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!

The Hair Cut

Yesterday Jenny and I were out and about and I said "let's go get this hair of mine cut off".  Jen was not too big on the idea and said it was not necessary.  I think we were both torn.  Jen because she was not sure how it would look but yet, she liked the idea that I was doing something for her to show my commitment.  Me because….  Well heck, it’s my hair!

So, we compromised on a #3 clipper setting.   Here are the results.  A Mohawk! 

No, that was mid-way….  Here is the final cut!

So now that is done and over with.  I feel like I am back in grade school.  Back then my mom use to cut my hair.  And this is what it looked like.  No wonder I was picked on as a kid.  The mental anguish is still with me today…..  Just kidding mom!

Also I went shopping at Shoprite yesterday.  I do not think this is any big deal.  But when I got home, I was “boasting” to Jen about the money I “saved” and the sales that were going on.  Jen’s friend Tommy Lou was there and she found this to be quite funny.  Both of them said I should write this in my blog.  So here it is.

Thank you for taking the time and showing interest / concern for Jenny. Jenny and I hope you and your families are well. 

Some Good News - Jenny Comes Home!

I got a call from Jenny yesterday around 12:30.  Her blood counts improved enough that she was released from MSK!  So I shot into NYC to pick her up.

It was somewhat of a pain to get into NYC as the US open was in town.  But it could have been worse.  When I arrived, Jenny was pretty much ready to go.  Our niece Brooke came in by bus to visit with Jenny and had helped her pack up her stuff.  There was some delay in waiting for her to be discharged by the hospital staff.  But this delay worked to our advantage.  When Dr. Moskowitz learned that Jenny was being discharged he came down to see her.  This eliminated the need for us to run back in today for her weekly Tuesday visit.

Once home, Jen settled into the house.  She seemed pleased with the condition that Alan and I have tried to keep it in.  Much thanks to Gloria, Debbie and others who have come over and put a “woman’s” touch on it.  After all, Alan and I are pretty basic….

Jenny’s hair has started to fall out at a rapid rate.  Brooke cut it back yesterday which helps minimize the effect.  But it is only a matter of time now…… for her and me!  Saying I will cut my hair and doing it is two different things…..  Oh boy… MAMMA.

Last night we had another entry to the cooking contest by our neighbor Sue!  A Chinese dish which was quite good!  It is amazing to me the hidden talent that is hiding out in my neighborhood!  Gordon Ramsey (Hell’s Kitchen) watch your back!

All kidding aside, Jenny and I thank you all for your prayers and support!

Saturday Night

Last night I drove into see Jenny. Gloria and Debbie came along. We got there around 8:00 and spent about 2 hours. Let me tell you, it is not true that the city never sleeps! Some parts do! I spent a good 45 minutes looking for a store to pick up a few items for Jenny. I found one up on 2nd and 68th. This is two long blocks from MSK (uphill both ways!)


Jenny looked great! Better than she has looked for a few weeks now. She seemed more relaxed. Her white cell count is expected to increase at a quicker pace. Hopefully this is the case. As a reminder, these are the body’s defense cells which fight off infections. The red cells supply oxygen. (I vaguely remember something about this in school….)

I do think she is getting a little itchy to get out of there and back home. She is allowed outside so she took a walk with her IV unit which she calls “Hazel” has it goes with her everywhere just like our dog! She even bought a nice hot pretzel on the corner of $1.25. Somewhat of a No-no for her condition.

We brought Jenny the mail she has been receiving at home. She has enjoyed all the cards and gifts people have sent. She truly appreciates it! We left there around 10:00 and got home in the vicinity of 11:30.

Unfortunately, this morning when I spoke with Jen, she told me she did not have a good night. She was up half the night and her throat was sore and she just felt awful. Later in the day she was told that her red blood count had dropped a little. I speculate that she will be there at least through Tuesday when she gets her third round of chemo in this cycle. Additionally her hair is starting to fall out in clumps. I am scheduled to have a hair cut tomorrow. So, I guess I have to be true to my word and get “balded”! Admittedly, I am having second thoughts….

On to the last night’s dinner results. Marlene brought over beef stroganoff with brownies and carrot squares for dessert. Outstanding! The competition is heavy. All competitors are truly professionals. The judges are having a tough time deciding!

Thank you all for thinking of Jenny and me.

Some Improvement

There has been a slight improvement in Jenny's condition! Her white cell count doubled from 0.1 to 0.2. A few more of those and she can come home when it reaches 1.0. Jenny and I speculate that she will need to remain in MSK until after Tuesday which is her third intravenous chemo push. Hopefully she can handle that better and come home. I do miss having her here....


