It's a Holly Jolly Christmas!

And the best time of the year...ehh hem...done in my very best Santa voice. Ok done with the cheese! :-)

Hi everyone! It's sure been a minute since we've written - normally when that happens things seem to be going well so I guess it's a good thing!?

My Dad overall continues to progress positively! The spacing of his check ups down south is getting further and further apart because he is not needing blood products near as often or constant monitoring.  He still has intense pain which he is on medication for and his hemoglobin isn't quite where they want it to be, but those are both still normal side effects at this point in his recovery.  He has good days and not so good days, but overall is his slowly getting back into the swing of things!  I am still told constantly (as are my parents and sister) that people are thinking and praying for my dad, which is the best Christmas present we could ask for - along with his continued remission of course.

Please keep up those prayers! God hears us all.  Thank you so much!!

Below are some festive pictures from the Bill Ray Tile, Pro Tile West, and the Fresno Bill Ray Tile store/family and friends Christmas party that was held at the Stars Theatre.  Fun times!!

A Visit with Santa

Seriously?!! SOOO CUTE! 

I seriously don't think anything has made me smile as big as this picture did in quite some time. My mom and dad went strolling through the mall the other day - unbelievable.  They went shopping for some new clothes and couldn't pass up a visit with the man himself.  My dad has a beautiful, genuine smile on his face and looks AMAZING! When he was in the hospital, they always start by asking name and DOB before they administered anything, even in his most critical states he would tell them "George Clooney".  Well Dad, I think you do resemble George!! :-) 

Things over the past week have been slowly getting better.  Dad went to City of Hope on Monday and yesterday, and needed no transfusions, numbers are climbing back up.  He doesn't have to go back for two weeks!! 

Now this is the way to start a weekend!! Ya hoo!!

So much to be thankful for!

Hey everyone!  Hope your Thanksgivings were happy and filled with family and joy.  I am happy to report that Dad has had two days in a row of feeling "pretty good" he says, which is rare. Brooklynn made her Papa a grateful tree, and wrote on each of the leaves qualities about him that she is thankful for. He loved it!

His appointment on Wednesday went well, he didn't need any blood products.  On Monday the 24th his white count actually dropped to .9 from 2.0...which we weren't expecting it to but it's a good thing that it is, it will just take a bit longer to recover.   He doesn't need to go back today and will go back Monday Dec 1st.

In the midst of how surreal this whole journey still seems, we stop and are reminded constantly how grateful we are for the blessings and miracles that he has been granted through it all. We are so thankful to people all over the country literally who are praying for him continually - we know it is working!!

Thank you so so much!!

Last week's happenings

Hello All!

An update to let you know that Dad is hanging in there and trying to remain as positive as possible.  He hasn't felt very well all week, lots of nausea and aching all over.  He made three trips last week to City of Hope - didn't need blood but needed platelets on Friday.  His white count is climbing already (above 2.0) and didn't get down as low as we are used to it dropping, primarily because he didn't receive his last three scheduled chemo doses at the prescribed strength while in the hospital.  His care team says he is NOT at any higher risk for it coming back because he didn't finish accordingly, which is great news.  We have a wonderful case manager who has been following Dad's case from the very beginning and has built a very genuine and caring relationship with my mom through this....in very simple terms, she explained that these rounds are equivalent to an insurance policy for dad, rather than 150% percent insured he is more like 120% insured.  She reminded us that the important thing to remember is that the cancer has not come back in between rounds, to which we are so grateful to God.

The next steps remain to be seen - dad will finish traveling to City of Hope every other day in about 2 weeks and at that time the doctors will instruct my parents what to expect in the coming months and what the care plan consists of.

I also wanted to share some "feel goods" with you that really touched my dad's heart this week.  Number one, a video shot by a concert goer of Garth Brooks - he spotted a cancer patient in his crowd and what he did and said to his entire audience is moving - please watch, worth the two or three minutes!

http://youtu.be/AsPjyDtr3C8

Additionally, my cousin who is a fifth grade teacher out of the blue received the following from one of his students.  She wasn't asked to make anything for my dad, she doesn't even know my dad, but apparently he was on her heart.  So incredibly touching!

