Well...a little levity is very overdue. The other day Dad asked me to do a project for him. He wanted a "head" with a face to hang on his IV stand so that when he walks around the floor, he can tell people he has a friend with him. He calls his IV stand "Fred". Don't know why "Fred", but it has been "Fred" for a while now.
I took the challenge up and fixed up a pretty friendly looking Fred today with yellow yarn hair and a fourth of July inspired bow tie. He fit perfectly on the stand and just for grins, I made a variety of bow ties so Dad can change them at will. He also has a pirate patch for one eye if he's so inclined to feel Pirate Like and an optional "tongue" accessory that can be applied should Dad feel like shooting Rasberries with Fred at anyone who enters or passes by. It all depends on what mood he and Fred are in.
I should take a picture of Fred and post it. I'll do that soon.
Otherwise, Dad is pretty low energy still. His ANC levels are bottomed out at "0" which is really the root of the energy crisis his body is having. His WBCs are at .1 still. Dad's tongue and mouth are beginning to act up again (if you recall back in February/March that happened too) and he's really afraid it's going to flare awfully again. I am hoping it won't. He's not eating enough to keep a bird alive again, but that happened before. He just doesn't feel like it and everything tastes weird.
That's it for today! Fred is officially on the floor and I think that cheered Dad up. He now has his own little comedic side kick to entertain the nurses with. Bye for now!
Wednesday, June 30, 2010
Tuesday, June 29, 2010
Day 11 - clickity clack
I don't know where the past few days have gone. It's crazy. I actually got on the blog and thought, okay - it's Monday. Yikes, I'm losing days now.
Anyways, after being out of town this weekend, I saw Dad yesterday. He has definitely been feeling the effects of having no immune system the past three or four days. He's really tired, just no gas in his tank, as he says.
Yesterday, the same old battle to get him to eat something was being hard fought by my Mom. He just doesn't feel like it, so he doesn't.
His WBC count is at .1 - that is really the lowest of the lows. The radiation and chemo have caught up to Dad's body and are doing their thing. We are still in the wait for other reactions to set in from the transplant but we probably have another week to see if anything develops. Then we continue waiting for his body to start recovering and the good cells to take hold.
Tonight, Quinn had her third swim meet and we're busy gearing up for the twins' third birthday this weekend. It's funny how life just GOES on whether you want it to or not. Amongst all the chaos of my Dad's situation, the daily grind just passes me by and all the little things we do clickity clack through the day and into the next week. Somedays, I just wish I could get it to all stop so I can catch my breath. I haven't figured out how to do that yet, though.
Keep up the prayers. I take every chance I get to send up a little one - don't want the man upstairs to forget what we're doing here. God Bless.
Anyways, after being out of town this weekend, I saw Dad yesterday. He has definitely been feeling the effects of having no immune system the past three or four days. He's really tired, just no gas in his tank, as he says.
Yesterday, the same old battle to get him to eat something was being hard fought by my Mom. He just doesn't feel like it, so he doesn't.
His WBC count is at .1 - that is really the lowest of the lows. The radiation and chemo have caught up to Dad's body and are doing their thing. We are still in the wait for other reactions to set in from the transplant but we probably have another week to see if anything develops. Then we continue waiting for his body to start recovering and the good cells to take hold.
Tonight, Quinn had her third swim meet and we're busy gearing up for the twins' third birthday this weekend. It's funny how life just GOES on whether you want it to or not. Amongst all the chaos of my Dad's situation, the daily grind just passes me by and all the little things we do clickity clack through the day and into the next week. Somedays, I just wish I could get it to all stop so I can catch my breath. I haven't figured out how to do that yet, though.
Keep up the prayers. I take every chance I get to send up a little one - don't want the man upstairs to forget what we're doing here. God Bless.
Friday, June 25, 2010
Day 7 - So Far, Pretty Good
Dad's WBC count came down to .7 yesterday. We don't have his numbers from today. The biggest "upset" of the past couple days has been that my Dad has become a diabetic through all the medications they have given him.
Apparently, one of his anti-rejection meds has dextrose in it. To counteract the effects of the dextrose, they test a patient's sugar levels. If they're high, they administer insulin. Dad is getting his fingers pricked every four hours and then getting insulin if needed. His fingers are getting sore. Hopefully, this won't be a permanent thing because it really ticked Dad off. He told the doctor that before he came in the hospital his heart was fine and he wasn't diabetic. Since being there, he's had heart irregularities and developed diabetes. He says he's leaving with more problems than he came in with! : )
Otherwise, Dad is tired, but he's making himself get out of the room and work on the stationary bike twice a day for 10 minutes each time. He gets up and down out of bed and around the room unassisted. He's doing well.
The side effects we've been waiting for haven't materialized (yet). I can't decide if that's a good thing or a bad thing. I'm hoping for GOOD.
