Monday, January 31, 2011
New Blog Site for Climb to Cure!
Here is the web address for my new blog: http://theclimbtothecure.blogspot.com/
Friday, December 10, 2010
Day 48 - I'm HOME!!!
Yes, I am home! I am officially in REMISSION and now ready for some rest with my family at home! I will be spending the weekend with my family to get settled and ease into being back at home and will ease into getting visitors. I will be going into the out-patient clinic daily to continue to receive my Ampho B treatment for the next two weeks in order to keep the Valley Fever in check.
The preliminary search for my bone marrow donor was run today and has yielded over a dozen potential matches!!! Wow, I am truly blessed. The next step is for the Bone Marrow Transplant team to work with the National Marrow Registry in finding the best possible match out of all those potential matches. Amazing!!! Given the amount of potential matches, it is very possible I can be back as soon as January for my Bone Marrow Transplant if they can locate the appropriate donor in a good amount of time and get all the appropriate testing completed.
I am so blessed to be ending this part of my journey with all the love, prayers, strength and support from family, friends, co-workers, the BMT staff here at Scripps, and even complete strangers!!!
This will be my last post given I have reached my destination on this winding and sometimes bumpy road to AML Remission.
My focus now will be on family and physically/mentally preparing myself for the next journey on the road to Bone Marrow Transplant!!!
I will begin a new blog when that time comes, but until then, God bless you all and I send you all infinite thanks for all that you have done for me and my family!
Love you all! Happy Holidays!!!
John
The preliminary search for my bone marrow donor was run today and has yielded over a dozen potential matches!!! Wow, I am truly blessed. The next step is for the Bone Marrow Transplant team to work with the National Marrow Registry in finding the best possible match out of all those potential matches. Amazing!!! Given the amount of potential matches, it is very possible I can be back as soon as January for my Bone Marrow Transplant if they can locate the appropriate donor in a good amount of time and get all the appropriate testing completed.
I am so blessed to be ending this part of my journey with all the love, prayers, strength and support from family, friends, co-workers, the BMT staff here at Scripps, and even complete strangers!!!
This will be my last post given I have reached my destination on this winding and sometimes bumpy road to AML Remission.
My focus now will be on family and physically/mentally preparing myself for the next journey on the road to Bone Marrow Transplant!!!
I will begin a new blog when that time comes, but until then, God bless you all and I send you all infinite thanks for all that you have done for me and my family!
Love you all! Happy Holidays!!!
John
Wednesday, December 8, 2010
Day 45-47 Things are looking up!
Hello Everyone,
Yes, things are looking up!!! I received preliminary results that my bone marrow biopsy did not show leukemic cells, however, my Oncologist has not said the "R" (remission) word until the final pathology report is complete. The biopsy also showed that my Myelodysplastic Syndrome is still prevalent in my marrow, which was expected, given a genetic abnormality is still likely present in my marrow. When I get my bone marrow transplant, my marrow will be obliterated by radiation and chemo, which will take care of the MDS as well as the leukemia.
My infectious disease physician let me know today I need to stay on my IV Ampho B for about two more weeks to make sure the Valley Fever is kept in check. My swelling and joint pain continues to subside and I am walking without my walker!
What does this all mean? My interpretation and hope is that I will be going home very soon to get some R&R before I get my transplant! Once the I get the official remission word that should do it and I will just need to come in as an out-patient daily for the IV Ampho B treatment.
This also means a preliminary search will be started for potential stem cell donors for my transplant! So thank you for those of you who have donated blood and have been tested for the bone marrow registry. The bone marrow transplant coordinator here at Scripps mentioned that even the National Bone Marrow Registry has noted a spike in bone marrow registry registrations here in the San Diego area! I believe that is due to all of you and your gift of possibly giving the gift of life to someone some day! Thank you and God bless you all!!!
I had great visits this week from Joe and Sharon who brought by some bracelets that I have been giving to BMT unit staff and friends who come by who have not received them yet. Thanks again Joe and Sharon for all you have done. I love you both!!!
