Merry Christmas

Ours was a very nice Christmas.  Normally we go to my family’s house for Christmas Eve.  But because Jenny cannot travel very far we opted to stay home.

So for Christmas Eve we made homemade pizza.  Katie and I competed at home for the best overall pizza.  She won... but under protest.  Alan made a pizza at work and brought it home.  It was very good!  In addition, our neighbors from across the street came over for pizza.  We had a great time and fun.

On Christmas day, my parents and younger sister came down.  I did a lot of the cooking with directions for Jen.  Though not quite as good as when she cooks, everything turned our fine.  We sat eleven people for dinner and no one went home hungry!

So, we had a Merry Christmas.  From our family to yours a very Merry Christmas!

Help Her To Win This

Yesterday Jenny started another round of chemo at MSK.  She had been a little depressed in the days leading up to this.  The reason being she has felt very good since last week’s blood transfusion.  And she knows that starting a new round means feeling crappie again….

Now that she is getting down to the last few laps, like in any race, this is where a strong competitor needs to push on.  As we all know, when starting any new endeavor/game/challenge, you are all revved up and ready to go at the start.  It is toward the end when the true winners stand out as they push as hard then as they did at the onset.  I am proud to tell you that Jenny is one of these real winners.  There is no giving up in this girl.

But we must continue to give her support.  This set of treatment will be particularly hard on her with the Christmas and New Year Holiday.  Jenny has always enjoyed a party but she is particularly fond of this time of year.  It is hard to be festive when you feel lousy.  I try to encourage her but I think she thinks I do so because I have to.  Though not true, it is hard to argue because I am her husband and, well, I do have to!

So if you have a spare moment, please give her a call or drop her an e-mail.  She will love it and like cheering your favorite team on, it will help her to win this!

Two Units Please

As I mentioned earlier, for the last few days Jenny has been feeling weak and tired.  This is the normal cycle based on her treatments.  We had hoped that the reduced BEACOPP would spare here the trouble of coming into NYC for a blood transfusion.  Unfortunately, this was not the case.

Jenny woke up this morning and decided that she was not feeling much better.  So, she called into MSK and they told her to “come on down”, not a trivial thing.  So around 12:00 this afternoon, we packed ourselves up in the car and trekked into NYC.  We tried a different route in by driving up to the George Washington Bridge and coming down the FDR.  Not sure if this was faster but it was easier.

More food and treats have arrived at the house.  I personally find this very helpful as it spears me the time in making meals for Jenny and myself.  For the most part Alan eats what he wants when he wants.  There a small downside, I am now sneaking “treats” as Jenny has become the Portion Nazi.  Amittedly I could stand to lose a few more pounds….

So here we are in MSK and expect to be here till around 8:00.  Thank you all for your continuing support.  To use Jenny’s play on words… Got Blood…  Two units please.

Keep Rolling Along

Sorry for the long gap between postings.  After Thanksgiving things started to move rather fast. 

Here we are in Jenny’s second week for this round of treatment.  Although she is getting a reduced BEACOPP therapy, she still feels rather weak at this point.  However, she still has her sense of humor.  She commented today that since see cannot get across the room without being out of breath, she must be “down to pints”.  A referral to the amount of blood she thinks she needs.

She is not scheduled to go into MSK in NYC this Tuesday.  But after some discussion, we decided that if she does not start to feel better by Monday, she will call in and see if they can take a look at her.  This is one of those things that we cannot control through diet or exercise.  Her red blood cells get reduced during the chemo treatment and it takes 1 to 2 weeks for these cells to replenish. 

There has been a surge in the amount of great food that has been brought over to the house both from the neighbors and Jen’s coworkers from RHS.  Some really outstanding meals, desserts and treats!  Here is the rub….  Jen found out how much I weight and now she is worried about my diet.  I told her that I am not has dedicated as her and will not go on the diet that she is on.  I could just not handle it has well as her!  This brought a smile to her face…..  But she is still monitoring what I eat!

We hope all is going well for everyone.  Please stop during this hectic season to give your love ones a quick hug, squeeze and a kiss. 

God bless you all and keep rolling along.

Thanksgiving Day

Normally on Thanksgiving Day we go and have dinner at one of my sisters’ houses.  However, because Jenny just started round 5 of her treatment it was just not practical to go anywhere. So, with Katie home for the holiday, the four of us had Thanksgiving dinner at home!

Alan wanted to have a Tur-Duc-Hen…..  A turkey stuffed with duck stuffed with a chicken!  So we bought this in the store a few days ago, defrosted it and put it in the oven.

Next Alan helped me make my father’s world famous mushroom dish.

After that, I made my mom’s fabulous stuffing.

 

Jen and Katie made other sides like mashed potato, sweet potato, corn and other stuff plus set the table.  Once all was ready, we sat down to a terrific meal!

After which we all sat around and watched TV.

Yep, we did not even bother to change out of our PJs!  It was a great Thanksgiving Day!      

