October 27, 2010

I know everyone is anxious to learn about the test results, so here they are:

• MUGA (heart study) result: Good / Normal
• Pulmonary preliminary results:  Passed
• Bone Marrow result: No evidence of Lymphoma
• Kidney result: Too Low (postponing cycle 3 until Monday)
• PET Scan preliminary result: Partial Response 50-60% effective (read below) Also, we are waiting to hear if the scan showed any changes in the shadow found prior to treatment in his lung.  If the shadow has gotten smaller, that may indicate that there is cancer in his lung as well. From the onset of treatment it has been unclear what the scan is showing in his lung.

• The preliminary results show that approximately 40-50% of the cancer remains.  They will proceed with cycle 3 of the O-ICE treatment on Monday because his kidney functions are not where they need to be to continue as planed.  If Monday's lab results are better, he will be admitted and start cycle 3 of O-ICE. (Calendar is updated)
• If he is not cancer-free by the end of cycle 3, the doctor will then make the decision to either do radiation, a new chemotherapy treatment or both.  It is possible that he may still qualify for the BMT; however, that depends on the clinical trial guidelines.
• His kidney function is a large concern for everyone.  His kidneys must be in better condition to be able to do the BMT as BMT's are very tolling on the kidneys.  If a BMT is done and his kidneys are not healthy enough to sustain the procedure he could end-up on dialysis for the rest of his life. This is obviously not an option; therefore, if his kidneys are damaged he would not be able to proceed with a BMT.
• When a patient relapses, the best course of action involves both chemotherapy and BMT, without the BMT it is very likely that he will relapse again in less time than it took the first.  In Pop Pop's case, if he is unable to receive a BMT, it is probable that the cancer will return in less than 1.5 - 2 years ( it could be as little as a month).  Each patient and case is different.

Today has obviously been a difficult day; however, Pop Pop is pushing forward and praying for the best.  

Carlos & Pop Pop

Blood Transfusion

October 26, 2010

Pop Pop started the day big a BANG, or should I say two?  He fell twice as he was getting ready, I am still unsure of the full story and Nurse Lucha was in the shower but what I do know is that as he was bending to pick-up a pillow from the floor he basically kept going and fell into the wall.  What happened the second time is still a mystery to me.

Aside from that...another FULL day at UNC (Labs, Blood transfusion, Magnesium & Phosphorous).  Pop Pop  and Nurse Lucha are both run-down; emotionally, mentally, and physically!

Tomorrow is the BIG DAY, with test results, a meeting with the Bone Marrow Transplant Team and a meeting with Dr. Richards.  This is one of the moments we have all been praying for (so don't stop now).

On the upside, Pop Pop's Mini-Me,Carlos, is in town to assist Nurse Lucha and Patient Pop Pop for the next few days.

Lastly, if you follow the calendar and lab results...they are updated (sorry for the delay).  Hopefully, I will have more dates after tomorrow's meeting to add to the calendar.

Thank you from Pop Pop

Pop Pop has asked me to say thank you for all the prayers, well wishes, and words of encouragement. He loves you all and feels so fortunate to have such wonderful people in his life.

October 25, 2010

Long Day ... for both patient and Nurse Lucha (who pushed a wheelchair all day)

Arrive @ UNC 9:45
Straight to Registration
2nd Floor, Oncology Hematology into a room with a bed for the Bone Marrow test.  He was put to sleep. Took bone marrow biopsy
3rd Floor, Needed transfusion but couldn't get it at the moment (behind schedule)
Far Far Across Hospital to Pulmonary 6th Floor
(Nurse Lucha up and down from 2nd floor back to 6th Floor)
Back down to ground level ... 2 buildings over to Woman's Center Basement to have MAGA Scan (1 hour)
Nurse Lucha was having a sugar low so she took her lunch brake 2 buildings over to grab pizza to share and back across two buildings back to her patient.
Back to the cancer hospital to 3rd Floor ... Infusion: 2 bags of Potassium
Downstairs ... Finally to leave @ 6pm

Walmart ... Home ... Cook ... and washed a load of clothes

FYI:  Bleeding in the skin, the spots I found on his legs, are due to the low platelets.


Tomorrow... 
Return for more!

