Chemo #3

Happy Friday all! It has been a busy few days for team OJ! Uncle John flew in Tuesday afternoon just in time to hit some golf balls with Dad! I could get used to him coming every three weeks :)

Wednesday we had an appointment at MD Anderson to get Dad's labs and blood work done bright and early at 8am. At 9am we were able to meet with Dr. K where he just checked on Dad to see how he was tolerating the chemo. He wanted to do an X-ray to see if he was on track with the chemo regimen which we were all secretly excited about since we didn't take one last week at Sievers' office. We had to wait a bit (by bit I mean an hour) for an X-ray technician to come over from Banner Gateway but after that we were in an out! And instead of just making us wait, there was always a nurse coming out to apologize for the wait and to check and see if we needed anything! Just another reason MD Anderson's staff is above the rest!

This is Dr. K checking Dad's lungs...he isn't as scary as he looks here I promise!

You can't really see, but Dad is using Cindy's scarf to keep warm...too funny

Well we all know Dad and Uncle John wouldn't miss a chance to play golf so right after the appointment they headed to out to play. You would think the chemo would hinder Dad's golf game, but he is still shooting in the 70's! 

What a STUD!

Dad and Uncle John grilling the best shishka bobs ever!

Yesterday was chemo #3 and we all trekked back to MD Anderson after devouring Cindy's famous monkey bread (soo good). After we checked in we obviously had to stop at the new puzzle that was out, and Uncle John got his first puzzle piece! Very proud. Dad and I went back first to get his IV's set up where we first met Mary. She took his vitals (weight, blood pressure ect) and Dad and I had a little dance party when his weight was 154...only for the party to be ruined by her telling us he was wearing jeans and a jacket so he wasn't 154. He is maintaining his weight though which is great!

Mary then took us back to our chemo corner where we met Christine, our nurse for the day. Dad and her hit it off from the first second of meeting and we knew it was going to be a great day! Here are a few things we learned that were different from last time:

1. Christine has worked in oncology for 20+ years therefore she knows chemo VERY well. She knows the right way to pair up the drugs to get Dad out of there faster. She also is great at starting the IV's!
2. Avastin (Dad's newest chemo) is on a titration plan. (i got either giddy or nauseous...couldn't tell...thinking back to my chemistry terminology from college) so basically last time it dripped for 90 minutes...60 minutes yesterday...and 30 minutes next time! 
3. We can request nurses that we like (yes we liked Christine THAT much!) but we just cant tell the other nurses, they get jealous ;)

 Dad handled the chemo very well all day. He got a little heart burn after lunch (I have no idea why, he only ate half a roast beef sandwich, a cheeseburger, a cup of fruit, fries, and an onion ring...) but other than that he did great! Our friend Mo stopped by and it was great catching up with her! She brought the most beautiful lilies that we unfortunately had to keep in the waiting room (We didn't forget them on the way out Mo!), thank you again Mo!!!

Oh and remember that X-ray Dad had taken? The NP had come up to talk to us about it that afternoon but we didn't get much from that conversation. She didn't have another X-ray to compare it to but she did say she can still see the tumor and some residual from the pneumonia. However, the residual could actually be scarring and not pneumonia itself. She said the tumor is at least stable if not smaller and they are sending it over to Dr. Siever so he can compare it to his last X-ray.

The TV speakers are on the remote so Dad kindly was holding it for us to hear :)

Dad and Mo!

Dad is doing really well and is starting to brainstorm some great things to do once chemo is over...I'll keep you in suspense for awhile :) Dad and Uncle John are back on the golf course today (I think we might just let them live there) having a blast I am sure! Thank you everyone for your continued support and prayers, they are so appreciated!

Jinxing Shminxing

Hi! It seems like forever since I have updated the good ol' blog! I hope everyone is enjoying the start to spring, with the exception of the last few days here in Phoenix, I can say I am in love with this weather and would fully support if it stayed in the 80's until next year!

Well since the last chemo Dad has been doing great! As with the first chemo, Dad had a steroid high the first three days followed by two "hangover" days. All in all, Dad has shown the chemo whose boss and we couldn't be more proud!

Mr. Crance and Dad!

Before Uncle John left us last time, we were able to our neighbors' going away party. It was a ton of fun and great to see everyone in "the hood"! (Mike & Suzie- it is already weird without you here!)

Dad and Uncle John at The Crance's going away party!

When I was at work last week I came up to greet one of my table's and one of the women asked my name. When I told her, it turned out to be my parents' friend and co-worker Nancy Beets! I have heard her name for years so it was great to finally meet her and her sister. Such a small world since they were going to a party she was hosting the following Sunday!

