October 25 Update

I am so sorry that this update has taken so long, but it has been crazy busy here!

We had a wonderful time visiting our friends and family in MD. We wish we had more time to spend with more people …it just goes by SO fast!! Mike has been feeling fairly well – considering. Traveling took a hit on his energy levels, but he has been getting plenty of rest since we have been back. The Bullroast Benefit was completely amazing. We are still so overwhelmed by all of the support we received and by how many people came out on our behalf. Everyone worked so hard to make it a success and we are so grateful!! It has lifted a huge burden off of our shoulders and the family who have been a financial support to us since all of this began. THANK YOU SO MUCH!!!!

Mike had an appointment last Friday and got the results on his most recent bone marrow test: all is well. :) He also received his next treatment plan for Phase 3. It is a little more than we expected but I am sure it will all be okay. He will be off for 2 more weeks and then has to be admitted to the hospital 4 times in the month of November for up to 4 days at a time. They are starting him on higher doses of medication and will need to monitor him day & night to make sure his body responds well. He will be admitted every Tuesday and be released sometime between the following Thursday and Saturday. I am praying that he will not miss Thanksgiving at home. In December he will require treatments 2-3 days each week. The doctor approved a little vacation around Christmas, so we have booked our flights to come to MD on Dec 23. :)

Thanks again to everyone who have continued to encourage us with cards and prayers, phone calls and donations!! We love you all so much and couldn’t imagine trying to get through this time with out all of you by our side. <3

To view more pics from the Bullroast, pls click the following link:

share.shutterfly.com/action/welcome?sid=0AZMWLNy5cuWLGeg

October 1 update - back at the hospital tonight

Today I am writing from the hospital. I’m not gonna lie – it’s been a rough week. It started with Mike’s counts being really low, so they have postponed chemo treatments until next week. He still has to go every day to get a neupogen shot and blood work. I had my dental surgery on Tuesday morning and everything went well, but I have been so disoriented. I have not been able to take the pain meds because I have to work and be able to take care of the kids, so I just push through with the pain. I had a root canal, 2 crowns, 5 fillings and they had to remove a root tip from a previous extraction. I have 3 stitches, so I can barely open my mouth. Mike’s head aches have been getting worse as the week progressed so they ordered him to come in again, this evening. They are concerned about internal bleeding because his platelets are so low – they just want to make sure his brain is clear. They also said they may have to do a blood patch from where he has had so many spinal taps.
My back has been in distress this week – it’s yelling at me to get back into physical therapy, which I have been putting off due to a hectic schedule. I saw my regular doctor earlier this week and she is on top of me about making it a priority. I will…tomorrow. I guess this is a plea for prayers. We are both so exhausted and just really hoping for good results tonight so that we can go home and sleep in our own beds. I will update everyone again if anything happens.

On a brighter side, it is October (:-D yay!) and the weather is really taking a nice turn in Tampa. I love the crisp air in the mornings and evenings. It has worked wonders in lifting our spirits throughout this week. Also, with our Bullroast right around the corner, we are SO excited to see many of our MD friends and family!! THANK YOU SO MUCH TO EVERYONE WHO IS ORGANIZING AND COORDINATING IT – I know it has consumed the lives of my closest friends/family up there. If you are able, please come out and say hi – you can email Angie for tickets (anjers@comcast.net). We would love to see you there!!

Thanks again to everyone…much love to all.