October 22, 23 & 24

Bad, Bad and well Bad... so that pretty much sums up the last few days.  Friday I stopped at my parents' house in the morning to pick-up my mom to take her to her back appointment and I went upstairs to say good morning to my dad.  I knew the moment that I saw him that he was not doing well.  He had another bad night with a nosebleed, he did not have any energy, he was short of breath, I found new red dots on his legs, and overall...he just looked off to me.  As I went to say good-bye to him I could not help but pull him close to me for an extra long hug and I kissed the top of his head (he was sitting), I love his peach fuzz so lingered there for a while then I whispered to him, "Daddy, lets just stay home and snuggle today". (I knew it was going to be another long day at UNC.)  He responded by saying, "I can't baby, I have to go...but maybe when I get home".  I wanted so badly to somehow take him away from all of this just for a moment but I knew full well that that was nothing more than a hope.  If you know my parents then you know they have always been the type of people who just do what needs to be done.  Rarely do you hear them complain about the journey that needs to be taken to get it done.

In this blog I have done my best to keep my personal thoughts, opinions, and interactions with my parents limited as I don't want to make this about me.  In fact, I even try to refer to them as anything other than my parents because the purpose of this blog has been a way for you, the reader, to interact with them (not me).  But today, I have decided to share this with you for a reason...I am asking you to choose something that you know you should do or that you have wanted to do, but have for one reason or another made excuses not to do.  I am asking that you just "do what needs to be done" regardless, at least for one week.  Allow his fight and the fight of the many others who battle cancer to inspire you, to remind you that when pushed you can endure so much more than you realize.  Allow his fight to serve as a reminder of all that you have to be grateful for, for all that you are capable of that so many others are not. I am asking you to complete the following statement and make it a commitment ...

If Pop Pop can fight cancer, than I can ... 

(no matter if I am tired, if it is raining, if I am busy, if I feel like giving up...I will do what needs to be done!)

What will it be for you?  Are you willing to commit?  Please let me know how Pop Pop is inspiring you. 

FYI, Friday proved to be a bad day.  The blood test revealed he was in need of more 3 bags of potassium, magnesium, phosphate, saline, and platelets.  His leg, for some unknown reason, is not working well (he is having difficulty walking at times). Saturday and Sunday were more or less the same, he continues to have limited energy and no appetite. Tomorrow, Monday, he will have a series of exams.  He begins staging, the phase when a number of tests are done to see if the chemotherapy treatments have been working.  We continue to pray for the exams to show him as cancer free!  Also the doctors are testing to make certain that he is a candidate for a bone marrow transplant, there has been serious concern about his kidneys.

Please pray for all those who have fought and those who continue to fight their own personal battle against cancer. Our lives have been touched and inspired by many family and friends:

Julio Cordoba, Tia Olga, Carlos Holub, Mercedes Barragan, Vicki Kennedy, George Kennedy, Tobby Litt, Serafina Cammarata, Magnolia, Aziz Barragan, Fernando Santos, David Hoereth, Albert Walton, Randy Thompson, Julito Jimenez, Leonor Jimenez, Julita Acosta

Alan Lougee, Alba Lucia Maya, Alfonso Leano, Arcecio Nieto, Arden Zebley, Debbie Eckert, Denice Kardas, Dyana Eckstein, Ed Kalchek, Fred Campos, German Ortiz, Gloria Espinosa, Henry Oward, Jesus Leano, John Semock, Julian Leano, Karen Battista, Kenneth Zeitler, Landa, Lisa Moran, Mary Claire Satterly, Mary Leslie, Mary Pollucci, Mc Pheeters, Owen Fincher, RC Klein, Rona, Ruth Gallop, Susana Bolaos, William Bunn

October 20 & 21

Yesterday was another bad day.  Pop went to UNC where they gave him 2 bags of Potassium and 1 bag of Magnesium.  It was almost 7 pm by the time they left to head home.

Today, he continues to be very tired (though a bit better than yesterday), short of breath, pale, and all around run-down.  He did however, leave the house and not to go to the hospital!  Pop Pop accompanied the Cordoba Sisters to Joanne's Fabric just to get out.  He mostly stayed in the car because he was "too exhausted" keep up with the ladies.  Just getting out in the car is a highlight for him these days, he says he enjoys just feeling the fresh air.

Tomorrow he returns to UNC for another blood test. He insists that he can drive himself.  Ann was going to drive him but he called and cancelled (let the record show, I was not happy about this choice).  I have emailed Ranju (from UNC) to make sure that this is ok with them.

Lastly, Nurse Lucha is returning to the back specialist to get an injection for her back again.  You know she is in pain if she is voluntarily getting an injection! (For my prayers out there ... please add her to your list.)

BREAKING NEWS ...

It seems that Pop Pop has had another nose bleed tonight and has come to the realization that he does not actually feel well enough to drive himself.  Thank you Ann for your help.

MOVIE UPDATE ...

Our favorite movie critic says thumbs down, actually it was "don't watch" ... The Box.

October 19, 2010

Last night was a BAD night.  The pain started in his gluteus maximus (took percocet), then traveled to his kidney (took a percocet),  made its way to his shoulders (another percocet), and finally morning came (surprisingly without much sleep) and the pain slowly started to fade throughout the day.  However, the lack of energy and shortness of breath persisted.

