Kelly Glover updated his status.Jun 12, 2017, 5:40 PMFriends & Family,
I first want to thank each and every one of you for your thoughts, prayers, best wishes, and good vibes! It truly is touching to know I have your support! I am thankful and humbled.

I wanted to write a post to clarify why I will be checking into IU Simon Cancer Center so frequently in the next few weeks. As most of you know, I traveled to Chicago recently to check out a possible clinical trial drug that might help my condition. It turned out this trial drug might cause more problems than it would help. Just not worth the risk. It was not a wasted trip for several reasons, one of which was information about another clinical trial starting here in Indianapolis.

I have spoken with the oncologists and research nurse and decided the clinical trial through IU Simon Cancer Center and Eli Lilly is well worth the risk and has potential for positive results. I will not bore you with the details of the trial, but wanted you all to know more about why I will be checking in on a frequent basis. Most of us have found Facebook to be a useful and fun tool for connecting with old friends and acquaintances, and seeing what everyone is up to. I will be keeping a personal detailed log of the trial as it progresses and decided to use Facebook check-in as a tool for traceability. I have found it somewhat therapeutic and nostalgic to retrace old posts and messages. I don’t think Facebook is going anywhere for a while, so it seems like a great source to keep an online chronological logbook. This way I can go back and retrace how we beat this thing down!

Thanks again to all of you!

Kelly
Kelly Glover was at IU Simon Cancer Center.Jun 20, 2017, 7:12 AMFirst “drug cocktail” dosing.
Update: Today is a baseline study for the interaction drugs consisting of:
Caffeine
Warfarin
Dextromethorphan
Midazolam
The actual “chemo cycle” drug (abemaciclib) will begin next Tuesday.
I just want to be very transparent during this clinical trial.
KG
Kelly Glover was at IU Simon Cancer Center.Jun 22, 2017, 6:43 AM48 hour blood draw post “drug cocktail”.
Kelly Glover was at IU Simon Cancer Center.Jun 24, 2017, 6:48 AM96 hour blood draw, post “drug cocktail”.
Kelly Glover was at IU Simon Cancer Center.Jun 26, 2017, 6:59 AMPeriod 1, day 7 labs.
Kelly Glover was at IU Simon Cancer Center.Jun 27, 2017, 5:11 AMPeriod 2, Day 1. First dose of Abemaciclib.Edit
Kelly Glover updated his status.Jul 6, 2017, 5:12 PMClinical Trial Update:
It has been nine days since I have checked-in or posted about my clinical trial. I did not lose interest or decide not to disclose information. I had some complications and decided to rest and recover before I posted again. So here is what has transpired since my last post.

The first two doses went very well on June 27 and I was able to celebrate my birthday with some great friends! On June 28, I took my third dose of Abemaciclib (200 mg) at 7:00 a.m. I took my vitals at home and emailed the results to the clinical trial research nurse. So the schedule now is to continue taking the Abemaciclib every 12 hours and not have to report back to IU Simon Cancer Center until July 10. By 12:00 p.m. on June 28, the fatigue and stomach discomfort were starting affect me. I left work at 3:00 p.m., drove home and went straight to bed. I woke up that evening even more fatigued, nauseous, and having severe stomach pain.

On June 29, I took the anti-nausea medicine and went in to work at lunch. I was almost non-functional at work by 2:30 p.m. I drove home and the pain and fatigue increased and now the vomiting started. This continued throughout the night,

On June 30, after a night of no sleep or food, I woke up and took my 200 mg dose of Abemaciclib. I was beginning to think this might be pancreatitis rather than a reaction to the Abemaciclib. I spoke with the on-call research nurse (July 4th weekend) and Sonja Gunning Nickels about my recent hospitalization and the risks involved with continuing to “ride” this out. I finally decided to drive to the ER in case it was recurring pancreatitis. I was admitted to IU Simon at 11:00 p.m. I spent the next four days in the hospital with a team of physicians trying figure out what was going on.

