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

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