Hi family and friends, I know you've been anxiously waiting for information regarding Dave's appointment with the Stanford Multiple Myeloma specialist.
Monday was an incredibly long day. We left at 7:30 a.m. and did not get home until 9:30 p.m. in the evening. It was quite a ride. We hit the blackest clouds I think I've ever seen and the rain was so hard we could barely see.
Upon arriving, Dave went to draw blood. He draws blood so often, I wonder how he has any blood left. Oh ya, he doesn't. Thus, the endless transfusions.
Because of the bone damage due to lesions and swollen, feet, ankles, and lower legs, Dave has a very difficult time walking. He insisted on walking even though a wheelchair would have been easier for him. He is the most courageous and strongest man I have ever met.
By the time his appointment came at 1:20 p.m., we were ready and already tired. People kept getting called, even those who came after us. We were all getting a little restless. It truly is a humbling experience when you are in a unit of the hospital that deals solely with cancer. You see many people fighting the fight and their loving caregivers right by their side. There was a boy around my sons age, wheeled in on a gurney waiting to be seen. Cancer does not discriminate and it does not give pardons to the young. This young boy touched each of us and you can't help but think no matter how hard you have it, someone out there has it harder.
Finally my mom, who I get my patience from, went up and asked about our appointment. Ends up they actually forgot about us. Geesh, not a good start. We did get a free parking pass and a $10 dollar gas card. I think a couple steak dinners would have been nice....
We met with the specialist and one of her team members. They had a lot of questions. The first one being to Dave, "How are you?" Dave, remembering his manners that his momma taught him instantly responded, "Fine." "No he's not!," I interjected. He might as well not have not been there because mom and I didn't allow any information to be left out. If you know Dave, he likes people and he will take the time to ask about others even when we have an appointment to talk about HIM! That's where I come in. I'm the enforcer. "Are you eating,?" the doctor asks Dave. "No, he's not,!" I respond for him. "Are you in any pain?" "Yes, he is. Everything hurts and he is having problems walking, his nose has been bleeding, his feet, ankles, and legs are swollen, he has had to have multiple transfusions...." See what I mean? Dave might of well just stayed home. He was really interrupting MY appointment with the doctor, tee, hee.
The doctor stated she reviewed his numbers that we brought from his oncologist and stated it didn't look like the Daratumumab (new chemo that he started on December 30) was working after four rounds. Daratumumab is a new break though drug that has shown positive response for patients who have relapsed or are refractory to two or three previous options.
She didn't have his blood results back from earlier in the day and after asking what was the date on the labs she was reviewing, it seemed she had yet to receive his latest labs that were conducted that previous Thursday. "Doctor, according to my research, many patients don't see any results until after six rounds. If you are looking at results that are before his forth round and you don't even have today's labs, shouldn't we wait until we get today's labs back before making that assessment,?" I asked.
She agreed and we decided if there was no improvement we would add another chemo and make it a combo of Dara/Dex/Cart. I asked about a couple other combos that I studied and she said they were good options, but because of Dave's low blood red cells and low platelets, they wouldn't be a good option for him.
I asked her to look at Dave's legs and feet so we could determine why they are so swollen. We thought it might be a reaction to a drug he used for the first time that helps him with calcium, but she believed it had more to do with other issues, like perhaps the fact that he is not eating and not getting enough protein among other possibilities that we will be looking into.
Being the mature daughter that I am, I responded, "Ah ha, I knew it!" Then mom and I proceeded to rat him out regarding his picky eating habits (way before cancer). I told the doctor I've raised two kids and I'm very versed on holding someone down to get them to take something they don't want. Man, German doctor's are very serious. I got nothing from her on that one.
We went over some other things to look out for: blood clotting, spine issues, etc. that we will be discussing with his oncologist. "If you have any questions, you can always message me on the Standford's MyHealth page," the doctor shared. I looked at her with all the seriousness I could muster up, "You sure you want to open your email up to me?" Silly, silly doctor....
Let's just put it this way, when I asked for Dave's oncologist's email because I had some questions for him, Dave responded, "You're going to be polite, right?"
"Geesh, Dave, I'm not a monster! I'm your daughter! O.K, same thing!" Mostly when you want your dad to get the best care possible and the only thing he can think to ask the doctor is, "You're German, right?" God love him. He can't help himself.
Needless to say, we left feeling like we didn't get far. I reviewed Dave's latest numbers today and it does look like there has been little improvement. I'm waiting for his M-spike results, which, along with checking his bone marrow and IGa, is a good lab to review in order to track his progress. He will be meeting with his local oncologist on Friday to discuss further, but it looks like we are going to have to try something new. I'll keep you posted.
After getting home, I had a pinched nerve in my lower back and a sore neck from being in the car and waiting at the hospital so long. Mom and Dave have been waiting in hospitals and doctor's offices and driving the drive to Stanford more than anyone should have to endure.
