Season's Greetings

Hello everyone, been a long time since I have done any writing. Need to apologize for that, on numerous occasions got heck from people why I was not writting on the blog. Just really never new what to wirte about. Well in the last 5 months lots has changed. Had some ups and downs, with more ups with things going in the right direction. Had gotten sick a couple of times more recently with a cold but am clear of that now. Everyone that I run across mentions how good I look. I have my normal color back to me and have been feeling pretty good lately. Energy levels are coming back as well is my stength. Have been eating ok and have no problem eating whatever I want. For the last 3 weeks have been working out wtih a personal trainer. Sunlife whom my long term disability is through thought it would be a good idea that I starting doing some conditioning and strength training with the presumption that I might be returning back to work in January. Trainer must be doing her job, some days I am kinda sore but it is for the better. Only real set back will be my back. Gives me some greif at times but as long as do propper lifting and watch what I do will be ok. Have to think that in time back will stregthen up and shouldn't be a concern.

Well time to get to nitty gritty. Met with my oncologist on Fri.11. For lack of a better of term got excellent news, I am in 100% remission. My doctor stated that looking at the blood panel results that you would never know I was fighting Mulitple Myeloma this past year because my results were so clean. Words cannot explain the emotions I felt, was so happy wanted to cry. Probably should have, likely would have been good for me. KIm and kids pretty estatic over my new found health. Just won my lottery.

So not sure how long I will be in remission, but at least now I know what I will be looking for. As for follow-up I need to perform blood and a urnine test every 3 months. FRom the results I know what to look for, but likely my body will tell me too. As work goes likely starting back Jan.4 on a gradual return. For the first 6 weeks will be working Mon-FRi at 2 week intervals of 4hrs/day, 6hrs/day, and 8hrs/day. The last 2 weeks would be working 4 days at 12hr/day. BY march should be off and running if everything goes well.

Going to wish everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. I know that my Christmas will mean alot more. Once again want to thank everyone for for all the support, thoughts, and prayers.

Everyone take care, I will!!!

Good News

Had my appointment at cross cancer inst. Fri July03. Met with oncologist, DR. Belch, and things looked real positive. Basically Dr. Belch said I did not have to come back to the cross cancer any longer unless there was some sort of a problem. Basically all I have to do now is go for blood work every 3 months here in town and my doctor will analyze the results. AS my energy level goes the doctor said it might be up to 3 months before I start doing a little more other than basically just sitting around. In about 6 months time should be back to work. Otherwise things seem to be going ok. Starting to sleep aa bit better but still using sleeping pills. Eating seems to be better, not getting the sour/bitter taste in my mouth as much. Finding some foods tasting good again as compared to a couple of weeks ago. Also got my central line removed Friday so that is real nice. Well everyone take care, I will try and keep in touch as much as possible.

Hello everyone. Sorry taking so long updating you all, almost hard to beleive its been 3 1/2 weeks since I have been home. Well the question alot of you may be asking is how I am doing. Up to a few days ago still feeling pretty worn out and lathargic. This might have been partially due to fact I was still have trouble sleeping even with the use of sleeping pills. About the last 4-5 days starting to sleep through most of the night, but still on sleeping pills. The road hasn't been totally smooth. This past Friday had to go into the hospital here in town. Woke up with a full blown cold. After blood work to see what kind of shape I was in got prescribed some antibiotics. The pills seem to have done the job as I am feeling better now, except pills are kinda screwing up my eating a little bit. Should be done the pills for Monday I figure. Well to answwer the question how am I. I beleive I am doing GOOD as per what the cross cancer has indicated. From what I am being told the stem cells took and I am on the road to recovery. The road to recovery might be as quick as I would like it to be, but one day at a time. I was informed that it might be up to 6 months before my energy levels are allright and possibly up to a year before I am completely feeling normall again. As the doctor on hand for my stem transfer stated most people don't relize or consider my procedure to be overly serious but as the doctor stated just becuase I don't have a scar a stem cell transfer is classified as major surgery. To give an example of my energy level I felt ambitious the other day and thought I would pick-up a flat of drinking water. I carried to the flat 200-300 yrds and I was competely wore out. Lots of everyday stuff that I really can't do yet but slowly it all comes back. WEll now that I home now my eating is pretty descent. Definelty not eating like I used to but alot more than the hospital. Pretty partial to chicken for so reason. When I got home I was 200-205pd mark. For some reason about a week after I got home I was still losing weight, almost 10pds. Weighed myself tonight and back up to about pds so starting to put some weigh back on. Well I don't do to much during the day. In the mornings I fell more energetic so I try to get out of the house and do someting. BY the afternoon I am pretty lazy and usually take some form of a nap. Come evening I try aqnd go for a walk. Well I am back at the cross cancer center this Fri July03. Going to do more blood work and get my central line removed. I will meet with my oncologist, DR. Belch, and we will review my condition. I'd say cross your fingers but I know I am going in the right direction. WEll everyone thanks agian for all you support, thoghts, and prayers.

