"Tell them that your dad is making you post this and he's a big meanie."
True story.
Haha, don't worry though, he's not a big meanie and I am in fact posting this of my own free will. Just to let you know, my dad is going in for another appointment tomorrow up at Dartmouth, and we'll be hearing what the new news is then. Cross your fingers...
Just some definitions....
Cancer: A term for diseases in which abnormal cells divide without control and can invade nearby tissues. Cancer cells can also spread to other parts of the body through the blood and lymph systems. There are several main types of cancer. Carcinoma is cancer that begins in the skin or in tissues that line or cover internal organs. Sarcoma is cancer that begins in bone, cartilage, fat, muscle, blood vessels, or other connective or supportive tissue. Leukemia is cancer that starts in blood-forming tissue such as the bone marrow, and causes large numbers of abnormal blood cells to be produced and enter the blood. Lymphoma and multiple myeloma are cancers that begin in the cells of the immune system. Central nervous system cancers are cancers that begin in the tissues of the brain and spinal cord.
Multiple Myeloma: A type of cancer that begins in plasma cells (white blood cells that produce antibodies).
Remission: A decrease in or disappearance of signs and symptoms of cancer. In partial remission, some, but not all, signs and symptoms of cancer have disappeared. In complete remission, all signs and symptoms of cancer have disappeared, although cancer still may be in the body.
Bone Marrow Transplant: A procedure to replace bone marrow that has been destroyed by treatment with high doses of anticancer drugs or radiation. Transplantation may be autologous (an individuals own marrow saved before treatment), allogeneic (marrow donated by someone else), or syngeneic (marrow donated by an identical twin). (They're going to do an autologous transplant with my dad, and then if it doesn't work they'll do allogeneic. The doctors are pretty confident the autologous one is going to do the job :) ).
Cure: To heal or restore health; a treatment to restore health.
Sometime I need to do a serious blog about what's going on with my dad, but let me summarize what's going on right now. Two weeks ago my dad went in for restaging, which is like a re-evaluation of what stage the cancer's at, where it's spreading, etc. For him restaging means an MRI as well as they've got to get another sample of his bone marrow. All of the lab results from my dad's chemo treatments have been so good that we're hoping the doctors are going to say he's in remission. GREAT, right??!!? YES, yes yes yes YES yes YES it is!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! If, tomorrow when my dad gets his bone-marrow-lab results back, the doctors declare he is in remission, THEN that means a couple of things.
1) My dad won't have to do his next rounds of chemo (wicked good news, trust me)
2) He has to start getting ready for a BONE MARROW TRANSPLANT.
Sweet, huh? Well, kinda. It's great because that means he's on his way to being cured. First, however, they have to give him a HUGE dose of chemotherapy that will completely kill his immune system and all of his bone marrow (healthy and sick). Then, they are going to regrow that bone marrow using healthy bone marrow they've harvested from his own body. Hopefully the bone marrow will grow more healthy bone marrow, replacing all of the cancerous bone marrow. I'm sure I don't have this down completely correct, but that's the basic gist of it.The way my dad is recovering is literally a miracle. Most multiple myeloma patients aren't given much of a chance, and, as of yet, there isn't a cure. However, we believe in a Heavenly Father who can do all things and will, as long as it is in accordance with His will.
Thank you so so much to everyone who has prayed, fasted, and just been there with us through everything. Prayer really does work, and what is happening with my dad is evidence of that. Thanks so much for all that you do! I don't like using cliches, but your friendship does mean everything, and you will always have a special place in our hearts and home.
Well, Dani...I think you did a superb job on your first post. You guys are in our hearts and prayers on a regular basis and we couldn't be happier that things are going as well as they are. Keep up the good work, to you all!
ReplyDeleteAlanna
Great job Dani, Blaine Put down the gun let go of yhe child. HaHA. Good luck . I feel things are looking up for you. Keep the positive attitude as it along with prayer do wonders. JIM
ReplyDeleteWe're impressed with your fabulous post, Dani. Your should get extra college credit! We're elated about your dad's progress and are praying for more good news today!
ReplyDeleteWe just happened upon your post while on the Cote's blog. We are so glad that things are looking up right now. We know from experience about 20 years ago that faith and prayers work miracles and good docs are a real blessing. If you do not mind we will continue to monitor your progress. Did you know we moved to the Logan area last November. We absolutely love it here, we are in Providence. the Valley is full of peace, love and hope. We enjoyed your mention of Logan memories. Felt and Ruth Ann Stirling
ReplyDeleteHey Good Buddy -- it's me, your virtual therapy dog, Rocky. See ya got yourself a "scribe" to take care of posting for ya. Everyone should have one! Dani did a great job -- must be a fast learner! All that talk of chemo reminds me of my days of heartworm treatment -- yuk. Sure did take the wind out of my sails and I'm sure you have those days, too, but hang in there. My mom wants you to know that you and your family are all in her and dad's prayers. So, as we say in dog talk, hope you're up chasing your tail real soon! Rocky
ReplyDeleteTo the Stirlings... if you would like to be added to the distribution list, you can click the envelope icon on the bottom of the post's, send us your email and we'll add you.
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