On Tuesday I got to spend a lot of time with Theresa, Rachel, Olivia and my Mom. We did homework, played games and just chilled. Theresa, the girls, and my Mom have been so strong and have made this part of my journey easy by keeping my spirits up and reminding me why I am fighting this disease. I love you all!!!
Today my Grandma Joyce came by for a very nice visit and brought me some bunt cake goodies and as usual made me laugh! Our friend Joao from the neighborhood came by to harass me and the nurses ;-). Thank you for the visit Joao! I also had a very nice visit from our friends Pete, Sherri and Kaila. Kaila had given me a Rasta Mickey Mouse hat a few weeks ago so I wore out to the lobby which was good for some laughs. It was great to see Pete, Sherri and Kaila. Thank you for the visit during your busy day!!!
I've been anemic so I received a blood transfusion today and took a good long afternoon nap.
I can't say thank you enough to all of you for all your thoughts, prayers and strength that you have given me! Thank you, thank you, thank you!
Love,
John
Yes, things are looking up!!! I received preliminary results that my bone marrow biopsy did not show leukemic cells, however, my Oncologist has not said the "R" (remission) word until the final pathology report is complete. The biopsy also showed that my Myelodysplastic Syndrome is still prevalent in my marrow, which was expected, given a genetic abnormality is still likely present in my marrow. When I get my bone marrow transplant, my marrow will be obliterated by radiation and chemo, which will take care of the MDS as well as the leukemia.
My infectious disease physician let me know today I need to stay on my IV Ampho B for about two more weeks to make sure the Valley Fever is kept in check. My swelling and joint pain continues to subside and I am walking without my walker!
What does this all mean? My interpretation and hope is that I will be going home very soon to get some R&R before I get my transplant! Once the I get the official remission word that should do it and I will just need to come in as an out-patient daily for the IV Ampho B treatment.
This also means a preliminary search will be started for potential stem cell donors for my transplant! So thank you for those of you who have donated blood and have been tested for the bone marrow registry. The bone marrow transplant coordinator here at Scripps mentioned that even the National Bone Marrow Registry has noted a spike in bone marrow registry registrations here in the San Diego area! I believe that is due to all of you and your gift of possibly giving the gift of life to someone some day! Thank you and God bless you all!!!
I had great visits this week from Joe and Sharon who brought by some bracelets that I have been giving to BMT unit staff and friends who come by who have not received them yet. Thanks again Joe and Sharon for all you have done. I love you both!!!
On Tuesday I got to spend a lot of time with Theresa, Rachel, Olivia and my Mom. We did homework, played games and just chilled. Theresa, the girls, and my Mom have been so strong and have made this part of my journey easy by keeping my spirits up and reminding me why I am fighting this disease. I love you all!!!
Today my Grandma Joyce came by for a very nice visit and brought me some bunt cake goodies and as usual made me laugh! Our friend Joao from the neighborhood came by to harass me and the nurses ;-). Thank you for the visit Joao! I also had a very nice visit from our friends Pete, Sherri and Kaila. Kaila had given me a Rasta Mickey Mouse hat a few weeks ago so I wore out to the lobby which was good for some laughs. It was great to see Pete, Sherri and Kaila. Thank you for the visit during your busy day!!!
I've been anemic so I received a blood transfusion today and took a good long afternoon nap.
I can't say thank you enough to all of you for all your thoughts, prayers and strength that you have given me! Thank you, thank you, thank you!
Love,
John
Sunday, December 5, 2010
Day 40-44
Hello everyone,
My apologies for not keeping day to day updates on the blog!
After being here a little over 6 weeks now and coming off a big set back with the Valley Fever infection most of my days are spent working with physical therapy on my walking. Everyday the pain and swelling in my feet, ankles, calves, knees and thighs is improving. My hands, wrists, forearms, and upper arms were also effected by the Valley Fever and are improving day by day...and yes, the toe is improving as well!