Dad's had some nausea, but it's being controlled with meds. He's eating pretty well and today, when I visited, his voice just sounded better. He's been so down and today, I thought - hmmm, he almost sounds like himself. I'm hoping we can keep this even keel we're on.
I am actually flying the coop for a night this weekend, so I won't see Dad until Monday. I am looking forward to the overnighter with a good friend on Saturday.
Keep praying and thinking of us. Please. We couldn't do this without you. Thank you!
Apparently, one of his anti-rejection meds has dextrose in it. To counteract the effects of the dextrose, they test a patient's sugar levels. If they're high, they administer insulin. Dad is getting his fingers pricked every four hours and then getting insulin if needed. His fingers are getting sore. Hopefully, this won't be a permanent thing because it really ticked Dad off. He told the doctor that before he came in the hospital his heart was fine and he wasn't diabetic. Since being there, he's had heart irregularities and developed diabetes. He says he's leaving with more problems than he came in with! : )
Otherwise, Dad is tired, but he's making himself get out of the room and work on the stationary bike twice a day for 10 minutes each time. He gets up and down out of bed and around the room unassisted. He's doing well.
The side effects we've been waiting for haven't materialized (yet). I can't decide if that's a good thing or a bad thing. I'm hoping for GOOD.
Dad's had some nausea, but it's being controlled with meds. He's eating pretty well and today, when I visited, his voice just sounded better. He's been so down and today, I thought - hmmm, he almost sounds like himself. I'm hoping we can keep this even keel we're on.
I am actually flying the coop for a night this weekend, so I won't see Dad until Monday. I am looking forward to the overnighter with a good friend on Saturday.
Keep praying and thinking of us. Please. We couldn't do this without you. Thank you!
Tuesday, June 22, 2010
Day 4- Transplant
Today (well technically yesterday now that it's midnight and I'm blogging after getting home from the hospital) was the day my Dad has been working toward for months. The culmination of one journey and the beginning of another.
Mom was told the donated bone marrow was in the air this morning on its way from Europe. Later in the day she was told they scheduled Dad for 8:00 pm to do the transplant. I went up, and arrived, around 7:50 pm.
Of course, true to hospital time, and European time, everything is late. They told us at 8:00, it would be at least another half hour before they started running the prep drugs through Dad's lines. Well, it was another hour before that started. Then we waited for the bone marrow bag to come up from the lab.
Apparently what happens is the lab syphons out the red cells of the donor, leaving the marrow cells. Then they check the specimen to make sure it's the right donor and it's the right type of donation etc. Once all that checks out, it's sent up to the floor, where they run it through the patient.
Dad started the prep drugs - of which one was Ativan, a muscle relaxer and anti-anxiety medication. He volunteered for that one. They also ran Benedryl - good ol' Benedryl and probably 10 other things. By the time they started to run the actual transplant at 10:20pm, Dad was cozy, relaxed and half asleep. Once they started, they check for any reaction. Dad had some slight shortness of breath and his oxygen saturation level fell a little. They put on the oxygen clips in his nose to help and then once it was over, took them off. They said that is very common. The nurse thought that since the red cells carry the oxygen, when you're introducing the bone marrow cells into the blood stream, it kind of impedes the movement of the Oxygen and you see a little dip in the levels. All was well.
Dad tolerated the transplant very well. NO obvious side effects or immediate reactions. It rolled really smoothly and the donor we had was probably the best possible scenario for my Dad's body. The nurse told us the donor had the same blood type (which is a plus) and then his cell count in the donation was high - also good. The fact that they are a 10-10 match DNA wise to Dad is the best as well. They've pretty much given Dad's body everything they can to boot this junk out, now we wait.
While the bone marrow transplant is working itself into Dad's system, the chemo and radiation are still eradicating Dad's existing cells. It's really unbelievable what the body can do. Now we wait for reactions, infections, and a million other things to show up. Hopefully, few will. In about 14 days, we'll see if Dad experiences any Graft-Host disease (many people do) and that should be about the time we start to see Dad's white cells recover a little. That will be when the transplant cells wake up some more and say "Hey! This ain't my homey". Then they rebel a little and that's the reaction the body has for a while until they calm down.
So...I feel like we're over the hump a bit. This event has been built up so much for us and now that it's done, I know Dad has a million worries, but I feel like we can move on to the next phase of fighting this disease.
I can't tell you how blessed we are to have so many friends and family praying for us, thinking of us, and just checking up on us. I really can't say enough or show my gratitude enough. Thank you. The next part of this road will be a long haul, but if the end result is what we hope for - it will all be worth it.
Keep praying for us. Pray for my Dad's donor. They did an amazing thing. God Bless & Good Night!
Mom was told the donated bone marrow was in the air this morning on its way from Europe. Later in the day she was told they scheduled Dad for 8:00 pm to do the transplant. I went up, and arrived, around 7:50 pm.
Of course, true to hospital time, and European time, everything is late. They told us at 8:00, it would be at least another half hour before they started running the prep drugs through Dad's lines. Well, it was another hour before that started. Then we waited for the bone marrow bag to come up from the lab.
