Day 23 - July 31, 2012

I enjoyed a fun visit from Steve Johnson,  fellow soldier, Joyse Witheridge,  now a Brevard friend, Rick Ciordia,  Griffin High School friend, Ike, and Jane. 

I continue to just sit and wait for next Monday when they will check blood marrow to see if the chemo did it.   After that,  we will see what is next.  Opps, Cam, I am not just sitting as I  walk these halls each day.

"Don't sweat the petty things and don't pet the sweaty things." - George Carlin

Day 22 - July 30, 2012

The doctors take turns having floor duty here in the hospital to allow others time for office calls etc. which means that I get multiple opinions on what's next.  Today the doc mentioned that I am 3 to 4 weeks from dismissal and that the goal is to get back to Myelodysplastic Syndrome which means I would be free of leukemia cells within the marrow. He seemed to think that an outpatient regimen consisting of Vidazo might be the solution for the future and not a bone marrow transplant.  Another opinion which I will discuss with my main doc. 

Not sure I can express my feelings when  Steve Johnson, old friend, ally, brother, and fellow soldier visited today. We had many assignments together in our careers which included South Korea and the Pentagon.   Steve drove his RV from Cedar Island near the Outer Banks to here today which is a 7 hour drive and is about as long as one can drive and stay in NC.  Thanks, Bro, good to see you. Lots of memories, especially boating onThe Potomac River.  See you again tomorrow.

"The past is a ghost,the future is a dream, and all we have is now." -Bill Cosby

Day 21 - July 29, 2012

The second round or do over with the chemo is a done deal.  Once again, it is time to wait and then in about 7 to 10 days find out if the chemicals have knocked the marrow cells down to zero and then to ensure that the good ones are growing back.   I still have no significant side affects, however, next week when I have no immune system because of the lack of white cells, we will be on the lookout for infections.  I guess in GA one would say I am floating on the Hooch or in NC I would be floating on the French Broad which happens to flow the opposite direction of most rivers.

All that aside,  I had a fun time with all  four grandchildren via SKYPE today.  It was great to see Julia, Sara, Laurel, and Clay on my PC and talk to all of them live and in color.  What great kids!  Thanks for calling and telling me about your trip to the zoo. Giraffes eating out of your hand while you are in your car in Charlotte, NC?  Really? 

 

Lisa, our best Brevard friend,  and Jane visited today.   Lisa had just been visiting the Grand Canyon and Sonoma, AZ and told stories that reminded of our great family trip to the Canyon for Jane's 60th.    I have heard talk that we may be headed to Key West for my 70th. 

 

"Just cause you got the monkey off your back doesn't mean the circus has left town."  George Carlin

Day 20 - July 28, 2012

I started on my last IV jug of chemo today and will finish in 24 hours.  Then, once again, it will time to wait and see if my cell count in the bone marrow drops to  zero and then builds the good cells.  It will be checked on day 14 from the restart which will be around Monday, 6 August.

 

Thanks  to Glenda from NGC for explaining chemo head to me.  I think I have had it and did not recognize the affects even though I have been claiming not to have any.    I think it is kicking in tonight after the fourth jug.  My favorite RN sang Christmas carols and the graduation song to me tonight.  Strange, but I think one has to be to work here. 

 

BTW the chaplin here who is the NGC graduate tells me that NGC&SU will soon be NGU.  Is that true, Liz?  I have been in here so long that it could be old news.  Did not mean to drift off course but I am.

Guess I will spend the remainder of my time watching the O's all day on the tube.  I was disappointed today when beach volleyball turned out to be the guys but will now look forward to  the girls. 

Speaking of Strange:

"I have learned silence from the talkative, toleration from the intolerant, and kindness from the unkind; yet, strange, I am ungrateful to those teachers.  Khalil Gibran 

G'Night

Day 19 - July 27, 2012

As the doc said, "We are just looking for 30 days of boredom."  So far, that's what is happening and today was another.  I did have a few of the usual transfusions.  For lunch I was served  platelets and pizza followed by a couple of units of blood. 

Short notes:

Cam, I walked  1.5 miles today which is 36 laps around this floor.  People are talking.