Cover Page of the Card

Inner left of card

Inner Right of Card

Thanks again for reading everyone and for your love and prayers.

Homeward Bound

Hello all! It has been 8 days in the hospital for dad's fourth chemo round, and he is very ready to be discharged...which he will this afternoon.   He took three doses of chemo out of the scheduled six,  as you read from our last post. The doctors say that the amount he did receive should still fully take the bone marrow all the way down, which is the goal so he can begin producing new, clean and cancer free blood cells.

After the chemo was stopped his neuro effects subsided and his 103 constant fever finally broke.  He has spent the weekend recouping and getting strong enough to walk and get around so they can go home.

He and my mom will now for 2 or 3 weeks be driving back every other day for check ups and blood products.

We will continue to update you during his recovery period.

Thanks again for all the prayers!! Please know how appreciated each of them are.

Mid Round Road Bump

Hi everyone. Dad's crossing a road bump right now. He is three doses in out of six, and he has developed neuro side effects so any further chemo at this point is halted. Please continue to pray for my dad and my mom, who are out of town away from family when I'm sure it would be nice for them to have some around right now.  His body is tired but he continues to fight. As of now, we aren't sure if he will get more chemo or not. He had a CT scan of the brain which came back clear. He has had a high fever that will not break. They are trying different medicines, cooling methods, and have even gotten out a water/cooling mattress to help. We will know more tomorrow and will keep you updated.

Jen and Nicole

Push for Prayer

The power duo

Hey guys! It's been a little bit since we have updated the blog- we were on overload with our Light the Night event.  Let me first start by saying bless you all and thank you so incredibly much for supporting this event - whether it was monetarily, physically coming out and walking with us, helping coordinate everything, or one or all of the above....your support was overwhelming, felt, and so incredibly appreciated.  We thought we could maybe raise $5,000 total - turned out we raised nearly $18,000 for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society via this event! Unbelievable.  More importantly, my dad got to see for his own eyes all of the support he has behind him; his spirits were boosted and he now has more ammunition to keep fighting the fight.  We were there to celebrate him, his strength and his survival, and I'm proud to say that was done successfully!  Below are some photos - big group team photo coming soon!

Today, mom and dad headed back down south to City of Hope for the fourth round of inpatient chemotherapy treatment.  As you know from reading this blog or from your own experiences with this type of disease, the inpatient part (well, none of it for that matter) is no walk in the park - in fact its pretty much hell.  As anyone would be, they are both nervous and scared but they both have an admirable calm about it all and trust God to get dad through it.  It is my request that we all pray that dad's round goes as planned, his recovery is the best that it can be, and most critically that he STAYS in remission after this round.

We will keep you posted on his status.  He should be down there for about 7-8 days, then will be discharged but will go through the entire process again, for the fourth time - bone marrow gets down to nearly 0, neutropenic state, blood and platelet transfusions, organ monitoring, etc.

Thanks again everyone for your positive thoughts, prayers, and well wishes for my dad.  It has carried him so far and will continue to!!

XOXO, Jen and Nic

Dad holding his survivor lantern 

My awesome family. 

Dad and Papa Bill

My dream team, Sis and Dylan

Cousins Katie and Kristy

Dad and Gran

Dad's team of walkers

All of the survivors recognized from the podium

Marcus with some of the kiddos

Happy Weekend!!

I'll keep it short and sweet.
Dad's feeling good.
He's looking good.
He's doing 'normal' things, like watching two soccer games on Saturday.
God is soooooo Good.
We are Thankful.

Nicole and Jenny

P.S.-Light the Night walk is in ONE week.  We are looking forward to this event and are thrilled dad will be up for it too! Visit our page if you are interested in donating.  Contact Jenny or I if interested in walking with us.
http://pages.lightthenight.org/cca/Bakersfd14/TeamBill

Almost done with the third round!

Hello Everyone!

