Having Fun Turning One

Having Fun Turning One
One year ago today I recieved a stem cell transplant.  As all of my blood stem cells were replaced with donor stem cells (my brother Don), the doctors and nurses view it as being "reborn".  Accordingly my transplant date is my new birth date. So I am turning one today.

I plan to celebrate my new birthday by spending time with friends and family.  Tonight I am  attending a fundraiser for the Bill Beattie Foundation and this weekend all the "Albert " family is getting together for a BBQ.  After this experience I truly cherish and enjoy spending time with friends and family.

My recovery continues moving in the right direction.  There are still good days and bad days, but I am now getting out, doing more and pushing myself to find my new "normal". Treatment side effects can be troublesome from time to time, but considering the alternative I am keeping them in perspective and learning to live with them.

 I am so fortunate and thankful to be able to celebrate this anniversary and look forward to many more.

All the best to you and your families on behalf of myself, Kelly and Samantha.

1 year ago....

...I was diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukemia.

It has been one year since I was first diagnosed with leukemia. Looking

back now, I have trouble remembering what life was like prior to cancer.

The battle against a disease like this is all consuming and has impacted me

deeply. I don’t know how I would have survived the physical and emotional

toll without the love and support of Kelly, Samantha, my family and all my

friends.

Today I am seven months post transplant and happy to report that I am

winning the battle and my recovery continues to go in the right direction.

Fatigue remains an issue and there still are some side effects from the

treatment and transplant that I am still dealing with. However the positives

far out way the negatives.

I am looking forward to getting on with life as a cancer survivor and finding

my new “normal” physically. The doctors say that one year after transplant

is a good measuring stick as to how well the transplant has worked and

what your “new normal” will be. So the work to get better and stronger

continues.

Thank you again to everyone for their support and positive thoughts. All the

best for a great 2012.

Welcome to the world- JerDon

A lot has happened in the 100 days post stem cell transplant.

After being discharged from the hospital ahead of schedule, I focused on trying to get my strength and energy back. This meant daily walks, rest and trying to eat a well balanced diet. It felt so good to be at home. Samantha has returned to Ontario to finish her last semester of school (Sam note: FINALLY I'll graduate in February!) , which has made our household a lot quieter (Sam note: Because everyone knows how much fun I am). However, summer has not been easy as I have encountered numerous complications (meaning: back to the hospital for periodic stays).

Now for some good news - A recent bone marrow test indicates I am still in remission and 100% of my blood has now been replaced with donor cells (thanks again to brother Don)...!

This is the best result we could hope for at this early stage and our family feels blessed, thankful and relieved. While there is still a long tough journey ahead, we have achieved our first major milestone. We don’t consider ourselves “out of the woods” yet, but it is a step in the right direction.

Right now I don’t feel " healthy" but the doctors remind me that recovery from a transplant takes a long time and I have to be patient. Also as my blood counts are still below the normal range it seems every virus within a mile somehow finds me, which is frustrating. But I am working to get better each day and with such good news feel re-energized. I will continue to remain under the care of the BMT Unit at the Tom Baker for the next phase of my recovery .

Keep the love, positive energy and prayers coming - it's working!

Jerry

Canada's Top Models

As you know, back in May our little family of 3 took a trip out to Victoria to get away from the hospital, Calgary and cancer for a few days. We had such a great and relaxing time in Victoria, as it also served to re-energized us for the biggest and hopefully last, battle; stem cell transplant. Before our visit to the island, I had asked a close girlfriend, Ashlene Narin, if she would be available and willing to do some family photographs for us. She graciously accepted and we conducted our family photo shoot at Fisherman’s Warf. The three of us had never been apart of any type of photo shoot, but we tried our best to channel our inner top model, and work it! The photographs turned out better then I had hoped, and we now have and incredible family memory. We wouldn’t have this gift without Ashlene…so thank-you!!! You did a fantastic job, and I can’t wait to see where this talent takes you!

Below are some of my favorite photos I’d like to share with you…

Howdy from Jerry - Day 35

Rumor has it that nurse Sam has been seen drinking margaritas on Scottsdale Rd. and partying at "W" at night . Another sighting was at the gay pride parade in Toronto riding a fire truck and later hosting a pool party and drinking fine wines in the Niagara peninsula. The call of Stampede has brought her home, but her Stampede obligations have kept her too busy to get to her blog duties as of yet so I am providing the update.