He did make it out of the house for a joy ride to Nana's doctor, where he remained in the car during her visit.

Entertainment has consisted of Avatar and It's Complicated...both received a thumbs up!

Few Loose Ends...

1. The poll has ended & thank you to those of you who voted.  The final results showed that an overwhelming 75% of voters feel ...YES, Eduardo should grow his beard to 8 inches as well.
   
2. Eduardo has also informed me that he is using his head to double donate ... that is ... 8 inches to Pantene and he will participate in St. Baldrick's fundraiser when he shaves his head.  Funds raised go toward childhood cancer resrearch http://www.stbaldricks.org/.  Yeah!!!!!

October 18, 2010

Just as we anticipated,putting off a blood transfusion for a patient who's levels are clearly declining is NOT a good decision!  Last night Pop Pop had a nose bleed and this morning he awoke with very little energy at all.  He canceled his appointment at Rex (not surprisingly) and went to UNC where he learned that he was in need of ...

1. 2 pints of blood (blood transfusion)
2. Potassium (potassium infusion)
3. Platelets (platelet transfusion)
4. Magnesium
5. Phosphate

(I will spare you my personal ranting and raving about how I feel about this entire situation.)

Needless to say, Nana & Pop Pop both had a LONG day!  After spending the entire day at the hospital, I am happy to report that  both patient and nurse are at home ...exhausted.

my poor daddy!

October 16 & 17

Just as we anticipated Pop Pop has felt increasingly worse and continues on that path since he is waiting to receive his blood transfusion.  Today, he choose a spot on the couch and owned it ... vowing not to move from that specific location unless absolutely necessary.  He has an appointment at UNC tomorrow to have his blood work done and where they will do a much needed blood transfusion.  Nurse Lucha has been so worried about him and doing her best to stay strong beside him.  I can only hope that tomorrow will bring relief to them both.

Pop Pop hang in there we are all routing for you!!

Ask and ye shall receive

I have some pictures of Caroline and Harrison's visit with Pop.  Flashback to 10/05/10 ...

October 14 & 15, 2010

Yesterday the training continued and Pop Pop made it several mailboxes beyond the day before with fewer stops. He was moving like a champion! Carlos, the competition is on. Or perhaps I should wait a few days before making any wagers, Pop Pop was unable to walk today. He went for his blood test at Rex and the doctor sent him home. Upon arrival Nurse Lucha contacted Ranju from UNC to discuss the results and Ranju and Dr. Roberts felt Jimenez should have a blood transfusion (see labs below). However, since he had seen Dr. Zietler today at Rex, they had to follow his orders (which was he wanted Pop Pop's numbers to be slightly lower). Ridiculous office politics now has him on hold feeling like crap (excuse my French) until Monday. In the end Ranju told him to save his energy (just what Nurse Lucha has suggested all along) and really relax.

Which brings us back to movie rentals...what should I get him???

Now, for the entertainment portion of today's update ... picture. Not of Pop Pop, but of Ed or should I say Ed's head! I am so proud of him for growing his hair out to at least 8 inches to donate to Pantene Beautiful Lengths http://www.pantene.com/en-us/beautiful-lengths-cause/default.aspx . Pantene makes wigs to donate to woman who have lost their hair to cancer treatments!

The real question here is should Ed also grow his beard to 8 inches??? Vote in the poll on the right!

I need to get more pictures from Eduardo from when Caroline and Harrison have visited Pop Pop, I haven't been able to post any only because we don't visit Pop Pop at the same time (he shouldn't have too many people in the house). Jimenez sent me this one today and I love it...so pretty.

October 12 & 13, 2010

Well yesterday was much like today (which was much like the day before that) ... Yuck, but the type that one would associate with Chemo. Today when Pop Pop went for his blood work he also received Potassium (because his level is low again) and Neulasta. I have noticed his white blood cells are dropping so we are keeping an eye on that as well.

Yesterday, he called the doctor to let them know that he was beyond tired and could hardly walk. The doctor told him that he had to get up and walk, because fluid can collect in his lungs. Hence, the marathon training begins. Today, we made it a few mailboxes further than yesterday!!

On a happy note... Pop Pop is the only person on Chemo (exaggeration) that gains weight. So needless to say, he was thrilled when a package of Delicious Orchards goodies arrived from Vickie & George. Not to mention, the personal delivery of Cuban/Dominican food from Nani (and the gang). Yum Yum Yum!

Pop Pop has asked me to say thank you for the comments, he enjoys hearing from everyone.

