REMISSION!!!

Jim is in total remission. The doctor says that he can't fix him anymore. His bloodwork is amazing. He feels great, he has energy, he is feisty. We appreciate each and every person that helped us during this long process. God bless you all.

Jim's Journey - Day 49 post transplant April 18

Met with the new cancer doctor at St. Mary's today. Dr. James Cunningham. He seems very nice and knowledgeable. Jim's numbers continue to rise. Jim asks about mowing the lawn and Dr. Cunningham gives us a more detailed explanation of why Jim cannot do yard work. Jim seems more satisified and reserved to the idea. (Yeah)

His legs are felling much better today and he is more active than ever (a good idea?) He likes to be busy, busy, busy - getting his old self back. His customers and friends are glad to see him back.

Deb

Jim's Journey - Day 48 post transplant April 17

Guy, Jim's newest hire stops by this morning to give Jim a full deep tissue message. Jim says it feels both good and extremely painful at the same time. Guy is amazed at the amount of stress on Jim's muscles. Instead of the original 1/2 appointment, Guy actually worked on Jim's legs for an hour plus. He cautions Jim to stay off his feet for several hours today so the work he did gets a chance to relax and revitalize the muscles. Jim naps off and on until about 3:30pm. He states that his legs feel amazing. Off to work on the lawn mower with Norm.

About 7:00 Jim hobbles in, extremely worn out. He has been working on the lawn mower since 4:00, without a break, and has overdone it a little. Norm stays for dinner and we have a good conversation. Jim is very relaxed and animated. It is nice to see he is feeling very good.

Deb

Jim's Journey - Day 42 post transplant April 11

We have a follow-up with Dr. Bronstein today. Jim's weight is good, his numbers are good. He feels good, except for his legs, which are very painful. He has decided to not use the pain medications that have been prescribed to him. He will continue on the Neurontin for the next week or so, then determine if it is worth continuing.

Dr. Bronstein questions Jim's return to work. He gets agitated when I "nag" him about washing his hands, using sunscreen, wearing gloves, etc. but he is very forgetful right now.

We go out to dinner at La Ramada across the street. It is very awkward. Jim requests his food cooked very well, fresh made guacamole, questions how long the salsa has been made (doesn't eat any). We tell the waitress about his illness and hope everything is hot enough when it gets to the table.

After dinner, we decide it is not worth the risk of going out again. We don't want to subject Jim to any unnecessary food problems.

Deb

Jim's Journey - Day 39 post transplant April 8

What a wonderful feeling waking up in our own bed. Jim slept very well and so did I. It is amazing how comfortable our own bed feels after sleeping in a motel for 6 weeks.

Jim is working already! He promises to be careful, but I am apprehensive. He just can't say no.

Casey's birthday today and we have been invited to Gloria's for shortcake. I don't think we should go, but Jim really wants to.

Jim just can't keep away from others. He shakes everyone's hand, and gives a few hugs. This is what I am afraid of, his inability to follow the plan. The shortcake is very good. Strawberries and Blackberries over homemade shortcakes. Casey is 16 this year.

Deb

Jim's Journey - Day 38 post transplant April 7

Jim is up with the rain! 6:00 am and he is ready to leave. Not me, I am sore and aching and tired. Have breakfast to fix, dishes to wash, and a few things to pack.

On the road at 10:15am. Jim and I are in separate vehicles and will drive at our own pace. We will keep in contact with the cell phone. Jim is very excited to be going home!

Uneventful trip, good to be home!

Deb

Jim's Journey - Day 37 post transplant April 6

Labs, clinics, line pull today and we get to go home! Jim is stoked. He is so ready to leave the rain and overcast skies of Seattle for warmer, brighter days in Walla Walla. He feels great!

The doctor says Jim's numbers look good. He will need to continue to have follow-ups for the next year. He will have weekly follow-ups for the next month, then they should taper off to once a month. They will re-stage his myeloma at 60 days to determine how well he responded to his treatment. There is no cure for myeloma, but Jim should be able to maintain for many years.

We start packing. It is hard to believe the amount of paper, piles of it, we have received from the SCCA; bloodwork, instructions, pamphlets, books on myeloma, books on cancer in general, what to eat, what not to eat, etc. We also had to purchase pots, pans, dishes and silverware. I can't believe we have amassed so much stuff in the last 6 weeks! Thank goodness we have two vehicles to move it all in.

Jim says goodbye to the night manager, Jay. He has been a big help to us while we have been here. Always has a smile, is very jovial, and quick to lend a hand when needed. Jay says he will miss our dog.

