Today we met with Bill's attending physician. He is very pleased with Bill's progress to date. He said everything has gone as good as it could have thus far. He said the stem cells are grafting nicely and the preliminary biopsy results indicate that he is in a state of remission. We will receive the final results of his blood chimerism and bone marrow biopsy next week. He is slowly weening him off I.V. magnesium and on to oral magnesium. This will cut another day of our hospital visits. He now goes to the hospital on Tuesday, Thursday and Friday. He has come a long way Thank God. His white blood count, hemoglobin and platelets are remaining steady and his liver and kidney function enzymes are all within the near normal range. Some of the medicines he has to take have an adverse effect on both kidney and liver function. Thus they are constantly being monitored.
Katherine and Kaitlyn arrive tomorrow. We are so excited at the prospect of having them here for almost a week. The fact that Bill will not have to go to the hospital as often will add to the quality of their stay.
Thank you all again for your prayers and support it really makes a difference.
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
Monday, June 29, 2009
Day +27
We received the preliminary results of Bill's bone marrow biopsy this afternoon. He has 1% blast cells. This is a very good result. anything less than 5% is considered satisfactory. We are very thankful to God for His kindness to us. The final results and the FISH analysis that measures any potential residual disease will be available in a week or so. We are very hopeful that they will concur with the preliminary results. We did not get the results of the % of donor blood as yet , that will be available also in a few days. We will let you know just as soon as we find out. Thank you all for your prayers today. It was a unnerving day to all of us. Thank God all is still well.
Bill is in great form tonight , very happy with his results and very definite that he does not want to see the inside of a hospital for a long time to come.....except his day visits. That is the spirit that will help him succeed. His day visits have been reduced to three days a week. The remaining days we can administer his I.V. fluids and magnesium at home. He has decided that he will not risk going out to a restaurant this weekend in case he might catch something.
Tonight in Houston is like one of those nights in the west of Ireland. The mist suddenly closed in on us and the fog and rain came. Truthfully, we would all prefer to be in Galway !!
Our thanks as usual for your prayers, thoughts, messages and phone calls. We feel very fortunate to have such support.
Bill is in great form tonight , very happy with his results and very definite that he does not want to see the inside of a hospital for a long time to come.....except his day visits. That is the spirit that will help him succeed. His day visits have been reduced to three days a week. The remaining days we can administer his I.V. fluids and magnesium at home. He has decided that he will not risk going out to a restaurant this weekend in case he might catch something.
Tonight in Houston is like one of those nights in the west of Ireland. The mist suddenly closed in on us and the fog and rain came. Truthfully, we would all prefer to be in Galway !!
Our thanks as usual for your prayers, thoughts, messages and phone calls. We feel very fortunate to have such support.
Sunday, June 28, 2009
Day + 26
Tomorrow is a big day for Bill. He has his first bone marrow biopsy since his transplant. We are hoping that the results will be very favourable, that there will be no trace of leukemia and that his blood will be 100% donor...that would be Frank's. His first blood test is at 6.30a.m. with the bone marrow biopsy at 7:30a.m. so that will make for an early start. Please pray a little more tomorrow that the results will be good. All the work that Bill and the doctor's have done for the past five months have been working towards this day. We pray to God the bone marrow will be clear. He will also have a spinal tap this week. It is not scheduled as yet.
He continues to be in good spirits. His Dad and Tess were here for the weekend and his Dad will stay all next week. This evening Bill and Frank and I went for a short walk down the street. Our apartment is in a very quiet location, there is very little traffic or people. Bill walked longer than he thought he could, and was very happy with that. Walking is one of his favourite things to do. We always joked him about not taking taxis in Chicago. He would walk for miles to meet us even on extremely frigid days. Katherine and myself are the taxi hailing types. No extremes of temperatures for us, hail our taxi and away we go. Not so with Bill! This is the will and determination that has gotten him this far and will see him to the finish line.
It continues to be in the 100+ degrees here in Houston. The only time that is comfortable to be outdoors is after 7.00p.m. in the evening. Luckily it stays light until about 8:30p.m.
Please pray this week that Bill's bone marrow and spinal tap will be free from leukemia. We know that the prayers of many in unison are very powerful. We thank you for your voices.
He continues to be in good spirits. His Dad and Tess were here for the weekend and his Dad will stay all next week. This evening Bill and Frank and I went for a short walk down the street. Our apartment is in a very quiet location, there is very little traffic or people. Bill walked longer than he thought he could, and was very happy with that. Walking is one of his favourite things to do. We always joked him about not taking taxis in Chicago. He would walk for miles to meet us even on extremely frigid days. Katherine and myself are the taxi hailing types. No extremes of temperatures for us, hail our taxi and away we go. Not so with Bill! This is the will and determination that has gotten him this far and will see him to the finish line.
It continues to be in the 100+ degrees here in Houston. The only time that is comfortable to be outdoors is after 7.00p.m. in the evening. Luckily it stays light until about 8:30p.m.
Please pray this week that Bill's bone marrow and spinal tap will be free from leukemia. We know that the prayers of many in unison are very powerful. We thank you for your voices.
Saturday, June 27, 2009
Day + 25
Well, today would normally be called one of those uneventful days, were it not for the fact that we had a panic situation with regards to the dressing change. Tess and myself made our first solo attempt to change Bill's dressing. We discovered after we had his Central Venus Catheter cleansed and fully exposed that we could not find the outside dressing. We made a panic call to the infusion therapy department . Fortunately, we discovered the outside dressing at the bottom of the bag of supplies, so the crisis was averted. We sure were stressed. We imagined Bill in the emergency room due to our negligence. Thankfully he comfortably sitting here watching late night comedy. We also managed to administer his I.V. fluids and magnesium. Hopefully our attempt tomorrow will be better.
Frank arrived late last night and Tess arrived this morning. Bill is always happy to see her. She makes such an effort to come down from Chicago to see him. We really appreciate that.
This evening we had a lovely evening out with Micky and Lee Ann Quinlan. It is always such a treat to see them, relive past times and catch up on all the years since we last saw each other. Tess and Bill stayed home and guess what they ate.......you got it Papa John's Pizza!
Next weekend, we hope Bill will feel well enough so we all can go out for an early dinner. That will be his first time out of the apartment in three weeks, besides the hospital visits. That is something to work towards. Hope you all are having a lovely Saturday night where ever you are. Hope You are enjoying your weekend in New Hampshire Frank and Karen. After being in hospitals almost each weekend since February ,it will be impossible to ever take a weekend for granted again.
Thank you again for your continued prayers and support. Bill enjoys your messages so much. Since he has very little contact with the outside world , it serves as a window to him. Thank you all.
Frank arrived late last night and Tess arrived this morning. Bill is always happy to see her. She makes such an effort to come down from Chicago to see him. We really appreciate that.
This evening we had a lovely evening out with Micky and Lee Ann Quinlan. It is always such a treat to see them, relive past times and catch up on all the years since we last saw each other. Tess and Bill stayed home and guess what they ate.......you got it Papa John's Pizza!
Next weekend, we hope Bill will feel well enough so we all can go out for an early dinner. That will be his first time out of the apartment in three weeks, besides the hospital visits. That is something to work towards. Hope you all are having a lovely Saturday night where ever you are. Hope You are enjoying your weekend in New Hampshire Frank and Karen. After being in hospitals almost each weekend since February ,it will be impossible to ever take a weekend for granted again.
Thank you again for your continued prayers and support. Bill enjoys your messages so much. Since he has very little contact with the outside world , it serves as a window to him. Thank you all.
Friday, June 26, 2009
Day + 24
We are very pleased that we do not have to go to the hospital over the weekend. We are currently awaiting the delivery of Bill's medicine. We can administer it at home over the weekend. Today was a longer day at the hospital than we expected as Bill needed extra magnesium. It took about six hours to infuse, so we are happy not to have to go tomorrow. His white blood count was a little lower today so he needed a Neupogen shot. This usually causes bone pain, so I expect by tomorrow he may feel it a little. At least he can rest a home.