All Great

Met with Dr. Moskowitz and the news is as good as expected.  The PET scan was “fine” and her pulmonary function test came back at 86%.  Hemoglobin is acceptable.  Jen tried to press him for numerical, quantifiable information.  Size of tumors and the like.  So he translated, “When I say fine I mean you could not possibly being doing any better at this point. This is as good as it gets”. 

Now Jen is working on the next 4 rounds of treatment.  Twelve weeks in all.  With this news her doses of chemotherapy are reduced. 

-        Reduced chemo pills

-        Reduced chemo intravenous treatments

-        Reduced symptoms!!  More Staple Blood Counts!!

Dr. Moskowitz doesn't recommend going back to work yet.  He says that the BEACOPP treatment is the harshest chemotherapy treatment you can get and worse than radiation.

So this is the midpoint in Jen’s journey.  Although not the most fun, it has had some enlightening moments… both high … and low.  Jen and I again thank you all for your generosity.  Without your help this journey would be impossible.  But because of you, it is all great.

PS: Have a great Thanksgiving!

Start of Round Five

Today we are in MSK NYC to meet with Dr Moskowitz and get the full skinny on the PET scan.  Although we are both looking forward to getting some good news, getting in here is a real PIA.  Additionally, Jenny is not looking forward to getting more treatment and the nasty effects that it has on her.  I have tried to be encouraging with the expectation that the BEACOPP treatment she will now be getting is a reduced dosage and hopefully, the side effect will not be as sever.

Keeping our figures crossed for the start of round five.

In the Woods

As you all know, I like hunting. Fortunately as Jenny is doing so well I have had the opportunity to get into the woods with my father and cousin. So without much new news, please enjoy the view!!

The Results are In!!

And the news is great!  Per Dr Moskowitz the results of the PET scan are “excellent”!  He is very happy with the results.  So, Jenny’s will go into the next round of treatment with the reduced BEACOPP.  He called early this morning to let us know so we were not hanging all weekend.  More details to come next Tuesday when we go into MSK NYC for details on her condition and the start of the next chemo round.

Needless to say that we are both very pleased.  Jenny is dancing around here like a ballerina!  I expect that now that she lost all this weight and she has a “new” girlish figure, some new cloths may be in order.  Possibility a itsy bitsy teeny weeny yellow polka dot bikini!  I guess I better start worrying about her finding a new trophy husband!

Thank you all for reading and for your support.  The race is not over yet, but it looks like the slope is not as steep going forward

New Blood – Old Self!

Well now that Jenny has had her transfusion, she is fully charged and ready to go go go!!  She is pretty much back to being her old self!  This is a good thing although there are some “down” sides…..  But I will manage!  J

This week starts the big game season for hunting.  As such, I will be home a little less and have limited access and time to write to you.  So, I thought I may get some guest writers to submit posts for me.  If anyone is interested, please send me your posting and I will happily put it up on this blog!

Thanks for reading and for caring!

The Results are in from the Blood Test

It has been determined that Jen needs to have a blood transfusion.  So she is on her way into MSK NYC with her friend Kay.  

This will be a long day for her.  But, it is only a few hours in the day and not several days in the hospital.  For this we are thankful!

To all of you, a big Thank You for your support, generosity and love.

Todays Scan

Last few days have been OK for Jen.  She has her tired moments but also her very energetic ones!  By the end of the day, she was tired and up to bed around 8:00.

She went to MSK in Basking Ridge to get her PET scan and blood work.  Now we wait till Friday to get the results.

Stay tuned…  Same bat channel, same bat time!

Posting From Jen

Thanks you all for your concern. I wrote the blog this time around because nurse Dom has been a little busy taking very good care of me!

I'm at the point with this last round that the chemo is doing it's job, leaving me weak, fatigued, out of breath, and dizzy with mouth sores, a sore throat and no taste. But I'm not in the hospital!  The doctor gave me an extra antibiotic this last week to keep me from getting an infection and fever. I've spent most of the last two days dozing in bed. As much as I am comfortable withe the very caring and professional staff at Sloan, at least I'm at home without beeping IV stands, midnight vital raids, all the poking and proding - not to forget the hospital gowns that take me 20 minutes to get on.

The good news is I can start to feel the infusion from last Thursday working. So if "history" prevails, my numbers should come up today or tomorrow and I'll bounce back soon. Hopefully the red blood cells will come back too. The headache and tiredness is due to a low red blood cell/hemoglobin count.  These usually go right away when I get transfused. I feel like a vampire when I say, and mean, "I wan't some blood!"

On Tuesday, Nov. 16th,  I have a PET Scan and blood testing work scheduled in the Basking Ridge office. PET scan results should be in on Friday, Nov. 19th. 

On Tuesday, Nov. 23, the doctors plan to start Round 5 of the chemo, but they expect they will be able to take it down from the "escalated" BEACOPP to the non-escalated BEACOPP chemo (we'll find out exactly what that means on the 23rd - and after!). They will also do a Pulmonary test on the 23rd (long day).

As I tell everyone, this is not the cancer making me feel this way, it's the chemo doing its job. It's all good. Now that this is all posted on the blog and out of the way, when I do communicate with all of you it can be about other things than me! I love hearing from you all and all the happenings in your lives.

