THIS ONE'S FOR YOU

I'm pretty sure that everyone experiences "up" days and "down" days; I know that I have and always will. That is just the way it works. Yesterday was one of those "down" days for Dave. But, because of you: family, friends old and new, old school buddies, childhood friends, church friends, caretakers, and even friends of friends, you turned Dave's "down" day into an "up" restful night.

After going to bed early and neither of us being able to sleep, I decided I would take out my Blackberry and read Dave all the comments posted on the blog, all the emails, and Facebook entries. (Yes, Bud, I shook Dave's hand for you!) They were all so heartwarming, encouraging, and uplifting. Dave said "I had no idea; it makes me feel better."

It was one of those moments we will never forget, and we thank you for taking the time to send the prayers, laughter, and encouragement. YOU are the amazing ones - we love you all and look forward to hearing from you again. If you are ever in Seattle, I know Dave would love a visit.

Seattle Bound

Hello everyone! My mom has asked me to be a part of her blog so we can continue together, updating friends and family.

Seattle Cancer Care Alliance called yesterday and spoke with my dad about the results of his bone marrow biopsy that was done last Friday. Dr. P (from Seattle) told my dad that he does have Acute Myeloid Leukemia or AML. The leukemia is at 80%, which is fairly advanced, and we need to make some decisions as to what the next steps will be. He also called Dr. B (in Kalispell), and had talked it over with him. Today my dad had an appointment with Dr. B, so my mom and I were also there for that. The chemo treatment that they want to start "as soon as possible", is quite the undertaking. My dad would have to be hospitalized for about a month, if not more. This chemo is intended to get him into remission so then he would be able to do a "donor stem cell transplant" following right after (that would mean 3-4 more months there). My Uncle Richard is "The Chosen One" for this. He was compatible 5 out of 5, which is pretty much 100%. (: This is good news because the more compatible they are, the chance of GRAF vs. HOST are less. This chemo can't be done here, but can be done in Missoula or Seattle. The reason we chose not to go to Missoula was because my dad would be "out patient", and not be fully admitted (would have to stay in a hotel and go in every day). The severity of the treatment would most likely cause multiple infections among other risks. We thought it best to go the Seattle direction because he would be admitted there, and would not have to be moved when it came time to start the transplant process. We also know that he would be watched over all day, and night by professional teams that know what to do if something should occur. My dad is such a FIGHTER and asked the Dr. "so when can I get there, I want to get this started? This week I hope"! He and my mom's strength through this has been utterly amazing. I have said it before and I'll say it again....... he is the strongest, most courageous man I know. Right now we are waiting for Dr.B to call us and let us know when and where in Seattle. I am so thankful & proud of my family for doing what they can to help out, and for all our wonderful friends who have offered help, support, prayers and well wishes. It just blows me away. Thank you to all and please keep praying for a MIRACLE. -Molly

UPDATE

We made it home Sunday evening, happy to be here, although pretty tired. As far as future plans, we are still uncertain. A bone marrow biopsy was done in Seattle along with some lab. The preliminary results will be back on Monday. These results will be relayed to Dr. Boehme here in Kalispell. We do know that stem cell transplant at this time won't be possible as Dave has to be in complete remission before that can be undertaken. I apologize for not being able to report more at this time. All I can say is we are glad to be home in our own bed with the sun shining through the windows. The pictures are pretty self-explanatory.