Tabitha's Medical Treatments

Dear Family and Friends of Ken, Tabitha, Brennan and Gia,

The family is going through a very difficult time. Tabitha was diagnosed originally with breast cancer in 2010. She underwent treatment at M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, including chemotherapy. Unfortunately, her cancer returned this past May 2013 with a vengeance and metastasized to the other breast, her skin and her lungs. There are also possible spots on her liver and bones.

After almost 4 weeks in the hospital including 1 week in the ICU on a respirator, a lung collapse, a heart attack, dangerously low electrolyte levels, and excessive weight loss, Tabitha was told that her only option was more chemotherapy that could never cure her Stage IV cancer. She was released to go home on Hospice with an estimate of 6 months to live.

Tabitha and her family did not accept this and pursued a promising treatment option in Germany. Tab has already been there twice and is seeing very positive results after 3 Extreme Whole Body Hyperthermia treatments augmented with a different type of chemotherapy than was administered previously. She has also received local hyperthermia treatments, vitamin infusions, and lymphedema treatments for her right arm which developed lymphedema when the cancer returned. However, the flights, accommodations, and extensive treatments in Germany have resulted in very substantial expenses. Further, insurance does not cover these costs as they are outside of the United States.

The good news is that prayers are being answered. These treatments are working and, 4 months after the return of her cancer, Tabitha's tumor markers are down, her lungs have stopped filling up with fluid, her lymphedema is controlled, her skin metastasis is shrinking, she is out of a wheelchair and walking and exercising, her lymph nodes have shrunk, and she is gaining weight and strength. Tabitha will likely need 3 more trips and treatment cycles in Germany to hopefully put her cancer in remission and/or cure it.

The financial burden for the Kavalew family has been tremendous. The treatments are having positive effects but they have depleted the Kavalew's savings. If you can give any amount, it will greatly help Tabitha, Ken, Brennan and Gia get through this difficult time. Thank you for all of your thoughts and prayers.

Update (9/15/13): Several folks have asked how to help get the word out. If you care to, please "Like" this post on your Facebook.