Best wishes.

- Jen

Where We are Today

Today Jen woke up feeling very good.  Alan and her headed into MSK NYC for her last chemo treatment for this first round.  Jen confirmed that she will have a PET scan on 11/16/10 which will map out were the cancer (if any) is at this point.  We can expect to have the results back to us by 11/19/10.  Once the results are in, Jen will begin a second round of treatment on 11/23/10.  She will also have a pulmonary function) test.

I have not been home since Thursday 11/04/10.  My Mom, Dad and Aunt Adrienne came down to Flemington and spent a few days with Jen and Alan.  It was nice to have them taking care of things well I was away.  I think it was a nice pick up for Jenny!

So that is where we are today.  Thanks to all of you for your prayers and well wishes.  It is very comforting to Jenny and me knowing that we have such great family and friends.

Another Day

Today was another day in this journey of ours.  I realize that I am only a passenger on this journey with Jen but it is a trip neither one of us wanted to take.

Nothing really new happened today.  I am heading out tomorrow for a week.  I will be out in York PA for a few days.  Then I am heading to the Gettysburg area for the weekend to do some bird hunting with my brother-in-law Jim and friends.  I have been doing it for many years now.  On Monday afternoon, back to work.  Returning home on Tuesday night.

Jen and I spoke a few times regarding this excursion of mine.  She is not very happy that I will be away for so long.  It makes her more comfortable when I am around.  But she also understand that I could use some "me" time and this is something I really enjoy.  I arranged for my parents to come down and stay with Jen for the weekend.  Even though Alan is home, it is not fair to burden him with the total responsibility of watching Jen. 

So, please feel free to give Jen a call or pop in and see her.  She really enjoys speaking with all of you! 

We both thank you for your support during this unpleasant trip.

Todays Treatment

Today starts the last set, in this round of treatment.  Jen had not been looking forward to this as it means she will again start to feel terrible.  I feel bad for her but I also want her to think of the positive side...  This is one step further to being cured.

Alan took her in to MSK as is our routine.  I just spoke with Jen and received some very good news!  They took an x-ray and see that the tumor in her chest has been significantly reduced!  I had thought that the treatment was working but this is empirical data which is better then "I think".

There are no guarantees here.  The doctors advised that although this is good news, it does not tell the whole story.  This is a blood cancer.  Until she has her PET scan on 11/16/2010, we cannot be sure how her treatments are working. The one thing we do know is that the battle is not over.  She will have another round of BEACOPP treatment.  However, it should not be the elevated treatment that she is getting now.  If so, the next round should be a bit easier.

I am sorry to report that the judges have lost track of the entries that have been submitted for the cooking contest.  There was a great influx of meals an goodies over that last few days!  This is really appreciated has it significantly cuts back on the work load. Also appreciated are the gifts and gift cards that have come in.  We have received many good things that help make Jenny more comfortable.

Thank you all for your generosity and prayers!  I know we say it a lot, but we can not say it enough!

Relax Everyone

I have been getting some flack regarding the comment I made regarding Jen's makeup for Halloween. 

A. This was something she and I have discussed over the last few days / weeks.
B. She thought it was funny...  And still does!

Remember, laughter kills cancer.

Things are Looking Up

Now that Jen has been home for a few days, it seems that she is back to where she was before entering MSK!  She looks good although not much in the way of makeup will be needed for Halloween!

I have been home since Wednesday night.  I think that Jen just feels better having me around.  I guess it gives her a sense of security.  I really do not do all that much directly for her.  Just cursory stuff like washing clothes, cleaning, shopping and some meal preparation.  But as long as she is happy then I am happy.

Our niece Brooke is coming in for the weekend.  She will help Jen organize the pictures we have and get them up on the wall.  This will be a nice distraction for Jen.  I think that Brooke also enjoys the change up in her day!

Kudos to all of you who have been dropping off meals and snacks.  We have enjoyed potato pancakes, ravioli, apple crisp, bran muffins, pumpkin muffins and a host of other wonderful things.  The cooking contest is still open but I must say the competition is very stiff!

To all our friends and family, thank you for keeping us in your hearts and minds.  Please be sure to take care of yourselves as well as you have taken care of us!

Today is a Good Day

Spoke to Jen this morning.  She is doing well.  She is very happy to be back home.  Jen plans on spending some time working on OCYC stuff and getting our holiday cards in the works.

It is nice to know that she is home and comfortable.  I expect to be back home latter today and I am looking forward to seeing her!

Thank you all.

Good News

Real quick (No Fish... quick, not quickie)  Jen is getting out today.  Alan is picking her up around noon as I am in York PA.  Good job Al!

Moving Forward Again

I spent some time with Jen this weekend at MSK.  Katie was home and on Saturday she and I went in for a few hours.  I again went in on Sunday by myself.  I have no problem making the drive but dealing with the city traffic takes its toll.....

