Dave Update-August 1, 2011

Hello family & friends, just a short update on Dave.  We are now 58days post transplant.  Each day, Dave is getting stronger.  He has put on approximately 10 pounds and is getting some color back to his skin.  And if you investigate closely, I believe a little peach fuzz is growing on his head...

He had an appointment on July 27 in Stanford to meet with his doctor.  His big brother Steve drove along with him since my mom had to work.  Thanks Steve!  The appointment included labs and a discussion with his doctor.  In terms of continuing care at Stanford, his doctor said he can do follow up appointment at his local oncologist.  This is great news and eliminates the burden of having to drive 3 1/2 hours and back for a doctor's appointment.  So far, all Dave's numbers look good.   Dave asked the doctor what kind of "remission" he could expect.  She gave a median of 2 years.  Anotherwords, she doesn't know.  Each patients is different and there is no way of predicting what the future holds.  It's best to take things "one day at a time".  But, Dave has been on the good side of luck ( I call it the grace of God) since getting this disease.  I'm not sure what is next in terms of care.  I believe Dave is leaning toward no maintenance therapy.  I"m in support of this because, although recent research has proven maintenace therapy (using Revlimid or thalidomide after SCT, delays the progression of the disease, but don't prove patients live longer.  The truth of the matter, the studies are too new to really tell the benefit.  Nevertheless, maintenance therapy is becoming a standard following SCT (stem cell trasplant).  To even make matters more confusing, additional international studies and data is showing possible secondary cancers utilizing Revlimid for maintenance.  My vote is no and I believe this is Dave and even his Stanford doctor's vote as well.  If Dave falls out of "remission"  (complete response) he has other options such as an additional SCT (he has extra from his last harvest), maintenance chemos, and some very promising clinical trials. 

The doctor will monitor his numbers regularly and probably in the next couple of months he will have another bone marrow biopsy for restaging. 

I see a lot of the "old", and I mean, "pre-cancer" Dave lately.  My husband, myself, and the kids went to Montana for a couple of weeks recently and when we returned we all went out for dinner for my mom's birthday.  It was the same day Dave got back from Stanford.  It was just fun.  We talked, laughed, and just had fun.  Of course, my mom and I were a bottle of wine in before we began, but.... it just seemed like "old times". 

He still has fatigued days, but he's getting better every day.  Dave, my mom, and our friend Donna went to church with Cory and I yesterday and I find it amazing how God works.  The sermon for the day was on the book of Job.  The sermon was basically about how we give praise to God when things are good, but question him when we are in crisis.  I felt like it was a great message for what our family is going through and the importance of being faithful in good times as well as in bad.

Much love, Jeana.

Dave Update-July 12, 2011

Hello family and friends, sorry for the lapse in blogging, but we've been just "living life".  I follow quite a few blogs from Multiple Myeloma patients and it's weird when the disease gets first introduced to you, you get nervous when a week goes by without any updates.  But, what I've learned is that when the blogging stops happening so frequently, the living has started to return to some form of normalcy.  I guess that is what is happening with our family to some extent.  We are enjoying not having chemo, not being in the hospital, and not having to take "as many" pills.  Dave is basically concentrating on getting back into fighting shape after 10 months of continuous treatment.  He continues to have good days and then a "fatigue" day, but has started walking each morning.  He is trying to get used to his decreased appetite and picky (more than his normal picky) taste buds.  I've read his taste buds will eventually return to normal.  He has lost about 20 pounds, but other than muscle loss I think he looks pretty darn good.  Cory, myself, and the kids went over for a barbeque on Saturday night and really had an wonderful time.  I think this was a "good" day for Dave and we all just basked in it.  He even took a little dip in the pool.  Just sitting in it, not emercing his entire body.  For some reason, I guess you are not supposed to swim, golf, garden, etc. for a year after transplant.  It has to do with bacteria and its affect on a compromised immune system.  Seriously, why don't they take all the fun away?  I've done a lot of research and I've seen little on this.   I know a few MM patients that enjoy wine.  Whatever... simple pleasures like taking a dip in the water to cool off has so much more meaning when someone tries to take it away from you. 

We are now 37 days post transplant and Dave will go back to Stanford at the end of the month for blood work.  His last appointment 2 weeks ago showed his number were good.  We are not sure what is next in terms of maintenance.  Some continue on a maintenace program of small doses of chemo and some chose not to until relapse.  I'm not sure what Dave's decision will be, but either way we are enjoying our time of complete response!

Much love, Jeana

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.