Today is Friday August 28, 2015. Today is day 1,post transplant for my husband. Yesterday Bob had a stem cell transplant. I do not pretend to understand how this all works. However I do know that God created our bodies, in their complexity, and how mere men are learning to use our bodies for good is very amazing. Bob's stem cells waited for six years to be put back into his body. The nurses who were part of the process are all young. None of them had seen the "old" bags in which they were frozen. None of them had given cells that were that old. How fast the world we live in changes.
Bob's transplant is an autologous transplant because the stem cells were taken from his own body. Now that they have been returned these baby cells will find their way into the bone marrow. where I believe they will engraft and become red and white cells and platelets---unbelievable. They will change from the immature cells to mature cells before entering the blood. Bob had the chemo drug malfalin that will lower the blood counts. We go back to the hospital on Mon.( Aug.30) morning for 8:30am which will be day 4 post transplant. This is when the blood will be checked to see what the counts are becoming. Bob will also receive velcade which is a chemo drug that will kill any cancer cells that may have tagged along with the stem cells. On day 7 and daily until the blood counts recover Bob will be given a hormone. The hormone is to help the stem cells grow and help recover the red and white blood cells and platelets in his blood. The thinking is: that by day 14 the recovery should be well on it's way.
That part went reasonably well, thank you Lord, the hard part is in the weeks and maybe months ahead. We learn as we go and I am realizing I am glad we didn't know the details of this part of the journey.
A huge challenge is going to be getting high protein, high calorie food into my guy. With the gut not having the luxury of the ice it is affected by the malfalin. We were told to expect vomiting to begin this weekend. Thankfully the 3 different types of anti nausea meds, we have, seem to have kept that under control. However the lower parts of the digestive tract are creating a different problem which means that at this point no senakot.
Once the blood counts are low he will be required to stay in hospital----I think. The risk of infection is very high then. Infection is the killer. Therefore he has: mouth care, skin care, exercises to do plus short walks. I need to be taking his temp every four hours and strict guidelines as to when we boot it back to the hospital. We still have the CVC line to watch and care for-----I don't do the flushing --- whew. Bob is still on blood thinners. He needs to monitor his blood sugar. We are now using a sliding scale as to the amount of insulin to give.
Bob has no appetite and has only eaten very small amounts of food. I know that the weight is a huge issue as Bob will not be discharged until weight loss stops.
He is very tired, sleeps lots---of course the hospital is not a place to rest. Bob has only been home since noon but it seems so busy making sure we do everything and at the appropriate times.
We have two nurse friends in our building who would be willing to help us should we be in a frenzy. Sharon, bless her, checks on us each day, by text, which is reassuring.
We certainly are fearfully and wonderfully made.
Pray Bob will recover well, not be overwhelmed or despondent. Pray that he could be infection free. Pray I will do this with calmness, love and a cheerful spirit.
Well it is now Day 2 post transplant and Bob is back in the hospital. As I was typing up this blog, Bob was tucked into bed. When he called me I thought for sure the nausea was going to start!!! However he was soaking wet with perspiration. His t shirt, the sheets all wet through. He was not making a lot of sense either. I phoned the transplant unit and I was told to bring him back into the hospital. Fortunately Barbie drove us to the hospital. Being the young one she ran to get a wheelchair. Bob was having a hard time walking. We got to the ward, the nurses are so incredible. He had blood tests done asap along with a blood sugar test. His blood sugar showed 2.9 yikes!!!! At suppertime it had been 10 so he took the insulin plus the metforman as per our directions. All of the symptoms could be explained by that blood sugar. However, he is staying the rest of the night and the night owl nurses will watch over him. They plan to check for any infections as well.
There is a lot going on in Bob's body. Trusting him to the Lord...............and the nurses.
Saturday, August 29, 2015
Sunday, August 23, 2015
RELIEF
It has now been three weeks that Bob has been off of chemo drugs. He is well today.
Bob was diabetic while on the steroids. At times his blood sugar would be 24. It was hard to get control of it as one day he would have the steroid and not the next day. I am sure the up and down was hard on his body in ways we haven't seen....yet.
