Life is Good.

(Huntsman Cancer Institute - ground was broken for new wing on bottom left of photo)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XSpz1rFgPNs
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CmpDsSBESus
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_0KyzSEmzPE
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7oaEDKv3Jf4
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sEnXhhJ5DCc&NR=1

Above is a link to an interview/special about a man whom we have never met, but who has figured prominently in our lives. His name is John Huntsman Sr., founder of the Huntsman Cancer Institute. He is a very wealthy man who has given, as of the figure I heard this morning, half a BILLION of his own dollars towards this. We are the recipients of his generosity, and are in the process of watching a whole new section of the hospital being built into the side of the mountain HCH rests against. Please, if you have a problem with Glenn Beck, set it aside for us, and watch this for the story of the man who has funded the saving of many lives, including Blaines. It is broken up into five parts, thus the five links, but it is well worth the time.

Having said that, we must now report on our news. Blaine underwent restaging last week (bloodwork, PET scan, beloved bone marrow biopsy), and today we received the results. Are you ready? Completely clean. Completely. Can you believe it? The PET scan also showed evidence that his bone lesions were now healing. That is the GREAT news. However, since his cancer was so VERY aggressive, and there could still be cancerous cells hiding in his body that will mature over the next several months, he will undergo a rigorous Consolidation Chemo regimen until May to knock those out and prevent this thing from ever heating up again. He will receive the same protocol he received at Dartmouth before we brought him here, every six weeks until May. That will be four cycles of what's called VTD-PACE. One chemo light, one steroid, and five (yes 5) chemo heavy drugs. These will be delivered 24 hours a day over the space of four days. He will not be inpatient, however. He will be hooked up to a back-pack which will deliver the medicines through two IV lines. That starts tomorrow. Sleep will be interesting! But they've done this many, many times, and we are confident that they know EXACTLY what they are doing. There are side effects, but we've seen them before, and they are aware of how Blaine responds to the different drugs. And, he has recovered. We expect that he will do so again, with faith and prayer. We are so very blessed to have him here with us, and so very thankful to ALL of those who have made that possible. I think that calls for a very, very...

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

From all us Savages to all of you.

PS - Congrats, Nicki and Craig! When's the big day?

Merry Christmas!

'Twas the night before Christmas
and all through the house,
Only Mom was stirring, Quiet as a mouse.
The stockings laid out, presents wrapped with care,
Kyle hardly sleeping, excitement in the air.

When all of the sudden, he woke with a start,
headed downstairs, to check it all out.
Go back to bed, you need your rest,
We need to sleep, we'll give Santa your best.

The Savages are all under one roof snug and warm,
We have been blessed by your friendship, love and concern
Dropping off presents, sweets and much kindness,
We find ourselves grateful for this seasons happiness.

May all of you on both sides of the country, or wherever you may be, have a safe, blessed, and Merry, Merry Christmas.
God Bless each and every one of you.

Love,
The Blaine and Marleigh Savage Family

What a year...

Every holiday season we receive cards from family and friends, often reviewing the events of the past year. As I sit here looking out over the new snow fall, I keep thinking about what a year this has been for the Savages and the significant life changing events of 2009.

- My Mom passed away: after battling diabetes and knee issues for years, my Mom was diagnoses with Inflammatory Breast Cancer. It was very aggressive and by the time it was found, it was too late. She stayed optimistic and never gave up. It has now been 8 months since she passed away and we are still trying to adjust. I know things are well with her, that she is engaged in the work on the other side... but we still miss her.

- Last January, I started to have some back pain- that I thought was just a strained muscle. This turned out to be not a strained muscle, but a tumor that had lodged itself onto and had compressed my spine- leaving me unable to walk or with very little feeling from about the bottom of my ribcage down. Surgery quickly followed and the tumor was removed. It has now been 10 months, and I still feel the effects of the paralysis but things have improved significantly and I'm optimistic that someday soon I'll be able to hike, ski, and play basketball (somewhat) again.

- The tumor on my spine was analyzed/diagnosis; Multiple Myeloma. This is a blood cancer with a high mortality rate. It has no cure yet, though it can be put into remission. To date, I’ve undergone several rounds of chemotherapy, two bone marrow/stem cell transplants and am currently in remission. Looking forward, I will undergo maintenance chemotherapy. Again, I'm very optimistic that everything is going to work out. The goal is to keep my cancer in check (hopefully for many years) until a cure can be found. As we talk with many of the patients at the Huntsman Cancer Hospital (HCH), it is encouraging to hear their stories. Many have been in the program for years. I would also like to add how grateful we are for the medical team at HCH. Dr. Tricot, I feel saved my life. All the prayers, blessings, fastings led us to him and his staff. The aggressive nature of my cancer needed an Oncologist who is very aggressive. Many cancer centers around the country don't recommend having tandem transplants because it is too difficult on the patient, but it is exactly what needed to happen for me. Dr. Tricot is a pioneer in the field of Multiple Myeloma and I thank God that we have been led to him.

- In order to be near the Huntsman Cancer Hospital we relocated the family from New England to Utah. It has been difficult taking the kids out of the only home environment they've ever really known and transplanting them into a brand new one. New schools, new friends, new Church Ward (congregation), new home... I'm proud of how well they've adjusted. They jumped in with both feet, with rarely a complaint. They miss New England, they miss their friends but they are involved here and are making friends. Josh worked hard and made the High School basketball team (who is ranked #1 in the state for their division) and he is doing well in school. Alexis also worked hard and made her freshman basketball team. She also works hard socially; she has made some good friends here and enjoys hanging out with them. She is involved with choir and also with staying busy at church. Kyle is doing well... he is liking his new class and I think is slowly adjusting to his new environment. He really enjoys his cousin Seth who takes him horse riding. He likes to shoot guns and is looking forward to hunting this next year. But he still misses his buddies in NH, he talks to them as often as we allow. Dani has spent the semester in France. She returns today and we are so excited to see her. She has had a great time and we have lived vicariously through her. She has been to Italy, Belgium, England, Normandy to name a few. She'll miss it, but we are so glad to have her back.


As I said earlier, it has been an eventful year. We've had our challenges but we've grown from them. A wise man once said: “No pain that we suffer, no trial that we experience is wasted. It ministers to our education, to the development of such qualities as patience, faith, fortitude and humility. All that we suffer and all that we endure, especially when we endure it patiently, builds up our characters, purifies our hearts, expands our souls, and makes us more tender and charitable... (Orson F. Whitney).

Thank you again for all that you have done for our family. We have felt your love, strength and support. I hope you have a terrific holiday season.

Blaine

European Capers

That is Dani, and that water is the Mediterranean. As Dani would say, that is all!

Day +18

What a difference a week makes! Blaine is able to eat again, and as a result, is gaining energy. He is walking better, staying up all day, and even cooking occasionally. His weight is much lower than it was last winter, so we hope to put some muscle back on his frame. I don't know that he will be able to grow hair for a while yet, since he probably has at least one more round of significant (though not lethal this time) chemo to go. He was able to spend Thanksgiving at his sister's house with many of his family. It has been 10 years since we have even been on the same side of the Continental Divide as his family for the Holidays! It was a great day. Our friend, Clara, a student at BYU and a member of the Ascutney ward, was able to spend the day with us as well. What a treat.

Josh's basketball team smoked Orem High's team this week. Holy cow! These boys know how to play basketball. Alexis' team hasn't had a game yet, and Kyle's hand is recovering from a mild fracture he sustained in tryouts. He didn't play, but his team dominated in last week's game. Did I mention that boys basketball around here is REALLY GOOD? Dani is coming home in less than 2 weeks. Can't wait to have her on THIS side of the Atlantic. Well technically, closer to the Pacific. Weird.

