.

I was devastated that this new twist compromised the ability to be a part of the HCI study and I would no longer be able to participate. The mental acuity it takes to stay in a healthy place has got the best of me at times. The pain wears you down. I’m learning that this is the part of my life that I must learn acceptance towards my body and what what it means to live and function with only one lung.

After the CT scan and blood work the doctors discovered that I have 2 new nodules and a tumor in my left lung. It is Cancer. Slow growing. Finally, on Thursday it was diagnosed , "Indolent" which means we will watch it with no treatment plan until it is necessary to intervene. Instead I will need to continue to get Scans every 6 months.

Good news, except, this news comes at the same time I'm waiting for an additional biopsy result on another tumor. The doctors found a mass on my right Adrenal Gland. As I write this post my stomach is all over the place. It feels empty, anxious, and nauseated. I'm sitting here waiting for results. Asking for prayers, energy, and love today. My hope is intact, I’m praying that I will get good news instead of more complications.

Some complications I have been living with since my surgery to remove the tumor from lung have been both expensive and especially challenging to recover from. My diaphragm has moved up into the cavity on the right side and causes labored breathing and some pain. The area continues to atrophy and gather small amounts of fluid. I have a procedure called Pleurocentesis: to remove the fluid. It hurts. They numb using a local. I am awake during this procedure. A needle is inserted into the chest cavity and the fluid is removed. The other consistent procedure is called OMM: it is a manipulation to move the ribs and nerves around the incision area. The recovery takes a a couple days from both procedures. I will continue to have OMM until the insurance denies the procedure, however long that is.

Over the Holiday’s we took a family trip to Las Vegas and I let my guard down. I know that because of this, I’ve been diagnosed Immunodeficient; lack of sleep, and my PH balance with the right proteins serves this disorder well. It plays a major factor for flying. I’m not able to fly. The lack of oxygen has grounded me, so to speak. I love traveling. Overcoming these restrictions have been the most challenging as all, the moment I let my guard down for even a moment, I get sick. Unfortunately, the last day of our 6-day trip I ended up at the hospital with pneumonia and brochities. During my hospital stay, that is when the doctors discovered a mass on my Adrenal Gland.

Starting this new round of anxiety while I wait for the results.

However, as I know I have difficulty traveling with one lung. I am grateful for all of my adventures I’ve been able to experience, all the places I’ve been, like: Guatemala, Antequa, Belize, China, Viet Nam, Canada, New York, Hawaii, Alaska, and many more states. Even after I was unable to participate in the HCI study, Dennis and I had an opportunity to go on a long road trip up through Canada, Alaska, and then we cruised to Van Cover and flew to SLC from there. We spent 4 weeks driving, playing, and enjoying this new way to explore the world. Our newfound polarity around time made this the most excellent of Adventures.

There is a grieving process that happens by default and catches you off guard. It’s a grieving of the loss of an organ, the betrayal of what you knew as your body, and a life you would not have imagined.

For now, I'm fighting depression, pain, and this is now my new reality. Cancer is brutal mentally, physically, and emotionally. Bless Dennis (As his own fight with Cancer took a back seat to mine), my family, my kid's, friends, and relationships; because, as hard as I fight to not to be in a Victim mentality it gets me sometimes. I need to remember that I am a Victor. A Warrior. Building my armor now...... Sometimes though, I feel like I am a drag to be around. Even though; more often than not, I am resting or coughing. I got it in my head that people didn't want me around. That I was a burden somehow. This was new to me too. Everything about me is different and that's okay. I'm learning to love and respect where I am right now. I'm limited in a way that is new to me.

There is a grieving process that happens inside a Cancer fight. Grieving the loss of an organ and the loss of who you knew to be you. There is also a brilliance in the rebirth.

While I am still learning to love and respect me as I am, I want to acknowledge that I might have dropped the ball on trusted clients, family, and networking. I want to apologize for that piece. I isolated for a minute or maybe 8 🙂 months. I can feel it lifting with the love ❤️ and encouragement of many. The Lord has blessed me with old friends, new friends, and intimate relationships to see me through. Carry me when I wouldn’t stand up. I know He has sent out an army to stand for me. In the middle of my heartache I am rescued by pure Agape love. I will accept the army to fight for me when I'm in the dark.

So, for now, all I'm doing now is waiting for the new results. Then a plan will be made for next steps. I am counting my blessings, and I am especially grateful for the family that has been renting have been one of my greatest blessings.

I am a part of an Unstoppable Movement. I am unstoppable.
“Jason Sisneros”
The Misfit Nation is tight there if I need them.

“There is always a step small enough from where we are to get us to where we want to be. If we take that small step, there's always another we can take, and eventually it all is achievable.”

I live and breathe for the promise!