Apparently what happens is the lab syphons out the red cells of the donor, leaving the marrow cells. Then they check the specimen to make sure it's the right donor and it's the right type of donation etc. Once all that checks out, it's sent up to the floor, where they run it through the patient.
Dad started the prep drugs - of which one was Ativan, a muscle relaxer and anti-anxiety medication. He volunteered for that one. They also ran Benedryl - good ol' Benedryl and probably 10 other things. By the time they started to run the actual transplant at 10:20pm, Dad was cozy, relaxed and half asleep. Once they started, they check for any reaction. Dad had some slight shortness of breath and his oxygen saturation level fell a little. They put on the oxygen clips in his nose to help and then once it was over, took them off. They said that is very common. The nurse thought that since the red cells carry the oxygen, when you're introducing the bone marrow cells into the blood stream, it kind of impedes the movement of the Oxygen and you see a little dip in the levels. All was well.
Dad tolerated the transplant very well. NO obvious side effects or immediate reactions. It rolled really smoothly and the donor we had was probably the best possible scenario for my Dad's body. The nurse told us the donor had the same blood type (which is a plus) and then his cell count in the donation was high - also good. The fact that they are a 10-10 match DNA wise to Dad is the best as well. They've pretty much given Dad's body everything they can to boot this junk out, now we wait.
While the bone marrow transplant is working itself into Dad's system, the chemo and radiation are still eradicating Dad's existing cells. It's really unbelievable what the body can do. Now we wait for reactions, infections, and a million other things to show up. Hopefully, few will. In about 14 days, we'll see if Dad experiences any Graft-Host disease (many people do) and that should be about the time we start to see Dad's white cells recover a little. That will be when the transplant cells wake up some more and say "Hey! This ain't my homey". Then they rebel a little and that's the reaction the body has for a while until they calm down.
So...I feel like we're over the hump a bit. This event has been built up so much for us and now that it's done, I know Dad has a million worries, but I feel like we can move on to the next phase of fighting this disease.
I can't tell you how blessed we are to have so many friends and family praying for us, thinking of us, and just checking up on us. I really can't say enough or show my gratitude enough. Thank you. The next part of this road will be a long haul, but if the end result is what we hope for - it will all be worth it.
Keep praying for us. Pray for my Dad's donor. They did an amazing thing. God Bless & Good Night!
Monday, June 21, 2010
Day 3 - Radiation
First of all, a correction - Dad's numbers. He went into the hospital after getting a WBC reading last Thursday of 12 and his WBCs, two days later, were already at 46. Since then, after one day of chemo, they came down to 26 and then today were down to 16 (after two days of chemo). Those little bugs can multiply.
Okay, today.....Today, Dad was scheduled for a full body radiation treatment around 12:00. They took him down to radiation oncology at 11:30. Lydia, Quinn and I went up to visit and tracked he and Mom down there at 2:00. They were just finishing up with Dad. The 20 minute procedure took hours due to all the adjustments they had to make with him. It was very disappointing. By the time we got Dad back up to his room, it was quarter to three. He was exhausted.
Apparently, last night, they had him doing his second chemo treatment and then a blood transfusion until 3:00 am. The lack of sleep, on top of the anxiety and emotional toll this takes on you, made for a rough day for Dad.
Tonight, I know he was going to ask for something to help knock him out. He fell asleep while visiting with the girls and I (which was fine!), so we knew he was zonked.
Full body radiation. Dad asked how effective this treatment is in erradicating the leukemia. They told him that they only do this procedure on people who are receiving cells because it completely kills everything in the body - so it's very powerful and effective. GOOD. They said you can't take that much out of a person and not replenish some of it (hence, the transplant tomorrow). There are side effects such as nausea etc - but we haven't seen those yet. It may take a few days for the chemo combination and radiation therapy to kick in before we see any side effects set in (hopefully, they are minor).
Tomorrow the plan is for the evening shift to do Dad's transplant. I think they are waiting on it to arrive and the day nurse told Dad it wouldn't be until evening on Tuesday. That's fine. He can sleep afterwards, hopefully.
I am really hoping that once we put this transplant procedure behind us, we can focus on recovering and managing any little hiccups that come along in order to work towards Dad coming home for the rest of the summer. I think we've all built this up for so long - been working towards it for so long, that now that it's here, everyone is thinking - what next? What now? What if?
Please put in a few extra words with the man upstairs during your bedtime prayers tomorrow evening. Pray for the donor and his family too. My family is forever indebted to a stranger's selflessness and I know we'll be praying for them too.
Okay, today.....Today, Dad was scheduled for a full body radiation treatment around 12:00. They took him down to radiation oncology at 11:30. Lydia, Quinn and I went up to visit and tracked he and Mom down there at 2:00. They were just finishing up with Dad. The 20 minute procedure took hours due to all the adjustments they had to make with him. It was very disappointing. By the time we got Dad back up to his room, it was quarter to three. He was exhausted.