Frank Sr. arrives later this evening. He will be here for 10 days. We are very much looking forward to having him here. Tess also arrives tomorrow for the weekend. Unfortunately due to the high temperatures we can not get out much. Thank God for air conditioning!! Bill continues to feel well. He is a little tired today due to the long day at the hospital,but apart from that is in very good form.
Hope you all have a lovely weekend. Thank you again for your continued support and prayers. They mean so much to us.
Frank Sr. arrives later this evening. He will be here for 10 days. We are very much looking forward to having him here. Tess also arrives tomorrow for the weekend. Unfortunately due to the high temperatures we can not get out much. Thank God for air conditioning!! Bill continues to feel well. He is a little tired today due to the long day at the hospital,but apart from that is in very good form.
Hope you all have a lovely weekend. Thank you again for your continued support and prayers. They mean so much to us.
Thursday, June 25, 2009
Day +23
Well, we successfully hooked Bill up to his fluids via the pump. A nurse came by and demonstrated the procedure to us. We divided the chores...Bill is in charge of the computerized pump and I am in charge of administrating the medicine and flushing the lines. At first it was very scary to be left with such responsibility. I kept telling myself " if other people can do it, so can we".
We are saddened to hear news of Michael Jackson's death. He was an icon . His talent unparalleled. He will be missed. May he rest in peace.
Bill is doing very well. His energy is returning daily. His appetite seems to have returned to normal. He is having such a good time watching soccer and tennis all day. Tomorrow we go back to the hospital for the usual blood work and fluids. Today was just a trial run. However we are hoping that due to our successful attempt today, we will be able to administer the meds. at home on Saturday and Sunday. This would be wonderful, as Frank and Tess will be here.
Katherine and Kaitlyn arrive on Wednesday for A WEEK we can't wait to see them. This will be the first time Bill will have seen Kaitlyn. Ryan has to work but is coming for the 4th of July weekend. It will be wonderful to be together again. We will miss Frank, Karen,Liam and Sophie.
We look forward to seeing them the first week of August.
Thank you all again for your prayers. You have certainly lightened our load. Your prayers have given us so much strength and courage.Thank you all.
We are saddened to hear news of Michael Jackson's death. He was an icon . His talent unparalleled. He will be missed. May he rest in peace.
Bill is doing very well. His energy is returning daily. His appetite seems to have returned to normal. He is having such a good time watching soccer and tennis all day. Tomorrow we go back to the hospital for the usual blood work and fluids. Today was just a trial run. However we are hoping that due to our successful attempt today, we will be able to administer the meds. at home on Saturday and Sunday. This would be wonderful, as Frank and Tess will be here.
Katherine and Kaitlyn arrive on Wednesday for A WEEK we can't wait to see them. This will be the first time Bill will have seen Kaitlyn. Ryan has to work but is coming for the 4th of July weekend. It will be wonderful to be together again. We will miss Frank, Karen,Liam and Sophie.
We look forward to seeing them the first week of August.
Thank you all again for your prayers. You have certainly lightened our load. Your prayers have given us so much strength and courage.Thank you all.
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
Day + 22
We made our usual trip to the hospital today. Our first appointment was a 8:30a.m. The day ended at 3.00p.m. so we have had a nice long evening to relax. The health care company delivered the pump and medicine this evening. That means we do not have to go to the hospital tomorrow. Instead a nurse or pharmacist from the health care company will visit us here at the apartment and demonstrate the use of the pump and medicine. Hopefully, if the students are good enough we may not have to go to the hospital over the weekend. We may be able to administer all the necessary meds. at home. That would be such a relief.
Frank and Tess arrive on Friday so we can all relax for the weekend without having to go to the hospital.....hopefully the students are up to the task.
Bill continues to do well. Each day he appears to have more strength. Unfortunately, he can not be in the sun. Since it is very hot here all day and even into the evening, he is confined to the apartment. Hopefully in a few weeks he may be able to go out a little more in public areas and we can go to the mall or to a restaurant. In the meantime, he is quite happy to watch tennis, golf and soccer on t..v.
He appreciates all your messages and prayers. He is very happy that so many people are praying for him. He himself has such strong faith and never once questioned God's will in his life.
This experience has been quite a growth experience for our family. Not one we would have chosen, but one we have grown through.
Frank and Tess arrive on Friday so we can all relax for the weekend without having to go to the hospital.....hopefully the students are up to the task.
Bill continues to do well. Each day he appears to have more strength. Unfortunately, he can not be in the sun. Since it is very hot here all day and even into the evening, he is confined to the apartment. Hopefully in a few weeks he may be able to go out a little more in public areas and we can go to the mall or to a restaurant. In the meantime, he is quite happy to watch tennis, golf and soccer on t..v.
He appreciates all your messages and prayers. He is very happy that so many people are praying for him. He himself has such strong faith and never once questioned God's will in his life.
This experience has been quite a growth experience for our family. Not one we would have chosen, but one we have grown through.
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
Day + 21
Today was a very long day at the hospital. First Bill had the usual blood work. We then had a unusually long wait for the I.V. and magnesium infusion . This was due to the fact that Tuesday is the day the doctors do their rounds. Dr Champlin visited with Bill and said he was very pleased with how things had gone thus far. He plans to do blood testing next week to see how much is donor blood v Bill's own. He is expecting to see 100 % donor blood( Frank's) Please God it will be so. He plans to a bone marrow biopsy on the 29th and also a spinal tap. Bill will have more chemo administered through the spine at that time. This will be repeated each month. At the three month mark, he will have an M.R.I. At this point hopefully he should be clear of all the leukemia in his C.N.S.
You can see this is a long journey. We are hopeful that each test result will give positive news. Bill has shown unbelievable strength during the past months. His faith and trust is incredible for a young man. May God reward him with a complete cure.
Thank you all again for the part you played with your prayers and good wishes. It has meant so much to him and to our family.
You can see this is a long journey. We are hopeful that each test result will give positive news. Bill has shown unbelievable strength during the past months. His faith and trust is incredible for a young man. May God reward him with a complete cure.
Thank you all again for the part you played with your prayers and good wishes. It has meant so much to him and to our family.
Monday, June 22, 2009
Day +20
It is so good to see Bill improving with each day. His white blood count is now up to 4.7.....normal is 4.0-11.0. His Hemoglobin is 11.2 .....normal is 14.0-18.0. His platelet count is 114...normal is 140-440. You can see that his blood is coming along nicely. It is most likely Frank's blood that is giving these good reading....... it is Bill's blood now! The nurse said today that the fact that they have the same blood group is helping with the grafting. They are so pleased with his progress , that he will get a day off this week. This means he will not have to go to the hospital for his I.V.fluids and Magnesium and blood work. In place of his hospital visit, a pharmacist will come to
our apartment and bring a pump and fluids and teach me how to administer it. He will eventually get down to three days at the hospital ,the other days his fluids will be administered at home. It will be a relief not to have to go to the hospital every day. We look forward to getting the odd sleep in!! Frank we can not thank you enough for giving Bill a whole new chance at life. God has blessed our family so much.
His appetite is almost back to normal. He had steak, mushrooms ,asparagus and baked potato for dinner. Now tell me is that not getting close to normal!
We continue to enjoy our apartment. We have a beautiful view of the Houston skyline and Galleria Mall from our living room. It serves to remind us that there is a normal life out there and we are hurrying up to join it.
Our thanks as always for your prayers and messages . You are helping us on the road to normal living.
our apartment and bring a pump and fluids and teach me how to administer it. He will eventually get down to three days at the hospital ,the other days his fluids will be administered at home. It will be a relief not to have to go to the hospital every day. We look forward to getting the odd sleep in!! Frank we can not thank you enough for giving Bill a whole new chance at life. God has blessed our family so much.
His appetite is almost back to normal. He had steak, mushrooms ,asparagus and baked potato for dinner. Now tell me is that not getting close to normal!
We continue to enjoy our apartment. We have a beautiful view of the Houston skyline and Galleria Mall from our living room. It serves to remind us that there is a normal life out there and we are hurrying up to join it.
Our thanks as always for your prayers and messages . You are helping us on the road to normal living.