The love, compassion, and respect I have for my mom and Dave are beyond words. One day in their shoes makes be realize what amazing human beings my parents are. I plan to be with both of them, hand-in-hand, through this fight until we can't fight anymore!
Thank you all for the love and support. Keep your positive texts and messages coming. Dave is tired, but he is reading your text messages. Don't forget my mom either. Caregivers often get ignored, but she is in it for the long haul and it is emotionally and physically taxing for her as well.
Dave's number is: 559-740-8815 and mom's is 559-909-0863.
Wednesday, January 25, 2017
Thursday, January 19, 2017
Dave Update- January 19, 2017
Time goes so fast. It was 2013 the last time I updated you. The good news is that for the past several years Dave has led a relatively normal life for someone who has fought cancer.
Dave was diagnosed with Multiple Myeloma, cancer of the plasma cells, in September of 2010. Upon diagnosis, 90% of Dave's plasma cells were malignant and his kidneys were failing. He was vigilant in his fight. He went through rounds of chemo and had a stem cell transplant in 2011. Both were a success and he reached stringent complete response. Since this cancer is incurable, they don't call it remission. Stringent complete response was the best of the best. Dave chose to not go on maintenance treatment which would require him to be on a non-stop regiment of chemo.
The news was short lived as we soon found out Dave had malignant parotid cancer. Surgery was a success, but he suffered many side affects from the surgery, including facial paralysis, numbness, and other issues. Not much longer after that, Dave was hospitalized with the most painful case of shingles. Dave has also suffered from extreme bone pain do to lesions on is bones caused by the cancer. Since being diagnosed, and up until recently, Dave has worked and has been a major contributor to the success of Miracle Ear. Many multiple Myeloma patients can't even work. It goes to show how strong Dave is in mind and spirit.
Finding out Dave had cancer was like a sucker punch to him, me, and our entire family. He was 56 years old when diagnosed with this disease that typically plagues individuals much older. Sadly, that is not the case any longer as more and more young people are fighting this treatable, but not curable disease.
In 2015, we got the news that Dave was out of remission. His numbers were rising and it was time to get on chemo. There were many new options and Dave was placed on two chemo therapies. The cocktail of chemo seemed to hold his numbers steady until August 2016 when they seemed to rise and continue to rise at a rapid pace. Dave started to lose his voice and was having very bad pains in chest area. We found out that he broke two ribs and the cancer was affecting his vocal cords. He also started having bloody noses that would not stop.
The doctor became concerned and did a full body scan and bone marrow extraction. We found out that Dave had multiple lesions on his scull, ribs, shoulders, and legs. Needless to say, he was in a lot of physical pain. The doctor gave us the news that the cancer is back with a vengeance and that once again 90% of his body has malignant plasma.
His health has deteriorated very quickly. He was sent to Stanford right after Christmas where they started him on a new chemo in hopes that it will beat the cancer down. He is on his 4th round and little has changed. He has been hospitalized multiple times because of low red-blood cells that had to be replaced through transfusions and just this week had to get a transfusion of plasma. Tonight, he has to do another transfusion of red-blood cells. He is also anemic and has had to have liter upon liter of fluids.
I know many of you are concerned as is our entire family. We do not know what the future holds or what is up next for Dave. It is up to him now. Dave is a fighter and he is doing all that he can to sleigh this beast again.
We head to Stanford on Monday to meet with the Multiple Myeloma specialist to discuss options.
If you want to come by for a visit, please text Dave or my Mom to see if it is a good time. You may also contact me at 559-972-5754 if you have any questions or would like an update.
Dave is celebrating is 62nd birthday of February 1 if you would like to send warm wishes.
Hugs
Jeana
Dave was diagnosed with Multiple Myeloma, cancer of the plasma cells, in September of 2010. Upon diagnosis, 90% of Dave's plasma cells were malignant and his kidneys were failing. He was vigilant in his fight. He went through rounds of chemo and had a stem cell transplant in 2011. Both were a success and he reached stringent complete response. Since this cancer is incurable, they don't call it remission. Stringent complete response was the best of the best. Dave chose to not go on maintenance treatment which would require him to be on a non-stop regiment of chemo.
The news was short lived as we soon found out Dave had malignant parotid cancer. Surgery was a success, but he suffered many side affects from the surgery, including facial paralysis, numbness, and other issues. Not much longer after that, Dave was hospitalized with the most painful case of shingles. Dave has also suffered from extreme bone pain do to lesions on is bones caused by the cancer. Since being diagnosed, and up until recently, Dave has worked and has been a major contributor to the success of Miracle Ear. Many multiple Myeloma patients can't even work. It goes to show how strong Dave is in mind and spirit.
Finding out Dave had cancer was like a sucker punch to him, me, and our entire family. He was 56 years old when diagnosed with this disease that typically plagues individuals much older. Sadly, that is not the case any longer as more and more young people are fighting this treatable, but not curable disease.