Following up

Well been home a few days now and it sure is nice. THe boys and my useless cat seem to be happy I'm home. Feeling pretty tired/larthargic still, I was told that this feeling would last 2-3 weeks and I'd start being a little more ambitious. Starting to eat a bit more now, the big thing I am able to snack throughout the day. Still have that wierd taste/sensation in my mouth. Finding some foods are tasting real wierd. Hopefully will start to eat more soon. Not holding my breathe though, the nutrionist at the clinic told me it might be up to 3 months before my eating is back to normal. The good thing is I'm not getting sick anymore when I eat. Well went to see my family doctor today. While in the clinic I was getting some real high blood pressure's. Got checked out today and my blood pressure was normal, thank god. THe other bonus was I got a prescription for sleeping pills becuase I'm still not sleeping at night (this might be part of the reason why I feel so lathargic throughout the day). The other huge bonus was that I can get my blood work completed here in town so I don't have to travel to Bonnyville. WEll everyone thought I'd give you a quick update, and thanks for all your prayers and thoughts.

I'm home

Sorry to everyone, haven't put a post out for a few days. Well I'm finally home! Got home Wednesday around 17:30. Feels good to be home, got to see the kids and have my own bed. The boys were happy to see me. Right from the beginning Liam had a big smile on his face. Aaron was a little strange. Aaron gave me a strange look, then took my hand and sat with me. After about 1/2 hour Aaron was back to normal. Taylor was happy I was home.

Well I'm taking it easy. Still feel pretty worn out. This might be partly to do with the fact I haven't been sleeping that well at night even though I was taking sleeping pills. MY hips and back were pretty sore from the hospital bed. Well my first night at home was nice, still didn't sleep that well but at least hips and back fell better. Hopefully withing 2-3 weeks will start feeling better from what doctors have said. Also hopefully within this time will start to eat a little bit more. I've lost about 20pds. Now that I'm home can try eating a few different things. I don't really have a big appetite, the boys are probably eating as much as me. My stomach kinda feels strange and I have a weird taste/sensation in my mouth. Doesn't feel like nausea.

The nice thing is I don't have a pile of meds to take. All I was given was some anti-nausea pills to take as needed. I need to go for blood work once a week. Likely will have to Bonnyville to the cancer center to get blood work done. If I.m lucky can do it here it town. We want to do the blood work through my central line and Cold Lake generally does not work with them, thats why Bonnyville. We are trying to avoid sticking me to draw blood because my blood platelettes are still low. The blood platelettes are what causes the clotting. I mentioned earlier that I lost whatever hair I had left on the old coconut. I've got some hair growingback but it looks like peach fuzz. I have lost my facial hair, so fair eybrows and eyelash holding on. From what we can tell stem cell replacement seems to have taken and is working. On July3 back in Edm for a follow up appt and will know what exactly is going on.

Well tonight we are going to celerbrate to boys 2nd bday. THey turned 2 on May28. The ususal hot dogs, cake n' ice cream. The boys will have a few of their freinds over. THe only other thing I know has to get done is my one twirlly bird is squeaking pretty good. This will have to wait, I know I'm not crwaling up on the roof anytime soon.