The terrible cramping that Bob had in his feet and legs along with his hands is pretty much gone. The shaking has stopped. Stopped to the point that he is finishing a model sailing ship that he started last year. He hasn't been steady enough to do it. A co-worker gave him an airplane model and that is what he really wants to get at. He is pretty disciplined to do one project at a time, finish it and move on. Other people aren't wired that way.
The neuropathy in his feet is not near so bad. Bob says it is still there but he doesn't feel the "stones" anymore.
The chemo brain has pretty much disappeared. Bob's mind is much sharper. He is quicker at solving problems and getting thoughts together. He is happy and looks happy.
His tummy has the more normal roundness!!! rather than the protruding it had before.
Bob sleeps way better. He is nodding off every now and again but we say that is his body getting ready for the next phase.
The bruises from being on the warfarin are cleared up. It doesn't look like he was beaten any more. He is still on a blood thinner---Tinzaparin injections. He is on that until after the transplant. At that point everything will be re evaluated.
We have lived a sheltered life for a long time?????but especially since Bob came home because the transplant was set back. He will have to be careful post transplant---more so, but we have no idea where the pneumonia came from and sure did not want any virus, bacteria or fungus to interrupt the transplant this time. I apologize to the folks who wanted to drop over but we asked not to. We want him to be as healthy as possible, but we have no control over where other people have been and what they may carry. Maybe a walk today. Our theory condo-car-condo, but it is beautiful out today. Bob wears a mask out of the condo. We also purchased shares in Johnson&Johnson as we use so much soap and hand cream. NOT
Sooo pleased that the transplant was postponed. I can see my former Bob shining again!!!! Now we will see what happens this week, relief that he is going back to the hospital in much better shape.
Please pray for God's hand of mercy, care, healing and safety. HUGS
Bob was diabetic while on the steroids. At times his blood sugar would be 24. It was hard to get control of it as one day he would have the steroid and not the next day. I am sure the up and down was hard on his body in ways we haven't seen....yet.
The terrible cramping that Bob had in his feet and legs along with his hands is pretty much gone. The shaking has stopped. Stopped to the point that he is finishing a model sailing ship that he started last year. He hasn't been steady enough to do it. A co-worker gave him an airplane model and that is what he really wants to get at. He is pretty disciplined to do one project at a time, finish it and move on. Other people aren't wired that way.
The neuropathy in his feet is not near so bad. Bob says it is still there but he doesn't feel the "stones" anymore.
The chemo brain has pretty much disappeared. Bob's mind is much sharper. He is quicker at solving problems and getting thoughts together. He is happy and looks happy.
His tummy has the more normal roundness!!! rather than the protruding it had before.
Bob sleeps way better. He is nodding off every now and again but we say that is his body getting ready for the next phase.
The bruises from being on the warfarin are cleared up. It doesn't look like he was beaten any more. He is still on a blood thinner---Tinzaparin injections. He is on that until after the transplant. At that point everything will be re evaluated.
We have lived a sheltered life for a long time?????but especially since Bob came home because the transplant was set back. He will have to be careful post transplant---more so, but we have no idea where the pneumonia came from and sure did not want any virus, bacteria or fungus to interrupt the transplant this time. I apologize to the folks who wanted to drop over but we asked not to. We want him to be as healthy as possible, but we have no control over where other people have been and what they may carry. Maybe a walk today. Our theory condo-car-condo, but it is beautiful out today. Bob wears a mask out of the condo. We also purchased shares in Johnson&Johnson as we use so much soap and hand cream. NOT
Sooo pleased that the transplant was postponed. I can see my former Bob shining again!!!! Now we will see what happens this week, relief that he is going back to the hospital in much better shape.