In 2015, we got the news that Dave was out of remission. His numbers were rising and it was time to get on chemo. There were many new options and Dave was placed on two chemo therapies. The cocktail of chemo seemed to hold his numbers steady until August 2016 when they seemed to rise and continue to rise at a rapid pace. Dave started to lose his voice and was having very bad pains in chest area. We found out that he broke two ribs and the cancer was affecting his vocal cords. He also started having bloody noses that would not stop.
The doctor became concerned and did a full body scan and bone marrow extraction. We found out that Dave had multiple lesions on his scull, ribs, shoulders, and legs. Needless to say, he was in a lot of physical pain. The doctor gave us the news that the cancer is back with a vengeance and that once again 90% of his body has malignant plasma.
His health has deteriorated very quickly. He was sent to Stanford right after Christmas where they started him on a new chemo in hopes that it will beat the cancer down. He is on his 4th round and little has changed. He has been hospitalized multiple times because of low red-blood cells that had to be replaced through transfusions and just this week had to get a transfusion of plasma. Tonight, he has to do another transfusion of red-blood cells. He is also anemic and has had to have liter upon liter of fluids.
I know many of you are concerned as is our entire family. We do not know what the future holds or what is up next for Dave. It is up to him now. Dave is a fighter and he is doing all that he can to sleigh this beast again.
We head to Stanford on Monday to meet with the Multiple Myeloma specialist to discuss options.
If you want to come by for a visit, please text Dave or my Mom to see if it is a good time. You may also contact me at 559-972-5754 if you have any questions or would like an update.
Dave is celebrating is 62nd birthday of February 1 if you would like to send warm wishes.
Hugs
Jeana
Tuesday, January 29, 2013
Dave Update-January, 2013
Wow, I can't believe its been 7 months since I've updated this blog. I can't believe it has been 2 years and 4 months since I met my arch enemy- CANCER.
This is what my children so lovingly call each other. Arch Enemies.
And, yes, I realize this does not reflect positively on my parenting skills.
I hate cancer today as much as I hated it over two years ago when it penetrated itself into my life and the lives of my family.
Since then, it has taken several of my colleagues and one of my favorite rappers of all time, MCA of the Beastie Boys, at age 47!
Yes. I like rap. I realize it is hard to believe, but its true.
As a matter of fact, the only reason I tune into American Idol these days is because of Niki Minaj. "Wow Boo, that song was tappen!" The kids say I embarass them, when I say things like, "Yo, Yo, Baby Pop, What Up, and True dhat. And, God forbid if I get my groove on to a song by Lil Wayne, Pitbull, or Flo Rider while driving.
Hey, I'm sorry, rap is way better than country music. I actually heard a country song on the radio the other day, called, "I drank a beer with Jesus!" Really? Now, I can understand if it was titled, "I drank a glass of wine with Jesus." But a beer!
Sorry, I digress... as usual.
Dave's cancer continues to be inactive. Another words, he continues to be in complete response (remission) since finishing initial therapy at the end of 2010/beginning of 2011. He was in remission when he got the stem cell transplant in June of 2012, and it was, and continues to be, our hope that he will be in remission for a very long time. He still goes to the doctors monthly and has an infusion of zometa for his bones and is still fighting peripheral neurapathy caused by the cocktail of chemo that helped to save his life. Pain management will probably be something he has to deal with from now on. It's part of his new normal.
There has been so much new information and new drug therapies getting approval that are providing more and more options for multiple myeloma patients. It is amazing what is happening in the multiple myeloma community in terms of research.
I've learned more and more and have more and more questions I want answered.
The most interesting information that I've learned is in regard to Dave's abnormal chromosome (4;14) which makes him a high-risk patient. Before, it was thought that if you had any traces of this abnormal chromosome, or other high-risk deletions, you had a poor prognosis, i.e. the high-risk prognosis. Well, it has recently come to light that it is not the fact that you have the abnormal chromosome that makes your prognosis worse, but the amount of cells that are affected by the abnormal chromosome. So, my next question to Dave's doctor is, how much of this abnormal chromosome cells does Dave have?
The high-risk prognosis typically means that the patient doesn't stay in remission very long (Dave has been in remission for 2 years). Note: The average remission for a low-risk patient is 2-3 years. Also, high-risk patients don't respond as well to therapies found to work on low-risk patients. Dave, responded with the best response you can get from initial therapy and from a stem cell transplant!
If, or when, Dave does end remission (at this point there is no cure), he has so many options for continued therapy. There are so many new combinations of drugs that are proving to be very affective and even some combinations that are working on patients that had become refractory to other therapies.
What was once considered a terminal cancer is very close to becoming labeled a chronic illness. I really believe this will be the case in the very near future and that would mean a cure could be not far behind.
Sadly.
Dave has been wallowing in this cancer thing.
I mean, seriously, all he does is sit around a mope.
He doesn't even leave the house.
