Still some variables

But first, we had a good Christmas.  Michael and I were in Texas.  We went to a nearby Methodist Church for a candlelight service on Christmas Eve, and then on Christmas Day, we went to Galveston again to the beach.  We did discover that, going to the beach when it is in the 40's and cloudy and extremely windy is not as enjoyable as when it is sunny and in the 70's with a light breeze.  So our beach time was very limited, but we read in the car by the beach and enjoyed the view.  But, we are already looking forward to going again, maybe when it is a bit warmer.  Mark and Melissa were with family at home.  We talked with them several times and Mark sent some video on the phone.
Sunday, we went to cousin Kris's and had a Christmas get together with Kris and his girlfriend Tonya (who took me the week before to a fabulous performance of the Nutcracker by the Houston Ballet--wow, quite a girl's night out!)  Sunday, we also watched a great KC Chiefs game and finally we're in the playoffs.
About the variables.  We may have to wait longer for the transplant.  The Radiologist said, even if it is working well, the tumor may not show the response right away, so it looks like if that is the case we would have to wait longer.
Also, it still may yet be Michael's own stem cells for the transplant.  So there is a lot to work out yet between the doctors.  Michael is tolerating the Radiation, mainly very tired at times.
Hope everyone continues to have a good Holiday Season.  Thanks for all the prayers.

Wishing a Merry Christmas to all

We saw the Hematologist, Dr Fowler, the day after we saw the Transplant doctor.  We really liked him and he also spent a lot of time with us and answered lots of our questions.  
He would like to do the Stem Cell Transplant as soon as possible.  It looks like the PET scan will be on the second or third week of January and if that shows the radiation working well, then the transplant can start.
Thanks to everyone for all of the support and prayers through this long year.  It has made all of the difference.
And wishing everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy Holiday Season.

Met with Transplant Doctor today

We met with Dr Bishar today.  He is very nice, but found out some things we were not expecting.  His opinion at this time will be for a transplant not with Michael's own cells, but an unrelated donor.  
This is a higher risk option, there is more risk of side effects so instead of staying around the transplant center for 30 days as with his own cells, it will mean he will have to stay 100 days to watch for problems.
However, the doctor feels that this option would provide a better chance of staying in remission.
The next step after finishing the radiation (should end about Jan 5), is to get a PET scan in about late January.  If the tumor has responded well to the radiation, then he can start the process.  So we don't really know when this will happen.
Also, we see the Hematologist tomorrow, so we will see what his opinion is.  
Thank you for all of your prayers.

Down to the Gulf

First a quick update on the week.  Michael's cold and cough are resolving.   And, with today's treatment, he is halfway through the radiation.   At this point, the only side effect is being very tired at times, although most days he does make it to the fitness room.
The Proton Radiation Center gave a really good presentation mid week to anyone interested in the behind the scenes at the center.  For example the treatment room Michael gets his radiation is actually the top floor of a 3 story machine, the rest is underground.  Anyway, lots of interesting info on the process from when the protons are divided and then how it works on the cells, especially with less damage.
Next week, hopefully by Wednesday, we will find out the timing of the transplant and where.
Now about the Gulf, yesterday, Michael and I drove down to Galveston.  It is about an hour from here.  There was a lot of traffic getting in and out of Houston, but once we were in Galveston, it was great.  The weather was perfect--it was in the 70's, of course the water was a cool, but that gave us pretty much a private beach.  There is nothing like the sand under your feet with the tide going in and out.  It was really nice to get out of town and relax in the sun.

Thanks for your prayers, especially as we are waiting to find out the path we will be on.  Sending a picture from yesterday.

Ready to start the new week

Nice to have the weekend off from treatments.  We went to cousin Kris's house today, where we watched the Chief's game.  For any Chief's fans it was a tough game to watch, but it was good to get out.  Michael's cold has a lingering cough, but does seem to be getting better slowly.  
We see the Radiologist tomorrow and then the Transplant Team next week.  So hopefully by next week, we will know when and where the transplant will be.
Thank you for your prayers.

5 Down and 20 to Go

We saw Dr Cox yesterday, however they were way behind, so our visit was pretty brief. But we did learn we have a visit with two doctors on the Transplant Team and the Transplant Coordinator in two weeks.  So we will be able to be closer to finding out when the transplant will occur.  It does sound more like the transplant will be in Houston, but we will see.
Michael has had a bit of a cold/sore throat, which does seem to be getting better.  Other than that he is doing well, the main effect is being tired, but part of that is the cold.
Thank you for your support and prayers.

Getting settled and one more new address

We probably won't have a white Christmas, but we do have 2 Christmas Trees.  We had brought a few decorations down with us, but it didn't look quite right, so I went and got a small tree yesterday and we put it up.  Then we got one in the mail today from Grandma Kay and Grandpa Jay and we really like having two!  Thanks!
The weather down here is beautiful, it was close to 80 degrees today (we hear it is a bit cooler up North).  Michael went to the outdoor pool this afternoon, but I guess the water felt like ice.  But, we still enjoy the view of the pool from the room.
Tomorrow, Michael will watch the Chiefs game with his cousin, Kris.
Our new address:
6301  Almeda  Rd
Apt 922
Houston, TX
77021
Thanks for your prayers.

First Treatment in Texas Today

Michael says thanks to the work crew who got our house ready for Christmas!  Michael and I flew back to Houston last night and cousin Kris picked us up and got us to our apartment.  We found it on the MD Anderson website and to say this place is great, doesn't do it justice and it even costs less.  It will be a very comfortable place to be.  Mark and our good friend, John Owings, are driving down our stuff for the apartment.  They will be here tomorrow.  Thank you for the marathon driving!
The first Proton Radiation treatment was today.  At this point he will be done in early January.  Because this is more targeted radiation, hopefully there will be less side effects and it is anticipated that he will tolerate it pretty well during the treatment.  We are praying for minimal long term side effects due to the proximity to his heart.


For those interested in the science aspect, I will include some details on the Proton Radiation that we have been learning about.  Briefly, Hydrogen atoms are separated and the protons from the separation are injected through a vacuum tube into a linear accelerator, where the volts of energy are increased which allows the protons to be placed at the depth needed.  At maximum energy the proton beam travels at 125,000 miles/second (2/3 the speed of light).   The room is huge where the process of separation and acceleration occurs and as the protons are accelerated through the tubing they typically travel 313,00 miles.  This 190 ton machine is accurate to within a human hair width.
This point where the highest energy release occurs is called the "Bragg Peak".  The doctor can designate where this peak will be and the proton beams conform to the 3D shape of the tumor. 


We still don't know when or where the Stem Cell Transplant will be, but for now we will be mainly focused on the Radiation.  Thank you so much for your support and prayers!!