Please pray for God's hand of mercy, care, healing and safety. HUGS
Tuesday, August 18, 2015
BOB IS 'ON DECK"
Today, once again, we were on the road to Tom Baker Cancer Centre. First stop at the BMT clinic. Both of us were thinking we needed a requisition to take to the lab for blood work. Soooo we had arrived early because the waits can often be long. The nurse looks at Bob and asks "don't you have the CVC line in place any longer?". The blood can be taken from that port right here in the clinic-----right we knew that!!!! A chest x-ray later and the changing of the bandages and the removal of a stitch and we are waiting for Dr. Bahlis. One advantage to becoming part of the BMT group of patients is that the waits are not very long. Not sure if that is a real advantage but we will take it.
Dr. Bahlis comes in very smiley!!!!! Should Bob want to continue with the transplant, the team upstairs is willing to do it next week. The x-ray showed a bit of pneumonia but Bob still has a couple days of antibiotics left. We are to keep checking Bob's temp and ANY fever we are to call immediately.
We haven't been sent our new calendar yet but Bob goes back to the unit on Tues. BIG chemo on Wed. and stem cells to be transplanted on Thurs. (Aug.27). Unless that changes, as there are a number of transplants on Wed. ,it will depend on how those Wed. folks are and if there are others having a transplant on Thurs. We will only be 2 weeks behind what was planned.
Bob is doing all he can do to stay healthy. I would like to bubble wrap him with an oxygen tank attached through the bubble wrap. That way maybe he would be pristine. However we know that God is in control. Transplant has been stopped 2x now so we are in the Lord's care once again. This verse from Jer. 29 has given hope for many over the centuries even though it was written for the Israelites in approx 600 BC. "For I know the plans I have for you (Bob)," says the Lord. "They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope."
Thankyou Lord for Your Word that gives comfort and hope to us.
Dr. Bahlis comes in very smiley!!!!! Should Bob want to continue with the transplant, the team upstairs is willing to do it next week. The x-ray showed a bit of pneumonia but Bob still has a couple days of antibiotics left. We are to keep checking Bob's temp and ANY fever we are to call immediately.
We haven't been sent our new calendar yet but Bob goes back to the unit on Tues. BIG chemo on Wed. and stem cells to be transplanted on Thurs. (Aug.27). Unless that changes, as there are a number of transplants on Wed. ,it will depend on how those Wed. folks are and if there are others having a transplant on Thurs. We will only be 2 weeks behind what was planned.
Bob is doing all he can do to stay healthy. I would like to bubble wrap him with an oxygen tank attached through the bubble wrap. That way maybe he would be pristine. However we know that God is in control. Transplant has been stopped 2x now so we are in the Lord's care once again. This verse from Jer. 29 has given hope for many over the centuries even though it was written for the Israelites in approx 600 BC. "For I know the plans I have for you (Bob)," says the Lord. "They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope."
Thankyou Lord for Your Word that gives comfort and hope to us.
Wednesday, August 12, 2015
TOMORROW
We sure do not know what tomorrow brings..
I checked my phone before taking the garbage down to the garbage room and there weren't any messages. Upon my return there was a message from Bob saying that he was going to be discharged today. He had been told around discharge would be around 12:00pm but I wasn't to hurry!!! I wanted to hear all of this first hand so I hurried. I was at he hospital by 10:00. Then we played waiting. We were on our way home at 3:10pm. However we spoke to a number of professionals over that time.
Bob does have pneumonia. The stem cell transplant doctor and the team are thinking that the steroids had masked it. When the chemo drugs were stopped, well no more masking!!!! Bob says the prednizone also masked pain as he has a lot more bone pain now. Bob needs to be more healthy as we were told any pre infection would be ----like almost deadly. Bob hasn't had a fever for 24 hours. We came home with a round of antibiotics, no chemo,metforman and a couple of others. Bob stayed wired, the CVC line can apparently stay in for a year???? My only concern was when the nurse gave me a package containing emergency supplies if anything happened to any part of the CVC line. We also got the official rain shield for shower time. Uggggggg.