I was asked to suspend the Abemaciclib trial until the doctors could get more information. I was released from the hospital at 3:30 p.m. on July 4 feeling better, but with very little indication of what had happened. I am still in the process of scheduling follow-up appointments with the oncologist, clinical trial team, and GI to decide where we go from here. I have not given up on the Abemaciclib trial, but need to figure out what is causing my symptoms before I continue. I should have more information next week, and will post it as things progress. I also want to acknowledge all of the doctors and nurses at IU Methodist and IU Simon Cancer Center for their expertise and professionalism! Sorry for the gap in posts, but I was slightly preoccupied. 🙂

KG
Kelly Glover was at IU Simon Cancer Center.Jul 10, 2017, 7:58 AMClinical Trial Update:
Labs/vitals and meeting with oncologist and clinical trial research nurse.
After thorough discussion with my oncologist, I have decided to continue with the clinical trial. New dosing of the Abemaciclib will begin tomorrow morning. Updates will continue.
KG
Kelly Glover was at IU Simon Cancer Center.Jul 17, 2017, 6:44 AMClinical Trial Update:
This morning was a quick blood draw to end period 2, day 7. And also my last hook up for the 24 hour blood pressure draw. The 24 hour BP is a PITA and I will be happy when they take this contraption off in the morning!
So here is a recap of the Abemaciclib Clinical Trial since restarting on Tuesday, July 11:
The first day back on the cancer drug was a normal day in almost every way. Other than mild stomach pain and mild fatigue at the end of the day, I felt good.
Wednesday, July 12 just plain kicked my ass! I woke up nauseous around 3:00 a.m. This was just a small preview of what was to come! I woke up for work at 5:45 a.m. with severe fatigue, stomach pain, and nausea. I managed to get a shower and make it back to my bed. I got violently ill and threw up in my own bed. This has not happened since early childhood. I made it to work later in the day, but wished I had just called in. The whole day was a struggle and my manager sent me home at 2:30. Once I got home, I was so exhausted that I had to sit in a folding lawn chair in the garage. I woke up in the same lawn chair several hours later with the neighbors dog sleeping at my feet (love that dog).
Surprisingly, the next day was much better. I felt like my body was starting to adapt to the Abemaciclib. I still called the research oncology nurse about Wednesday and she changed a couple of the support meds.
So each day has been progressively better than the previous day. The stomach pain has been persistent throughout the entire trial and is worse on some days than it is on others. I will be released to resume my Omeprezole this Thursday. I hope this will relieve the stomach issues. I am confident now that both hospitilizations were not related to the Abemaciclib. This is especially important because if this drug shrinks or controls the growth, I may be on it indefinitely.
Tomorrow begins a new phase in the trial where I will be dosed with the Abemaciclib and the interaction drugs simultaneously, and then monitored. I will post more updates as the trial progresses.

KG
Kelly Glover was at IU Simon Cancer Center.Jul 18, 2017, 7:40 AMClinical Trial Update:
8:10 a.m. dosed with the following:
Caffeine. 200 mg
Dextromethorphan 30 mg
Versed. 2 mg
Warfarin. 20 mg

Abemaciclib. 150 mg

Hourly blood draws for the next 8 hours, then 24 hr, 48 hr, 72 hr. Also hoping the side effects back off as my body adapts each day to the Abemaciclib. Hopefully I will have an update on the next scheduled CT scan to see if the trial drug is working.
I have been posting updates as this clinical trial progresses. If anyone has any questions, feel free to post them or send me a personal message if that works better for you. I do read every post and try to acknowledge all of them. I will do the same for any questions received.
Have a great day!
KG		Edit
Kelly Glover was at IU Simon Cancer Center.Jul 19, 2017, 7:49 AM24 hour blood draw, post interaction coctail/Abemaciclib.
Kelly Glover was at IU Simon Cancer Center.Jul 20, 2017, 8:18 AMClinical Trial Update:
48 hour blood draw post cocktail/Abemaciclib. Replenish fluids (1 liter).
Feeling good!
KG
Kelly Glover was at IU Simon Cancer Center.Jul 21, 2017, 6:34 AM48 hour blood draw post cocktail/Abemaciclib. Last lab until next week. Fluids made a huge difference in the way I feel. I was able to restart my Omeprezole yesterday. I hope this has a positive impact on the stomach pain.
Now off to Denver for some much needed time with Sonja Gunning Nickels!
Kelly Glover updated his status.Aug 1, 2017, 3:02 PMClinical Trial Update:
It has been ten days since my last update. Everything is about the same. I continue to take the Abemaciclib every twelve hours and hope and pray it is working! I am still having stomach pains and nausea, but I feel that has been kept under control. I still have a bad day here and there, but I am in good shape for the most part.
Four days in Colorado with Sonja Gunning Nickels was a great time and very much needed! We had a blast, and I can’t thank her enough for her love and support throughout this whole journey!
I go back to the doctor next week to refill meds and get labs. I should know more about the success or failure of this trial by the end of the month. I will post again next Tuesday unless something major happens.
KG		Edit
Kelly Glover was at IU Simon Cancer Center.Aug 15, 2017, 9:27 AMClinical Trial Update:
Getting a full set of labs/urine as well as refills of the Abemaciclib. Everything seems stable at this point. Appetite is up and down, and for no reason that I have been able to track. Any nausea, diahrea, or severe stomach pain has been controlled with medication.
We are scheduled for a CT scan on Aug. 29th. This should gives us a snapshot of how the Abemaciclib is or isn’t working. Overall, I feel pretty good.
KG
Kelly Glover was with Sonja Gunning Nickels and Aaron Vaziri at IU Simon Cancer Center.Aug 22, 2017, 9:05 AMClinical Trial Update:
Study drug (Abemaciclib) labs and vitals today. Weight is down 7 lbs. this week.