I miss being home with my girls and Theresa, which has been trying at times, but one thing I have learned is to put things into perspective. I think about our Nation's servicemen abroad who are away from their families months or years at a time and I tell myself, I don't have it so bad. My thanks, thoughts, and prayers go out to all those serving and sacrificing being away from their families.
I do get to see Theresa almost everyday and the girls at least a couple of times a week. I've also had so many family and friends visit which also helps, so thank you everyone!
The good news is that I am no longer neutropenic which means my immune system is back! I can resume a normal diet (yeah!!). I am still anemic and low on platelets but have not needed a transfusion in about 4 days! I am scheduled to get my bone marrow biopsy tomorrow (Monday) to determine if I am in remission. I am hopeful and thank you for all your continued prayers and support in getting me to this point!
My Infections Disease doctor wants to keep me on the Ampho B until my joint pain and swelling subside. Given Ampho B is an IV medication with potentially dangerous side effects, I need to be in the hospital to get it. So, once I find out the results of the bone marrow biopsy and my Valley Fever symptoms subside I should know more about when I can go home.
I have had so many nice visits this past week and I want to thank everyone for taking time to come see me which is always a spirit booster! We are surrounded by so much love and support it is amazing!!!
My aunt Debbie brought me a giant Martini shaker...mmmm, can't wait! My Dad made it out from El Paso and hung out Friday, Saturday and this morning which was nice. My mother and father in-law stopped by for a nice visit today (Sunday). Our friends Barry, Dave, and Wes put up our Christmas lights outside our house this weekend! Thank you my friends! My brother in-law Joe came and took Gabe for a long walk with Charlie. Thank you Joey, I know Gabe needed it! My step-father Jim and nephew Adrian made it all the way down to San Diego for the weekend from Paso Robles to visit and helped Theresa get the house ready for a carpet cleaning. Thank you Jimmy and Adrian! Marijo from work stopped by while her daughters were at acting class and brought me some comfy pillow cases, thank you Marijo!
Below are some pictures of all the nice visits during the past 5 days.
I love you all!
John
Thank you for the card, voodoo doll of strength, and activity letter from Jack and the visit!!!
Thank you for the visit Brad and the uplifting get well card from the girls!!!
The Pascual's visited and brought a nice soft beanie and some donut holes, yummy!!!
Papa and Mama Pascual, thank you for the visit!
My Princesses visited to brighten my weekend! They also teamed up with my Mom this weekend to bake me a pineapple upside down cake...my favorite...it was delicious!!!
Thank you for the visit this weekend girls!!! Thank you for the love, hugs, kisses, tears, laughs, and chocolate chip cookies!!!
My Dad made it out from El Paso for a weekend visit. Thanks Pops!
Thanks for lighting some candles at the San Diego Mission Pops!
My apologies for not keeping day to day updates on the blog!
After being here a little over 6 weeks now and coming off a big set back with the Valley Fever infection most of my days are spent working with physical therapy on my walking. Everyday the pain and swelling in my feet, ankles, calves, knees and thighs is improving. My hands, wrists, forearms, and upper arms were also effected by the Valley Fever and are improving day by day...and yes, the toe is improving as well!
I miss being home with my girls and Theresa, which has been trying at times, but one thing I have learned is to put things into perspective. I think about our Nation's servicemen abroad who are away from their families months or years at a time and I tell myself, I don't have it so bad. My thanks, thoughts, and prayers go out to all those serving and sacrificing being away from their families.
I do get to see Theresa almost everyday and the girls at least a couple of times a week. I've also had so many family and friends visit which also helps, so thank you everyone!
The good news is that I am no longer neutropenic which means my immune system is back! I can resume a normal diet (yeah!!). I am still anemic and low on platelets but have not needed a transfusion in about 4 days! I am scheduled to get my bone marrow biopsy tomorrow (Monday) to determine if I am in remission. I am hopeful and thank you for all your continued prayers and support in getting me to this point!
