John continues to be a star patient at the Seattle Cancer Care Alliance. Yesterday’s blood draw showed zero neutrophils and a barely perceptible white blood count. For you medical neophytes, this means he has zero resistance to infection. Fortunately his red blood cells and hematocrit are still hanging in there – below normal but able … More Carnation Instant Breakfast?
John has come down with “chemo brain” and finds his flow of insightful thoughts and words temporarily halted. Those of you who are cancer survivors or family members may be well aware of “chemo brain”, a very real side effect of chemotherapy that can cause memory loss and difficulty concentrating. His blood counts are all predictably … More Chemo Brain
I feel terrific. My energy level climbed steadily each day I was home. I put in lots of miles walking and puttered in the garden. I spent time with both of my sons. I visited with friends. I ate well. I read and rested. I slept soundly. Monday, we left Hood River in a storm. … More Back In Seattle
I just want to let everyone know that John is home from the hospital and feeling better. We are doing an IV antibiotic at home to try and get rid of the pesky pneumonia. John is composing an update that will give his version of the events of the past week in detail. Thank you … More Back At The PGH
A slight blip on the radar screen as John was admitted to the hospital last night. Serves me right after I proclaimed yesterday that we were a little short on news. When a transplant patient is neutropenic and his temperature reaches a certain level (100.9), he is instructed to call the team nurse. Eager to … More To The Hospital
I miss my cats. During the extensive evaluation at the SCCA, I’d had an EKG that presented an irregularity. So, in order to follow up on every little health clue in preparation for the demanding transplant in my future, a visit to a cardiologist was arranged. Early Monday morning we caught a shuttle … More I Miss My Cats
I thought I would update the page while John is enjoying his full-body MRI. These first two weeks of diagnostic testing have examined every organ and orifice and testify to SCCA’s attention to detail. So far John is passing all of his tests and is on track for the transplant procedure. We spent 6 hours … More Tests & Classes
We are certainly happy with our decision to come to Seattle for the stem cell transplant. We spend most of our time at either the SCCA (Seattle Cancer Care Alliance) clinic or our apartment at the Pete Gross House. I can’t say enough about how both of these facilities are tuned in to the physical … More Marilyn’s Take
Marilyn and I moved into the PGH on Monday. Our new address is 525 Minor Avenue North, Apt 611, Seattle, WA 98109. Note: the PGH is an immune suppressed environment. No plants allowed in the building, not even cut flowers, and, of course, no smoking. Our apartment is 1BR and comfortable. We are spreading out … More The PGH & The SCCA
I’ve been on a drug regimen of thalidomide and steroids since January. (Yes, THAT thalidomide) I also take a blood thinner to counteract the tendency of these drugs to cause blood clots. For those who know me, this is a unique experience. I’ve always enjoyed good health. I’ve never, until this year, required medication other … More SCCA & The Pete Gross House
Good Blood, Bad Blood 