The 2011 plans

John is slotted for a bone marrow transplant sometime in early 2011 (jan or feb). We've known about this possibility for quite a few months but took a while to line up all the game pieces. First, they had to determine that John's heart was healthy enough. Good to go. Then it was time to find a donor. (John's stemcell transplant was his own last year). They first tried his two sisters: Becky and Barb. Unfortunately, they were not compatible. Thank you for trying though Becky & Barb!!! So it was on to the national database. Right away a large handful of donors were hopefuls. Of course it was narrowed down and the actual donor has been determined.

No date has been given to us yet. Likely after the first of the year, more news will be given to us.

What we do know is this: the transplant will take place in Bethesda, Maryland. It'll be a 3 month process. Why is it out there? The procedure is considered trial still for T-cell Lymphoma - John's kind. It is highly successful for B-cell lymphoma and they are trying it for T-cell. So that's why the location is so. John won't necessarily be in the hospital the whole time, but needs to be in the area so he can be monitored by the cancer center.

So lots to come after the first of the year.
Our wish list: please pray for the donor to still be able to help us out; and for John to stay "healthy" until then; and to find a furnished place to stay in the Bethesda area.

regards,
Michelle

Merry Christmas!

Yes, It has been awhile since any of us has posted any news on this blog.
This past summer, it was discovered that the stem-cell transplant did not work. THe doctors considered the cancer "chemo resistent" even.

This fall, a newer chemo drug was found. So John has been taking that. It is not a cure but certainly helps keep the inflicted lymph nodes smaller. Unfortunately, it has it's side-effects. It makes John's platelet counts quite low, along with hemoglobin and such. So he couldn't get chemo every week. They then decided to just administer it every OTHER week so his body could handle it better. This one does not cause hair loss, which is great, because every man in Michigan in November likes to be all scruffy for the big deer hunt - which by the way was a successful hunt this year for John. Yay - there is venison in the freezer.

just another update

So things are going pretty good. I go every 2 weeks to the Cancer Center in Free Soil. This last time, even tho Doc thought my overall numbers weren't too bad, she wants to take a deeper look. So they will be extracting some bone marrow and testing that instead of just testing blood. I had this done once last year. It's a lovely procedure - I highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys such pain. (sorry, just a little humor).
Next month I will be having my 6 month pet scan at St. Mary's in Grand Rapids and check-up down in Detroit at Karmanos.

Still regaining strength, balance, sensation in my feet, all ever-so-slowly. A lot of food still tastes terrible too. Have been able to keep the weight I lost off though - so that's a good thing. Hope to stay at this number permanently. Was hoping to be strong enough to march in the Memorial Day parade but instead will be driving my Corvette and representing the Ludington VFW in the parade. Michelle will be riding with me since she is also a member.

On a side note - Kay has kept Michelle and myself busy. She's had a herniated disc in her neck for a few months that caused pain and numbness all down her left arm. Last week she had surgery to repair that (Dr. Hamati in Muskegon). So she is recuperating and doing better each day. She's been wearing a neck brace but will be able to get rid of that next week. Can't lift more than 5 pounds, can't raise hands over her head, and obviously can't turn her head. So we've been taking care of her and all her duties - but we do it with a smile! Will gladly do a few dishes to help her get back to normal and healthy.

I like retirement and miss work at the same time. Actually, I miss my tools and space. Been working on putting together the barn/shop at home with a few things I brought home from my business. Have been able to accomplish a lot of little projects around the home that have been neglected. Was able to go fishing this week finally too with the new son-in-law, Steve.

Thanks for the thoughts and prayers.
John

would you believe???

Yay!!!!!! John has retired! Just wanted to share the good news. March 31st was final day. Don't worry, he's got plenty to keep him busy. The 'vette is out of the garage and talk has been heard about the boat. Watch out fish - there's another retiree on the prowl.

We really felt John deserved a celebration for his birthday since he's had less fun this past year. A few local friends and relatives were invited down to the American Legion where they were treated to food, cake and beverage. Thank you all who attended. I posted some photos of the small shin-dig. John enjoys being a member of the Legion and as a family we enjoy participating in the events that place there. Happy 67th birthday Dad! (March 29th)

pet scan clear

Good news!!! On Monday, March 16th, John and Kay traveled back down to Karmanos in Detroit. The oncologist had the good news of the CT pet scan being clear. Meaning: there was no detection of cancer.

The doctor was NOT excited about John's bloodwork though. His blood counts are low along with other valuable levels of elements. So some adjustments are being made. One prescription and another OTC supplement are being eliminated from John's daily regiment of pills because it is believed they are hindering the recovery process. John was told it could take 6-12 months to completely recover from the stem-cell transplant, but with his overall good health, he should be further ahead at this point than what he really is.

