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.