Just a brief update for today. Michael is doing pretty good, but still up and down with how he feels-much of the time no energy or appetite. But yesterday I did get a wake up call to get a Chic Fillet sausage biscuit and potato cakes.
Michael's white blood cells were 10,000 yesterday and 16,000 today which is above normal, they will quit giving the med to build wbc, his platelets have held. He did get two units of packed red cells today as his hemoglobin was low.
About the platelets, he still may need in the future. Melissa while here to visit this week, tried to give three times, but was turned away every time. Her level was normal, but since she is small, she did not have enough to give. Her cousin Kris was able to give a bag today. Melissa says she will never hear the end of it--from both Kris and Michael.
Mark's sister Nancy, brother John and Kris's brother Brian are all coming in Sunday for a visit and to leave some platelets behind on Monday. This will give Michael credits for having a better chance of getting single donor platelets when he needs them.
Two days ago, the doctors thought he might have Graft vs Host Disease (GVHD). If he had it they thought mild at this time. However, today a Dermatology group came to see him and did a skin biopsy. We won't know until next week. The Dermatologist thought it might be a drug reaction. Even with some things going on, the doctors have been talking about Michael going to the apartment. It could be days if things continue to go well.
Our special prayer requests: for the white and red cells and platelets to continue to be produced steadily, no infection or complications while waiting, and if he has GVHD that it is mild and goes away at the right time.
Thank you so much for all of you prayers. It really means so much to all of us.
Thursday, March 31, 2011
Tuesday, March 29, 2011
White Cells Increasing Even More
Going back to yesterday, it was one of his toughest days. The mouth sores were being managed by IV Morphine and we were prepared that this might only be the start of a very long week. We were told this would get better when his white cells were higher.
Yesterday was when the wbc count finally went up from zero, to 300. Today, the wbc was much higher than we thought it would be--it was 2300!! (normal is about 5-10,000). However, we are told it may bounce around for a while and more important than the total count of white blood cells will be the counts for different white cells, especially lymphocytes.
While Michael does feel better than yesterday (and yes an improvement in the mouth sores) and his fever has improved to low grade--consistent with engraftment, there is a possibility he is showing some signs of Graft vs Host Disease (GVHD). GVHD is where the new stem cells are fighting Michael's body.
I won't go much into that tonight other than it can be a minor or major problem. But a little of it is a good thing because it tends to fight cancer cells. If Michael has GVHD at this time it appears to be minor.
Our prayer requests: that the white (especially lymphocytes) and red blood cells and platelets continue to increase steadily, he remains free from infection and complications and that any GVHD is only minor and resolves at the appropriate time.
We can't thank you enough for your concern and all of your prayers.
Thank You!!
Yesterday was when the wbc count finally went up from zero, to 300. Today, the wbc was much higher than we thought it would be--it was 2300!! (normal is about 5-10,000). However, we are told it may bounce around for a while and more important than the total count of white blood cells will be the counts for different white cells, especially lymphocytes.
While Michael does feel better than yesterday (and yes an improvement in the mouth sores) and his fever has improved to low grade--consistent with engraftment, there is a possibility he is showing some signs of Graft vs Host Disease (GVHD). GVHD is where the new stem cells are fighting Michael's body.
I won't go much into that tonight other than it can be a minor or major problem. But a little of it is a good thing because it tends to fight cancer cells. If Michael has GVHD at this time it appears to be minor.
Our prayer requests: that the white (especially lymphocytes) and red blood cells and platelets continue to increase steadily, he remains free from infection and complications and that any GVHD is only minor and resolves at the appropriate time.
We can't thank you enough for your concern and all of your prayers.
Thank You!!
Monday, March 28, 2011
White Blood Cells Coming Back !!
Day 10 after transplant and the white blood cells are starting back!! It is low, but hopefully will keep rising. However, Michael also got a fever this morning. So the procedure is to do blood cultures and to change the antibiotics. But it is also possible that the fever is a reaction to the engraftment of the stem cells that we have been waiting and praying for.
So how is Michael feeling? Still a lot of chemo effects, and less energy now as his hemoglobin (which carries oxygen) is lower. Still not much appetite, and now he is at the stage of major sores in his mouth. But these are all expected and the nurses and doctors have a lot of interventions to help.
Melissa came in yesterday to visit for the week. It is great to have her here and I know Michael will enjoy having some time with her. I will spend some time at the apartment getting a little more rest and catching up on paperwork. Melissa will try to give platelets while she is here so he will be able to have a single donor (as opposed to the usual transfusion which has 4-6 donors).
Our special prayer request is for Michael to remain free of infection and complications while we are waiting for the engraftment of the stem cells to complete and the production of the white and red cells and platelets to steadily keep increasing.
