Able to receive visitors and to get out.
I will not be on medication until October 31,
when results of test for remission will be in.
Your prayers and communications aid
my confidence that the results will be positive.
Until then,
Jack
Tuesday, August 23, 2011
Friday, August 12, 2011
Friday, August 12, 2011
Day 30 after SCT
Thank you Nick for clear and concise reporting of progress.
Doc says grafting complete and all numbers in normal range.
Nothing to do until day 100, when extensive tests
will be coducted to determine the degree of remission.
I'm reminded of my kids, when doc recommends, "You need to get out more."
The support you all communicated to me was instrumental in pulling
me through the ordeal of SCT. I am so grateful.
Thank You,
Jack
Wednesday, August 10, 2011
Feeling better day by day
Being at home, dad is definitely feeling better and getting stronger day by day. Sleep still isn't great by any means, but he's walking consistently and ever more vigorously every day. thanks again for everyones thoughts, prayers, cares, and help. Looks like we are all fortunate that his recovery has progressed as well as it has. Maybe therell even be a sighting of him on the golf course in november or december if things continue as well as they have.
Saturday, July 30, 2011
early return home
Pops got cleared for landing back to the house today. I was lucky to swing a flight through GA, Jena and Joey made it up, Lia was here, so it was a very joyous homecoming. He feels great, and looks great. Thanks for all the prayers. They're working. next up, hopefully he can finally get some good solid rest.
Wednesday, July 27, 2011
Quick incline
Two days ago dad spiked another fever, felt terrible, and had to undertake several multi-hour infusions to battle. Since, he has continually grown stronger and felt better. His bone marrow is now grafted and internally beginning to produce white blood cells. Progress is on track. In fact, he was progressing so well the doctors have released him from the hospital as of a few minutes ago. He will be staying at a nearby hotel so the doctors can be readily available for checkups or unforseen challenges. Altogether very promising news.
Saturday, July 23, 2011
Friday Night Fights
As we all know, Dad loves to watch boxing on Friday nights, "The Friday Night Fights."
Unfortunately, this week he was more of a contender than an observer. A very appropriate reference by Lia, who is still home helping so graciously.
Dad's chemo and stem-cell transplant operations are definitely going better than expected according to almost any account. The nurse's sometimes jokingly call him "low maintenance." (Mom do you agree he's low maintenance ;)
But, his recovery has not been without pitfalls. Last night he spiked a temperature, which is extremely dangerous when you don't have any white-blood cells. This friday night fight called on the help of the corner. With some transfusions and a morphine shot, it now appears his temperature is receding, and Dad is felling better, but will still need some good solid rest today.
Unfortunately, this week he was more of a contender than an observer. A very appropriate reference by Lia, who is still home helping so graciously.
Dad's chemo and stem-cell transplant operations are definitely going better than expected according to almost any account. The nurse's sometimes jokingly call him "low maintenance." (Mom do you agree he's low maintenance ;)
But, his recovery has not been without pitfalls. Last night he spiked a temperature, which is extremely dangerous when you don't have any white-blood cells. This friday night fight called on the help of the corner. With some transfusions and a morphine shot, it now appears his temperature is receding, and Dad is felling better, but will still need some good solid rest today.
Tuesday, July 19, 2011
mailing address
have had a couple requests on best address to send a card.
the best address is probably my parents' Fayetteville home address since my mom is going back and forth essentially daily, and my dad's room can and will be changing.
the best address is probably my parents' Fayetteville home address since my mom is going back and forth essentially daily, and my dad's room can and will be changing.