Janet McDonald wrote the following on her blog, Singing Woods. "In America, the first Thanksgiving was a sincere act of joyous celebration. The Pilgrim company had survived the winter and harvested sufficient to feel themselves bountifully blest. "O give thanks unto the LORD, for He is good: for His mercy endureth for ever" Psalm 107."

I echo her sentiment. Did you know that Europe doesn't celebrate Thanksgiving, just North America? The pilgrims landed here, so the celebration was here. I wish the concept would catch on around the world, since we are all God's children, and it would be appropriate to render Him thanks together.

We're well and Blaine is improving. We are grateful for many things, and will thank the Lord above for all that we have been blessed with. Thanks for being our family and friends. May all be well with you and yours.

Day +11

Blaine has engrafted. His white counts are now back in the normal range. Though he is no longer neutrapenic, his new immune system is still very young, and not able to handle a lot. So we will reintroduce him into society (again) slowly, and begin lifting dietary restrictions. He won't be able to go out to eat for a few weeks at least, probably longer. Small price to pay. He is still very, very tired, and suffering from other side effects of the chemo. It will take some time to recover, but his immune system is on the way. We will talk to Dr. Trico the week of Thanksgiving, and go from there. No more Stem-cell transplants, if we're lucky, ever. He's not done with treatment, but he seems to be done with the worst. Maintenance chemo will be discussed at our appointment and we'll let you know what his analysis is of the success of the stem-cell transplants. That is, after all, why we came.

Brad and his friend Tony just drove cross country - again - to bring us our belongings. The truck wouldn't go over 65 miles per hour, and that was on flat ground or down hill. Wyoming is uphill. Then they couldn't get over 45 MPH. Bottom line, the trip took 10 hours longer than they planned. When they arrived, they were exhausted! We are so appreciative. Thanks to all those who helped pack up our stuff, care for our house, and get us and everything we own out here. What a blessing.

Speaking of houses, ours is still for sale! If interested, please contact Galloway Real Estate in Walpole. Just a shameless plug. :)



Dani was in Normandy, France last week, the site of the Allied invasion in WWII, I believe at Omaha beach. She took many pictures, but this one seemed to stand out.

Hope all is well with all of you.

Day +7

So far, this transplant has definitely been easier in some ways, and definitely harder in some ways. I will explain.

Worse because...
-Worst reaction to new chemo; very painful, but blissfully short-lived
-Serious throat pain, ongoing
-Less ability to eat and drink
-Digestive system misery

Better because...
-We are able to stay in Heber!
-His red counts have been stable, no blood needed. Wow!
-More energy on some days
-Did I mention we were able to stay in Heber?
-Less worry about the kids
-Blood pressure more stable, less likely to pass out
-Known quantity

His counts should start to rise anywhere between now and Friday. He plans to be well enough to attend a Thanksgiving dinner at his sister's house. We'll still have to cook a little differently for him, but he can have mashed potatoes and gravy, cranberry, and Stove-Top stuffing. His Dad is getting him a small turkey roast, because they have warned us off a full bird and stuffing cooked inside one. He'll have to have extra pie and of course, ICE CREAM to console himself. No egg nog.

For me, I am grateful for a listening ear, or steam valve, in the person of Geri at Huntsman. There have been a few times when things were a little overwhelming, and each time when we arrived at Huntsman, this lady was there. She let me talk, vent, or cry until I felt better or less stressed. Imagine, me stressed! She is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, who's job is patient and family support, and am I grateful she's there! She is very good at seeing who is there each day, taking a look, and asking if they need to talk. Each time I've needed her, she was available. Good job, Geri, and good job, Huntsman! I highly recommend that patients, caregivers and/or families take advantage of such resources available where they are receiving care. They can help people talk about the things they need to in a constructive way. It helps!

Josh also made his varsity basketball team, and is now working for a starting spot. We are going to have a very busy basketball season, but hey. That feels just right.

On the Way

Transplant #2 is now in. Blaine received 10 million of his own stem cells yesterday, after Monday's round 2 of killer chemo. No nasty reactions this time, just the normal. He is tired, has less appetite and more discomfort, but not above the norm at this point. His counts should start to fall precipitously in the next few days, and we will have to be in Salt Lake probably this weekend until they either recover, or it is determined that he is doing well enough to rest at home in Heber. Then we wait for the stem-cells to engraft. We will visit with Dr. Tricot after engraftment, and at some point they will schedule a re-staging, and discuss treatment for the next year. So far, so good. He is wiped, and we're all sorry he has to do this, but we are so grateful that the treatment is available.

Alexis has made the freshman basketball team for sure, and we will find out if she gets any playing time with other teams as we go. Kyle has made the AAU 'b' team, which is great. He will play teams in Salt Lake and the Provo/Orem area. Josh will find out some time in the next 4-5 days, but frankly, I think he'll be fine. Dani is going to Normandy, the Alsace-Lorraine area at the base of the Alps, Straussburg, and Italy all in the next month. We can't wait to hear. And we can't wait to see her in December. We are well, and thankful for our blessings, for there are many.

Friends
Family
Church
Community
Warm house
Opportunities to learn and grow
God's love
Healing
Dedicated medical staff
Modern Medicine
Our good men and women in uniform, and our veterans

That's a partial list. Take a moment to count your blessings. If feels great. Hope you are all well.

Marleigh

Worst Chemo Ever!!!

As they hooked me up to BNCU (carmustine) one of the two new chemo medications I received yesterday, the nurse told me it could make me sick. What an understatement! She said 'you could get sick and not really know how to describe how you feel'. Bingo! Now, 24 hours later, I'm still not sure how to describe it other than to say it was as sick as I have EVER been. Headache, bone pain, nauseated. The car ride home was miserable, scary. Marleigh thought I might need to be admitted to the hospital. I took an oxycodone and after some time felt a little better. Once home, I couldn't lay down for more than 5 minutes. Believe it or not the only thing I could do was pace around the kitchen. My Dad and a new friend/neighbor Burke Roney gave me a Priesthood blessing and I felt better immediately. By the time evening came, I felt almost normal. I took an Adavan (Vitamin A, as the nurses like to call it), and slept like a baby last night.

So that was my day yesterday. Not to complain, but my worst 'cancer' day so far (what a big baby I am). On Monday, I go back for melphalan, gemcytabine, velcade, and dexamethasone. I've had this batch before and it wasn't too bad.

I'll let you know how it goes.

Blaine

Bach, Beethoven - Amateurs!

Dani went to Dr. Tricot's native land this past week, and said she saw the prettiest town she has ever seen - Brugge, Belgium. She also raved about the food. She will be disappointed by the bland fare she receives when she gets home in a month.

Josh, Alexis and Kyle are getting ready for basketball tryouts, and Alexis is LOVING being involved in "The Wizard of OZ." Great theatre and chorus teachers here. Josh is loving AP Spanish, and is getting better and better with the language. Kyle misses Jarah, our dog. So do I, but it sounds like she is loved where she is. Thanks, Lael and Jeff.

Last week Blaine went through restaging - Bone Marrow biopsy, Pet Scan, etc. At today's follow-up and preparation for stem-cell transplant #2, we learned that Blaine's cancer's level of aggressiveness is probably exhibited in only about 3-4% of Multiple Myeloma patients. Since Dr. Tricot has been using this protocol since 1989, he has case histories to draw from. So if he has treated 5,000 MM patients over the past 20 years, then he has seen at least 175 cases like Blaine's. He knows what he's doing.