He makes sure that everyone knows he has CANCER!
NOT!
Reality.
Dave is now on a two-week cruise in the Orient, along with my mom, his brother Steve (and Jerri), and cousin Randy (and Sharon)...
After, spending Thankgiving in Costa Rica with my mom in November...
And, after, spending a long weekend with my husband Cory, and brothers Ben and Vern, in Washington in September.
Dave is living life.
Like there is no tomorrow.
He is loving his family.
Like he'll never see them again.
He is treating cancer.
Like it has no power.
Dave is a constant reminder to me on how unique we are. Statistics don't define us. Cancer does not define us. It is the ability of our human spirit to have hope, curiosity, and purpose. It is only when our spirit dies, that our body will follow.
Please say a special prayer to the family of my Aunt Kay who was laid to rest this past Saturday. Watching the highlights of her life in pictures was beautiful. She had an amazing life, was loved by many, and made a difference in the lives of all that she touched. Until we meet again. I love you Aunt Kay.
This is what my children so lovingly call each other. Arch Enemies.
And, yes, I realize this does not reflect positively on my parenting skills.
I hate cancer today as much as I hated it over two years ago when it penetrated itself into my life and the lives of my family.
Since then, it has taken several of my colleagues and one of my favorite rappers of all time, MCA of the Beastie Boys, at age 47!
Yes. I like rap. I realize it is hard to believe, but its true.
As a matter of fact, the only reason I tune into American Idol these days is because of Niki Minaj. "Wow Boo, that song was tappen!" The kids say I embarass them, when I say things like, "Yo, Yo, Baby Pop, What Up, and True dhat. And, God forbid if I get my groove on to a song by Lil Wayne, Pitbull, or Flo Rider while driving.
Hey, I'm sorry, rap is way better than country music. I actually heard a country song on the radio the other day, called, "I drank a beer with Jesus!" Really? Now, I can understand if it was titled, "I drank a glass of wine with Jesus." But a beer!
Sorry, I digress... as usual.
Dave's cancer continues to be inactive. Another words, he continues to be in complete response (remission) since finishing initial therapy at the end of 2010/beginning of 2011. He was in remission when he got the stem cell transplant in June of 2012, and it was, and continues to be, our hope that he will be in remission for a very long time. He still goes to the doctors monthly and has an infusion of zometa for his bones and is still fighting peripheral neurapathy caused by the cocktail of chemo that helped to save his life. Pain management will probably be something he has to deal with from now on. It's part of his new normal.
There has been so much new information and new drug therapies getting approval that are providing more and more options for multiple myeloma patients. It is amazing what is happening in the multiple myeloma community in terms of research.
I've learned more and more and have more and more questions I want answered.
The most interesting information that I've learned is in regard to Dave's abnormal chromosome (4;14) which makes him a high-risk patient. Before, it was thought that if you had any traces of this abnormal chromosome, or other high-risk deletions, you had a poor prognosis, i.e. the high-risk prognosis. Well, it has recently come to light that it is not the fact that you have the abnormal chromosome that makes your prognosis worse, but the amount of cells that are affected by the abnormal chromosome. So, my next question to Dave's doctor is, how much of this abnormal chromosome cells does Dave have?
The high-risk prognosis typically means that the patient doesn't stay in remission very long (Dave has been in remission for 2 years). Note: The average remission for a low-risk patient is 2-3 years. Also, high-risk patients don't respond as well to therapies found to work on low-risk patients. Dave, responded with the best response you can get from initial therapy and from a stem cell transplant!
If, or when, Dave does end remission (at this point there is no cure), he has so many options for continued therapy. There are so many new combinations of drugs that are proving to be very affective and even some combinations that are working on patients that had become refractory to other therapies.
What was once considered a terminal cancer is very close to becoming labeled a chronic illness. I really believe this will be the case in the very near future and that would mean a cure could be not far behind.
Sadly.
Dave has been wallowing in this cancer thing.
I mean, seriously, all he does is sit around a mope.
He doesn't even leave the house.
He makes sure that everyone knows he has CANCER!
NOT!
Reality.
Dave is now on a two-week cruise in the Orient, along with my mom, his brother Steve (and Jerri), and cousin Randy (and Sharon)...
After, spending Thankgiving in Costa Rica with my mom in November...
And, after, spending a long weekend with my husband Cory, and brothers Ben and Vern, in Washington in September.
Dave is living life.
Like there is no tomorrow.
He is loving his family.
Like he'll never see them again.
He is treating cancer.
Like it has no power.
Dave is a constant reminder to me on how unique we are. Statistics don't define us. Cancer does not define us. It is the ability of our human spirit to have hope, curiosity, and purpose. It is only when our spirit dies, that our body will follow.
Please say a special prayer to the family of my Aunt Kay who was laid to rest this past Saturday. Watching the highlights of her life in pictures was beautiful. She had an amazing life, was loved by many, and made a difference in the lives of all that she touched. Until we meet again. I love you Aunt Kay.