My angels are:
Macrae Marrelli
Dave and Ramona Blanchard
Faron McCuistion
Jan Searle
Shirley Christensen my mom and confidant
Katie Nielson
Dennis Vallejos
Sherry Lynn Vallejos
LeAnna Beagley my sister and my safe place
Tiffanie Anderson
Tracie Yost
Aditi Aromi
Julie Timms
Shantel Tate
Alisha Brunson
Janet Lewis

My apologies and gratefulness for their patience.
Joy Howes
Brian Dawes
Tiffanie Leimback
Natalee Fox Johnson
Kirsten Allen
Amanda Ferris
Andrew Farr
Scotty Quinn
Shantel McBride
Shaison P. Ouseph
Joni Newkirk
Amanda Hott
Debbie Gasho

I’m at the Huntsman this morning. As I had my scans and body work I got emotional as I am treated with so much honor and respect. Just being able to be cared for here is a blessing. I do not take for granted. I continue to be blessed with scar tissue, some neuropathy, and the words, “No cancer at this time”.

I’m at the Huntsman this morning. As I had my scans and body work I got emotional as I am treated with so much honor and respect. Just being able to be cared for here is a blessing. I do not take for granted. I continue to be blessed with scar tissue, some neuropathy, and the words, “No cancer at this time”.

When I was given the 2-5 % chance of living more than 3 years I didn’t let that define me. I chose to disagree with the outcome with their prediction. I’m 2 years and 3 months out of losing my lung. I’m a little over a year with no Cancer. I’ve not done everything right to fight it as directed. I’ve allowed stress in, I’ve gained 35 lbs, I don’t keep my body in a PH state, or drink perfect water. What I have done right is to have faith. Lean into my children, Mom,sister, friends and Dennis. I didn’t give up when giving up has been close and tangible a few times. Because I’m the master of my thoughts. I’m accountable for my outcome. I continue creating new connections and loving new clients. Living in the now or working hard to stay in the minute before me. I’m rattling words because I feel like dancing in the rooftop! I’m just really beginning to believe this is true. Thank you all for continued thoughts, faith, love, and prayer! It brings me hope.

Update: It's been 6 months since my last update. I have endured all the mind madness around scans over the last 2 weeks. Thank you Og Mandino for all the work I'm blessed to do which in return keeps me solid in my foundational truths. I'm excited to report I am still cancer free (Insert happy dance) I have had some complications coughing, fatigue, and a small amount of discomfort. What they have found is I have some fluid build up in my lung. I will have a procedure soon with a 3-5 day hospital stay and a short recovery. I will schedule that when I'm ready. I'm not in any danger it's just uncomfortable. I'm going to hop off facebook for a much needed break. I'll spend some quiet time and healing around my mental health, physical health and spiritual guidance. Don't get to happy.....I'll be back! Thank you all for continued prayers and all the love and kindness.

Thank you Lord!

Holy Sah-Weet Mother of Pearl ( Shantel Mcbride), Today, I begin a New Life (Dave Blanchard/ Og Mandino), Win the Day (Scott Quinney), Energy is Everything (James Anderson), In one Moment (Faron McCuistion) and Oh my Goodness (Kenna Vallejos), are words used to announce great things, encourage and empower a new day, and show gratefulness! Today I feel all of the above! At 10:30 am today my oncology team said, “Kenna you are Cancer free! Blood work looks great, scans are normal and you are doing miraculously well! Exercise, eat right, and we will see you in a year!”

Not all trials come to cause a storm some come to clear a path!

Wahoo!

This will be my last Cancer post for one year. I’ll pray for and fight for those who are actively in this disease! I’ll live and love as if....

Thank you to Dennis and my family for walking with me from beginning to end. To my friends for the love, support, and prayers.

Mac Marrelli, Faron McCuistion, Dennis Vallejos, Tiffanie Anderson, Tracie Anne Yost

Well Kenna’s Journey with Lung Cancer has turned into Kenna and Dennis’s cancer journey. On Friday of last week Dennis was diagnosed with Renal Cell Carcinoma. He has a 8 centimeter tumor on his right kidney. On Thursday of next week he will have his right Kidney removed with a good margin and then we wait to hear if it’s spread. We are shocked and confused with this our newest trial. We are also encouraged after a few days of doctors appointments. Please send prayers and positive thoughts our way.

Long over-due update: In the last three months I've been more private about this disease and my fight. Because, when you have cancer there are so few days that you are you, or at least the you you've known. Everything changes! Your body, mind, spiritual thoughts, relationships, and most of all energy. I know a man who trains brilliantly (James Anderson) and he says, "Energy is Everything". What he is really saying if I believe, is "I will have energy no matter the circumstance", I will. If I greet each day with the enthusiasm to rise above I will and I am. So I greet each day as if and I can and I submit to you that he is right, "Energy is Everything".