This has been a strange weekend for me. I ended up in the ER Monday morning for what I can best describe as anxiety. I have never felt this in my life.

I made the decision to post my Check Ins on Facebook and to be as transparent as I could during this clinical trial. I was encouraged by many to do this in case it might help someone going through the same or similar circumstances. I hope this helps.

Since my first diagnosis of cancer in 2008, I can’t recall one moment of weakness or negativity. I have always had options and a clear path going forward. I have never doubted that I would beat this. As my options narrow, my thoughts begin to change. For the first time in almost nine years, I felt fear. The truth is sometimes strength fades. Sometimes fear steps in. Sometimes you just get tired. This is when you lean on someone else. DON’T do this alone! Don’t let the fear control you. Find someone to be your strength for you! The last couple of days have been difficult and new for me. I don’t want this to sound like giving up! Far from it! I’m just saying it helps to lean on someone when your strength fades! I want to thank Sonja Gunning Nickels and Aaron Vaziri for being that strength the last couple of days! But also, I want to thank everyone who has posted on my page. I go back and read your posts and it helps to know I have that support.

So this is my message to anyone who might be going through the same thing. The truth is cancer sucks! Don’t try to beat this alone! Find support. If you don’t have family or friends to lean on, talk to someone at the hospital or join one of the many support groups. You don’t have to do it alone.

I tried to sum this journey up in my own words a while back, but I can’t say it any better than Stuart Scott did at the ESPY’s in 2014. He says, “…When you die, that does not mean that you lose to cancer. You beat cancer by how you live, why you live and in the manner in which you live.

So, live. Live. Fight like hell. And when you get too tired to fight, then lay down and rest and let somebody else fight for you. That’s also very, very important. I can’t do this ‘don’t give up’ thing all by myself…”. This is just a part of his speech and I find it empowering. Thanks again.

KG
Kelly Glover was with Sonja Gunning Nickels at IU Simon Cancer Center.Aug 29, 2017, 12:02 PMClinical Trial Update:
CT scans and trial drug (Abemaciclib) labs. Weight is back up to 160.0 from 153.0 last week.

I received extremely good news this morning! The preliminary report from the Research Oncologist is that all tumors or areas of concern are showing that they have gotten smaller! The trial drug seems to be working as everyone had hoped. Since this is a Phase I clinical trial, No one knew what to expect. At the least, we were hoping that the Abemaciclib would slow down the new growth. Actual shrinking the tumors, in my opinion, was a long shot! This is great news, not only for me, but for anyone involved in the research of these new drugs and future patients as well!

This rollercoaster ride has intensified for me since February when my scans showed “new” growth and clinical trials became the path forward. I think my last post shows how this journey can wear on you mentally! Small victories can definitely renew your spirit and your “fight”.

So today I feel renewed! My spirit and my “fight” received a much needed boost! Although this is not a cure, I will take this victory and I will celebrate. I will celebrate and I will live! I will rebuild my physical and mental strength, and prepare for the continued battle. But for now I am going to take a few days to celebrate life with Sonja Gunning Nickels!

KG
Kelly Glover was traveling to Denver International Airport with Sonja Gunning Nickels from Indianapolis International Airport.Oct 12, 2017, 4:20 PMClinical Trial Update:
It has been about six weeks since my last update. My update tonight is from the Indy Airport rather than Simon Cancer Center as I am on my way to Colorado to see Sonja Gunning Nickels!