(Editors note (aka Sam): I apologize for not getting this out when my Dad actually sent it to me... I was too busy pretending to be a cowgirl and consuming adult beverages at the Stampede.... So the dates he mentions may be off by a few days...but you'll get gist, I believe in you)

It has been 35 days since Transplant Day. Here are some of the good things that have happened so far:

I was discharged 2 weeks ago ahead of schedule. I am now at home and go to the BMT clinic twice a week. My oncologist tells me that I am progressing well at this time - no infections or signs of graft vs. host disease, where my body rejects the transplant, other than a minor skin rash which is considered good (its a sign the new blood is seeing my old blood cells as 'enemies', and fighting them off).

My blood counts are close to normal levels now, most of my mouth and throat sores are gone, I've maintained my weight better than most, and I have been able to become more active, getting short walks in twice daily.

That being said, I still feel crappy - there are so many side effects from the transplant and the numerous drugs I am taking. Eating is a problem as I haven't had an appetite yet. The radiation makes food taste metallic, so it definitely closer to taking medicine than eating for enjoyment.

The doctors tell us this is the most intense and aggressive cancer treatment they give to cancer patients. So post transplant recovery will take quite a bit longer than recovery from my previous chemotherapy treatments. I am extremely tired all the time and this extreme fatigue is expected to last for at least 8 to 12 weeks.

Things are still very early and it is too soon to tell whether the transplant was successful. The next 65 days are critical as most complications arise the first 100 days post transplant. In fact, complications are likely and it will be a matter of managing the hiccups and taking it one day at a time.

So bottom line - so far so good.

On behalf of myself, nurses Kelly and Sam, thanks again for all your continued support and positive thoughts.

Life since transplant...

Today is day +15, and what a journey it has been since the transplant!

Prior to transplant, we were given a book that outlined all possible risks and detailed a grocery list of likely side effects. We have managed to put a checkmark beside most of the side effects… yay us. Our last 15 days have consisted of (but definitely were not limited to) fun experiences such as: lightheadedness, nausea, fluid retention, mucositis (painful inflammation and ulceration of the oral and digestive lining), stomatitis (inflammation of the mucosal lining of any structure in the mouth- tongue, gums, etc), rash and pain.

The worst side effect by far is the mucositis/stomatisis. It was incredibly painful and caused a great deal of discomfort and an inability to eat. We have weathered the worst of that storm, and with the increase of WBC, he is beginning to recover from that week of hell. People say you should always find a positive to every life experience. Positive: I found a new hidden talent. I make AMAZING blizzards. I’m no expert in the kitchen. My cooking skills are limited to popcorn, pancakes and yam fries. I am now excited to add blizzards to my list of expertise.

The aggressive chemo and radiation prior to transplant has once again forced my Dad’s blood counts to bottom out causing us to receive multiple platelet and blood transfusions during his recovery. With the aid of a few days of GCSF shots, his counts have stabilized and begun to show some recovery!

I would like to address one issue that I am sure has been on the minds of many; possibly even keeping you up at night. The pain in the ass. Has it been an issue? Have you been down to ultrasound, x-ray or CT? Is there a drain? Well, let me tell you. Ever since my Dad received his ‘piercing’ back in May, the pain in the ass has not been an issue (don’t get my wrong, its still ‘not right’ down there, but its no where near the issue that it caused us in the previous rounds of chemo). The doctors have pumped him full of antibiotics in hopes of keeping fluid accumulation down, and it appears the ‘piercing’ device is doing something in my Dad’s favor!

One last thing. Uncle Don is doing great! He experienced some fatigue after donating, but there have been no complications or negative side effects on his end. He's a champ.

Pics from Day Zero

We did it!! Family picture after the first transplant. The theme for that day was black, grey and white.

The room setup for the first transplant of the day. AND the incredible nursing team :) Little did they know they would be apart of a photo shoot

Uncle Don's stem cells getting hooked up. My Dad had 4 of those bags. 2 in the morning, 2 in the afternoon.

The stem cells were kept frozen, and thawed at my dad's bedside.... In a roasting pan. It was real silver... we kept it classy.

Day Zero- Transplant!

On June 7, 2011, at 8:08am, my Dad underwent the first part of his stem cell transplant. At 2:28pm, he underwent the second part of his stem cell transplant.

Certain numbers in the Chinese culture are believed to be auspicious. This is based on the Chinese word that the number word sounds like. The word “eight” sounds similar to “prosper”, “wealth”, and “fortune”. The Chinese put great value on the number 8. The number 2 is considered a good number in Chinese culture- “good things come in pairs”. Since we are part Chinese (I dare you to guess who)… 8:08 and 2:28… were great signs to us today!