Thanks again for your prayers that have helped so much!!
So how is Michael feeling? Still a lot of chemo effects, and less energy now as his hemoglobin (which carries oxygen) is lower. Still not much appetite, and now he is at the stage of major sores in his mouth. But these are all expected and the nurses and doctors have a lot of interventions to help.
Melissa came in yesterday to visit for the week. It is great to have her here and I know Michael will enjoy having some time with her. I will spend some time at the apartment getting a little more rest and catching up on paperwork. Melissa will try to give platelets while she is here so he will be able to have a single donor (as opposed to the usual transfusion which has 4-6 donors).
Our special prayer request is for Michael to remain free of infection and complications while we are waiting for the engraftment of the stem cells to complete and the production of the white and red cells and platelets to steadily keep increasing.
Thanks again for your prayers that have helped so much!!
Saturday, March 26, 2011
Day 8 After Transplant
Still waiting for the white blood cells to come in. Michael has had two shots of Neupogen , one yesterday and one today and he will get daily for at least several days. It is supposed to help with the production of the white cells. That could happen in a few days or quite a bit longer. No platelets transfused today, but probably tomorrow. Still up and down with energy and appetite.
So pretty much the same and our prayer requests are the same: for the engraftment of the stem cells to happen quickly so that the white and red cells and platelets start producing. And prayers for no infection or complications while he is waiting.
We thank you so much for all of your prayers and support.
So pretty much the same and our prayer requests are the same: for the engraftment of the stem cells to happen quickly so that the white and red cells and platelets start producing. And prayers for no infection or complications while he is waiting.
We thank you so much for all of your prayers and support.
Thursday, March 24, 2011
Day 6 After Transplant
About the same, no white blood cells yet, low platelets (transfusion yesterday of platelets, but not today, but probably tomorrow). Michael still has ups and downs with decreased energy and appetite, but this is normal.
Our special prayer requests remain the same: for the engraftment of the new stem cells to happen soon, so that we see the production of white and red cells and platelets. And for no infections or complications while we are waiting.
Thank you for your prayers.
Our special prayer requests remain the same: for the engraftment of the new stem cells to happen soon, so that we see the production of white and red cells and platelets. And for no infections or complications while we are waiting.
Thank you for your prayers.
Tuesday, March 22, 2011
Day 4 After Transplant
The last two days have had ups and downs which should be pretty typical of next few weeks, but Michael is overall better.
We had a visit from Rich, a pastor from our church, who flew down and visited with us yesterday and today. A big thank you to our church for that visit and support!!
Today Michael got a transfusion of platelets (so he does not have problems with bleeding). It sounds like he will get a lot of those. Also, his bloodwork earlier today showed no white blood cells that protect against infection. So the special prayer requests are for the new Stem Cells to find their home and start making white and red blood cells and platelets (engraftment). And prayers for no infection or complications while waiting.
Thank you so much for your prayers.
Sunday, March 20, 2011
Day 2 After Transplant
Yesterday, was a long day, lots of chemo symptoms, but nothing not expected. They added more antibiotics since his white blood count is essentially zero (the white blood cells fight infection), in case some of his symptoms were the start of an infection.
Michael still has some symptoms off and on, but it has been a much better day than yesterday. The nurses have been really good in treating his symptoms.
Our prayer requests remain for Michael to remain free of infection, free from rejection of the new cells and for the new cells not to reject his body. Also prayers for the engraftment to happen quickly. Engraftment is when the Stem Cells which were injected into the blood, find their way to the bone marrow and decide to make it home and start functioning making the white blood cells-that fight infection, red blood cells-that carry oxygen to cells and platelets-that help stop bleeding.
The sooner the engraftment happens, the less complications he will have (including requiring blood products) and the sooner Michael will be back to the apartment.
Thanks again for your continued prayers. It has helped so much!!
Michael still has some symptoms off and on, but it has been a much better day than yesterday. The nurses have been really good in treating his symptoms.
Our prayer requests remain for Michael to remain free of infection, free from rejection of the new cells and for the new cells not to reject his body. Also prayers for the engraftment to happen quickly. Engraftment is when the Stem Cells which were injected into the blood, find their way to the bone marrow and decide to make it home and start functioning making the white blood cells-that fight infection, red blood cells-that carry oxygen to cells and platelets-that help stop bleeding.
The sooner the engraftment happens, the less complications he will have (including requiring blood products) and the sooner Michael will be back to the apartment.
Thanks again for your continued prayers. It has helped so much!!
Friday, March 18, 2011
The Transplant has Infused!!
Everything was on time and the Stem Cells were completely infused before 5:00 this evening. They were given in two separate infusions that started at about 11:00 this a.m. Before each infusion started the hospital Chaplain said a beautiful blessing over the Stem Cells and for Michael's body to accept them. Melissa was able to participate in the second blessing via speaker phone.