The last appointment was trial labs, urine, and vitals. I also met with the oncologist and research nurse. There was no CT scan, so everything remains stable.

I did encounter one case of severe nausea/sickness. I have been feeling good and let myself get behind on the anti-nausea meds. It was completely my fault and I was reminded very quickly that I am taking a trial drug, and it is affecting my system! I got the drug back in my system and I feel fine now.

I will try not to take so long between posts, but when I don’t have appointments, it is nice to not think about the trial or what I am fighting!

Until next time,

KG #cancersucks #neverrelent
Kelly Glover was with Sonja Gunning Nickels at IU Simon Cancer Center.Nov 7, 2017, 6:37 PMClinical Trial Update:
Trial labs, urine, CT Scans, fluids.

CT scans indicate that the Abemaciclib is still working. The largest nodules have stabilized in size and decreased in density. All other areas in the thoracic area are stable or slightly smaller. All pancreatic lesions are stable.

Overall feeling has been good, with the exception of random pain in my abdomen and severe nausea when I forgot my anti-nausea meds. I have not been consuming enough water and received 1 liter of fluids today intravenously. I hope this helps with the fatigue I have been feeling for the last few days!

I’m very thankful for the results today! Today was a good day!

KG
Kelly Glover was with Sonja Gunning Nickels at IU Simon Cancer Center.Dec 12, 2017, 1:01 PMClinical Trial Update:
Trial labs and urine. Abemaciclib refill and meeting with the Oncologist and Research Oncology Nurse.

I was hospitalized again on November 15th with Pancreatitis. This is the third time since May that I have had to be hospitalized with this condition. It started just prior to the clinical trial and can not be linked to the Abemaciclib. This time was different than the past two times because I waited so late to go the hospital. This was completely against the urging of Sonja Gunning Nickels for me to go in. As painful as this condition is, I have been able to drive myself to the ED. Not this time. I spent an entire night puking from the pain and praying it wasn’t really pancreatitis again. The only sleep I got was from pure exhaustion. I was in such bad shape by the time i decided to go in, I had to call an ambulance. I know better than this and will listen to my body and my girlfriend should this happen again. There is still no root cause for why this keeps happening. I have six tumors on my pancreas, but there is no indication they are active or causing any problems. Each visit is a good four day stay with no food or liquid…and the pain is excruciating.

The side effects from the drug come and go with no warning or pattern. Usually diahrea or nausea and intermittent pain, all of which have been controlled through medication. These are manageable and a small price to pay for the success we have had so far with this trial. So I continue on with the clinical trial and 100 mg Abemaciclib twice a day. I continue to live life and enjoy friends and family; for this I am truly grateful.

KG
Kelly Glover was with Sonja Gunning Nickels at IU Simon Cancer Center.Jan 9, 2018, 10:59 AMClinical Trial Update:

This morning I had my CT scans of the chest, pelvis, and abdomen. I also had clinical trial labs and urine.

Great news again today! Scans look clear! Tumors are stable with no new growth! I Can’t say enough about the care I receive here! World class!

It’s amazing how this place can warm my heart and break it at the same time. So many people in different stages of their battle with cancer. A gentleman asked me today, “How do all these people smile through this shit?” It caught me off guard. He was called back before I could answer. Hope. I know it might sound cliche, but it is hope.

This morning I saw a middle aged man with his elderly father. I saw a family of women, sisters I guess, with their mother. I saw a man accompanied by a friend. I saw a woman in her sixties by herself. I saw a daughter with her mother and sick father. Every single person in here is powered by hope. Hope for positive news. Hope their treatment is working. Hope for another day, another week, one more Christmas. Hope for a cure.

I can’t speak for all of these people, but I like to think it is hope that connects us…not cancer. It’s how we smile through this shit.

K.G.

“Remember Red, hope is a good thing, maybe the best of things, and no good thing ever dies.” Andy Dufresne
Kelly GloverJan 22, 2018, 6:57 PMToday is the official release of my NEW PODCAST show EVERYDAY LEADERS. Where in 2018 I will share 50 Stories in 50 weeks from people that can teach and inspire others how to live their lives with success through everyday challenges.

