Dave Update-June 28, 2011

Hi there family and friends, today marks 25 days post transplant and day 6 back at home for Dave.  My mom and Dave returned home last Wednesday and the kids and I were there to welcome them (whether they liked it or not).  I think they were shocked by the heat, but still thrilled to be back with there favorites.  No, not me or the kids...but Dexter and Shelby (their cats)!  It does kind of make them sound like those weird cat people, huh?  A matter of fact, my kids have so many grandparents (the gift of coming from divorced parents) that when they were young they started differentiating them by characteristics that made sense to them.  Can you guess what they call mom and Dave?  You guessed it!  Cat Grandma and Cat Grandpa!  Ya, it's official they are weird cat people.  You almost can picture a house filled with 100's of cats with matching litter boxes...  I digress. 

Since being home, my mom has returned to work (hospitality instructor at SEE) and Dave has begun his job of recovering and allowing his brand new immune system to kick into gear.  He has been extremely fatigued and says its hard to wake up in the morning.  He's still struggling with his appetite and has had some aches and pains.  This is very discouraging to him.  I tell him this is normal, but I think his mind wants things to happen that his body is just not ready for.  It really will take some time for Dave to regain his strength and start feeling like himself again.  He will have good days and bad days.  Most patients are still in the hospital 25 days post transplant!  We have to give Dave a big whoop, whoop for his super hero status.  He was supposed to go to Stanford for a check up tomorrow, but I think he was going to try and postpone it.  He really is too tired to make a one day trip.  I think they are going to try and reschedule for next week.

Keep our family in your prayer and say a special prayer for my grandfather who has been suffering from some health issues himself.  Come on Callahans, what happened to the "Luck of the Irish?"  (Definition:  Some suggest "Luck of the Irish" means that the Irish are inherently lucky, and seem to be able to land on their feet when bad circumstances occur).  Interesting choice of words... Don't cats "land on their feet?"  Sorry, Dave.  It couldn't be helped! 

June 21, 2011

Hello family and friends, great news!  Dave had his port (where they administered chemo and the transplant) removed yesterday.  And do you know what that means?  Well, it means he is done and the doctor's feel his numbers and progress is at a point where he can come home!  So, Dave and my mom are coming home tomorrow!  I'm so excited, but not even close to what they are feeling.  They had the apartment paid until Saturday, but management allowed them a refund for the unused days!  The news just keeps getting better.  Not to mention, Dave has been released 2 1/2 weeks post transplant.  This is very unusual and just shows how well Dave has done. 

We had a great time with Dave and my mom this past weekend and we feel lucky we were able to experience a little bit of what they've been living.   I made Dave take me to the hospital even though it was his day off.  I know, I know, cruel, but I wanted to see what he's seen.  The hospital is amazing.  Dave was saying how he probably could have appreciate the architecture more had he not been there for treatment.  Dave has lost some weight because he wasn't eating much from his stay in the hospital.  Luckily when we got there he was having a little more of an appetite and was able to get a few good meals in.  Dave and Cory watched golf while mom and I went to the mall.  It was underwhelming and over-priced.  I guess I wouldn't make a very good wealthy person because I could never justify spending $350 on a purse.  If it's more than $40 I'm questioning my sanity.  Later in the evening we toured the grounds of their huge apartment complex.  The walking trails were amazing.  The funniest part of the walk was when mom had to return to get something and had Dave hold her glass of wine.  Yes, mom and I walk with wine.  It's tradition (wink, wink).  Dave has to wear this mask when out in public to protect him because of his compromised immune system.  It's not like a surgical mask, more like a gas type mask.  Maybe not quite as dramatic, but nevertheless, he's stand out.  Dave, Cory, and I are waiting for mom and Dave is holding this glass of wine with his mask on when this walker walked by.  I thought I was going to fall over with the look on this guys face.  I even had to do a reinactment for everyone it was so funny.  I guess it wasn't every day that you see a masked man holding a glass of wine.

We walked over to the club house on the property and hung out and visited on the balcony and then even played a foursome of pool.  I don't want to brag, but I made the winning shot.  Mind you, it was my only shot, but still....

We had a little glitch in our hotel reservations and at 9 at night after three glasses of wine had to search Palo Alto for a place to stay.  Thanks a lot Priceline!  We ended up at the Hooker Hut!  Okay, the Travel Lodge, but it might has well been called...