Sunday, June 21, 2009
Day +19
Happy Father's day to all you Fathers out there.Hope you had a lovely day with those you love and with those who love you. Especially happy Father's day to Frank Sr., Frank Jr., and Ryan. Frank , Katherine and Ryan went to the Capital Grill in Indianapolis for breakfast and Katherine had a cook out for them both this evening.Thank you Katherine. Frank Jr. and Karen and Liam and Sophie went the museum in Boston and later went to see Karen's Dad for dinner. We missed being with you, but were with you in spirit.
This has been a very good day for Bill. He seems to be regaining his strength nicely. He did not need blood or platelets today, just the usual magnesium and fluids. We were home by 2.00p.m. so had a nice long afternoon to enjoy our apartment. His appetite has really returned and enjoyed baked salmon and roasted veg. tonight.He will be soon putting on those pounds he lost in the hospital
Tess left this morning and returns again next week end. Frank also plans to come next weekend for 10 days. It will be good to see them both.
Thank you all again for your prayers. The days 20-30 are the most dangerous for host versus graft disease. Please continue to keep Bill in your prayers.
This has been a very good day for Bill. He seems to be regaining his strength nicely. He did not need blood or platelets today, just the usual magnesium and fluids. We were home by 2.00p.m. so had a nice long afternoon to enjoy our apartment. His appetite has really returned and enjoyed baked salmon and roasted veg. tonight.He will be soon putting on those pounds he lost in the hospital
Tess left this morning and returns again next week end. Frank also plans to come next weekend for 10 days. It will be good to see them both.
Thank you all again for your prayers. The days 20-30 are the most dangerous for host versus graft disease. Please continue to keep Bill in your prayers.
Saturday, June 20, 2009
Day +18
This has been the best day so far for Bill. He seems to have regained some strength and his appetite has returned. Tonight I cooked him my own Mothers version of creamed carrots and parsnips and mashed potatoes , together with the all American hamburger. Happily he devoured all three. I think we are on a roll!
Tess arrived this afternoon just as we finished the Magnesium and I.V. infusion. Bill was so happy to see her. They both took a nap and then watched a movie. I took the opportunity to go down to the pool for a few hours. This really is beginning to sound like a vacation!!!! Tess leaves tomorrow afternoon. Thank you again Tess for your loyalty to Bill. This sure has been a novel way for you to get to know our family. For the first five weeks Tess and I traded places on the couch at I.U. Simon Cancer Center. Then we traded places on the couch at M.D. Anderson . This weekend Tess is sleeping on a couch in our apartment and we are sharing our bathroom. It is one way to be introduced to your boyfriends family!! You really know how to roll with the punches Tess.
Bill is very appreciative of all your support. He enjoys reading the blog and loves to read all your messages. Our family is most grateful for all your prayers and support. We have come along way together. God willing we will go the distance.
Tess arrived this afternoon just as we finished the Magnesium and I.V. infusion. Bill was so happy to see her. They both took a nap and then watched a movie. I took the opportunity to go down to the pool for a few hours. This really is beginning to sound like a vacation!!!! Tess leaves tomorrow afternoon. Thank you again Tess for your loyalty to Bill. This sure has been a novel way for you to get to know our family. For the first five weeks Tess and I traded places on the couch at I.U. Simon Cancer Center. Then we traded places on the couch at M.D. Anderson . This weekend Tess is sleeping on a couch in our apartment and we are sharing our bathroom. It is one way to be introduced to your boyfriends family!! You really know how to roll with the punches Tess.
Bill is very appreciative of all your support. He enjoys reading the blog and loves to read all your messages. Our family is most grateful for all your prayers and support. We have come along way together. God willing we will go the distance.
Friday, June 19, 2009
Day +17
Another Friday night in Houston! Great to talk to Frank, Katherine and Ryan tonight and know they were having a good time in Broadripple. We miss you guys! This is also a very good Friday night for Bill. He actually ate dinner tonight . There is one way to get a person to eat ,that is to cook their favourite food from childhood. Never fails!! there is a child in all of us. Anyway the macaroni and cheese did it, he even went back for seconds.!
We had the usual eight hour day at the hospital, but still got home in time to feel we had a nice evening in our own place. Bill seems better tonight , he is less tired and currently watching T.V.
He needed the usual magnesium and I.V. fluids , but did not need blood or platelets. We are really getting this thing" down pat. "We pack our bag with snacks(which Bill never eats) just in case ,water and a book. Off we go to M.D. Anderson and join the lines of people that are sharing our journey. We go from infusion center to the lab for blood work and finally to A.T.C. for magnesium and I.V.fluids.Then thankfully return to our own space here in The Galleria area.
Tess plans to come down tomorrow, weather permitting. We look forward to seeing her.
Thank you again for your prayers and support. It really makes the difference. Hope you all have a lovely weekend where ever you are.
We had the usual eight hour day at the hospital, but still got home in time to feel we had a nice evening in our own place. Bill seems better tonight , he is less tired and currently watching T.V.
He needed the usual magnesium and I.V. fluids , but did not need blood or platelets. We are really getting this thing" down pat. "We pack our bag with snacks(which Bill never eats) just in case ,water and a book. Off we go to M.D. Anderson and join the lines of people that are sharing our journey. We go from infusion center to the lab for blood work and finally to A.T.C. for magnesium and I.V.fluids.Then thankfully return to our own space here in The Galleria area.
Tess plans to come down tomorrow, weather permitting. We look forward to seeing her.
Thank you again for your prayers and support. It really makes the difference. Hope you all have a lovely weekend where ever you are.
The Great Gorilla Hunt!
Hi All - This is Katherine - I have been receiving a newsletter from "The Cancer Crusade" since Bill was diagnosed. I loved the story today so wanted to share - I pray that all of us have the strength to face our gorillas in whatever shape or form the come in! Thank you ALL for your support! A special thank you to my mom who is doing an absolutely FABULOUS job keeping us all up to date with Bill's progress!!! You are irreplaceable and my hero!!
When I was a very little girl, the neighborhood bully told me that a gorilla had escaped from the zoo and would come into my room that night when I was asleep and eat me alive. I was too young to know there was no zoo within a hundred miles of where we lived or that gorillas don't eat people. The story was terrifying enough and real enough to me that I lay trembling in my bed that night,sobbing into my pillow.
My father heard me crying and came into my room. He sat on the edge of the bed and asked me what was wrong. I told him about the gorilla that had escaped from the zoo and that would surely eat me alive if I fell asleep.
As an adult, I am amazed by the wisdom and restraint my father showed that night. He didn't tell me I was being silly. He didn't say there was no gorilla. He didn't point out there was no zoo within a hundred miles, and he didn't tell me that gorillas don't eat little girls.
Instead, he nodded his head as he listened intently to the fear that spilled out of me. He thought for a few minutes, appearing to consider the situation very seriously, and then announced the only thing to do was for the two of us to go in search of that gorilla. My father hoisted me onto his shoulders, handed me a flashlight, and together we went out into the night.
We looked everywhere for that gorilla: in the back yard, between the neighboring houses, up and down the street, behind trash cans and under cars. I shone my flashlight up into the trees and in every imaginable dark, scary place. Only when I was completely satisfied there was no gorilla lurking around did my father take me home and tuck me back into my bed. He let me keep the flashlight, just in case.
This cherished childhood memory has often been just the catalyst I needed to make me "turn on the light" when I have been fearful of things that go bump in the night and scary things I could not see or identify. At no time has this been truer or more important than when I have found discolorations on my skin, lumps in strange places and odd or painful sensations here and there on my body. Thanks to my father and "The Great Gorilla Hunt," I know that no matter how frightened I am, the only thing to do is go to the doctor and begin the series of examinations and tests that will answer the question, "What is it?"
As terrifying as it has been to poke around in dark places looking for scary things - and even more so when one hunt uncovered a real "gorilla" in the form of cancer - these experiences have taught me some invaluable life lessons: when we turn on the light, we usually find there is nothing there at all; there will always be bullies who try to frighten us (benign lumps and marks); and most gorillas can be captured and tamed. But we have to find them first.