Thank you to my first guest Kelly Glover for sharing his strategies for facing everyday obstacles in his life. Kelly’s courage to persevere is something he chooses everyday. Listen in and follow Kelly’s inspirational story.

EVERYDAY LEADERS FOLLOW KELLY’s STORY HERE
http://www.podbean.com/media/share/pb-2z28b-83f29d

To Subscribe and Follow Everyday Leaders: Click This link
https://makeconnectionsforlife.podbean.com
Kelly Glover was with Sonja Gunning Nickels at Indiana University Melvin and Bren Simon Cancer Center.Feb 8, 2018, 9:18 AMClinical Trial Update:

Trial labs, urine, and appointment with the Oncologist and Research Oncology Nurse. All is stable. Discussed side effects which are under control with the proper medication. I also asked about random fatigue and possible correlation with a low red blood cell count. This is common with chemotherapy treatments. The problem is my mind is ready to go, but my body just isn’t capable right now. I have been lifting light weights and riding my bike on an indoor trainer. The problem is not that I am fatigued right after workouts, but recovery is so much slower. I started out trying to ride three to four times per week, but now I am riding according to feel. I have started to use an indoor riding software called Zwift. It is designed on the same platform as the multi-player video games like Call of Duty. Very cool software that really helps pass the time on the trainer. I rode in London this week!
If there is anyone going through a clinical trial for cancer or chemo treatments/radiation, I highly recommend speaking with your Oncologist before you start any type of training. Everyone is different and I am not a doctor. All I know, is it makes me feel good to ride, even if it is for only 20 minutes at a time. It feels good to be strong, even if that means lifting ten pounds. You don’t have to ride the Tour De France…just get up and move.

KG		Edit
Kelly Glover was with Sonja Gunning Nickels at Indiana University Melvin and Bren Simon Cancer Center.Apr 6, 2018, 6:33 AMClinical Trial Update:

Trial labs, urine, meeting with the Oncologist and Research Oncology Nurse. No CT Scans today. Everything is stable and good.

I missed my last Clinical Trial Update for 03/06/2018. This was basically due to the chaos that surrounds a move, and this was a big move for me. I have never lived out of my home state, so the logistics and planning that goes into packing up everything I own and moving across the country was a little overwhelming! It would have been nearly impossible without my friends! A big shout out to Mark Hubele, Chris Benson, Lance Vaviri, Mike Poole, Kevin Woodcock, Pat Martin, Jill McClain, & Sha Muse for helping me load up my house of stuff! I would also like to thank Aaron Vaziri, Lyndsy Lamoro, and Jeff Youngman for riding out to Colorado with me, unloading the truck, and flying back on their own dime! I truly thank you all!

So everything remains stable with no new growth in the tumors. The Abemaciclib is working. The side effects from the drug continue to, seemingly, be random. The only difference may be from increased frequency of the nausea, but still manageable.

The biggest difference with this appointment is the fact that it was my first appointment at IU Simon Cancer Center that I had to fly back for. This was much more difficult and expensive than I originally thought. I just received word that Eli Lily and Sarah Cannon Research Center in Denver have approved the transfer of my clinical trial. This is great news as I will not have to fly back to Indy once a month for appointments! I will absolutely miss Dr. Loehrer, Dr. Reiger, Dr. Shahda, Anne Younger, and all of the doctors, nurses, and staff at IU Simon Cancer Center! I have received world class care and would not be alive without them.

I know there are questions about why I would move when the clinical trial is working and I have such great care in my own backyard. The answer is simple. Life and Love. I am fortunate enough to have reconnected with Sonja Gunning Nickels and fallen in love with her. We reached a point where we did not want to be 1200 miles apart anymore. There will be a time when the trial drug stops working. It might be four years from now, it might be next week. So I decided to move on with Life…and Love. I made the decision to wring every last ounce out of life while I still can. To enjoy life and love. It is so crazy to me. I have this awful disease, and I am happier than I have ever been. Life and Love win.

Until next time,

KG
Kelly Glover was with Sonja Gunning Nickels at Sarah Cannon Research Institute at HealthONE.May 4, 2018, 12:56 PMClinical Trial Update:

Labs, urine, CT Scans, Oncologist and Research Oncology Nurse. New patient consultation and review of the clinic trial transfer information.

CT Scans were all clear. The Abemaciclib continues to keep the tumors from growing and I feel pretty good most of the time. The side effects remain the same. Nausea and vomiting, stomach pain, diahrea. Still seemingly random and still treatable with medication.