Exhausted, time for bed.

Jim's Journey - Day 35 post transplant April 4

Happy birthday to Stephanie!!

Jim has a dental appointment this morning. All is well, they are very happy with this teeth. He is proud that they are pleased. He has been trying hard to get those teeth brushed and flossed every morning. They give him a prescription for flouride.

Follow up at the clinic today also. No bloodwork this morning. We discuss the pain in Jim's legs. Neuropathy - not much they can do for it except try to make him comfortable. They are not sure if the nerve damage is permanent, but they do advise it will last for several weeks to several months. They prescribe Gabapentin (Neurontin) 300mg in the evenings. After 3 days the dose will increase to 300mg morning and evening. We also ask for several refills on his meds so we have them on hand at home. His Potassium remains low so he will need to continue supplementation. We want nausea meds "just in case", as his nausea comes and goes.

Jim's Journey - Day 34 post transplant April 3

Happy birthday to Kevin!!

Laundry day. We need to catch-up. Doing laundry once every two weeks (when I run out of clothing) is getting old! It takes 2 hours. We put in the laundry and go over to IHOP for breakfast. Jim is NOT impressed. We ask for eggs cooked hard, they come out runny. The hashbrowns are greasy and the texture is re-fried. My omelet is good, but I get indigestion again. We dry the laundry and return to the motel.

We drive up to St. Vincent de Paul Thrift Store. I am looking for small bowls and/or cups to make a bead spinner. The one I found at Goodwill is too big. I find two small bowls and a ring stand that I can adapt. Less than $3.00 compared to buying one for $24.99!!

We eat a good dinner of toast and spaghetti with tomato sauce. Jim climbs into bed; he is fatigued, but not really ready to sleep. We watch a couple hours of NCIS on the computer. Jim is having difficulty falling asleep tonight and opts for his Ativan.

Deb

Jim's Journey - Day 32 post transplant April 1

Jim was so hoping to be going home today. Alas, not to be. He is definately being discharged on Wednesday, April 6th. They will be removing his Hickman line at 3:30pm and we are planning to leave first thing Thursday morning! Jim is looking forward to being in his own environment.

Jim's blood counts are looking very good. He will remain in contact isolation until he is discharged next week. He is not feeling well today, it is believed it is because of the new medication.

We have nothing planned for today. Jim spends most of the day in bed.

Deb

Jim's Journey - Day 31 post transplant March 31

Well we found out this morning that Jim has developed a bacterial infection in his stomach. It is called Clostridium difficle, and is not killed by hand sanitizers. Jim must wash, wash, wash his hands. He is on a 72 special contact precaution. This means he has to be extrememly careful at the clinic. Has to limit contact with everyone and has to notify staff if he uses the restrooms so they can be sanitized. He has to take antibiotics for the next 10 days. One good thing is this will NOT delay his release to go home. Yeah! We picked up Jim's antibiotics and spoke with the nurse about my compromised immune system to make sure I don't need to take antibiotics also. She stated that I should be ok.

We went to the Space Needle today. I'm glad SCCA gives out passes, because we could not afford the fees they charge just to go upstairs! We spent quite a bit of time walking around the platform. It is a beautiful view and would be splendid if it wasn't raining. I can imagine the view with a beautiful sunlit sky! Lake Union and the sound were awesome! I bought a coffee cup for my souvenir collection.

Jim's Journey - Day 30 post transplant March 30

Jim is not feeling well this morning. Not really nauseated, but queasy. He asks for Compazine instead of Zofran. He states that his stools have become less formed, a little looser. This is a concern to us, as this is how he started feeling before he was admitted to the hospital. He has dry heaves.

I contact the hospital and leave a message. Jim speaks to the Triage nurse, who seems a little stand-offish. He just wants to make sure he doesn't wait too long before asking for help. They tell us to come in for a "stool kit" and to have his bp taken.

Jim's bp is a little low, but goes up when he stands. This is unusual as it normally goes down. We talk with the nurse about what he has/has not eaten. She wants us to make sure to medicate a couple hours before he eats. Nothing sounds good to him.

We take a couple classes today. The first is about Chemo and Cognitive Memory loss aka Chemobrain. A good class that explains some of the problems with chemotherapy and memory and how to overcome them. It offers an insight to some of the problems Jim has been dealing with. The second class is on Long Term Follow-up and what to expect once we leave the SCCA. Jim will be followed by Dr. Bronstien of Providence St. Mary's Regional Cancer Center in Walla Walla and Dr. Aaron Vawter of the St. Mary's Physicians Group.