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, give me the courage to turn on the light when I am afraid of the dark. Help me remember that You are there in the scary places, between the shadows, and in every place I fear to go. Take my hand, Lord, and lead me to where You are. Amen
When I was a very little girl, the neighborhood bully told me that a gorilla had escaped from the zoo and would come into my room that night when I was asleep and eat me alive. I was too young to know there was no zoo within a hundred miles of where we lived or that gorillas don't eat people. The story was terrifying enough and real enough to me that I lay trembling in my bed that night,sobbing into my pillow.
My father heard me crying and came into my room. He sat on the edge of the bed and asked me what was wrong. I told him about the gorilla that had escaped from the zoo and that would surely eat me alive if I fell asleep.
As an adult, I am amazed by the wisdom and restraint my father showed that night. He didn't tell me I was being silly. He didn't say there was no gorilla. He didn't point out there was no zoo within a hundred miles, and he didn't tell me that gorillas don't eat little girls.
Instead, he nodded his head as he listened intently to the fear that spilled out of me. He thought for a few minutes, appearing to consider the situation very seriously, and then announced the only thing to do was for the two of us to go in search of that gorilla. My father hoisted me onto his shoulders, handed me a flashlight, and together we went out into the night.
We looked everywhere for that gorilla: in the back yard, between the neighboring houses, up and down the street, behind trash cans and under cars. I shone my flashlight up into the trees and in every imaginable dark, scary place. Only when I was completely satisfied there was no gorilla lurking around did my father take me home and tuck me back into my bed. He let me keep the flashlight, just in case.
This cherished childhood memory has often been just the catalyst I needed to make me "turn on the light" when I have been fearful of things that go bump in the night and scary things I could not see or identify. At no time has this been truer or more important than when I have found discolorations on my skin, lumps in strange places and odd or painful sensations here and there on my body. Thanks to my father and "The Great Gorilla Hunt," I know that no matter how frightened I am, the only thing to do is go to the doctor and begin the series of examinations and tests that will answer the question, "What is it?"
As terrifying as it has been to poke around in dark places looking for scary things - and even more so when one hunt uncovered a real "gorilla" in the form of cancer - these experiences have taught me some invaluable life lessons: when we turn on the light, we usually find there is nothing there at all; there will always be bullies who try to frighten us (benign lumps and marks); and most gorillas can be captured and tamed. But we have to find them first.
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, give me the courage to turn on the light when I am afraid of the dark. Help me remember that You are there in the scary places, between the shadows, and in every place I fear to go. Take my hand, Lord, and lead me to where You are. Amen
Thursday, June 18, 2009
Day +16
It's hard to believe we have been in Houston almost two months. We miss you all back in Indianapolis and look forward to our return in the late summer. After the hot and humid summer here, we will welcome the fall of Indiana. It is almost 100 degrees F here every day.
Luckily we are not outdoors much and have a nice air conditioned apartment.
Hopefully we will get to enjoy it more as the weeks go on. To date we are spending most of our days at the Ambulatory Treatment Center at M.D.Anderson.
Bill is feeling very nauseous today. We had an appointment at the hospital at 9:00a.m....which meant leaving the apt. at 8:15a.m. since it is about a three quarter hour drive to the hospital, in traffic. First he had his blood taken and we went from there to the A.T.C. where he got I.V. fluids and magnesium. He also needed a Neupogen shot as his white blood count had gone down a little from yesterday. He did not require blood or platelets today. The infusion took 4 hours, which made for a shorter day than yesterday. We got home by 4:30p.m and both took a nap. I think we'd better get used to the long days at the A.T.C. From speaking with the nurses, it appears we will be there the best part of each day for the upcoming weeks. It is a small price to pay for Bill's health.
Luckily there were soccer matches on T.V. so that kept him entertained as he had the infusion. I started reading I Know This Much Is True by Wally Lamb and that kept me busy. I just finished A Tree Grows In Brooklyn. It was so good it was hard to see it end. The good thing about having to sit around hospitals is that you can catch up on your reading.
Thank you all again for your prayers and all your nice messages. It means so much to us having you all there cheering Bill on.
Luckily we are not outdoors much and have a nice air conditioned apartment.
Hopefully we will get to enjoy it more as the weeks go on. To date we are spending most of our days at the Ambulatory Treatment Center at M.D.Anderson.
Bill is feeling very nauseous today. We had an appointment at the hospital at 9:00a.m....which meant leaving the apt. at 8:15a.m. since it is about a three quarter hour drive to the hospital, in traffic. First he had his blood taken and we went from there to the A.T.C. where he got I.V. fluids and magnesium. He also needed a Neupogen shot as his white blood count had gone down a little from yesterday. He did not require blood or platelets today. The infusion took 4 hours, which made for a shorter day than yesterday. We got home by 4:30p.m and both took a nap. I think we'd better get used to the long days at the A.T.C. From speaking with the nurses, it appears we will be there the best part of each day for the upcoming weeks. It is a small price to pay for Bill's health.
Luckily there were soccer matches on T.V. so that kept him entertained as he had the infusion. I started reading I Know This Much Is True by Wally Lamb and that kept me busy. I just finished A Tree Grows In Brooklyn. It was so good it was hard to see it end. The good thing about having to sit around hospitals is that you can catch up on your reading.
Thank you all again for your prayers and all your nice messages. It means so much to us having you all there cheering Bill on.
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
Day + 15
I see Kaitlyn got to the blog before we did tonight. What a doll. Can't wait to see her.
This has been a long day! Bill and I got to the hospital this morning at 11.00a.m. and did not leave until 10.00p.m. Bill needed I.V. fluids and two units of magnesium. Each took four hours to infuse. At the end of this he was exhausted. His white blood count was 3.0 and he did not need blood or platelets.I guess this is one way to learn patience!
Each day we will have to go to the hospital. We are hoping it will not be for this long each day.
It was wonderful to be in our own space last night. Bill slept for 11 hours solid.
Thank you again for your prayers. Please keep them up. Bill has his first bone marrow biopsy on June 29th. Please God it will bring good news.
This has been a long day! Bill and I got to the hospital this morning at 11.00a.m. and did not leave until 10.00p.m. Bill needed I.V. fluids and two units of magnesium. Each took four hours to infuse. At the end of this he was exhausted. His white blood count was 3.0 and he did not need blood or platelets.I guess this is one way to learn patience!
Each day we will have to go to the hospital. We are hoping it will not be for this long each day.
It was wonderful to be in our own space last night. Bill slept for 11 hours solid.
Thank you again for your prayers. Please keep them up. Bill has his first bone marrow biopsy on June 29th. Please God it will bring good news.
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
Day + 14
Today is a milestone day. Bill left the hospital this afternoon. This was the day we had all waited for and it finally came. We are so thankful for this wonderful day.
When we think back to February 5th when Bill was first diagnosed with leukemia , we had no idea what lay ahead. I remember Bill getting off the escalator at Indianapolis Airport . He looked so calm and couldn't see why we were rushing him to the hospital. His white blood count was 320.000. He was very lucky to have survived the flight! Frank Sr. was in Florida at a meeting and rushed back that evening. Katherine, Ryan and I met Bill at the airport with two cars. Ryan took him straight to the Simon Cancer Center at Indiana University . Bill was being protected by some very special angel. Firstly, he survived the flight when the doctors at I.U. were fearful that he might not have. Secondly his brother in law and our wonderful son in law Ryan was at hand to have him admitted to the hospital immediately and have him started on the steps needed to reduce his white blood count. He started Chemotherapy the next day. Ryan we can not thank you enough for all the strings you pulled at I.U. that night. You saved Bill's life. Your constant support during the subsequent weeks as Bill underwent gruelling chemotherapy. The constant visits to the room to check in on him every chance you got. When you wear your "doctors hat" you are a true professional.The other side of you the "Tom Petty" side has helped keep our spirits up through it all . Have you downloaded any more i tunes since we left for Houston?!! We have a lot to thank you for.
That evening Frank (Bill's twin brother) flew in from Boston. Guided by his wife Karen who is a nurse and has worked with cancer patients, he requested that his and Katherine's blood be tested for possible donor match. His turned out to be a perfect match Thank God. Some people have to wait many months for a match and sadly some never find one. We knew we had a perfect match within two weeks of Bill's diagnosis. That angel was still watching over Bill.
