Sunday Sept 30

Andy is enjoying his weekend guest! Lisa has provided loving service with back rubs, massages, Thai food and other snacks. Andy is wheezing and has back end issues but continues with Chemo. You may be wondering what's next after this round of chemo. Dr A stopped by and said after this chemo the PET scan will be scheduled out about 30 days to give his body time to flush out more poisons. Depending on the PET, we will then plan next steps. I'm sure Andy could use amonth to recover and rebalance some.

Andy on the way to UCSF

Michael is driving Andy to UCSF at this moment. Yesterday they called and said come now but of course with a 6 hr drive and no ride that's impossible. Hope Andy enjoys his weekend surprise. Here's to a smooth (please) final BEACOPP!

Waiting for a bed

We are at the point of calling for a bed to become available. We really hope that happens today. Andy is really feeling poorly, some from the meds, including trouble breathing.

On a happier note, the folks in Tennessee are participating in a fundraiser for Lymphoma research. We will walk on Oct 12, including babies and children!

If you wish to support this cause, this link will take you to the right place. Any amount is appreciated and helpful

http://pages.lightthenight.org/tn/MidTN12/JWestbrook

Neupogen continues

Andy's having significant pain in his shoulders, back and knees. He's taking the prescribed drugs and hopes they will help. He forgets to eat so a gentle reminder may get some food in his stomach and help relieve light headedness. He's got a positive attitude and doesn't have energy to deal with rude people--go figure how ignoramus people have the gall to annoy him and name call. Cease!! Andy's working on finishing this round to get ready for BEACOPP #6. This will be a great milestone. Thanks to all the fab supporters!!

Neupogen pain sets in

Pretty much like previous chemos, the dang neupogen shots do great at stimulating the marrow but the pain that goes along with that is pretty bad. It's started now, but Andy claims he is tougher than the pain and I agree. Let's all hope it is more manageable this time around. He likely has 4 more days of shots and the pain intensifies during these days and only declines after neupogen has stopped for a day or do. Keep positive thoughts. Andy refuses to waste energy on down people and keeps a pretty positive look given all this. Let's keep his spirits buoyed over this next week.

Discharged!

Andy was discharged today and was soooo looking forward to seeing the special friend who was picking him up. This inpatient rotation went as smoothly as possible (once he got admitted). Now let's hope the outpatient neupogen shots and the associated side effects are tolerable. Thank you to all for the continued support

BEACOPP 5

Andy is sure feeling the effects of the chemotherapy, especially the prednisone.  It causes increased hunger as a side effect, as well as water retention and weight gain and he has it all, fortunately the primary effect of the medication is to decrease inflammation from the tumors and it has definitely done that for Andy!  I decided to go visit with him this weekend to try to lift his spirits a bit.  Although he has this tough exterior "I'm fine" I can tell this time spent in the hospital alone is wearing on him.  There is no doubt that the texts, emails, but especially the visits in the hospital really lift him up.  He hates that he continues to lose his arm and leg hair, more every week, he keeps rubbing his head as if it surprises him that there is just peach fuzz there.  His fortitude continues to amaze me!  Lets all keep showing him how proud we are of him and show our positive support to him during these difficult days ahead!

Admitted finally

After waiting for a bed to become available for 2+ days, Andy is now being admitted. He's 4 days Kate starting this round and feels pretty lousy. Likely a transfusion in the next few hours will help with that.

Labor day

Andy's tired today but the pain is manageable. We're very happy about that and know a lot of people pleaded for his relief. He goes back in tomorrow and has decided to keep positive thoughts that this next round will go smoothly.