The one side effect I can’t believe I have failed to mention is the extreme fatigue. This also seems to be random, but I have no way to verify it, or the other side effects for that matter. Last Thursday I was so fatigued after work, I had a difficult time driving home. When i got home, I sat down to open the mail and I was out. I woke up long enough to eat and went right back to bed. I say I can’t verify if it is truly random because I have no record. From this point forward, I will be keeping a detailed, daily food journal, as well as an “overall health” record. I started a journal at the beginning of the trial, but it slowly became neglected and then non-existent. I still have some general notes on major events like my hospitilizations due to pancreatitis and the strange bout of anxiety, but I am talking about the level of detail that might be useful in tracking trends of the side effect occurrences. The study requires that the patient keep an electronic diary during the drug interaction part of the study, but I think a detailed record would be very beneficial to the patient as well as the Oncologist, especially for tracking changes when the Abemaciclib stops working.

So if anyone reading is in a Clinical Trial, about to start a Clinical Trial, or knows someone who is, I highly recommend keeping a detailed journal. Afterall, these trials are not just about extending the life of the patient. These trials are also about improving research and treatment plans…and ultimately finding a cure, so maybe future generations won’t have to deal with this disease.

Until next time,
KG

Kelly Glover added a new photo.May 9, 2018, 9:25 AMToday is going to be a good day! Just keep moving!
'Today is going to be a good day! Just keep moving!'
Kelly GloverJun 2, 2018, 12:40 PMhttps://www.youtube.com/attribution_link?a=eOS6IHfyuJk&u=%2Fwatch%3Fv%3D2QajabqkTpU%26feature%3Dshare&fbclid=IwAR0kA4KjyzEi5w9IrNAFvgko5j823DlWOa2U4ZvZxT0b6FyCSzfiXq6raHYJust Keep Livin’.movyoutube.comClinical Trial Update:
Trial labs, urine, Oncologist and Research Oncology Nurse. Abemaciclib refill.

This was my first “intermediate visit” at Sarah Cannon Research Institute, meaning there were no CT Scans. Just a basic appointment to make sure there were no major changes in how I felt. I also received a new supply of Abemaciclib and turned in any unused drug as well as the empty containers. SCRI seems to want stricter control of the trial drug distribution. This is not a criticism of IU Simon Cancer Center. If you have read my trial updates, you know how I feel about the care I have received at IU. World class! Even though the trial is the same, some of the methodology is different. Another major difference is in the timing of the CT Scans. At IUSCC, I did the scans early and then met with the Oncologist the same day. The Oncologist read the scan and then sent it to the Radiologist. If there was a discrepancy, they would call me. At SCRI, I get the scan two days prior to my appointment with the Oncologist. This is so the Radiologist has time to read the scans and discuss it with the Oncologist. Both facilities are fantastic, just different procedures.

Overall, the song remains the same. Just continue on the clinical trial and enjoy life! “You just got to keep livin’ man. L. I. V. I. N.

KG — with Sonja Gunning Nickels.
Kelly Glover was with Sonja Gunning Nickels at Swedish Hospital.Jun 22, 2018, 1:08 PMClinical Trial Update:

Hospitalization due to Pancreatitis/Diverticulitis. I was admitted to Swedish Medical Center on 06.17.2018 due to excessive fatigue, nausea/vomiting, and diarrhea. This will be the fourth time I have been admitted in a year. The symptoms were similar to the past, but they manifested in a different way. It started with fatigue on the 14th of June, and the nausea started a couple of days later. By the 16th I was vomiting frequently with bouts of diarrhea. The familiar lower abdomen pain also began around this time also. Sonja convinced me to go to the ED at Swedish Medical Center on Saturday afternoon. I was released at 1:00 am Sunday morning with everything under control. I was prescribed a stronger anti-nausea medication, but could not get it filled before the next round of hell unleashed. I was back in the ED by 11:00 am Sunday. With nothing to eat, I was vomiting bile. This was relentless. For the next three days we could not get the vomiting under control again. There were times I was afraid I would die, but after three straight days, there were times I was afraid I wouldn’t! I thought we had the pain and nausea under control again by Tuesday, but confusion in the pain medication orders put me right back where I was on Sunday morning. It wasn’t until we got the dosage and interval for the pain under control, that the nausea subsided. I was released Thursday (21st) and back at work by Friday.