It was all worth it to get to see my parents and be with Dave on Father's Day.  Thank you to everyone for all your support.  I saw the many cards they had displayed around the apartment.  You are all so sweet, kind, and thoughtful.  I'm so proud to call you our famiy and friends!.

Dave will have to return to Standford for a check up in early July.  For now, he will need to rest and allow his body to reboot. 

Dave Update- June 17, 2011

Hello Family and Friends, Dave is plugging along today.  He's feeling a bit better and started to eat some small meals.  He even started to ease slowly back with a short walk.  He's in training I guess for our visit tomorrow.  His numbers are continuig to rise.  A matter of fact he is doing so well he does not have to go back for a doctor's appointment until Monday!  That means he has the whole weekend free, yay!  And maybe, just maybe, they might remove his port sometime next week. 

Cory and I are heading out real early in the morning for our visit.  We are so excited to see them and get to spend part of Father's Day in Palo Alto.  Speaking of Father's Day:

I have to say God has blessed me with two amazing dads.  I've been a daddy's girl from birth and couldn't imagine that another man could hold a special place in my life like my real dad.  But, as you know by now, there was one... Dave.

I met Dave when I believe I was 12 or 13.  My brothers were 14, 16, and 3 if my estimation is correct.  I actually remember one of the first times I met Dave, and frankly I'm surprised I ever saw him again.  My mom loves to tell this story, probably because she is just as shocked as I am that he came back around.  My mom was working when she called the house to check on us and I told her that my older brother and his friend were throwing up EVERYWHERE!  I was crying and freaking out and trying my best to clean up the mess.  My mom sent Dave by to check on us.  What was SHE thinking?  Seriously, was she trying to scare the guy away?  Here he comes by, I'm crying and he's having to help me get my brother in the shower to clean him up.  There was throw up everywhere, even in the front of the house!  I don't recall all of the details, just that Dave tried his best to help.  The funny thing is, not too long after that he told my mom he was relocating from Santa Maria (where we lived) to the Valley.  Hmmm, curious, no?  There are differing accounts of what happened at this point, but the end result was that my mom and Ben moved to Hanford, and then ultimately to Visalia with Dave, where they've been ever since.  I stayed behind and lived with my dad, but would visit often on holidays and in the summer. 

There are so many experiences and memories that make up a relationship and Dave has been here for most of my milestones:  College, multiple heart aches, trips abroad and the most important:



Me and Dave dancing the Father/Daughter dance at my wedding.  My dad walked me down the aisle and I shared my first dance with Dave. 

My mom and Dave were there for the birth of my first child, Eden.  Dave videotapped me while I was in labor and was in the waiting room while I delivered my precious baby daughter.

Three years later, along came Mason who shares his middle name with his Granpa,  Mason David

These are just a few of the examples of what makes up our relationship.  I'm so looking forward to many more.  I've shared this poem I wrote for Dave with you all before, but I have to include it under this section as Father Day approaches.  It really does sum up all my feelings for Dave. 

To Father, From Daughter

What makes a Father-Daughter bond so strong?

Is it a biological thread that makes us belong?

Do genetics, chromosomes, and heredity from the start

Determine what ultimately makes up our heart?

If this is true, than look no farther;

I’m simply a mixture of my father and mother

Is that the only answer of what make me, me?

Or could I have fallen farther from the tree?

Wasn’t I shy and afraid of everything new?

Wasn’t I the quiet girl that didn’t have a clue?

No goals and no ideas of what I could be.

But you had a way of seeing way beyond me.

You showed me the world was so much larger.

And that never trying just made things harder.

You watched me fail and make mistake after mistake.

Never letting me fall completely flat on my face

 When I look in the mirror, it’s you that I see

Not so much physically, but spiritually.

We have the same flaws, same restlessness, and dry wit.

There’s an understanding here that some just don’t get.

What does “step” father mean anyway?

Does it mean you are a step lower or step farther away?

Does it define you as having less worth?

Simply because you didn’t witness my birth?

I know without a doubt that biology doesn’t matter

It’s not what makes up a father and daughter

It’s investment in time, in laughter, and pain

It’s more than sharing a person’s last name.

Genetics has nothing to do with what’s real

It’s your imprint on my soul that sealed the deal

Now it’s my time to show all I’ve learned

Now that the tables have finally turned.

