Saying goodbye

to my soulmate was so much harder than I could ever imagine.  The weather was the best spring day I could have hoped for.  It enabled all of us to walk from the parking lot to the pavilion where the service was held.  The military portion was first and quite moving and poignant.  Pastor Paul Spangler continued the service with scripture, prayers and a bit more about Walt's life and our life together...how we met, our cruise problems, etc.  Old friends from the temple in Springfield were there as well as colleagues from his early days in the Statehouse to an employee when Walt was the Director of LIS.  Neighbors, childhood friends of mine, and all my family except for one niece were there to witness what a special man he was.  Oh Walt, I miss you so much!!!!!!!!!!!

Final arrangements

Walter J. Kesselman, 75, passed away March 30, 2017 at home in Monticello, IL. He was born August 18, 1941 in Rockville Centre, NY to Jacob M. and Julia (Heinz) Kesselman. In 1961 Walt attended basic training for the USAF at Lackland Air Force Base, San Antonio, TX. He was stationed at Rhine Main Air Base, Frankfort, Germany in the #7310 military police unit. After serving his tour of duty he became a part of the Nassau County Sheriff’s unit as a corrections officer then as a deputy. He went on to become a sales representative for the NY State Lottery, handing out the first $1,000,000 check. Walt married Randee Kaplan and to this union William was born. A call came from a friend that lured him to the political arena in Illinois. He was a member of the Republican staff on the Appropriations Committee for the House of Representatives, later becoming Chief of Staff. From there he went on to the Department of Veterans’ Affairs as Assistant Director. A few years later he was named Director for the Legislative Information System. It was during this time that he met his soulmate, Susan Fowler. Changes in the political atmosphere led Walt to make another move. He and Susan headed east in 1984 where he took the position as the Director of Information Systems for the University of Maryland, Baltimore County campus. Once again, a change in the hierarchy influenced him to move, and he became an advisory consultant to the Nevada Legislature. This was only a temporary stop as he knew he wanted to be east of the Mississippi. Now married, Walt and Susan relocated to Piscataway, NJ where Walt was the implementation consultant for Bellcore. A few years later the company splintered; he accepted a position with Mitsui OSK Lines in central New Jersey, headquartered in Tokyo, Japan. He spent over 20 years with them, first as a consultant for the implementation of international shipping system then as manager and director of the U.S. and international communications. His positions took him all over the United States, Europe, The Far East and Africa. Retirement beckoned in 2007 and the couple headed to Monticello, Susan’s home town. Here they were able to spend countless hours watching ‘Channel One’…enjoying the view to their backyard gardens and numerous birdfeeders. Fortunately they didn’t wait for their golden years to travel as Walt’s health was compromised with several bouts of cancer. They recall many happy memories including traversing the globe via air, land and sea. Walt leaves behind his wife, Susan; feline companion, Casey; son, William, nieces, nephews and cousins. He is predeceased by his parents; brother, Lou; and sister, Sandy. Mackey-Wright Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. A graveside service will be held at 10:00 a.m., Thursday, April 13, 2017 at Camp Butler National Cemetery, Springfield with military rites accorded. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation or a charity of your choice.

The winds of change have stopped blowing

I sadly report that my soulmate passed away last evening.  Walt kept up his humor until the very end and had me laughing to the point of tears streaming down my face.  I have kept a journal since he was first diagnosed over 4 years ago and I am so glad I did as it has helped me along the way and I know it will serve a similar purpose in the days to come.  Once funeral details are complete I will share obituary information with you.  Thank you for all your support, it has meant so much to both of us.  If you have memories to share with me, please don't hesitate to do so.  I would love to hear them.

The winds of change have blown again

Walt's health has taken a nosedive and he's now at home receiving full hospice care.  He's strong and stable right now.  We do ask that you respect his wishes and not try to come visit.  Please remember him as he was when you last saw him...laughing, yelling, being a pain in the neck, etc.  We are okay, truly, we are.  As things change I will let you know.  Thank you for all your thoughts, prayers, etc.  If I need you, I will let you know.  I'm not afraid to ask for help.

Susan

Taking the next step

We saw the oncologist March 2nd.  The latest test results show that the cancers have continued to spread despite all the treatment options thus far.  Walt has made the decision to discontinue them and will be getting palliative care.  This is not hospice but supportive care which is all about the best quality of life that can be offered him in his situation.

Thank you for all your prayers, thoughts, etc.  Please continue them as we still have quite a bit of road to travel on this journey. 

Susan

Another turn in the pathway

The latest scan showed that the cancer has spread further into the abdominal cavity.  Walt will try another round of chemotherapy starting next week.  The proposed schedule is for a cycle of chemo every 3 weeks for 2-3 cycles then repeat all scans and blood tests and go from there.  He continues to be pain and discomfort free.   As ever, your prayers and support are greatly appreciated.  Thank you.

Another health update

Walt's latest tests indicate all the cancer is currently under control.  He'll continue the chemotherapy protocol and will be closely monitored.  We'll update again as the situation warrants.  As always, prayers and positive thoughts are much appreciated.  Thank you!  Susan

8-26-2016

Round 2 of chemo has started; Walt's pain medications have been adjusted.  We are investigating radiation therapy for his left shoulder pain.  Numerous weekly doctor visits and chemo are on the calendar at any given time.  And the story continues...