My Infections Disease doctor wants to keep me on the Ampho B until my joint pain and swelling subside. Given Ampho B is an IV medication with potentially dangerous side effects, I need to be in the hospital to get it. So, once I find out the results of the bone marrow biopsy and my Valley Fever symptoms subside I should know more about when I can go home.
I have had so many nice visits this past week and I want to thank everyone for taking time to come see me which is always a spirit booster! We are surrounded by so much love and support it is amazing!!!
My aunt Debbie brought me a giant Martini shaker...mmmm, can't wait! My Dad made it out from El Paso and hung out Friday, Saturday and this morning which was nice. My mother and father in-law stopped by for a nice visit today (Sunday). Our friends Barry, Dave, and Wes put up our Christmas lights outside our house this weekend! Thank you my friends! My brother in-law Joe came and took Gabe for a long walk with Charlie. Thank you Joey, I know Gabe needed it! My step-father Jim and nephew Adrian made it all the way down to San Diego for the weekend from Paso Robles to visit and helped Theresa get the house ready for a carpet cleaning. Thank you Jimmy and Adrian! Marijo from work stopped by while her daughters were at acting class and brought me some comfy pillow cases, thank you Marijo!
Below are some pictures of all the nice visits during the past 5 days.
I love you all!
John
 |
| Shannon and Page |
Thank you for the card, voodoo doll of strength, and activity letter from Jack and the visit!!!
 |
| Brad |
Thank you for the visit Brad and the uplifting get well card from the girls!!!
 |
| The Pascual Family |
The Pascual's visited and brought a nice soft beanie and some donut holes, yummy!!!
 |
| Rich and Hazel |
Papa and Mama Pascual, thank you for the visit!
 |
| My Princesses by the Christmas tree! |
My Princesses visited to brighten my weekend! They also teamed up with my Mom this weekend to bake me a pineapple upside down cake...my favorite...it was delicious!!!
 |
| My Little Princesses! |
Thank you for the visit this weekend girls!!! Thank you for the love, hugs, kisses, tears, laughs, and chocolate chip cookies!!!
 |
| Grandpa comes to town! |
My Dad made it out from El Paso for a weekend visit. Thanks Pops!
 |
| San Diego Mission de Alcala |
Thanks for lighting some candles at the San Diego Mission Pops!
Tuesday, November 30, 2010
Day 36-39
Hello!
Thank you so much for all of your kind posts, prayers and well wishes as I got over this difficult bump.
The Infectious Disease physician confirmed the diagnosis as Valley Fever (Coccidiodmycosis, which is a fungus) this morning. The doctors said it can lie dormant and since I lived in Arizona for 11 plus years, I may have contracted it there, fought it since my immune system was good, but it tends to leave spores dormant in joints, bones, and other parts of the body. Once my immune system was wiped out, it took advantage and lit things up!
It was rough going as Theresa noted in her previous post until they were able to dial in on the preliminary diagnosis which was confirmed by a biopsy they took from my right forearm on Thanksgiving.
Before Thanksgiving my entire body was in pain with lumps, streaks and lesions turning up on every limb and joint. I had been running a fever since the Saturday prior and things just seemed to be getting worse. Theresa stayed overnight with me on Thursday (Thanksgiving) and Friday (Our 22nd Anniversary!).
Having Theresa with me on those very difficult days gave me whole feeling that kept me fighting so that I can soon be home with her everyday. I could not move a muscle in my body and she helped feed me, clean me, give me water, and just hold my hands when fear was reaching for me. Your love for me never has to be explained, I saw it in your eyes those difficult nights and your love held me fight with strength and peace and I knew I would be ok. Thank you Princess!!!
The docs had been treating me with a broad spectrum of antibiotics and anti fungals until Saturday when they started me on the big gun, Amphotericin B, which is the most effective drug to fight Valley Fever. They let us know that AmphoB comes with significant side effects like kidney damage, liver damage, severe shaking (rigors), high fever, sweats, etc...
