Cycle 39 -- It's Divine!

Happy Halloween!

It was fun to have our Emory day fall on a holiday. Deana planned great costumes for us -- we came dressed as a doctor and nurse, with scrubs provided by Darrie. (We learned that Darrie outfitted us in the Versace of scrubs -- very high quality!)

Here we are...off to Winship Cancer Center!

When we arrived, our LPN Michelle took one look at us and asked us what we had on. We proudly declared -- It's Halloween! As we got back to the Clinical Trials area, Keino (who is at the hub of everything) also gave us a quizzical look and then realized these were our costumes! We thanked the great team for all they do for us with a big bowl of candy - which all seemed to be enjoying as the supply dwindled considerably over the course of the afternoon.

Everybody has given us high marks for creativity-- Darrie went so far as to make us official-looking name badges and my sister-in-law Margaret lent me a lab coat. Deana and I have found that walking around the hospital dressed like this is a VERY different experience from being in everyday clothes. It really lends credence to the idea that we make a lot of judgments based on visual cues.

Now for the important stuff -- Deana's numbers are terrific. Her hemoglobin was 12.7 -- this is the highest it has ever been. We were so excited -- lots of Aggie Whoops and some high fives too. On this visit, Deana had her quarterly infusion of Zometa - a drug that helps to maintain her bone strength. (As a reminder, we have been exceptionally blessed that Deana has not had bone involvement -- many MM patients do.)

The only new thing to emerge today was the need for additional fluids. Although Deana's creatine levels are in the normal range, it is advised that she be on the higher side of normal and this requires more fluids. If you see Deana, ask her how much she's had to drink that day -- and by drink we mean water or something similar.

When Deana and I were talking yesterday she reminded me that she had set a goal to be the best MM patient ever. She's clearly achieving that and more. Again today we were told she is the rock star of this trial, that everyone is so excited about her and that so many people want to meet her. Our awesome coordinator Kathy asked Deana if she gets tired of hearing that she's the rock star -- and we both quickly shouted, "Absolutely NOT!"

Deana has also been so incredibly generous in speaking to other patients and assured Kathy that she is always glad to speak to anyone who wants to meet or talk with her.

Needless to say, I am VERY PROUD of my sister. She is BTHO MM every day.

Deana flies back to Pittsburgh in the morning. I always hate to see her go. I told her that it still stinks that she has cancer, but selfishly, I like getting to spend this time with her.

For all the love, support and prayers we receive from everyone on our team, we remain grateful.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Photos from today:

Here's my super brave sister - she's always laughing and smiling, even when significant amounts of blood are being taken.

I've been a doctor for a year -- but not this kind of doctor. It was fun to try it out for a day.

Deana requested I share this and let our team know that this tray represents $35.

Cycle 38 - FEELING GREAT!

Another day at Emory’s Winship Cancer Center is in the books. It was an uneventful visit, though we are grateful for that.  Deana’s hemoglobin was 12.1 – a very good number. I am attributing it to the spinach I put in the omelet I made her Sunday morning. She says there wasn’t enough in there to make that much of a difference, and truth be told, she’s probably right.

People express sympathy that Deana has to fly in every three weeks and they question whether there will be a day where Deana can get this treatment closer to home. We appreciate that concern; however, let us assure you, we are all so very thankful that Deana is being treated at Emory.

From the moment we arrive Deana is treated like royalty. The staff who handle check in are always friendly and we are then met by the wonderful Michelle, who offers a warm blanket and escorts us back to the clinical trials area.  We walk through the door and Keino yells an enthusiastic “Pittsburgh!”  (She also tells Deana she loves her when we leave.) Alvin, one of the selfless volunteers, comes by with a cart overflowing with snacks and lets us have as many as we want.

Deana and Colleen pepper talk of children in between all the official questions and exam. (Yesterday we were glad to see Hannah, who fills in when Colleen is out.) Coordinator extraordinaire Kathy was on vacation, but she sent Jennifer to take care of the details – and although we are BIG Kathy fans, Jennifer was terrific too.

In between Kathy and Colleen’s visits, we are cared for an excellent team of nurses. Yesterday we had Tina, whose daughter is a high school senior – she and Deana traded war stories of going through that experience. It is homecoming season, after all. Carrie always provides the best restaurant recommendations and she and Deana entertain one another with stories of the Housewives shows.

Sometimes we see one of the doctors working on the trial but often we do not. And sometimes we see Melanie, who plays an essential role in keeping Dr. Lonial’s trials running smoothly. We give a big thank you to Melanie for sending Katherine to see us so Deana could ask some questions regarding new charges that are appearing on her bills.

On Saturday October 1, I participated in the Winship 5K which proved an inspiring way to start my day. This event raises money to support the outstanding research taking place – research which is critical to keeping Deana with us. Many of the Emory team were still talking about their experiences at the race. I hope Deana will be able to be in town for it next year.

This is the reality of cancer treatment. It really isn’t glamorous. There’s a lot of sitting around, waiting. The challenges with insurance seem to never end. Yet, all of it is made better by the Winship team, full of caring professionals who take exceptional care of my sister. In this season of Thanksgiving, my gratitude for them cannot be adequately captured in words.

I am also very thankful for the love and support of Peter’s Aunt Anne, who continues to host Deana in her home. There is no telling what mischief those two are getting into while I am writing this. You know you’ve married well when that part of your family treats your sister as one of their own.

Deana has specifically requested a shout out to our fellow Aggie, Butch, who, at the Pittsburgh A&M Club game watch party on Saturday told her that he follows the caringbridge site religiously. Butch – a big Whoop! for you. We also got a smile out of the caringbridge post from Libby, a fellow MM warrior who knows that we are Aggies and sent a message to tell us how happy she was that A&M beat Tennessee on Saturday. We are thrilled at the success our beloved team is experiencing this season and hope that it will continue. However, we must emphasize that our love of A&M transcends the activities on the gridiron. It is a profoundly special place to us.

I just returned from taking Deana to the airport and now we’ll each get back to our daily lives for 19 days. Then she’ll be back and the cycle will repeat. I’m so pleased to be back in Georgia so that I can fulfill my duties as team captain in the manner I prefer. I must also note that Deana is not happy with my photo from yesterday and requested that I crop it, which I have not done. Be advised that she is wearing a huge sweatshirt and is not as large as she appears in the picture.

As always, I close with tremendous thanks for the continued love and support. The journey continues…