I will be here for you, as you’ve been there for me

In sickness and in health or whatever it may be

When you look in my eyes, don’t look any harder

What you will see is a daughter’s love for her father.

Dave Update-June 16, 2011

Hello family and friends, Dave was released from the hospital today.  His numbers have gone up to 3.8 which is really fantastic!  He's not feeling like a million bucks and hasn't ate much in the past several days, but hopefully now that he is back to the apartment his appetite will improve.  I can't imagine hospital food is very appetizing.  My mom is convinced that he did worse in the hospital and I tend to agree.  Of course, he will still be monitored closely for infection.  In fact, in my research, it typically takes 6+ months for the immune system to get back to "normal" after transplant.  That doesn't mean he won't be able to come home, but that he will have to continue to be conscientious of germs, sick people, etc.  In reality, MM patients will always have a compromised immune system to some extent and should practice safety precautions for life. 

Thank you for all your prayers, letters, phone calls, messages, etc.  We are lucky to have so many loving people in our lives.

Jeana

Dave Update-June15, 2011

Hello family and friends, I spoke with Dave this morning and he said his white blood count is rising.  He's over 1.0 right now.  I'm not a hundred percent sure how Stanford classifies the safe level, but some of the MM patients I follow are saying 2.0 or higher.  I'll let you know when I find out for sure.  We are hopeful that Dave will get released tomorrow.  They said if he doesn't get any fever today after getting him off antibiotics than he should be safe to go back to the apartment tomorrow.  I'm hoping this is true since we are going for a visit on Saturday.  I can't wait to see Dave and Mom.  I know it has only been two weeks, but it feels like forever.  I can imagine it feels a ton worse for them. 

Dave Update-June 13, 2011

Hello family and friends, I spoke with my mom this morning and she informed me that Dave was hospitalized last night with a fever.  In the last blog, I explained that any fever above 100.4 they require the patient to be hospitalized so that they can monitor them even closer.  Mom was taking Dave's temp regularly last night and it reached 100.8 so she insisted they call the hospital.  Around 8 p.m. they headed over and he was admitted.  At this point there is nothing to be concerned about.  It's really amazing that he made it 10 days post transplant before being hospitalized.  This is just normal precautionary measures. 

They will keep Dave admitted until his white counts start to rise.  They will be giving him high doses of antibiotics for the fever, fluids, his meds through an IV, and will keep him very comfortable. 

If there are any changes, I will let you know.

Dave Update-June 11, 2011

Hi there family and friends, sorry for the lapse in updates, but there wasn't really much new to report until now.  Dave is still doing really good so far, except he has got to a few of those pesky mouth sores.  The mouth sores are in his throat so you can imagine how annoying that must be.  He received some "liquid" pain med today so hopefully that will help manage the discomfort they cause.  He also has a slight fever.  Nothing alarming at this point, but obviously they will montior him carefully.  They got it down to a 99 degrees I believe and if it goes to 100.4 they would hospitalize him so they can monitor him even more cafefully.  He is in great hands and the staff is taking great care of him. 

Each day is a new unknown, but so far Dave has been the ideal patient, breaking all "normal" and "to be expected" symptoms and complications transplant patients typically experience. 

Cory and I will be going for a visit next weekend.  I seriously can't wait!  I really miss mom and Dave and can't wait to see them.  I hope to go to one of Dave's doctor's appointment, see the hospital, and maybe sneak over to the mall with my mom, while the guys visit. I'm so excited to be in Palo Alto on Father's Day and get to spend some time with Dave and my mom. 

My parents have been thrilled by all the cards and gifts family and friends have sent.  How thoughful and kind of all of you.  It can be lonely being away from your home, but you have made it easier.  Thank you.

Dave Update-June 8, 2011

Hello family and friends, it looks like things are looking up for Dave.  He started feeling better yesterday and was able to go on a short walk with my mom and finally eat a little. The medication they gave him for nausea has been working so no more "up chuck".  His numbers are dropping just like they should and he will start nupragen shots tomorrow.  Neupogen is a growth factor that is used to bring Dave's stem cells back up to fighting levels (after chemo wiped out his immune system) and helps to stimulate an accelerated production of white blood cells (which Dave needs to fight off infections). We are day 5 post transplant and Dave still hasn't been hospitalized!  We are close to zeroing out his system so if we get through the next few days without any complications, we should be over the hump.  Fever and infection- stay away!