I'm very happy to report that things right now seem to be getting better for dad daily, thank God.  He still hasn't caught that steady "break" that we talk about from time to time....so we are thinking maybe this might be it!? At any rate, he doesn't have to go back down south until next Monday the 27th, which will potentially be his last check in before his three week rest period.  He didn't need blood products either on Monday, and his numbers are climbing back up.  All good news! Very tired, but able to go to lunch around town and run a few errands with my mom here and there.  No longer on neutropenic status but still has to be careful around germs and potentially sick people.  He was feeling well enough and was such a good sport last night that he let my mom fill their house with all kinds of family to celebrate a joint birthday party for Nicole and Aubree (Remember? I told you it was birthday season!)

Here is a picture from the night Aubree was born two years ago.


Dad has never been a fan of hospitals - not that anyone is, but what I mean is that he typically doesn't choose to go there to wait - he would rather wait at home and come when needed.  By the fourth grand baby between Nicole and I, he was more comfortable in this setting than ever and was so proud to come, to support me, and to love on this precious baby.

Thank you all for your continued support and prayers - keep em comin!  I pray daily and thank God for everyone who is praying for my dad.  We really appreciate your thoughtfulness!!
 

Let's Dance!

Happy Monday! Let's start this week with an update...so here it goes.

First, a musical interlude.  We are excited.  Hope you get excited too! Let's dance everyone!!

Dad went to City of Hope on Friday for another check up.  He looked good and legs were a bit less swollen.  He needed both platelets and blood, so they were down south for longer than anticipated, but that must have given him energy because he was out on the town all weekend! He's feeling much better!

After this week, checking in today, Wednesday, and Friday, he should have a full three weeks off.  (fingers crossed) I know these precious weeks off fly by for dad and the anticipation of starting the next round brings a sense of uneasiness.  But he is very appreciative that he's feeling better and can enjoy the next few weeks off. He's feeling so good that he plans on walking with us at the Light the Night event!! woo-hoo!
He will be able to walk proudly as a SURVIVOR!! Go Team Bill! What an amazing victory.
We are still collecting donations in an effort to raise awareness for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.  Visit the team page if you are interested in walking and/or donating! (our donations made already have surpassed the $8,500 mark, so a big THANK YOU to all who have sent their love via donations!!!!) There's still time if you haven't visited our page yet...

http://pages.lightthenight.org/cca/Bakersfd14/TeamBill

Here's dad at the classic car show with Brooklynn and Tessa!
Love.

Lots goin on!

Hi all! Mom and Dad are continuing to travel to Los Angeles every other day to have his care team check blood levels, administer blood products, and get fully checked out to ensure he is recovering appropriately and steering clear of any complications and/or infections.  This last week he had a few very rocky days, and developed some pretty serious swelling in his legs and feet.  His doctors say this was a result of lack of protein and because his platelets had dropped so low, I am almost certain this is the lowest they’ve ever been since this process started – they were at 4,000.  Hospitals transfuse platelets at 17,000, normal platelet range is 150,000 – 400,000.  My dad is still receiving constant blood products via transfusion.  We couldn’t count the amount of times he’s been transfused if you paid us a million bucks.  GOD BLESS those of you who donate blood and/or other blood products!!! You are saving lives.  While he was there on Wednesday, they also gave him a shot to boost the buildup of his white blood cells.  This shot causes aches up and down my dad’s body, a typical side effect.  How amazing and strong is this man??  My mom and dad are traveling there again today, and are actually there as I type.

 

On a side note, our Light the Night team that is raising funds in support of the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society is ROCKING HARD!! We are THRILLED that we will get to honor my dad is this way, and we are pretty certain he will be well enough to join us out there at the Riverwalk for the festivities on November 1^st.  My sister and Dylan have facilitated fundraisers at their school and have raised over $600, from their students!! 5^th and 6^th graders guys, how cool is that! We have also received many unexpected, hugely generous gifts from people that are rooting my dad on in this fight – major contributors include Brian Batey, Stockdale Tile, and the TigerFight Foundation.  This is a family who started a nonprofit in honor of their 5 year old son, now 9, who fought hard and beat Leukemia.  They were inspired to start a nonprofit after they had such a great response of support from their first Light the Night team.  Our family and Light the Night team cannot thank all of our contributors enough!  Total raised thus far is $8,500 – our goal is $10,000! To help us get there, please visit the team site and make a contribution of any size!

http://pages.lightthenight.org/cca/Bakersfd14/TeamBill

AND! Come walk with us, it will be an experience to remember.

