Since the last post, I've had the port intalled and have had 3 treatments with the chemotherapy medicicne GVD. Like the rest of these medicicnes, GVD makes me very tired. I did, however, receive a blood transfusion this week and that has helped make breathing easier and has given me more energy.
I will get one more treatment with GVD on Dec 21. Sometime the week after Christmas, I will get another PET scan to see if the GVD is keeping the cancer from spreading. If the GVD is successful, I will start a bone marrow transplant program as early as January. In conjunction with a bone marrow transplant, I may also participate in a clinical trial at the Cleveland Clinic on a new medicine called XGN-35. XGN-35 has shown great promise in keeping Hodgkin's from recurring in patients who have undergone a bone marrow transplant.
I thank everyone again for your support and prayers during this time. I'll post an update after I've gotten my PET scan.
Thanks,
Bill
Friday, December 17, 2010
Sunday, December 5, 2010
Up date from Joy
Um last week that new PIC line stopped working and so the Dr's took it out on that Monday. And Bill got the chemo the old fashioned way. He did fine with it. Tomorrow on Monday Dec. 6th the plan is to put a port in the right side.
A port will be nice because it does not require as much up keep as the PIC line.
That will be taking place at WPAFB hospital around 10:00 if you have a min to take a breath and send some love and a few heavenly helpers around Bill at that time it would be so appreciated.
WE ALL want to THANK EVERYONE who has sent us Fraser DVD's. So much fun to watch as a family. I did not think Bridget would like them...however that girl if full of suprises.
If fact at Bridgets skating competion this weekend up in Ann Arbor she took a big fall and so tomorrow I will be bring her to WPAFB to get checked out as well. My goodness. We will see if she need and MRI on her knee tomorrow. Good thing everything is on the same floor and just a few hallways apart.
With that said I think Bridget and her Dad will be enjoying the DVD's together. THANK YOU!
Will let you know how the port instlation goes tomorrow.
Um last week that new PIC line stopped working and so the Dr's took it out on that Monday. And Bill got the chemo the old fashioned way. He did fine with it. Tomorrow on Monday Dec. 6th the plan is to put a port in the right side.
A port will be nice because it does not require as much up keep as the PIC line.
That will be taking place at WPAFB hospital around 10:00 if you have a min to take a breath and send some love and a few heavenly helpers around Bill at that time it would be so appreciated.
WE ALL want to THANK EVERYONE who has sent us Fraser DVD's. So much fun to watch as a family. I did not think Bridget would like them...however that girl if full of suprises.
If fact at Bridgets skating competion this weekend up in Ann Arbor she took a big fall and so tomorrow I will be bring her to WPAFB to get checked out as well. My goodness. We will see if she need and MRI on her knee tomorrow. Good thing everything is on the same floor and just a few hallways apart.
With that said I think Bridget and her Dad will be enjoying the DVD's together. THANK YOU!
Will let you know how the port instlation goes tomorrow.
Monday, November 22, 2010
Nov.22 2010
Nov.22 2010
Greetings from Joy,
Bill had a new PIC line put in his other (right) arm today in preparation for the GVD chemo therapy tomorrow. The procedure was done in about an hour and Bill said that the removal of the old one was easy.
We are hopeful that this will be the right mix of chemo that will put a stop to the hodgkin's lymphoma and then allow Bill do start the stem cell transplant protical.
When we went to the Cleveland Clinic Bill found out about a follow on trial that he may be a candidate for. If that looks promising perhaps he will end up doing the stem cell transplant up at the Cleveland Clinic
instead of the Cincinnati Jewish Hospital. There are several other things that need to happen and unfold before we cross that bridge. (hum, that is a Bill saying if there ever was one)
For now please keep Bill in your prayers. Seeing the chemo therapy being installed with Divine Intelligence targeting the cells that are not of benefit to Bill's Body. Also seeing his healthy red and white blood cells able to rejuvinate with ease in harmony with the chemo therapy.
We are planning a low key Thanksgiving with the four of us and the NEW BUTTERBALL TURKEY FRYER!!!Its suppose to be safe? and easy to use. Bill who in the past never had time to watch TV was quite taken by the turkey fryer infomercial and so when it looked like it was something he wanted I told him to go for it!
Ha ha ha and so the adventure of turkey frying is before us.
Thank You for all of your prays and well wishes.
Greetings from Joy,
Bill had a new PIC line put in his other (right) arm today in preparation for the GVD chemo therapy tomorrow. The procedure was done in about an hour and Bill said that the removal of the old one was easy.