 

Jane visited and straightened up my dorm room. 

I continue to be the "King of Da Nile" and have no side affects or affects from AML or the chemo.

"A teacher is a person who never says anything once."  Howard Nomerou

Day 18 - July 26, 2012

Today was National Chili Dog today so Joyse and I enjoyed something besides hospital food.

 

Buddy Corbin, the hospital chaplain and fellow NGC graduate, walked several laps this morning. He is a good philosopher and an enjoyable conversationalist.

I have no aches and pains  or any side affects at this time, just waiting for the time to have some results from this round of chems which will probably be around 10 August.   I have now completed the two doses of Daunorubicin and have to take three more days of Cytabine. This round will be completed by Monday, 30 July which is followed by the waiting period.  One has to be on drugs to understand all this crap.  Right now, this could be like being in 11 foot tall elephant grass and trying to determine the exact location coordinates so that one  coulld call in the fast movers.  Where was my GPS in 1968?  Not real  sure of my location at this point.  

 "The  weather is here, wish you were beautiful."  J. Buffet

Day 17 - July 25, 2012

I am now completing day 2 of the Induction phase 1 redo which consists of two days of the famous chemodrusitg, Daunorunorubicin (Daw-noe-ROO-bi-sin), and two days of Cytarabine which is given the first two days of the Induction phase.   The Induction Phase first drug was named after a chef  on the cooking channel.  This whole proces is rather strange as one feeels normal so you just here and take medicine in order to feel bad so you will feel normal again.

The only real side effect so far is a fuzzy brainy feeling which gives one the ability or excuse to say most anything in the presence of most anyone. Seems to concern Jane at times.  Jane and Joyse, good friend who lived beside us in VA  and has now moved to Brevard,  visited today.  They will team me which will help "him"  keep his morale up. 

I appreciate all the encouragement and prayers from all of you.  Helps keeps one eye one the tiger.

"The only way out is through" R. Frost (Suggested by son-in-law, Kevin)

Day 16 - July 24, 2012

Reporting Error:

Well, let's take a step back, breathe and move forward.  the docs were a little premature on the news last night.  After complete analysis,  the lab determined that there are  20% leukemia cells left when 5% is the goal.  So I am now on chemo for five more days using the same chems as before. It turns out that most need  the second round.  After this, we proceed with the consolidation phase.  Hell, I was going to be sitting here anyway, might as well be doing something.  Sorry for the false reporting last night.  The second round will fix this situation.

Cam,  I will dance!

Wonderful visit from Amy, Ike, Jane, and Joyse today.  You are all troopers!

"Bad news does not improve with age."  General Creighton Abrams (U.S. Army Ret) ,CG US Forces, instructions to his staff in VietNam - May 1969  (Heard it in person)

Day 15 -July 23, 2012

Preliminary good news: 

Our Doc of the week visited with us today. He stated that a preliminary analysis  showed that that my bone marrow was empty of all cells.   This what is supposed to happen as a result of the chemo treatment.  HOOAH

The future will consist of 7 to 10 more days here at Mission hospital to ensure that I am free of infections as I now have no immune system. After that I can go home for a week or two and return for a short course in chemo which is  about 5 days  in length.

I now am leaving the Induction Phase of treatment and entering the Consolidation Phase which will include a bone marrow transplant from an unknown donor as I have no sibling match.  This means several weeks in the hospital and 3 months staying near the hospital.  I asked if it could be done in Key West.  Doc has no sense of humor.  The transplant is done in large hospitals in Duke,  Chapel Hill, Atlanta, Rover and other large cities.  Quite a long process but I will do it. It will be just another chapter in the book and I want to  see my girls  raise teenagers.

Had a great surprise visit from another old high school friend, Richard Childers.  Really brought back memories which included our best friend, Jim Vance who as a marine pilot was killed when he rolled his F4 into Jacksonville many years ago.  We understand it was a hydraulic failure.  Thanks for stopping by, Richard.

Amy returned for another visit before returning to Huntsville, NC where many residents work for NASCAR.  Many of the parents of her students change tires, wipe windshields, and pour gas for a living.