I'm going to be honest here because otherwise the post is useless. This has really sucked! There is not a day that I have not been in pain. I have a set of nerves that they cut through that has not and will not heal. I've been referred to a pain management team at the U of U for assistance with this part. They are under my right breast making it difficult to wear the right undergarments. So no judging those women without support, because you just do not know the reason. 🙂 I have gained over 30 pounds because of medication, depression, inactivity, and not always the best food choices. I do eat right 90% of the time but the perfect storm (Age, Med's, and Depression) has caught up with me.

I ended up in emergency a few weeks ago and that led to some testing and discovering some new not so perfect areas in my left lung. Prodding and probing has been completed with this result. The suspicious area on my left lung is from scar tissue forming from new growth. The area of concern on my right lung is not so lucky. It's very early stage 1 and all hopes of nipping it in the bud, with treatment. This will put me off the grid for a few. Cancer is no Bueno! If you know of any one going through it ask them what they need and then do your best to follow through.

I've been at the Huntsman on Friday, Monday, Tuesday, and I'm back up for more fun at 7:00 a.m. tomorrow. Not another hospital I'd rather be associated with they are exceptional!

All will be well! I'm a tough old bird like my Momma. An like my Dad taught me I will wipe off the tears and get back up. Miss you more now than ever my Papa! I'm breathing and that is a good thing. I'm loved and that is a better thing. I grateful and learning and there is nothing better.

1 in 4 Cancer deaths are from Lung Cancer. It's aggressive! Both small cell and non small cell carcinomas in both men and women is the second most common cancer in the U.S. So do all you can to care for your health and mental wellness!

Tomorrow is the big day....

Dina Wise's Personal Page for 2017 Salt Lake City Marathon http://saltlake.kintera.org/faf/donorReg/donorPledge.asp?ievent=1165442&lis=1&kntae1165442=84992E9F6E1644BBB9EBD75AAFE080C3&supId=315559298&emaillogid

This is my favorite picture. It was taken six days after the surgery. I had just completed a goal to walk a mile in one day. I did it in total tortoise style. A small lap about 30 times during the day. I started at 4:00 a.m. and finished at 9:30 p.m., slept several times through out the day. At 9:15 I told Dennis I can't do it and it's okay. He said, "No Way you can do this I will push the IV pole and if you need to rest in between this lap you can sit down and rest." When we got to the end he pulled up Chariots of Fire on his phone as I crossed the finish line. He clapped and yelled and so did the nurses. It was my Olympic moment. So fun! It was the most rewarding goal to date. I walked the Huntsman mile and will continue to walk and walk and walk! Thank you Dennis!

On Thursday I had a procedure to drain some fluid from my right torso. Ouch! It didn't work so I went back today to try again. After an ultra sound they determined the amount hadn't increased so I didn't have to have the procedure. Thank goodness! I have to watch my breathing and if it becomes more strained then I return quickly. If not I don't have to go back for three weeks.

I am feeling better and stronger everyday. This tool now has to be my best friend. I need to do it 10 times a day to increase the capacity in my lung. Wish me luck with the 10 times a day. I make it maybe 3-6, but tomorrow is a new day. :)

Update- I'm back at the Huntsman Institute this morning. The Cat Scan showed some liver damage, but no tumor which was the concern. However my right torso is full of air. That is what is causing the pain. It's keeping the nerves inflamed. Which is painful.

The Oncology team is meeting to discuss a procedure that will release the air. They will have to put me under and I will most likely have to stay one night to be monitored.

This is good news. Grateful for prayers, love, and support!

I'm 18 days home from the hospital. I've had some set-backs and I've made progress. Set backs both professionally and with my health. The time is a blur. I'm grateful for so many things, but if I'm honest. There have been days that I cried on and off all day. Days when I've been so mad and frustrated that I couldn't think clearly. I haven't ever had the kind of pain that has came with this healing. There are so many nerves that had to be cut through to remove the lung that the nerve pain is unbearable at times. It also is so slow and I'm impatient with wanting to feel better.

There have also been days when I have felt more love than I could imagine. I've received so many letters from students,friends, and family being specific about how I influenced their lives. Days where people just show up in service. How blessed am I to get to hear the way I've made a difference. How blessed am I to get to receive service from people I know well and people who I barely know.

"The worst of days and the best of days."

Health set back-My liver enzymes are elevated and the Doc's are concerned that it may have spread to my liver. I have to have another Cat Scan in the morning. I've known for over a week and it has been so emotional.

Professional set back- I'm contracted at Granite School District. I may have been able to go back to work mid march, but they didn't approve it for me to return this year. I am approved to work the 17/18 school year. All my benefits stop and my pay. I do not think it is right for the scholars, team, parents, or myself.