Apparently, last night, they had him doing his second chemo treatment and then a blood transfusion until 3:00 am. The lack of sleep, on top of the anxiety and emotional toll this takes on you, made for a rough day for Dad.
Tonight, I know he was going to ask for something to help knock him out. He fell asleep while visiting with the girls and I (which was fine!), so we knew he was zonked.
Full body radiation. Dad asked how effective this treatment is in erradicating the leukemia. They told him that they only do this procedure on people who are receiving cells because it completely kills everything in the body - so it's very powerful and effective. GOOD. They said you can't take that much out of a person and not replenish some of it (hence, the transplant tomorrow). There are side effects such as nausea etc - but we haven't seen those yet. It may take a few days for the chemo combination and radiation therapy to kick in before we see any side effects set in (hopefully, they are minor).
Tomorrow the plan is for the evening shift to do Dad's transplant. I think they are waiting on it to arrive and the day nurse told Dad it wouldn't be until evening on Tuesday. That's fine. He can sleep afterwards, hopefully.
I am really hoping that once we put this transplant procedure behind us, we can focus on recovering and managing any little hiccups that come along in order to work towards Dad coming home for the rest of the summer. I think we've all built this up for so long - been working towards it for so long, that now that it's here, everyone is thinking - what next? What now? What if?
Please put in a few extra words with the man upstairs during your bedtime prayers tomorrow evening. Pray for the donor and his family too. My family is forever indebted to a stranger's selflessness and I know we'll be praying for them too.
Sunday, June 20, 2010
Day 2 - Chemo #2
Happy Father's Day, first of all, to all you Dad's out there.
I went to visit my Dad today and he looked really good considering. He had his first dose of chemo last night, really late - which iritated him, with good reason. Today, he was hoping for a better schedule.
Here's the low down in lay man's terms, because that's all I understand.
Dad got started on the antirejection regimen of medication today. It's a 20 hour drip for at least three weeks, I think. The reason it's so arduous is that they want the medication to completely saturate his body to help fight off any signs of rejection.
Tomorrow, Dad will get his dose of radiation.
Tuesday is actually the bone marrow transplant day. I thought all along it was Wednesday, but it's TUESDAY.
The donor specimen will take an hour or so to infuse and while that's going on a doctor and a nurse will be present to monitor Dad's vitals, reactions, and any complications. They expect none. The literature they gave my parents said the day is usually very easy physically, but high in emotional stress and anxiety. Dad is already having some of this, so any cards, good thoughts, a call, a visit - are very welcome.
The literature said that some people have their entire families present while the infusion is taking place. I don't think that is something Dad wants. Some people view this as a complete "re-birth" and one person on Dad's floor even has a birth announcement on the door and the final line is "Eyes Shining Bright With Hope".
There is a very high possibility of complications such as infection, pneumonia, rejection, host-donor disease, and a book full of others. Mom is trying to prepare herself, but I really don't think you can.
We're all a little (okay, a lot) on edge about this because so much weighs on this being a success. It's also just weird to have someone else's parts going into you while you're awake. Usually organ transplants aren't something you watch go into your chest through ports sticking out of your neck. I hope I can be present, but they don't know what time they're doing everything yet. If I find out, I will let everyone know so you can set your watch or something and say a prayer during that hour.
The fact that someone a half a world away is preparing to donate a potentially life changing and saving part of themselves to a complete stranger (my Dad) blows my mind and in so many ways restores my faith in humanity.
Dad's numbers - okay, he left the hospital a couple weeks ago with a WBC count of nothing, then it went up to a 4. Then it doubled earlier last week to 8 and then 12 on Thursday. Today it was 21.6. All of those increasing segments are not good signs. It means for sure the leukemia is advancing, so this transplant is more than ever, not only good timing, but essential.
Light a candle, say a prayer for my family. This is going to be a tough week and a hard month to follow. We are so humbled by your support, prayers, and well wishes. Thank you so much.
I went to visit my Dad today and he looked really good considering. He had his first dose of chemo last night, really late - which iritated him, with good reason. Today, he was hoping for a better schedule.
Here's the low down in lay man's terms, because that's all I understand.
Dad got started on the antirejection regimen of medication today. It's a 20 hour drip for at least three weeks, I think. The reason it's so arduous is that they want the medication to completely saturate his body to help fight off any signs of rejection.
Tomorrow, Dad will get his dose of radiation.
Tuesday is actually the bone marrow transplant day. I thought all along it was Wednesday, but it's TUESDAY.
The donor specimen will take an hour or so to infuse and while that's going on a doctor and a nurse will be present to monitor Dad's vitals, reactions, and any complications. They expect none. The literature they gave my parents said the day is usually very easy physically, but high in emotional stress and anxiety. Dad is already having some of this, so any cards, good thoughts, a call, a visit - are very welcome.