I got to see the girls and my mom on Saturday which lifted my spirits beyond what I can explain in words. Holding them, hugging them, kissing them, listening to them, and just being with them filled my heart with more love, strength and determination to fight, fight, fight!!!
Rachel's friend Megan and her mom Erin came by for a quick visit on Sunday and brought me a cool Chargers sweatshirt. Thank you Connors family for all your love, prayers and support you have all given our family during this difficult time!!!
The first dose on Saturday evening went off with out a hitch but Sunday morning I woke up with both my right and left legs, thigh to toes, swollen like I'd never seen...yes, I had cankles, huge calves, huge knees, and huge thighs. On both Saturday and Sunday physical therapy came in and got me walking with a walker which felt great but tapped my energy. I continued getting blood and platelets as well.
The second dose of AmphoB on Sunday evening, came with what they call "shake and bake". After the dose had completed, Theresa was just finishing helping me freshen up and clothe me when I started feeling a chill, then came the shaking. My whole body was shaking and Theresa held my hand and told me to be strong. The nurses immediately started giving me Demerol, used to control the rigors (shakes) and by the second dose the shakes had subsided. Then came the high fever which was treated with Tylenol and ice packs.
I will continue with the AmphoB unitl my lesions, sore lumps, joint/muscle pain, and swelling subside. The good news is that there are no new lesions or lumps since Sunday, so I am winning the fight with your thoughts, prayers, strength, love, and good drugs!
My good friend Barry came by for a quick lunch time visit and brought me a Golf short story book. Thank you for the visit Barry!!!
Theresa also came by for lunch and stayed until the early evening. We got a surprise visit from our friend Tiffany.
Just started my 4th round of AmphoB and the Demerol is kicking in, so please have a great evening and hopefully I will be back to blogging daily soon.
Take care and God bless you all!
Love, John
Thank you so much for all of your kind posts, prayers and well wishes as I got over this difficult bump.
The Infectious Disease physician confirmed the diagnosis as Valley Fever (Coccidiodmycosis, which is a fungus) this morning. The doctors said it can lie dormant and since I lived in Arizona for 11 plus years, I may have contracted it there, fought it since my immune system was good, but it tends to leave spores dormant in joints, bones, and other parts of the body. Once my immune system was wiped out, it took advantage and lit things up!
It was rough going as Theresa noted in her previous post until they were able to dial in on the preliminary diagnosis which was confirmed by a biopsy they took from my right forearm on Thanksgiving.
Before Thanksgiving my entire body was in pain with lumps, streaks and lesions turning up on every limb and joint. I had been running a fever since the Saturday prior and things just seemed to be getting worse. Theresa stayed overnight with me on Thursday (Thanksgiving) and Friday (Our 22nd Anniversary!).
Having Theresa with me on those very difficult days gave me whole feeling that kept me fighting so that I can soon be home with her everyday. I could not move a muscle in my body and she helped feed me, clean me, give me water, and just hold my hands when fear was reaching for me. Your love for me never has to be explained, I saw it in your eyes those difficult nights and your love held me fight with strength and peace and I knew I would be ok. Thank you Princess!!!
The docs had been treating me with a broad spectrum of antibiotics and anti fungals until Saturday when they started me on the big gun, Amphotericin B, which is the most effective drug to fight Valley Fever. They let us know that AmphoB comes with significant side effects like kidney damage, liver damage, severe shaking (rigors), high fever, sweats, etc...
I got to see the girls and my mom on Saturday which lifted my spirits beyond what I can explain in words. Holding them, hugging them, kissing them, listening to them, and just being with them filled my heart with more love, strength and determination to fight, fight, fight!!!
The first dose on Saturday evening went off with out a hitch but Sunday morning I woke up with both my right and left legs, thigh to toes, swollen like I'd never seen...yes, I had cankles, huge calves, huge knees, and huge thighs. On both Saturday and Sunday physical therapy came in and got me walking with a walker which felt great but tapped my energy. I continued getting blood and platelets as well.