Ike and Jane competed the visitors for the day.  Quite a party!

Felt a little chatty today.

"I tried being reasonable,  it didn't work."  Clint Eastwood.

 

Day14 - July 22, 2012

Today I completed a critical step along this  path to recovery.  A blood marrow sample was taken today via a long needle into the hip bone.  woooooo!  It will be sent a lab in Williamson, GA and analyzed to determine if  the chemo accomplished its mission which was to reduce all cells to 0.  This would be a nice time to pray.

Joyse Wihtheridge,  our friend who lived beside us in  VA  for over 10 years, came to visit.   She has recently moved from JAX to Brevard, NC.  It is good to have near again. 

For the Bulls:  Joyse's neighbor in JAX,  we will help her in any way possible.

Cam, Joyse, and I walked the halls before Cam left for Cleveland.

" Courage is being scared to death and saddling up anyway," - John Wayne

Day 13 - July 21, 2012

Had a great visit today with old high school friends, George Gassert and Gerry Bilbro.  It was fun to discuss old times. 

A ray of sunshine passed through here today, my daughter, Cam, along with Ike,  We walked and talked.  One cannot have the mully grubs with her around. 

I read my hospital report which chronicles my stay here.  the only thing notable was a statement bu my doc which said, "Doug enjoys Bombay and tonic." 

Medically there is no real new news.  Everything that has happened is either, "expected or planned.

"Faster horses, older whiskey more money." Tom T. Hall

 

Day 12- July 20, 2012

More transfusions today and the fever has subsided.

The nurses here are great and many of them have that distinct Smokey Mountain accent. One said last night, " I am going to jus t let you be."  I like being be.

Ike stopped by with a good smelling taco from the Pink Taco Truck. Maybe later on., Ike.

No other news except that I appreciate your thoughts and  prayers.

"Pick up thou bed and walk"  - JESUS CHRIST  AND CAM CHRISTOPHER

 

Day 11 - July 2012

Quiet day with just a couple transfusion.   Fever comes and goes with no cause found.

"Life is like tire  swing."  J. Buffet

 

Day 10 - July 18,2012 

For the first time, I felt some side effects from the chemo which consisted of simple fatigue, but nothing unbearable.  Sorry if I was unpleasant to  anyone,  you will just have deal with it. 

Rev. Guy Sales, former assistant minister at the first Baptist Church in Griffin, GA. stopped by.  He is now the minister of the First Baptist Church of Asheville.  He, or course, was sent over by Aunt Gail. The visit was appreciated.

Ike stopped by this afternoon to  ensure that I walk even though I did not feel like it. 

I did have the platelet transfusion last night at about 0200 which may have contributed to the fatigue.  Also had two units of blood today as red count was low. This monitoring is why I am here.

Not much new, just siting here swapping thumbs.

A father's advice to his kids when they went off to college.

"If you are tired, rest.

If you are hungry, eat.

If you sick, go the doctor."  

Doug Wheeless

Day 9 - July 17, 2012

I finished the chemo treatment today and so now I get to spend 20 days or so here under observation  to see if it works and to ensure that all side effects are handled immediately.  So far all is proceeding as planned.   I will get a platelet transfusion tonight as they are getting rather low.  I now have no IV and walk the halls free without any tower or anything.  I've been told that I look like just another visitor, only better dressed.

I need to give a special recognition to Ike for his attentiveness and regular visits.  He has become a real morale booster which I appreciate very much.  He stops by at lunch each day and eats here in the room in spite of his busy work schedule. Last night, he brought organic flax cereal and milk along with a package of chocolate booster drinks plus a milk shake.   Yes, Ali, I am now eating flax!

"In three words I can sum up everything I've learned about life;  it goes on."  Robert Frost

Day 8 - July 16, 2012

Just another normal day at camp.  No side effects except a little fuzziness at lunch.  One shot neat would have helped.  I am completing my last bag of Cytarabine chemo which I have been taking via IV for 6 days.  Tomorrow I will be finished with the chemo and will just sit and wait to see if it takes.  In other words, kills all the bad and good cells which will allow the good ones to grow back without the bad. 