The literature said that some people have their entire families present while the infusion is taking place. I don't think that is something Dad wants. Some people view this as a complete "re-birth" and one person on Dad's floor even has a birth announcement on the door and the final line is "Eyes Shining Bright With Hope".
There is a very high possibility of complications such as infection, pneumonia, rejection, host-donor disease, and a book full of others. Mom is trying to prepare herself, but I really don't think you can.
We're all a little (okay, a lot) on edge about this because so much weighs on this being a success. It's also just weird to have someone else's parts going into you while you're awake. Usually organ transplants aren't something you watch go into your chest through ports sticking out of your neck. I hope I can be present, but they don't know what time they're doing everything yet. If I find out, I will let everyone know so you can set your watch or something and say a prayer during that hour.
The fact that someone a half a world away is preparing to donate a potentially life changing and saving part of themselves to a complete stranger (my Dad) blows my mind and in so many ways restores my faith in humanity.
Dad's numbers - okay, he left the hospital a couple weeks ago with a WBC count of nothing, then it went up to a 4. Then it doubled earlier last week to 8 and then 12 on Thursday. Today it was 21.6. All of those increasing segments are not good signs. It means for sure the leukemia is advancing, so this transplant is more than ever, not only good timing, but essential.
Light a candle, say a prayer for my family. This is going to be a tough week and a hard month to follow. We are so humbled by your support, prayers, and well wishes. Thank you so much.
Saturday, June 19, 2010
Day 1 - Chemo
I know Mom, Sterl and Dad checked into the hospital this afternoon and were there around 5:00 and settled because Mom called to tell me Dad's room number.
They hadn't started the chemo for today yet, but it was on the schedule.
We spent the day doing the dance recital marathon for Lydia and Quinn so we didn't have a lot of time to catch up on Dad's new digs.
I am going to visit tomorrow - Father's Day, of course! and will know more then.
Dad's room is #5917 and his phone number is 314-747-5917.
More later. The count begins at Day One for a third time.
Keep us in your prayers. Please.
They hadn't started the chemo for today yet, but it was on the schedule.
We spent the day doing the dance recital marathon for Lydia and Quinn so we didn't have a lot of time to catch up on Dad's new digs.
I am going to visit tomorrow - Father's Day, of course! and will know more then.
Dad's room is #5917 and his phone number is 314-747-5917.
More later. The count begins at Day One for a third time.
Keep us in your prayers. Please.
Friday, June 18, 2010
Thursday, June 17, 2010
Wrestling With Demons
In two days, my Dad will re-check into the hospital to start his fifth round of chemo leading up to his transplant. It's been a hard couple weeks in some ways being home and it's been great too. I know we are all riddled with worry and frustration. I know we're all wrestling with our own demons unsure of what this next phase of the journey will throw in our face. For my Dad, I'm sure, it's the fear of the unknown that is his demon as well.
I do not know where we are headed, but I know where we have come from and we've been working towards this week with great hope and anticipation that Dad's body will find some relief from the disease through the transplant. With everything that can go wrong, might go wrong, should go wrong, all we can do is pray that it all goes right.
Keep us in your prayers, particularly next week.
Tomorrow we are celebrating Father's Day and celebrate is the key! The kids are thrilled to be going to Granpda's pool and even asked if he would get in with them (which he can't, unfortunately), but I'm sure he'll watch them. It's going to be a good day.
I do not know where we are headed, but I know where we have come from and we've been working towards this week with great hope and anticipation that Dad's body will find some relief from the disease through the transplant. With everything that can go wrong, might go wrong, should go wrong, all we can do is pray that it all goes right.
Keep us in your prayers, particularly next week.
Tomorrow we are celebrating Father's Day and celebrate is the key! The kids are thrilled to be going to Granpda's pool and even asked if he would get in with them (which he can't, unfortunately), but I'm sure he'll watch them. It's going to be a good day.
Tuesday, June 15, 2010
The Little Buggers Are Back
Dad had blood drawn today and it came back with his white count doubling from his last draw, which was last Friday, I think. He was at a 4 last Friday and today it was at an 8. The doctor thinks the little buggers are back and depending on his count on Thursday, will administer a couple days of what we're assuming is an oral chemo drug for Thursday and Friday before Dad goes back in the hospital.
I know it had Dad down and he said he even told the doctor that he wished, just once, he'd have some good news for him. Dad admits the Doctor told him this would be a fight.
I feel like at least we have a plan going forward right now. We know what's going to happen next week and for a while after - sort of. I told Dad it would be worse if we didn't have a plan of attack. I don't know if he bought that or not.
Anyways, the war rages in my Dad's bones, let's pray that donor has some mega cells that can kick this crud's butt.
Friday we're celebrating Father's Day with Dad at home and tomorrow, depending on how he feels, he'll come watch Quinn swim in her first swim meet.
Signing off for now.....
I know it had Dad down and he said he even told the doctor that he wished, just once, he'd have some good news for him. Dad admits the Doctor told him this would be a fight.