So how is Michael feeling? Most of the day, not so great, just feeling majorly drugged up. However, in the last two hours has felt quite a bit better--out walking in the halls, eating more than popsicles and watching a little TV. But it will be up and down for the next few weeks. He has had so much poison in his system. For example, in the time I was writing the last paragraph, he started feeling yucky again. But, the nurses are great about giving him meds to help him to feel better as soon as he gets symptoms.
Now that the Transplant has occurred, there is a new set of concerns and special prayer requests: for Michael to be protected from infection, for his body not to reject the Transplant and for the new Stem Cells not to reject his body (he is getting meds to prevent this and while he is at less risk because of the good match, it is a concern). This is where the next 2-3 weeks we appreciate your prayers so much.
Your prayers truly help. Thank you for helping us get this far. We do not feel like we are alone down here. We thank you for your continued concern, support and all of your prayers. And God Bless Michael's donor, somewhere is a wonderful angel and someday we may meet her.
Thursday, March 17, 2011
High Dose Chemo has Ended
All the chemo is in, but he is still getting some immunosupressant drugs to help the transplant take. He is set for the Transplant by early afternoon tomorrow.
Tuesday was a rough day of chemo with fever and chills (but it was what was expected), but the last two days have been much better.
Tomorrow prior to the transplant one of the hospital Chaplains will perform a blessing over the Stem Cells.
Our special prayer request prior to the transplant is for Michael to remain free of infection and complications and for the Stem Cells to arrive on time.
Special thanks to the donor who has by now completed the donation process and the Stem Cells will be shipped in tonight. The donation process would have included pre-transplant testing (like bloodwork, EKG, etc), a shot the day before donation to pull the Stem Cells out of the bone marrow and then the donation which would last about five hours, kind of like dialysis.
Thank you again for your prayers.
Tuesday was a rough day of chemo with fever and chills (but it was what was expected), but the last two days have been much better.
Tomorrow prior to the transplant one of the hospital Chaplains will perform a blessing over the Stem Cells.
Our special prayer request prior to the transplant is for Michael to remain free of infection and complications and for the Stem Cells to arrive on time.
Special thanks to the donor who has by now completed the donation process and the Stem Cells will be shipped in tonight. The donation process would have included pre-transplant testing (like bloodwork, EKG, etc), a shot the day before donation to pull the Stem Cells out of the bone marrow and then the donation which would last about five hours, kind of like dialysis.
Thank you again for your prayers.
Tuesday, March 15, 2011
Halfway Through High Dose Chemo
Michael is half way done and has tolerated it pretty well. It will get harder due to the meds and the cumulative effects. The nurses are prepared and have lots of meds to help these side effects if needed. Hopefully, he will sleep a lot.
His chemo will probably be done early afternoon on Thursday and about 24 hours later, he will receive the Stem Cells through his IV, which will be run in like a unit of blood.
During this time our special prayer requests: keep Michael safe from infection and side effects from the chemo, guide the nurses and doctors, the donor remain healthy and for everything to proceed on time.
Thank you for your prayers at such a critical time. The critical time includes the high dose chemo, transplant and the first 2-3 weeks after transplant.
His chemo will probably be done early afternoon on Thursday and about 24 hours later, he will receive the Stem Cells through his IV, which will be run in like a unit of blood.
During this time our special prayer requests: keep Michael safe from infection and side effects from the chemo, guide the nurses and doctors, the donor remain healthy and for everything to proceed on time.
Thank you for your prayers at such a critical time. The critical time includes the high dose chemo, transplant and the first 2-3 weeks after transplant.
Sunday, March 13, 2011
High Dose Chemo has Begun
Michael was admitted late Friday night and was given IV (intravenous fluids) to hydrate and then the chemo began Saturday morning. His first round went well, the second med, he had a brief reaction to it. But the resident came over and gave him Bendadryl and about a half hour later he was eating a spicy Chic-Fillet Sandwich. He probably won't have too many of those for a while as his appetite will likely be down for a while, but he definitely enjoyed that one.
His first round of chemo today is done, which went well and he will get more chemo this evening.
He will get more chemo every day through Thursday, with about 24 hours off and then the Stem Cells will be given on Friday, March 18. Initially we thought it would be St Pat's Day.
The purpose of the high dose chemo is to kill off his bone marrow, so the new stem cells can come in and replace his. His blood will no longer be his, but will be his donors. Instead of being O+, his blood will become A+ (long story).
Mark is here for a few days and will head back tomorrow. And then Melissa will be back in 2 weeks. Yeah.
