Happy New Years !

We've been so busy having fun and enjoying the holidays, we haven't posted.  Other than the Christmas grand-kid flu we picked up, we've had a great month.  Steve started maintenance therapy on Monday wearing his cancer survival shirt from Emily & Doug.  They loved the shirt at Huntsman's.  He's back to work and things are going well.  We even see signs of "hair sprouts".  Thanks again for all your help and support.  There were times when I felt no one was there, and I'm just beginning to know you were there all along and praying for us.   Bonnie

Are we done?

We had a Dr. Tricot appointment on Monday. We expected him to tell us when Steve would have the last round of D-PACE. Instead he said that the risks in doing another round out- weighed the benefits, therefore, We ARE DONE! He’ll begin maintenance therapy January 4. WOW. Steve suddenly realized he has been as sick as he’s going to get. From here, it should all be improvement. Of course he still has lots of tests, bone marrow biopsy, heart echo, hi-def C-T scan, labs and visits to a cardiologist. The chemo is hard on the heart and they’re checking that aspect out. We plan on enjoying the holidays with food, family and fun! We need “a little normal , right this very minute.”

Thanks for hanging in with us as we journey along….Enjoy each day; it’s gift, that’s why it’s called the present!

Bonnie

Coming Along

Things are looking better.  He was checked out by the Dr.’s of Infectious Diseases at the U of U hospital.  They said his lungs were vastly improved over the previous week.  The viral CMV test came back negative.  He’s going to Huntsman’s tomorrow for labs and follow up.  It has been a really rough month, we hope the ride is smoothing out some and we can enjoy the month of December. Thanks for your prayers, we know you must be offering them on our behalf and it helps.

 

 

Thanksgiving and More

Some medicine isn't dispensed in a pill bottle.  That's how we felt breaking free and having Thanksgiving dinner with Scott, Emma and girls.  It was a wonderful day.  Steve is on 4 different antibiotics for viral, fungus and bacterial infections.  He's testing positive for a yeast, an and CMV and some still feel it's fungus.  He is feeling better, appetite is better.  However, after tonights loss to BYU he'll probably have a relaps, who wouldn't, that was awful!  Bonnie

I have to admit it's getting better, getting better all the time....

Dad had a quick visit to Huntsman today and while he's still on oxygen he was able to walk to the clinic from the parking lot himself. He had labs drawn and talked with Andrea again today. Dr. Tricot stopped by the lab to check in with him also. According to Andrea, Dads blood work is progressing in a positive direction and he's finally starting to feel relief from whatever infection that has had a hold of him the past several weeks. This is all GREAT news of course!
Mom and Dad have another early morning at Huntsman tomorrow as they will be meeting with Dr. Tricot for the official post stem cell transplant check up. Hopefully things will just get better each day. Dad also needs to follow up with the Pulmonologist next week and do a test to check on the infection/inflammation that has been seen in his lungs through all of this.
With any luck we might even be able to see Dad on Thanksgiving! I know we are all very thankful for his health and growing strength this year especially. And also for all of those who have helped and supported our family during Dads journey to healthy stem cells and bone marrow.
I saw this link on a T.V. spot today and wanted to pass it on to anyone interested
http://www.dkmsamericas.org/bone-marrow-donors/become-marrow-donor
It's easy to become someone's hero by donating marrow (just requires blood draws apparently)
I know I have a new respect for such things and wish I qualified myself.
Leigh Ann