Today marks the completion of the first three weeks of the first stage of chemotherapy. It feels good to be into this a little bit and on my way with this fight. I have had some side effects of the chemo.....fingers tips have some sensory issues, things have sorta shifted from tasting really "metallic" to really "sweet". Some would think of this as a bonus....but its not as good as it sounds. Its more like waffle syrup being on everything at all times in gross quantities. gets a little old. I have also slendered down 20 pounds which i am trying to put back on........pardon the pause here while I gnaw on this stick of butter :) And they tell me that the mane of hair on my head should not be long for this world either. But, i'm okay with that. The Commish was one of my favorite shows growing up.
The doctor also received the results of my second bone marrow biopsy. They said they saw a decrease in the number of leukemic cells.....which is a good thing and on track to what they expecteced to find. So the treatements seem to be doing what they are supposed to be doing at this point.
Happy Independence Day to everybody! The highlight of the weekend was being able to have a completely normal day on Saturday, drive to Alexandria with Hanna and Logan and meet Ronan, the one week old baby boy of my good frineds Shana and Warren Blayney. He is gorgeous and already has more hair than I will have in a few days. It was inspiring to see new life and gave me even further reason to dive back into this fight.
I head back to the hopsital tomorrow to start the 4th week of chemo. I will two pretty powerful drugs tomorrow so hoepfully they don't knock me off my feet.
I could never truly express what my friends and family have meant to me through all this. There are not enough thank you's to go around. the cards, books, food, hugs, calls, texts, and visits have all meant more than I can express. We will all fight this together....one day at a time. and, not doubt.....
ALL will be well
"If children have the ability to ignore all odds and percentages, then maybe we can all learn from them. When you think about it, what other choice is there but to hope? We have two options, medically and emotionally: give up, or fight like hell." ---Lance Armstrong (hoping he wins it again this year)
Oh Danny - what great news. I knew you'd be on the right track. The Commish was also one of my favorites along with Yul Brynner in "The King and I", although I'm sure you are too young to remember that! Keep up the good work and I hope this next round of chemo is less sweet and less metallic! Love, Aunt Ann Ham
ReplyDeleteDan,
ReplyDeleteGreat update! I'm so glad to hear that the treatment is working. How much sweeter life will taste after you kick cancer's ass!! And how much less sweet will food taste too ;)
Thinking of you often. And sending all my love and positive energy your way in these days and weeks dude!
peace & all good,
laura c.
Hi Dan,
ReplyDeleteJust wanted to say that I've been thinking about/praying for you. Hopefully I'll see you in church sometime soon (I've been out of town a lot lately). Take care and keep doing what you're doing...
Laura (Leimbach) Rowe
Hey Danny - wanted to let you know that I've asked for your name to be added to the Prayer List here at Habitat (each week they distribute it and ask people to keep the names in mind). So in addition to all the good Catholic prayers, there should be some Southern Baptist and Methodist prayers streaming in from Americus, GA on your behalf, too. :-)
ReplyDeleteI'll be praying for more good news!
Love,
-Lisa
Hi Dan,
ReplyDeleteTed, Audrey and I have been praying for you! We are very happy to hear things are going as well as can be expected. I'm sure Meg and Luke are checking your blog as much as possible in Zambia. Thanks for the updates. Ted said the next time you are in our neck of the woods (which we're guessing might be a ways a way) we'll cook you a delicious, yummy, and gluten free meal! (He'll do most of the cooking since he's much better at it)
Good luck with everything!
Colleen
I am so impressed... you are just great.. as I told you ... I will stay in the Canary Islands one year, but after that you will be welcome wherever I am and ... don´t forget that we still have to celebrate another Sanfermines soon ;)
ReplyDeleteO'Malley,
ReplyDelete"And the winds are blowin
And the skies keep turning grey
And the sun is setting....
The sun will rise another day!
I have wished for so long,
Now I wish for you today."
-PJ Long Road.
Listened to this today thinking of you.
We're all with you.
O'Malley
Danny Boy - I am with you all the way.
ReplyDeleteJust say the word and I will be there for whatever you need.
Your chemo bald father.
Love Ya Pal
I am a little envious about you being able to gnaw on that stick of butter. Miss you. And much love,
ReplyDeleteHank
1) Commish is a great show. Michael Chiklis was my justification for sporting a healthy beer gut. 2) Does this mean I should shave my head for solidarity? 3) Still drinking the high life for you.
ReplyDeleteDan,
ReplyDeleteYou might know me better as "Carly Plantulli".. Kate Toye's Friend.. I just wanted to say that you have been in my thoughts in prayers... Keep up the fight! :)
"pardon the pause here while I gnaw on this stick of butter :) And they tell me that the mane of hair on my head should not be long for this world either. But, i'm okay with that. The Commish was one of my favorite shows growing up"
ReplyDeleteDan, I read your blog for updates and I can't get through a post without cracking up at least one from excerpts like the one above, haha.