March 8, 2014
Well, he received his 414mg of Melphalan today. It's really strange to watch this fluid go in through his IV and not feel anything. Once again, the ice chips were on hand. (the nursing staff is always so kind and wonderful) Chewing 15 minutes before, 30 during minutes during and they say 15 minutes afterwards, but I made him chew for longer. They say that the chemo, once in him, will run through and do it's damage minutes once it's in you. Afterwards, I guess your liver and kidneys take over? I don't know. The damage is done. All the "weeds" and "grass" in his body have been killed. The good and the bad.
Tomorrow, he will receive "seeds" to grow the good stuff.
Tomorrow is his stem cell transplant.
New growth.
Healthy growth.
New birthday.
Well, I'm off now to witness his new birthday, March 9, 2014.
Should be around noon today.
Tony's sister and my brother will be there to witness this miraculous event. All in the family!
Ciao. Gotta go or I might miss it!
Sunday, March 9, 2014
Friday, March 7, 2014
Got the call! Transplant #2, here we come!
Around 11:15 am, Tony received a call from Princess Margaret Hospital saying they have a bed for him.
YAY Check in was by 9pm.
Earlier on we received an email saying that the x-rays of his hips showed nothing serious and that he was back on the list as of yesterday as second in line for a room.
We ran several errands throughout the day together. Remember, Fridays is Dex (steroid) Day, so I was dealing with a high energy man. A very productive day.
Tony felt like a steak dinner before checking in to his room, so we had dinner at our favourite Italian restaurant. They did not disappoint his craving. A delicious steak dinner for Tony!
We went home to pack a few other items and then walked into the famous 14th floor to admit him at 8:50pm. Ten minutes to spare. He has a private room with a private bathroom with shower. Until someone needs a private room due to health issues, he gets to stay there. He's happy!
(thank you to my friend for keeping me company for the drive home. Very very grateful. It's such a long drive)
Tomorrow he gets his chemo to kill everything and Sunday he gets his stem cell transplant.
And that journey begins, yet again.
The anxiety is missing.
This time, we know what to expect.
If you'd like to visit Tony, please text or FB me before going. It's best to stay away if you're coming down with a cold or have flu like symptoms please. This floor is very strict with visitors as everyone has immune issues, so please check with us first. For Tony's sake and other patients and for yourself too in case there's an outbreak of something. Thx.
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YAY Check in was by 9pm.
Earlier on we received an email saying that the x-rays of his hips showed nothing serious and that he was back on the list as of yesterday as second in line for a room.
We ran several errands throughout the day together. Remember, Fridays is Dex (steroid) Day, so I was dealing with a high energy man. A very productive day.
Tony felt like a steak dinner before checking in to his room, so we had dinner at our favourite Italian restaurant. They did not disappoint his craving. A delicious steak dinner for Tony!
We went home to pack a few other items and then walked into the famous 14th floor to admit him at 8:50pm. Ten minutes to spare. He has a private room with a private bathroom with shower. Until someone needs a private room due to health issues, he gets to stay there. He's happy!
(thank you to my friend for keeping me company for the drive home. Very very grateful. It's such a long drive)
Tomorrow he gets his chemo to kill everything and Sunday he gets his stem cell transplant.
And that journey begins, yet again.
The anxiety is missing.
This time, we know what to expect.
If you'd like to visit Tony, please text or FB me before going. It's best to stay away if you're coming down with a cold or have flu like symptoms please. This floor is very strict with visitors as everyone has immune issues, so please check with us first. For Tony's sake and other patients and for yourself too in case there's an outbreak of something. Thx.
Wednesday, March 5, 2014
Still no call
Yesterday, we went to Princess Margaret Hospital to get an x-ray on his hips. They also did blood work to check his Myeloma numbers. We went to the clinic and were told that they would call us with the results. The stem cell co-ordinator suspects one of two things: long term use to steroids or Tony over did it with walking two weekends ago. Either way, this man continues to struggle climbing stairs and getting dressed. Everything else is fine.
So, we suspect the transplant may be on hold till they get these results. Most likely won't hear anything till about Friday.
Till then......
So, we suspect the transplant may be on hold till they get these results. Most likely won't hear anything till about Friday.
Till then......
Saturday, March 1, 2014
Still waiting for that call...
Eight days ago, Tony's right hip began bothering him. He cannot tell if it's bone or muscle pain. Thinking about it days later, he HAS been eating foods that can aggravate his gout. So, perhaps it's gout pain? Don't know. He plans on telling his doctor when he gets the phone call to go in. The pain is so bad that he cannot lift his left, so going up stairs, driving and dressing have been challenging.
Other than that, really no new news. Just waiting for that call for availability at Princess Margaret Hospital.
He is 65 days old.
Other than that, really no new news. Just waiting for that call for availability at Princess Margaret Hospital.
He is 65 days old.
Thursday, February 20, 2014
2nd Transplant is a go!
We are doing it all over again!
Today's appointment went really well. Tony's numbers are great. When the doctor first saw him, she commented on how much better he looked. And, he really does! He has peach fuzz on his face. Body is still smooth like a baby's bum, but his beard is coming back! And, he's excited about it.
We have had about three "back to normal" weeks. It's been great. I must admit we both let our guards down a bit with regards to staying healthy. Around Monday, he began with a runny nose. Clear fluid. Then me, and now one of our sons. Not good. His blood pressure did drop from a sitting position to a standing position. Warned again about drinking 2-3 litres of fluids daily. Again, we let our guard down on that too.
Fortunately, they felt that hydration was not necessary today.
