HOME AGAIN

Terry got sprung from the hospital today. I put up her bail and she promised to follow all doctors orders otherwise they might want to throw her in the UM slammer again. It is good to see her where she belongs---at home. She has a way to go for full recovery and this is the first step. FYI her preliminary cancer results came in and they look very promising-more to follow on that one in 30 days. Thanks again to everyone for keeping her on your prayer list.

WHAT A LOOOONG DAY

Terry was not allowed to eat or drink after midnight on Monday, a standard procedure when you are undergoing an operation or procedure that will involve anesthesia. We weren't sure what time Terry's cardiac cath would be, but we were hoping for a morning procedure. That was not to be, Terry finally was started at 6 PM and completed about 8:15 PM. She had a 70% blockage of one of her major arteries, so a stent was put in. The physician did say that a major heart attack was probably averted. Right now the cause of the problem seems to be Terry's recent chemotherapy. I am sure we will get a more definitive reading on everything tomorrow. Right now Terry is under the cloud of Versed and enjoying some well deserved rest.
Thanks to all for the continued prayers.

THE BIMP IS A MOUNTAIN

Terry had her echocardiogram this morning and it wasn't good. There can be a few different diagnoses and a few different treatments for whatever she has. We'll find out on Tuesday as Terry now has to have a double cardiac catheterization. When the cardiologists look into her heart they will know what the problem is and how to treat it. These bumps in the road are getting bigger, more frequent and just plain lousy.
Please redouble your prayers for a positive recuperation.

Day 30 - a bimp in the road

Inspector Cleauseu had many bimps in the road and so does Terry. Yesterday (Friday) was the 30 day anniversary of her stem cell transplant. Things were going along swimmingly until Dr. Mineishi mentioned that one cardiac enzyme was a bit elevated, so he decided to do an EKG. He then compared the new EKG to the one done a month ago and there were some changes that concerned him. He sent us to see a cardiologist who decided to admit Terry to the hospital for a workup, diagnosis and treatment. Her enzyme started coming down today (Saturday) but it was decided to keep Terry in the hospital, until Monday, for more tests. I know it wasn't the food that brought her back here, as it is mediocre at best.
We were informed regarding the stem cell transplant that everything was on course and we would get the definitive results in one more month. That was the good news. This other thing is just another test of her resilience. I have decided there can't be anything wrong with Terry's heart because it is 24 karat gold.

TERRY IS HOME!!!!!- DAY 15

What a terrific day. Terry was discharged this afternoon and our house is a home again. Karen left a message on the white board in the hospital room, "2009 started with a diagnosis and ended with a transplant, 2010 means remission". I will second that.
When we got home the front bushes were decorated with burgundy ribbons (the color adopted for multiple myeloma), the front hall had a beautiful Christmas lamppost that had been in the hospital room and there were many balloons wishing Terry a recovery and more burgundy ribbons.
After a traditional Polish Christmas Eve dinner we opened the presents that had been under the tree for the past few weeks. Our Christmas came a little late but it was the best one ever. God smiled on us today.
This is the last of the daily blogs as Terry's appointments, checkups, etc. are all sporadically set for the next few months.
Thank you all again, for your support, we are forever in your debt.

DAY 14 - HALLELUJAH

What a day! From the beginning to the end, it was a wondrous day. Terry's numbers continue to climb, she was perky and awake all day. Not one little nap as her energy climbs. Her IV fluids were cut by 50% and if she continues the progress she will lose all IVs tomorrow. Her doctor continues to say she could be home be the end of the week.
The dietician visited and told Terry that she will not have a lot of restrictions when she is discharged. There are some precautions to take, but a lot fewer than we thought there would be. In the afternoon two of Terry's best friends came by and they all swapped Christmas gifts. Terry had a blast joking, gossiping and just visiting with Jacqui and Betty Ann, both co-workers when Terry worked at the Livonia DPW. Another good sign is that I was given some prescriptions to fill for Terry as an outpatient. We are all praying she will be home for New Year's Eve.

DAY 13 WE ARE BLESSED

Today has been pretty good. Terry's numbers are moving in the right direction, Dr Mineishi said again she will probably go home later this week, Terry forced herself to do some extra walking. It was a good day.
Right now, I am sitting in Terry's hospital room while she grabs a few zzzs. So I started to think (something I don't do often). Terry and I are truly blessed. This disease sucks but she has avoided the worst side effect that most transplant patients get. They often get blisters in their mouth, on their lips and in the throat. Some patients can't even drink due to the swelling and soreness and may require a tracheotomy. Terry lost her hair for the second time. Big deal-she looks cute in a babushka anyway. We have an outpouring of cards, food, gifts, calls, visits, e-mails from friends and relatives, friends of friends and relatives of relatives. People we have never met have sent along their prayers and well wishes. We've heard from and seen people that we lost contact with over the years. We are blessed that our small family has been able to be together during the entire transplant process. We have terrific insurance and it is a good thing because this ordeal can run $300,000 to $400,000. We are so fortunate to live close to the University of Michigan which is recognized as a Cancer Center for Excellence. We are only 30 minutes away. We are blessed that Dr. Mineishi, who is recognized by his peers as a leading expert in bone marrow transplant. God has smiled on us and we are blessed.