We needed to talk with the social worker before we could leave. We shared with her about our belief in Jesus and even tho she can't say anything she said enough for us to think she is a believer. Her name is Lori and she introduced us to the green sleeve. Every one in AB needs to have a green sleeve!!!! We wear very little green so we obviously don't have one. Bob had been asked to bring in his will. CREEPERS, but what is needed is the personal directive. Today Lori explained what they want and need. Our wills have our personal directives so we will copy the directive before Bob goes in again. Upon leaving tho, we were given our own green sleeve. It is on our fridge now. That is where EMS would look for it. Every time you are hospitalized the green sleeve goes with you. Comforting.
We see Dr. Bahlis on Tues (18) at which time we may have a new transplant schedule?
We are both very tired as this is draining emotionally. I can only handle so much adrenalin. However we do have peace about everything that happened. Everything that happens to us---good or bad passes through God's hand. He must be allowing these things for a reason beyond our comprehension. Part of the BIG picture. So very thankful for the prayers of many people.
Isaiah 55:8&9 says: "My thoughts are nothing like your thoughts," says the Lord. "And my ways are far beyond anything you could imagine.For just as the heavens are higher than the earth, so my ways are higher than your ways and my thoughts higher than your thoughts.'................
Bob and I are choosing to believe that God has everything in His Hands and in His control.
I checked my phone before taking the garbage down to the garbage room and there weren't any messages. Upon my return there was a message from Bob saying that he was going to be discharged today. He had been told around discharge would be around 12:00pm but I wasn't to hurry!!! I wanted to hear all of this first hand so I hurried. I was at he hospital by 10:00. Then we played waiting. We were on our way home at 3:10pm. However we spoke to a number of professionals over that time.
Bob does have pneumonia. The stem cell transplant doctor and the team are thinking that the steroids had masked it. When the chemo drugs were stopped, well no more masking!!!! Bob says the prednizone also masked pain as he has a lot more bone pain now. Bob needs to be more healthy as we were told any pre infection would be ----like almost deadly. Bob hasn't had a fever for 24 hours. We came home with a round of antibiotics, no chemo,metforman and a couple of others. Bob stayed wired, the CVC line can apparently stay in for a year???? My only concern was when the nurse gave me a package containing emergency supplies if anything happened to any part of the CVC line. We also got the official rain shield for shower time. Uggggggg.
We needed to talk with the social worker before we could leave. We shared with her about our belief in Jesus and even tho she can't say anything she said enough for us to think she is a believer. Her name is Lori and she introduced us to the green sleeve. Every one in AB needs to have a green sleeve!!!! We wear very little green so we obviously don't have one. Bob had been asked to bring in his will. CREEPERS, but what is needed is the personal directive. Today Lori explained what they want and need. Our wills have our personal directives so we will copy the directive before Bob goes in again. Upon leaving tho, we were given our own green sleeve. It is on our fridge now. That is where EMS would look for it. Every time you are hospitalized the green sleeve goes with you. Comforting.
We see Dr. Bahlis on Tues (18) at which time we may have a new transplant schedule?
We are both very tired as this is draining emotionally. I can only handle so much adrenalin. However we do have peace about everything that happened. Everything that happens to us---good or bad passes through God's hand. He must be allowing these things for a reason beyond our comprehension. Part of the BIG picture. So very thankful for the prayers of many people.
Isaiah 55:8&9 says: "My thoughts are nothing like your thoughts," says the Lord. "And my ways are far beyond anything you could imagine.For just as the heavens are higher than the earth, so my ways are higher than your ways and my thoughts higher than your thoughts.'................
Bob and I are choosing to believe that God has everything in His Hands and in His control.
Tuesday, August 11, 2015
SIDE-LINED
Yesterday (Mon. 10) got off to a great start. Bob had the CVC (Central Venous Catheter) line put in and was up on ward 57 Special Services building by 10:30. We met a couple who are going through the same procedure but with the wife as the patient. She also has another illness that puts her at risk but is also treated with stem cell transplant. It is really heart wrenching to see so many sick people with cancer. The ward however seems very positive. These nurses are sooooo young and are just running. However, once a nurse comes into the room you have her full attention and all the time you need.