Michael is on the Adolescent/Young Adult section, which is nice--the nurses are very attentive and they do have some activities he can go to with others his age. Since he is in Isolation to protect him, if he leaves the room he wears a mask and gloves. It's good it's an option if he wants to later, especially since he will be here at least 3 weeks.
As for specific prayer requests: that Michael continue to tolerate the chemo with minimal complications, that he remain strong and healthy, for the nurses and doctors as they care for Michael and for the donor's health.
Thanks again for your continued concern and prayers. Our address if you want to send a card: 6301 Almeda Rd, Apt 832, Houston, TX 77021.
His first round of chemo today is done, which went well and he will get more chemo this evening.
He will get more chemo every day through Thursday, with about 24 hours off and then the Stem Cells will be given on Friday, March 18. Initially we thought it would be St Pat's Day.
The purpose of the high dose chemo is to kill off his bone marrow, so the new stem cells can come in and replace his. His blood will no longer be his, but will be his donors. Instead of being O+, his blood will become A+ (long story).
Mark is here for a few days and will head back tomorrow. And then Melissa will be back in 2 weeks. Yeah.
Michael is on the Adolescent/Young Adult section, which is nice--the nurses are very attentive and they do have some activities he can go to with others his age. Since he is in Isolation to protect him, if he leaves the room he wears a mask and gloves. It's good it's an option if he wants to later, especially since he will be here at least 3 weeks.
As for specific prayer requests: that Michael continue to tolerate the chemo with minimal complications, that he remain strong and healthy, for the nurses and doctors as they care for Michael and for the donor's health.
Thanks again for your continued concern and prayers. Our address if you want to send a card: 6301 Almeda Rd, Apt 832, Houston, TX 77021.
Thursday, March 10, 2011
Still on Target
The donor has checked out!! The central line was placed today and more tests today, but these tests should be okay--these will be more for evaluating follow up.
So we meet with the doctor one more time tomorrow and then Michael will be admitted to the hospital to start IV (intravenous fluids) on Friday and the high dose chemo will start on Saturday.
Typical Michael Hill: Michael met two beautiful young ladies today (one was getting chemo, the other her friend). She asked if he got the yucky tasting medicine. He said no, maybe they were playing a practical joke on her.
Thank you for your continued prayers.
So we meet with the doctor one more time tomorrow and then Michael will be admitted to the hospital to start IV (intravenous fluids) on Friday and the high dose chemo will start on Saturday.
Typical Michael Hill: Michael met two beautiful young ladies today (one was getting chemo, the other her friend). She asked if he got the yucky tasting medicine. He said no, maybe they were playing a practical joke on her.
Thank you for your continued prayers.
Tuesday, March 8, 2011
GOOD PET SCAN!!
The PET Scan is good!! It showed quite a bit less uptake in the tumor area by the heart, which correlates with the inflammation they expect to see from the radiation. The Radiation Doctor did not expect for it to show a complete resolution at this time, so Michael is good to go for the transplant.
We are still waiting on one test from the donor for final okay, but they feel it is very likely the process will begin this Friday, with the actual transplant on March 17 or 18.
Thank you for all of your continued prayers!
We are still waiting on one test from the donor for final okay, but they feel it is very likely the process will begin this Friday, with the actual transplant on March 17 or 18.
Thank you for all of your continued prayers!
Thursday, March 3, 2011
Lots of Testing and Waiting
This week has been busy with testing and meeting with doctors. The transplant process is still scheduled to begin March 11, but we need one more good PET/CT scan and so on to proceed. We may know some big results by Tuesday, but not all tests will be in until late March 10. Also, we are still waiting for the donor to finish their final testing.
So, our special requests for prayers are for: the doctors, the donors, Michael to stay strong and healthy and peace for all of us as we are waiting.
We have been getting numerous green prayer bands out for Michael, but if you haven't received one and would like one, please e-mail me at mrsmrhilltop@aol.com or brenda8688hill@gmail.com and let me know how many you would like.
Thank you so much for your prayers!!
We heard very good news today about a young woman (a year younger than Michael), who was at the Gift of Life House with us in MN. Amanda, who has been fighting the same battle had her transplant last fall and is doing very well! Go Amanda!!
So, our special requests for prayers are for: the doctors, the donors, Michael to stay strong and healthy and peace for all of us as we are waiting.
We have been getting numerous green prayer bands out for Michael, but if you haven't received one and would like one, please e-mail me at mrsmrhilltop@aol.com or brenda8688hill@gmail.com and let me know how many you would like.
Thank you so much for your prayers!!
We heard very good news today about a young woman (a year younger than Michael), who was at the Gift of Life House with us in MN. Amanda, who has been fighting the same battle had her transplant last fall and is doing very well! Go Amanda!!
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