We have heard a lot of good music in our lifetimes, especially me. As a music student and as a musician, I've heard live performances from world class musicians ranging from the Boston and Toronto Symphonies, the King Singers, Metropolitan Opera and Chicago Lyric Company singers, amazing Jazz ensembles, and lets not forget, the famed Mormon Tabernacle Choir. Include this with the performances I have participated in with some of those same musicians, and I've got some very sweet musical memories to draw from. But today surpassed them all. The sweetest melody ever came from Dr. Tricot as he said that there was "no evidence of disease," (though there are left-over effects of disease) and he also said that he was "likely in complete remission." I cried. Blaine came mighty close. I gave Dr. Tricot what for him I am sure was an uncomfortable hug. I don't care. He got one anyway.

So we move forward to wipe out any last cancer cells that can be unearthed in his body. Things look very good right now. He still has to go through round 2, which by all accounts is rougher than round one, and a year of maintenance chemo, but for the moment, we are sailing. Surprise, he can't WAIT to get back to work!

Reminiscing

Brian and Dani in Paris!


Amy and Dani in Paris! (We received these photos right after I posted this, so I'm adding them after the fact because they are just too good of all three of them. Love it.)




The Mill Road Ward held their Primary Program today. It's an annual Sunday church meeting where the children present the entire thing, singing things they have learned, and addressing a theme they have studied throughout the year. They were great. There were lots of them, and they sang well. Kyle, of course, the biggest kid there, couldn't hold still. He even tried to scrunch down a few times as he is now as tall as I am, and towered over all of the other kids. The kids did a great job, and there were some wonderful talks about experiences kids had in their own families, that were touching. They concerned faith and healing, both physical and spiritual. The theme was families.

I thought of our wonderful ward family in Ascutney, Vermont, and missed the kids who sang as loud as they could, just for the joy of it, who were so out of tune (Adam, Parley, etc.). We LOVED that. I missed Sarah, Rachael, Melissa, and the rest. Then they said or sang something about seeing family members who had passed away again, and it was hard not to cry. I was thinking about, and missing, Rainee. If I feel that way, I have to wonder how Brian, Erin, Patrick and Sam are doing. I haven't talked to any of them, really. Partly because we have cell phones, which are at times crazy, we're busy, etc, but I want them to know that we miss them, miss Rainee, and we are a little tender right now missing home and everyone there, including Jarah, our very lovely Golden Retriever. So, we are fine here, but at times, a wave of missing everyone and everything so dear to us there hits. As someone says, the rug has been pulled right out from under us. My reply was, yes, but there is a new rug here, and loving hands have caught us, we just need some time to adjust.

Blaine was able to attend all three meetings at church today, and has been able to stay up much more. Energy is slowly returning, and he has been using exercise equipment at his sister's house like he's been told. :) He's also been eating pretty well. Yesterday, his head was down on his arms on the table, and I thought he didn't feel good. I was watching him to see if he was OK, when he suddenly raised his head and said, "I DEMAND ICE CREAM!!!" The kids scrambled to grab money and race away in the van with Josh driving. They came home with a whole tub, and big grins. A good time was had by all.

Summing up, we're grateful for home; both of them. We miss everyone back east, and want you to know. We are grateful for these good people here, who it will take time to get to know. Thanks for all your love, and for all the good things in our lives.

Remember Me?

Remember me? It's been a while since I've written on the blog, I blame the chemo and the transplant. As far as excuses go... these are pretty good one's, I suppose. It has been 20 or so days since my transplant, and it has been a bit of a roller coaster; some really bad days where it seemed impossible to function in any capacity and some pretty good days (like today) where I feel somewhat normal. I still have issues with neuropathy, my legs are still numb and it can be difficult to move around. But it is slowly improving. My neuro-surgeon in NH said it could take up to 18 months, so I need to show patience. It made Marleigh's day when Dr. Tricot told us that my job until the next transplant was to exercise, she's been tying to get me to exercise more for years. Curse Dr. Tricot :)

I am enjoying Utah, it is good to be home. Last week we took a drive down to Wayne county to see my Mom's headstone. After the cemetery we drove up to the east end of the Boulder mountain. I can't tell you much I enjoy being down there.
I still miss all the good people in NH & VT, thank goodness for blogs, email and cell phones so we can stay in touch.

So for now, things are good. Obviously, I have mixed feelings about the upcoming transplant; not looking forward to the killer chemo that'll wipe me out and the period of time until I engraft, but am looking forward to putting my cancer into remission. I've said it before and I'll say it again... I feel like we are in exactly the right place at the right time. We have a lot of confidence in the folks here at the Huntsman Cancer Hospital. Dr. Trico is the best at what he does and we feel like the treatment I am receiving is just what I need.

Take care and we'll keep everyone posted.

Blaine

Round 2

Holy fast, Batman. We spoke with Dr. Tricot yesterday, and apparently things will, again, move very quickly. Blaine will start the necessary restaging workup on November 2nd (the beloved Bone Marrow Biopsy, MRI and pet scan routine), will begin high-dose chemo on the 6th, receive his 2nd dose on the 9th, and his stem-cells on the 10th. Chemo will be a little worse this time around if you can believe it, but it's what does the job. They say he will be even MORE wiped out, though he can hardly believe that. But off we go. His job for the next two weeks is to eat and work out, building up as much strength as possible.

We spoke to a 10 year survivor yesterday who had had an initial single transplant, relapsed 7 years later, and then had a tandem transplant with Dr. Trico. He was in the clinic for his 6 month work-up. He looked great, and spent plenty of time talking to us. Very nice man, and helped us see what positive things can happen. Good luck to Stefan.

Hope all is well with you and yours. Enjoy life!

Marleigh

Happy Hikers

The Andersons are in Salt Lake visiting family, and invited Alexis to climb Mount Olympus with them. The photos were uploaded, but are showing last to first. Click on any photo to see large. Here goes!



Tired at the bottom, ten hours after they began


Mary Alice does a monkey impersonation






Climbing down the rocks they earlier scrambled up





Conquering the Summit!


What a view from the top




At the trail head in the morning

Oh Give me a Home...

Today I realized that we are truly in the west. As Josh and his cousin came home with two 17 inch cut-throat trout they had just caught, they were stalled. The road they were coming down was filled with a herd of cattle, being moved by a man with a cowboy hat, on a horse. They had to wait until the cattle were herded down the road and into the corral they were headed to before coming home to show off their catch. It brought back memories. Their Grandpa, Kent, had been on plenty of cattle drives in his day in more rugged territory than this. He also used to ride the bulls in rodeos. He was a real cowboy.

Over 20 years ago I was riding in a pick-up in central Utah, on a road with no houses, and no traffic - except for the herd of sheep (must have been over a thousand). They were in no hurry. We had to go extremely slowly through the herd, as they were not going to run just for a truck. Sheep and cattle herds roam free during certain times of the year on range land, and are herded back to their winter grounds in the fall. Yep, real cattle drives. Just after Blaine and I were married, we were in his Dad's Dodge Ram up on the Parker Mountain in southern Utah. We saw a cloud of dust moving toward us, and kept going. The closer it got, the more excited we got. It was a herd of hundreds of antelope (well, at least 50) and they were headed right for us. We sped up and they kept coming. They weren't veering off, and instead seemed bent on hitting us. When they got really close, as we were still going plenty fast, they simply turned as one and ran next to us. It was sooooo COOL! I opened my window, as they matched our speed. I could see and hear their breathing, the straining of thier muscles and the thunder of their hooves. I could have easily reached out and touched them. It was amazing that they didn't hit the truck. Eventually they went in another direction, and we slowed, in awe of what had just happened. It was so exciting.