Step Backwards

Well my day went pretty good. Trying to get less drugs through my IV so that I don't have to be continously hooked up. Kim and I had a long talk with doctor and he thought I would be going home on WEd. That would be so good, would like to see kids already. Also would have the freedom home seems to offer. Well had a minor step backwards at diner time. Not ssure why but started to gag while finishing my sandwhich and ended up throwing up. Had nice surprise visit from my frien Rob Parker. One of Robs dughters had a doctors appt. close by so he had time for a visit. I've gor more freedom now so I walked Rob back to his van and go to visit with Parker crew. I failed to mention but also had an axcellent visit Sunday morning with Murray Ireland. Murray said that he had fence to build this afternoon. I told him I likely coudn't help, but to still enjoy himself, ha ha.

Relay for Life Results

Thank you all who supported Kim during the Relay through donations or just being there during the event. The Lakeland Relay raised over $250000 to go to the Canadian Cancer Society so research for a cure can continue. Way to go for all the participants who stuck it out through the cold, wind, and exhaustion. Here is a picture of Kim walking the track after all the luminaries were lit and the luminary from the kids.





I am getting to go out with Kim for a bit today and leave the hospital. Still really tired all the time, but it will be nice to get a change of scenery.

Feeling Good

well not much to say. The day went okk as ok can be being here. Got some good news that my white blood cell count jumped from 1.7 to 3.1, thats great news. Also looks like I will get out of here for a while tomorrow on a day pass. Got to go for a walk outside this morning, a bit different. Been aa while since outside.

Relay for Life

Hello everyone. Feeling ok today, except restless. Last night was the 1st nihgt in a few nights where I didn't take a sleeping pill. Needless to say did not sleep at all. Got a little sleep in today though. If anyone is still wondering looks like my 1st treatment session worked 100%. If anyone is bored relay for life is today at school grounds, go and cheer them on.

Howdy

Hows everyone doing, I'm doing ok. My energy level seems to be coming up, still getting some nausea once and a while. It was the boys bday today, the big 2. Kim took out to Dairy Queen wich they enjoyed. I should be gettting out next week at some time, still to early to tell when at this point. For me to be sent home my body has to hit certain White blood cell counts, etc. and then maintaim them.

Gag reflexs

Took a sleeping pill last night. Boy do those things work slick. The only problem didn't want to nap as much during the day so it made for a bit of a longer day. Feeling run down, which is normal. Got sick tonight but that was due to gag reflexection. Trying to spit out some food that was agreeing and I got more than I expected.

Tummy upset

Didn,t do much today. Seems like I am getting nights and days mixed around. Swore to myself that wouldn't craw into bed today. AT lunch threw up, stomach has been upset all day. I also threw up late last night. Reason my be was becasue weening myself off of the anti-nausea drugs because seemed to be feeling ok. got a bit of a fever this afternoon so getting some anti-botics. Otherwise things progresssing as supposed.

Got a new mattress

Got a new mattress yesterday. This one has memory foam and is much better. My knees and hips are really sore, but I think its from the treatment and cancer. Sleeping a lot these days which is why the posts are few and far between.

My labs show that my counts are still as low as they can go so the transplant hasn't started working yet. I am getting a platelet transfusion today. Just waiting for the doctor to do rounds and get it ordered.

Still hoping that I'll be able to come home the first week of June.

Still Tired

Didn't realize I'd have to have physiotherathy when I was done here. What I really mean is the bed I sleep in really sucks. Talking to the nurse she said that people actually buy thier own matress's. Might haave to sendKim shopping ?

As the day went it went ok. Ate some today but didn't push myself. A couple of times had gotten some nausea, the latest being just a few minutes ago out of the blue. All in all doing ok. Progressing as expected.