The diagnosis this time was Diverticulitis. My lipase numbers were good, so they ruled out Pancreatitis in this instance. The Oncologist has suspended my Clinical Trial for now, but I hope to resume taking the Abemaciclib as soon as possible. The control over the “spots” in my chest far outweigh the episodes of misery. However, this was not my attitude during the episode of said misery! Unfortunately I had to cancel a flight back to Indy, but Delta and United have worked with me to either refund or change my flight with no extra cost to me.

I can’t thank everyone enough, especially Sonja and Kurt Nickels, for the encouragement and support when I have these medical issues. I try not to get too emotional, but knowing people care and are in your corner really get me to that point. It is this whole level of genuinely caring for another person that make me realize what is so important in life. Our relationships with other people mean so much more than degrees, jobs, money, social status, politics, etc. It gives me faith in the human spirit. It gives me hope. And to quote Andy Dufresne again, “…hope is a good thing, maybe the best of things…”

I will have another Clinical Trial Update next Thursday after my CT scans and appointment with the Oncologist. Hopefully everything will be back on track by then.

Until next time,
KG
Kelly Glover added a new photo.Jun 29, 2018, 12:41 PMClinical Trial Update:

Trial labs, urine, CT scans, appointment with the Oncologist.

This appointment was a little more unnerving than usual. Anytime there is an admission to the hospital, my focus on the cancer heightens. I’m sure anyone who has gone into remission, has been cured, or is still fighting cancer, has a heightened sense of awareness when they feel something has changed in their body. It could be as simple as a slight “twinge” of pain or as serious as a four day stay in the hospital. From most people I have spoken with in the cancer community, all seem to have this same inherent sense of awareness. I won’t call it fear, and I won’t call it anger. For me personally, it is a very calm but intense focus. I feel any changes that catch your attention should be addressed by your oncologist or physician. I’m not suggesting everyone run to the dr. over every little pain, but I am suggesting you be proactive. If there is a sudden change in weight, blood in urine/stool, nausea, unusual pain, etc., get it checked! Most of my experience, it turns out to be nothing, but after several recurrences, I have learned these signs need to be taken seriously.

That said, my appoint went better than expected! All tumors are stable with negligible changes in size…except one. I have a lung mass which is close to the aorta. This mass actually shrank from 7.5 cm to 4.9 cm! This brings the overall Sum of Measurement from baseline one year ago from 10.8 cm to 8.7 cm. A 19.4% decrease! I have attached a chart for your viewing pleasure.

The Abemaciclib is working! The Clinical Trial is working! Hope…is working! Thank you to everyone who follows my journey! Thank you for the thoughts. Thank you for the prayers. Thank you for being a part of my life. It is much appreciated! Until next time. Just keep moving!

KG — with Sonja Gunning Nickels at Sarah Cannon Research Institute at HealthONE.
Kelly Glover updated his status.Jul 7, 2018, 9:27 AMLove the Tour de France! Beautiful country, beautiful race!
Kelly Glover was with Sonja Gunning Nickels at Eskenazi Hospital.Sep 6, 2018, 6:37 PMClinical Trial Update:

Labs, urine, CT scans, appointment with the oncologist. CT scans were all stable. No new growth in the thoracic area or the pancreas. The clinical trial continues to work and I am thankful beyond belief!