Typically, with an allogenic stem cell transplant, patients would receive one transplant of two bags. The reason my Dad had to undergo two transplant sessions was because the cells that were harvested from Uncle D had an increased level of WBC’s. An elevated level of WBC’s in the donor cells, can lead to an increased risk of toxicity with the recipient. For that reason, they split the amount to be transplanted into 2 sessions, to transfuse a safe amount of WBC, eliminating toxicity risk.

The donor stem cells were thawed in my Dad’s room, and administered to him via his CVC line. My Dad experienced some immediate and intense side effects during the transplant, but the side effects quickly subsided once the transplant was finished infusing. It was crazy! What we really want you to know is that the transplant went ‘as planned’. No complications, and no adverse reactions.

Jer is currently resting easy in his hospital bed. I am stretched out on the bed next to him, eating Kernels popcorn… delicious! (That’s right…. TWO beds… good things really DO come in pairs)

When my Dad got diagnosed on January 14^th, the thought of a transplant was so far from my mind, it was just an ‘option’ that was to be explored at a later date. Well that ‘later date’ was today. We have fought one hell of a battle to get here, but we made it! Our fight is nowhere near over; some could say it is almost just beginning (again). Today my Dad was given an extraordinary gift, one that offers hope. His gift will now act as a tool, which will aid him in his journey to reach his ultimate goal, remission. In a few weeks we will find out if his body has accepted the transplant (grafted) and has begun to produce new, healthy cells. We will continue to take this journey day by day; as I am sure there will be new challenges to face, hardships to overcome, and tiny victories to celebrate. Today… we celebrate. We made it!

My 2 favorite people!!

This picture was taken on June 1st. That's Uncle Don lounging in his plush hospital bed while he donates his stem cells. After my Dad finished his chemo for the day, he went down to visit his bro.

A small act of kindness and giving, can make such a significant difference in one person's life.

You down with ATG... Yeah you know me!

*if you have never heard of Naughty by Nature, you will NOT get that title. Sorry. I played O.P.P. for Jer, and even HE knew the song. Get with it. *

From Thursday to Sunday, my Dad was receiving both types of chemo drugs. Up until Sunday, once the day’s treatments were completed, my Dad was allowed to go home on an overnight pass. It was great to have him home at night; allowing him to sleep in his own bed and enjoy all the conveniences home has to offer (ie. food that tastes like real food, and a television that was made in this decade).

Yesterday, in addition to chemo, my Dad received his first dose of ATG (antithymocyte globulin). ATG is an immunosuppressant drug, one that lowers the body’s immune response. ATG is used as an anti-rejection drug for stem cell transplant patients, with the hopes it will allow the bone marrow to grow and make new blood cells. Patients are unable to leave the hospital once they begin taking this drug, as it comes with many possible side effects that the medical team must closely monitor. So, Jer is back to adult sleepovers at Hotel du Foothills.

‘Fun fact’: the medical team calls ATG, the rabbit drug… because it is made from rabbits. I was wondering why my Dad had begun to do the Bunny Hop to the bathroom. Now I know why.

Today is Monday, or as people around here would call it, Day minus 1. This morning my Dad underwent total body radiation, and is currently receiving ATG. Later this afternoon, he will go in for his second, and last, dose of total body radiation.

If you didn’t catch it…Sunday was our last day of chemo… hopefully…forever!!!

Tomorrow is Day 0… TRANSPLANT DAY!

The "goods"

Donation Day

The transplant team set a number we had to reach in order for us to begin chemo safely… and I’m happy to report that Jer crushed it! He is not ‘back to normal’, but with much hope and positive thoughts, my Dad’s liver levels have came down enough for us to begin the transplant process. Hiiiigh-five (in a Borat accent)!

On Tuesday, my Dad had the test dose of chemo. This round of chemo is different then the others as he will be taking different chemotherapeutic agents, which are both (yes, 2 different drugs), quite aggressive. The test dose is done to make sure the amount of drug administered is the correct dose for my Dad’s height, weight, and condition. He had blood drawn every hour, for 7 hours once the drug had been administered to see how his body was reacting and metabolizing the drug.

Today my Dad started one of the chemo drugs (this one was not tested, as it isn’t as sensitive). This drug will be used for all 5 days of chemo, and tomorrow, the second chemo drug will be added and piggyback the first drug for the remaining 4 days of chemo.