Monday, June 4, 2012
Happy Anniversary!- 1 year post-SCT
June 4, 2012-Dave Update
Dear family and friends, it was one year Saturday that Dave received his stem cell transplant (SCT). To many multiple myeloma patients, this anniversary is a celebration of receiving their brand new immune system. To those who had successful SCTs, like Dave, the annivesary is also a celebration of life, remission, and hope. So much has happened in the past year, since we received the new and improved "Super Dave". As of today, Dave continues to be in remission. He has been in remission even prior to the SCT and he is currently not doing any maintenance therapy. He does get Zometa treatment to strengthen his bones and takes other dailey medications, but no chemo. Average remission can last up to three years. The good news is there are so many options if relapse occurs, such as another stem cell transplant, use of the medications that Dave responded so well to initially, and many other approved drugs and drugs that are showing to be very successful in trial studies. Dave is working, golfing, and even taking yoga classes at the gym. I'm trying to picture him in downward dog or crouching tiger, hidden dragon pose. Okay, the last one I believe was a book, movie, or sushi, not sure. Yoga is actually great for Dave because it can strengthen his bones which is important when you have multiple myeloma.
I can't speak for Dave on what he has gone through, spiritually or otherwise. I can only share with you what I observe. Dave is embracing life! I know it might sound morbid, but he does talk of a "bucket" list, and I do think it is much more sophisticated than just going to hit a "bucket of balls" at the Valley Oak Golf Course. He has always loved to travel and he is an adventurous traveler. He has a lot of destinations he would like to visit or revisit. One is the orient. My mom, Dave, Randy and Sharon (Dave's cousin and wife), and possibly Cliff and Wanna (Dave's aunt and uncle) have planned a two week cruise of the orient that will take place in early 2013. I find it facinating that he chose the orient, but not surprised. I kind of laugh at what he might have in store for my mom. My mom and I tend to be trepidatious when it comes to the adventures of Dave Callahan. Hey, that could be a cool reality tv show, The New Adventures of Super Dave Callahan. Watch Super Dave and his side-kick, The Immuninator (get it? his new immune system...ehh), as they attempt to outlast, outwit, and outplay multiple myeloma to win the ultimate title of "survivor". Sorry about that...my husband always tells me I watch too much reality t.v. But, hey, cancer is our "reality". Humor me.
I can also tell you with certainty that "family" in on Dave's bucket list. Dave has always been family-oriented, but he is more determined to enjoy his wife, children, parents, grandchildren, siblings, etc. We have had some great family fun in the past year. Many fun celebrations, including a visit from my baby brother Ben and his family. Dave even braved the "most magical place on earth" by taking the family to Disneyland. Okay, personally, I'd rather have my eyeball poked out than go to Disneyland, but for mom, Dave, Ben, and Jessica, they got to see Disneyland once more through the eyes of a child. I wonder if Disneyland was on Dave's bucket list? Possibly...I mean nothing entices me more than being at an amusement park with thousands of screaming kids and the hope of going on "It's a Small World" just ONE more time!
Clockwise: Mom, Ben, Jessica, Porter, and Conner enjoying Disney.
Dave and Porter (peace, back to you two, man!)
The Lackey Boys: Lft: Conner, Ben, and Porter
The Callahan Boys: Lft: Steve, Glick, and Dave
Is grandma laughing or crying? You just never know!
Thank you Lord for this year of healing. You have answered so many of my prayers. You have been faithful to me, even when I doubted in you. Thank you for the gift of time and the capacity of our hearts to overflow with love. Thank you for revealing yourself to my parents. I would also like to say a special prayer for one of Dave's friends, Sean, who was recently diagnosed with cancer himself. Sean, as cancer travelers a year and a half in, we are here for you if you just need to vent or have positive thoughts coming your way.
Much love and thanks to our wonderful, supportive, and loving family and friends. You are the wind beneath our wings....Tee, hee, that is so corny, but I'm totally into quoting movies today.
Dear family and friends, it was one year Saturday that Dave received his stem cell transplant (SCT). To many multiple myeloma patients, this anniversary is a celebration of receiving their brand new immune system. To those who had successful SCTs, like Dave, the annivesary is also a celebration of life, remission, and hope. So much has happened in the past year, since we received the new and improved "Super Dave". As of today, Dave continues to be in remission. He has been in remission even prior to the SCT and he is currently not doing any maintenance therapy. He does get Zometa treatment to strengthen his bones and takes other dailey medications, but no chemo. Average remission can last up to three years. The good news is there are so many options if relapse occurs, such as another stem cell transplant, use of the medications that Dave responded so well to initially, and many other approved drugs and drugs that are showing to be very successful in trial studies. Dave is working, golfing, and even taking yoga classes at the gym. I'm trying to picture him in downward dog or crouching tiger, hidden dragon pose. Okay, the last one I believe was a book, movie, or sushi, not sure. Yoga is actually great for Dave because it can strengthen his bones which is important when you have multiple myeloma.