I have not seen Jenny since this past Tuesday when I brought her to the MSK urgent care unit. I have had to get some work done and it was just not practical. I had originally planned on going into NYC today and spend some time with her. Unfortunately I had not realized that today is 09/11 and there was a lot of activity going on downtown. Not to be a wuss about it, I just did not want to deal with the traffic. So I will be heading in latter today around 6:00.

On a lesser note but equally as important, our friend and neighbor Debbie, dropped off ravioli for dinner last night. The ravioli was cooked and spread in a deep dish pan with sauce and cheese. Similar to a Ziti. It was terrific! Somewhere in that gal's genetics there is some Italian. The cooking competition here in Flemington is fierce! But Alan and I do not mind trying to judge. Especially Alan who is an eating machine!

Thanks to all our family and friends. We can feel your prayers and well wishes!

A Message From MSK - JENNIFER MARINO Needs Blood & Platelets

Many of you have specifically asked about donating blood for Jenny.  Below is the information to do so.  I thank you all for helping in our time of need.

JENNIFER MARINO Needs Blood & Platelets

Jennifer is currently a patient at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center in New York City. Her treatment for Hodgkin’s lymphoma requires regular blood and platelet transfusions.

Jennifer, husband Dom and her family would deeply appreciate your donation of blood and/or platelets and requests you ask others you know to donate. Donations not used by Jennifer will be released for use by other patients many of whom are children.
To benefit Jennifer all designated donations must be made in the Blood Donor Room of Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center

Please visit www.mskcc.org/blooddonations for complete information about donor eligibility and the donation process for blood or platelets.
For answers to questions and to schedule an appointment that is convenient for you please Contact:

Mary Thomas - 212-639-3335
Donor Relations Specialist
thomasfm@mskcc.org


The Blood Donor Room – 212-639-7648
1250 First Avenue (between 67th/68th Streets) NYC - Schwartz Building lobby
Open Every Day
Fri Sat Sun Mon 8:30am - 3:00pm
Tues Wed Th 8:30am - 7:00pm

The process for donating whole blood takes approximately1hour

The process for donating platelets takes about 2 ½ hours
Appointments are necessary- All blood types are acceptable

FREE Donor Parking

Somerset Parking Garage, 1365 York Avenue

Entrance on 72nd Street, N.W.corner

Jen's Telephone # and Mailing Address @ MSK

Room M1222A

Room # 212 639 4356

Address:

Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center

1275 York Avenue – P.O .Box #48
New York, New York 10065

Day 8 - More and Less

To continue with yesterdays event, all should know that this drop in white and red blood cells was not unexpected.  This is a side affect of Jenny's treatment. The doctors were hoping to avoid this situation or at least delay it,  Unfortunately because of other medical issues that Jenny has, she had start treatment with a low white and red blood count.

In speaking with Jen today, I can tell you all the she is feeling much better.  "How do you know that?" you might say.  This was very easy for me to ascertain.  Rest assured, she is feeling better!

Jen is expected to be in the hospital for another day or two.  She can have visitors but she is in a "clean" room.  All those who enter must disinfect their hands and wear masks before entering.  Anyone who thinks they may be sick are not allowed on the floor. (sick in the body not in the mind).  As it turns out, Bonnie was heading into NYC on Thursday 09/09.  She will be stopping in to see Jen and bring her some stuff.  Alan and I both seem to show some cold/flu symptoms which I believe are allergies.  But discretion is the better course of action here.  Additionally I need to head to York PA and get some work done.

On the lesser side but very important to Alan and myself....  yesterday our neighbor Gloria brought over dinner.  It was meatloaf with sauteed spinach and potatoes mixed with butternut squash. Excellent!  Gordan Ramsey eat you heart out!  Secretly I am hoping that this will spark a friendly "who is the best chief" competition amongst our friends... (did I say that out loud... Oh my!)

I thank you all for your well wishes.  Jenny and I can both feel us in your thoughts and prayers.

Day 8 - Not An Easy Day

Yesterday was Day 8 of Jenny's treatment.  She went into MSK for her Chemo "push".  While there she received one unit of a blood transfusion.