They took a swab of his nose for testing. We should know the results soon. They still put him third on the list for a room for his transplant but, if those results come back positive, well, then they will put him on medication. So, now we are waiting for that phone call. Results or a room.
I am currently at home watching big thick snowflakes coming down. This year has been exceptionally bad with snow falls. Rain expected overnight. Getting ready for a big meltdown.
Last evening, while out with some girlfriends, I taught them a new word: Lampe Berger
I have cut and copied directly from www.lampeberger.ca to tell everyone it's purpose. Having said that, I have reignited our lampe berger once again, to kill germs in the house. I am the proud owner of two of them that were gifted to us. I guess I spoke way too soon by telling everyone how healthy we've been!
Today's appointment went really well. Tony's numbers are great. When the doctor first saw him, she commented on how much better he looked. And, he really does! He has peach fuzz on his face. Body is still smooth like a baby's bum, but his beard is coming back! And, he's excited about it.
We have had about three "back to normal" weeks. It's been great. I must admit we both let our guards down a bit with regards to staying healthy. Around Monday, he began with a runny nose. Clear fluid. Then me, and now one of our sons. Not good. His blood pressure did drop from a sitting position to a standing position. Warned again about drinking 2-3 litres of fluids daily. Again, we let our guard down on that too.
Fortunately, they felt that hydration was not necessary today.
They took a swab of his nose for testing. We should know the results soon. They still put him third on the list for a room for his transplant but, if those results come back positive, well, then they will put him on medication. So, now we are waiting for that phone call. Results or a room.
I am currently at home watching big thick snowflakes coming down. This year has been exceptionally bad with snow falls. Rain expected overnight. Getting ready for a big meltdown.
Last evening, while out with some girlfriends, I taught them a new word: Lampe Berger
I have cut and copied directly from www.lampeberger.ca to tell everyone it's purpose. Having said that, I have reignited our lampe berger once again, to kill germs in the house. I am the proud owner of two of them that were gifted to us. I guess I spoke way too soon by telling everyone how healthy we've been!
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Thursday, February 6, 2014
Two weeks in a row now and all GREAT!
Today's appointment was great. Everything is stable with regards to his blood work. YAY!
At his next appointment, if all well, they plan on putting him on the list for his second transplant.
His next appointment is in TWO weeks. We both have next week off!
I've already got ideas for my extra day next week. LOL
He received his monthly dosage of the bone strengthening medication. I cannot for the life of me remember it's name! CANNOT! It's very late and I'm very tired.
On a good note, Tony has had an amazing week. Last weekend was and felt like pre cancer days. First time in months. Seriously enjoyed ourselves. His mood and attitude and voice and walk ---- all normal.
We ran errands together. We visited a friend for coffee. We went up north for the day. Used the snow blower for about 10 minutes. He even made an appearance at work! (could be the dex=steroids....shshsh)
We are in a good place right now.
Feels good
:D
At his next appointment, if all well, they plan on putting him on the list for his second transplant.
His next appointment is in TWO weeks. We both have next week off!
I've already got ideas for my extra day next week. LOL
He received his monthly dosage of the bone strengthening medication. I cannot for the life of me remember it's name! CANNOT! It's very late and I'm very tired.
On a good note, Tony has had an amazing week. Last weekend was and felt like pre cancer days. First time in months. Seriously enjoyed ourselves. His mood and attitude and voice and walk ---- all normal.
We ran errands together. We visited a friend for coffee. We went up north for the day. Used the snow blower for about 10 minutes. He even made an appearance at work! (could be the dex=steroids....shshsh)
We are in a good place right now.
Feels good
:D
Saturday, February 1, 2014
Fund Raising: Run or Walk - June 22, 2014
Hi Everyone,
We are participating in the Journey to Conquer Cancer- Run or Walk and raising funds for Multiple Myeloma research at the Princess Margaret Cancer Centre on Sunday, June 22, 2014.
With your help, we can raise funds needed for ground breaking research at The Princess Margaret. We are running or walking to benefit those currently fighting and be a part of a movement to save lives.
Every single person is different and at The Princess Margaret, cancer research is personalized to fit every individual's diagnosis, as we found out with Tony's cancer.
As one of the top 5 comprehensive cancer research centres in the world, The Princess Margaret is developing innovative cancer therapies that are changing cancer care for patients in Canada and around the world. We are truly blessed to have this centre in our neighbourhood.
Thank you so much for your support and with your help, we will CONQUER CANCER IN OUR LIFETIME!
TEAM NAME: GEMM Team
Here's the link to find out more information.
http://pmhf3.akaraisin.com/pledge/Team/Home.aspx?seid=7497&mid=10&tid=68713
We are participating in the Journey to Conquer Cancer- Run or Walk and raising funds for Multiple Myeloma research at the Princess Margaret Cancer Centre on Sunday, June 22, 2014.
With your help, we can raise funds needed for ground breaking research at The Princess Margaret. We are running or walking to benefit those currently fighting and be a part of a movement to save lives.
Every single person is different and at The Princess Margaret, cancer research is personalized to fit every individual's diagnosis, as we found out with Tony's cancer.
As one of the top 5 comprehensive cancer research centres in the world, The Princess Margaret is developing innovative cancer therapies that are changing cancer care for patients in Canada and around the world. We are truly blessed to have this centre in our neighbourhood.
Thank you so much for your support and with your help, we will CONQUER CANCER IN OUR LIFETIME!
TEAM NAME: GEMM Team
Here's the link to find out more information.
http://pmhf3.akaraisin.com/pledge/Team/Home.aspx?seid=7497&mid=10&tid=68713
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