Quite the Ham

I wanted to post a few shots from the other day. My Dad is pretty much the only one who "humors me", and would let me get away with this. Let's just say I hear a lot of, "Molly, get that camera out of my face" from everyone else I try this on. What a guy! Thanks Dad.

ON THE ROAD AGAIN

It was a good day. We enjoyed relaxing and Orland driving, visiting, and doing a lot of laughing thanks to Jan and her quirky sense of humor. Of course, Dave had a lot to add to the conversation. The highlight was spotting a herd of 20+ Bighorn sheep walking along the railroad tracks along the Clark Fork river. I think that's the name of the river :). We made it to Ritzville where we stayed at the Best Western. Gotta go and catch breakfast!

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.

QUICK UPDATE

We made it to Seattle in one day and both of us were exhausted. So was Stella, Molly and Sully. We are staying at the Seattle Care Alliance House. Dave had a bone biopsy today and he breezed through that - or so he says. He then had lab drawn. Since there won't be any results until Monday we decided to come home tomorrow. If he's too tired, we will stay over in Spokane. We really don't know our options until the results all come back, but it doesn't look like we will need to be back here soon. I'm going to close as Dave is already sleeping and I'm not far from it. Thanks everyone for your prayers and support. I'll have a few pictures to share shortly.

FORGE ON

On the 29th of May, 2007 we arrived in Seattle for Dave's stem cell transplant.  On September 29, we arrived back home in Whitefish - the treatment in Seattle done.   Throughout the following year and into 2010, Dave has had lots of chemo treatments, radiation, hospitalizations for atrial fibrillation, pneumonia, etc.  He has such inner strength and has amazed many with his remarkable attitude and endurance. 

We are now heading back to Seattle a second time.  It appears that Dave has acute leukemia as a result of all the treatments to keep him alive.   We have a few options, but will know more after meeting with the team at Seattle Cancer Care Alliance.   His appointment is March 5 at 9 a.m. 

We would appreciate your prayers for strength, wisdom, and for the doctor's as they weigh the options.  I don't give up on miracles - they do happen.   God is good.

Life at its ............................

.................you fill in the blank. I guess it all depends on the day. Dave has now had 10 of 20 rounds of radiation to his thyroid, and it's the pits! He has a very, very sore throat, can hardly swallow, and can barely talk. It's back to hot cereal, milkshakes and smoothies most of the time. When he takes his pain meds he is able to eat some soft food, but nothing too spicey. Anyway, he's still maintaining good spirits and still tries his best to get together with his coffee buddies as often as he can. I was asked as to why they didn't just remove the thyroid, which is basically a pretty simple surgery. I asked the same thing. I, of course, was thinking of myself and how much easier it would be to take care of Dave after having the surgery verses radiation, rather than considering the risks to Dave. I guess I let my guard down on that one. Anyway, surgery has the risk of infection and that would be a huge, life-threatening, problem. Dave's immune system is such that he can't really afford an infection, and the doctors don't want him in or near a hospital unless it's an emergency. Now, I understand their reasoning, and I feel like a total jerk wanting the easy way out. We will get through this radiation and onto better days.

A LITTLE BIT OF THIS AND A WHOLE LOT OF THAT

Looks like a little bit of radiation should take care of the thyroid issue and a whole lot of hope is what is in the works.   Dave is doing just fine and we are encouraged.  This shouldn't slow him down too much.   He will see Dr. Stille on the 20th and we will find out more of the details.   As always, Dave has a great attitude and amazing fortitude.   We continue on.

TESTING, TESTING, TESTING

Welcome to the New Year, and we are praying for a good 2010.   Dave has been slowly regaining strength and appetite.  Living in Kalispell hasn't kept him from an occasional visit to "The Buffalo Cafe" in Whitefish where keeps in close contact to the Whitefish coffee drinkers.  He has also found another "group" that he shares coffee and stories with here in Kalispell.   Those little things make a huge difference!   Because of a few issues with Dave's thyroid, he underwent a thyroid biopsy a week ago, and will get the results tomorrow.  We are expecting a good report; although if there are some issues, removing the thyroid would be an option.  I'll post later on those results.   Right now, we are enjoying the days and our new home.   As a little side note, I beat Dave in golf on the Wii!!!!  Of course I also beat D.J. and Jeff.   Poor guys, they better practice up!