I can't speak for Dave on what he has gone through, spiritually or otherwise. I can only share with you what I observe. Dave is embracing life! I know it might sound morbid, but he does talk of a "bucket" list, and I do think it is much more sophisticated than just going to hit a "bucket of balls" at the Valley Oak Golf Course. He has always loved to travel and he is an adventurous traveler. He has a lot of destinations he would like to visit or revisit. One is the orient. My mom, Dave, Randy and Sharon (Dave's cousin and wife), and possibly Cliff and Wanna (Dave's aunt and uncle) have planned a two week cruise of the orient that will take place in early 2013. I find it facinating that he chose the orient, but not surprised. I kind of laugh at what he might have in store for my mom. My mom and I tend to be trepidatious when it comes to the adventures of Dave Callahan. Hey, that could be a cool reality tv show, The New Adventures of Super Dave Callahan. Watch Super Dave and his side-kick, The Immuninator (get it? his new immune system...ehh), as they attempt to outlast, outwit, and outplay multiple myeloma to win the ultimate title of "survivor". Sorry about that...my husband always tells me I watch too much reality t.v. But, hey, cancer is our "reality". Humor me.
I can also tell you with certainty that "family" in on Dave's bucket list. Dave has always been family-oriented, but he is more determined to enjoy his wife, children, parents, grandchildren, siblings, etc. We have had some great family fun in the past year. Many fun celebrations, including a visit from my baby brother Ben and his family. Dave even braved the "most magical place on earth" by taking the family to Disneyland. Okay, personally, I'd rather have my eyeball poked out than go to Disneyland, but for mom, Dave, Ben, and Jessica, they got to see Disneyland once more through the eyes of a child. I wonder if Disneyland was on Dave's bucket list? Possibly...I mean nothing entices me more than being at an amusement park with thousands of screaming kids and the hope of going on "It's a Small World" just ONE more time!
Lft: Conner, Dave, Porter at Disneyland
Clockwise: Mom, Ben, Jessica, Porter, and Conner enjoying Disney.
The Lackey Boys: Lft: Conner, Ben, and Porter
The Callahan Boys: Lft: Steve, Glick, and Dave
Is grandma laughing or crying? You just never know!
Spoiled Cat Alert: Geesh, Sidney must be really spent after a day of being pampered and doing absolutely nothing as Casa De Callahan!
Thank you Lord for this year of healing. You have answered so many of my prayers. You have been faithful to me, even when I doubted in you. Thank you for the gift of time and the capacity of our hearts to overflow with love. Thank you for revealing yourself to my parents. I would also like to say a special prayer for one of Dave's friends, Sean, who was recently diagnosed with cancer himself. Sean, as cancer travelers a year and a half in, we are here for you if you just need to vent or have positive thoughts coming your way.
Much love and thanks to our wonderful, supportive, and loving family and friends. You are the wind beneath our wings....Tee, hee, that is so corny, but I'm totally into quoting movies today.
Wednesday, February 1, 2012
February 1, 2012
Hello family and friends and Happy Belated New Year! Oh, Dear Lord, please let 2012 be better than 2011! That's what is amazing about life...there is always HOPE. Hope for a New Year.
Speaking of new years, Dave celebrates a new year of life today! Happy Birthday, Dave! If you get a chance, give him a call or send an email.
In terms of Dave's health, no news continues to be good news. We are 8 months post-transplant and still in complete response (remission for multiple myeloma). Not to say that Dave had the same response that Steve Austin had when his body was replaced with bionic parts (any Bionic Man fans out there?), but he's working full-time and has been for months. This is amazing considering what his body has been through. I'm not saying there hasn't been any pain, bone aches, picky taste buds, and a recent yucky staff infection, but he's come along way from one year ago. A lot of MM patients get all kinds of infections due to a compromised immune system. Typically it takes close to a year to really get the immune system to a fighting level after a stem cell transplant. And, Dave's immune system will always be compromised to some extent due to the disease.
It's strange how something can consume your life and every waking breath and then just go quiet. I feel like that is what has happened with Dave's cancer. Maybe it is our way of trying to forget, or maybe its our way of just coping. Personally, I hate the quiet. I need to know everything, be involved at all times, and feel like I have some control. I want to know, "what's next?" Everyone's journey is different though, and Dave is dealing with his journey in his own way. He has chosen at this time to not do maintenace therapy. There is so much controversy on this subject and no clear answer or statistics to back up what is the best course of action. Quality of life is important to Dave and some of the maintenance therapies that people are doing are similar to the induction therapy Dave did at the beginning that included Velcade and some other drugs. Dave had a great response to these drugs, but they did give him painful neorapathy. The good news is that they are improving upon these drugs and finding ways to lessen the side affects.