Tired

Wednesday - Real tired today, having a hard time keepingmy eyes open. The only problem is I don't want to lie down, can't seem to get comfortable. According to the doctor I am progressing as expected. The good news is I am doing quite well compared to some people. Supposedly going to get another blood transfusion, my hemoglobin level is low again. Was supposed to get a pint today and another tommorow. Hopefully if I am going to start today will be fairly soon. otherwise could be a long night. Still not feeling that well. Didn't eat really anything today, tired some supper. Wasn't a good idea, came up on me.

Tuesday - Didn't do much tuesday. Felt like lying in bedso I pretty much did that all day. Only problem was when came to sleep had a hard time getting comfortable, who woulda' thought. Had trouble eating all day. All 3 meals had to visist my porcelin friend.

Manic Monday

Sunday - Not much to say about Sunday other than had a good day. My day was better than the weather outside. In morning looked super nice outside but by afternoon really windy and plain old crappy weather. Didn't have any stocmach problems at all. Was able to eat something at all 3 meal times, mind you nothing fancy.

Monday - The title is a bit misleading, nothing for exitement today, just liked the sound to 'Manic Monday'. Started day off by looking outside and see it is snowing. To bad for some about it being the long weekend but at least the meterologists called the weather forecast correctly for this weekend. Not much to say about the overall day other than went ok as ok can be. Supper came and once again nothing fancy, ham sandwhich. Unfortunately stomach though different of sandwich and decided that it shouldn't stay down. You guessed it, just call me 'up-chuck'. My nurse gave me some gravol to help with my stomach so I know this will be an early evening. Stomach seems ok because I ate some honeydew and had no issuse's.

Saturday - just pluggin' away

Saturday morning started off a bit better. Ate a little breakfast and it stayed down, if you didn't already know I have been throwing up a bit. Seemed to be feeling a bit better this morning, likely the fact that I got some food in me. Got some good news, was told that if I was feeeling up to it that I could go out for a few hours on a day pass. Of course I jumped on that opportunity like white on rice. I ended going out with my little brother and his wife. Didn't do to much, just sat in veh with my brother while his wife did some shopping. Was sure nice to get out though.

Well evening was little more exciting, not really. Got sick after trying to eat my soup that came with supper. It seems anything warm with an odor sets of my stomach. But have faith was able to eat a little bit later on. Kim was still out so she picked me up a sandwich and some 'melon' fruits. 'Melon' fruits taste awesome right now.

Well everyone I bid you fairwell for the evening. Holly, my nurse, just stuck a bag of liquid Gravol into my IV line. Love the Gravol, makes me sleep like a baby.

Chemo seems to be working

Well the Chemo seems to be starting to take effect. Wallace has been a little sick and quite tired. We should see the worse of it this weekend and then he will be on the mend. If anyone is in Edmonton after the long weekend please pop by and visit. Wallace would enjoy the company as I think he is sick and tired of me already.
Kim

Stem Cell Transplant

Hi Everyone. Its Kim again. Unfortunately Wallace isn't quite up to writing on the blog today. He does finally have Internet in his room and can receive emails, facebook messages and of course comments on the blog and enjoys the messages (I think he is bored of me already)

Wallace had his transplant yesterday and it went fast and easy. He didn't feel that great afterwards....almost flu like, but started getting a bit better in the evening. The doctor doing the transplant told us that this type of transplant is no different than that of a liver or kidney transplant. The only difference is that he won't have a scar. The trauma to the body and recovery is the same, but so far he has handled it well.

Today he was feeling a bit better and his blood counts were still ok, so he was permitted out of the ward for 5 hours, but we had to return after 3 because he was too worn out and sick. He started getting sick after lunch and hasn't really eaten today. We hope that this is temporary although they keep warning us that he will get worse as the week progresses.

Thank you all for your prayers, we appreciate them all.

Melphalan Chemo is Finished

Hi Everyone this is Kim. Unfortunately we still don't have internet capablilities in Wallace's room so I am posting for him so you can stay up to date on his status.