Jen is still in the hospital. She will be there today and probably tomorrow.  She is on IV antibiotics, along with her other prophylactic medications.  She has heard through the nurse’s aides that she needs to be fever free for 72 hours before she can be released.  If she stays fever free, 72 hours will occur on Tuesday night.  And if so, she would possibly be released on Wednesday morning.

When she comes home, Jenny will be on her off week from chemo.  So she should be feeling pretty good.  She is feeling good now ... getting antsy in the hospital.  The doctors assured her (and she assured me) that nothing we did (or didn't) do caused this infection. It's just the chemo that wiped out her white blood cells that brought this all on.

They are also waiting for some of her numbers to come up. For those "number" people, here where she stands....

                                    #s per this morning        Average Range

         WBC                              0.3                               4-11

         Hemoglobin                  8.3                               11.5-16   (Transfuse at <8)

         RBC                               3.06                             4-5.2

         Platelets                         18                    (Transfuse at <10-20)      

Again, Jen and I thank you all for your help, prayers and generosity. 

Two Steps Forward Three Steps Back

Sadly I must report that Jenny is back at MSK in NYC.  She went to MSK Basking Ridge on Thursday to get a shot to help increase her white blood cell count.  All seemed to go well.  She woke up on Friday early morning not feeling well at all.  To use her words that she texted me “… I feel like CRAP …” She called MSK and they told her to come in to the Urgent Care unit.

As it turns out, Jenny picked up an infection somewhere along the line and her white blood cell count was virtually nonexistent.  So now she is back there…  Not sure for how many days.  I was out at work in York PA when this all happened.  I give kudos to Alan for handling things in a very calm fashion.

This frustrates me on multiple fronts:

-        When Jenny got her chemo on Tuesday they knew her blood counts were low.  Why the, hell did they not give her a blood transfusion?

-        Am I wrong to go into work in York PA?  I can do some things from home but not all of it.  When things like this happen I question whether I am making the right choices.

-        This not fair to Alan.  He has accepted a lot of responsibility at a time where he has his own life choices to make.

-        Why does jenny have to be so stubborn?  She is looking for reasons why this happened…  It’s the dog, the cat; the house is not clean enough.  Of course it could not be that she is outside raking and tires out and sits on the ground, where the dog, cat, duck, fox, squirrels, mice, ants and anything else might have been…  Or dropping in at school which everyone knows is a cauldron of germs activity that is always present in grammar schools.  She needs to take it easy. Period.

I am very despondent at this time and I am just trying to stay calm, cool and positive.  I thank you all for your support.  Please say a prayer for my wife.

Blue Drinks

Yesterday Jen went into MSK for her chemo treatment with Al.  These appointments have been moved up to earlier in the day.  This is good.  Instead of getting home at 10:00 pm, Al and Jen were home by a record 2 p.m.

Jen was not sure if she was to have another blood transfusion.  As it turns out, her red and white cell counts were borderline.  The doctors decided that she did not need to have a transfusion at this time.  This may leave her tired for the next week.  The doctors told her to take it easy….  Obviously, they do not know my wife!  “take it easy” is not in her vocabulary.  The only way to get her to take it easy will be to hospitalize her again.

As an example. This past weekend I was clearing the leaves from the lawn.  We live in an area with very mature foliage.  I am using the backpack leaf blower and Jenny insisted in helping with the rake.  She promised to take it easy and I admit that it does go faster with her help.  So I am doing my thing with the leaf blower and ear protection and she is raking.  I turn around for a minute or two.  When I turn back I see she is half sitting / lying on the ground!  Now for those who know me, my immediate reaction is one of yelling (it is a family trait I inherited….  Sorry mom and dad but that is the truth).  She gives me the “….. Oh I am alright…. I just needed a little rest….”  Once this is all over and Jen beats this thing, I am going to be the one who needs a little rest…..  on in a little tropical island sipping many high alcoholic blue drinks!

So, since she did not get a transfusion this week, Jen needs to go in next Tuesday even though it is her week off.  Dr. Moskowitz wants her to come in so he can again check her blood counts.  They may do a transfusion then.

There has been an uptick in the snacks that have been sent over to the house!  JoDee sent in an apple crisp and Elaine some brain muffins (with and without dates).  I have no idea how; Tom and Drew keep their girlish figures with that kind of food coming out of those kitchens.  I do not care how much running around they do!  I would be twice the man I am now.

Jen and I thank you all for your continuing support.  It makes me teary eyed when I think of everyone’s generosity.  Bless you all!

Marathon chemo – ½ done with Escalated BEACOPP treatment

Yesterday Jen and Al left at 6:15 a.m. for MSK.  At 9:15 blood and vitals were taken.  At 9:45 doctor’s consultation. They waited until 12 to receive chemo that lasted until 6 p.m. They got home at 8 p.m.  From what I am told Jen, she was on edge and talked the whole way home!  Maybe it was something that was in the medication she was given.  Alan gets kudos for being patience, especially being only 20 years of age!

Jen’s red blood cell count (rbc) was down to 3.6. Dr. Moskowitz informed her that she might need a blood transfusion next week, so thanks to all who donated blood!  Especially the 0- ones. Jen will find out next week if she needs a transfusion. But the doctor said if the rbc count were low right now, it would most likely be lower next week due to the chemo. Her white blood cell count is at an all right 8.4. She was worried about this being low, due to having a cold last week. But the cold is gone and the count is still up, so she is relieved.

