Lab work results

Hi Everyone-

My dad had a doctors appointment and some lab work done yesterday.  His white and blood cell counts are in an acceptable range.  We are all very pleased with this news and he can continue his chemotherapy treatments.

After his first chemotherapy treatment last Monday, he has very fatigued and nauseous.  I spoke with my mom today, and she mentioned that today is the first day that he is feeling a bit better and has some energy.  He is also trying a new anti-nausea medication which is hopefully helping as well.

Again, if you would like to reach out to him, he would love an email.

I will keep everyone posted as to any new developments.

Thanks,

Michelle

Gary Update

Hi Everyone,

As some of your may know, recently, my dad was diagnosed with lung cancer.  The cancer was found when he had a PET scan for his Multiple Myeloma.  The PET scan found that he had 3 tumors in his lymph nodes above his collarbone.  Additionally, he has a few cancer spots on his liver.

He was able to have the tumors removed, however, the lung cancer was deemed inoperable.  We met with a thoracic oncologist at the University of Chicago who recommended chemotherapy.  He will receive his chemotherapy in Elkhart with a total of 6 cycles.  Each cycle is 3-4 hours in IV form.  After a cycle, he gets 3 weeks off and then begins another cycle. 

My dad received his first chemotherapy treatment yesterday.  The doctor mentioned that this particular blend of chemotherapy is usually pretty well tolerated by patients with fatigue being the most prevalent of side affects. 

He will have some lab work done in the next few weeks to check on his blood counts as he is also trying to manage his Multiple Myeloma during this process.

If you would like to get in touch with him, he would love an email. 

I will keep everyone posted as we find more information.

Thanks,

Michelle  

Update 1/11/2011

Hi Everyone,

I  just wanted to give a quick update regarding my dad's last doctor's appointment.  Last week, he got the results of a recent bone marrow test, skeletal scan and blood test.  His doctors say that his red and white blood cell counts and hemoglobin are all back up so things are definitely moving in the right direction.  Additionally, his skeletal scan did not show any damage to his bones.  All good news!  He should be in remission for an indefinite amount of time.

Multiple myeloma is an incurable disease so he will have to take a low dose medication daily for the foreseeable future.  Additionally, he will have appointments with his treatment team every few months to monitor his progress.

My dad is recovering very well and getting his energy back.  I am very pleased with the results of his tests!  Please feel free to give him a call or send an email.

Thanks,

Michelle

Update 12/15/10

Hi Everyone,

I just wanted to give a quick update on my dad.  During the middle of last week, he developed an infection (probably in his lungs) and a fever.  The doctors put him on antibiotics, and a few days later he was feeling much better and his fever was down.  Apparently, iinfections and fevers are not uncommon when a patient leaves the hospital after extensive chemotherapy and a stem-cell transplant. 

This week, he is feeling more energetic and his cell counts are looking good.  His last white blood cell count was at 4,300.

I will keep everyone updated if any changes occur.

Happy Holidays!

Michelle 

Home

Hi Everyone,

My dad is home from the hospital and resting.  He has a follow-up appointment on Monday.  I will let everyone know what the treatment team has to say after his appointment.

Thanks,

Michelle

Discharged tomorrow!

Hi Everyone,

Good news-my dad is being discharged from the hospital tomorrow!  He initially had a discharge date of this coming Friday, but his blood cell levels have increased so much that he is getting out early.  His white blood cell count is already at 6,600!  The doctors said that people who recover the quickest are patients who are physically fit, have a hopeful attitude and a good outlook on life.  Thanks to everyone for all of your support.  I am sure all of your phone calls, emails and cards helped him with his speedy recovery from this phase of treatment.

In the coming weeks he will be at home resting and getting his strength back.  Although he does have a few follow up appointments he is finished with the bulk of his treatment and his body is now making its own, healthy blood cells.

Feel free to give him a call or send an email.

Thanks,
Michelle

Update 12/2/2010

Hi Everyone,

My dad is doing well as his blood cell count numbers continue to decline.  Today, his hemoglobin levels were low (under 8) so he received a transfusion of platelets followed by 2 pints of blood.  The extra fluids should help his numbers increase and give him more energy.  Although his numbers are low-the treatment team expects that by tomorrow or Saturday his numbers will begin to rise.

I will keep everyone posted.

Thanks,
Michelle