Dr. Hickman and Dave

Thank you, God, for this day.

Today was a flurry of events: last radiation, last lab draw, removal of Hickman catheter by Dr. Hickman himself, last transplant team visit, last shuttle ride down the hill, and lots of good-byes, hugs, and thank-yous to so many wonderful people, and now our last night here in Seattle. The removal of the Hickman catheter was amazing and, according to Dave, just a little "painful" (I closed my eyes). Dr. Hickman is an amazing man with a great sense of humor. It was a wonderful, but tiring day and Dave is already down for the night. I was able to get almost everything packed up and ready to go, and will have help getting everything put in the truck. THEN WE ARE OFF - HEADING HOME - LOOKING FORWARD TO SEEING OUR FRIENDS AND FAMILY and getting back to our "normal" lives. I will periodically update the blog as Dave continues his care in Kalispell. We just don't know of a way to express our heartfelt thanks to everyone for being so supportive during "Dave's Journey"; words just don't seem enough. You have helped us get through this difficult time more than you will ever know. We feel blessed having you as a part of our lives. God Bless!

Another Day Down

It's been a great day - Dave has gained another 3 lbs., and his bone marrow biopsy results showed no sign of cancer in his bone marrow. We won't know how successful the radiation is for a couple of months when he has a CT scan. Keep praying for remission! His attitude is great and his legs are like rubber! He will gain that strength back as soon as radiation is completed. We have had a wonderful visit with my sister and b-i-l. Dawn and I went to a great yarn shop in the University District where she found some yarn for a sweater. It was a beautiful shop. Dave enjoyed his visit with Gary too. Two more days of radiation, then Thurs. we sign discharge papers and are officially released. How exciting!

Count Down

We are on the last leg of a long journey. Only four more days and we head for home! Radiation went well today, but Dave's platelets have dropped to 70,000; the docs don't worry too much until they get to 30,000. If they hit 50,000 they hold off radiation for a few days. If that happens before Thursday, Dave could have his last radiation in Kalispell. We will just have to wait and see how it goes. It is common for platelets to drop during radiation, so we were told not to worry. My sister and brother-in-law arrived today and will stay until Wed. It's great having them here. Dawn and I went to Pike's Market and bought some fresh shrimp and made wonderful fettuccine for dinner. It was full of good fat calories!! Although I can't see it, Dave has gained another 2 lbs., so that's reassuring. Tomorrow it's radiation at 9 a.m. and then we have our final appointment with our transplant team. They have become great friends and, hopefully, we will keep in touch not on a medical basis.