Jim has to be very careful for the next 6 months. No hand-shaking, no hugs, no spectator events. No horseback riding (no hay), no gardening, including lawn-mowing. He can go back to work, but should have limited contact with his customers. Of course, we still need to talk with his doctors to get his specific cans and cannots. He must get vaccinations for all the childhood diseases, but it will be a year before he can do this. If we want to do any traveling we are advised to contact the Center for Disease Control to find out what, if any, problems/diseases are current to the area we want to go. With Jim's pledge to do something each weekend, we will have the CDC number memorized.

We return to the motel and take a short nap, watch a show on television, then go get groceries for dinner.

Deb

Jim's Journey - Day 29 post transplant March 29

We received a call first thing this morning. Jera, Jim's scheduler, wanted to know if we could make it in at 9:45 this morning instead of 2:00pm this afternoon. No problem. We actually like morning appointments so we can go out and do something if Jim is up to it.

We ask for our new schedule when we arrive. Jim's hopes of going home this weekend are dashed. We have appointments the rest of the week, and thru next Wednesday April 6th.

We meet with the Physician's Assistant, Tamarind. Jim's numbers are still very good, but he has been feeling a little queasy the past few mornings. They suggest we stop the Zofran and start taking one of the other nausea meds, or Maalox.

While talking with the Nutritionist, Jim brings up the feeling and we start to discuss his diagnosis of Meniere's Disease. A problem with fluid in his inner ear. The nutritionist suggests a low sodium diet so that he does not retain fluids.

Deb

Jim's Journey - Day 27 post transplant March 27

Jim is up before me, fixing himself toast.

Our plan for today is to drive to Auburn to see Stacy (Jim's stepdaughter) and her family, and to pick up the van. Jim is hopeful we are going home next weekend and wants to get started packing some of the items we are not using.

It rains off and on today.

We go out to pizza with the kids. Jim feels safe eating pizza since it comes directly out of a hot oven. We have been cautioned about eating out since there is no control over the preparation of the foods. We have no knowledge of how the foods are cooked, how the foods are stored, whether the staff and kitchen are clean. The nurse told us that we need to ask for our foods to be cooked fresh, not steamtable items. The salad bar at the pizza place looked scary, and we didn't patronize it!

We drive back to the motel. Jim takes a very short nap, then we watch a show or two on television.

Deb

Jim's Journey - Day 26 post transplant March 26

We go to St Vincent de Paul this morning. Everything is 50% off today. We look around, but really don't find much we cannot live without. We return to the motel.

Jim doesn't feel like doing anything today so he sleeps most of the day. He just isn't feeling up-to-par. We think it is all the residual effects of his busy week. Maybe he will feel up to something tomorrow.

Deb

Jim's Journey - Day 25 post transplant March 25

Blood draw and clinic starting at 9:00. Jim is tired today, we believe he may have overdone just a little the past few days.

Jim's numbers are over 1.5!!! Unfortunatley, he was exposed to a little too much sun yesterday and he has a terrible rash all over his face. Itchy and red! The doctor recommends a moisturizing cream and Sunscreen everyday he goes outside.

We stop by the Thrift Store on the way home, but Jim isn't up to staying very long. We take a two hour nap, and decide not to do much today. Jim is worn out and very tired and sleeps most of the day.

Debora

Jim's Journey - Day 24 post transplant March 24

Jim was able to sleep fairly well last night without taking his Ativan. He is having a hard time waking up, tired eyes he says. We have a blood draw only at 8:45, we aren't ready to leave much before that time.

Back to the motel, big breakfast, and a little snuggle time with Phaedra and Jim is ready to go again. He is a little stiff today due to walking so much yesterday.

We make it to the Museum of Flight, but realize that I left the tickets in my "other" coat. We drive back to the motel, the round trip takes us an hour. Pouring down rain. It is interesting to go through the Concorde and Air Force One. We also toured the WWI and WWII exhibits and leaver after 5:00pm. The sun is out by the time we leave. Jim had a wonderful day.

Jim is complaining about his legs hurting. Bone pain he says. We eat a large dinner about 6:30pm; Jim eats again about 8:00. We watch "Oceans 11" until 10:00pm. It has been a long day, but a good day.

Deb

Jim's Journey - Day 23 post transplant March 23

Today is ours!! No blood draws, no clinic. Jim's sleeps until 7:30am.

Jim has been talking about the the Museum of Flight. We are fortunate, the SCCA provides free passes to their patients. We call and are able reserve the pass for today; we pick it up around noon. The Museum is huge, covering many acres, many buildings.