But today we celebrate! We celebrate Dave's birthday, we celebrate kicking cancer's ***, and we celebrate life!
I pray that today brings Dave much joy, peace, and celebration. I pray that God continues to heal his body, but more importantly, his heart and soul.
Please continue to pray for my entire family. As a family we continue to struggle. Grampa (Dave's dad) has had some health issues of his own. Please say a special prayer for him. He is definately the spiritual leader of our family and we need to send good thoughts his way as he has always for us. When tragedy strikes or families are hit with cancer, it can bring a family closer together or tear them a part. My prayer is that through Jesus, all the emptiness the each of us has gone through is filled up with his love.
Jeana
Speaking of new years, Dave celebrates a new year of life today! Happy Birthday, Dave! If you get a chance, give him a call or send an email.
In terms of Dave's health, no news continues to be good news. We are 8 months post-transplant and still in complete response (remission for multiple myeloma). Not to say that Dave had the same response that Steve Austin had when his body was replaced with bionic parts (any Bionic Man fans out there?), but he's working full-time and has been for months. This is amazing considering what his body has been through. I'm not saying there hasn't been any pain, bone aches, picky taste buds, and a recent yucky staff infection, but he's come along way from one year ago. A lot of MM patients get all kinds of infections due to a compromised immune system. Typically it takes close to a year to really get the immune system to a fighting level after a stem cell transplant. And, Dave's immune system will always be compromised to some extent due to the disease.
It's strange how something can consume your life and every waking breath and then just go quiet. I feel like that is what has happened with Dave's cancer. Maybe it is our way of trying to forget, or maybe its our way of just coping. Personally, I hate the quiet. I need to know everything, be involved at all times, and feel like I have some control. I want to know, "what's next?" Everyone's journey is different though, and Dave is dealing with his journey in his own way. He has chosen at this time to not do maintenace therapy. There is so much controversy on this subject and no clear answer or statistics to back up what is the best course of action. Quality of life is important to Dave and some of the maintenance therapies that people are doing are similar to the induction therapy Dave did at the beginning that included Velcade and some other drugs. Dave had a great response to these drugs, but they did give him painful neorapathy. The good news is that they are improving upon these drugs and finding ways to lessen the side affects.
But today we celebrate! We celebrate Dave's birthday, we celebrate kicking cancer's ***, and we celebrate life!
I pray that today brings Dave much joy, peace, and celebration. I pray that God continues to heal his body, but more importantly, his heart and soul.
Please continue to pray for my entire family. As a family we continue to struggle. Grampa (Dave's dad) has had some health issues of his own. Please say a special prayer for him. He is definately the spiritual leader of our family and we need to send good thoughts his way as he has always for us. When tragedy strikes or families are hit with cancer, it can bring a family closer together or tear them a part. My prayer is that through Jesus, all the emptiness the each of us has gone through is filled up with his love.
Jeana
Monday, October 31, 2011
Dave Update-October 31, 2011
Hello family and friends, Happy Halloween! Sorry, I haven't updated you in a while, but no news, is indeed, good news. Dave received his results back from the bone marrow extraction several weeks ago and the results show he is still in complete response (remission). This is our first indication that the stem cell transplant was a success. I thought it was a no brainer because he went ino the stem cell transplant in complete response. But, I just learned that a fellow multiple myeloma patient's number actually went up after getting the stem cell transplant. Knowing this, makes me feel even more blessed for Dave's continued success. Our goal is to stay in remission as long as possible. There are so many patients trying different things to battle this incurable cancer. Some take an extremely agreesive approach with back-to-back stem cell transplants followed by several years on maintenace drugs. Others, choose to forego maintenace and wait to relapse before enduring another stem cell transplant or additional drug therapies. Studies are really mixed on both these approaches and it will possibly be years to prove that maintenance after stem cell transplantation increases life span. Individuals like Dave, who suffered from neuropathy due to Velcade (which is one of the drugs used in maintenance therapy), often prefer to take a break from the drugs until relapse.
This has truly been the most painful 13 months of my life. Each day I wake up and pray that I can give all the problems, loss, and heartache my family is going through to God. It is a struggle because I always want control and want to fix everything. I realize more than ever that I can not. Therefore, I pray for a tender and forgiving heart. I pray that I can say the right things, listen with an open-heart, and have strength when others need me most. Dear Lord, protect my family. Bless each and every one of them with your grace. Reveal yourself to them so that they can see and be filled with your unwavering love. Fill up the holes that make them empty and allow them see the love and truth that is before their eyes. Thank you Lord for the many gifts of healing you have given us.
This has truly been the most painful 13 months of my life. Each day I wake up and pray that I can give all the problems, loss, and heartache my family is going through to God. It is a struggle because I always want control and want to fix everything. I realize more than ever that I can not. Therefore, I pray for a tender and forgiving heart. I pray that I can say the right things, listen with an open-heart, and have strength when others need me most. Dear Lord, protect my family. Bless each and every one of them with your grace. Reveal yourself to them so that they can see and be filled with your unwavering love. Fill up the holes that make them empty and allow them see the love and truth that is before their eyes. Thank you Lord for the many gifts of healing you have given us.