Saturday, July 16, 2011
still standing tall (and walking)
the chemo has all been administered and the doctors expected the decline to be in motion so far, but Dad is still feeling pretty good. no real loss of appetite, no weight loss, or hair loss yet. he's even been able to get up and around and go for some walks on the Emory campus with Mom and Lia, who's been in visiting and helping since Wednesday. it's nice too that the weather has been good, British Open has been on, and he has so many great friends.
the hospital staff has been very friendly too. when he got his infusion of stem cells and transfusion of new blood they threw him his new "birthday" party. this process in many ways a new birth because you shed so much (good and bad) with the old blood including all previous vaccines. when the process is all over, he'll need to get all new vaccinations.
there has been some minor symptoms so far such as low blood pressure, a silky taste to all food and drink, and a couple rounds of hiccups (might just be karma from playing "hiccups" with leo so much), but overall he's still hanging very tough. we don't want to be naive, and know that status can falter quite quickly, but are very grateful for all the success so far.
the hospital staff has been very friendly too. when he got his infusion of stem cells and transfusion of new blood they threw him his new "birthday" party. this process in many ways a new birth because you shed so much (good and bad) with the old blood including all previous vaccines. when the process is all over, he'll need to get all new vaccinations.
there has been some minor symptoms so far such as low blood pressure, a silky taste to all food and drink, and a couple rounds of hiccups (might just be karma from playing "hiccups" with leo so much), but overall he's still hanging very tough. we don't want to be naive, and know that status can falter quite quickly, but are very grateful for all the success so far.
Monday, July 11, 2011
stem cell transplant
well, things had gone well for a while.
he banked health stem cells, and felt while for a while.
yeah he had to take some stiff meds, but he was even acclimating to those.
there was a little hiccup with the meds and his heart, but the docs were able to time a good jolt and fix that too.
then, during a recent checkup, the doctors suggested it would be prudent to undergo the stem cell transplant now with the fully healthy stem cells he had banked last year. i'm not sure if the myeloma was re-emerging at a dangerous pace, but part of the thinking was that it would be smart to undergo the heavy operation while he was healthy and strong. treatments for mm are progressing rapidly, and having this operation now will ensure he recovers safely, he has very low levels of mm for a long time after that.
he's had a couple days of pre check-in medication that was supposed to bring some nausea and side effects but he weathered it in really good spirits.
he checked into the hospital today, and they actually started the chemo treatment of the stem cell transplant this evening.
from my basic understanding of the procedure the timeline will go something like this.
as the chemicals take stronger and stronger hold, and kill good and bad, his condition will temporarily deteriorate.
the decline should become apparent later this week, and the following week and half after that should be a trough.
after that, his healthy cells will begin to be infused and he will also initiate internal recovery, and his status will only progress.
if all goes to schedule he will be able to check-out of the hospital at the end of the month, ~ 28 July.
wish him luck, keep the old bear in your prayers again.
will keep you updated on the milestones.
love,
Nick
he banked health stem cells, and felt while for a while.
yeah he had to take some stiff meds, but he was even acclimating to those.
there was a little hiccup with the meds and his heart, but the docs were able to time a good jolt and fix that too.
then, during a recent checkup, the doctors suggested it would be prudent to undergo the stem cell transplant now with the fully healthy stem cells he had banked last year. i'm not sure if the myeloma was re-emerging at a dangerous pace, but part of the thinking was that it would be smart to undergo the heavy operation while he was healthy and strong. treatments for mm are progressing rapidly, and having this operation now will ensure he recovers safely, he has very low levels of mm for a long time after that.
he's had a couple days of pre check-in medication that was supposed to bring some nausea and side effects but he weathered it in really good spirits.
he checked into the hospital today, and they actually started the chemo treatment of the stem cell transplant this evening.
from my basic understanding of the procedure the timeline will go something like this.
as the chemicals take stronger and stronger hold, and kill good and bad, his condition will temporarily deteriorate.
the decline should become apparent later this week, and the following week and half after that should be a trough.
after that, his healthy cells will begin to be infused and he will also initiate internal recovery, and his status will only progress.
if all goes to schedule he will be able to check-out of the hospital at the end of the month, ~ 28 July.
wish him luck, keep the old bear in your prayers again.
will keep you updated on the milestones.
love,
Nick
Thursday, July 15, 2010
July 15,
Cells are banked, transplantation not required.
Will begin several cycles at months end,
then maintenance program and checkups.
Feeling good, and ready to watch the Open.
Jack
Will begin several cycles at months end,
then maintenance program and checkups.