I cannot believe that we spent over 3 hours at the Museum. Jim took hundreds of pictures. Jim is beginning to feel like he may have overdone it "just a little", but he had a great time. He wants to continue, but his muscles are sore from walking around and up and down the stairs. We only got through the main gallery and the Red Barn. We hope to go back tomorrow. Jim wants to see the Concorde and old Airforce One plane.

Good dinner, a couple shows on television and to bed by 10:00pm. Jim is tired in a good way tonight. He had a great day.

Debora

A Good Time to Help

This is Jim's sister writing. We are all praising God for the great progress Jim is making. Although Deb hasn't mentioned it on the blog, they have been doing their best to minimize expenses, even to staying in a hotel that most of us would not be willing to stay in.

They appreciate very much the donations that have come in, but as you can see, we are still far from our goal. At this time, they have exhausted their resources, but must somehow pay for their expenses for the rest of the time they are in Seattle.

If you have been considering making a gift to them, this would be the ideal time to do it. The easiest way is to use the widget on this blog; other options are in the top post.

One more thing: Please keep up your prayers. Although Jim is doing well, he is not "out of the woods" yet. He continues to need the touch of the divine healer.

Thanks so much!

Jim's Journey - Day 22 post transplant March 22

At today's clinic we find out that Jim's neutrophils for yesterday were 1.15 (1,150,000)!!! Today's numbers are .85 (850,000), still good. His vision is beginning to blur - the doctor tells him this is normal, it will get better, but may not return to his normal vision. The doctor tells us they no longer need to see us on a daily basis - yeah!!!! One step closer to being able to go home. We are aiming for April 1-3! Our next visit will be for blood only on Thursday, then Clinic on Friday. No weekend appointments for the first time since Mar 1. We brainstorm ideas for the weekend.

He is feeling very good today, the weather is very nice - bright sun, little wind.

Another low tide today. We choose to go to Alki Beach. We have been told it is very much like the Southern California beaches. Jim really enjoys it. He walks a very long time along the beach. I am surprised at how far he keeps going. He must have walked at least 2 miles today. The beach reminds him of the beaches of San Francisco, with the colder waters.

We stop at another beach further down, more rocks, more tidepools. There are many purple sea stars (starfish) on the edge of the tide. It is hard to tell whether they are alive or dead. I find one small orange one with many legs and film it moving. It is a wondrous sight as I have been to the Oregon coast hundreds of times and have never seen a starfish move. We drive along the beach road for several miles. It is a wonder to me that there is this much beach this close to Seattle.

We had 4 loads of laundry to do today. Took about 1-1/2 hours.

Jim's appetite is back and he eats a large dinner. We talk a little about his excitement and want to be done with Seattle. He wants to be home, looking after his business, and with his friends. He talks to the staff at the office to let them know the good news. He asks them to think about ways to arrange the office so he can be isolated from the customers more, yet still be available. He will need to be careful for at least a year.

It was a wonderful day! Plenty of sun and a good exercise walk.

Deb

Jim's Journey - Day 21 post transplant March 21

We get to the SCCA clinc about 8:00am. Our actual clinic isn't until 9:30, but Jim's blood draw was scheduled early. He actually likes more time between the blood draw and the clinic so his numbers are all back when we talk with the doctors. The waiting room on the 6th floor overlooks the Sound. It is beautiful and the view is nice. Today we are unable to get chairs near the windows. Jim sits toward the back of the room. This area has several "games". Jim starts the Wii. Neither of us has played before, but we decide to go "bowling". We are enjoying ourselves when they call his name. I have already bowled my 10th frame, and Jim is starting his 10th, but has to leave. I finish for him - 3 strikes in a row! What luck - for him. My score - 124, his 122!

He is doing well, he feels great. His numbers are going up, but we don't have his neutrophil numbers today. By numbers we mean is white blood count, red blood count and platelets. Neutrophils are a portion of his white blood count. These are the numbers that tell the doctors that his stem cells are starting to populate. Jim's neutrophils have to be over 500,000 in order to not be neutropenic.

Today is low tide at -1.35 so we decide to go out to Carkeep Park to look at the pools. It is a little chilly, windy, but Jim is bundled well. He walks along the beach for awhile. Phaedra is not allowed on the beach so she is in the car.

We find a couple crabs and sea stars (starfish). I take lots of pictures. Jim finds a big conch-type shell while I find a few smaller ones. It is nice to be outdoors. Jim tires quickly and returns to the car, I spend another half hour on the rocks. It has been a great outing.