The doctor mentioned some long-term treatments. They won’t know what long-term treatments will be done until a PET scan is done at the end of the fourth round (another 6 weeks or just before Thanksgiving if all goes planned). At that time he is expecting to go from the Escalated BEACOPP chemo regiment to the less harsh BEACOPP chemo for another 4 rounds or 12 weeks). He also mentioned radiation for whatever may be left of the tumor after treastment.  Recent studies are showing there may be no benefit to radiation. So time will tell on this one. In the event you may have more interested in the BEACOPP treatment, the following site explains the “poisons” and program: http://lymphoma.about.com/od/treatment/qt/beacopp.htm

Jen loved Alan’s response after the doctor left.  Jen went over the results that the doctor had given to her to make sure she had gotten the details right.  Alan's response was, “They’re going to do what they’re going to do. Not much you can do about it. Go along with the flow.” That made her smile and relax.

So Jen is home today feeling O.K. Chemo hasn’t hit, but the steroids have. Today and tomorrow are her days for taking 25-30 pills (18 of those being chemo taken orally). Good chasers are chocolate pudding, ice cream, ice pops, and jello. Although she likes that, these certainly are not the chasers of old!

Jen appreciates all e-mails (especially with pictures of fall, family or other related on-goings that take her mind away from her treatment). She also appreciates the cards, phone calls and visits from friends, family, fellow staff and neighbors.

Columbus Day Weekend

This past week was Round II, Week III.  For the most part Jenny is off the BEACOPP chemo medications during week III.  This was expecting to be a very “up” week for her.  Though not a bad week, she did not have a great week.  Some aches and pains along with a few poor nights of sleep put a damper on things.

I was gone from Wednesday morning (10/06/10) till Sunday evening (10/10/10).  When I got in  I found Jenny ensconced on the couch, not looking very happy.  But on the up side, Katie was home from school for the long holiday weekend.  Jenny enjoyed having both of her children at home.

Tomorrow jenny starts Round III of her BEACOPP treatment.  As you can imagine, she is not looking forward to it.  Alan will be taking Jenny into MSK.  I will be taking Katie up into Connecticut to pick up her car.  I want to be sure that it was put back together to my satisfaction.

This has been and continues to be a long, tiring battle.  The support that Jen and I receive is a great source of strength to us. It helps to rally us as a family to do whatever is needed to secure a decisive victory! 

To quote someone “Life may not be the party we hoped for, but while we are here we might as well dance.”

Cooking Competition - Jen says I am Missing It!‏

Jen wanted me to let everyone know that I am away from a computer till Monday (10/11/10).  She has been moving a "slow" but is otherwise fine.  Jen is looking forward to Katie coming home for the long weekend.

Some entries to the cooking contest are:

- Erin M. from Jens work sent in beef kabobs, mashed potato and broccoli.  A nice filling meal!
- Elaine C. from the neighborhood sent in pulled pork,Beef Brisket (Editors note: I was away and take no responsiblity here what so ever for this error)  mashed potato and corn bread.  Now I see why her husband runs all the time...  He is eating like a king!!

- Lisa B. and old neighbor submitted spicy meatballs.  She wants in on the contest with these.  I have not had them as I was away but Jen says they are very tasty.  She froze a few for me so Lisa, you may have a chance!

- Margaret D. from Jen's work come in with stuffed shells and stew.  I do not have cardinal knowledge of how they tasted as Al scarfed them down. Jen fought him off and was able to get two.  She confirms that they were delicious.

To all. many thanks for your help a support!

This Past Weekend - Round II, Week II Continues

The chemo is definitely kicking in, making Jenny tired at times. This past weekend she was good one moment, then down the next. But all in all, this has been a much better round than the last one (RI WII.) Tuesday starts Round II, Week III – the week off from chemo where Jenny feels better just about every day.  She is looking forward to a good upcoming weekend.  Katie will be home for the holiday and Jen is looking forward to seeing her.

This past Friday afternoon, Jenny’s friend from work, Sue, brought a very thoughtful basket from the teachers at Barley Sheaf.  This is where Katie and Alan went to Elementary School and Jen (besides doing the homeroom Mom stuff there) did some substitute teaching.  Jen was overwhelmingly touched by the thoughtfulness of the staff there. (I need to point out that our anti-terrorist protocols discovered an undercover Sock Attack force hidden within this gift.  As it turns out, this was a sleeper cell that was activated prior to the sock treaty.  Once they met with the sock High Command, they peacefully stood down and took their place in the sock drawer.)

We made it out to LI late Saturday morning.  Friday night was a “down” night for Jen.  The treatment from Thursday was kicking in and she did not feel very well.  This gave me an opportunity to spend some time with the boy’s playing cards!  It turned out to be a late night for me.  So, when Jenny tried to get me up and going at 6:00 am (yes 6:00 on a Saturday morning) she had no luck what so ever,

We got out to the summer house around 2. First thing we did was hop in the boat to cruise the bay and see the Whitebread race.  But we got as far as the KP sandbar and the engine conked out.  In short, the water was not circulating through the engine so it over heated at high speeds.  We were able to get back to the dock. 

