Plan B or Part B

After the first transplant test were done to measure progress. Results were no as good as hoped for or predicted by SCCA staff.

Two transplants have been in the plan since the initial stages of Michael's treatments at SCCA. He had hoped to get by with just one transplant using his own stem cells and return to a normal life style. After considerable thought Michael chose to go ahead with the second transplant. Plan or Part B depending on where you sit.

The second transplant will use donor cells (Allogenic) and the situation requires rapid action, thus limiting the cancers opportunity to grow additional cells. Process is under way and Michael will start chemo on March 28th (3 days) then on the fifth day receive the donor stem cells. The donor's stem cells have a very high grade for matching Michael's, 100% in many areas to include blood type. Better results come with higher risks; therefore, Michael will be closely monitored and provided with all types of meds that come under the heading of, Just In Case.

Results and Plans

Michael has continued to recover from the effects of chemo and to develop new cells. Actually, he is growing bone marrow and blood cells at a very rapid rate. Much faster than anticipated.

At this point the SCCA staff tested Michael's blood for cancer levels. At this point Michael did not exceed expectations and had a measurable level of cancer, higher than forecast. The medical staff explained this as being caused a late diagnosis and dealing with the second most aggressive type of myeloma.

Now it is decision time. Michael may stop the transplant process, now, and work to keep the myeloma at depressed levels with medication. Or, he may proceed with the second transplant, using donor stem cells and has been planned all along. This donor transplant (allogenic), following a transplant of Michael's own stem cells, offers better results. Along with better results come higher risk, some of which are most serious and possibly fatal.

After researching and reviews with the SCCA staff, Michael has decided to continue the treatment schedule and go forward with the donor transplant!

Side Effects

On New Years Day, Michael ran out of luck, met his match, exceeded tolerance levels or, finally, was just overwhelmed by industrial strength chemo drugs. Not a bad track record, since he has been on some type of chemo for 18 months.

This last session was to destroy all new cells in his system for a very short period (24 hrs. +/-). He received his stem cells (the transplant) at 48 hours after chemo. OK, all is well at this time or initial recovery period.

Then, Michael's body wanted those destroyed new cells for smooth ongoing functions. Sores in the mouth, throat, sinus and digestive system developed over night, all white cells were just gone! Appetite was not an issue because he could not eat or drink.

All this, plus a fever over 100.9 degrees, landed him in University of Washington Hospital for five days. Here all his needs were met by IV fluids and antibiotics. All his problems seemed to disappear just as quickly as they first appeared.

Current status, back home in the apartment, feels good, new cells showing up every where and is being treated, daily, on an out patient basis.

Current plan is to count cells and see what develops while providing a boost to any areas found to be wanting.

Progress

Michael's last chemotherapy treatment was pushed back, first by concern of infection then by weather. This was complicated by an exacting and strict medical schedule. Chemo, his last for this transplant, followed by 24 hours of rest and a few special meds. Then, the transplant or return of his stem cells with in the next 24 hours.

That was the plan and it started Sunday, Dec. 21st, with industrial strength chemo. Michael has been able to handle the chemo side effects quite well and be ready for the next step without any issues. The stem cells were returned, by an IV system, on Tuesday, Dec. 23rd. No problems along the way and 12/23/2008 has been designated as Michael's new birthday, as is custom at The SCCA Cancer Center.

We are now at T-Day plus 4 and all is going well. There are some potential problems or side effects that may occur in the next 10 days, so the medical staff is monitoring Michael daily with blood counts every day.

Please take note that all this has taken place as an out-patient and during the worst snow storm since 1861. Seattle was shut down and all normal transportation disappeared!

I called Steve! Steve? Yes Steve, who is a contract limo driver I met when I first arrived in Seattle. He gave me his card and offered to help, if needed. Every day he would bring his Lincoln Town Car, with studded tires, take us to the Cancer Center and work us in for a return trip. We are grateful to the medical staff at the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center but none more important than Steve. No medical treatment would have transpired without this true gentleman, his helping hand and my new friend, Steve!

Not So Fast, Big Boy

Today, Michael awoke with an eye irritation with red lines going every where. If you are a C&W fan, you could describe as his eye as resembling, "a road map of Georgia". Ten points if you name the song and year or artist.

Concern over an infection has delayed his chemo until Saturday 12/20 and the transplant on Monday 12/22.

The medical staff is on top of everything and work with a zero risk approach!

Down Time

Recall to update that was titled Hurry-up and Wait. Michael (and Sue and I) are in that undefined zone again. Oh yes, there are many things taking place. They can not be seen or do they require aid. Michael is doing well and recovering from the last chemotherapy. No medical actives, other than blood test, taking place.

Michael is responding very well to his treatments and recovers at a faster rate than anticipated. Let's call that, "ahead of the curve". So, we are between events or down time!

All this limited activity will change soon. A second and very strong chemo is set for Wednesday, December 17th. Two day later he will have his stem cells returned by an IV injection with some diluting fluid, saline solution or something.

This will test his ability to recover due to the caustic chemo and a body with most systems at zero. Every thing has a number or range, which are all good at this time, zero is not the norm for any of these measurements.

Down time will turn into a watchful and measured recovery with two weeks in the hospital just to manage his initial recovery.

Progress

Michael sailed through three days of intense chemotherapy. The doctors explained that they were using very strong types of chemo. Their plan was to take Michael's blood and new cell count down to rock bottom. They did and his biggest issue was a loss of appetite and a fever that put him in the hospital for five days.

The issue was a reaction to chemo and a very low white count. This was soon rectified and his condition rebounded to the point that the staff was able to collect his stem cells. His count was sky high and this process took hours, not days as was a possible. This collection is now in the freezer, like a batch of black-eyed peas.

Currently, the Cancer Center is monitoring his blood counts and new, good, cell growth, post chemo. They will return his "saved" stem cells for the redevelopment of his bone marrow. This should take place in mid-December and is done through an IV port and is the actually transplant.

Now, this step will bring on a new set of challenges and possible side effects (a long list not really needed here). So, we go from fast paced activities to a wait and see what happens approach!

Just as a summary, everything is going better than anticipated. Well, the BCS is still messed up; however, if you take part you take their rules.