Feeling good, and ready to watch the Open.
Jack
Saturday, July 10, 2010
July, 10
Extensive testing at Emory resulted in Dr. Kaufman's conclusion of complete remission. Stem cell banking this week, to be followed by a few "Insurance" chemo. cycles, then a schedule of maintenance medications and periodic checkups.
Dr. York's team's program of the appropriate meds. and your support facillitated God's healing from within.
I am so greatful for your gestures and messages instilling faith and positiveness that are instrumental in my recovery.
Jack
Dr. York's team's program of the appropriate meds. and your support facillitated God's healing from within.
I am so greatful for your gestures and messages instilling faith and positiveness that are instrumental in my recovery.
Jack
Friday, July 2, 2010
July 2nd
Treatments at PHOC have brought me to remission.
Wednesday I completed evaluation tests for stem cell
banking and transplantation. Dr. will have results
on July 9th. He may recommend banking and delayed
transplantaion, or immediate transplantation.
Delayed would be my preference to buy time for
new medicines and negate need for transplantaion,
which requires 2 to 3 week recovery period.
Have been completely off pain med.for 2 weeks
and feel fine.
Jack
Wednesday I completed evaluation tests for stem cell
banking and transplantation. Dr. will have results
on July 9th. He may recommend banking and delayed
transplantaion, or immediate transplantation.
Delayed would be my preference to buy time for
new medicines and negate need for transplantaion,
which requires 2 to 3 week recovery period.
Have been completely off pain med.for 2 weeks
and feel fine.
Jack
Tuesday, June 15, 2010
June 15
The consultation at Emory went well, the Dr. is in on the cutting edge of research into new treatments. There will be a few more tests required before stem cells can be harvested and banked for future contingency. I am encouraged that my results thus far indicate I am a good candidate for this program and that remission can last years.
I will continue to take the drugs that got me this far, with the exception of pain medicine and chemotherapy, which are not needed now.
I will continue to take the drugs that got me this far, with the exception of pain medicine and chemotherapy, which are not needed now.
Tuesday, June 8, 2010
June 8,
Today Dr. York advised he is sending me to the Multiple Myeloma Center at Emory. There tests will be done to determine my eligibility to bank stem cells.
This good news reflects his positive assessment of my response to treatment.
The tests at Emory will give an accurate indication of my condition, and will be completed this month. I will be in the care of the Dr. heading up the M. M. Center whom DR. york holds in high regard.
Hang in there with me, as I feel I can hit my stride over these hurdles.
Jack
This good news reflects his positive assessment of my response to treatment.
The tests at Emory will give an accurate indication of my condition, and will be completed this month. I will be in the care of the Dr. heading up the M. M. Center whom DR. york holds in high regard.
Hang in there with me, as I feel I can hit my stride over these hurdles.
Jack
Saturday, May 22, 2010
May 22,
Tuesday began what may be my last cycle.
Dr. York said "Myeloma indicators are not detected."
Looking foreward to only a blocker and monthly checkups.
I may bank stem cells as a precaution.
The good news has me energized and positive.
I'm walking along a hilly 9 hole course in 40 minutes.
Light weights and bone building become a priority.
Cancer research including epigenetics is accelerating.
Love those brilliant researchers and
you for bringing me along.
jack
Dr. York said "Myeloma indicators are not detected."
Looking foreward to only a blocker and monthly checkups.
I may bank stem cells as a precaution.
The good news has me energized and positive.
I'm walking along a hilly 9 hole course in 40 minutes.
Light weights and bone building become a priority.
Cancer research including epigenetics is accelerating.
Love those brilliant researchers and
you for bringing me along.
jack
Saturday, May 8, 2010
May 8
A truly Happy Birthday is today.
Feeling stronger, pain is gone and mental state calmer.
Reducing some side effects medicines now.
If next cycle sucessful I may need only one medicine and require
only monthly checkups. So concerned about maintaining health
I'll probably be shaking like a leaf during the checkup.
Your contiued support keeps my spirirts buoyed.