On a 2^nd side note, Nicole had a birthday yesterday! Happy Birthday Nicole.  Your fearless attitude and your sense of ease and poise in everything you do inspires me.  So lucky to have you as a Sis! I have always thought you were Dad’s mini me….here’s the proof!!

Thank you guys, keep those prayers coming – much appreciated!!  

SUCH generosity on this Sunday Fund-day!

Our Light the Night team has been hitting up friends and family in an effort to raise money, but more importantly, we have been raising awareness about the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.

MANY people have already started to give to our team and it has been sooooooo amazing!! I know this is truly a testament to the many people who are thinking about and praying for my dad regularly.  I know my dad was well loved in the community and having established such a successful business during his career, he has met and maintained relationships with LOTS of amazing people.  These friends are now getting texts, emails, and phone calls from us and in response, they are giving to this great event! Family members have also shown their sincerest support throughout dad's journey and for our Light the Night walk.  It truly is ONE way to show my dad, and all others who are battling against Leukemia, that he is on your heart.  Takes my breath away.  Thank you to all!
Here's our team link in case you haven't visited yet-
http://pages.lightthenight.org/cca/Bakersfd14/TeamBill

We can't thank you enough!!! Truly special shout out to Bryan Batey who is leading the way with his remarkable gift to our Light the Night team! Thank you.

Best to you all!
Nicole and Jenny

P.S.- My dad has been home recovering from his third round of chemo for the past 6 days.  He is not feeling great, very achy, sore, suffering from nausea, etc. but overall he is thrilled to be home and not in a hospital room down in L.A. We are keeping our fingers crossed that he can participate in the walk with us too!

Here he is before this last round in San Luis.

Chemotherapy Round 3 - Complete!!

Hooray! 6th dose of chemo was given and dad is done receiving! He has a LONG way to go before he is fully recuperated from this round.  He could get discharged as soon as tomorrow, however he will still need blood products, platelets, and he must stay close to the hospital and continue to be monitored for any infection.  He is weak and extremely fatigued.  His white blood cell count this morning was 1.2, which is good - at this point we want it to get as close to .1 as possible to wipe out all cells and for the marrow to start making new, healthy ones.  It will take about a full three weeks to get the marrow down to nothing, then to start building up again and feeling human once more.

As you can imagine, this takes a toll on one's inner motivation and fuel power.  My dad needs you all to put some more fuel in his tank and encourage him to keep fighting, and keep powering through.  Please take the time to wish him well, comment on this blog, comment on our facebook pages, send him a text, send my mom a text, send him an email to me and I can forward it on (jmbnight@gmail.com), anything.  Words of encouragement and prayer are the best thing for him right now.  

Thanks so much guys!

Jen and Nicole

 

Half way done with round 3

Hey all!
Well, dad is at City of Hope as I type.  He has had 3 of the 6 doses he is scheduled for this time and he is already feeling terrible as a result.  He is struggling to ward off a high fever, nausea symptoms, as well as overwhelming fatigue and loss of appetite.
Good news, he's half way done with this round!!!
Bad news, he needs prayers and encouragement to rise above the negative symptoms he's feeling.
So, send Jenny or I a cute video, a great picture, or anything inspiring to cheer him on!
Thanks for being faithful followers to my dad.  We truly appreciate you.

Nicole and Jenny

P.S.- have you visited the Light the Night team page to donate to this amazing event?? Are you making plans to join us and walk in his honor??

P.P.S.- Look at this beautiful, heartfelt card made by one of my sixth graders. Amazing. Made us all cry.

Light the Night - WE NEED YOU!

Hello All,

The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, (LLS), is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization that raises money for patient support services and ground breaking research for blood cancers.  The Light the Night Walk on November 1st is Bakersfield's night to pay tribute and bring hope to people battling cancer.  We feel strongly about getting involved with LLS to do something to help my dad and others who are fighting this intense battle and to spread the essence of HOPE.  We have a team goal of raising $5,000. We will not be successful without help from supporters like you!  Any gift, small or large, is important!! 