We return to the motel about 2:00pm, exhausted. We eat a little, then take a nap. Me longer than Jim. No laundry gets done today. There is not a lot to do in the motel so we find a show on television. Jim is wanting to watch "Dancing With The Stars" tonight. He mentions that he is beginning to feel a little "off".

Late night and Jim is sweating profusely. He doesn't not feel cold, he has not fever. Just night sweats, but enough that it makes me worry. I don't sleep well the rest of the night, checking his forehead off and on. He is up a few times raiding the shelves for food. A good sign.

Deb

Jim's Journey - Day 20 post transplant March 20

Jim is up early, eating fruit cups and drinking lots of water. His clinic visit goes well. His numbers are up.

Jim is enjoying the exercise he has been getting by walking outdoors. We make a plan to choose one place to visit each day so that he can get out. Today we took the ferry over to Bainbridge Island. We drove around the island, but did not stop to get out. We miss the ferry and have to wait an hour. We nap in the car.

We are driving home when Jim realizes that were are near Golden Gardens Park. He'd like to go for a short walk. We park at the far end, and take Phaedra. She is allowed on the trails, but not on the beach. It is very cold today. The wind is blowing so we don't stay out very long.

It has been a great day for another good outing. Although we did not stay out long, Jim enjoyed the walk. He is feeling very well and is looking forward to the day the doctors tell him he can go home to Walla Walla.

We watch a show on the computer and head for bed. Jim is tired and falls asleep quickly.

Deb

Jim's Journey - Day 19 post transplant March 19

Jim slept pretty good last night, up and down using the bathroom, but was able to go back to sleep most time. He did take an Ativan about 3:00am. He sleeps until about 8:00 this morning. We lay around talking for a while, playing with Phaedra on the bed. Jim calls a couple friends to check in.

Jim has 1-1/2 blueberry bagels, jumbo olives and some roasted almonds for breakfast. Needs to drink lots of fluids.

Bath day - Need to clean up around his Hickman line. Whatever tape they were using in the hospital has left residue. It takes about 15 minutes to clean off. We cover the ends of his hickman line with Parafilm and place an AquaGuard over the site so he can shower. He wants to shave this morning. His face is soft as a baby's butt! No kidding, no stubble, no fuzz, nothing. Never seen him so clean-shaven.

His clinic visit is good, however, he is still neutropenic at .46, so we need to careful when out and about. His bp remains good.

We drive down to Chittenden locks and watch a couple boats go up. There is a very nice park, and we take Phaedra for a walk. It is a beautiful day, lots of sun, warm. We walk around for about an hour. Next stop Golden Gardens Park. First nice day in Seattle in a while and everyone has the same idea. The beach is covered with families picnicing.

What a wonderful day, good numbers, good walk, lots of fresh air. Jim is tired but we watch a movie before he heads to bed for the evening.

Deb.

Jim's Journey - Day 18 post transplant March 18

Jim is up at 7:00am, restless. He calls a couple friends to check in. He is in good spirits. I fix him cereal for breakfast, he has some fruit to go with it. He plays with Phaedra a little. He is up for about 3 hours before going back to bed.

His blood draw is at 3:00pm so we show up at 2:00. He wants all the results available before he sees his clinic team. They check him from stem to stern, he checks out well. They are happy with the progress. His blood numbers are good, he's eating well, his standing bp is adequate. They tell him he does not have to the home IV tonight. As long as his numbers are still up tomorrow and he gets plenty of fluids, they can discontinue the home IV (yeah!!). We leave the clinic and go back to the motel. He's a little tired from being up so long, he'll take a short rest.

We head up to the nearby Thrift store. We snag a really good milk-house heater for next to nothing. It'll help warm up our bathroom. We go shopping at Albertson's and pick up some canned fruit. Jim's done for the day and we go back to the motel.

He eats good - 3 servings of vermicelli noodles with butter, french bread, a fistfull of almonds.

He is playing with Phaedra and is in a good mood. We watch a few shows on the computer and head to bed. He sleeps pretty good.

Today was a really good day.

Deb

Jim's Journey - Day 17 post transplant March 17

Jim is being released this afternoon! His bloodwork looks great, his attitude is great, he is eating solid foods again. After the ultrasound scan of his legs, looking for blood clots, and a visit from the Pharmacist, he should be out.

We go over medications with the Pharmacists, doesn't look like he is going to need IV antibiotics, just the ones we were giving him previously. However, he will be getting IV fluids at home for a few days. If he will just drink a few bottles of water we can get him off the IV! Our goal is 3 bottles of water or more.