Bill is very happy to be home tonight eventhough he is very tired and does not have much energy. He slept for several hours this evening.When he got up he watched some T.V. and
he actually ate some scrambled eggs and toast. Over the next few months we will work hard to get him back to full strength. It will be a pleasure to cook for him and watch him gain his weight back. Tomorrow is a busy day as we have a long stint at the hospital and I have to get familiar with driving there and parking and negotiation our way to the various appointments .
Your prayers and support together with the wonderful doctors and nurses that cared for Bill has brought us this far. Thank you again from the bottom of our hearts.
When we think back to February 5th when Bill was first diagnosed with leukemia , we had no idea what lay ahead. I remember Bill getting off the escalator at Indianapolis Airport . He looked so calm and couldn't see why we were rushing him to the hospital. His white blood count was 320.000. He was very lucky to have survived the flight! Frank Sr. was in Florida at a meeting and rushed back that evening. Katherine, Ryan and I met Bill at the airport with two cars. Ryan took him straight to the Simon Cancer Center at Indiana University . Bill was being protected by some very special angel. Firstly, he survived the flight when the doctors at I.U. were fearful that he might not have. Secondly his brother in law and our wonderful son in law Ryan was at hand to have him admitted to the hospital immediately and have him started on the steps needed to reduce his white blood count. He started Chemotherapy the next day. Ryan we can not thank you enough for all the strings you pulled at I.U. that night. You saved Bill's life. Your constant support during the subsequent weeks as Bill underwent gruelling chemotherapy. The constant visits to the room to check in on him every chance you got. When you wear your "doctors hat" you are a true professional.The other side of you the "Tom Petty" side has helped keep our spirits up through it all . Have you downloaded any more i tunes since we left for Houston?!! We have a lot to thank you for.
That evening Frank (Bill's twin brother) flew in from Boston. Guided by his wife Karen who is a nurse and has worked with cancer patients, he requested that his and Katherine's blood be tested for possible donor match. His turned out to be a perfect match Thank God. Some people have to wait many months for a match and sadly some never find one. We knew we had a perfect match within two weeks of Bill's diagnosis. That angel was still watching over Bill.
Bill is very happy to be home tonight eventhough he is very tired and does not have much energy. He slept for several hours this evening.When he got up he watched some T.V. and
he actually ate some scrambled eggs and toast. Over the next few months we will work hard to get him back to full strength. It will be a pleasure to cook for him and watch him gain his weight back. Tomorrow is a busy day as we have a long stint at the hospital and I have to get familiar with driving there and parking and negotiation our way to the various appointments .
Your prayers and support together with the wonderful doctors and nurses that cared for Bill has brought us this far. Thank you again from the bottom of our hearts.
Monday, June 15, 2009
Day +13
Hopefully this will be Bill's last night in the hospital. His white blood count was 2.6 this morning.
His energy has improved. His appetite also has improved. He is very anxious to leave the hospital. I can't say that I blame him! He will have to return for I.V. fluids and Magnesium for several days, also for blood work and possibly Platelets and Blood transfusion. The discharge nurse told us today to plan to be at the hospital 4-6 hours per day for the first 10 days. The way we will spend our first few weeks out of hospital is no secret!!
Frank and Katherine and Kaitlyn plan to come down in about a week and a half. By then Bill should only need to go to the hospital three times per week. Hopefully we will be able to get out and about a little. Though Bill can not be in the sunshine or near a pool or animals or crowded areas. He can go to restaurants for dinner but only during the hours between 4p.m. and 7p.m. If he goes to church , he must stay in the back seat and leave before the crowd leave. Suffice it to say it will be a very tame 87 days!
We will keep the blog going after he leaves the hospital, so you can continue to follow Bill's progress. Please continue to keep him in your prayers. These next 87 days are very important.
Since he is on a constant immune suppressant he is subject to infections. Host versus Graft Disease is also a concern. Please continue to pray for him. Thank you all so much.
Hopefully the next posting will be from the apartment.
His energy has improved. His appetite also has improved. He is very anxious to leave the hospital. I can't say that I blame him! He will have to return for I.V. fluids and Magnesium for several days, also for blood work and possibly Platelets and Blood transfusion. The discharge nurse told us today to plan to be at the hospital 4-6 hours per day for the first 10 days. The way we will spend our first few weeks out of hospital is no secret!!
Frank and Katherine and Kaitlyn plan to come down in about a week and a half. By then Bill should only need to go to the hospital three times per week. Hopefully we will be able to get out and about a little. Though Bill can not be in the sunshine or near a pool or animals or crowded areas. He can go to restaurants for dinner but only during the hours between 4p.m. and 7p.m. If he goes to church , he must stay in the back seat and leave before the crowd leave. Suffice it to say it will be a very tame 87 days!
We will keep the blog going after he leaves the hospital, so you can continue to follow Bill's progress. Please continue to keep him in your prayers. These next 87 days are very important.
Since he is on a constant immune suppressant he is subject to infections. Host versus Graft Disease is also a concern. Please continue to pray for him. Thank you all so much.
Hopefully the next posting will be from the apartment.
Sunday, June 14, 2009
Day +12
Bill's white blood count was 1.4 this morning. Dr Jones said that he could be discharged as early as Tuesday. This is wonderful news! His spirits are really good and he is anxious to leave the hospital. I have take two classes on changing his bandage and flushing his lines. I then need to pass "an exam "before we leave. Bill is concerned that I may be the delaying factor in his leaving the hospital!!
Frank Sr., Tess and Chris left this afternoon. It was lovely seeing both Tess and Chris and we thank them both for coming down. We will miss Frank very much, it was wonderful having him here.
At the moment Bill is watching basketball ....The Lakers and The Magic. So you can tell the old Bill is on the way back.
Thank you all for your prayers and support. It has been wonderful having all of you behind him.
Frank Sr., Tess and Chris left this afternoon. It was lovely seeing both Tess and Chris and we thank them both for coming down. We will miss Frank very much, it was wonderful having him here.
At the moment Bill is watching basketball ....The Lakers and The Magic. So you can tell the old Bill is on the way back.
Thank you all for your prayers and support. It has been wonderful having all of you behind him.
Saturday, June 13, 2009
Day +11
We are very happy to report tonight that Bill continues to do very well. His white blood count was 0.7 today. The doctor said this morning that he may be discharged this coming week. His spirits are very good but his appetite still needs some improving.
He says he does not care for hospital food. Why do I think Katherine that your home cooking while he was at I.U. may have spoiled him!!!
We just returned from a lovely dinner out with Bill's friend Chris. We invited Tess to join us but she opted to stay with Bill. She also plans to spend the night here with him in his room. That means I get to sleep in a proper bed!!!
Each day bring us closer to leaving M.D.Anderson at least for the night hours. We will have daily visits for quite some weeks to come. Thankfully this chapter of our lives is coming to an end.
Thank you again for your prayers and support. It made the last four and a half months more bearable.
He says he does not care for hospital food. Why do I think Katherine that your home cooking while he was at I.U. may have spoiled him!!!
We just returned from a lovely dinner out with Bill's friend Chris. We invited Tess to join us but she opted to stay with Bill. She also plans to spend the night here with him in his room. That means I get to sleep in a proper bed!!!
Each day bring us closer to leaving M.D.Anderson at least for the night hours. We will have daily visits for quite some weeks to come. Thankfully this chapter of our lives is coming to an end.
Thank you again for your prayers and support. It made the last four and a half months more bearable.
Friday, June 12, 2009
Day +10
This is another good day for Bill. He has walked around the unit several times with his Dad. His energy seems to have improved. His appetite still leaves something to be desired,as he has lost his taste buds due to the chemo. Hopefully that will be short lived. He spends more and more time out of the bed working on his computer. All in all this is feeling more like the light at the end of the tunnel.
His good friend from college Dr. Chris Friese is coming down from Michigan to see him this weekend. Chris works at The University of Michigan in leukemia research. He has been an invaluable source of knowledge to all of us these past few months. He also visited with him when he was in the The Simon Cancer Center in Indiana University. Thank you Chris you are a very loyal and wonderful friend, and we look forward to seeing you tomorrow.