Over the weekend Bob had the shivers, sweats, and a fever. It was in a sort of pattern and lasted approx. 2hrs. We, in our wisdom, thought he was having a withdrawal from all the meds. This same thing happened over noon hour on the ward. This put everyone into a tail spin as any kind of infection leading to fever does not go with stem cell transplant. Bob had blood taken, blood culture, urine culture and urine samples, a chest x-ray and an extremely thorough going over by the transplant doctor. The chest x-ray showed something on one lung that wasn't there at last x-ray, a week ago. The doctor thought it could be the bandages that were covering the line. They will x-ray in a couple more days to check that out. However at this point it is just to risky to do the transplant so it has been set back and has no new timeline. We are grateful this all happened before transplant. If it had happened post transplant it could have been blamed on the transplant and then who knows the results? as it may be treated differently.
I thought that was enough drama for one day but we weren't done yet. Once the decision was made to treat this as a bacterial infection, for now, Bob was hooked up with the antibiotics through one of those three ports on his chest. Way better than being poked. Bob decided to walk around the room with the pole--not really pole dancing at this point. It is a double room with only one bed so a fair bit of room. We hadn't been told whether Bob could leave the room yet and as you know me I am a rule follower. Bob turned and the front of his shirt was wet and I know he hadn't had the tap on. We started to look and the port fell out of the line to his chest. I ran to find a nurse. Bob clamped the line---not even sure how. We praise God that He gave Bob that nudge of protection. When a nurse and I came into the room there were splatters of blood all around Bob. She checked the line and called for help. I, in my wifely duty, wet towels and cleaned the mess. Starting with the blood on Bob's chest then down to the floor. Bob and both nurses had to put masks on and I sat in a far corner hiding from the whole scene and asking God to protect Bob. The nurse asked who had clamped the line. Bob said he did and she replied good thinking. As I look at it now I am convinced God's angels took Bob's hand and put it in the right spot. Once everything was back to "normal" we were told that a workplace file was being processed as that should never have happened. If there is fault to be laid it is in the radiology dept that put the line in and one of the ends was not proper. This line ends by the heart so should an air bubble have gone through Bob would have died. That is my understanding. Once again we thank God for His protection. Bob could have been sent home with a faulty line or gone into chemo or?????????
We don't understand all of this, don't know what will happen tomorrow, but once again I will say PTL we know Who knows tomorrow.
I was encouraged this morning by: Col. 1:11 "We also pray that you will be strengthened with all his glorious power so you will have the endurance and patience you need. May you be filled with joy, always thanking the Father." well actually, all of 1st Colossians.
Thank you for your prayers on our behalf.
Over the weekend Bob had the shivers, sweats, and a fever. It was in a sort of pattern and lasted approx. 2hrs. We, in our wisdom, thought he was having a withdrawal from all the meds. This same thing happened over noon hour on the ward. This put everyone into a tail spin as any kind of infection leading to fever does not go with stem cell transplant. Bob had blood taken, blood culture, urine culture and urine samples, a chest x-ray and an extremely thorough going over by the transplant doctor. The chest x-ray showed something on one lung that wasn't there at last x-ray, a week ago. The doctor thought it could be the bandages that were covering the line. They will x-ray in a couple more days to check that out. However at this point it is just to risky to do the transplant so it has been set back and has no new timeline. We are grateful this all happened before transplant. If it had happened post transplant it could have been blamed on the transplant and then who knows the results? as it may be treated differently.
I thought that was enough drama for one day but we weren't done yet. Once the decision was made to treat this as a bacterial infection, for now, Bob was hooked up with the antibiotics through one of those three ports on his chest. Way better than being poked. Bob decided to walk around the room with the pole--not really pole dancing at this point. It is a double room with only one bed so a fair bit of room. We hadn't been told whether Bob could leave the room yet and as you know me I am a rule follower. Bob turned and the front of his shirt was wet and I know he hadn't had the tap on. We started to look and the port fell out of the line to his chest. I ran to find a nurse. Bob clamped the line---not even sure how. We praise God that He gave Bob that nudge of protection. When a nurse and I came into the room there were splatters of blood all around Bob. She checked the line and called for help. I, in my wifely duty, wet towels and cleaned the mess. Starting with the blood on Bob's chest then down to the floor. Bob and both nurses had to put masks on and I sat in a far corner hiding from the whole scene and asking God to protect Bob. The nurse asked who had clamped the line. Bob said he did and she replied good thinking. As I look at it now I am convinced God's angels took Bob's hand and put it in the right spot. Once everything was back to "normal" we were told that a workplace file was being processed as that should never have happened. If there is fault to be laid it is in the radiology dept that put the line in and one of the ends was not proper. This line ends by the heart so should an air bubble have gone through Bob would have died. That is my understanding. Once again we thank God for His protection. Bob could have been sent home with a faulty line or gone into chemo or?????????