We leave the hospital and head toward the park. It is a beautiful day and we go to the Washington Park Arboretum. Jim is able to walk about 1/2 mile today. His little dog right by his side. By the time we get back to the car, Jim is exhausted. But he had fun. Now back to the motel and into bed. I let him sleep for about 2-1/2 hours then ask him to get up and walk around just a little, he stalls. Finally, he's up sitting in the chair, then back to bed. We watch a couple shows on the computer and he's ready for bed. Unfortunately, he doesn't sleep very well. Up every hour to use the restroom. Complains of being extremely sweaty, not warm, not chilled, just sweaty. We'll need to talk to the doctor about that.

His clinic appt is 3:15pm tomorrow.

Deb

Out of Hospital - March 17

This is Jim's sister, Janet. I just spoke to him on the phone, and he's out of the hospital! I'm sure Debora will give the details, but I couldn't wait to share the good news.

He is staying at a nearby hotel, and says he is so glad to be back in his "own" bed, away from the hospital routine that doesn't seem to include provisions for a good night's sleep.

Keep up the prayers. He so much wants to be able to go home.

Jim's Journey - Day 16 post transplant March 16

Jim's spirit is returning!

I walk into the room and he has changed the white board - the nurses communication board. It used to say daily plan - showers, mouth rinses, walks. Now it says - plan b: no shower, spit rinses only - and he erases walks. lol. He is conversing in his way - wry sense of humor, witty jokes, with all the nursing staff. They enjoy his attitude. he is getting up much more, walking around the room. We will attempt a few laps around the ward later.

He is trying to decide between chicken or fish for lunch. His appetite is back and he's hungry. He chooses the chicken with a baked potato, carrots, yogurt, fruit, dinner roll, apple pie. He eats the potato, carrots, fruit, 1/2 the dinner roll, puts the pie away for later, and gives me the chicken. The doctor has warned him about NOT eating a lot of insoluable fiber foods, such as whole grains, brocolli, anything we old folks consider "roughage." He is also told to stay away from orange and grapefruit juices. They also warn him of the possibilty of become lactose intolerant. Not much of a problem as he enjoys soy or almond milk.

We are still not sure what they are going to do about the medications he is going to need to continue. Jim cannot swallow very large pills and several he has been taking are very large and he cannot get them down. We will talk with the pharmacist tomorrow about liquid forms or crushing pills and putting them into gel caps. We'll see.

Two of Jim's friends called. He gets so upbeat when someone calls, it make him feel wanted, needed and loved. He has one friend who has called every day he's been in Seattle. He doesn't talk very long, but he sure is in a better mood when the calls are over.

Today is Rosilyn's 6th birthday. We haven't missed one party. . . until now. I called to tell her we miss her and to wish her a happy bday from both of us. She is so grown up.

Deb

Jim's Journey - Day 13 post transplant March 13

No post for the 12th.

Today Jim's fever is down to normal!!! They have asked him to try to eat, but he will not eat unless they tell him he must. He did get up and walk a short distance around the floor this afternoon and took a shower. His feet are very swollen. The nurses are urging him to walk to move the fluids.

He gets very agitated over the slightest miscommunications - most of which are caused by his misinterpretation of words. He latches onto one idea and just won't let go.

Jim ordered lunch today. He was able to keep it down for a short period of time. We are both believing that he has become lactose intolerant. The doctors and nurses are wanting him to eat yogurt to try to restart the good bacteria growing in his system. They are converting him from IV meds back to his pills. So far he has been able to get them down. I have voiced my opinion on a few of the meds that he was having trouble swallowing. We are looking at alternatives.

Deb

Jim's Journey - Day 11 post transplant March 11

Jim's dog, Phaedra, has been miserable the past few days. I'm not sure if she is ill herself, or just senses that something is wrong with "daddy." I've asked by daughter Stacy to take her in for a few days to get her out of the motel. Hopefully she will get along with their family dogs. The kids are going to have a great time with her, she is so loving.

Jim's temp continues to be over 101.0. He slips in and out of sleep, is very week and very grouchy. They have continued his IV feedings. He is still not wanting to try to eat.

Jim is sheading his hair. It covers the sheets and pillow cases, he hasn't noticed it yet. We ask the nurse to help have his head. He would rather shave it than have it come out in clumps, besides it is making quite the mess.

Deb

Jim's Journey - Day 10 post transplant March 10

The CT scan shows that Jim has Typhlitis, an infection of the entrance to the large intestine. From what I can find on the internet, this is a serious infection. They are keeping him for several days and he will be getting high doses of antibiotics. He is not allowed to eat or drink anything! Just a few sips of water and ice chips. They will start nutritional feeding through his IV at 9:00pm. Poor guy hasn't eaten anything since 6:00pm Tuesday night.