I feel like at least we have a plan going forward right now. We know what's going to happen next week and for a while after - sort of. I told Dad it would be worse if we didn't have a plan of attack. I don't know if he bought that or not.
Anyways, the war rages in my Dad's bones, let's pray that donor has some mega cells that can kick this crud's butt.
Friday we're celebrating Father's Day with Dad at home and tomorrow, depending on how he feels, he'll come watch Quinn swim in her first swim meet.
Signing off for now.....
Sunday, June 13, 2010
Kylie's Birthday
I can't believe I haven't checked in since last week. Today we're going over to Ethan and Sherry's to celebrate Kylie's 4th birthday. Mom and Dad are coming for dinner later.
I think this week was a good one for everyone. My Dad had treatments everyday, but they went routinely. He met with the radiologist who will be doing the radiation treatment a week from tomorrow. They really liked that doctor and said he was so nice.
The plan is to go in for blood work Tuesday and potentially not have to do anything the rest of the week. If that happens, then Dad will check back into the hospital on Saturday, June 19th and start chemo. He'll do the two days of chemo, one of radiation and we are still planning on doing the bone marrow transplant on the 23rd or 24th. Then we see what happens.
I am very optimistic. I just feel pretty good about everything and even though I know Dad is nervous and really worried about how hard it's going to be on his body, I know he's going to get through it.
So, today, we put Leukemia out of our minds to put Kylie foremost in our hearts and I'm so excited to wish her a Happy Birthday. I can't believe she's 4! It's gonna be a good day.
God bless, Happy Sunday to you and I am sure you'll hear from me again soon. : )
I think this week was a good one for everyone. My Dad had treatments everyday, but they went routinely. He met with the radiologist who will be doing the radiation treatment a week from tomorrow. They really liked that doctor and said he was so nice.
The plan is to go in for blood work Tuesday and potentially not have to do anything the rest of the week. If that happens, then Dad will check back into the hospital on Saturday, June 19th and start chemo. He'll do the two days of chemo, one of radiation and we are still planning on doing the bone marrow transplant on the 23rd or 24th. Then we see what happens.
I am very optimistic. I just feel pretty good about everything and even though I know Dad is nervous and really worried about how hard it's going to be on his body, I know he's going to get through it.
So, today, we put Leukemia out of our minds to put Kylie foremost in our hearts and I'm so excited to wish her a Happy Birthday. I can't believe she's 4! It's gonna be a good day.
God bless, Happy Sunday to you and I am sure you'll hear from me again soon. : )
Tuesday, June 8, 2010
What's up?
This past weekend, we all went over to Mom & Dad's to help work in the yard and open up the pool. It was a lot of fun. We had a good day. Dad was low on energy, but high on motivation. He got down to the pool to supervise the guys getting the pump going.
Yesterday, he and Mom went down to the clinic at the hospital for a treatment which took way too long. Dad will get five "chemo" treatments this week through IV at the clinic. It's a different chemo than he's received before with few, if any, side effects supposedly. This is in an effort to suppress any further growth of the leukemia until we get to transplant.
Today, I know was going to be a long day at the hospital for them because they were going to meet with the radiologist who'll do the radiation later this month on Dad, meet with his doctor, get blood (takes 4 hours), get his labs drawn, and get the chemo. I doubt they'll be home much before 6:00, if they're lucky and their first appointment was around 9:00-9:30. The good thing about it all, is he gets to come home, though. At least from my perspective.
The rest of the week plays out kind of routinely with more doses of the chemo. I think after this week, Dad just goes in for routine lab draws until he actually checks back into the hospital on June 19th.
I did register with the Be The Match program for bone marrow donation this weekend. If you go to marrow.org you can look up places in your area who are sponsoring bone marrow drives. If you're not registered, think you might want to, or are thinking of giving/donating blood or blood products but need a little encouragement, email me, read my blog - My Dad's journey has made me an aggressive advocate for people to donate. It's simple, it could save a life.
Check back with us soon!
Keep the prayers, well wishes, good thoughts coming. We need them, love them, appreciate them. While you're at it, add all those people suffering from cancer to your list. I know my list continues to grow with people to pray for who are battling one form of cancer or another.
Yesterday, he and Mom went down to the clinic at the hospital for a treatment which took way too long. Dad will get five "chemo" treatments this week through IV at the clinic. It's a different chemo than he's received before with few, if any, side effects supposedly. This is in an effort to suppress any further growth of the leukemia until we get to transplant.
Today, I know was going to be a long day at the hospital for them because they were going to meet with the radiologist who'll do the radiation later this month on Dad, meet with his doctor, get blood (takes 4 hours), get his labs drawn, and get the chemo. I doubt they'll be home much before 6:00, if they're lucky and their first appointment was around 9:00-9:30. The good thing about it all, is he gets to come home, though. At least from my perspective.
The rest of the week plays out kind of routinely with more doses of the chemo. I think after this week, Dad just goes in for routine lab draws until he actually checks back into the hospital on June 19th.