Dad and Nancy

Dad, Cindy, and Nancy

Well today Dad and I went back to Dr. Siever's office (the pulmonologist) for a check up, and he made sure to tell me where to go so I didn't take us on a 20 minute scenic tour like last time :) They first took his vitals which were all perfect, and no weight loss! Then he had to do the "breathing test" which Dad says is the worst test in the world...and after watching I think I might agree.

(I don't think he knows I took this... I'm sneaky like that)

They have to breathe into the device like you see above and it measures their lung capacity and other exciting things like that. WELL, let me just tell you that not only did Dad beat each previous attempt (they do 3) but he also improved his "score" by almost DOUBLE from last month! It was so exciting and was just the beginning to a great appointment!

When we met with Dr. Siever Dad filled him in on everything new with MD Anderson and how he has been feeling the last month since we've seen him. Dr. Siever was thrilled to hear everything has been going well and that Dad has been feeling great. After Dr. Siever listened to Dad's lungs he said that he didn't need to do an X-Ray to know that Dad is responding to the chemo and the tumor has shrunk. I am still getting goosebumps replaying it in my head. We all had the conversation that it IS ok to say you are feeling better and to say you think the chemo is working without "jinxing it". That's HOPE! Dad said he can just tell it is working, and it has been the first time since November that he can lay on his back with NO cough, and can sleep comfortably.

God is working in amazing ways and thank you everyone who has been keeping Dad constantly in your thoughts and prayers. Today was a great testament of the power of faith, prayer, and the miracles medicine can provide. I know we didn't get "proof", but sometimes all you need is a little faith.

Next week we meet with Dr. K (chemo doctor) on Wednesday and then chemo #3 on Thursday... 

BRING. IT. ON. Have a great week!

Two Down, Two To Go!

Hello! Hope everyone has enjoyed their week! Since I last wrote not too much has happened in between....Dad has felt spectacular and spent the last few days vegging out and hanging out with his friends They all went to a baseball game Monday and had great seats:

View from their seats

Dad and Dave Kinzer

Jamie Cunningham and Dad after the game

John, Dad, and Dave after the game

Uncle John flew in yesterday, always wonderful to have him in town! The two of them braved the cold wind yesterday afternoon to play golf and were still a pair of ice cubes when they came to visit me at work!

Today was Dad's second round of chemo, but first one at MD Anderson! Dad, Uncle John, one of my very best girlfriends Jess, and I got to MD bright and early for Dad's pre-chemo labs. There was a ton of people waiting for labs as well so we stood behind the crowded waiting room and made a bunch of commotion and laughter. Dad also tied his ribbon on the Hope Tree!

Dad and Jess (who made the shirt)

:)

Bro Power

Dad tying his white ribbon on the Hope Tree

The two coins Dad was given from Miss Chris and Paula (thank you for the thoughtful gifts!!!!)

While waiting I took some paperwork over to the "financial lady" and was amazed that she not only remembered my name but was able to share so much about her little time spent with my Dad...names, stories, situations... the whole nine yards! It put a huge smile on my face knowing that the employees are not just there for a paycheck but are passionate about their work and their patients. After labs we were cleared for the third floor and you know what that means...it was puzzle time!

Just kidding...as much as I love those puzzles that was obviously not the reason we were there! They first took Dad and I back to get set up with his IV before they brought the rest of "Team OJ" back. Beth was our nurse for the day and she was great...except she had a little trouble getting the needle in Dad's vein (even though he has perfect veins!). I almost vommited watching the needle go in, out, left, right in his vein...I could have just turned away but it was honestly like when someone tells you not to watch but you can't stop out of pure curiosity. Note to self...no more IV's in Dad's hand, stick to the arm.

Well today felt like flying first class (not that I would know, surprisingly enough). The nurse that took us back gave Dad the biggest cubicle right next to the window and there were staff waiting at our hands and feet! Coffee (which Dad really enjoyed), beverages, lunch for Dad, TV, and of course comfy chairs.

 

Watchin the tube

Largest sandwich ever

It was a long day of chemo, 8 hours to be exact, but Dad was a CHAMP! He started with his magnesium and steroid bags, moved through the three different chemo bags, and finished with the post-hydration bag. Everything went smoothly, except when the Avastin (the new chemo drug) was on drip it hurt a little when it went in his vein.

I was telling my Dad how Jess was boarding her flight and couldn't stop picturing the pilots watching movies and playing angry birds (per an earlier convo we all had)while they are "flying" the plane and Ed, the husband of the couple next to us, asked me if I was telling a pilot joke. I told him that Dad was a pilot for Southwest and his face completely dropped and he walked right over to our cubicle. Turns out he was a head mechanic for Southwest, retired two years ago, and both him and Dad agreed that the other looked familiar. 

