Up until this past week, Chip had been feeling pretty fantastic. Then, on Tuesday, he felt like he was getting a head cold or sinus infection. By Friday evening, he was feeling better cold-wise, but a cough was still present. He was more fatigued and started feeling short of breath. Saturday, he tried to exercise and quickly became short of breath. Sunday, we tried to stroll with the kids, the shortness of breath reoccurred, and Chip had to sit down several times to rest.
We exchanged emails with Dr. B, his oncologist at Johns Hopkins, and she instructed us to discontinue chemo and be seen first thing Monday. Chip had a physical with Dr. D Monday morning, and we are now at Virginia Hospital Center.
Chip has pleural effusion (fluid around both lungs) and pericardial effusion (about 500 ccs of fluid around the heart instead of the usual 15-50 MLs). He is having a surgical procedure called a pericardial window at noon today (Tuesday). They will go in through the ribs to insert a tube to drain fluid off his heart, and may try to drain the lungs at the same time. The drained fluid will be sent to cytology for further testing.
His scans show that the tumor in his lung is larger, and a new tumor has shown up on his spine. All this is adding up to the fact that the Xalkori (his anti-cancer drug) has likely run its course and is no longer effective.
Chip will be in the hospital for several days recovering from surgery. That is the short term. Long term re: cancer treatment, we just don’t know. Please continue to keep us in your prayers, and I’ll update here soon. Thank you – we are so grateful for your support.
– Sheila
#cancerpatientperks
Team Kennett 
God Bless you and keep you strong Shelia, Chip, Joe, Crosby and family. You will be in our prayers.
The prayer group here in Breakenridge are praying for all of you. Praying for you to feel Gods arms wrapped around you and to give you all strength, faith, courage & willpower – We love you, Mamahenny & Daddy Charles Walker And Dennis & Dianne Corbin
Ok, dearest….this prayer warrior is going into high gear RIGHT THIS MINUTE.
Father God, surround, no, flood Sheila and Chip with your presence. Bless, protect and reassure them today as Chip undergoes the procedure to drain the fluid surrounding his heart and within his lungs. Guide the hands of his surgeon and medical team. Ensure the swift success of this procedure. Father, provide a new and successful course of action for Chip’s treatment. Restore their hope, Father, and give them the reassurance that they do not walk alone. Amen.
Sweet girl – HANG IN THERE. We who love you and your family are covering you in prayer. Keep us posted as able, and keep the faith.
Love,
Shannon
I’m praying in Indiana! ❤
Lots of Love and Prayers being sent from Lexington!
keep on trucking buddy
Keep fighting (we know you will). Cancer has no clue what it is up against! Wishing you and family the strength and willpower needed to carry on. Lots of love and hoping for the best today!
You are in our prayers.
We Send Much Love.
Mary and Earle
Sending hugs and prayers from New Hampshire, stay KENNETT strong !
The praying continues………………….
‘And We Know that all things work togheter for good to those who Love God……..
What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us” Rom 8:28-31. Our Prayers with you and your family.
Group of Life Germantown MD
Love You Guys! Hoping For The Very Best Today and Always Thinking of Your Family! XOXOXO
Praying for you & both, Sheila.
The Shiners are praying praying praying for you guys! We think of you all the time and know that you have so many people behind you!
Big prayers, for each of you, for ALL of you, for your continued courage, fierceness and faith, and prayers for Chip’s docs as well, for their wisdom and judgment.
Love and prayers coming from me and Eric. Coraggio!
The Kimberley-Bryants here – sending tons of positive thoughts and energy to all of you. Be strong! You can do it Chip!
Sheila-
I am sorry for both of you and know the uncertainty is the worst part. I am not at Virginia or Hopkins- but, just a medical oncologist in Mississippi. If you need anything- do not hesitate to call…
Hang in there- nikki
Dear Sheila, Chip, Joe and Crosby: You are in our thoughts every day. I think of you every time I pass by your parents’ house. I hope all goes well today. We will continue to pray for all of you.