We don't understand all of this, don't know what will happen tomorrow, but once again I will say PTL we know Who knows tomorrow.
I was encouraged this morning by: Col. 1:11 "We also pray that you will be strengthened with all his glorious power so you will have the endurance and patience you need. May you be filled with joy, always thanking the Father." well actually, all of 1st Colossians.
Thank you for your prayers on our behalf.
Sunday, August 9, 2015
TIME
I was invited to join Bob and his co-workers for a luncheon. This luncheon was to honour Bob and wish him a speedy return to work. The work that this crew went to putting the lunch together was amazing. Lots of good food and a special time to greet those I knew and meet new staff. The contractors who were on sight came down for lunch as well. I was so touched by how highly all of these folks think of my Bob. Their kind words will be a salve for both of us for many months. The staff each brought a gift for Bob, to help pass the time over the next 3 months. Bob will become a champion at sudoku,wordfind, crossword puzzles. He will be encouraged by words of John Ortberg. He has a new devotional to read each day. A magazine entitled Get Rich at Home. Bob has new music to purchase on line as well as a card for online books. The model plane will be fun for Bob to put together. There are also 413 Motivation Stickers!!!!! "Good Job, Well done Etc." I can use them for ? --lots of pee, good eating, finally a solid poop!!! who knows as we aren't sure of what will need motivating. ;-}. The Landscape crew bought Bob a BIG eagle which is totally touching. On his desk Bob has Isaiah 40:31 which pointed them into the eagle direction. All of this covered in a warm fuzzy blanket to keep him warm. How blessed Bob is to have each one of these folks in his life. Which in turn means I am blessed too. ;-)
Bob's brother Gerry and Gerry's wife Claire took a few days away from their jobs to make a trip out west. They camped in Okotoks for 2 nights. On the second night (Fri) our family was able to all be out there for a neat evening around the fire. Mike and Cori and their 4 kids along with Tim and Barbie and all 4 of their kids made the effort to be out and spend time with us and G&C. Way to many marshmallows roasted and consumed!!!! Barbie and 2 of her kids spent the night out there in a tent. Kuddos to them. However when we arrived to go for breakfast with Gerry and Claire, Gerry had already helped them pack up and the kids were gone. I'm thinking that morning comes early when you are camping!!!!!
On Saturday Mike and Cori and kids spent the afternoon with us. We spent some time in the park but way to many wasps for a picnic so we finished eating in the condo. Lots of playing with the 3 little ones.
Hated the fact that Sunday arrived as that meant the weekend was almost over and reality was going to kick in. Our families came to church with us and then we headed to Tim and Barbie's for a bar -b -que lunch. Mike prayed for his dad, which means a lot to us. It really was a great visit. THE highlight had to be the water balloon fight. Once the little guys caught on it was crazy, they loved getting Uncle Mike, Hannah and Colton soaked.
Homeward we came to pack and get ready for tomorrow. Bob shaved his beard off. He thought if he just let it fall out he would end up eating a lot of it!!!!!! We are as ready as we can be. We don't know what tomorrow holds or any days in the future but we are so grateful that God knows the future and will see both of us through. So I am thinking that we obeyed the doctor's orders and had a great weekend.
Thank you for praying.