Today is a BIG DAY in the Team Jerry world. Today, my Uncle Don bravely donated his stem cells! My Dad and Kelly went down to visit him during this process, and told me that Don was looking great, feeling great in spite of the fatigue, and he said it didn’t hurt one bit!

Stem cell donation is a completely self less act, and we are so appreciative and incredibly thankful that my Uncle has agreed to participate in this process.

Liar, Liar

Just when I told you there was a plan…

We were SCHEDULED to have the test dose of chemo last Tuesday, but we had a minor setback.

About 10 days ago, my Dad began to experience severe abdominal pains, which were only relieved by taking T3’s. The medical team had my Dad come into the hospital to access what was going on. The blood work showed that one of his liver levels, his ALT level, was elevated…a lot. As it was the long weekend, and the pain had ceased, they monitored him with daily blood work until the doctors came back from their camping trip (that’s a lie, I’m sure doctors don’t camp). On Tuesday the transplant doc decided to go ahead with the central line procedure, but ordered an ultrasound and a CT scan to further investigate the liver situ. Both the ultrasound and CT came back clear, but his ALT level was still elevated (it had came down a bit since the spike over the long weekend, but not near normal).

The transplant team made the executive decision to delay transplant until the ALT number had decreased to a level where they felt comfortable proceeding. We were instructed to go home, and return to the hospital every second day for blood work so they could follow my Dad’s levels.

Unlike Team Jer, Team Uncle Don is still following their regime, and the transplant team will be harvesting his stem cells on June 1^st, which will then be frozen until my Dad is ready to accept them. Please keep Uncle Don in your thoughts tomorrow as we are all hoping for a smooth, easy and successful donation!

From now on, I promise, no more lies. That hurt me as much as it hurt you.

Guess Who's Back?

I am sure everyone missed me… how could you not?!? Have you seen this face?

These last few weeks have been great! We managed to sneak away to Victoria for 4 days, where we caught some nice weather, felt the ocean breeze and saw some beautiful scenery. That trip was much needed for all involved. My Dad was even able to break free from prohibition and have some drinks! After not drinking for over 3 months, I am sure he was sauced after one drink… jealous. While in Victoria we had a very good friend of mine take some family pictures of us at Fishermen’s Warf. We are all eagerly awaiting the results of this photo shoot and will definitely be sharing some pictures with you all when they become available.

Now back to reality.

At the beginning of May, my Dad was discharged from the hospital and released from the care of the hematology team. The hematology team at the Foothills was outstanding! There are no words to express how thankful and grateful we are for everything they have done for our family in the last 3 months, but I hope they know how valued their work is. Today, my Dad was admitted back into the hospital. The bell has rung and the trade deadline is over. We have officially been traded to team Bone Marrow Transplant (BMT).

Today my Dad will be getting his CVC (central venous catheter) line inserted and will undergo a test dose of the chemotherapeutic drug that they will be administering in the coming days.

I will try to update the blog every day or two, so I can keep everyone up to date and by our side as we embark on this next chapter of our fight against leukemia. Stem cell transplant, here we come!

Oh Brother

**a Jer Diddy post**

While recovering from round 3 of chemo we learned my oldest brother Don was a donor match. As a result we had a decision to make on my treatment plan- whether to carry on with chemo for 2 more rounds, or proceed with a stem cell transplant.

We met with the doctors and the transplant team and were provided with all the statistical outcomes for each treatment plan, the risk factors and the possible outcomes for my genetics, age, health, etc. After going back and forth on a decision, we decided to proceed with the transplant. While the transplant comes with higher risks and are told will be more physically and mentally challenging than what I have experienced to date, it offers much greater odds for a full recovery than does continuing with the chemo alone.

The transplant is scheduled to occur on June 1. Both Don and I are going through numerous medical tests in preparation for the transplant. I will be admitted back into the hospital a week ahead of time to receive chemo and total body radiation. This is to help my body accept Don’s stem cells. On morning of June 1^st they will take Don's stem cells from his blood (a process that takes 5 to 7 hours) then that night transfuse them into me. The following 90 days are critical in the recovery and dealing with grafting issues and other possible complications, mostly risk of infection. Similar to chemo, I will be immune suppressed and most of this time will be spent in the hospital.

I can't thank Don enough for doing this. Don has always been a big brother who has always looked after his younger brother and been there for me throughout my life. Again he has stepped forwarded without even asking, Thanks bro.