We are hopeful that this will be the right mix of chemo that will put a stop to the hodgkin's lymphoma and then allow Bill do start the stem cell transplant protical.
When we went to the Cleveland Clinic Bill found out about a follow on trial that he may be a candidate for. If that looks promising perhaps he will end up doing the stem cell transplant up at the Cleveland Clinic
instead of the Cincinnati Jewish Hospital. There are several other things that need to happen and unfold before we cross that bridge. (hum, that is a Bill saying if there ever was one)
For now please keep Bill in your prayers. Seeing the chemo therapy being installed with Divine Intelligence targeting the cells that are not of benefit to Bill's Body. Also seeing his healthy red and white blood cells able to rejuvinate with ease in harmony with the chemo therapy.
We are planning a low key Thanksgiving with the four of us and the NEW BUTTERBALL TURKEY FRYER!!!Its suppose to be safe? and easy to use. Bill who in the past never had time to watch TV was quite taken by the turkey fryer infomercial and so when it looked like it was something he wanted I told him to go for it!
Ha ha ha and so the adventure of turkey frying is before us.
Thank You for all of your prays and well wishes.
Wednesday, November 10, 2010
Update from Joy ~ November 10, 2010
Greetings from Joy,
The PET scan that Bill had on Thursday Nov. 4th indicated that he would need more and a different kind of chemo therapy before he can begin the stem cell transplant. Although there is less along the center of his chest...there still is some active cell growth in that place near his heart as well as a small spot on the back of his neck and a few spots on the edge of his liver.
Bill is going to gather additional information up at the Cleveland Clinic on Tuesday Nov 16th and then should be able to make a choice as to what is the best chemo treatment plan for this next phase of clearing the cancer.
It was pretty "sucky" news when Bill found out that he would need more chemo before he could go thru the stem cell protocol however, He has had a few days to do some research as well and a chance to see the scan. And although it's not great to see the "hot spots" it was somewhat reassuring that its not that much... and the 3rd type of chemo must be the charm to clear the rest of the cancer so that Bill can begin the stem cell program.
Overall I would have to say Bill is hanging in there. He has not had chemo for about a month and he seems to be completely recovered from his lung surgery. He is still tired and takes a few naps here and there through out the day.
He still has his eye brows and eye lashes and a few hairs remain on the side of his head.Mostly he is the same old Bill or Bubba just not as energetic as he was before.
One guilty pleasure that he has discovered, Fraser is on Mid morning TV and thankfully that makes him laugh. So I am now on the hunt for the Fraser DVD's starting at season one.I looked at Target and did not have any luck. So if you happen to be out and about and happen to find Fraser DVD let me know. Thanks.
Until the next post know that Bill is hanging in there. He misses work and would like to be doing something useful soon. Please continue to see Bill as healthy and well, as you pray for him, as well has being free and clear of cancer.
Thank you for all of your prayers and support. It means so much to Bill and myself as well.
Thank You
Joy
The PET scan that Bill had on Thursday Nov. 4th indicated that he would need more and a different kind of chemo therapy before he can begin the stem cell transplant. Although there is less along the center of his chest...there still is some active cell growth in that place near his heart as well as a small spot on the back of his neck and a few spots on the edge of his liver.
Bill is going to gather additional information up at the Cleveland Clinic on Tuesday Nov 16th and then should be able to make a choice as to what is the best chemo treatment plan for this next phase of clearing the cancer.
It was pretty "sucky" news when Bill found out that he would need more chemo before he could go thru the stem cell protocol however, He has had a few days to do some research as well and a chance to see the scan. And although it's not great to see the "hot spots" it was somewhat reassuring that its not that much... and the 3rd type of chemo must be the charm to clear the rest of the cancer so that Bill can begin the stem cell program.
Overall I would have to say Bill is hanging in there. He has not had chemo for about a month and he seems to be completely recovered from his lung surgery. He is still tired and takes a few naps here and there through out the day.
He still has his eye brows and eye lashes and a few hairs remain on the side of his head.Mostly he is the same old Bill or Bubba just not as energetic as he was before.
One guilty pleasure that he has discovered, Fraser is on Mid morning TV and thankfully that makes him laugh. So I am now on the hunt for the Fraser DVD's starting at season one.I looked at Target and did not have any luck. So if you happen to be out and about and happen to find Fraser DVD let me know. Thanks.
Until the next post know that Bill is hanging in there. He misses work and would like to be doing something useful soon. Please continue to see Bill as healthy and well, as you pray for him, as well has being free and clear of cancer.