I read and follow many blogs on multiple myeloma patients and Dave really is doing remarkable well considering everything his body has gone through. 

I also want you all to know today is Mom and Dave's Anniversary.  It was 26 years today that they married.  Wow!  I was 15 years old and I'm sure many of you remember what a great day it was.  Well, actually, now that I think of it, many of you probably don't "remember" much about that day- if you know what I mean! (wink)! 

Not many couples make it 26 years these days and I have a lot of respect for my parent's commitment to each other and our family.  Those of us who have failed at marriage know what a challenge it is and how selfless you have to be at times to make things work.  I've seen this time and time again between my mom and Dave.  I see it now, as my mom so lovingly and painsakingly has cared for Dave.  I see it in Dave as he took on four children and raised them as his own. 

I found this poem I wanted to share.  I did not write it, but I thought it was a wonderful example of what God wanted out of marriage.  I think mom and Dave are a beautiful example of this and I hope that all of us who have struggled in marriage and commitment can recognize why God created this amazing partnership.

God created marriage,
for he knew we'd need a friend.
To share our hopes and dreams with,
and love us 'till the end.

God created marriage,
to teach us how to share.
All our earthly assets,
and make us more aware;

That someone else's feelings,
are more important than our own.
And not one of us is perfect,
so we can't cast a stone.

God created marriage,
to teach us to forgive.
His life was our example,
He showed us how to give.

God created marriage,
to teach us how to say.
"I love you" to another person,
each and every day.
Please say a special prayer for mom and Dave today as they celebrate their anniversary.  I pray that God strengthens their commitment to each other.  I pray that their eyes are wide open to the gifts they have given each other over the years and that an abundance of appreciation, forgiveness, and peace will cover them. 

Dave Update-June 6, 2011

Hola friends and family, we are day 3 post transplant and Dave is still experiencing loss of appetite and nausea.  The good news is, no mouth sores as of yet.  Mouth sores are really common for transplant patients and extremly bothersome as well.  Dave's white blood cells still haven't bottomed out, but typically it takes about 7 days post transplant so hopefully by the end of the week we will be heading on the upswing.  Dave has been sleeping a lot due to the benadryl they are giving him along with the anti-nausea medication.  As far as Mom and I are concerned, let him sleep through this and wake up all better!  Dave is still doing good enough that he has not had to be hospitalized so this is a great sign.  I feel so much anxiety being so far away as I'm sure a lot of you do, but I have zero doubt that Dave will come out of this as Charlie Sheen would say, "Winning!" 

God is good.

Much Love,
Jeana

Dave Update-June 5, 2011

Hello family and friends, just a quick update on Dave's progress.  Well, the chemo is kicking in and he suffered from some major nauseousness yesterday.  He is having a real hard time keeping food down and threw up several times last night and this morning.  To top things off, Mom was suffering from some stomach bug herself so they were both pretty much bed ridden all yesterday.  I spoke with Mom this morning and Dave was not eating and hadn't since the morning the day before.  He also wasn't taking his medication.  They had an appointment this morning at 11:30 and they were able to give him his medication through his water pouch, which included the much needed anti-nausea medication.  Really, this is to be expected and things will probably get worse as his immune system zeros out before his numbers start to rise.  Thankfully, as of now he hasn't been hospitalized.  Each day is a new day of unknowns so please keep your prayers coming.  Much love, Jeana

Dave Update-June 4, 2011

Adios Cancer!!!

  Dave is getting his benedryl and other meds before they start the transplant.

Here is Dave relaxing during the actual transplant.
Hello family and friends, Dave had his transplant yesterday and it went well.  Although they were at the hospital for over 4 hours, the transplant took a whooping 5 minutes.  Crazy, right?  It's kind of like Christmas.  You plan, decorate, by gifts, wrap presents, mail presents, etc. for several months and it's over in one day.  I spoke with Dave this morning and he sounds great!  He said he felt a little tightening of his chest during the transplant and a weird taste in his mouth, overwise anti-climatic.  We are hopeful there won't be any complications and little discomfort, but the majority of patients do end up being admitted back to the hospital for low platelets, potassium, or some other issue that can occur when your entire immune system has been wiped away.  Dave goes to the hospital daily for blood work and to monitor his progress.  I will keep you posted on any changes, but it looks like we are kicking cancer's ***.  I know, I'm a classy gal aren't I? 