As background, the Whitebread is an annual event that Jenny has participated in for many years… when she was younger is was the “King of the Bays” race.  She wanted to see the start of the race (8:00 am) but that just did not happen.  Now she couldn’t get out too see the race’s finish.  Jenny was just about in tears.  Of course this is now frustrating living daylight out of me.  I knew how important it was to her.  I wanted to motor out to the race at low speed, watch the race and return but this would have been Stupid with a capital “S”

Fortunately, our friends the Millers and the Goellers came to our rescue.  They pick us up at the Galley Ho dock and we made it to the race’s finish.  Jenny was able to get a bunch of pictures.   Afterward, we spent some time hang out off Wickham’s beach for a few hours with some friends and their boats.

Afterward we went to the Whitebread party.  Although we had a good day, Jenny started to get tired so we left far earlier than usual. 

The amount of support that Jen received over the weekend was overwhelming. She enjoyed seeing everyone.  The same for me on both accounts. I truly appreciated everyone’s support!  Jenny knows that if prayers and good thoughts can cure a disease, she’s cured!   Jenny appreciates all the well wishes on e-mails, phone calls, Facebook, and cards in the mail. This gives Jenny something to look forward to at all points of the day so please keep it up!  Again, Jenny and I thank you all for your support!

Round II Set II

Editors Note:  I wanted to post this on Friday 10/01/2010 but did not get a chance.

Thursday 09/30, we went to MSK Basking Ridge for Jen’s white blood cell infusion shot.

-        Drive Time -> 25 Minutes

-        Wait Time -> 60 Minutes

-        Actual Time Getting the shot -> less than 5 Minutes

-        Time spent in Best Buys looking at TV’s -> 120 minutes

-        Cost -> $299.99 for the TV.

No sure, but it may have been cheaper to go into MSK NYC…….

We hope to get to Long Island for the Whitebread race this past weekend.  It would be our last Harrah for this season.  I need to clean the boat out and decommission it for the year.  I expect that this may be a little easier than usual.  Normally, Jen insists on clearing it out top to bottom so it does not get moldy over the winter.  This involves some heavy duty cleaners.  Not good for Jen.  And even after doing so, it sits all winter and in the spring it is …….  You guessed it… Dirty and Moldy requiring it to again to be cleaned with heavy duty cleaners.  So I think we will skip the fall cleaning.

We were hoping to leave on Friday 10/01 early this afternoon, but due to flooding and a rough night of sleep for Jenny last night, it will be later in day.

Jen is looking forward to getting our on the boat and taking pictures at the start and finish of the Whitebread race (prefer multigrain myself).   She is also hopes to get to the Whitebread party.  With a low immune system, she needs to sit in a well ventilated area and keep some distance from people.

Many thanks to our neighbor Elaine.  She made some real good Banana muffins.  The timing was perfect.  Jenny’s stomach was upset and the muffins settle it right down.  Jenny’s co-worker Pat dropped off lasagna and Beef barley soup. Alan woofed down the lasagna so it must have been good.  The soup was delicious.  Jenny also found it to be nutritious and soothing to have the day or two after chemo

Jenny appreciates all the well wishes on e-mails, phone calls, Facebook, and cards in the mail. This gives Jenny something to look forward to at all points of the day so please keep it up!  And again, Jenny and I thank you all for your support!

Round II Set II

As you know, Jen went into MSK in NYC today for round II set II of her treatment.  Although she is not done yet, she called me to deliver some good news.  Her blood count numbers are up across the board.  Specifically her white cell count is around 2.1 and her red cell count is 7.0+.  This is a very positive improvement from several weeks back!  It is very likely that she will not have the drastic ill effects that she had the last time. 

Additionally, she may not have to go back into MSK NYC until sometime the week of 10/12/10.  She may be able to do her follow up work at the MSK Basking Ridge location as it is routine monitoring and various not chemo medications for the next few weeks.

The MSK staff seems to feel that she is doing very well.  One small disappointment is that Jenny broke a tooth.  (I have no clue how this could happen.  The hardest thing Jen has eaten is a hardboiled egg.  But hey, most Englishmen/women have terrible teeth.)  The doctors have told her that she cannot have this fix until after she is done with her treatment.

So this was some good news that I wanted to get out there.  Keep those prayers and positive thoughts coming because it is working!!

A Good Weekend

We had a pretty quite weekend.  Jenny and I busied ourselves around the house.  Jenny worked primarily inside the house.  I worked mostly on the outside.  Jenny and I did spend some time working on the gardens.  Jenny’s stamina is limited.  So she tends to work in a series of spurts. 