Just as the sun goes down, and just before it comes up, is prime wildlife viewing. Yesterday evening, Blaine and I took a ride not more than two miles away where there are fields near some foothills. There were hundreds and hundreds of deer feeding on the green grass. We have seen a few turkeys, though nothing like the number we see in the east. When driving on the Alpine Loop on Mt. Timpanogas a week ago, we saw a HUGE bull elk with a rack of antlers that would make the most avid hunter drool. He was magnificent, and the views were some of the most stunning I have seen. That's saying something here in the Rockies. While I miss the foliage, this corner of the west is still just a little wild.

Good News!

So Blaine's white counts went from .02 (with normal being from 3.0-11.0)three days ago, to .07 two days ago, to .23 yesterday, to 1.7 today! That means that the stem-cells have engrafted, officially, and are producing white blood cells. It means that he once again has an immune system, though a very young one, and one that is about one third of normal strength. He must still be careful, but we can lift some dietary restrictions at home. The docs say to wait a few weeks for crowds, like stores or church, and wear a mask if there is any doubt, but he is on the road to being able to be reintroduced into society. They say it will take a few weeks for him to start feeling better, and 6-8 weeks before he gets to do it all again.

The second transplant will be worse than the first, but they say he sailed through the first one. He looked incredulous at that news, and said HE didn't think it was a breeze. That's ok, one down, one to go. The myeloma response in the next 6-8 weeks will be critical. His markers all look good right now, and I will feel better when he is producing red blood cells and platelets again. He will be getting both tomorrow. So, we are very happy that the stem-cells took, and everyone at Huntsman was smiling at the news. We will watch carefully for the next while, and hopefully get through Thanksgiving before starting again!

Speaking of Thanks, we continue to be very grateful for the love and support sent our way, and all of your thoughts and prayers. They mean so very much. We don't mean to be incommunicado, we are just very focused on things right in front of us. Thanks for your understanding. Brian, you are still in our prayers as well.


Cancer is so limited. (or other physical illnesses)
It cannot cripple love
It cannot shatter hope
It cannot corrode faith
It cannot eat away peace
It cannot destroy confidence
It cannot kill friendship
It cannot shut out memories
It cannot silence courage
It cannot invade the soul
It cannot quench the spirit
It cannot steal eternal life

(Poem seen at Huntsman)

Our real enemy is not cancer, but despair. Don't let that in, and you don't let the others in either. Keep the faith, and remember, God is real, he loves his children, and you are one. Miracles happen. Just open your eyes.

Love, Marleigh

Day +6

Blaine's white counts are shot. That's what supposed to happen. He's extremely tired and has to lay very low. If he stands too long, and believe me that's not long, his blood pressure drops. So he stays down. We are trying to keep him full of fluids. No fevers or signs of infection, and that's the biggest concern. Lots of hand washing and hand sanitizer for me and anyone who comes into contact with him, though his contact with people is very limited. He has required blood twice, and will again. His platelets are now plummeting, so by day 8 they say he will need those as well. He's been nauseaous, but meds are keeping it in check. Mostly, he sleeps. It's all part of the program.

The kids are with family in Heber right now, but Kyle of course is having a tough time. Grandpa is there and Aunt Shauna, who love him, and his siblings and cousins, but they each are having a moment when it's difficult. I'm content to lay low with Blaine, not doing much, just keeping him as safe as I can. It's very hard for him right now. There is a light at the end of the tunnel, but the tunnel is rough. I know now why they call them cancer warriors. Here's to my brave, valiant warrior.

Happy Birthday

I have a very tired, bone-weary husband, no pun intended. Today he received 6.7 million of his own stem-cells. They will make their way into his marrow and begin differentiating into new marrow cells, producing red, white, plasma, and other normal cells. There is an overlap between the death of his marrow and the life cycle of previously formed blood cells, and the time when his new marrow comes to life. Again, days 4-about-14 can be very rough. He has, as usual, escaped the worst of it thus far. Knock on wood. We hope and pray that he will continue to escape the worst, as he is so bone weary, and does now have some "chemo-brain," a condition following chemo where it is difficult to concentrate, etc. But it's a fairly mild case. He now has to follow all of the neutrapenic guidelines, so he cannot be in public, eat uncooked foods or foods not prepared at home, wash, wash, wash our hands, etc. He is pretty quiet right now, as his energy is very low.

The staff at Huntsman all wished him a Happy Birthday, as this is the day he gets a new lease on life. Literally. They also gave him a certificate and a new blanket made by a local scout troop. They made 100 for the cancer center, and I think they all go to transplant patients.

Josh is playing some basketball, Alexis is doing lots of homework, and Kyle is having so much more fun outside now that there are kids around to play with all the time. They are adjusting well. I think I am also. Dani is in London today, has seen Phantom of the Opera, As You Like It, Big Ben, will be going to St. Paul's Cathedral and Buckingham Palace tomorrow, and gets to speak English all day long. We are living vicariously through her. Have I mentioned that? I think I have. :)

Congrats to Bishop Ferland. Hope he adjusts well also! Take care.

Marleigh

Day -4

Today is the day. I am watching the Melphalan drip into Blaine's IV. This is the bone marrow killer, and after this there is no turning back. If he were only to receive the chemo, and for some reason did NOT receive his stem-cells, as the nurse says, he'd be "pushin' daisies." No one has ever done the chemo and not the stem-cells. That's the good news. On Monday, day -1, Blaine will receive another dose of Melphalan, and on Tuesday, day 0, he will be infused with his own stem cells. Then we wait. Days 5-9 are said to be the toughest with symptoms that can range from nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and severe mouth sores, to drops in blood pressure and abnormal heart rates (on the bright side, there are those who experience very little of these). His blood counts will drop down to zero at this point. Everyone experiences this. He will be receiving blood products, obviously, and shots to stimulate white cell production. These are all knowns, and they have protocol to handle each situation. During the period from about day 5 through day 14 or later, he will be extremely susceptible to infection, and we will stay within 10 minutes of Huntsman Cancer Hospital until engraftment. We know when engraftment has occurred because his counts begin to rise again, and reach a level where he is still vulnerable, but not to such an extreme. At that point, Blaine and I will return to Heber City, where we are currently staying.

Blaine's Dad has agreed to stay with the kids in Heber while Blaine and I are in Salt Lake. From today on, Blaine requires a 24-7 caregiver. That's mostly me, and family will take part, I am sure. He will not be able to be around crowds, will have to limit contact with people, and cannot be around anyone with a cough, cold, or any other contagion. The kids and I are getting flu shots on Monday, perhaps this afternoon if there is time. In December, the whole process will be repeated, and after the 2nd transplant, he will have maintenance therapy for at least a year.

All of this is why we are here, and though intense, we are relieved to get it underway. We had a very frank discussion with the doctor, and this is absolutely what he needs. It is literally a matter of life and death that he receive this treatment, so we are grateful that it is here. These guys have done this many times. Dr. Tricot has treated over 5,000 MM patients over 20 years. It is all he does, and he is the best in his field. We continue to be grateful for DHMC/Norris Cotton Cancer Center and the good people there, and extremely grateful for Huntsman and the specialists here. Dr. Tricot has seen life extended 10 years and more, and has a confidence we have not seen in prior oncologists. We have confidence, and Blaine is again, very strong. We wait upon the Lord, and know this is the answer to our prayers, and to those of many others who suffer from Multiple Myeloma.