Monday we arrived at the Cancer Institute and got Wallace all settled in his room. He is in a temporary room and will be moved once a window room opens. Please check with the nurses desk as to which room he is in if you visit. The day ended with a blood trasfusion which kept him up most of the night.

Tuesday was filled with hydration and the large dose of Chemotherapy. He is starting to have waves of nausea, but hasn't started to get sick yet and we hope it continues like this.

Today is the transplant and hopefully Wallace will be able to post on his status soon.

Wallace is permitted visitors, but anyone who visits should ensure they haven't been sick or around anyone who was sick for a 2 week period prior to visiting. He is on Station 31 - Special Care Unit. Please follow all the handwashing instructions prior to entering the ward. This coming weekend we have been told is the worse time for visitors as he probably won't be awake much and will be most vulnerable to germs.
Kim

Call me 'Patches'

Well its finally Sunday and a weeks gone by since since I have arrived home. Home sweet home as the saying goes, nothing nicer than to put your feet up in your own home. It was really nice to she the kids the kids again. Kim and I didn't get home unitl late Thursday night so the kids were all in bed. Would like to have known what the boys were thinking when they saw me. They had both crawled into our bed in the morning and had given me some strange looks, but were very welcome to see me. Taylor was also happy to see me, although she had just seen me over the weekend. The week seems to have gone by fairly quickly. All I seem to be doing is sleeping alot. Finally sleeping through the nights, likely been a couple months since I have done that. by the time 12:30 - 01:00 I'm on the couch again for at least another 3hrs on average, sometimes longer. Went out to work a couple of times and got to visit quickly. Seems strange because this is the first time in about 2-1/2 months I'm not on any form of meds.

I have been feeling good other than being tired. Did find out that I have zero energy level. Went outside the other day to kinda just putz outside around. Should have taken me like 15min and I'm sure hour later I was done. Thats when I realized that I have no energy level at all, got burnt out pretty fast.

CAll me 'patches' one might ask. Well if no has guessed hair started falling out. Noticed this Saturday after a shower and I was covered in hair. At this point just the hair on my head was coming out. Now Dave when you read this this you will probably shake your head and say "you are bald, when are you going to except that". After many numerous conversations Dave I have excepted this some time ago. So D ve I have done what you have suggested many times and shaved the old coconut bald (been there before anyways). Just so everyone knows I'm not not as good looking as Dave but damn near close.

Well everyone since its playoff season keep your sticks on the ice. Another week to go and I get to be hang out for 3 weeks at the cross cancer institue. Its got 5 stars from the service I have received already. Talk to you all later.

Finally home

Sorry, its Saturday and I'm finally giving an update. Thursday went with flying colors. On Wednesday got a call from Doris (nurse collecting stem cells). Was excellent news, from Wednesday collection got enought stem cells for 2 treatments. The other bonus was that I did not feel to bad Wed night as compared to Tuesday night, just had a slight headache. Back to Thursday went and did normal bloodwork like I have been every other day. It was decided by my doctor to finish with stem cell collection. Reason being is that enough stem cells are collected for only two sessions but by collecting more on Thursday I would have a greater volume of stems available for each session. The stem cell collection only lasted for 3hrs this time and then I hustled back downstairs to have a blood transfusion completed. Needed another 2 pints on blood and was hoping that would be able to get both pints done that afternoon. Was very happy because there was enought time to get both pints done that afternoon. That meant that I got to finally go home. Got home fairly late, 10:00pm.

Friday, finally at home. Feels really good. Really happy to see the kids and kick the cat. Not to much happened Friday. Pretty wore out. Went to see family doctor real quick at 9:00 and got some pain killers and anit-inflamortaries for my back (whick work really well). Colin B. stoppped by for a quick visit and I went for a ride with him. The afternoon went by quick, crawled onto the couch shortly after one and slept until 4.

Here I am Saturday morning finallly typing away. Fell pretty good this morning other that tired, can see a cat nap coming as soon as I done picking away at keyboard.