It is Friday evening, not your usual Friday evening I might add, but T.G.I.F. anyway. Katheine's good college friend and roommate is visiting her in Indianapolis today. Janelle also has a little girl and is expecting a little boy really soon. This is the first time they have seen each other since they both became mothers. Janelle just moved back to Cincinnati from Connecticut with her husband Ryan. Hopefully they will see a lot more of each other from now on...... A little different Friday night from those days in Chicago girls!!!!
Bill's girlfriend Tess also arrives late this evening for the weekend .We all look forward to seeing you Tess, especially Bill.
We miss you guys in Indianapolis. Katherine and Ryan and Kaitlyn are never far from our thoughts. Neither are Frank and Karen and Liam and Sophie. Soon we will be united as a family again. This can not come soon enough.
Thank you all again for your prayers and support. We hope you all have a wonderful weekend in whatever part of the world you are.
His good friend from college Dr. Chris Friese is coming down from Michigan to see him this weekend. Chris works at The University of Michigan in leukemia research. He has been an invaluable source of knowledge to all of us these past few months. He also visited with him when he was in the The Simon Cancer Center in Indiana University. Thank you Chris you are a very loyal and wonderful friend, and we look forward to seeing you tomorrow.
It is Friday evening, not your usual Friday evening I might add, but T.G.I.F. anyway. Katheine's good college friend and roommate is visiting her in Indianapolis today. Janelle also has a little girl and is expecting a little boy really soon. This is the first time they have seen each other since they both became mothers. Janelle just moved back to Cincinnati from Connecticut with her husband Ryan. Hopefully they will see a lot more of each other from now on...... A little different Friday night from those days in Chicago girls!!!!
Bill's girlfriend Tess also arrives late this evening for the weekend .We all look forward to seeing you Tess, especially Bill.
We miss you guys in Indianapolis. Katherine and Ryan and Kaitlyn are never far from our thoughts. Neither are Frank and Karen and Liam and Sophie. Soon we will be united as a family again. This can not come soon enough.
Thank you all again for your prayers and support. We hope you all have a wonderful weekend in whatever part of the world you are.
Thursday, June 11, 2009
Day +9
Today Bill and I attended a class for "Allogeneic stem cell discharge instructions.". It is a wonderful feeling to have come this far. Though discharge is about ten days away, it is so nice to see the end in sight. After discharge, Bill will have to return each day for blood work and platelets and blood ,as he need it. However, we will in our apartment and able to dictate our own schedule to some degree. After the first two weeks, it seems the visits will be three times weekly. We shall be in Houston several weeks post transplant. He will have a bone marrow biopsy at day 30 and again at about day 90-100. He will continue to have follow up bone marrow biopsies every 6 months. We have so much to be thankful to GOD for, for taking us this far. When something like this is visited on a family, one has the tendency to look for reasons. We search our minds for possible lessons to be learned for wisdom to be obtained. My suspicion is that there is wisdom and learning for each of us to take from it depending on our frame of reference. Ultimately I believe that "All is Gift" and this too is a gift. Dear God help us to see the purpose of your gift.
This evening Bill's good high school friend Dr. Angel Rodriguez....also known as Tuto came to visit him. Tuto is an oncologist at Baylor University which is just next door to M.D.Anderson. They have seen each other several times since we came to Houston. It has been wonderful for Bill to have a friend so close by to help him through this. Tuto has also been an invaluable source of knowledge and resources for our family. Thank you Tuto. To all of you wonderful friends from St John's high school in San Juan ,Puerto Rico, a very sincere thank you for your love and support for Bill. It seems like yesterday since you were teenagers arguing about math problems and fantasy baseball .....or is it my memory playing tricks on me!
As Bill continues to improve, we reflect on the part all of you had to play in this. Your prayers and support have been a constant source of strength to us. It truly does take a village!!
This evening Bill's good high school friend Dr. Angel Rodriguez....also known as Tuto came to visit him. Tuto is an oncologist at Baylor University which is just next door to M.D.Anderson. They have seen each other several times since we came to Houston. It has been wonderful for Bill to have a friend so close by to help him through this. Tuto has also been an invaluable source of knowledge and resources for our family. Thank you Tuto. To all of you wonderful friends from St John's high school in San Juan ,Puerto Rico, a very sincere thank you for your love and support for Bill. It seems like yesterday since you were teenagers arguing about math problems and fantasy baseball .....or is it my memory playing tricks on me!
As Bill continues to improve, we reflect on the part all of you had to play in this. Your prayers and support have been a constant source of strength to us. It truly does take a village!!
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
Day + 8
This has been another good day for Bill. His temperature remains normal. His white blood count is 0.1. His spirits are good. He even did battle with comcast on the phone about an error in their billing. We can tell that things are beginning to improve. He is currently watching late night T.V.
It is so good to see the old Bill return.
Frank and I had dinner again tonight with Micky Quinlan and his wife Lee Ann. I also had time today to go to the spa for a manicure and pedicure ( Thank you Frank and Karen). If I didn't know better I might think we were on vacation!!
Let's hope Bill continues to do well. He has been a trooper throughout all of this. Never a negative word or a moment of feeling sorry for himself. He makes it so easy for all of us.
Thank you again for your prayers and good wishes. You have carried us thus far.
It is so good to see the old Bill return.
Frank and I had dinner again tonight with Micky Quinlan and his wife Lee Ann. I also had time today to go to the spa for a manicure and pedicure ( Thank you Frank and Karen). If I didn't know better I might think we were on vacation!!
Let's hope Bill continues to do well. He has been a trooper throughout all of this. Never a negative word or a moment of feeling sorry for himself. He makes it so easy for all of us.
Thank you again for your prayers and good wishes. You have carried us thus far.
Tuesday, June 9, 2009
Day +7
Only 93 more days until we return to Indianapolis, with a completely cured Bill !!!!!!!!
Get ready Dan, I will need your "magic genie in the bottle"
This has been another good day. Bill's temperature has remained stable. His appetite and energy level is still very low, but compared to there last few days he is in very good form.
He started the Neupogen shots today, which should get his white blood count rising in the next week. I think they require him to have 1.5 white blood count to allow him to leave the hospital. His heart rate has been low, but that is probably the result of some of the medication he has been taking. He required another unit of blood today. This is starting to be the norm.
Frank is working from "home" this week, so we don't see him until the evening. Still it is wonderful to have him come over after work, and to be able to go to dinner together. He returns to Indianapolis on Sunday but will return in about 10 days. Hopefully Katherine and Kaitlyn will return with him.
I know Katherine misses us in Indianapolis. This has been difficult for her with a sick brother and a new baby. We want to thank Dorothy her Irish cousin for taking the week off school to come and stay with her last week. I know how much you both enjoyed being together and how much you both enjoyed being "mother to Kaitlyn.". Thanks Dor. you are the best!!!
Again Thank you for all your prayers. Your strength and energy has been such a strength to all of us.
Get ready Dan, I will need your "magic genie in the bottle"
This has been another good day. Bill's temperature has remained stable. His appetite and energy level is still very low, but compared to there last few days he is in very good form.
He started the Neupogen shots today, which should get his white blood count rising in the next week. I think they require him to have 1.5 white blood count to allow him to leave the hospital. His heart rate has been low, but that is probably the result of some of the medication he has been taking. He required another unit of blood today. This is starting to be the norm.
Frank is working from "home" this week, so we don't see him until the evening. Still it is wonderful to have him come over after work, and to be able to go to dinner together. He returns to Indianapolis on Sunday but will return in about 10 days. Hopefully Katherine and Kaitlyn will return with him.
I know Katherine misses us in Indianapolis. This has been difficult for her with a sick brother and a new baby. We want to thank Dorothy her Irish cousin for taking the week off school to come and stay with her last week. I know how much you both enjoyed being together and how much you both enjoyed being "mother to Kaitlyn.". Thanks Dor. you are the best!!!
Again Thank you for all your prayers. Your strength and energy has been such a strength to all of us.
