Guest Post from Shannon: Mike's Birthday

On the 29th, the nurses brought Dad the traditional birthday cake, complete with serenade, to celebrate the re-birth of his immune system.
Go cells, go!

Okay Everybody. Coffee Break’s Over. Back on Your Heads.

December 22, I commenced my own, personal, protocol for a Stem Cell Transplant. Tuesday began with an industrial dose of BCNU. Side effects are greatly varied, but generally last only the length of the infusion (about 2 hours). For mine, it began with a growing tightness in my jaws, which spread quickly to teeth, gums, tongue. Within an hour, I was describing an 8 on the one-to-ten pain scale, for the benefit of the attending nurses. Heading for a perfect 10. Finally, on the third or fourth adjustment, the nurses applied enough pain killer to put me under. Everybody went home for the night. When I woke up the next morning, all was well and the BCNU was relegated to the distant past.
Thursday, we begin with VP16. Less drama than the BCNU. Finally on the 26th, a replay of my previous Cytoxan. Transplant on the 28th. Additional vaccine the next day. At that point we are finished for the Year.
If, in the coming days, I am unable to continue this monologue due to more pressing business, my wife Jane, has volunteered to appear as guest writer. Please afford her all of the usual courtesies associated with this lofty post.
12/25/09

Holiday Update

It is December 21. Jane and I made it home for the bulk of last week, just in time to experience an epic Washington snow storm. I found myself oddly unprepared for the expressions of support from so many friends and family. But it was hugely important to me, and to Jane as well. Thanks to all of you, for all you have done. I certainly hope that, should the situation present itself, I will respond in kind. And I hope that the situation never does.
A cute story: while clearing up some loose ends at work, I called an attorney about some lingering invoices. ( I have been a little lax in such things recently.) He said he thought it better not to make a collection call at year end because I might be otherwise occupied, and wished me luck. From a professional viewpoint, it is sad that he will have to be unchained from the other ten thousand at the bottom of the sea.
We returned to CA last night. Would have preferred to stay home indefinitely, but this situation demands some closure. Glancing around, I see that there is no one else for the job.
I truly look forward to the time when none of this—chemo-therapy, BMT’s, gory details, and all—is to be found anywhere in our conversations around the table, at the bar, or on the playing field. It will happen. Maybe next Christmas.
Of historical significance, our oldest daughter, Molly, has become engaged since the last post. She and her fiancé, Julien Lamamy, met in grad school several years ago and have continued their relationship over some daunting distances. We are very happy for them. They make a wonderful couple and care for each other deeply. And speaking for both parents, we couldn’t ask for a better husband for Molly.
All three of our daughters, Molly, Shannon, and Joanna, are here for Christmas and New Years. When they aren’t visiting me in the hospital, they, and Jane, should have some good times together over the holidays. Never underestimate the impact on immediate family. Mine is doing a first-rate job of supporting the testy patient.
Today is the winter solstice. One of my favorite times because the days only lengthen from here. Tomorrow I begin the BMT, and will resume the challenge of finding the most humorous, edgy ironies in the events that others only find unpleasant.
Best to all.
12/21/09

Shooting Skeet

In Chapter 5 of Catch 22 (for those interested in research) Yossarisan and Dunbar discuss the merits of shooting skeet on the newly constructed range. Dunbar makes the argument that, while it is boring and unpleasant, the practice makes the time pass very slowly—thereby increasing the length of his life.
My life has lengthened considerably in the past two weeks, by this measure. And would seem to hold much more longevity in the future.
Cytoxan Mobilization , not being a perfect science, still leaves something to be desired in terms of side-effect management. Happily, two weeks later, I am sitting, once again, in apheresis, awaiting collection of sufficient white blood cells to proceed with the next, and final, phase of the transplant.
My hair is leaving town again. And to paraphrase Bruce Springsteen: “they ain’t coming back.” New hair will follow, though, if my experience proves correct.
Both Jane and I are going back to Bethesda for a few days of break. Will return at the end of next weekend, when the real work begins. Transplant chemo begins the 23rd of December. (Followed up on the 25th and 27th). Actual day of transplant is the 28th. The week or so following will be a replay of the week following the Mobilization, but with better special effects. Not sure how much blogging will be available in that time frame, but I will do my best.
Feeling a little Dickensian as we approach the holidays, I wish a “Happy Christmas to all” and the best of holidays to everyone else.
Saturday Morning, December 12