As I listened to them talk about their common friends from work and share stories I had to stuff my face with a macadamia nut cookie to keep myself from crying because it was so cool seeing this guy just light up talking to Dad. It just reminded me how many lives Dad has touched and continues to touch on a daily basis (the nurses LOVE him...obviously). I know I talk about this every blog post I am sure, but knowing there are so many people praying and offering their support for my dad is such a blessing. Not only does Dad have an amazing support system, a lucky shirt, and lucky coins...but he also has God working for him and through him every day and today was just one of the many examples how. I hope everyone has a safe and wonderful weekend, spend it with the ones you love!  

 The Lord gives his people strength. The Lord blesses them with peace. Psalm 29:11

New Beginnings

Well it has been a long week of waiting for an appointment at MD Anderson but we finally got one! Yesterday we met with Dad's new oncology team. We pulled up to the hospital and I immediately had a smile on my face because the outside of the building had a sign that looked like this:

When we walked in everyone was so courteous and we were walked, not told, to where we needed to be. Once all the paperwork was taken care of we were given a nice tour of the highlights of the facility. What are the highlights you ask? WELL they have a meditation garden that has tables and chairs so when the weather is nice you can eat and relax outside. They have a bistro that has healthy-non cafeteria food items (and also a cafeteria for fries and such-Dad's preference I am sure!). They have a radiation oncology center and do ALL of their scans (PET, CT, X-Ray ect) on site. They have puzzles on the second and third floor waiting rooms (ok maybe that was just a highlight for me) and TV's as well. There is a Hope Tree with ribbons for every type of cancer right when you walk into the building and lastly the Lantern of Hope (which is pictured above...you can see and read more about here ).

This is Dad in front of the Hope Tree, he will get to tie a ribbon next week!

Aside from all of the physical highlights... the staff, as I mentioned earlier, are all extremely nice and of course are top of the line in what they do. After we met with the RN, we got to meet Dr. Klueppelberg, or "Dr. K" for those of us who can't speak a proper German accent. Dr. K is from Germany and is great! They gave us a whole 1 page bio on him before we met him, so it's like getting a new best friend with all of their life history, without the coffee dates and hangout's until 2am (even though that is the best part of getting a new friend!).

After he got to know Dad a little bit he decided to change Dad's treatment plan. Now, instead of 6 cycles of chemo, he will do 4 cycles (he has already had 1, so 3 to go!) and the chemo drug Avastin will be added to his "chemo cocktail". Dr. K doesn't want to continue with the Emend (which is one of the anti nausea drugs) and will replace it with one called Zofran. Dr. K will have Dad get another CT scan after the 4th cycle to see how the chemo has worked and where to go from there. He also wants to eventually get another biopsy of the tumor (they didn't get enough tissue with the other biopsy) because MD has more treatment options available for Dad (just another plus for us moving to MD Anderson!).

Once we had this conversation with Dr. K in combination with everything else that had happened yesterday we decided to continue treatment at MD Anderson and no longer continue at Arizona Oncology. MD Anderson, although new, has incredible resources and care we weren't always receiving at Arizona Oncology. Dad will be able to stay on schedule and receive his next chemo treatment next Thursday at MD Anderson! Another cool thing? Dr. K will be at EVERY chemo appointment AND will see Dad each time as well (which was not the case at the other place...what a rhyme, I should be a poet)!

After Dr. K was finished, we got to meet Mary who is the Nurse Practitioner for Dr. K. She is our "question lady" so anytime we have a question related to treatment, side effects, ect. we can call her direct line (There is also a "question lady" for the financial side of all this). This was great because we have had so many questions and it was like going through a maze with a blindfold trying to get answers at Arizona Oncology. She also took us on a tour of the 3rd floor which is specifically for chemo. It was really cool each chemo chair had its own little cubicle so you weren't staring at 100 other people getting chemo. The best part? Well there's three...or four... 1. There are TV's and DVD players in EVERY chemo station. 2. The chairs are really comfortable (Dad tested) 3. There are beds so if Dad wants to lay down and take a nap he can do so! 4. Last but not least, lunch is delivered to him! No more going 8 hours without eating! All the nurses we met up there were very nice, happy, and you could tell they loved their job. It was a great change!

We are very excited about this change and are excited to see how this process blossoms here. There is so much hope instilled in their practices, motto, and employees and that is so important! Other than that, Dad has been feeling great! He had two days or so of feeling like crap, but other than that he is golfing and living life normally (well as normal as you can without work :) ) I hope you all have a great week, thanks for keeping Dad in your thoughts and prayers! Here are pictures from Dad's most recent golf outing:

Dad, Uncle John, and Cunningham's sons

Dad, Uncle John, and Cunningham