Other than trips to the hospital for appointments I am spending my time resting and my new job – eating… as much food I can to try and put back the weight I have lost; as it will be all coming off as food intake becomes a problem during the stem cell procedure. (Sam note: Its awesome having all these high calorie foods in the house and watching someone try and GAIN weight, when I am eating my rice crackers and going to the gym… every woman’s dream roommate) We also plan to take a quick trip to Victoria to spend some time around the ocean and smell the flowers.

A big THANKS to everyone for your continuing prayers and positive thoughts as I go through the next round in this fight.

**Sam note: For everyone that is wondering…. We DID get out of the hospital in time to have Easter chocolates at home! No hospital Easter egg hunt, unfortunately.

Hopped back into the hospital

Round 3 had been going quite smoothly and we were really enjoying our time at home… until Sunday night. On Sunday my Dad spiked a fever and it was back to the hospital for team Jer. Along with the fever, my Dad had been experiencing increasing amounts of pain in the abscessed area. The pain in the ass was back! How bad this time? We had to wait and see. He has also been experiencing some chest congestion; for this reason he is put on isolation until the nasal pharyngeal swab results come back; which will determine if a virus is causing this. (FYI- watching a nasal (nose) pharyngeal (pharynx=throat) swab was one of the most uncomfortable things I have been apart of yet! Its just as you imagine… swab goes up through the nose, down to the throat… you can all collectively gag with me)

It is Wednesday now (4/20 for all you hippies), and we are still in the hospital. He has been put on an IV antibiotic to help battle any infections or viruses he may have running around in his body (the results from the lab have yet to come back to definitely determine what the cause of the fever or chest congestion was). My Dad’s hemoglobin levels are struggling to make any gains, or even stay above the transfusion line (less the 80). He has received multiple bags of blood and a few bags of platelets, but he can’t seem to hold on to those red blood cells! Jer is going to have to start producing some RBCs STAT!

We went for an ultrasound on Monday to take a peep at the developments of Mr. Abscess. The ultrasound showed that the abscess is too small to do any type of intervention (ie. Drain) at this time. Once my Dad’s counts start coming up, his WBCs may go into worker mode and fill this abscess with pus; thus forcing us to drain it at that time. But, until then, the situation is under control with some good old pain meds.

The doctors are trying to get us out of here tonight and allow us to go on a pass until Friday. I don’t know how my Dad is getting to the hospital Friday, because it’s a holiday, and I don’t work holidays. Hopefully, Friday goes off without a hitch and his counts will be on the rise because we’d like to have Jer Diddy home for Easter weekend. Plus… there aren’t any good hiding spots for the Easter bunny in this hospital room.

Round Tres

Here we are, knee deep in round 3.

We are on Day 12 of round 3, and things are moving along as ‘planned’. My Dad did the same regiment as round 2, as we are continuing with consolidation treatment. Evening chemo (sleep overnight in the hospital)/morning chemo- home for 24 hrs- REPEAT (for 3 sessions, totaling 6 doses of chemo). On the day my Dad stared chemo, he was also started on antibiotics. This was given as a preventative measure, in hopes of warding off that persistent ‘pain in the ass’. My Dad is still experiencing discomfort in the area, but it isn’t near the pain he has experienced in prior rounds; so keep those fingers crossed this thing doesn’t manifest again!

This round of chemo did not start out great. As this is our third round, the chemo drug, cytarabine, has been building up in my Dad’s body since the first doe in round 1. What this means for my Dad is that he will experience chemo side effects sooner, and his counts will drop faster… how exciting for him. Jer and I were at the hospital on Monday and the blood work showed his counts are on the brink of bottoming out. We will be back at the hospital Wednesday; at that time my Dad will most likely need a blood and/or platelet transfusion. On a side note, Canadian Blood services just informed me via snail mail that I am O positive, same as Jer! If it comes down to it, I’ll lay there while they suck blood directly from me into my Dad. I’m not sure if that procedure is approved (or ever done for that matter), but hey, I’m willing to try!

As of today, we are in the “sit and wait” period of the round. We are watching the counts drop, HOPING and PRAYING that we can sneak through this round infection free, and then watch the counts rise. My Dad’s counts should be coming up around Easter, which is perfect timing because my Dad promised me an Easter egg hunt. I know what you are thinking; I’m 25, I’m basically 40, too old for hunting. But who is too old for fun and chocolate? Plus, my Dad and Kelly have moved into this new house- new hiding spots for my Dad, I mean the Easter bunny. My brother and I could hunt the terrain of our Lake Bonavista house with our eyes shut. With a new landscape…. This could be a weekend long treasure hunt.