Our positve thoughts and prayers continue to go out to you and your whole family!
Hi Sheila
I haven’t left a reply up till now for various reasons but I feel now is as good a time as any…… I am a friend of bayard and Theresa’s and although Bayard keeps all of us in the loop I also read your posts. I have so much I would love to say but I know you all must be over whelmed …… most importantly I really just wanted to reach out and say that even folks you are not aware of are praying for you all…… xoxoxo from all of us who have been silent on your family’s journey. Just know you are ALL in our thoughts and prayers full time!
Prayers and love from Madison! Thinking of you guys.
Thinking of you all everyday. Lots of prayers are on your way from the Comway’s.
Thoughts, prayers, love, & ass slaps coming from Lexington!
Sending y’all tons of love and support. You’ve got this, Chippewa. Love y’all.
Sheila,
Constant prayers are coming to all of you and sending you lots and lots of strength!!
-Amanda
Hey am sending prayers and love to you all!
Sending love and prayers from The Brett Family.
You are in our thoughts and prayers eveyday.
Love
Barb and Curt
positive thoughts, love and prayers coming your way
Just want to keep up with news on Chip if you could add me to team Kennett when you can.
Sending lots of love and prayers to the Kennett family!!!!! Continue being strong!!!!
Pam, Phil and Justin Porter
Sending positive thoughts and prayer your way, Joanne Montgomery
Chip, sorry we couldn’t make lunch work. All of the Bello’s are pulling for you and we have our friends prying for you also.
Sheila–Mara forwarded me your blog. We are sending up some prayers for you guys. Let me know if we can ever do anything for you. We live just up the street from Virginia Hospital Center, so even if you just want a place closeby to shower, my house is your house.
Prayers for Team Kennett. I am so glad that Chip had been doing so well until this past weekend. I pray that this will be only a temporary set back.
Stay strong! Stay positive! You’re in our thoughts and prayers.
Sending healing thoughts your way…xoxo from NH
Brad and Barbara — sending our best wishes and love…..hang tough take care we are thinking of you
Edwina Drummond-(Drew and Ben’s Mom) the entire Kennet family has shown remarkable courage. Your words have impacted our lives in a very meaningful way. Please know you are in our thoughts and prayers. Try to keep those amazing positive spirits in your soul. We think of you everyday.
Sending love . Thinking of you all.
We love you and we are praying for you. God has this! ❤
The McMahons from NH and Myrtle Beach, you are in our prayers, sending positive vibs your way.
The Hendersons are sending massive quantities of positive vibes your way…Walter, Jocelyn and Nico
Sending you a HUGE hug Chip, Sheila, and family. Keep fighting and fighting. Huge hugs from Boston. Xox, Abs
Chip and Sheila,
Ted and I think of and pray for you and your little ones everyday. We are in awe of your strength, courage, and positive attitudes. Keep fighting and know you have so many people pulling for you!
We are thinking of you all each and every day! Wearing our Team Kennett bracelets proudly! Feel the healing vibes from Conway!
Chip and Sheila,
Every day I think of you and your beautiful family. Wishing you all my positive vibes from Moscow! Be strong! You can beat this!
Love and prayers,
Jane Abbott MacDonald
Keeping you close to our hearts and always in our thoughts and prayers. Draw your strength from those who surround you. Never loose the passion.
Love to all, Jobie
Prayers coming your way, all the way from Como, MS!
Your Fryeburg Fan Club sends you both strong healing vibes and much much love.
Very Glad Chip Is Home, All Of You Take Care and STAy Positive, Conway has your back, I Think of you all everyday, and your in my daily prayers. Enjoy everyday and remember to take 1 day at a time. XOXOXO
Love and strength to Chip, Sheila, Joe and Crosby, we are all pulling for you! Gerry