Thank You,
jack
Feeling stronger, pain is gone and mental state calmer.
Reducing some side effects medicines now.
If next cycle sucessful I may need only one medicine and require
only monthly checkups. So concerned about maintaining health
I'll probably be shaking like a leaf during the checkup.
Your contiued support keeps my spirirts buoyed.
Thank You,
jack
Saturday, May 1, 2010
May 1,
Reached the halfway point of number of treatment cycles.
A protein that indicates the presence of multiple myeloma
is not detectable. Should it remain undetectable through remaining cycles,
it would indicate that I'm in remission. I would be put on one medicine, at 1/5 dosage, and get checkups to assure no cancer return. We got this news yesterday,and are so indebted to each of you for your support through prayer, meals, visits, books, cards, phone calls, and email. They are vital.
A protein that indicates the presence of multiple myeloma
is not detectable. Should it remain undetectable through remaining cycles,
it would indicate that I'm in remission. I would be put on one medicine, at 1/5 dosage, and get checkups to assure no cancer return. We got this news yesterday,and are so indebted to each of you for your support through prayer, meals, visits, books, cards, phone calls, and email. They are vital.
Sunday, April 25, 2010
April 25
Cycle schedule has given me this weeek off.
Feeling good and finding increasd ability to
eliminate the negative and accentuate the positive.
Many believe dealing with hardships in a positive manner
is conducive to good health.
Research at U. of Texas in Houston found that stress hormones produce an adrenal activated protein that helped cancer cells survive unattached.
Healthy cells typically need to be attached to survive.
Cancer patients who had higher levels of stress hormones,
saw the disease progress faster.
Jack
Feeling good and finding increasd ability to
eliminate the negative and accentuate the positive.
Many believe dealing with hardships in a positive manner
is conducive to good health.
Research at U. of Texas in Houston found that stress hormones produce an adrenal activated protein that helped cancer cells survive unattached.
Healthy cells typically need to be attached to survive.
Cancer patients who had higher levels of stress hormones,
saw the disease progress faster.
Jack
Saturday, April 17, 2010
April 17
Sis Meri, bro-in law Scott and son Nick visited last wkend.
They took care of some much needed chores around here.
That wkend and this are low pt in cycle, as I go cold turkey
from steroids. next wkend will be better as I am off cycle till 4/27.
Docter York indicates progress is excellent. I am optimstic
there will be some definitive good news after a few more cycles.
Let us pray. Up to 40 min on the walk and no pain on the recently reduced med., which could be eliminated in a month or so.
Your support has provided a lifting of my spirits, that is essential to healing.
I am so greatful, and thank each one of you so much.
They took care of some much needed chores around here.
That wkend and this are low pt in cycle, as I go cold turkey
from steroids. next wkend will be better as I am off cycle till 4/27.
Docter York indicates progress is excellent. I am optimstic
there will be some definitive good news after a few more cycles.
Let us pray. Up to 40 min on the walk and no pain on the recently reduced med., which could be eliminated in a month or so.
Your support has provided a lifting of my spirits, that is essential to healing.
I am so greatful, and thank each one of you so much.
Wednesday, April 14, 2010
Masters Weekend
after surviving a flight home on Friday night on Air Tran (there were people answering phones and asking to use the restroom during the actual takeoff), i was greeted by Mom, Auntie Meri and Uncle Scott. It was great to see all of them, and the fun continued throughout the weekend, and was supported by seeing Dad in good spirits and visibly getting stronger. He had a chemo treatment of friday (it's too bad those have to be right before the weekends, when people come) but even as that started making things a little difficult on Sunday, he hung in strong and was up and about and in a pretty good mood. (i guess a good thing about having them on Friday is that when things are the toughest is when people are there to help, so it works both ways).