My test for a blood marrow match came back today so Brother Dave's should be back soon and we will know if he can be my donor or if I will have to be subject to the national pool which takes 3 to 6 months to complete.  I have asked him not to get hit by a beer truck during this time. 

As this time in the process, I will start receiving blood transfusions to ensure that levels do not drop too fast.  This is still the Induction Phase which will last until about 8 August when I enter the so called consolidation phase.  How about the Freedom Phase after that?

By the way, my friend from Griffin High, Rick Ciordia,, retired anaesthesiologist, said he would now nickname me Chemosaybe as Tonato use to call the Lone Ranger, Kemosahtee. Hey, do you remember what Tonto said when the Lone Ranger said," Tonto, we are surrounded by 10,000 Indians what can we do?"  Tonto replied, "What you mean WE, White Man,"

Jane dropped by today with PJ.  She thought I wanted pajamas but actually the text request from me was for Prune Juice.  A hazard from the handful of iron pills taken daily. 

"Life is more manageable when thought of as a scavenger hunt rather than a surprise party."- Lewis Grizzard

Day 7 - JULY 15, 2012

Only two more days of chemo and then one sits and waits to see if it takes.  It appears to be easing in and so far with no noticeable side effects.  Cam, I did walk a mile and a half today and only collided with one nurse and just spilt a little coffee on her.

I am gaining weight as the mess hall puts out good chow and Judy makes sure that I don't necessarily have to eat what's on the menu. All vital signs continue to be good.  I have given them so many times that I am surprised that I have any left. I must also be getting plenty of sleep as I am asked about it at least 8 times per night.

I appreciated the visit from Gail Hammock, Jane's sister, and Anne Manley, Jane's sister-in-law who drove up from Griffin. They were upbeat and fun and even brought great gifts including shirts that can be worn with wires sticking out.  I now have plenty.  They also brought a book from a wornderful Griffin friend, Carole Anne Marshall, entitled, "The Demon-Haunted World" by Carl Sagen.  I think I have seen them in the halls here.  Jane  made her usual appearance which I greatly appreciate.  She said that they announced in church that I was the only one in the hopital.  What a great, damn priviledge.

"Breateh In, Breathe Out, Move On" - Jimmy Buffett

 

 

Day 6 - July 14, 2012

Today was just a continuance of the dripping chemo which will continue for another 2 or 3 days.  So for I still do not have any side effects such as fatigue or flu like symptons.  I do take steroid pills along with the chemo which creates a hell of an appetite.  Perhaps I will bullk up for those long drives.

The highlight of the day was a visit by my daughter, Cam, and her husband, Scott who live in Cleveland, GA.  They left my 2 grandchildren, Laurel 6 and Clay 3, and their 3 dogs with Scott's parents.  Cam is a physical therapist and ensres that I am walking these halls and doing other exercises each day. So this afternoon I walked 12 laps aroung this hospital floor which is a 1/2 mile. Doesn't sound like much except the reputitous laps make it seem longer.  Lisa, our wonderful friend from Brevard also visited and brought a book which advises on how I can keep or obtain my Emotional Balance.  I am sure that will be helpful in this ordeal.  Ike and Jane were also here so we had a good time and did not get called down by the nurses.

After that, I watched a complete Braves game which I have not taken time to do this year but I sure have time to do so now.  Braves won - Beat Mets in close game.

Guess I am in to Amish Quotes- "All the water in the world cannot sink my boat as long as it's on the outside."

 

Day 5 - July 13, 2012

I have completed the last serving of the three doses of Daunorubicin which is given through an IV via a syringe about the size of the one my Dad used on cattle.  I am continuting with Cytarabine for another 3 or 4 days which is given continuously throgh the IV.  They put two ports into my chest so that no more sticking is needed which is good.  So far I have no side effects and feel the same as I did when I arrived at this camp.  I could probably still hit the golf ball at least over 220. 

My main doctor stopped by today and proclaimed that everyathing was proceeding as planned.  I  believe that I will continue to folloe that. 