To Liz, God Bless you! Thank you so much for the MM walk, and team "Savage Strength." Please tell us more.

To everyone, we don't mean to ignore you! We're just a little busy - crazy busy - totally occupied - fill in the phrase that fits best - you get it! We love you, and will keep this updated. Feel free to email or call, seriously. Don't think you're intruding. If it's a bad time, we won't answer, but we love hearing your voice messages or reading your words. It lifts us up. If we can answer, we will be very happy to do so. And please, someone update us about Brian.

Thanks to all. Hope everyone is well.

Marleigh

Many Changes

I have wanted to update for a while, but things have been happening so fast, and we have been overwhelmed.

We arrived safely in Heber City, UT, in no small part thanks to Brad, Thanks Brad! and his wonderful friends near Chicago where we were put up for the night, and treated like family. Thank you, Charlie and Dawn.

We are staying in a guest house, very nice, cozy. We are safe and well. Josh's cousin of the same age, arranged a date for him for homecoming. He had a good time Saturday.

The kids will start school tomorrow, Friday was spent getting the paperwork done, at least for the high schoolers. We will take care of Kyle tomorrow. They are nervous, but I think they like what they see. They miss home, but are seeing good things here as well.

Dani was finally able to access Skype, so we were able to see her and talk to her this afternoon. She looked tired, and happy. It was great to see her face, and see her excitement about everything she is experiencing. She is just fine.

Blaine's stem-cell collection was excellent. He got 30 million in 3 days. That is fantastic - enough for both transplants now, and some to bank for the future. Everyone was quite pleased. We see Dr. Tricot on Wed, and he could start transplant chemo as early as Friday. Yes, MORE chemo. But, they are not wasting any time, and we agree with the urgency. His LDH numbers were once again up on Saturday. We will update.

There is so much to say. We feel carried on pillows of love and security provided by family, friends, and ward members who rose up in a mighty way to help us do what was needed to get us out west in such a hurry. I can't even speak about it yet, it is such an emotionally touching subject. AND.... we have been very warmly welcomed here by family and the ward, and wonderful friends who have given us use of their guest house for the time being.

We will update soon. We love you, and thank you. I can't imagine a better send off has occurred for pretty much anyone, ever. And, the warm welcome here has eased our strain.

We can be reached by email and cell phone. Hope all is well wherever you are.

Marleigh

What a difference a week makes...

As I write this blog, I'm lying in a bed at the Huntsman Cancer Institute (HCI) hooked up to the Stem Cell collection machine. Today is the first day we've been able to collect, my white blood cell and platelet counts have been too low. So today is our lucky day; my WBC has rebounded to (almost) normal levels and my platelet count is good. The goal over the next 2 or 3 days is to collect 20 million stem cells (sounds like a lot). The stem cells they collect will be used for both transplants. The first transplant is scheduled for the first week in October, and the second probably around the first of December.

This past week has been a whirlwind; not sure the best way to describe it, other than to say our lives have changed dramatically over the course of a week. Marleigh has done a good job of describing the situation on the previous posts. So I thought I would update everyone with what has been happening on this side.

As you know I spent almost a week in the hospital at DHMC, returning home on Labor day. On Wednesday (Me and Marleigh's 20th anniversary) I was on a plane headed to Utah. I was greeted at the airport, not only by my father and sister, but also Frank and Elaine Anderson (good friends who reside in UT but also have a home in VT), Richard and Kathy Hall (who are like my second parents), and my cousin (and friend)Tara and her son Jordan. It was quite a reception, and some say that I almost cried (others say there was no doubt about it-I blubbered like a baby) though I would most likely deny it. I headed straight to the HCI from the airport, where they were expecting me. After a long day of traveling, I then had a Bone Marrow Biopsy and an MRI (my two favorite things... see previous posts). Needless to say, it was a long day. I've returned every day since then for my lab work and to meet with the Doctors. We have been waiting for my numbers to rebound so that the stem cell collection could begin, and today is the day. Again the objective is to move as quickly to transplant as possible, so this is the first step towards that. This collection will continue tomorrow and Friday. Then I get a bit of a break.
On Monday I had a 'Central Line' (not sure what the correct medical terminology would be) put into my neck. This allows them to hook up the collection machine. This line has two ports sticking right out of my neck (I'm set for Halloween-I look a little bit like Frankenstein). The collection machine draws blood out of one of the lines, separates the stem cells, then puts the blood back in through the other line.

So that's the situation for me at the moment. I owe you another post to let you know of the wonderful people who have stepped up to help us on this side of the country. I also need express my gratitude for the good folks in New Hampshire/Vermont who have been so good to me and my family. Again, I will do that with a separate post.

But for now, know that I am in good hands. The folks here at Huntsman have been great and I feel very confident in the direction that we're going. I believe that all the prayers and fasting have led us here.

Blaine

Getting Ready to Go

Dani is in Paris! And so far sounds great. She says she is hungry to learn more. I say go get 'em! Blaine is in good hands at Huntsman, they are moving him immediately to Bone Marrow Transplant (stem-cell variety). They will be collecting stem-cells starting Monday, and he will begin transplant at the end of September. Whoa! When this one's over, they will turn right around and do it again. Back to back transplants. Sounds rough, but everyone feels very positive about this treatment plan. Everyone, including his Dartmouth docs! We still love 'em. He sounds much better, and I'm not sure how much is the treatment plan, and how much is being back in the Rockies, with his family. I know he misses us, but he is also glad to be home.

We have had quite a day! We had an army here helping us pack and move furniture to storage today, and the house is almost empty. Our toothbrushes are even in a box! Thank you everyone. So much.

Heber City Utah is on the Eastern side of the Wasatch Range in a high mountain valley. It gets hot in the summer, and plenty cold in the winter. We are close to lots of great hunting,fishing, and family, who have wrapped their collective arms around Blaine as he came home.

Our plan is to drive out Wednesday. We will be taking two vehicles and an extra driver. Thanks Brad! We'll stop for the night this time. I hated Monster, anyway. When we arrive, we have a place to stay, and will enroll the kids in school in Heber immediately. Josh is changing schools his senior year, and being every inch a man about it. I am very proud of him. Alexis is leaving behind an amazing circle of friends in school and church, (they are having a party for her as we speak), and it is hard to do. But she loves her Dad best. Kyle is both excited and sad, as he's always loved our visits west, but he's realized that also means leaving here, which is really all he's ever known. But alas, he also loves Dad best. We all do. And we are soooooooooooo happy for the hope this new treatment plan has brought us. He is in the Lords hands, and He has made things happen very quickly.
As much as we are leaving behind good things, and there are many, we are also headed towards good things. The saying goes, you need to bloom where you are planted. Or transplanted. Our whole family has experienced that, and is in the process of uprooting again. But we will be rooted in good soil when we get there.

Now if we can just sell the house! It's been a wonderful home for us, and will be for someone else. Lots of sports for kids, right near the high school, good community, cozy feel.... anyone know a family looking for 5 bedrooms and a huge back yard? This is the place!

On Tuesday from 6:00 - 8:00, we will be at our very empty house, hoping to say goodbye to anyone who would like to stop. We would love to see you.

We have LOVED living here. It has been so very good for our family. We have all grown while here, and enjoyed the place, but mostly, the people. We will miss it. Hope to see some of you Tuesday from 6-8.

Thanks for being so good to our family. And God Bless.

Love,
Marleigh

What the heck is up NOW?!