Yet another health update

We met with the oncologist this morning.to review the latest test results and scans.  The cancer continues to spread and he'll be undergoing chemotherapy starting next Thursday.  Thank you for your continued support.

Roller coaster plunge

We saw the oncologist last night.  Walt's bladder cancer has spread into his abdominal cavity.  Another PET scan and labs will be done in about a month to determine the best chemo protocol for the situation.  We're fine and facing this like we always do - head on.  Thank you for your continued support and please keep us in your thoughts and prayers.

Update

Walt had a biopsy of the abdominal lesion today.  We should have answers within 2 weeks.  Until I write again, thank you for your continued prayers of support.

Susan

Good news!

Walt had a cystoscopy this morning....no new bladder tumors!  Will repeat the procedure in 3 months.  The recent brain MRI showed marked decrease in the lesion size and no new lesions!  June 6 he will have a biopsy of the lesion on his small bowel (outpatient).  The doctor may elect to do a small bowel resection at this time (several days in the hospital).  Thank you for your continued support!

Latest health update

We've seen the urologist and will continue to monitor the bladder cancer through periodic cystoscopies.  The lungs are still clear, the brain tumor hasn't grown.  There is a lymph node in the abdomen that has grown since the last PET scan and will be biopsied before Walt's next appointment in early May.  The current schedule is to monitor lab work and scans on a quarterly basis.  Just another twist in the road.

Latest reports are in

Radiation has stabilized the brain tumor which means it hasn't grown; there's been some reduction in size.  Walt will have periodic MRIs to monitor the progress. 

The 2nd cystoscopy revealed no cancer in the bladder muscle.  We'll see the urologist later this month to discuss treatment options (some form of chemo is necessary).

The lungs are clear of cancer; periodic scans will be done.

Short of hoping that he was completely cancer-free, this is the best outcome we could have expected.

Repeat cystoscopy

Walt's repeat cystoscopy was today.  The urologist removed more bladder muscle tissue so the pathologist can give a better report on the exact cancer and it's stage.  By early afternoon we were back home and he was resting comfortably.  Surgery went as expected.

Well...damn and blast.

The doctor called last night with the results of the pathology report on Walt's bladder tumors.  They were malignant.  The pathologist needs even more tissue from underneath the tumors to determine if the bladder wall is also involved.  The cystoscopy will have to be repeated after next month's post-op appointment (need time for the body to heal).  Further treatment will be determined by these results.

Bladder surgery

Walt's bladder surgery to remove 2 tumors went well.  During his pre-op visit with Walt he said he was feeling quite good today.  My comment, after the fact when I learned of the conversation, was 'Gee, sure am glad he wasn't feeling crappy and wouldn't be on his A game!'  I know he meant it in the best possible way.  We really do like our urologist who sports bright green eye glasses.  He came home with a catheter which we figured he probably would.  Our friends thought we were nuts to presuppose this before the procedure.  Why?  If it happens then you're not surprised.  If it doesn't happen then you're quite happy.  I don't remember seeing anything in the fine print of our marriage licenses that mentioned catheter care.  And I hope I don't have to re-enlist to do this again.  Yuk.  He's almost weaned off the steroids which means his blood sugars can get back to a normal pattern - frequently on the low side.  Aaahhh, just something else to handle in the mix.  I/he will remove the catheter Monday morning at 8.  Asked the doc why 8 and he said because by then the world will be up and in their offices so you can reach out for help if you need it.  I said that with my sister being an RN and her husband Walt's primary care doc and the fact that they lived about 6/10 of a mile away I wasn't too worried about getting help.  Now to await the pathology report.  We've learned to play that game all too well.

2016...it's a new year but not off to the best of starts

Walt had numerous tests run the end of 2015.  He is no longer in remission.  He has a tumor on the brain that has already been treated with radiation.  Other tumors are in the bladder.  He will have surgery to remove the tumors on 1/22 and the pathology report (get it the end of January) will tell us if further treatment is necessary.  As usual, he's doing just fine and keeping his medical staff on their toes with his humor.  As things develop I'll let you know.  Please keep sending positive thoughts; they're greatly appreciated.

Howdy!

We saw Walt's oncologist this morning.  He continues to be in remission!!!!!!!!!!!  We have another appointment in December when he'll have a PET scan done.  Presuming it's clear, he will be seeing the oncologist yearly instead of every 6 months.  Yay!!! 

The days leading up to the appointment are always a bit nerve-wracking.  With all that Walt has going on medically, we are always on pins-and-needles waiting to see what results from each doctor's appointment. 

On other medical issues...his cardiovascular appointment is now yearly so that's another good thing.  Unfortunately the wet macular degeneration in his left eye has returned (as the doctor warned it most likely would) so he's on another round of injections into the eye to dry up the leakage.  He hasn't driven in 3 years so when his license comes up for renewal in August he will get an ID card only. 

It's very hard watching someone you love not be able to do the things they used to do.  But we continue to make the most of what we have and take each day as it comes, knowing that none are promised to us.

Great news!

Walt saw the oncologist today...he's still in remission, everything looks and sounds good!!!!  She downgraded his PET scans to 6 month chest CT scans!  Two years ago at this time we were just beginning this journey.  We keep taking life one day at a time and enjoying the heck out of it.  Holiday hugs and please don't stop the prayers and positive vibes!  Thank you!!!