It has been since June 29th since my last Clinical Trial Update. It is now September 5th and I have just been released from Eskanazi hospital in Indianapolis. In my last trial update, I wrote about how a hospitalization can trigger some anxiety about what is happening with your body once you have had a cancer diagnosis. If I could have only known how many times this would be true over the next two months. It had been since November 15, 2017 since I had last been hospitalized, and that diagnosis was Pancreatitis. I have now been hospitalized four times since June 16th. Twice for diverticulitis and twice for c-diff, which is an opportunistic infection caused by the destruction of good bacteria, along with the bad bacteria, in the stomach from the prolonged use of antibiotics. There is nothing to indicate that the clinical trial drug (Abemaciclib) is connected in any way to the pancreatitis or the diverticulitis. My white blood cell count has been in the normal range for the duration of the clinical trial, so I am not immunocomprimised. It could possibly be symptomatic of the tumors on my pancreas, but they have shown no growth, so we can not diagnose any activity or symptoms. It may just be chance. Regardless of the cause, I am beyond thankful for the love and support of Sonja Gunning Nickels! She is kind, patient, caring, and wicked smart! She is my strength and she advocates for me when I can not do so for myself. I can not stress enough how important it is to have someone with you to advocate on your behalf when you get these kinds of diagnosis’. Sometimes it is just the shock from hearing the words, “You have cancer.” Having someone to listen to the doctors and nurses as well as ask questions and take notes, can be incredibly helpful, if not absolutely necessary. I was just so out of it after being admitted this time, I needed someone to help translate critical information to the doctors and nurses, as well as gather critical information I would need later. I understand there are times when you may be alone or just want to be alone for appointments or admissions. Trust me, I understand, and I did a lot of my care and appointments by myself. It can be a very personal and intimate experience, facing this beast, but the times I have had Sonja, my parents, Aaron, Jeff, or any number of friends or family with me, my percentage for not missing critical information has increased exponentially! I know I have mentioned this before in my Clinical Trial Updates, but don’t try to do this alone! Find a friend or family member, support group, or inbox me and I can try to help. You don’t have to do this alone! If this sounds like I am being repetative…good! I can’t stress this enough! It doesn’t matter how strong or smart or independent you may be, cancer is a war of attrition. It will tire you and wear you down. You will need that shoulder to lean on. You will need help. We all do.

KG
Kelly Glover updated his status.Dec 17, 2018, 8:41 AMBlood pressure is always high when waiting for CT results. We do this dance every eight weeks.
Kelly Glover was with Sonja Gunning Nickels at Sarah Cannon Research Institute at HealthONE.Dec 18, 2018, 5:06 PMClinical Trial Update:

Labs, urine, CT Scan results. Meeting with the Oncologist.

The CT scans of the chest, abdomen, and pelvis showed that the tumors in thoracic area and the pancreas are all stable! No new growth!

I would like to apologize to all who follow these updates. I have missed updating the last two appointments due to, well, life. Since my last published (FB) update, I have been admitted to Swedish Medical Center twice for diverticulitis. The last time I felt the symptoms, I went straight to the ED. This resulted in a one night stay instead of four. I think Sonja has finally beat it into my head to listen to what my body and my intuition are telling me. The problem is that I don’t ever want to be considered a hypochondriac. I just had this discussion earlier this morning with my friend Mart Ruusma, and I have touched on it before in previous updates. The fact is, however, you MUST listen to your body and your mind! Especially if you have a unique pathophysiology that you are familiar with. Paying attention to these symptoms led to my Gastrointestinal doctor performing a fecal transplant to reintroduce “good bacteria” into my intestines to alleviate a recurrent infection called Clostridium Difficile (c-diff). This infection was the result of a prolonged antibiotic treatment for diverticulitis. What a vicious cycle! The good news is the fecal transplant is around 98% effective. The bad news is, insurance won’t cover it ($2100) and I am in the 2% that it didn’t work on! That’s right, I tested positive for c-diff…again. So now I treat it again with an antibiotic called Vancomycin. I hope it works because the c-diff symptoms can be pretty rough; vomiting, pain, diarrhea, and just feeling fatigued and miserable. So until the antibiotics start working, you just have to keep moving and make the best of the times you do feel good.

Until next time,
KG
Kelly Glover was with Sonja Gunning Nickels at Sarah Cannon Research Institute at HealthONE.Feb 25, 2019, 11:34 AM20190225 Clinical Trial Update

CT Scans, Labs, Urine, Appointment with Oncologist.

I guess you could say that I knew this day was coming. The CT Scans showed enough growth in the tumors to stop the clinical trial. The Abemaciclib is no longer working. I want to thank everyone who has read and offered support on these clinical trial updates. It has truly made a difference. Thank you!

So now what? We move on with life. We search for another treatment. We search for a way to keep me around until the research catches up with the disease. This is nothing new for me. I have been here before. In 2008 after my first diagnosis, in 2012 after my first recurrence, again in 2013, in 2017 when it was determined that surgery was not an option anymore. I’ve been dodging bullets for 10 plus years now. It doesn’t scare me anymore. Fear can paralyze you and take you to a dark place. You just have to wake up each day and keep moving…keep living your life.

So now the search is on for a new treatment. I hope to have a path forward this week. I start my new job on March 11, so I am trying to minimize any interference, but my health comes first. I will just have to figure it out…to just keep moving. Until next time.

KG