Dani said to us last night, "Have you ever thought about how crazy our lives are?" We said, yep. I am cutting and pasting from an email I sent out to family last night here, so if it is repetitive, please forgive me. There is also more info now, so you might want to read it anyway. :)

When Blaine went in the hospital for chemo, he had elevated LDH numbers, which indicates inflammation in the body. As he received the infusion, LDH numbers kept coming down, until Sunday, when they were brought into the normal range. Chemo stopped Sunday evening. By Monday morning's labs, LDH levels had already significantly risen.

The docs have been great, doing everything they know to help Blaine, and consulting with Dana Farber. However, they themselves have been surprised at every turn by the aggressive nature of Blaine's disease. The last time I spoke with them, they suggested we take him out west to be with family, and did mention Huntsman Cancer Institute, since we had discussed it previously. Knowing that Huntsman has docs that come from a program that is VERY aggressive with MM, and that starts out with the very approach that was Blaine's third line of defense, I emailed them yesterday since it was a holiday, and called today. I spoke with Dr. Tricot who has 20 years experience with MM and has treated over 5,000 MM patients. He asked me to get Blaine there NOW. He has seen this response before and told me how he would handle him based on the info I gave him.

So bottom line, Blaine is on board a plane for Salt Lake City, UT. He arrives at 11:50 AM, Mountain Time, and will drive straight to the Huntsman Cancer Institute where they are expecting him. They will begin his workup when he gets there. Dr. Tricot can piggy-back on the just completed chemo and neulasta for stem-cell collection, so he is on schedule for harvesting stem cells in two weeks. If they can harvest enough cells, then he will be moving right on to transplant within the month. If he cannot produce enough cells, we look at matches immediately in his family for a donor. He will have a tandem (back to back) transplant. This will keep us in Utah for 6 months at the very minimum.

Starting tomorrow, our house is for sale. 5 bedrooms, 2 baths, hardwood floors throughout, 2 acres of land, a mature garden spot, updated septic, new drainage system, enclosed porch, and a 2 car garage. Any takers?

That's the news. Kyle said yesterday, "You know all those fasting and praying and stuff? Well, this is the light." We think he is correct, and this is the answer we've been seeking.

We are sorry Blaine didn't get to see so many of you, but this is what he needs. We send our love and prayers to Brian and others who are hurting, and will continue to update this blog with things as they unfold. We can still be reached by phone or email. Wish us well, and we you.

Love,
Marleigh and Blaine.

From room 101

Blaine is going home later tonight, after he finishes his second unit of blood. He is finishing up the first unit as we speak. He has again, done incredibly well with chemo. He has had some nausea, but no vomitting, and has been able to eat enough. He gained 20 lbs of water, which is now coming off. As far as in-hospital side effects, he has virtually sailed through. What a suprise, eh? He has even been out walking a bit. He will come home, and they will draw blood twice a week to watch his blood counts untill he comes back to do it all again in about three weeks. In the meantime, we'll drive him crazy, watching him like a hawk.

Yesterday, our kind friends, the Martins, brought dinner to the kids. They packed it up and drove here to the hospital. We ended our fast together, with a prayer, then ate. I felt SO good. I know the kids did as well, because they all made it, even Kyle! We are so VERY appreciative of all those who fasted and prayed with us in whatever capacity they were able. Perhaps that is why he is doing so well.

Saturday was a very emotional day for me. We ran around like crazy putting all the finishing touches together for what was, in my mind, a very special goodbye to a loved family member. What a wonderful spirit was felt during the service and during the wonderful meal provided so kindly and well by our wonderful Relief Society. Thank you so much, sisters! And everyone else who pitched in to help our family with the service that day. :) It was a blessing to be surrounded by family, some whom I had not seen, and neither had anyone else! for years. I think everyone had a chance to express their love for Rainee, Brian and family, and it seemed healing. I hope anyone who didn't and needs to will be able to talk to someone close to them. Everyone's concern was evident for Brian, Erin, Patrick and Sam, but also for Blaine and us Savages. I deeply felt and appreciate it, very, very much.

After we dispersed from the chapel, and I was driving to the hospital, I realized that Brian needed our fasting as much as Blaine, and perhaps more so, since he was the only remaining parent. So, I fasted for both Blaine and Brian. I know miracles can happen, and I see one in Brian's imroved condition, at a time when it was CRITICAL for him to be functional, upon the death of his wife, and his children's mother. They needed him to be better, and he is. Though not out of the woods by any means, he is improved. Our Loving God knew what was coming, and in His tender mercy, helped Brian. Miracles can and do come, some through medical, explainable channels, others through unexplainable ones. Either way, I am grateful.

More than anything, I have needed to express my feelings of appreciation for the service on Saturday and the love expressed for Rainee. I was so glad to see all of my siblings, Mom and both Aunt Scott and Aunt Rusty, Uncle Terry and Kathy, and members of Rainees family. I think they felt the love there for her and that it was a fitting goodbye. I hope Brian, Erin, Patrick, Sam and Rainee's family feel that way also. I felt good leaving, and it seems that others did as well.

I also needed to express my deep, deep gratitude for the fasts and prayers. They came from many of different faiths, and from those who I don't know to be particularly religious necessaruly, but who did this wonderful thing in our behalf. I know they will be blessed for it, and we already are. Thank you so very, very much. We will continue to remember Brian and his family in our daily prayers, and know you will as well. And whoever else is in need.

So, to finish up this long, perhaps repetitive submission, I wish to just say one last thing.

Rainee, I love you. Until I see you again, God be with you, God be with you. We love you.

Marleigh

Update from Rm 101

They say humor is great medicine, so thanks for the jokes.

I'm sitting here in room 101 at DHMC; floating between reading, watching football, and dozing off. If I were at home enjoying these activities, it might be the perfect Saturday (but I'm sure Marleigh would tell me to get up and do something).

I have three IV lines hooked up to me, pumping all kinds of medicine into me; several Chemo medications, several anti-nauseua medications, etc. They've warned me that I'll be very sick, but mostly now I'm tired and pretty hazy. Hard to focus on too much. Maybe that's par for the course for me anyway. But I feel good.

I appreciate all the words of encouragement and support, that's the best medicine of all. I'll update this as often as I can.

Blaine

Chemo from Heck..... Day 2

The word for today is exhausted. He was up last night with steroids, and his body is processing amazing amounts of toxic stuff, so you can imagine that he's a little wiped out.

I have a request... they say that laughter is the best medicine, right? So, swamp the comments with the best (or worst) jokes you got, funny stories, lame pictures, you get the idea. :) Keep them coming whenever you think about them and have time to write them. He reads all of the comments on this blog regularly, and I will make SURE he reads the laughs. Have fun! Oh yeah, keep 'em clean!

Thanks.
Marleigh

Today's Adventures

Blaine and I arrived at DHMC at 8:00 this morning. He had an MRI followed by a pet-scan. It was about 12:30 PM by the time we made it to the Hematology/Oncology unit where he will be for the next while. He hadn't eaten since the night before, and was starved. It took until after 2:00 to get the ok for him to eat. They were right to be safe, but he was glad for some food! They took labs, waited for the results, ordered meds, prepared three med pumps (one for his medi-port, the others for two other IV sites they started). They filled him full of anti-emetics (anti nausea), and finally at about 7:00 PM everything was in place and they began delivering the chemo meds through all three sites. The list is frightening, and we're not going to even try to list all possible side effects, save to say they can be scary. He will have 24 hour a day chemo for the next four or five days. He will not be home before Monday we understand, not Sunday, assuming there are no complications. With all the drugs they're hitting him with, my read of the nurses is almost to expect a complication or two. But, he has surprised us all before.