Lastly, I need to rent him another movie ... any suggestions??

October 11, 2010

Another lousy day. Pop Pop is understandably run-down. When I asked him to describe to me how he feels today, his answer was "tired, very tired and down". FYI, he did clarify that down was in regard to his physical state and not mental.

I am so proud of how strong both my parents have been. Lu is taking great care of him and Jimenez is taking his treatment one day at a time. I know that everyone has been hoping and praying for the best and many of you have asked if there is anything more you can do, all I can ask for is continued support and prayers. Pray that his scans show that he is cancer free by the end of cycle 2, otherwise they will have to postpone his transplant and look for a new avenue to attack the cancer.

Consider yourself Up To Date!

I realize I left you wondering about Pop Pop just when you want to know about him most, while he was in the hospital. For that I apologize; however, I must say ... I often wonder if there is anyone out there reading this (that is other than Pop Pop himself). At least say hi to him!

10-10-10 (Discharged)

After a long night last night, Pop Pop finally got some sleep and did not wake until 10 am. For the first part of the day he was doing well; however, as the day progressed he has grown more and more tired. He does not want to say or do much of anything.

10-09-10 Long Night

Today was a FULL day of chemo! So much so that by nights end Pop Pop was swollen with fluid and his lungs were "gurgling" with fluid. He was having difficulty breathing so they put him on oxygen and injected him with a diuretic to help him urinate the excess water. He suffered terrible headaches, his blood pressure was high, and his heart rated had slowed to 40 bpm (normal 75-80 bpm).

10-08-10 Why we ALL love Pop Pop

Today is Nana and Pop Pop's "Happy Day" and it started great. I took Nana to visit Pop Pop and the nurse said Alexander could come for a short visit before they started him on chemo again. Alexander packed him a lunch (Scooby Doo for Alexander & Spiderman for Pop Pop). Just in case you are wondering, it consisted of a peanut butter and jelly sandwich, cheese doodles, a go gourt, and a capri sun drink.

The nurse had just given him an injection to boost his energy (and boy did it work).

... What a change from just a few days ago (10-02-10) ...

Sorry for the side view (again) but when I rotated it, I lost half of it.

As I mentioned, it was a short visit. By the end of the night he was exhausted but he was having difficulty sleeping so he asked the nurse if he could please have a Viagra, I can only imagine her face as she looked at him and asked him why he thought he was going to need that! Realizing that something was not right, he asked her if he had just asked for a Viagra and then explained that what he really needed was an Ambien.

Ha Ha Ha ... I still can't stop laughing ... I only wish you could hear him tell you the story himself ... hysterical. You know that nurse is still talking about the creepy man wanting a Viagra.

10-07-10 right where we left off

Right back to where I last left you, the day Pop Pop entered the hospital for Cycle 2. As I stated he was feeling lousy, but boy did he sleep. He slept on and off for hours.

He was given 2 bags of potassium, 1 bag of magnesium, and he began taking phosphate orally.

Lab Results have been updated!

CYCLE 2 BEGINS (10-07-10)

Today is the start of cycle 2.

Pop Pop is back in UNC hospital and will stay for 3-4 days. Please don't call their cell phone unless you have Verizon, otherwise the number to the room is 919-966-5093.

The past few days have been a series of ups and downs. Up: Mr. Harrison took his first few steps ... Down: Pop Pop and Nana had a meeting to learn about the Bone Marrow Transplant to come.

Overall, he hasn't been feeling too great, mostly symptoms one would expect from chemo (lack of energy, appetite, overall yuck) with increasing pain in his bones at nighttime. We expect that the side effects will worsen with this second cycle ... so keep him in your thoughts and prayers.

October 2, 2010 Pictures

Gomez Visit

October 3, 2010

Today was another decent day for me.  I tried to go to the store but that did not lost long because I get tired too fast.  I wanted to just go back home.  Monica and Alexzandra came to visit and they brought me a berry blast and a wrap from McDonald's.  

I will post some pictures later.

October 2nd Update..

Finally, I got my head shaved ... what a feeling, it hurts!  It hurts because the small head whiskers go into my skin like small needles.  Aside from my head, I was feeling very tired and I did not have an appetite.  I was visited by a few people (Eduardo, Mr. Harrison, Tere and Gonzalo) which was nice to see family again!

Also, I finally saw The Book of Eli, between you and me , no good.  

What is different??

Today Pop Pop ate!!! Mami made a yummy cilantro chicken that not even chemo could deny. His blood work showed that everything went up a bit except for his platelets (see below).

Now for what everyone is waiting for.... a picture ...

.... can you spot what is different??? The mustache and goatee are missing! Still he is as handsome as ever.

As for the movie, he still hasn't watched it.