So, what's the call to action? 

My sister, cousin, and I have created a Light the Night team and we ask you to participate!  We ask that you contribute to our team by visiting the page below.  Please contact me for any help you may need with the website.     

http://pages.lightthenight.org/cca/Bakersfd14/TeamBill

So, what will my donation do?

·                  Offer a wide variety of community services to patients and their families

·                  Develop "targeted therapies" that kill cancer cells selectively 

·                  Test immunotherapies

·                  Improve the safety of today's cures

·                  Help patients and their families make informed decisions 

·                  Provide financial aid and co-pay assistance

·                  Encourage scientists to pursue blood cancer research

The best part is that all funds raised stay local in the Central California Chapter which services patients and their families in Bakersfield, Visalia, and Fresno.  

If interested, we also ask that you come out and walk with us at this event at the Riverwalk Park on Stockdale Highway on November 1^st at 4 pm.  We hope to have a large team of supporters walking for and with my dad.  More information on the walk itself on http://www.lightthenight.org/cca/

2 doses down

Hello Readers,

A quick update to let you know that my dad started his third round of post induction inpatient chemotherapy at City of Hope on Monday, and has completed 2 doses out of 6.  He was taking to it as well as one could until last night at about 6 pm, when he developed a high fever and nausea.  The nursing staff was able to curve the nausea via IV meds, but the fever won't seem to give.  Meds will take it down one degree but won't break it completely.  He had the same problem with fever the last round as well.  Due to this fever and neuro side effects he stopped his chemo cycle two days early last cycle.  Fever is a side effect of the chemo, but can also be a sign of infection.  Chances are at this point it is a side effect.  Please continue to keep my mom and dad in your prayers.... please please please!!

Thanks so much,

Nicole and Jenny
 

T-minus 2 days

Happy Weekend Everyone!
This past week Tessa started playing volleyball, and guess who showed up as the number 1 fan in the stands? Dad! He totally shocked me sitting there in the stands watching his oldest granddaughter play her very first game.  What a papa! I know he LOVES getting to do things like that.

I can't believe that 3 weeks have already passed and dad will be heading back to City of Hope on Monday.  He will begin his third round of treatment.  The tentative plan is for him to receive a 'lighter' chemo concoction so that he can get all 6 doses that are scheduled for this round.  Last time he got soooooo sick that they shortened the doses so that there would not be permanent brain damage. (This chemo is NO JOKE!)
Anyway, of course he is nervous and could use all the prayers, thoughts, comments, and love you can send his way!! We have appreciated all the love thus far! (and its working!!!)

Nicole and Jenny

PS- We have created a Light the Night Team for the event here in Bakersfield on Nov. 1st.  This is a great event for the Lymphoma and Leukemia Society and is an easy way to celebrate Dad's fight against leukemia thus far.  SO, get your walking shoes ready and those donations available...we are hoping to reach a goal of $5,000!! More information will be coming your way.       Thanks!

Letter from Louise

Hi All,

My mom hand wrote a message for me to post on the blog, a feel from her perspective on her life together with my dad, and this life changing diagnosis.  The first hospital stay, and all hospital stays, my mother sat next to my dad's side literally the entire time, and only left to shower.  If my mom was gone longer than an hour, my dad couldn't stop asking us when she was coming back.  Brace yourself, I'm going to get sentimental and possibly a bit cheesy - but seriously, this type of commitment is really something special.  For those of you that have taken care of a very sick person, and especially for a length of time, you know how taxing it is on the caregiver, and the need for respite.  However, my mom hasn't really taken any respite time.  She has also stepped into a new role and is very involved in dad's business transactions during this time as well.  That is one TOUGH lady.  I have included one of my dad's favorite songs by Alan Jackson about living a life with the love of your life - I remember them dancing to this song at their 25 wedding anniversary 13 years ago.  I also posted one of my favorite pictures of them, dancing their little hearts out at my cousin Dylan's wedding.  He still loves this song to this day.  Below is a letter directly from her:

I know this is about Bill's journey but Bill and I have pretty much been together on every journey since we met when we were 16 years old.  Meeting Bill changed my life.  I knew from the moment I saw Bill (wow - how handsome this guy is!) and that he was the guy for me.  We went together for 5 years and then married in a very modest ceremony.  As with everyone, we have had good times and bad, but love prevails and we were blessed with two beautiful daughters.  We also now have four wonderful granddaughters.  Bill has always worked hard and provided a great life for the girls and me.  We started in a little duplex in Oildale, and have come a long way since then.  We have been blessed but I know it was the work ethic and determination of Bill that got us where we are today.  We have been a team for 38 years now, and are facing the hardest challenge of our lives.  But I know that with all the prayers and our faith, Bill is going to get well, beat this cancer and resume living the life as the loving husband, father, Papa, son, brother, and friend that he is.  For those who have not had such a journey as this to endure, I want to let you know that it is extremely hard to see someone you love have to go through such pain and suffering.  I don't know why Bill had this burden placed upon him, but all we know to do is face it together as we have with most of life's other challenges.  I love my husband and will do anything I can for him.  He needs me now and I will do my best for him.  If some of you are wondering about what to say or do (I have been there too) I have learned through this to make your voice heard:  a card or "post" in these modern days of technology, or a phone call too would mean so much to us.  Support is such a spirit lifter and thus far has kept him going, it all helps - we truly appreciate all the prayer warriors and the love you have shown to Bill.

Thank you so much,

Louise

Update

Well, it happened again - nearly 2 weeks since an update :( Bad daughters!

The past week and a half has been hard for dad.  He is still running on a very low hemoglobin, in addition to feeling tired and exhausted in general anyway.  Dad is achy, has some pain, and is experiencing a few other dragging side effects.  When he was first discharged from City of Hope (COH), he had a hiccup with his PICC line in terms of having the dressing changed and cleaned (necessary once a week).   He has seen Dr. Nguyen since being discharged from COH, which was nice.  He is dad's local oncologist and will remain involved in his treatment plan.

According to the schedule, he is supposed to return to COH on September 22nd to begin the third round of inpatient chemotherapy, however there will probably be a visit prior to that to determine whether his body is ready.  The fine balance here is getting dad's body back to the healthiest, most stable condition as possible without allowing more than 5-6 weeks to go by before starting another round, as it is dangerous if the cancer comes back prior to the completion of all post induction rounds of chemotherapy.

Dad is trying his best to get up, get out, and live normal life while he is "off" during this rest period.  He is currently at the beach, and will stay for a few days.  It's also birthday season amongst his kids/grandkids, in fact both Nicole's, mine, and all four of the grand kids have birthdays over the next couple months. Brooklynn kicked the season off with her birthday yesterday, which made me want to pull out a sweet picture of dad and Brooklynn from the day of her birth 6 years ago.  He is an AWESOME Papa!!

Thanks for staying with us, praying, and continuing to check on this blog.  If you would like to send him a message, do it here!! Comments encouraged - always.  I have copied and pasted below the directions on posting on this blog if you are not a google account holder.  

1.  Scroll to the bottom of the post you want to comment on and enter your comment in the box provided
2.  Right under the comment box, there is a "comment as" drop down option - select the "name/URL" option.
3.  Type your name (you can leave the URL box blank) then hit continue
4. Type in the security digit code that it prompts you to type (a website security measure)
5. Hit publish

10,000 mark!

Happy labor day weekend!  This is our 50th post, and we just hit 10,000 views.  The most views received on a single post was 419, which was on dad's discharge from Mercy post back towards the end of June.....oh what a glorious day that was.  Its not about the numbers guys, my point is that this blog is flooded with supporters, people who care, who pray, who want to stay informed, which is exactly what we hoped it would be.  We feel so incredibly blessed to know that so many people are following dad and supporting him through this journey....it makes ALL the difference in the world to know that so many people are in his corner cheering him on, and loudly! Please know how much this means to all of us - Dad, Mom, Nicole and me.

Dad drove for the first time in nearly four months last night.... a testament to his physical capabilities and how far he has come.  This weekend mom and dad are enjoying that nice Pismo air and cooler weather.  Dad and his cuddle buddy Dexter are pictured below in their favorite lounge spot.