Had a  wondeful visit again today from  my daughter, Amy, and my grandaughter, Julia.  There is no moping around when those two are near.  Jane made her usual helpful visit with clothes and pogey bait.  I am not losing weight as I am hungry and get special treatment from the mess hall. For example, today I had a big cheesburger with onion rings while others had limp chicken.  Julia made my favorite which is banana bread made with my grandmother's recipe,

Next there was a great visit from my old Griffin High School friend, Rick Ciordia, and his wife Paige.  Rick and Paige only live about 20 minutes from us but we did not discover this until last month as out 50th high school reunion.  I played golf at Rick's very beautiful Champion Hills Golf Club with him before this venture.  It is good to have old friends nearby,

Cam and Scott, the parernts of my other set of grandchildren will be by tomorrow so there is no slack time around here,  Best wishes to you all.

"If you find a pathway with no obstacles,  it probably doesn't lead anywhere."*

*Amish Proverb - Suzanna Fisher

 

 

Day 4 -  July 12, 2012

Had a wonderful visit from my daughter, Amy Peters, and my grandaughter, Julia Peters, from Hendernsonville, NC today.  Julia  made me a short timers calendar as I have less than 30 days left.  It has blocks to check to ensure that I excercise twice per day. 

All is well and I feel normal.  I finished the three day med and have four left on the other.  This treatment is kind of like war.  The  chemo kills the good red, white, and platelet cells along with the bad and then the good cells should return after it is sorted out.

So far this is a boring experience which is okay with me.  Iam running up my e-book bill as I have completed the trilogy of " Fifty Shades of Grey."  Not a great book for the isolated hospital room!

It is once again a small world.  I met the hospital chaplin who is Buddy Corbin, NGC 1969.  His son, James, graduated from NGC in 2002. Great guy and is doing a good job.

I do not have to wear a hospital gown so stop by if you are in this hood. 

Day 3 - July 11, 2012

Today was highlighted by visit from my brother David and his wife Jeanie.   David had his blood donor candidate sample taken to see if he qualifies as my bone marrow donor.  Guess we will see if mom and dad were telling the truth.

Completed one day of chemo with no apparant side effects.  I still feel normal bui the doc said be patient and that would change.  Currently the docs prediction of 30 days of boredom is proving to be true.  Hopefully that will just continue.

Appreciaate the toughts and prayers from everyone. I appreciate the prayers  and comments from family and freinds which  have been great and the wonderful thoughts and prayers from my NGC brothers and sisters. I had a great visit from Larry and Marie Stover on Monday which was very much appreciated.  Larry looks great after his scarry experience.

All is well nad I hope all is well with you.  As they said in Hunger Games, "May the odds be in your favor."    Doug

Day 2 July 10, 2012

Today is really Day 1 as the actual chemo treatment started this afternoon at 1733.  I am taking two chemotherapy meds which are Daunorubicin and Cytarbine.  The first is given continuosly for seven days by IV and the second for three days by pushing the med through the IV with the biggest syringe you have ever seen.  The morning began at 0600 with platelet  infusions and then the installation of a double port so that IVs and blood samples can be given without additional sticking which is a good thing.  I am still feeling strong and vigorus. Side effects such as feeling lousy are said  to start in about 7 days. So today the journey really started and I am glad to get the road on the show.   Perhaps there will be more philosophy as the chemicals kick in.

Day One July 9, 2012

Well today it starts.  I will start the IV soon followed by a blood transfusion.  All whiate, red and platelet counts are low which is why I am here.  Dinner was served at 4:30 so that is an adjustment for the future of this stay.  New preacher stopped by to visit.  Cam and Jane have been a big help.  This will be a long grind but all involved are vey optimistic.  Tomorrow there will be a port put in so that I will not have to be restuck for various things such as chemo and transfusions.  I feel good which is a positive sign.  Treatment will be 7 days of two meds followed by 3 days of another.  Then the remainder of the 3-0 days will be to watch for problems during this Induction phase.   After that will be the consolidation phase which is more chemo or a bone marrow transplant.  Uncle Dave has agreed to be the donor if he is a match.   More tomorrow.

Pre-Chemo Buzz cut! By my daughter, Cam.

Family came to Brevard for some pre-hospital support.