Lab

Dave had his first f/u appointment with Dr. Hunt yesterday, which went well. He has gained another 2 lbs. - good news. They drew lab yesterday, and today Dr. Hunt called and said the lab was excellent; all counts were higher - more good news. He seems to be a little stronger each day and being back home has helped tremendously. He has gone to the Buffalo each morning to meet the "guys" and have a cup of coffee, and then makes a trip to the fire hall, then home. It's early to bed, but he's sleeping well without any help from "drugs". I guess there is just no place like home!

Welcoming committee

Loving Grandpa

We Made It

The trip home was uneventful, and Dave drove the entire way. We stayed in Couer D'alene Friday night and got to Whitefish around noon Saturday. Molly, Stella, Sully, D.J., Orland and Jan were here to meet us and help unload the truck. The house was spotless and the lawn looked good thanks to D.J. There is something to be said about family, friends and home. I'm sure Dave will regain his strength soon as he spent a lot of trips to the door today letting the dogs in and out! Great physical therapy! He meets with Dr. Hunt this week sometime, so will keep you posted.

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.

Time for a Break

Weekend's here and no appointments!!! Dave is eating everything in sight, so looks like I'll have to get to a grocery store one more time before we make it home. Thurs. will be the last day of appointments, but no radiation. Dr. Hickman, who is now 82 yrs. old, will be pulling out Dave's Hickman catheter (the line in Dave's chest which he had put in, in Kalispell). What a milestone that will be. As you have probably already guessed, Dr. Hickman invented the catheter and still works. It will be exciting to actually meet him. Gotta go, Dave's hungry AGAIN!!!

Going Strong

Dave made it through another session of radiation and lab today, and did fine. He only has to meet with the "team" docs once a week now. We found out today that the 27th might be his last radiation, not the 28th. That would be good - makes us one day closer to being home. He's eating good and is always digging in the cupboards trying to find something to snack on. Also, his hair is growing back!