The second dose of AmphoB on Sunday evening, came with what they call "shake and bake". After the dose had completed, Theresa was just finishing helping me freshen up and clothe me when I started feeling a chill, then came the shaking. My whole body was shaking and Theresa held my hand and told me to be strong. The nurses immediately started giving me Demerol, used to control the rigors (shakes) and by the second dose the shakes had subsided. Then came the high fever which was treated with Tylenol and ice packs.
I will continue with the AmphoB unitl my lesions, sore lumps, joint/muscle pain, and swelling subside. The good news is that there are no new lesions or lumps since Sunday, so I am winning the fight with your thoughts, prayers, strength, love, and good drugs!
My good friend Barry came by for a quick lunch time visit and brought me a Golf short story book. Thank you for the visit Barry!!!
Theresa also came by for lunch and stayed until the early evening. We got a surprise visit from our friend Tiffany.
Just started my 4th round of AmphoB and the Demerol is kicking in, so please have a great evening and hopefully I will be back to blogging daily soon.
Take care and God bless you all!
Love, John
Thursday, November 25, 2010
Day 31-35 Happy Thanksgiving
Hello,
This is Theresa, John's wife. John is unable to type his blog entry. He is fighting an infection which started in his toe and is moving up his leg. Infection is always so worrisome because he doesn't have any cells to fight it. Please pray for John. He needs to get better so he can prepare for his transplant.
We are so grateful to have the support and love from you all. This is a really hard day for our family...the girls miss him terribly. I still feel we have so much to be grateful for! You have all shown us compassion and immense caring.That is what life is all about...caring for each other and being there when things get crappy. Hold your families and good friends close. Tell your loved ones what you mean to each other. You are all fantastic and we love you!!
Have a wonderful Thanksgiving!!!
Love, Theresa
This is Theresa, John's wife. John is unable to type his blog entry. He is fighting an infection which started in his toe and is moving up his leg. Infection is always so worrisome because he doesn't have any cells to fight it. Please pray for John. He needs to get better so he can prepare for his transplant.
We are so grateful to have the support and love from you all. This is a really hard day for our family...the girls miss him terribly. I still feel we have so much to be grateful for! You have all shown us compassion and immense caring.That is what life is all about...caring for each other and being there when things get crappy. Hold your families and good friends close. Tell your loved ones what you mean to each other. You are all fantastic and we love you!!
Have a wonderful Thanksgiving!!!
Love, Theresa
Saturday, November 20, 2010
Day 30 - Toe-day the's day ;-)
Hello,
Woke up today with a swollen and painful left big toe...huh?! I have a little cellulitis by my nail bed and never knew how painful a swollen big toe could be. I took a few walks, while on pain meds, but have mostly been taking it easy today. Hopefully it will clear up when my white cells decide to wake up from their siesta and I will be seeing the podiatrist on Monday.
Although Rachel is feeling better, Theresa and my Mom are still under the weather, so I hope they are feeling better soon and up for a visit. We are all looking forward to spending Thanksgiving together here at the hospital and the day after Thanksgiving is our 22nd wedding anniversary...maybe another sleepover date night will work out ;-)
Thank you all for your continued prayers, encouragement and love!
Love,
John
Woke up today with a swollen and painful left big toe...huh?! I have a little cellulitis by my nail bed and never knew how painful a swollen big toe could be. I took a few walks, while on pain meds, but have mostly been taking it easy today. Hopefully it will clear up when my white cells decide to wake up from their siesta and I will be seeing the podiatrist on Monday.
Although Rachel is feeling better, Theresa and my Mom are still under the weather, so I hope they are feeling better soon and up for a visit. We are all looking forward to spending Thanksgiving together here at the hospital and the day after Thanksgiving is our 22nd wedding anniversary...maybe another sleepover date night will work out ;-)
Thank you all for your continued prayers, encouragement and love!
Love,
John
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