Back at cross cancer for May11 for first treatment session. Keeping fingers crossed and hopefully will require the one session to kick this dose. Suppposed to be in for 3 weeks so expect to be coming home for the 1st week of June. As recovery goes will apperantly be Please remember that if you are coming by that your health is top notch, I be be very susspetible to illness from I am told. Also FYI the first weekend might be a poor time to visit. The first part of treatment is I get a very hard dose of chemo which I was guarenteed that I would be sick, just not sure how sick. Told that that by weekend is when I would really feel effects so that is why suggested vistors might not be a good idea.

I just want to say once more thank you to veryone for their support. Will talk to you all later, its nap time.

Stem Cell Retrieval Attempt 2

Its Kim writing for Wallace. He is having a lot of back pain and is having difficulty sitting at a computer today. He really was a trooper today. We started the day by being told they didn't get any stem cells yesterday and they were going to consider a plasma transfer with a donor to help. They consulted Wallace's doctor and it was decided to give the traditional retrieval one more try. We went up to meet Gwen and Doris from the Canada Blood Services. They hooked him all up to the machine and got started. Things weren't working.....there was a problem with his central line. They decided to put in a different I.V. in his arm to try instead(has he mentioned how much he now hates needles??). Whoopee!!! It started working and it appeared to be collecting what everyone so desperately wanted to see. After 6 hours of sitting in a chair unable to move with the exception of his right arm (hence the now very sore back) they were very pleased at what had produced over the day and would call us with the results.

We received a call around 8. Not only did the stem cell retrieval work, but they were blown away because not only were they able to successfully collect the stem cells but they were able to get enough for 2 transplants. So, tomorrow leaves us with only a small stem cell collection and a possible blood transfusion. We are staying positive that we could possibly go home tomorrow, but won't get our hopes up just yet.

Stem cell harvest.

Tuesday started off good. Did my bloodwork and white blood cell count at 1.1, that means we can possibly start with the stem cell retrieval. The second test was completed to see number of stem cells in blood sample. The results were ok but not great. Volume of stem cells low, 40, but started with stem retrieval. With the lower number this basically means that will take two days to complete stem cell harvest. Started with stem cell harvest and nurse's completing task having a tough time getting stem cells to seperate from the the other cells in the blood. What was explained to me was the blood was basically clotting. The nurse's said that the multilpe myeloma blood cells can be very sticky and the stem cells kinda bond with the cancer cells. I'm lucky enough to be one one the individuals who are proving to be one of the hard case's. The good news from what I have understood is that the neupogen is still kicking in and should help with this. Unfortunatly due to complication will likely take 3 days to complete stem cell harvest. Will also need a blood transfusion when done so it does look like Friday before I am able to get home. For any of you saddists out there, if you haven't allready guessed, I still get to stick myself with needles, horray! Not much going on tonight, going to lay low, feeling kinda crappy. Got a real dirty headache, pretty sore in my hips (look like I should have a walker when I'm moving around), and just feel real worn out. All that I'm feeling is normal. You are all in for a treat because Kim was taking pictures, this is the machine used to complete the harvest. Well tomorrow is a new day and we'll see what it brings us.

Start of week 2.

Been up since 4:30am, lots of fun. Went for blood work hoping for good results. Was pretty happy when #'s came back. White blood cell count back up already, 0.9. Figure by tommorow that will likely be able to start stem cell harvest. Not sure yet if stem cell harvest will need to be done over one or two days. Once it is determined that my white blood cell count hits 1.0 a second test will be completed. The second test checks for the number of stem cells in my blood. If high level of stem cells harvest will be done in one day, if it is low will be over two days. The good news about this is I won't be giving myself needles much longer. I really need to emphasize how I hate giving myself needles, if anyone is that curious get to stick myself in the stomach today. Was told that tonight might be a long night, probably won't sleep much, if any, due to the nuepogen. The other major side effect that I get from the neupogen injections is bone pain in my large bones. As odd as this sounds the more pain I feel the better, though not everyone feels pain. The reason behind the bone pain is that the stem cells are mobilizing, and the more pain generally means the more stem cells. I'm not feeling that bad, some minor discomfort through hips, femurs (thighs), and across shoulder blades. Being told that might starting hurting more as the day progress's. Was warned last week about how intensse pain can be. Here's the example, the stem cells also mobolize in the sternum, has been many case's were pain got so bad that people thought they were having a heart attack. Found out my hemoglobin level starting to get a bit low again so will need to get another blood tranfusion (just had trasfusion maybe two weeks ago). Should be back in town for Thursday,but possibly for Wednesday.