Bob's brother Gerry and Gerry's wife Claire took a few days away from their jobs to make a trip out west. They camped in Okotoks for 2 nights. On the second night (Fri) our family was able to all be out there for a neat evening around the fire. Mike and Cori and their 4 kids along with Tim and Barbie and all 4 of their kids made the effort to be out and spend time with us and G&C. Way to many marshmallows roasted and consumed!!!! Barbie and 2 of her kids spent the night out there in a tent. Kuddos to them. However when we arrived to go for breakfast with Gerry and Claire, Gerry had already helped them pack up and the kids were gone. I'm thinking that morning comes early when you are camping!!!!!
On Saturday Mike and Cori and kids spent the afternoon with us. We spent some time in the park but way to many wasps for a picnic so we finished eating in the condo. Lots of playing with the 3 little ones.
Hated the fact that Sunday arrived as that meant the weekend was almost over and reality was going to kick in. Our families came to church with us and then we headed to Tim and Barbie's for a bar -b -que lunch. Mike prayed for his dad, which means a lot to us. It really was a great visit. THE highlight had to be the water balloon fight. Once the little guys caught on it was crazy, they loved getting Uncle Mike, Hannah and Colton soaked.
Homeward we came to pack and get ready for tomorrow. Bob shaved his beard off. He thought if he just let it fall out he would end up eating a lot of it!!!!!! We are as ready as we can be. We don't know what tomorrow holds or any days in the future but we are so grateful that God knows the future and will see both of us through. So I am thinking that we obeyed the doctor's orders and had a great weekend.
Thank you for praying.
Saturday, August 8, 2015
Always Evolving-------REBOOT
One quote that Bob really likes from the Red Green Show is "I am a man, I can change".
These trips to Tom Baker and all the interactions with the various professionals give one pause to change. We had decided that Bob would stay in the hospital and not take passes. OF COURSE we did not really understand what a pass meant. Truth be told that, as of this hour, we are still not sure. Our thinking has evolved though, to accept that perhaps we will try out this "pass thing". We have been encouraged to try it when one is offered. Bob will only get them if everything is in order, as far as blood work, temp etc. They may be for only 2hours or 4 hours or maybe overnight. This encouragement came from 3 very different people. The one gal was with her mom and they were on a 4 hour pass. They were not leaving the hospital grounds but were "free" for 4 hours. The patient had her mask on her face, a cap on her bald head and off they went. She was so encouraging to Bob---well to both of us that we decided that maybe there was something to this pass thing. I believe that it has a lot to do with the mental health of patient and caregiver.
Bob's stem cells were collected in 2009 and we were informed that now a days the cells are stored very differently. Change/evolution of cell collection!------Bob's cells are in smaller bags so he has 5 bags to be given back. Each bag has a preservative in it. This preservative has it's own unique side affect. The new way of collecting cells has the cells in larger bags THEREFORE the patient receives less preservative. So Bob's return of cells will take longer than normal. On Wed. he will receive 2 bags in the morning and 2,perhaps 3 bags in the late afternoon.. Should he be only given 2 bags on Wed afternoon the last bag or #5 will be given Thurs morning.
We think that Bob is having withdrawal. Bob has only been off of the chemo drugs a few days but after 7 years..................????Hard for us to know but he is not feeling well and had the shakes for a while. This was not mentioned............suppose each person is different.
"Strength is not always revealed in a dramatic display: at times, it's demonstrated in determined endurance." C. Stanley
Wednesday, August 5, 2015
FORWARD
Well, it is going ahead for Bob's the stem cell transplant. As this whole situation becomes more real we also begin to understand more of the risks. We also know that this is what needs to be done. We could have postponed the procedure until the protein numbers went higher but we chose to continue now.
Bob had a bone marrow aspiration yesterday. This procedure is hard to watch but Bob doesn't even twitch. He says that it really doesn't bother him. Glad Bob is tough and seems to handle all the physical miseries well. One more round of blood work on Friday and a visit with the pharmacist.
Bob will receive the first of 3 velcade injections (also a chemo drug) on Fri. (7th). He is now off of all the former chemo drugs--today being the first day. Not sure how that will mess him up. Without the prednizone Bob should not be diabetic but he is watching the sugars closely to see what happens. The cumadin (warfarin) is also stopped however they are bridging with Tinzaparin injections (self administered).