I did register with the Be The Match program for bone marrow donation this weekend. If you go to marrow.org you can look up places in your area who are sponsoring bone marrow drives. If you're not registered, think you might want to, or are thinking of giving/donating blood or blood products but need a little encouragement, email me, read my blog - My Dad's journey has made me an aggressive advocate for people to donate. It's simple, it could save a life.
Check back with us soon!
Keep the prayers, well wishes, good thoughts coming. We need them, love them, appreciate them. While you're at it, add all those people suffering from cancer to your list. I know my list continues to grow with people to pray for who are battling one form of cancer or another.
Friday, June 4, 2010
Home again, home again, jiggity jig
I think Dad had an okay day at home today. Mom had to go out and about collecting all his medications which was an aggravation because one of them wasn't in stock anywhere. It's just strange. She got it done, though - GO MOM!
Dad is scheduled for treatments next week everyday and he's not supposed to go back in the hospital until the 19th of June.
From now. until then, I may or may not blog. I am going to enjoy these next two weeks with my family and with my Dad and go from there.
I took the kids to the pool today for the first time this summer. Last summer we tried to go once and that was it. I couldn't deal. The twins were too little. Today, though, they were awesome. It was challenging to keep tabs on them because it was crowded, but they had a blast. Quinn had fun, but wished some of her friends were there too. She is a strong enough swimmer that she goes and does her thing on the slides and diving board and checks in with me. Lydia wants more independence, but I'm just not ready to give it to her yet. She still needs to stay in shouting distance for my comfort. Then there's the mighty duo in their life vests and arm bands. They look like mini michelin people. They definitely need maximum supervision, so that's what they get! We'll see how visit number two to the pool goes this weekend possibly.
I'm pretty proud of myself that I left with four kids and came home with four kids today - everyone was accounted for and everyone was tired! Yeah ME!
Dad is scheduled for treatments next week everyday and he's not supposed to go back in the hospital until the 19th of June.
From now. until then, I may or may not blog. I am going to enjoy these next two weeks with my family and with my Dad and go from there.
I took the kids to the pool today for the first time this summer. Last summer we tried to go once and that was it. I couldn't deal. The twins were too little. Today, though, they were awesome. It was challenging to keep tabs on them because it was crowded, but they had a blast. Quinn had fun, but wished some of her friends were there too. She is a strong enough swimmer that she goes and does her thing on the slides and diving board and checks in with me. Lydia wants more independence, but I'm just not ready to give it to her yet. She still needs to stay in shouting distance for my comfort. Then there's the mighty duo in their life vests and arm bands. They look like mini michelin people. They definitely need maximum supervision, so that's what they get! We'll see how visit number two to the pool goes this weekend possibly.
I'm pretty proud of myself that I left with four kids and came home with four kids today - everyone was accounted for and everyone was tired! Yeah ME!
Thursday, June 3, 2010
Day 35 - Homecoming
The rumor this morning was my Dad would be coming home today!
If you have a chance to call, stop by, send a card - do it. He will enjoy hearing from everyone.
No word as yet of when he'll get home today. It always takes forever to leave a hospital.
More later!
Have a good day!
If you have a chance to call, stop by, send a card - do it. He will enjoy hearing from everyone.
No word as yet of when he'll get home today. It always takes forever to leave a hospital.
More later!
Have a good day!
Wednesday, June 2, 2010
Day 34 - Part III
Dad saw his primary doctor late in the day. He told Dad they are proceeding with the transplant and he will get to go home at the end of the week. Next week, Dad will have to go in everyday for a treatment with a trial drug that is going to try and suppress the progression of the leukemia while we await transplant.
The doctor told my Mom that he wouldn't recommend this drastic of a procedure if he didn't think there was a chance of it working. He said if he thought they were out of options, he would tell them that straight up. The procedure itself will be grueling for Dad. They are going to attempt the two days of chemo and one of radiation when the time comes. The chemo isn't working anymore on it's own, so that's why they are going to hit it hard with radiation too.
Dad asked if he didn't have the procedure, what would happen. The doctor told him he'd have 3 to 6 months. Dad, of course, said, well, let's do it then since I'm out of options otherwise.
So, that's how the day ends. A lot we could be dwelling on and thinking about, but not much that you really want to. I am hoping the light of day will bring a better perspective for all of us.
The doctor told my Mom that he wouldn't recommend this drastic of a procedure if he didn't think there was a chance of it working. He said if he thought they were out of options, he would tell them that straight up. The procedure itself will be grueling for Dad. They are going to attempt the two days of chemo and one of radiation when the time comes. The chemo isn't working anymore on it's own, so that's why they are going to hit it hard with radiation too.
Dad asked if he didn't have the procedure, what would happen. The doctor told him he'd have 3 to 6 months. Dad, of course, said, well, let's do it then since I'm out of options otherwise.