They say he will probably not really start to feel it until tomorrow afternoon. They don't say much beyond that. His spirits aren't as good as they have been, the results yesterday were a blow to him. Even so, his faith is in God. With Him, all things are possible, and as Juanita pointed out, He is the Master Physician.

Blaine is in a double occupancy room since the hospital is full. Apparently, we aren't the only ones with trials! A good friend of ours was just one door over. Since he is not in a private room, I could not spend the night, and am typing from home. I was soooo not happy to leave him there, but he was more concerned with the kids than himself. When I called home to tell them I was on my way, Kyle answered. I told him, and he went silent. "Why?" "Do you want me to stay with Dad?" I asked. "Yeah!" he responded. He was the one I was MOST concerned about, but he wasn't happy that I would not be with his Dad. We will count our blessings.

We love our docs! Can we say that? They truly seem to care about him, and Nandi Reddy, the fellow, says he has spent more time on Blaine this week than on his family. He wanted us to know that and to know that he was very much fighting this one with us. He was a little emotional when telling us this, and we sooooo appreciate it. Dr. Bengston is also very concerned, and doesn't want to miss anything. We are grateful for their dedication, and honest care and concern. They are good, good guys.

We are also truly so very grateful for the love and prayers of so many, especially those who will be fasting with us, and those who have been with us all the while. Check out the 'Sweet Times' link to the side. Thanks Lisa, so much. And everyone else. Also a thank-you to those who fed our kids and picked up Kyle from school when our teenagers were unavailable to do so. So many kindnesses, it would be impossible to name them all, so I'll quit trying for fear I'll miss some.

I'll try to update this nightly, but no promises. Hope all is well with you and yours.

Marleigh

Results

Well, what do you do when you get bucked off a horse? You get right back on. What if the horse you got on at first wasn't so bad, but got real mad that you were still riding, got mean and bucked you off twice? Then you REALLY have to show him who's boss.

The analogy is to Blaine's condition. News from the biopsy wasn't good. He now has Refractory (unresponsive) Multiple Myeloma. Totally unresponsive? No. Responsive enough? No. The docs are still gathering data, but things are not progressing as hoped. So, what's next? Tomorrow morning, Blaine will go for another MRI and Pet Scan, following which he will be admitted into the hospital for VERY intensive chemo, which will be delivered IV all the time. He will continue with Cytoxin and Dexamethazone, plus a few more high-powered chemo drugs. He will be in at least until Sunday, barring any complications. When he comes home, he will be very out of it. He will be sick as a dog, this time for sure, and have lots of blood count issues. They will monitor his blood very carefully so that he can receive transfusions as needed. He will also have to miss Rainee's funeral. That was his biggest immediate concern with the docs. "Can we schedule it so I can be available Saturday?" No chance. "Can I leave for a while Saturday?" Nope. He wasn't happy. He really wanted to be there. His heart will be. Everything is still on, for those of you who might be concerned. No worries.

As a family, we are going to fast for Blaine this weekend. That means that after dinner on Saturday evening, none of us will eat or drink at all until dinner on Sunday evening. 24 hours, or two meals. During this time, we will also be devoting our prayers to him and his well-being. Fasting is not a droll thing, but can be a joyful one. It is a sacrifice that we are very willing to make in his behalf, and invite any to join us who can or would care to. If you are physically unable, the prayers are still so very appreciated. We will lift up our hearts in prayer to the Almighty in his behalf. Join us if you can.

Birthday Presents

Everybody loves birthday presents. Kyle says his favorites have been the archery equipment (bow and arrows, quiver, arm guards, etc) and also his BB/Pellet gun. And of course his fishing pole. Josh always likes his baseball stuff; gloves, bats, etc. One of Dani's favorites was the BYU Basketball Camp she went to (which she won MVP at). Alexis favorite 'present' was actually her b-day party this past year. Marleigh remembers the ice skates. It's hard for me to remember all my previous birthday presents.I remember bikes and watches and things like that.
Well, tomorrow is my birthday and I'm spending it at DHMC. This is my Re-Staging day, the day we determine where my cancer is at. Last time we did this the news was good, very good. We determined that it was in remission. Unfortunately it came back very quickly. My medical team made some adjustments to my Chemo regime; putting me on Thalydomide and taking me off Revlimid. They also made adjustments my Velcade. And of course, they added Cytoxin to the list Chemo medication; this is the nasty bugger that took my hair, made me neutrapenic, wacked out my blood counts. However, the cancer had wacked out white, red, and platelets, as the bone marrow was compromised, and could not produce the blood cells it normally did. The Thalydomide had side effects that were hurting more than helping, so I'm back on Revlimid. So I'm not sure what to expect this time. I think it'll be remission again, we'll see. Either way, I will take all the results with me to Dana Farber Cancer Center in Boston on the 10th to meet with Dr. Richardson, who is a Myeloma only Oncologist. Then we'll go from there. We don't know what he will recommend, but we are assuming, contingent upon results from tomorrow, that the plan is still to get me into remission, then move to stem cell (bone marrow) transplant.
So my wish for a Birthday present is good results from the Re-Staging. That'll be a present I remember.

Blaine

Service for Rainee

Please be advised of Funeral Services for Lorraine Marie Currier Farrell, with a meal to follow. If you would like to bring something, desserts would be great.

Saturday, September 5th, 2:00 PM
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints
Route 5
Ascutney, Vermont

Goodbye

Today is a sad day. Yesterday evening, at about 7:30 PM, my brother Brian (the one who is waiting for a liver transplant), walked upstairs to tell his wife, Rainee, that supper was ready. He went in to find her very still, and realized that she had passed away in her sleep. She was 44 years old. This was very unexpected. Brian and Rainee - Lorraine Marie Currier Farrell - are the proud parents of a 19 year old daughter and a 16 year old son, as well as a 22 year old niece they raised from a young age. Please keep them in your prayers, as their burdens are heavy right now.

Thanks. Marleigh

Early Morning Update...

It's been a few days since I've updated the post, so I thought 3:45 am Saturday would be a nice time to do it (the Dextamethasome/Steroids make it tough to sleep sometimes).
It has been an 'On Week', so we've been to DHMC three times this week; twice for labs & infusions and once for an MRI (the dreaded MRI's are getting better thanks to Ativan). I go in for re-staging on the 31st of August (my b-day), but we wanted to get a jump on things by doing the MRI. Again, re-staging includes the other 'dreaded item'-bone marrow biopsy. But even then, the last biopsy I had seemed to be much better than the previous ones. So maybe I'm toughening up to them. Either way, the 31st is going to be the date that determines what we do next. It will be the first day on my next cylce, which will be the 3rd cylce of this round. With the first round of chemo, I had four cylces before we declared 'remission'. Maybe we can do it in 3 cycles this time and get right on with the bone marrow transplant.
We have an appointment with Dr. Richardson (who focuses primarily on Multiple Myeloma) at Dana Farber Hospital in Boston on the 10th of September. September 10th is also the day we send our lovely and talented eldest daughter off to France (how do you say yikes in French?). It has been good to have her home for the summer, she brightens our home-mostly :).
We changed one of the chemo drugs this week, from Thalidomide back to Revlimid. The Thalimide had some side effects that have been tough to deal with, primarily neuropothy. Neuropothy makes your legs and hands numb and for a guy who recently had a tumor removed from his spine, and who is already relatively numb from the rib cage down- I didn't need it. It also caused my feet and ankles to balloon, again... didn't need. So it's back on to Revlimid which is the drug that helped put me into remmission the first time. However, this time around once we determine when the Bone Marrow Transplant will be, I am going to stay on the Revlimid until it's transplant time.
So all things considered, it has been a pretty good week. I'm looking forward to having my 'Off Week' next week. I'll be down in Westford, Ma teaching a course to some of our new business partners from California. It'll be good to be feel productive.