The Weekend

The weekend has now passed my by. Waited to get sick like was being told might happen. Lord and behold the 'sickness' has passed me by. Felt pretty good all weekend, didn't even really lose any appetite. Kim seemed sorta upset that I didn't get sick. She figured that because I felt good meant that things weren't working the way that they were supposed to. Seeing I felt ok on Sunday went to supper to some friends. Highlight was introduced to the nintendo wii, played a few games. Pretty fun stuff. In case anyone was wondering no bloodwork on the weekend, back for Monday.

Bloodwork

Need to say sorry up front, not keeping up to blog. Friday started my bloodwork. Everyday bloodwork requires to be completed to check my hemoglobing level, platelet levels, and most importantly white blood cell count. Bloodwork came back in an 'o.k.' (acceptible) fasion. Biggest thing we are looking for is level of white blood cell count. The other thing the chemo I did on Monday of course kills the white blood cells as well stimulates the stem cells. The idea behind the nueopogen is that it gets my stem cells into my blood system. On Friday white blood cell count quite high still, according to the nurse reason being is that the chemo hadden kicked in yet. Once the chemo kicks in will drop my white blood cell count to possibly zero. Because of my white blood cells getting killed off (they are the imune system) got the big talk emphasizing how careful to be health wise and some of the syptoms to be aware of. Got the big talk about the chemo I received from Monday. Was explained that since it was my first real dose of chemo and such a strong dose that likey will be pretty sick starting later in the day and throughout the weekend. Will have to wait and see what happens, of course got more pills to help with this.

Killing time

Day 3 passed us by. Not really much to report for day 3, had nothing on the go at the cross cancer institute. Pretty much a lazy day, slept the afternoon away. Highlight of the day was giving myself the needles at 6:00pm

Neupogen Needles

Well day 2 came and left. Got trained and started on the neupogen needles. Neupogen is the drug used to the get the stem cells away from the bone marrow and in into the blood system. I require to self inject myself with the neupogen, lots of fun. After getting trained I required to give myself the first of the needles. Took a bit at first just a wee bit nervous about the fact of having to stick myself. I require to give myself 2 needles at 6:00pm everyday. If anyone is curious the injection points are in the stomach adjacent to the belly button or in the thighs. I choose stomach today, wasn't that bad after it was said and done. Need to be carefull with the neupogen, not cheap stuff, almost $1000.00 / injection, thank the lord for excellent medical plans.

FYI in regards to chemo treatment no major side effects from the actual chemo. No nausea or flu like symptoms yet but I'm being told that that likely by the weekend that I will be not feeling that good. Got some heartburn but that was from the injection of the steroids prior to the chemo but good old zantac fixed that problem.

Well not to much going on for days 3 & 4. Not scheduled to be back a cross cancer institute until Friday 8:00am for blood work.

Day 1 - Mobilizing Chemotherapy

Got a fairly heavy dose of chemo Monday. The idea behind this chemo is to stimulate my stem cells. Things seems to go well, had ordinary side effects, got what felt like a really good sinus headache. Also which was weird my face went a little numb. Nurse wasn't really sure how to explain this other than being attributed to the steriods I was given prior to chemo. According to my nurse they expect me to get sick for the weekend due to the doseage level and the fact it was the first time I have had chemo. I have been taking the same type of chemo in pill form for the last 5 weeks but at a much smaller doseage. The idea behind the oral pills was to introduce my body to chemo so it is not such a big shock. I have been given more pills to help with sickness related to the chemo but hopefully I will not get sick like the staff at the cross cancer institute are saying.