Thursday, September 15, 2011
September 15, 2011
Hi family and friends, I know it has been a while since I've updated you on Dave's condition. I think, as a family, we've just been enjoying "living" in complete response and watching Dave recover. He is regaining his life... he is back to work...hair is growing. A matter of fact, he's sporting a pretty jazzy silver-fox goatee. I love it! Dave has good and bad days, but the good days are finally outweighing the bad day.
Yesterday, Dave had a bone marrow biopsy at his local oncologist. This will be our first true "results" since the stem cell transplant. He went into the transplant in complete response and we anticipate the results will show that he continues to be in complete response. This is part of the "re-staging" process. Dave goes to Stanford at the end of October to meet with his doctor for a check-up and hopefully to discuss what is next, if anything.
September holds a lot of signifigance for our family... it is an anniversary month of sorts. It was in September, 2010 that we found out that Dave has Multiple Myeloma. It's one of those days in your life that you never forget. Similar to historical events that occur and you say, "I know exactly where I was when I heard the news." Some of us remember where they were when they heard JFK was killed. Some of us remember where they were when Princess Diana died in a horrible car crash in Paris (okay, maybe just me!), and I imagine, all of us, remember where we were when we heard the horrible news that our country was being attacked by terrorist on September 11, 2001. But, for me, I can add "when I found out Dave had cancer" to my list.
When I think of celebrating a "year" in life, I think of celebrating birthdays or anniversaries- not a diagnosis of cancer! STUPID, POINTLESS, LIFE-ALTERING CANCER! I hate cancer! I hate it more today than I did a year ago. Why should I even acknowledge its grip on our lives? It's an invisible opponent that attempts to weaken our faith and take away our hope.
But, it hasn't... It hasn't broken our faith. And, it hasn't stolen our hope. So, HAPPY FRICKEN ANNIVERSARY CANCER. Here's to "kicking your ***"!
I tend to have a annoying habit of seeing both sides of coin no matter how bad things are. So, on the flip side:
1. Happy Anniversary to successfully fighting and beating down cancer.
2. Happy Anniversary to truly learning about the loving and compassionate hearts and spirits of our family and friends.
3. Happy Anniversary on being able to find faith and hope when things seem beyond our scope of understanding.
4. Happy Annivesary on a year of appreciation, of life, of love, of family, of friends, and of our most wonderful savior Jesus Christ. These most cherished of gifts that so often we take for granted.
Thank you to everyone for you love, prayer, and for lending a helping hand to Dave is both his personal life and his professional life.
Yesterday, Dave had a bone marrow biopsy at his local oncologist. This will be our first true "results" since the stem cell transplant. He went into the transplant in complete response and we anticipate the results will show that he continues to be in complete response. This is part of the "re-staging" process. Dave goes to Stanford at the end of October to meet with his doctor for a check-up and hopefully to discuss what is next, if anything.
September holds a lot of signifigance for our family... it is an anniversary month of sorts. It was in September, 2010 that we found out that Dave has Multiple Myeloma. It's one of those days in your life that you never forget. Similar to historical events that occur and you say, "I know exactly where I was when I heard the news." Some of us remember where they were when they heard JFK was killed. Some of us remember where they were when Princess Diana died in a horrible car crash in Paris (okay, maybe just me!), and I imagine, all of us, remember where we were when we heard the horrible news that our country was being attacked by terrorist on September 11, 2001. But, for me, I can add "when I found out Dave had cancer" to my list.
When I think of celebrating a "year" in life, I think of celebrating birthdays or anniversaries- not a diagnosis of cancer! STUPID, POINTLESS, LIFE-ALTERING CANCER! I hate cancer! I hate it more today than I did a year ago. Why should I even acknowledge its grip on our lives? It's an invisible opponent that attempts to weaken our faith and take away our hope.
But, it hasn't... It hasn't broken our faith. And, it hasn't stolen our hope. So, HAPPY FRICKEN ANNIVERSARY CANCER. Here's to "kicking your ***"!
I tend to have a annoying habit of seeing both sides of coin no matter how bad things are. So, on the flip side:
1. Happy Anniversary to successfully fighting and beating down cancer.
2. Happy Anniversary to truly learning about the loving and compassionate hearts and spirits of our family and friends.
3. Happy Anniversary on being able to find faith and hope when things seem beyond our scope of understanding.
4. Happy Annivesary on a year of appreciation, of life, of love, of family, of friends, and of our most wonderful savior Jesus Christ. These most cherished of gifts that so often we take for granted.
Thank you to everyone for you love, prayer, and for lending a helping hand to Dave is both his personal life and his professional life.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)