Here is a quote from dad:  "I just want to thank everybody for your thoughts and prayers. I appreciate everyone checking on me. Your prayers and concerns have been heartfelt, I will never ever forget it."

Almost done with round number 2!

Hello Everyone! Have two weeks really gone by without a post?!  Please accept our apologies!!  We won't let that happen again :) Again thank you for following, and praying!!

Dad had an appointment today at City of Hope, and then mom and dad drove home - his appts have been on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays.  Every time he goes, he is evaluated for any side effects, infections, labs are drawn, and blood products (platelets and transfusions) are given as needed - which has been almost every time.  On Wednesday my dad was given a shot to speed along the "building up" process of his white blood cells.  It worked and his white count today was 1,600.  He still needs to be careful not to go into the public just yet and needs to wear his mask around the house until it gets a bit higher.  I've talked about white blood count (WBC) throughout this blog before, but to remind you the white blood cells are the cells that help us fight off infection, a normal count is between 4,000-10,000.  Dad's bone marrow is on the up swing now of building back up again and his last appointment for round two will be on Wednesday!! He will have a few weeks off to rest and recuperate, and will begin his third round a few weeks thereafter.

We are sooo incredibly thankful that he did not suffer from any internal organ dysfunction, or any infection issues this round!  He is feeling pretty good, able to get around, but his hemoglobin is still low.  You and I run a hemoglobin count of between 13 and 17, I don't think my dad has been over an 11 in years.  This low blood count causes sever fatigue, amongst other things.  He is such a trooper guys, and has been through HELL.  Thank you for continuing to check in on him, pray for him, and think of him.  It is critically important to feel this type of support when going through such a journey.  From this family to yours, thank you.  

Overdue Update!

Hey everybody!  From what my mom tells me, things are looking exceptionally good right now for dad.  This time around is a brand new experience, nothing really has been the same - but it's like comparing apples to oranges....dad didn't have cancer this time going in and his body was not in the shape it was last time when he was admitted.  This is a mandatory, post induction round - and he will have two more of these.  Its weird for Nicole and I not to be there every day and not to know really play by play what is happening, but in essence its a good thing because we aren't "needed" in terms of severity of the situation.

My dad has finished his doses of chemo and has been discharged from the hospital!  The first few days while my dad was given the chemotherapy, it was torture.  Plain misery for him and was torture for us to watch.    He had an unbreakable high fever, and confusion/disorientation - which happens with this strong therapy. Other than those first few days he has experienced no side effects like he did last time - no infections, no internal organ issues, nothing!!

They are staying about three minutes away from the facility.  When things are going according to plan, this is City of Hope's protocol.  He and mom travel back to the hospital and the clinic there every other day and  labs are done, blood products are given if need be, etc.

The plan at this point is for my dad's blood counts/marrow to be taken down to nothing and to start building up new blood cells.  Once his numbers start to climb back up and he is still presenting no signs of infection or complications (about 2 more weeks) they will be able to come home.  Because of this process however, he will become "neutropenic" (this did happen last time) which means he has zero immunity and can catch absolutely anything - so, he has to wear his mask at all times, use sanitizer, wipe all surfaces anywhere he goes down first before touching, etc.) During this time I'm certain it's encouraged he doesn't get too brave and go out unless he has to.

Its pretty unbelievable to me even, that he is able to stand up at this point let alone eat, get around, hold normal conversations, and not be in the hospital still.  I am so thrilled that he is doing so well, and am so utterly grateful for this huge support system of prayer that he has behind him.  I am told literally on a daily basis from at least a person or two that they are thinking of my dad and praying for him.  Its remarkable.  Thanks everyone, please continue to send your prayers up to the Lord for my dad.

Jen and Nicole

One of many water features at the City of Hope

HELP us if you can!

Happy Sunday faithful followers!! First order of business…dad's bone marrow test from last week came back negative!!! This is amazing news!!! This means the chemo treatment will not be as aggressive since his body is still in remission from the leukemia!

Jenny and I made the trip to City of Hope today to visit with dad and mom. Overall, he looked pretty good, but told us he just feels utterly terrible. I was thrilled to see that he was breathing on his own, no extra oxygen needed, he's only on two antibiotics, and he was in his regular comfy clothes and not a hospital gown.

