Hello family and friends, sorry for the lapse in blogging, but we had some deciding to do. Stem cell transplant or no stem cell transplant, that is the question. The answer is...drum roll...Stem Cell Transplant! Since finding out Dave is in "Complete Response", Dave and I went about researching, ponding, questioning, is a stem cell transplant the best or only option? Well, 9 out of 10 doctor agree... okay, more like Dave's doctor believes... this is the best option for long term remission.
As you know, Dave has been experiencing Peripheal Neuropathy (nerve damage that causes extreme bone pain) and it has yet to subside. Peripheal Neuropathy is a side affect of one of the medications Dave was taking during chemo, called Velcade. This is common side affect that is supposed to go away after Velcade is stopped. Well, we all know Dave is not a "common" kind of guy, and the pain has worsened instead of gotten better! They have tried some pretty potent pain relievers, but they have only mildly made things better. Please pray for Dave to receive relief from this pain. He needs a break before we take on the next part of the MM fight.
We've been so lucky, luckier than most. Getting complete response at this stage is nothing short of a miracle and Dave is in the best place going into the stem cell transplant. Stanford is wasting no time in getting this process going. I've read through all the materials and frankly it is overwhelming. I broke down and cried, not because I'm scared that Dave won't come out of this in remission, but just over what my mom and Dave have to do and go through to get there. I get so angry some times. I mean really angry! Not at God- because I don't believe God zaps people. Just angry that Dave and my mom have to go through this. I hate cancer more than I've hated anything in my life. I just wish it would go away and things would be like they used to be. No, not like they used to be- better. Why can't we appreciate things before something like this happens and makes us appreciate things?
"S" (stem cell) day begins on February 14 and 15 with Dave and my mom traveling to Stanford to sign consent forms, have blood drawn, and attend classes on "the transplant". Wow, what a romantic way to spend Valentines Day! Nothing says "I love you" like learning how to take care of your catherter and self inject yourself... But, in reality...what says "I love you" more than a commitment to one another and the vows that were said, "I will love you in sickness and in health".
Timeline Summary:
End of February: Catherter Placement (tube is inserted into a large vein in chest) Done in Stanford
Beginning of March: Mobilization (moving the stem cells out of the bone marrow and into the blood for collection). This is accomplished by administering chemotherapy (high dose) and a growth factor (Neupogen) to stimulate the recovery of the white blood cells. This is as an out patient. Dave will inject himself with Neupogen.
Mid March: Apheresis (the collection of the stem cells from the blood and then froze. This occurs at the hospital (Stanford) and can take 1-5 days.
Beginning of April: Second mobilization (more chemo and Neupogen) at home
Begining to mid April: Second Apheresis (stem cells collected, then froze) 1-5 days in Stanford
Mid to end of April: Test, tests, and more tests. Last week in April Dave will be staying local to receive two large doses of chemo in preparation for stem cell transplant.
Beginning of May: Stem cell transplant. The process is very similar to a blood transfusion. Dave and Mom will have to live locally in Stanford possibly until the end of May for observation.
Side effect vary by person. Nausea, diarreas, hair lose, skin rash, vomitting are some possibilities. Please pray that Dave has an easy reaction to the high dose chemotherapy and that no infections enter his body. Dave will be very suseptible to infection and will have to wear a mask, adhere to a special diet, hand washing, special mouth care treatments, and avoid ill people.
We would appreciate everyone's prayers during this time. Please pray for God's loving presence to be with Dave and Mom. Pray for my mom and Dave's patients and strength as they will be leaving work, home, and family often over the next four months. Please feel free to call me at (559) 972-5754 or email me at anytime jeanabrks@yahoo.com during this time with questions.
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