Monday, June 8, 2009
Day + 6
This has been a better day for Bill. His temperature has stabilized . He received blood and platelets today. Unfortunately, since he has an allergy to the preservative in both platelets and blood, he needs to be pre. medicated with Benadryl, which makes him drowsy. This prevents him from walking his rounds. He has been in bed most of the day. His appetite is still poor. We still manage to get him to take a few nutritious drinks. He did however walk twice around the pod.
His white blood count was 0.1 this morning. This is hopefully a sign that his new blood is starting to graft. Tomorrow he will start receiving Neupogen shots to boost his new stem cells.
Thank you all for your prayers and support. We really appreciate it.
His white blood count was 0.1 this morning. This is hopefully a sign that his new blood is starting to graft. Tomorrow he will start receiving Neupogen shots to boost his new stem cells.
Thank you all for your prayers and support. We really appreciate it.
Sunday, June 7, 2009
Day +5
This morning at 4:00 a.m. Bill's fever broke. His temperature returned to normal . We hoped that might be the end of his fevers. However it is 11:00a.m. and his temperature has started to go up again. I guess that bug is still lingering. He is currently receiving a unit of blood as his hemoglobin is low again today. This will probably be the norm until his white blood count start going back up. It is still at 0.
It is now 7:45p.m. and I am happy to report that Bill is feeling much better. His temperature has remained low all afternoon. Hopefully he is over the worst of it. He and his Dad are currently taking his first walk in three day. His appetite is still non existent. We try to get him to take a protein drink once a day. It is difficult as he feel constantly nauseous despite the nausea medicine. However he is so much better than he has been for the past few days.
Frank and I think we will be able to go to the dining room together tonight for dinner. That will be a treat.
It is Sunday evening here at M.D. Anderson The hospital is quiet except for the areas that contain the sick rooms. The walk from Bill's room to our room in the hotel is approx. 10 minutes. Walking along the empty corridors gives one plenty of time for reflection ......This is truly a holy place.
The commitment of the doctors and nurses and all staff for that matter is enormous. This is a hospital dedicated to treating cancer solely. Their mission is "To cure Cancer". This is obvious everywhere. The whole atmosphere is one of dedication. Doctors,nurses and patients alike greet and smile at everyone as they walk along the corridors. One has the distinct feeling that we are all in this together, pursuing a common goal and fighting a common enemy.
We feel sure Bill is in the right place. Thank you God for leading us here.
Thank you again for all your prayers and good wishes.
It is now 7:45p.m. and I am happy to report that Bill is feeling much better. His temperature has remained low all afternoon. Hopefully he is over the worst of it. He and his Dad are currently taking his first walk in three day. His appetite is still non existent. We try to get him to take a protein drink once a day. It is difficult as he feel constantly nauseous despite the nausea medicine. However he is so much better than he has been for the past few days.
Frank and I think we will be able to go to the dining room together tonight for dinner. That will be a treat.
It is Sunday evening here at M.D. Anderson The hospital is quiet except for the areas that contain the sick rooms. The walk from Bill's room to our room in the hotel is approx. 10 minutes. Walking along the empty corridors gives one plenty of time for reflection ......This is truly a holy place.
The commitment of the doctors and nurses and all staff for that matter is enormous. This is a hospital dedicated to treating cancer solely. Their mission is "To cure Cancer". This is obvious everywhere. The whole atmosphere is one of dedication. Doctors,nurses and patients alike greet and smile at everyone as they walk along the corridors. One has the distinct feeling that we are all in this together, pursuing a common goal and fighting a common enemy.
We feel sure Bill is in the right place. Thank you God for leading us here.
Thank you again for all your prayers and good wishes.
Saturday, June 6, 2009
Day +4
Bill continues to battle the down sides of his chemo treatments. His fever has cycled up and down today. He received Hydro cortisone twice today to take his temperature down. He can not have Tylenol due to potential liver toxicity . He has not been able to eat yesterday or today. His hemoglobin and platelets were low this morning . Consequently he received both blood and platelets today.
Tonight his fever went up again. He is currently receiving more hydro cortisone and he is lying on a cooling bed. Hopefully that will help get his temperature down. The nurse just told us that one of his blood cultures tested positive for gram positive cocci. This at least explains the high temp.
Hopefully, his temperature will respond to the hydro cortisone and that he will get a sleep tonight. With all the interruptions during the night,that will most likely be impossible anyway.
Thank you again for your prayers. Please keep them up.
Tonight his fever went up again. He is currently receiving more hydro cortisone and he is lying on a cooling bed. Hopefully that will help get his temperature down. The nurse just told us that one of his blood cultures tested positive for gram positive cocci. This at least explains the high temp.
Hopefully, his temperature will respond to the hydro cortisone and that he will get a sleep tonight. With all the interruptions during the night,that will most likely be impossible anyway.
Thank you again for your prayers. Please keep them up.
Friday, June 5, 2009
Day+3
This has been a challenging day . Bill awoke at 6:00a.m. with a low grade fever. We knew the signs all too well! It continued to rise all day and peaked at 103.3. Blood and urine cultures were taken and also a chest x-ray. He was started on Vancomycin and another antibiotic called Merrem. Hopefully they should take care of any infection that is brewing.
He has been struggling with a high heart rate.Probably the result of the high fever. An EKG was normal. His liver function tests have returned to normal also after the chemotherapy.. He cannot take Tylenol for his fever because of potential liver toxicity. So we were back to the old method of cold towels and ice packs. Suffice it to say this has been a long day for Bill and his caregivers!
We are all hoping for a better day tomorrow as his temperature has started to go down tonight.
On a lighter note, we had a lovely time with our old friend Micky Quinlan last evening. We picked up where we left off many years ago. Such is the nature of true friendship.
Please continue to keep Bill in your prayers.
He has been struggling with a high heart rate.Probably the result of the high fever. An EKG was normal. His liver function tests have returned to normal also after the chemotherapy.. He cannot take Tylenol for his fever because of potential liver toxicity. So we were back to the old method of cold towels and ice packs. Suffice it to say this has been a long day for Bill and his caregivers!
We are all hoping for a better day tomorrow as his temperature has started to go down tonight.
On a lighter note, we had a lovely time with our old friend Micky Quinlan last evening. We picked up where we left off many years ago. Such is the nature of true friendship.
Please continue to keep Bill in your prayers.
Thursday, June 4, 2009
Day +2
Everything is quiet down here in Houston. The sun is shining and brightens up Bill's room in the evening with its westerly exposure. Today has been one of these days when one breaths a sigh of relief and thankfulness, for having come this far.
Bill is starting to feel the accumulative effects of the strong chemo. he received prior to transplant. We knew this was inevitable. We hope it will be mild and mostly that he will not get an infection. That would be bad news! His appetite is poor, though he still manages a few small bowls of cereal each day . He is now taking a supplemental protein drink to make sure his nourishment does not suffer.His white blood count is at 0 and will remain so for the next week or so. This is the critical time for him to avoid infections, as his body has no fighting ability. In about ten days his new blood will start to engraft and a whole new immune system will emerge. Thank you again Frank you are truly blood brothers in more ways than one.
Frank and I are meeting up with an old college friend this evening. Our histories span many decades. We will have lots to reminisce about. It will be nice to see the outside world and know that there is a world out there that is still functioning as Bill fights this great enemy.. ....cancer.
Again our heartfelt thanks for all your prayers and wishes during these past four months. Thank you to all of you who had masses offered and to those who offered the masses. Thank you to those of you who lit candles and who did twelve hour vigils in Knock and elsewhere for Bill. Thank you to those of you who made the long and ardours journey to Lough Derg on Bill's behalf. Thank you for having Bill prayed for in Lourdes.Thank you to all of you who offered prayers in all of your many faith traditions. Thank you Kathy and Janelle Picciano for the hourly novena on Bill's transplant day. The great power of prayer united throughout the world can not be underestimated. Thanks to all of you who sent relics ,holy oils holy water, rosary beads ,prayer shawls, mass cards, get well cards, the list goes on and on. We will be forever in your debt.