She went in with here friend Bonnie.   This gave me some time at home to catch up.  As I have said, Jen and I feel that it makes more sense for me to stay home on these days if possible.  I had a busy day doing things like:
- Getting the insurance on Katie's accident going
- Getting the TV Cable fixed
- Clean more of the bedroom up
- Arrange for a rent a car and getting KT back to school
- Laundry / cleaning / shopping etc.
Nothing really hard but time consuming.

Jenny and Bonnie got home around 11:30pm.  Jenny very quickly started to feel terrible.  High fever (101.7), chills, shakes, vomiting, light headiness.  Called MSK and they advise to get her back in ASAP.

So I got her into the car (not easy as there was a lot of "..get this...  bring that... I need this..).  Finally I told her to get her butt in the car NOW.  And off to MSK we went.  Bonnie offered to come along but we told her she did enough and to go home.  We would call her.

Made MSK in record time... under 75 minutes.  Went through the Holland because of a brain fart but this worked out well as I shot up the FDR drive.  (note: went right past the WTC site.  First time there for me since 09/11.  Another story for another day).

Get to MSK and parked right in front of the main door!  Whisked her out and up to the "Urgent Care Unit".  Once Jen was there and stabilized I went down to move the car.  After parking on the street, I called Bonnie to update her.  As I am doing so, I see her drive past me!  She decide to drive in anyway to make sure Jen was OK!  One wild women!  So upstairs to Jenny Bonnie and I went.

After about 4 hours of nurses and doctors and test, we learned that Jenny's red blood count dropped down to 0.1.  In a healthy person this is usually around 4.0.  For patients on Chemo, they like to have a count of 1.0.  Jen's white blood count was also way down there.  I do not recall the figures.  Leave it to say that this was a very very bad situation and a very close call.  Fortunately she was stabilized and then admitted.  Once Bonnie and I were satisfied, we left.  I got home around 5:45 in the morning.  I am sure Bonnie got home latter.

There is more to this story after the fact.  But for now please know that Jen will be in MSK for at least 2 days.  Once I collect my thoughts I will blog it in.  One last thing, please pray for Jenny.

Our Anniversery

Yesterday was our anniversary.  We thank all of you that knew this and sent well wishes!

Under the circumstance, we did not go out to eat but rather ordered in.  This was nice as it was less work all the way around.  Although it is nice to have our kids around, the mess that is being generated by all has grown.  But I just try to keep at it.

We had a pretty uneventful day.  Stayed home and busied ourselves around the house.  A few people stopped in to spend time with us.... well mostly Jen!  She enjoys having people come by.

We did rearrange the bedroom making it more accessible to Jen.  We moved the bed so it is now closer to the bathroom and she has a better view of the TV.  This may not sound like a big deal but it was.  We have some large bedroom furniture.  Specifically two piers on either side of the bed with a "bridge" that goes over the bed connecting the two.  Mirrors fill in the spot directly behind the bed.  This and the dresser where wedding presents from my parents.  Fortunately we had help from Katie, her boyfriend Dan and Alex Jr our neighbor in moving this stuff and cleaing the room.  (a lot to clean behind this stuff!)

Today is Day 8 on Jen's schedule.  She will be heading into MSK.  Katie had an accident with the car on Friday heading home from college.  She was hit in the rear and her car is not drivable.  We could not do anything about this over the holiday weekend.  So Jenny's friend Bonnie will be taking her in to MSK.  This will give me the time to get things worked out here regarding Katie's accident and returning order to the homestead.

Thank you all for keeping us in your prayers.

The Wig - Lets Clarify

My wife tells me that I may have insulted a few of her friends with my wig comments.  For this I apologize.  I am truly sorry.  In my defense, when I saw the wig that was sent as a pic to my cell phone, well it looked like Aunt Bee from Mayberry!

Today I went down with Jen to look at the wig in person.  Much to my relief it nothing like that.  It is quite nice and fits my wife's style very well.

So I hope this clears up this mistake and I thank all the ladies who helped Jen pick the wig out.

P.S.  There was no underling content regarding "their taste is all in their mouth's".  It is simply an express I picked up year ago.

Long Day

Yesterday was a very long day.  Jenny and I got out of MSK at 9:45.  We did not get to bed until 12:45am.  

Jen has to take 30 or so pills a day.  It is going to take some time to get in the swing of things.

Fortunately, many of Jen's friends of expertise in this type of challenge and have stepped in to help out!

Speaking on helping out, some of them took Jenny wig shopping....  Based on the pics I saw of Jen in wigs, their tastes are all in their mouths!  Yuck!  Oh well not my style but as long as she is happy.

Again, Jen and I thank all of you for your supported.