We did spend some time at the neighborhood progressive dinner.  For those of you outside the neighborhood, this is a traveling party of sorts were a bunch of us go from house to house.  Each house provides cocktails and specialty dish(s) revolving around a theme.  Not every house needs to host a dish.  The hosting houses changes around so all get a chance.  Jenny left early as she got tired. When doing so, she did not tell me!  She left me at the first house!  I had no choice but to get a little drunk and drive my dad’s mule (ATV) all around the neighborhood.  That will teach her!

Jenny has round II set II of her chemo this Tuesday.  Alan will be taking her in to MSK for her treatment.  I must say that he is doing a nice job of helping us out and keeping things calm. I am hopeful that Jen will not have the problems she had with round I set II.  I think not.  Jenny is much stronger going into this round then she was when she first started treatment.  That’s my girl!  She is kicking this cancers ass!  I am optimistic that we will have a great holiday season and that we will have a lot to be thankful for.

Our neighbor Sue W sent a dinner entry in last night.  Lasagna and crescent rolls.  I was able to get some of it before my son inhaled it!  It was delicious.  She also subdivided a portion for easy freezing.  An extra effort that the judges have taken notice of.  This competition is in a dead heat.  I do not believe that judges will be able to easily determine a winner.

Again I thank all of you for your kindness.

Good News / Bad News

The chemo seems to be doing its job!  This is a good news, bad news scenario.  The good news is, well, it is doing its job.  The bad news is Jenny is starting to not feel so good.  The chemo makes her nauseous and tired.  Fortunately she went into this second round quite a bit stronger than she did the first round.  This coupled with a better understanding by both of us as to what we can expect, seems to be lessening the confusion and apprehension on both our parts.

This entire process is kind of like having kids.  When you have your first kid, every little cough, squirm, bump, bruise or thing that happens to them makes you nervous.  By the time you get to your second kid and beyond, well hell, they come home looking like they were chasing raccoons through a third world country and you do not give it a second thought once you confirm that the blood on them is not their own.

Well, it is a similar situation.  Now that we have seen what has happened, we are not so worried.

Not to beat a dead horse, I have been asked about the situation regarding the sock attack.  For those who are interested we seem to have come to a truce of sorts. 

1.     It seems that some socks are monogamous while others are polyamorous (as long as in the same ethnic background). As such, the socks do not want to be mis-paired.  Say cotton with polyester or with a different color (brown with white).  Jenny and I agreed to this condition.

2.     The socks do not want to be sacrificed to the king and queen (washer and dryer).  It seems they are confused as to why some go into the washer and dryer never to be seen again.  We explained that no sock is being sacrificed but rather have slipped away to the “land of the lost socks”.  We promised to try and reduce those that are lost to the land of the lost socks by washing them in netted bags.

They have all now peacefully assembled in a happy place.

I for one am glad that we have worked out this truce.  I am more concerned with the growing threat presented by the kamikaze stink bugs that are now treating our entire existence.  They are everywhere!  Even in the sock drawer!  I suspect the socks feel the same way… the old “the enemy of my enemy is my friend” thing.  Hence the truce!

Hope all is well with all of you.  Please take care of yourselves.

Jen is doing well -> More Good Eats‏

Yesterday Jenny sent me the e-mail below:

From: marinojen@hotmail.com
Subject: More Good Eats
Date: Wed, 22 Sep 2010 21:38:52 -0400

Dom -

Yesterday, I went into school briefly to deliver some "goods." I came out with a plate of delicious chocolate chip cookies cooked by Danielle Rynearson. How she cooked them so fast, I can't even guess. But, if that's the way it works, I'll have to visit work more often.

Today Sue Dunnigan brought over some delicious soup. It's going to be gone by the time you get home Dom, sorry. Along with it came 2 quiches (great, now when I only want eggs, I can eat those instead of my lousy omelets that I have to clean up after too.

How supportive everyone at work has been. I've received many kind cards and e-mails.

I miss work.

- Jen

Clearly Jen is feeling much better.  I attribute part of this to the Chemo therapy she is getting.  But I believe that the greater affect is coming from the positive force that is being direct toward her from all of you!  I know that it seems silly to say, but it has been my experience that there are multiple parts to any situation.  Everyone pays attention to the “sizzle” (in this case the Chemo) when it is the meat (your positive energy) that really makes a difference.  Do not get me wrong, a steak is made up of both sizzle and meat!  That is what makes it good!  So in short, everybody please keep up the good work!!  You are our Dream Team.

A couple of items have been brought to my attention.  First I want everyone to know that there is no “requirement” to enter the cooking contest.  Everything that everyone has done is a big help.  The “contest” is my way of putting some fun into an otherwise unpleasant situation.  And I think it works!  Today and old friend from the neighborhood stopped in to see Jen.  I have not seen her in years.  She had joked that the contest was out of her “league”.  Nonsense I told her.  It is all in fun.

Secondly some of you have expressed disappoint when I fail to post for a day or two.  This occurs because I have no news on Jenny (verse other things) to report.  I appreciate you all reading and enjoying my b*llsh*t but I do not want to bore you either.  I will do my best to keep you all up to date while at the same time keeping those darn socks in line.  Damn things are looking to form a union!  How obscured is that!

Please take care of each other as you have been taking care of Jen and me.