Dr. Bahlis also showed concern about the damage to the heart. We already knew this but when push comes to shove -----yikes. The Dr. is going to administer a lower dose of the BIG chemo Melphalan. As Bob's marker numbers are going up they are still not what is considered high-----all in the perception!!!!!! Dr. Bahlis thinks the lower dose will be safer on Bob's heart and will still manage the myeloma.
The stem cells were harvested from Bob in 2009. He was on the new drug Revlamid at that time. We are asking God for a miracle of using these cells to heal Bob totally from the cancer. God could heal however He chooses. We are totally aware of that Truth but thus far He, has cared for my husband through the use of medicine and the knowledge of the doctors. Pray with us, that the cancer will be gone.
The TBCC is big on their stem cell patients going home for the first seven days or so, until the white blood counts are zero and the immunity is gone. Manitoba does not do this. Their patients are admitted and stay until the counts are on the way up about 14 days after day 0, or in Bob's case the 12th of Aug will be day 0. With all of the things to be aware of we are leaning to the MB protocal which is acceptable at Tom Baker. If Bob leaves on a pass he would need to be back by 9:00 am and it could be that he couldn't leave until late in the afternoon. The travelling distance for us is long and dealing with the body fluid discharge may not be the best for either of us. Pray with us as we will make these decisions daily with how Bob feels. I also do not need to be anxious about all the "what to do if...." Bob is good with staying. He was in hospital 2 months last time. He says he can handle 2-3 weeks. The latest electronic gadgets mean Bob is able to see his family----all of them, daily.
Psalm 33:22 says "May your unfailing love rest upon us, O Lord, even as we put our hope in you."
Bob had a bone marrow aspiration yesterday. This procedure is hard to watch but Bob doesn't even twitch. He says that it really doesn't bother him. Glad Bob is tough and seems to handle all the physical miseries well. One more round of blood work on Friday and a visit with the pharmacist.
Bob will receive the first of 3 velcade injections (also a chemo drug) on Fri. (7th). He is now off of all the former chemo drugs--today being the first day. Not sure how that will mess him up. Without the prednizone Bob should not be diabetic but he is watching the sugars closely to see what happens. The cumadin (warfarin) is also stopped however they are bridging with Tinzaparin injections (self administered).
Dr. Bahlis also showed concern about the damage to the heart. We already knew this but when push comes to shove -----yikes. The Dr. is going to administer a lower dose of the BIG chemo Melphalan. As Bob's marker numbers are going up they are still not what is considered high-----all in the perception!!!!!! Dr. Bahlis thinks the lower dose will be safer on Bob's heart and will still manage the myeloma.
The stem cells were harvested from Bob in 2009. He was on the new drug Revlamid at that time. We are asking God for a miracle of using these cells to heal Bob totally from the cancer. God could heal however He chooses. We are totally aware of that Truth but thus far He, has cared for my husband through the use of medicine and the knowledge of the doctors. Pray with us, that the cancer will be gone.
The TBCC is big on their stem cell patients going home for the first seven days or so, until the white blood counts are zero and the immunity is gone. Manitoba does not do this. Their patients are admitted and stay until the counts are on the way up about 14 days after day 0, or in Bob's case the 12th of Aug will be day 0. With all of the things to be aware of we are leaning to the MB protocal which is acceptable at Tom Baker. If Bob leaves on a pass he would need to be back by 9:00 am and it could be that he couldn't leave until late in the afternoon. The travelling distance for us is long and dealing with the body fluid discharge may not be the best for either of us. Pray with us as we will make these decisions daily with how Bob feels. I also do not need to be anxious about all the "what to do if...." Bob is good with staying. He was in hospital 2 months last time. He says he can handle 2-3 weeks. The latest electronic gadgets mean Bob is able to see his family----all of them, daily.
Psalm 33:22 says "May your unfailing love rest upon us, O Lord, even as we put our hope in you."
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