His temp is still over 101.0. He is getting nausea meds and and pain meds every 4 hours. He slips in and out. I'm not sure what he does remember of the conversations we've had. I do know that he gets what the doctors and nurses have told him mixed up. His days are mixed, his day/night pattern is upside-down. He's not even trying to eat.

Deb

Jim's Journey - Day 9 post transplant March 9

Jim was up all night again last night with diarrhea between 1:30am and 5:00am. He has been having many problems getting his meds down as he feels like someone is holding his throat shut. His temp was elevated ranging between 99.3 and 100.0 all night.

We had clinic starting at 8:00am and his temp was higher, just on the border for being a clinical fever. They gave him IV fluids and the PA decided he needed to be admitted to the hospital. The PA started a dose of antibiotics. They also did a urine and blood cultures.

Jim was admitted to the University of Washington Medical Center just after 12:00 noon. They performed a chest x-ray and then an abdominal CT scan at 11:00pm. They started all his oral meds by IV and will be running antibiotics 24/7. Jim is neutropenic. Becoming neutropenic means that his neutrophils (white blood cells) are gone and he no longer has an immune system. The Chemo has done its job. Now his bone marrow can start producing new blood cells.

Although this is a normal part of his stem cell transplant and his road to recovery, he is very ill, and I am praying for him.

Jim's Journey - Day 8 post transplant March 8

No entry for yesterday.

Jim woke at 1:30am this morning and was hungry! He ate a bowl of cereal with almond milk and kept it down. Unfortunately he was up and down until about 4:30am with troubles. He ate a bowl of cereal at the center this morning too: His morning meds didn't quite stay down though.

After infusion this am and a 3 hour rest, Jim felt good enough to venture out. We drove up to Edmonds (about 10 miles) and parked along the shore. It was a little overcast and windy, but it was nice. We walked about 1/4 mi to the ferry entrance. Jim enjoyed counting the cars as they came off the ferry.

We will attempt a round-trip ferry ride when Jim feels up to it. Should take about an hour. no dogs allowed in the park or on the Ferry. Poor Phaedra, we will have to leave her at the motel on in the car. She is such a comfort to Jim.

They have upped the amount of IV fluids I have to give him at home from 1000ml to 1500ml. At 250ml per hour his home infusion will last about 6 hours. He ususally sleeps, but maybe I can talk him into watching a movie tonight.

Deb

Jim Journey - Day 6 post transplant March 6

Dry heaves and diarrhea at 2am. Jim did very well yesterday, but is still not taking in enough fluids so they hung a hydration IV today. He has broken out in a rash. They believe is may be related to his low platelet count, so they gave him platelets today.

One of the nurses came in today carrying her lunch. Something from a Thai restaurant. Made Jim crave some coconut soup. After infusion today we stopped by Siam Thai and ordered a large Tom Yum soup. Coconut milk, ginger, mushrooms, lemongrass, and a few spices. He ate most of the bowl along with a cup of sticky rice. Now home and another bag of fluids tonight.

Deb

Jim's Journey - Day 5 post transplant March 5

Jim is up very early this morning. Restless. He treated himself to a cup of jello with fruit, but it did not stay down long. We walked about 1/4 mile along Greenlake today. He is feeling pretty good and Phaedra enjoyed the walk. Home and back to bed. Gave IV fluids this evening. Hope he feels better in the morning.

Nurses told us that he is at the point where many patients enter the hospital. We are hoping to continue home care as long as possible.

Deb

Jim's Journey - Day 4 post transplant March 4

Yeah! Jim woke up feeling much better this morning. Ate a little fruit and jello, then started feeling distressed and back to bed he went. He listened to old Jim Taylor,
Eric Clapton, and Bob Dylan songs on his computer. Hope he continues to feel better today. I think we finally have his nausea meds figured out.

Started IV fluids at home. Jim slept all day. Took his evening meds very late.

Jim's Journey - Day 3 post transplant March 3

Follow up. Jim isn'g doing very well today. Very lethargic. The nurse said that the Benedryl is most likely to blame; that we shouldn't be using it alone for his nausea. They gave him IV fluids for 4 hours today and I have to start giving him IV fluids at home beginning tomorrow. He is feeling a little better this evening, but has been sleeping since we got home. He did eat a little top ramen, but not much else. Less than 600 calories today.