RESEARCH FINDINGS
I did want to share some exciting findings from recent reseach that has been conducted in Spain.  This is postive news for multiple myeloma patients in complete response (which is where Dave is going into the stem cell transplant).  Please note, Dave has an agressive abnormal chromosome and I'm unsure it his type is included in this study.  But, if you recall from a previous blog entry I told you that they have a new drug that is showing very responsive to Dave's abnormal chromosome.  Very promising news for the multiple myeloma community.

Spanish researchers recently published long-term follow-up results confirming that a complete response following stem cell transplantation in multiple myeloma patients increases overall and progression-free survival compared to a very good or partial response.
Treatment with high-dose chemotherapy followed by stem cell transplantation is a standard therapeutic approach for younger, newly diagnosed multiple myeloma patients. There has been some debate among researchers, however, as to whether the quality of response following transplantation can predict patient outcome.
In 2000, the same group of researchers published results demonstrating that complete response should be an important goal of stem cell transplantation as it improved overall survival rates in multiple myeloma patients (see the 2000 study). The goal of the current study was to confirm these results after a longer follow-up period.
The researchers studied 344 multiple myeloma patients who had received stem cell transplants between 1989 and 1998. All 344 patients were included in the original 2000 study. When the follow-up analysis was done in February 2010, updated information was available for 322 of these patients.
Based on the long-term follow-up study, the average progression-free survival period for complete responders following transplantation was 47 months, compared to 30 months for near complete responders, 27 months for very good partial responders, and 23 months for partial responders. At a 12 year follow-up point, 28 percent of complete responders remained progression-free, while 19 percent of near complete responders, 10 percent of very good partial responders, and 11 percent of partial responders remained progression-free.
Overall survival was 91 months for patients achieving a complete response, 56 months, 55 months, and 43 months for patients achieving a near complete, very good partial, and partial response, respectively. At a follow up of 12 years, the overall survival rates were 35 percent for complete responders, 22 percent for near complete responders, and 16 percent for both very good and partial responders.
Based on their results, the researchers concluded that those patients who achieved a complete response following transplantation had a significant survival advantage over those who did not achieve a complete response. Patients who received a near complete response, very good partial response, or partial response were considered to have similar progression-free and overall survival times.
The study also found that a plateau in the progression-free survival and overall survival times occurred 11 years after transplantation. In other words, the number of patients who progressed or died over time leveled off around 11 years, such that those patients who were still alive and still in remission at 11 years were likely to continue living in remission.
A total of 35 percent of patients who achieved a complete response reached plateau, and all patients still in complete response at plateau had not relapsed in an average of five years beyond plateau. The study authors suggested this indicates that these patients may be cured.
Of the patients who achieved a near complete, very good partial, or partial response, 11 percent reached plateau. Two patients in this group relapsed since the plateau.

Dave Update-June 2, 2011

Hello family and friends, well mom and Dave are settled in to their posh (okay, maybe not posh) apartment in Palo Alto.  It's not home, but... it's better than the hospital.  Dave had x-rays and blood work completed on Tuesday, and had his Melphalan chemo yesterday.  The chemo drip took only 20 minutes and he was sent "home" to relax.  He's dragging around a water pump to help him stay hydrated and his infection precautions began, meaning he has to have a special diet and be super careful of germs.  (washing hands frequently, wearing mask when out)  I'm actually happy about this because dehydration has been a big issue for Dave after each chemo.  Today is blood work and he will be having a CT scan this everning. 

Tomorrow is Transplant day.  They will bring Dave's frozen harvested cells and "transplant" (similar to a blood transfusion) them back in his body through the "line" in his upper chest.  Takes approximately 20 minutes.  The image below is an example of what it looks like. 



From what I understand, Dave's white cell count will bottom out and then what they will look for is those number to start to rise as the healthy cells take over. 

I spoke with Dave this morning and he sounds fantastic!  He's feeling really good and positive about tomorrow.  The doctor did tell him it might take a few days to feel any side affects from the chemo and transplant, but we are hopeful that Dave will ease on through this.  Below is a short video that me and the kids did this morning for Dave.  Poor Cory did the videotapping so he's not in it, but this is from him as well.