Jenny Speaks!

Here is a post that Jenny sent for me to put on the blog.  A straight Copy/Past so do not complain to me about the typos!


Al and I got home around midnight last night after starting Round 2 (Treatment #1) of chemo - the heavy hitter (Etoposide IV, Doxorubicin IV, and Cytoxan IV). All my numbers were good - hemoglobin up up 10! At least I'm starting this round without the coughing fits and chest pain.

Al helped me sort out all the pills last night so we knew what we were doing this morning. We counted (per day) 20 chemo pills (4 Procarbazine, and 16 ETOPOSIDE IV (horse pills). On top of that 1 Protonix (anti-reflux), 2 Prednisone (70 mg worth of steroids), 2 Acyclovir (antibiotic), 1 Emend (for nausneuos, which they did re-fill last night at the hospital), 2 teaspoons or Mepron (anti-pneumonia), 2 colace (more if I would like), and 2 additional types of anti-nausousa medication - neither that seem to help (Ondansentron and Prohlorperazine).

I figure if I take all the pills, put them in an old popcorn bag, sit in front of a movie, and eat those pretending I'm eating a bag of popcorn, I can get them all down in 1 1/2 hours (OK, the way I snack, before the previews are even over). And the butter coating would just make them go down a little easier. Think it will work?  :) :)

Got up this morning at 6 to take the anti-reflux and went back to sleep until 7:30 (procrastination), when I took the Emend and am waiting for it to kick in before starting my meds. At least I'm done with the Etoposides tomorrow!

Next Round of Treatment

Today Jenny went into MSK for what she thought was the final set of treatment in her first round of Chemo therapy.  Unfortunately this is not the case.  As it turns out, today she starts her second round of treatment.  So, in summary she is getting:

            Week 1  Heavy Chemo
            Week 2  Regular Chemo
            Week 3  No Chemo

Jenny is there right now with Alan who is being a big help to Jen and I by filling in the gaps.  So, my understanding may not be completely accurate.

I said unfortunate above as Jenny was expecting to have light to moderate side effects from this week’s treatment.  This is not probable.  It is more than likely that she will be in a very unpleasant way.  I look at it a different way.  To me, she is a little further along in killing this terrible thing that has for some reason attacked her.

I will stop here as I really do not have much more information at this time.  Additionally, I am in a bit of a funk and somewhat conflicted.  I do need to point three things before I post.

1.     Thanks to all of you who have made your way into MSK to donate blood.  There have been quite a few of you and it is greatly appreciated!!

2.     The cooking contest had an outside entry from my good friends Mike and Maria.  Lasagna with a side of broccoli, fresh Italian bread, Pellegrino water and pastry desserts.  Very good!  Just like mom made….  Or was that my grandma?   All very confusing.

3.     Jimmy F, regardless of your comment, you are just jealous as even with my hair cut short, there is more total hair on my head then on yours!  Get use to it!

Thank you all for helping us through this hard time.  We know that you are doing whatever you can for us.

How’s It Going

I am happy to report that Jenny is feeling much better.  She is looking good and has more energy.  With the exception of the attack of the socks this weekend up in the bedroom, all else seems to be under control!  The socks were planning this attach over the last several years.  Saturday morning they decide now was the time to strike! They sprang in full force from draws, cabinets and all sorts of places and confronted my wife!  But even in her weaken state, Jenny over came the odds.  I am pleases to say that all socks have been dealt with!  Either they were matched with a partner or discarded never to bother us again.  But I suspect that even now they are gathering forces and planning their next attack in ten years or so from now. 

It was great to have so many friends stop in over the weekend.  We enjoy every visitor we get.  Some of Jen’s school colleagues stopped in on Friday.  Various neighbors dropped in throughout the weekend.  My Mom, Dad and Aunt Adrian drove down from NY to see how we were doing. With them came all sorts of odd and ends like air purifiers and food… Some home made, some store bought.   (Do not worry, my Mom wants no part of the local cooking contest)

It was nice to be home and enjoy the great weather.  Although Jenny’s stomach is still a little touchy at night, she seems to be sleeping well.  We have done a little getting out and about.  Jenny has been organizing to make things easier for both of us.  Jen’s cough is pretty much gone!  I take this as a sign that her treatments are working.  I secretly hope that this cancer goes away as quickly as it came.  Jen goes into MSK on Tuesday to start the final (3rd) round of this first set of treatment.  We are now a little more prepared knowing what to expect.  This does not however eliminate the dread we both feel in having to start the next round of treatment.  For Jen’s part, how lousy she will feel.  For my part, how helpless…..  But we both must keep focused on the end game!

The heat on the cooking contest has been turned up with the submission of chili stew from our neighbor Jen S and meatballs from Angela.  Both were terrific.  Not sure how all their husbands stay so fit!  Last night Jodi and Tom dropped off a pork roast with rosemary and all the fixings’!  Man, it was good.  All the food that has been brought by has been quite good!

Jenny and I thank you all for keeping us in your prayers.  Please be sure to enjoy each other when times are bad, as well as when times are good!