Thank you for all of your prayers and support. It means so much to Bill and myself as well.
Thank You
Joy
Sunday, October 24, 2010
Update From Bill
Bill is actually typing this posting. I wanted to let everyone know that I'm home after a successful operation to expand my right lung. I also learned that my cancer is in remission after 3 ICE chemotherapy treatments. I feel better today than I have since my relapse in September and finally have the energy to type something.
I will start my visits to the Jewish Hosptial this week to initiate my bone marrow stem cell transplant. I will first get one more ICE chemotherapy treatment. After the treatment, the doctors will start harvesting my healthy stem cells from my blood supply. Once they have enough stem cells, I will get a 'knock out' session of chemotherapy. As I recover from the session, they will reintroduce the stem cells back into my body. After 4-6 weeks, the process will complete and my Hodgkin's will be in complete remission.
I thank everyone for the prayers, cards, calls, and meals. It's meant a great deal to me and my family
God Bless,
Bill,
I will start my visits to the Jewish Hosptial this week to initiate my bone marrow stem cell transplant. I will first get one more ICE chemotherapy treatment. After the treatment, the doctors will start harvesting my healthy stem cells from my blood supply. Once they have enough stem cells, I will get a 'knock out' session of chemotherapy. As I recover from the session, they will reintroduce the stem cells back into my body. After 4-6 weeks, the process will complete and my Hodgkin's will be in complete remission.
I thank everyone for the prayers, cards, calls, and meals. It's meant a great deal to me and my family
God Bless,
Bill,
Monday, October 18, 2010
October 18, 2010
Change of plans ~
Bill checked in to the hospital tonight so he can receive more blood and then the lung procedure will be performed tomorrow around 1:00pm.
Thanks for the good wishes and prayers.
Holly
Bill checked in to the hospital tonight so he can receive more blood and then the lung procedure will be performed tomorrow around 1:00pm.
Thanks for the good wishes and prayers.
Holly
Saturday, October 16, 2010
October 16, 2010
Greetings from Joy,
It has been a week from Bill's chemo treatment and he is getting out of bed more
and seems to have a stronger disposition. He had a meet and greet with the
thoracic surgeon today and he seems very able and capable.
The surgeon explained that the procedure is much like peeling a hardboiled egg
from its shell. Sometimes the "rind" covering the lung comes off easy in one piece
and sometimes it takes a bit more effort.
So those of you who are able pray seeing the "rind" being removed with ease and
in one piece would be a wonderful prayer request. It was my understanding that
the easier it is to remove from the lung the faster the recovery.
Bill has a breathing exercise class on Monday, Oct 18 and then he is scheduled
for surgery on Tuesday Oct 19. Recovery will be anywhere from 3 to 5 to 7 or so days.
All of this will take place at Kettering Hospital.
The Dr. said this is a pretty straight forward procedure and that Bill being
young and strong should do very well.
My hope is that Bill's procedure is very easy for the Dr. and for Bill.
And that Bill's recovery will happen with ease and very little or no pain.
And that the cancer continues to decrease in volume as Bill heals
from the procedure.
That way he will be able to pass the breathing test and start the
stem cell treatment at the Jewish Hospital.
Thank you for sending your postive thoughts and prayers
to Bill and Our family.
Joy
It has been a week from Bill's chemo treatment and he is getting out of bed more
and seems to have a stronger disposition. He had a meet and greet with the
thoracic surgeon today and he seems very able and capable.
The surgeon explained that the procedure is much like peeling a hardboiled egg
from its shell. Sometimes the "rind" covering the lung comes off easy in one piece
and sometimes it takes a bit more effort.
So those of you who are able pray seeing the "rind" being removed with ease and
in one piece would be a wonderful prayer request. It was my understanding that
the easier it is to remove from the lung the faster the recovery.
Bill has a breathing exercise class on Monday, Oct 18 and then he is scheduled
for surgery on Tuesday Oct 19. Recovery will be anywhere from 3 to 5 to 7 or so days.
All of this will take place at Kettering Hospital.
The Dr. said this is a pretty straight forward procedure and that Bill being
young and strong should do very well.
My hope is that Bill's procedure is very easy for the Dr. and for Bill.
And that Bill's recovery will happen with ease and very little or no pain.
And that the cancer continues to decrease in volume as Bill heals
from the procedure.
That way he will be able to pass the breathing test and start the
stem cell treatment at the Jewish Hospital.
Thank you for sending your postive thoughts and prayers
to Bill and Our family.
Joy
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