Love

This is a picture from the blood drive.

These girls are the closest thing I have to siblings now. They are my sisters (a couple are absent).

I can't thank them enough for their love and unconditional support.

I wanted to personally thank the people who arranged the blood drive. Everyone wants to do something to help Papa Jer or lend support, but doesn't know how. You offered a vehicle for people to come out and do such a selfless act that not only my Dad, but many other patients who need blood greatly appreciate.

A big THANK YOU to everyone who came out to the blood drive to donate blood!

I am terrified of needles, therefore I have never donated. After seeing what my Dad goes through on a daily basis and watching how a bag of blood can literally save someone's life, I knew it was time. My eyes were filled with tears, body was shaking, and my hands were as clammy as a kid during the dance unit in junior high gym class. But.... I did it! And so did many other people! With my Dad in mind, you did a selfless act. Your blood may not directly benefit my Dad, but it will greatly impact someone's life who needs something as simple as blood to survive.

When my Dad is feeling better, I will get him, Kelly and myself into the incredible shirts you had made and take a picture for the blog!

A word from our sponsor...

Hi everyone, I wanted to thank all of you who participated and organized the March 23 "in honor" blood donor clinic. By giving blood you have helped many people and saved lives. It doesn't get any better than that.

I have now completed my second round of chemotherapy. During my week off, my days were focused on getting my energy back and preparing for the next round of chemo. This means eating frequently and well (no junk food!), sleeping as much as possible, walking and doing breathing exercises. The activity and breathing are to help blood circulation and eliminate toxins caused by chemo.

The rest of my time was spent traveling to and from the hospital for various appointments. Kelly is also keeping me busy with those little jobs around the house that never seem to get done- between that and the hospital there hasn't been a dull moment.

I started Round 3 of chemotherapy on Friday. One thing we are learning about our treatment "plan" is that there is no plan. The course of treatment changes daily and sometimes hourly. For example, due to a worldwide shortage of the chemotherapy drugs I was taking, Round 3 was to involve a different protocol. At the last minute (a half hour before my first dose), a small supply was found so that I could continue on with the same treatment as I had in Round 2.

Thank you all for the cards, gifts and ongoing words of encouragement. In addition to the physical challenges of this disease, the mental battle has been very trying. Your support and positive thoughts are helping me through the tough moments.

Looking forward to Spring finally arriving, as I am sure you all are!

Jerry

Starting to see the light

On Day 19 of round 2, my Dad was given a G-CSF shot (granulocyte colony-stimulating factor), which is used to stimulate the growth of "healthy" white blood cells in the bone marrow. Having his WBC count return to normal limits at an accelerated rate will help his body fight the infections, and prevent any new ones from manifesting. He was given this for 5 days last round, and only 2 days this round. The G-CSF definitely helped his WBC counts come up and he hasn’t had a fever since day 20 (we’re on day 27 right now)!

Last week, our nurse noticed that his PICC line (peripherally inserted central catheter) had moved out of the entry site 1cm, so my Dad was sent for an x-ray to determine if the line was still positioned in the correct spot. The x-ray showed that the line was ok to be used for antibiotics, saline flushes and to draw blood, but the line will need to be advanced by the PICC team before the next round of chemo. We are scheduled to come back next Tuesday, March 29^th to do this procedure.

The colorectal surgeons were brought in to determine the next course of action regarding the returning abscess (aka- Pain in the Ass), as we do not want this to happen in the subsequent rounds of chemo. They tossed up a couple hypothesis of what it could be, and offered a few different directions we could take regarding treatment during their 10:30pm kick down the door style of consult. To definitively determine what they were working with, they inserted a dye into his drain, and had the area x-rayed to determine where the fluid was going, if there was leakage, and how much has healed thus far. The radiologist did not see an abnormal connection between the abscess and another area of the body, as the dye did not leave the abscess’ boarders. The surgeons did not feel that surgery would help, and feel it will heal on its own. Our hematologist is recommending preventive antibiotics at the beginning of the next round of chemo to hopefully prevent this pain in the ass from reoccurring.

On Saturday we were finally allowed to leave the walls of the Foothills hospital and on a pass until Monday. My Dad had not had a fever in 3 days and was placed on oral mediation; making time at home a lot more manageable. We were back in the hospital Monday to get blood work- to see how the blood counts are doing, and to determine the course of action regarding the PICC line (as mentioned above). Counts are almost within normal so we weren’t sent packing with a weeks worth of meds.

Sayonara hospital.