Bill is starting to feel the accumulative effects of the strong chemo. he received prior to transplant. We knew this was inevitable. We hope it will be mild and mostly that he will not get an infection. That would be bad news! His appetite is poor, though he still manages a few small bowls of cereal each day . He is now taking a supplemental protein drink to make sure his nourishment does not suffer.His white blood count is at 0 and will remain so for the next week or so. This is the critical time for him to avoid infections, as his body has no fighting ability. In about ten days his new blood will start to engraft and a whole new immune system will emerge. Thank you again Frank you are truly blood brothers in more ways than one.
Frank and I are meeting up with an old college friend this evening. Our histories span many decades. We will have lots to reminisce about. It will be nice to see the outside world and know that there is a world out there that is still functioning as Bill fights this great enemy.. ....cancer.
Again our heartfelt thanks for all your prayers and wishes during these past four months. Thank you to all of you who had masses offered and to those who offered the masses. Thank you to those of you who lit candles and who did twelve hour vigils in Knock and elsewhere for Bill. Thank you to those of you who made the long and ardours journey to Lough Derg on Bill's behalf. Thank you for having Bill prayed for in Lourdes.Thank you to all of you who offered prayers in all of your many faith traditions. Thank you Kathy and Janelle Picciano for the hourly novena on Bill's transplant day. The great power of prayer united throughout the world can not be underestimated. Thanks to all of you who sent relics ,holy oils holy water, rosary beads ,prayer shawls, mass cards, get well cards, the list goes on and on. We will be forever in your debt.
Wednesday, June 3, 2009
Day +1
Happy birthday Katherine, my how the years have flown!! From now on we will have three Gemini's in the family. Can any family handle that.!!!!
This has been a pretty uneventful day. Bill slept a lot. His energy level was quite low. His haemoglobin was below the desired amount, so he had to have a unit of blood. His energy picked up a lot this evening. He walked several laps but did not feel like eating. He is still suffering from nausea, but the modern medicines are wonderful for controlling it. One of his liver enzymes was elevated, so the doctors stopped the Tacrolimus for five hours ,then started him on a lower dose. Hopefully this will improve the situation.
Tess returned to Chicago this afternoon and will return in two weeks. Thank you Tess for our loyalty to Bill.
Tonight we spoke to an old friend from U.C.D. Many of you may remember Micky Quinlan. He now lives in Houston, together with his wife Lee Ann and two children. We plan to meet them for dinner tomorrow evening.
Uneventful days are good days at this stage of the game. We hope for many more such days!
Thank you all again for your prayers and support. It has made the world of difference. Please keep it up.
This has been a pretty uneventful day. Bill slept a lot. His energy level was quite low. His haemoglobin was below the desired amount, so he had to have a unit of blood. His energy picked up a lot this evening. He walked several laps but did not feel like eating. He is still suffering from nausea, but the modern medicines are wonderful for controlling it. One of his liver enzymes was elevated, so the doctors stopped the Tacrolimus for five hours ,then started him on a lower dose. Hopefully this will improve the situation.
Tess returned to Chicago this afternoon and will return in two weeks. Thank you Tess for our loyalty to Bill.
Tonight we spoke to an old friend from U.C.D. Many of you may remember Micky Quinlan. He now lives in Houston, together with his wife Lee Ann and two children. We plan to meet them for dinner tomorrow evening.
Uneventful days are good days at this stage of the game. We hope for many more such days!
Thank you all again for your prayers and support. It has made the world of difference. Please keep it up.
Tuesday, June 2, 2009
Day 0 continued
This is the end of a wonderful day. We are all very tired and emotionally drained. Bill is especially tired. He slept a lot this afternoon . This evening he is feeling nauseous and plans to have an early night. We look forward to tomorrow and to better days ahead.
Thank you again for all your prayers and support today and all through this ordeal.
Thank you again for all your prayers and support today and all through this ordeal.
Day 0 continued
Bill has completed his transplant. All went very well . A transplant nurse stayed in the room for the complete time. She monitored his blood pressure, heart rate, oxygen and temperature several times throughout the period of the transplant.
Thank God for this wonderful day and thank you Frank for Bill's new immune system.
Thank you all for your continued prayers and support. The strength of your combined prayers and energy has carried all of us through to this miraculous day. More later this evening
Thank God for this wonderful day and thank you Frank for Bill's new immune system.
Thank you all for your continued prayers and support. The strength of your combined prayers and energy has carried all of us through to this miraculous day. More later this evening
Day 0
It is 9:30 a.m. here in Texas. Bill has just started to receive the pre.-medicine for his transplant. His transplant is scheduled for 10:00a.m. Please keep him in your prayers. More later today.
Monday, June 1, 2009
Day-1
Tonight feels like Christmas Eve. As a child we awaited Santa , there was that feeling of excitement and apprehension. This is how we all feel tonight.
Bill has had a very good day. He did several laps, though a little shorter in duration. He has a feeling of nausea which the nurse has given him intravenous med for. His white blood count was .4 today and I expect it will be 0 tomorrow. He is as positive as always. We expect his transplant to happen sometime after 9;00a.m. We ask for your constant prayers.
Just as Christmas Eve was an eve of apprehension, so also it was an Eve, of great wonders to follow.
Please keep the prayers up.
Bill has had a very good day. He did several laps, though a little shorter in duration. He has a feeling of nausea which the nurse has given him intravenous med for. His white blood count was .4 today and I expect it will be 0 tomorrow. He is as positive as always. We expect his transplant to happen sometime after 9;00a.m. We ask for your constant prayers.
Just as Christmas Eve was an eve of apprehension, so also it was an Eve, of great wonders to follow.
Please keep the prayers up.
Novena for Bill
For those interested, we will be praying a Novena prayer for Bill tomorrow, June 2nd as he gets his bone marrow transplant. A Novena is a prayer said in the Catholic religion asking to obtain special graces. We ask anyone who would like to join, regardless of faith/beliefs. Of course ALL prayers are welcome and thoughts/blessings as well!
We will be starting this at 8:00 (ET) - 4:00 (ET) and saying this prayer every hour. So that is 2:00pm - 10:00 in Ireland if you want to pray at same time - if that time does not work, no worries as any prayers are wonderful and I am sure we will all overlap at some point during the day. A special thanks to Kathy and Janelle Picciano who started this Novena for Bill!!
Powerful Novena of Childlike Confidence
(This Novena is to be said at the same time every hour for Nine consecutive hours - just one day)
O Jesus, Who said, ask and you shall receive,seek and you shall find, knock and it shall be opened to you, through the intercession of Mary, Your Most Holy Mother, I knock, I seek, I ask that my prayer be granted. (Make your request.)
O Jesus, Who said, "All that you ask of the Father in My Name, He will grant you:through the intercession of Mary, Your Most Holy Mother, I humbly and urgently ask Your Father in your Name that my prayer be granted. (Make your request.)
O Jesus, Who said, "Heaven and earth shall pass away but My word shall not pass,"through the intercession of Mary, Your Most Holy Mother, I feel confident that my prayer will be granted. (Make your request.)
Thanks!!
We will be starting this at 8:00 (ET) - 4:00 (ET) and saying this prayer every hour. So that is 2:00pm - 10:00 in Ireland if you want to pray at same time - if that time does not work, no worries as any prayers are wonderful and I am sure we will all overlap at some point during the day. A special thanks to Kathy and Janelle Picciano who started this Novena for Bill!!
Powerful Novena of Childlike Confidence
(This Novena is to be said at the same time every hour for Nine consecutive hours - just one day)
O Jesus, Who said, ask and you shall receive,seek and you shall find, knock and it shall be opened to you, through the intercession of Mary, Your Most Holy Mother, I knock, I seek, I ask that my prayer be granted. (Make your request.)
O Jesus, Who said, "All that you ask of the Father in My Name, He will grant you:through the intercession of Mary, Your Most Holy Mother, I humbly and urgently ask Your Father in your Name that my prayer be granted. (Make your request.)
O Jesus, Who said, "Heaven and earth shall pass away but My word shall not pass,"through the intercession of Mary, Your Most Holy Mother, I feel confident that my prayer will be granted. (Make your request.)
Thanks!!
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