On a side not... my seventeen year old son, Joshua is working on his Eagle Scout project and had the brilliant idea of helping out the cancer patients at the Norris Cotton Cancer Center (at DHMC) with a more comfortable waiting environment.


He's noticed that some of the furniture in the lobby area's are not very comfortable, especially for those who are sick and have traveled some distance. I certainly agree with the assessment. Chemo makes for a long day, and any amount of time sitting in a cramped chair makes it even more so. His project (pending BSA's approval) is to provide the lobby area's for both the infusion area and the radiology with recliner chairs. The goal is to speak with local furniture stores, business owners, and anyone else who would like to make a donation for these new recliners. Seems like a worthy undertaking. We hope he has success with it.

Have a great weekend.

Blaine

Surviving Mondays

Monday and Thursday are my infusion days. The first Monday of the cycle (which was yesterday) is the 'Big' day. I get loaded up on all sorts of 'stuff'; 2 or 3 anti-nausea medications, red blood boosters, steroids, velcade, cytoxin (this is the bugger that took my hair), bone strengthening medications, lots of fluids. I'm sure I'm forgetting something.

The good news is... I feel great. I took Kyle down to the boat harbor last night so he could fish a little and today I feel strong. I'm headed into Keene for another shot to help with the white blood count, so that hopefully I don't get nutripenic again. But so far so good.

I'm throwing on some pictures that were taken on Sunday.

Marleigh and the Bald Guy

Me and Paul Liberty

Blaine

My Job

OK, I'm no Vin Diesel or Bruce Willis. But I'm not Darth Vader either, that's a good thing. Actually, I'm starting to like it. Easy maintenance; faster showers, no shampoo, no combing. Easy. I need to work on the color a little- too white for the rest of my head. It'll get there.

I'm sitting in a hotel room in Westford, Ma- attending a training session for my company: ICS 8400 R6, learning fascinating stuff like XML, PRS, RSI, etc.

So, this is the kind of company I work for. I received an email the other day from my boss's boss (Senior Director of Enterprise for North America Region) telling me that he was riding in the Pan Mass Challenge, he has done so for the last few years. It raises money and awareness for cancer. Obviously it's a terrific cause, I just wanted to share his email with you;

"I just wanted to send a quick note of sincere thanks for your donation to the PMC charity ride. With your contributions, you are part of the PMC family and together we are united in making a difference in the on-going fight against cancer this weekend.

I am amazed at your generosity this year – despite the very unstable economic climate and our nation’s highest level of unemployment in decades, I was able to gain my highest number of sponsors this year and outpace my previous years high contribution mark, by raising over $4,200 in donations!

My ride this year is in honor of many people – some who have lost their battle (Russ, Tracey), some who are in the process of fighting the cancer (Blaine, Tom, Trish, Karen, Cecile) and some that are “Living Proof” survivors (Mike, Annmarie, Britany)

My brother John and I dedicate our ride this year to our Pedal Partner, Patrick (see photo attached) – A great little boy who is bravely and successfully fighting his fight ……

For those of you who are local to Massachusetts – NECN will be broadcasting the opening ceremonies live, starting tonight at 6:30pm and throughout the weekend – please take some time to watch this great event. God Bless."

The support from Alcatel-Lucent has been tremendous; not to mention the great insurance coverage, training schedules and locations have been completely reworked to line up with my chemo schedules. The class I'm attending now was originally schedule for California, but they rescheduled (in large part to accommodate me) for it to happen in Massachusetts; flying a least 5 people in from Texas, Illinois, and California. When I'm not attending or teaching a course, I have a home office. It has been such a boost to be able to have the flexibility to go to my appointments, all with A-L's blessing.

So, in a nutshell; I am grateful for good employment and for the good people I work with.

Blaine

Voila!

I think that just about says it all.

Hair today, gone....

I knew this day was coming. We've been joking about it for some time. Doesn't seem that funny anymore. Yesterday my hair started to come out in clumps. I think I have a few days before I shave it, but it wont be long. Dani's post about me be bald, about me looking like Darth Vader... well, we'll see. I doubt that I'll look cool like Vin Diesel or Bruce Willis. I guess we're about to find out. I'll try to snap some photo's, before and after.
Hey it's only hair, right?

Everything else is good; good energy, no fevers, sleeping well at nights. Next week is my 'Off' week- no chemo. Normally that's a good week, but I miss the Dextamethasome (steroids)- it gives me energy. But it'll be good to get a break from the chemo.

Blaine

Back in control

Fun facts from WebMD:
Chemotherapy (also known as chemo) works by killing fast-growing cancer cells. Unfortunately, chemotherapy drugs can’t always tell the difference between cancer cells and fast-growing healthy cells, including red and white blood cells. As a result, one of the most serious potential side effects of many types of chemotherapy drugs is a low white blood cell count. Chemo that causes this side effect is described as myelosuppressive (my-eh-low-suh-PRESS-iv), because it suppresses your production of white blood cells. A low number of a specific type of white blood cells called neutrophils,—also known as neutropenia (new-tro-pee-nee-uh)—can put some patients at risk for severe infections and may interrupt chemo treatment. In fact, complications associated with a low white blood cell count are the most common causes of dose reductions or delays in chemotherapy. A sufficient white blood cell count may enable your doctors to administer chemotherapy according to their treatment schedule.

After my Monday trip to DHMC (for labs and infusion) life seems to be settling back to normal. I feel like I'm back in control. My White Blood counts have returned to normal (almost 3.6 where 4.0 is normal). My other numbers have all rebounded, so I'm feeling much better than the last time I posted. Before my white blood counts made me 'neutrapenic'- see the above description. So I really had to lay low for a few days with very limited exposure to the outside word.

But, as of yesterday my numbers have bounced back and I feel much more in control. My energy level is good, no fevers, no night sweats.

So for now, I feel like I'm back in control.

Included is a shot of the Three Amigo's; Dad, Alexis, and Kyle.

Enough is enough

Ok, enough with the optimism.... I'm sick of being sick! Tired of being tired. Tired of the immobility (remnants of the spinal tumor), tired of my digestive system (lost another 10 pounds this week), tired of all the trips to DHMC. LAB work, CAT scans, PET scans; sounds more like an animal hospital than a world class cancer center.

It would be nice to hit the rewind button back 2 or 3 years when I felt great. When I get through all this, I'll sure appreciate things more.

But for now... I'm not having fun.

Alright, now the news of the day. I went in for my normal routine (Labs, consult w/ Dr. Reddy, and infusion) today. Labs came back and my white blood counts are shot, almost non-existent. This was somewhat expected with the more aggressive chemo regimen I am now on.

So for now I'm in my own version of isolation (at home, limited exposure to others, face masks, lots and lots of hand washing), and if you have a cold, or are otherwise sick in any way, I need to keep my distance, etc. The good news is that my counts should recover by next weekend. Then I'll have another round of chemo.

The other good news is that my LDH levels continue to drop, which indicates that I am responding to the misery.

So this has been my one (and hopefully only) complaining blog...

Blaine

BTW-Dani sent me this photo of Mt. Timpanogas. This is where I grew up.