So, that's how the day ends. A lot we could be dwelling on and thinking about, but not much that you really want to. I am hoping the light of day will bring a better perspective for all of us.
Day 34 - part II
Dad's biopsy came back with blasts - 65% blasts. We were all, including the doctors, shocked by this as you can imagine.
Although Dad hasn't seen is Primary doctor yet today (he has a call into him), the tentative plan is to have him come home at the end of the week. They are still planning, as far as we know, to proceed with the bone marrow transplant on the 16th. Dad asked if they could just go ahead with the next round of chemo/radiation to get prepped for the transplant, but until the donor is able to "donate", they can't prep him. We're hoping they can prep the donor for an earlier date, but we don't know if that can happen.
He had an echocardiogram this afternoon just to make sure there isn't any dammage to his heart from the last round of chemo.
He is feeling a little better if that's any consolation.
As always continue to pray for us and thank you for the prayers you've given us. We are humbled by it and grateful for it. As a good friend just emailed me "If God brings us to it, He will bring us through it".
Although Dad hasn't seen is Primary doctor yet today (he has a call into him), the tentative plan is to have him come home at the end of the week. They are still planning, as far as we know, to proceed with the bone marrow transplant on the 16th. Dad asked if they could just go ahead with the next round of chemo/radiation to get prepped for the transplant, but until the donor is able to "donate", they can't prep him. We're hoping they can prep the donor for an earlier date, but we don't know if that can happen.
He had an echocardiogram this afternoon just to make sure there isn't any dammage to his heart from the last round of chemo.
He is feeling a little better if that's any consolation.
As always continue to pray for us and thank you for the prayers you've given us. We are humbled by it and grateful for it. As a good friend just emailed me "If God brings us to it, He will bring us through it".
Day 34
All I can say is "damn it".
Called Dad this morning to chat while I was in the car on the way home from a meeting and he was hardly understandable he was so upset. He had his biopsy results and all I know right now is he said, "it's still there". He didn't have any more details or he hadn't fully wrapped his head around whatever details they gave him.
I was planning on visiting this afternoon, hopefully, I'll get more information.
Called Dad this morning to chat while I was in the car on the way home from a meeting and he was hardly understandable he was so upset. He had his biopsy results and all I know right now is he said, "it's still there". He didn't have any more details or he hadn't fully wrapped his head around whatever details they gave him.
I was planning on visiting this afternoon, hopefully, I'll get more information.
Tuesday, June 1, 2010
Day 33
Welllllll, I don't have anything great to report. I wish I did. Basically, they've messed with Dad's medications trying to get his blood pressure under control. We're still waiting on his blood counts to come up and for his biopsy results to come back. The holiday weekend put the biopsy results behind, I think.
Dad is pretty down. We're all pretty down. We really want him to get home soon for a bit. He is scheduled to go back in on June 16th to restart chemo for his transplant. Everyday he's stuck in the hospital, is a day less he has at home before the next stint which will be even longer than this one.
Dad is getting increasingly agitated by everything and who can blame him. A new set of doctors came on his case today - they rotate every two weeks. It's frustrating because you have to "break a new set in" all the time and Dad's getting tired of that. They all have their own opinions and theories and frankly it's getting old. Yesterday, apparently Dad's heart monitor went off and the new doc who came in asked if he's ever been "shocked" to get his heart back in rhythm. My Dad and Mom about flew off the handle at that one. SERIOUSLY! He has no other symptoms when he goes a-fib - it settles shortly thereafter, it's nuts.
Anyways, I'm really hoping to get good biopsy results tomorrow so that they will consider giving Dad a growth hormone to give his white cells a jump start.
Please pray for renewed strength and energy on my Dad's part, on my Mom's part. It's grueling hanging out at the hospital day in and day out. If you can visit, do it. If you can call, do it. Please.
Love and blessings to you and yours.
Dad is pretty down. We're all pretty down. We really want him to get home soon for a bit. He is scheduled to go back in on June 16th to restart chemo for his transplant. Everyday he's stuck in the hospital, is a day less he has at home before the next stint which will be even longer than this one.
Dad is getting increasingly agitated by everything and who can blame him. A new set of doctors came on his case today - they rotate every two weeks. It's frustrating because you have to "break a new set in" all the time and Dad's getting tired of that. They all have their own opinions and theories and frankly it's getting old. Yesterday, apparently Dad's heart monitor went off and the new doc who came in asked if he's ever been "shocked" to get his heart back in rhythm. My Dad and Mom about flew off the handle at that one. SERIOUSLY! He has no other symptoms when he goes a-fib - it settles shortly thereafter, it's nuts.
Anyways, I'm really hoping to get good biopsy results tomorrow so that they will consider giving Dad a growth hormone to give his white cells a jump start.
Please pray for renewed strength and energy on my Dad's part, on my Mom's part. It's grueling hanging out at the hospital day in and day out. If you can visit, do it. If you can call, do it. Please.
Love and blessings to you and yours.
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