John's started bouncing back pretty well, but lately seems to be at a stand-still. Now knowing that his numbers are low still explains that. So hopefully we'll see a bit more energy in a couple of weeks.

thank you for your continued prayers. keep them coming!

March update

John has been trudging along. I see improvement in his energy weekly. He has his shop open, but takes it easy. A job here and a job there. Been going to church for over a month now. He had avoided church due to the large amount of people and possible germs. One of the greatest things about church is the large number of people there he knows; which means the large number of people there that have been praying for him. It's hard to get out the door when Mass is over due to many parishoners wanting to say "hi" to him.

His blood count numbers are good. Just slightly on the low side but the doctors are still happy. Most importantly - John had another PET CT scan done on Monday the 1st down in Grand Rapids at St. Mary's hospital. This is an amazing test that detects cancer cells within his body. Lymphoma doesn't always stay in one spot like a tumor. This one will determine if or how well the stem cell transplant worked. Of course we have all of our fingers crossed that none will be detected.

John will get the results when he goes down to Karmanos again on the 16th of March. He is also still seeing Dr. Peterson locally for his blood draws. We will be asking for prayers for the appointment on the 16th so we will get good news.

Meanwhile, his hair has been growing back. He has eyebrows now! Amazing how much eyebrows make a difference in our appearance. I'm including pictures to show his improvement. I have to admit, the hair re-growth just makes one look healthier too.

pictures

First Mya Joy discovers how cool it is to put hands in pockets and shows some LOVE for her Papa.

Then, all the kids and grandkids. L-R.
Mya & Johnny, Justin, Tara & Pamela, Allison & Jillian & Heidi, Michelle.

last pic - 4 grandkids. Allison, Mya Joy, Tara, Jillian.

It's Baaa-aaa-ck!!!! well...kinda

The most amazing news to share with all of you......John's hair is starting to grow back!

=D

This may seem silly, but it's a big deal to him. He's got some facial hair on his lip and chin appearing, his eyebrows are darkening and there is just the faintest fuzz on the back of his head.

John has also started working again. A little here and there. Couple hours at a time.
Has even gone shooting at the Fin and Feather club. A "newer" passion of his in the last few years.
Getting more and more strength back everyday.
He's still got a ways to go though.

The goal is Memorial Day - to be strong enough to march in the parade in Ludington. I think he can do it.

Next check-up and scan is/are mid-March.

Jan 15th

John braved the cold and went out last night. Best place in Ludington on a Friday night is House of Flavors for the Fish Fry. Saw many people he knew and obviously hadn't seen in quite awhile. How frustrating to be "here" but not see anyone. I think it was a wonderful night.

It's interesting to see how much he DOESN'T eat anymore. Food still has a dull taste to it. He really hopes that goes away soon. One example is: if you've ever eaten old icecream that tastes like the cardboard box it comes it.....that's what a lot of his food tastes like. His appetite in general is lower than it used to be. But this is okay. He calls it part of the weight-loss program is wanted to have anyhow. :)

Although John is anxious to "start" to go back to work, his stamina and energy are still quite low. He actually is starting to putter around the shop a bit.

So please pray for strength and energy.
Michelle

check-up

John had a check-up today in Detroit.
Everything looks good!!!
White count is 5.2 which is an excellent number.
Hemoglobin is 10.5 - which is not too bad. If he can get it up to 13+, he probably won't feel so tired.

Was told he can do activities as he can tolerate them. He needs to start exercising - which he has slightly. As far as isolation, he needs to stay out of big crowds and just be cautious. So please, if you are sick, keep your distance.

He'll go back in mid-March for a checkup and a CT pet-scan at that time.

Hoo-ray!!!!!!!!

Your thoughts and prayers have really helped! Thank you so much. We all really appreciate them! I am constantly stopped by people asking how my dad is doing. It is so amazing to know that people care so much.

Michelle

HOME!!!

John is Home! And I apologize, with all the excitement, I forgot to continue posting on here.
John came home on Monday the 28th as hoped. What a nice Christmas present.
He had an antibiotic to continue to take, and just some other meds that help with the side-effects that like to linger after chemo.

So it's just a plan of resting and waiting for his blood counts to continue to rise and for John to regain his strength. He eats a lot more now because it is real food and food he wants and not the hospital food. Still doesn't have the appetite he once had but he thinks that is ok. The weight he lost during this treatment, he honestly wants to keep off. Good plan.

We've had so much snow this past week here. That inhibits getting outside though. Exercise is encouraged, but it's COLD out there. We'll be having our family Christmas this weekend. After that we'll be moving some exercise equipment into the house. Maybe some laps at the school once that starts again.

thanks for the continued prayers.
Michelle