Update 11/30/2010

Hi everyone,

My dad's cell counts are continuing to drop.  Currently, his white blood cell count is at 100 and his red blood cell count is low as well.  Hopefully, his cell counts will drop to zero.  Ideally, all of the old blood cells will be wiped out and replaced by his new stem cells.  The doctors feel like tomorrow his numbers may drop again. 

Due to the low cell counts, he is feeling very tired and is starting to struggle with some nausea.  These side affects are very normal and should resolve within a few days when his cell count numbers begin to increase. 

Thanks to everyone for their well wishes.  It is much appreciated by everyone.  I will post again soon.

Thanks,

Michelle

update 11/26/10

Hi Everyone,

My dad's stem cell infusion went well and he received all he needs in one day.  As expected, his hemoglobin, red blood cell and white blood cells are all declining.  The doctors expect that by tomorrow or Sunday his cells will be very low.  Once he is neutropenic (extremely low white blood cell count), he will begin his neupogen injections. 

Currently, he is feeling increasingly tired as his cell counts continue to decrease.  He should regain his energy in the next few weeks. 

Please feel free to give him a call.  If he is resting feel free to leave him a voicemail.

Thanks,
Michelle

Done with Chemotherapy

Hi Everyone,

My dad has finished his chemotherapy!  He received a dose Saturday and a dose yesterday.  It went well-his dosage of diuretics was quadrupled with the anticipation that he would retain water as in previous rounds.  So far, he has mentioned some swelling in his ankles but not enough to affect his breathing.  We are all very pleased that he is through that portion of the treatment.


 Instead of having a day of rest, the treatment team decided to give him his first dose of stem cells today.  The procedure takes about an hour and he was placed in what is called a "twilight" or barely conscious state for this.  Although nausea can be a potential side affect of this procedure so far, my dad is feeling well and not having any troublesome symptoms.  He will probably recieve at least 2 more rounds of stem cells and then the treatment team will assess how he is doing.

I will keep everyone posted on his upcoming stem cell transplants and subsuquent recovery.

Thanks,

Michelle

In the hospital

Hi Everyone,

My dad is in the hospital!  He was admitted late last night and received his first round of chemotherapy this morning (each round only takes 15-20 minutes).  Tomorrow, he will receive one more round followed by a day of rest.  On Tuesday, he will begin to receive his stem cells back.  The doctors are not sure how long this process will take as it varies from person to person. 

My dad is feeling well right now.  The chemotherapy takes about a week to have any side affects.  Although he has to keep ice in his mouth for 7 hours a day to avoid mouth and throat sores.  Overall, he is very glad to have the final process under way.

A few people have inquired about the hospital address:

University of Chicago Bernard Mitchell Hospital

6 NW - Gary R Renaud

5841 S. Maryland Ave. MC 6041

Chicago, IL 60637-1470

 

Currently, he is not able to have many visitors and will not be able to accept any flowers or plants throughout his stay (due to potential infection).  If you are interested in sending something-I know he loves dark chocolate:)

 

I will keep everyone posted on the progress.

 

Thanks,

Michelle 

Friday

Hi Everyone,

At my dad's doctor's appointment today, he got the news that his pneumonia is clearing up!  At the hospital, they did a chest x-ray and could determine that the fluid in his lungs is going down and that he should be clear of fluids by Friday.  On Friday, if he is feeling well and if a bed is available he will be admitted.

For the first 2 days of his stay at the hospital, he will receive high doses of chemotherapy.  For the next 19 days or so, he will be receiving his stem cells back intravenously and getting his energy back.

I will let you know how things go on Friday.

Thanks for all your support!

Michelle

Update 11/12/10

Hi Everyone,

Over the past few days, my dad has still had a cough and some shortness of breath.  Although he is feeling much better overall he and the doctors have decided not to admit him to the hospital today.  On Monday, he is going to meet with a nurse at the University of Chicago and she will assess his cough and overall condition.  Depending on bed availability and how the exam goes, he could be admitted on Monday or they may advise him to wait another few days.  Because he has to have more chemotherapy during his upcoming stay, everyone wants to be sure that the cough is gone before starting this process.

I will keep everyone updated with any changes.

Thanks,
Michelle

Update

Hi Everyone,

My dad spoke with his doctor today and it looks like he may be admitted to University of Chicago Medical Center on Friday (providing a bed is available).    During his stay, he will have more chemotherapy and then his stem cells will be re-introduced into his system.  Once admitted, he will be in the hospital for approximately 3 weeks and will have very limited access to visitors.

Overall, he has been feeling better, more energetic and his cough has diminished. 

I will send out an update if anything changes.

Thanks,
Michelle

At home

Hi Everyone,

At my dad's appointment yesterday the doctor thought it would be best if he was not admitted for his final phase of treatment for now.  He still has a cough and is fighting some slight pneumonia.  The doctor stated that it could take days or weeks for the cough to go away and until it is completely gone, my dad won't be admitted. 

On a different note, his water weight is almost completely gone and the swelling in his legs is down significantly.

He will be at home at least for the next week or so.  Please feel free to give him a call.

Thanks,

Michelle