Delayed doom

Minimal news to report, however, minimal is a good thing. We both anticipated doom and had feelings of "here we go again. We've done it before, we can do it again if we have to." A long ride on the emotional roller-coaster of medical treatments, trips to ER, needles, sickness, tubes and bags of chemo, blood tests, calling the nurses early every morning checking if he made it through the night, and so on.

Mantle Cell Lymphoma is not present. She curbed the doom, with blood results in great ranges and other indicator in check. Lymphocytes seem to be okay, although one is slightly enlarged but not alarming to doctor.

Dale's main oncologist is consulting with pulmonary oncologist for in depth analysis of the growth on the lung. Several scenarios were presented, but we don't have enough information to say what step is next.

Sleep well tonight.

Bucket list

Friday, we received the cancer message. Saturday, Dale was able to spend a wonderful day with his daughter and her family. Sunday, Dale spoke to many caring friends. Monday, coughing, body pains, fatigue, and signs of hopelessness. Tomorrow, first appointment with cancer doctors.

I received much needed caring support and prayers from "old" friends and new friends.

Bucket list of things to get done before.....being created.

The journey begins again

Dale made the 2 year mark last Sunday. But not really. It's back.  A lump was found in one lung that has more than doubled since July.  December 30, 2013, he had a CT scan. His primary care physician called Wednesday, January 8, 2014 to set up an appointment with him as soon as possible. Today Dale found that mantle cell lymphoma is back.

We anticipated this day to come for a few weeks. He "looks good" but is not well. He has really bad days and other days are okay. He paces himself and is able to do his tasks, but he tires quickly. We do not know what is next. Appointment was already scheduled for next week at Huntsman Cancer Hospital as the quarterly checkup. Now they will do more tests and let us know prognosis and treatment.

The journey begins.

Almost 2 years old

A visit with Dale's primary care provider yesterday, confirmed that he still needs to rest as much as possible. Although he may look fine, a bone marrow transplant coupled with 1300 hours of chemotherapy takes time to sort of getting back to "normal." He will never be really heathy, just a bit better than the day before, hopefully. Chemotherapy, by itself, is cruel to the body, and Dale deals with those effects daily. He goes in small increments of time, rests, and tries again. He paces himself in his daily tasks he choses to do, but can't be expected to do much.

Dale will have the quarterly tests and check ups in the next few weeks as he approaches the two year make since transplant.

Plenty of days ahead.

One week before Halloween, Dale had a cold. He stayed home, rested, and coughed. This has lasted for about three weeks now. He is up most of the night coughing, is tired all day, and finds his depressions setting in again. Dale began to number his days. He is able to go on small errands to get out a bit, but not much. He begins the day with a glimmer of hope, yet as the day progresses, he has felt weaker.

Yesterday, he finally took himself to the ER. Pneumonia? No. Cancer? No. Anemia? No. Bronchitis? No. Whooping cough? Maybe. Doctor ordered tests for it and when they came to his room, the technicians turned around and said, "Sorry, wrong room," then went out the door only to come back. "Oh, it is usually children we do for whooping cough!" True, however, Dale's immune system is not even two years old yet.

I don't know test results yet for whooping cough, but I suspect, no also. It just takes Dale forever to heal from any ailments now a days. He forgets that he is only 22 months old.

Wall of Dale

Last week Dale had another cancer check up that was successful. Blood levels are fine, platelets a bit low, but okay. It is always nice to verify hopes of continued remission. On a day to day note, his discomforts may stem from other health issues or effects of chemotherapy, (we don't know) however, he continues to find joy in life.

He had his formal retirement from his civilian government position a few days before the cancer check up appointment. Although it happened to be on the same day the government closed down, about 100 people showed up to the retirement ceremony. As we entered the base, he was saluted, bringing a smile to me, and wonderment to his grandchildren as they followed us inside the entrance gates. It was a great experience and he was honored well. We now have a "Wall of Dale" displaying his recognitions in military and civilian service. Pretty astonishing. The commander gave a special salute to him, impressing the grandchildren in attendance.

Two years ago, we did not know if he would make it this far. He did, thanks to all who helped us both. We appreciate everyone in attendance and their continued friendships. I looked at the audience, and thought to myself, "These are the community members that have sustained MyDale for many years. Oh dear....now it is up to me!"

All is well!

After the tests yesterday and today, the cancer doctor says Dale is all clear and doing well! Three months and another check-up, and then that is about it. His check-ups get further and further apart and at the two year mark, one more immunization shot and he is done with those. We congratulated the doctor on her great work and said thank you!

Now, his other ailments are forefront and will be addressed with primary care doctor. Primary care doctor versus cancer doctor--big difference. Life is good, and moving onward.

Life is good, and moving onward.