We all had a leisurely breakfast on Saturday where we discussed the tenets of Buddhism (i guess everyone had just watched a show Siddhartha) before i got there. Kris's Trey and co. were over doing work around the house. After breakfast we picked up where they left off. Scott shop-vacced all the ac units and i pressure washed the patio furniture and patio. Dad kept sneaking out trying to help us, but mysteriously disappeared right around when the Masters came on. Uncle Warren and the Feldmans were generous to bring over some great food for dinner. Together with Mom's cooking it was wonderful seeing everybody. It was a lot of excitement, but Dad hung in there, even when everyone got me talking econ. That's a real trooper. It was nice to see Mom enjoying seeing everyone too.
Sunday morning necessitated Scott and I getting a workout in to work off so much good food. Meri and Mom got a walk in too. Scott was a big help up in the attic while we shop vacced the excrement of a rogue squirrel. Squatting around in tight spots in rafters with a shopvacc is tough on its own, never mind after you did a bunch of squats. Auntie Meri was a big help in the kitchen too. The dishwasher was misbehaving, and as everyone knows, Mastronardis can go through some serious silverware. With Auntie's incessant help, the dishes never backed up and the kitchen stayed clean. It was sad when we had to take them to the airport around noon.
Mom and I stopped by Auntie Leslie and Uncle Warren's on the way home. It was awesome to see Auntie Leslie looking so well. And, it's always great to see Uncle Warren. After we got home, Mom and I finished cleaning every last thing out of the attic. That was some hard work especially since it had really heated up up there. We ended up getting everything done, and watched the great finish to the morality play also called the Masters. You gotta be happy for Phil. (sorry you didn't win all the money Brady, ... next year;).
Well, all in all it was productive and fun trip seeing the ol 'rents and everybody. Hope all you readers are doing fine and Spring is finding everybody well. Monday morning brought me an early flight back to work. But, after AirTran had to abort the takeoff because of a warning light halfway down the runway, it turned into a late morning flight back to work. Oh well, back to the routine for everybody. Let's hope Dad's routine, which has its cycles of ups and downs, continues it general upward trend and Dr. York continues to work miracles.
Peace (and Nirvana).
We all had a leisurely breakfast on Saturday where we discussed the tenets of Buddhism (i guess everyone had just watched a show Siddhartha) before i got there. Kris's Trey and co. were over doing work around the house. After breakfast we picked up where they left off. Scott shop-vacced all the ac units and i pressure washed the patio furniture and patio. Dad kept sneaking out trying to help us, but mysteriously disappeared right around when the Masters came on. Uncle Warren and the Feldmans were generous to bring over some great food for dinner. Together with Mom's cooking it was wonderful seeing everybody. It was a lot of excitement, but Dad hung in there, even when everyone got me talking econ. That's a real trooper. It was nice to see Mom enjoying seeing everyone too.
Sunday morning necessitated Scott and I getting a workout in to work off so much good food. Meri and Mom got a walk in too. Scott was a big help up in the attic while we shop vacced the excrement of a rogue squirrel. Squatting around in tight spots in rafters with a shopvacc is tough on its own, never mind after you did a bunch of squats. Auntie Meri was a big help in the kitchen too. The dishwasher was misbehaving, and as everyone knows, Mastronardis can go through some serious silverware. With Auntie's incessant help, the dishes never backed up and the kitchen stayed clean. It was sad when we had to take them to the airport around noon.
Mom and I stopped by Auntie Leslie and Uncle Warren's on the way home. It was awesome to see Auntie Leslie looking so well. And, it's always great to see Uncle Warren. After we got home, Mom and I finished cleaning every last thing out of the attic. That was some hard work especially since it had really heated up up there. We ended up getting everything done, and watched the great finish to the morality play also called the Masters. You gotta be happy for Phil. (sorry you didn't win all the money Brady, ... next year;).
Well, all in all it was productive and fun trip seeing the ol 'rents and everybody. Hope all you readers are doing fine and Spring is finding everybody well. Monday morning brought me an early flight back to work. But, after AirTran had to abort the takeoff because of a warning light halfway down the runway, it turned into a late morning flight back to work. Oh well, back to the routine for everybody. Let's hope Dad's routine, which has its cycles of ups and downs, continues it general upward trend and Dr. York continues to work miracles.
Peace (and Nirvana).
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