Compared to all the hospital visits here in Bako, he looked good, but you can just see the pain and discomfort he is in.  He battled a high fever all day…ice packs, cold wash clothes, cooler room air, tylenol, nothing seemed to touch it.  Getting a fever is a common occurrence for patients on chemo.  Also while we were there, he was given his 4th dose of the chemo drug, which means only 2 more doses to go for this round.  YAY!  His white blood count is already down to 1.1, and the doctors are shooting to get it as close to .01 as possible.  So, more than half way done with the chemo, then there will be at least a week of rest and troubleshooting any side effects from chemotherapy.  After that week, they expect his body to start producing new blood and then his numbers will begin to rise.

Since he is in the hospital again, and its soooooo far away from our amazing family and friends, I am shouting to the rooftops for your HELP! He needs encouragement.  My mom needs strength.  They are alone A LOT with no visitors and its very difficult on them both.  SO, please help him get his feet back on the ground….send a positive comment.  Send Jenny or I a video wishing him a speedy recovery. ANYTHING!! He loves it all!!


Won't you pleeeeeaaase, please, help them?!

Love you all,

Nicole and Jenny

P.S.- Dad adamantly believes Paul was the better Beatle, but I chose this song anyway.  I don't think he'll mind. Ha!

P.P.S.- Don't make us hunt you down for a comment on the blog or a short video from your phone!    :)

A Walk Down Memory Lane

August 7, 1976 - the day two 21 year old kids took the plunge and 38 years later, are still together.  38 years ago!! What an accomplishment.  Hey, they will be the first to tell you it isn't easy.  But, I don't believe it's supposed to be...its about devotion and commitment.  It's about growing together over the years rather than apart.  Building a life with your companion, your partner, your soul mate and not killing each other along the way.  It's through thick and thin, sickness and in health, for richer or for poorer.  About staying together through the glory days and when things get bad, heck, when they become the worst they could possibly be.

I love telling their story to people because it is so sweet, and so rare anymore these days.  Mom and Dad were high school sweethearts and met when they were 15 at the roller rink, Dad worked there and mom was a skater.  They dated for 6 years before they got married, then waited 5 years after marriage to start a family.  In between there they went through all life's ups and downs.  All they know is each other.  

So, I love to scrapbook and take pictures like crazy...so pulling some old pictures together is right up my alley! I thought I would share on the blog a glimpse of their past in honor of their anniversary.  Yes, their anniversary is the same day my dad has been admitted to City of Hope for his second of four post induction chemotherapy rounds.  

Little girl Mom with the bowl bangs!

What a handsome little doll!!

Prom Date!

Skating Queen!

                           

Senior pictures

                       

She has always loved horses

Pretty Mom

Wedding Kiss

The first of many beloved pets, Shiloh

Their first house on Beech Street

   

I think this is still B.C. (Before children)

A pride and joy of dad's - starting a successful small business

New House, Donnell Court

Aww, then came the baby Nicole, playing on the drums - dad is a musician at heart

I look THRILLED! lol.  Mom always wished for a red headed baby....so sorry, you got Portuguese darkies!

"Lov tile" for sure

                     

I love this picture...adult party time, Nicole trying to bug mom!  They had such a FUN group of friends!  We remember vividly the nights we would all camp out in Mexicali downtown's back room and shut the place down.  

They were vacationing here.  Dad was always behind the camera, even this dinosaur video camera! :-)  He was then, and still is today.  

Kenny Loggins days!!

Love the joy on their faces.  

 Happy Anniversary to these two who have made it through life thus far, and are fighting the fight of dad's life.  They will keep going, and they will not stop, because that's who they are.  Dad, we love you like crazy and are cheering for you like crazy. You can do this.  You have many supporters who pray for you and follow this blog who believe you can do this.

Thanks to the loyal followers and prayer warriors.  We are calling upon you.  This will be a turbulent ride, but he will land just fine - we just need your prayers.  Please post comments of encouragement on this blog. We will update tomorrow with more information on how his admission went and what the plan is over the next 5 days.

Thanks!!

Jen and Nicole

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