Jim's Journey - Day 2 post transplant

Jim is very lethargic today. His bloodwork looks good, and he wants the team nursre to think he is doing great, but I know different. He has selpt for 3 days and I am very worried. He only gets up long enough to use the men's room, wash his hands and maybe pet his dog. She is feeling very neglected. I cannot get him motivated. He did not eat much today.

He is telling everyone it is all "uphill" from here. He refuses to acknowledge that he is going to get very ill before he gets better. He hasn't reached the neutropenic stage yet. If he is this lethargic now, I can only guess what he is going to be like once he reaches that stage. I am praying for him.

Stem Cell Transplant

Hi, my name is Debora and I am Jim's wife. I will be posting on this blog since I am here in Seattle with Jim. Hopefully I can keep you informed.

Jim received his stem cells back on Feb 28 and Mar 1, effectively making what the hospital staff refer to as his "new birthday" Mar 1. Today we are at day 15 post transplant.

After the procedure Jim was allowed to return home to the motel we are staying in. He was being followed on a daily basis by SCCA. Blood draws in the morning, clinics 1/2 later. If there were any problems he would be transferred to the Infusion floor to receive hydration and/or platelets.

I have been keeping a blog/journal for myself on a different site. I will transfer some of those postings to this site.

At last!

The time we have been looking forward to—and dreading—is nearly here! Jim has received word that his therapy is scheduled to begin in a few days. Apparently he has done so well in the preliminary stages that they do not need him to wait two or three weeks to recover—and so they will be pressing on.

At this stage, they do not know if Jim will need to be an inpatient, or if he will receive the therapy entirely as an outpatient.

The next few weeks will be vital to his prognosis. Jim's wife, Debora, has been able to make arrangements to be with him. Since she will be his primary caregiver, she will be posting here, to let us know how things are going.

By the way, over $2,500 has been raised via this site, to aid in Jim's treatment. A big thank you to each one who has helped with this project. Because of you, he will be able to arrange for a clean, convenient place to stay while he is undergoing his treatment, at least for the first few weeks. This is an enormous blessing and could well make the difference in his prognosis.

February 13 update

On Friday, they finished harvesting Jim's stem cells. The IV antibiotic infusion regimen is also finished, and Jim's cough is a lot better. He is planning to remain in Seattle until Thursday, as the hospital has a few more tests they need to run; then he'll go home for 2-3 weeks while the stem cells are prepared. Around the first of March, Jim will return for the most intensive and rigorous part of his therapy. Thanks for your care and your prayers!

February 8 Update

Good news! They've started harvesting Jim's stem cells! This is an important milestone, and a big step foreward.

This morning, Jim spent a couple hours getting his IV infusion of vancomycin; then five hours hooked up to a machine as the stem cells were harvested; then, in the evening, several more hours on his evening IV antibiotic infusion. He said they did keep him entertained, and even brought him appetizing and delicious food to eat along the way!

He'll have a day or two more of stem cell harvesting, but will have to remain in Seattle until the round of IV antibiotics is finished.

Please pray that his cough will clear up soon, so that he will not have to deal with that when he goes in for the main treatment in a couple of weeks.

Update February 6, 2011

Jim has been in Seattle for a while now. All the preliminary tests and procedures have been done, and the doctors have pronounced him a good candidate for the stem cell therapy. However, he has developed a troublesome cough and fever. After numerous tests and cultures, the doctors can find no infection, and so they believe it is probably some sort of allergic reaction. To save money, Jim has been living in his motor home, which is an older model. With all the rain, there have been several leaks in the RV, and Jim hasn't been able to dry it out. Because of this, he has moved into a Motel 6 until his stem cells can be harvested. Hopefully this will also help his cough improve.

Several days ago, Jim received the chemo and other medications to help stimulate stell cell growth, and now is waiting for the stem cells to start proliferating. When this happens, they will be harvested for two or three days, and then Jim will return home for a couple of weeks. Meanwhile, his stem cells will be processed so that they can be reinjected into his blood after all his original bone marrow is destroyed. Right now it looks like this procedure will happen around the beginning of March. He will then be in hospital for a couple of weeks, and then will need to stay close to the hospital until his immune system recovers.

Please pray for his cough and fever to abate, and also that he can soon produce the stem cells that are needed.

Baskin-Robbins Fundraiser! On Jan 20 5-10 PM

Here are the details of the Baskin-Robbins fundraiser I mentioned before:It will be Thursday night, January 20, from 5-10 in the evening at the Isaacs location, 2003 E. Isaacs, Walla Walla.

10% of the gross sales from this event will go to the Jim Andrews cancer fund.Hope all you locals can make it, enjoy a nice time at Baskin-Robbins, and help Jim in the process!