Patience is a virtue...another birth day...it is called!

The day, that we have waited for since November 2011, is here!  Ralph has endured months of chemo and the effects.  The ride has been a roller coaster of physical, mental, and emotional stress!  We gained strength from our faith and the prayers and well wishes of friends and family!

In the past two days, he has received a year's worth of chemo to, hopefully, kill any trace of mutiple myeloma cells.  (Unfortunately, it also depletes the body of good cells, but he has tolerated that just as well.)  He is nauseous, but there is great medicine to give enough relief for him to relax and rest.  He is weak.  He is quiet.  Today, all medical staff wore gloves and cover-ups when entering the room. More machines are present. The staff's enthusiasm for the ability to have a sct is evident...a celebration!

At 10:24, his nurse began to hook up the machines to Ralph.  At 10:28 the cells were wheeled in in a small freezer.  The 15 minute protocal was very official and the frozen cells were guarded by 3 nurses who checked and rechecked and checked again that he received his cells. (My stomach ached as I feared something freakish happening to those cells before they got into Ralph's system.  I held my breath.) 

REJOICE!  After giving him a mint so that he wouldn't taste, at 10:39 Ralph received his own healthy stem cells that he harvested in 2009.  It only took 9 minutes to return the cells, through an IV, into his body.  They find their way back from where they came.  Those 25 minutes were very emotional...so much hope being poured into his system...life...a miracle!  (Not knowing why, but I always think of the Green Mile when I reflect on witnessing this procedure.  In that movie, the character sucks the illness out and releases it into the air.  In Ralph's case, all the good cells are released into his body.)

Before he gets better, he will feel much worse.  The cells will start to regenerate, in his bone marrow, immediately but will not be evident for 10 days.

Praise the Lord for the miracles we witness in the name of medical marvels!  Doctors, nurses, researchers, biochemists...you have been blessed...thank you for sharing your gifts!

The time is now...

Last weekend, we had a great time at Erin's and Michael's wedding!  We feel blessed that friends and family traveled to share our celebration.  We laughed, we drank, we ate, we danced, and we have lifetime memories! 

Ralph's tests are complete, and he is going to be admitted for transplant on Monday.  We have the courage to face our fears and the faith to believe that we will be standing at the end of this hospital trek.

Over the next few days, Ralph is going to hit a few golf balls, do a little this 'n that, and dance the night away, on Saturday, at our dear friends' daughter's wedding!

Please continue to keep us in your thoughts and prayers.  God bless!

Logistically...it all looks good!

Ralph will begin tests for his transplant next week.  The last round of chemo had no effect that decreased his levels (remained the same), so it is time for transplant.  He will be at Michael's and Erin's wedding...will go to transplant on the Tuesday or Wednesday after...spend up to 30 days (last time it was 17) at Shadyside...recuperate for about a month at home...walk Mallory down the aisle in September.  Sounds like a plan :)

He is ready to get this done...it has been a long, roller coaster ride while waiting.  Please continue to keep us in your prayers as that is what we need most.

Out of fuel...

Ralph has had 3 rounds of chemo.  Today, one week after finishing his 3rd round, he was admitted to the hospital because his red blood count, white blood count, and platelet counts were dangerously low.  He will receive blood and platelets and spend the night.  He was suspicious that things were not right, as he had a very difficult time catching his breath and just didn’t feel right.  He should feel much better after the transfusions.  We are still waiting on the results of the 3rd chemo treatment.  Thank you for your prayers, thoughts, and kindness! God bless you!

Save me a dance...

Ralph is responding well to the chemo. Thus, he will have a third round, this weekend, and should be well enough to be on the dance floor at Michael's and Erin's wedding! When he no longer responds, he will go to transplant. This is good news, as we were very concerned that he might miss the wedding...the thought was breaking my heart. God is good...He obviously wants us to embarrass our children, one more time, with our awesome dance moves!

100 reasons to CRY...1000 reasons to SMILE...

So many, out of concern, ask how Ralph is doing.  So many pray for all of us.  Bottom line...he is sick...he has cancer.  His bones ache, he has less energy or stamina, and is scared.  With that, we are members of a club that we did not want to join, yet the dues is great! 

A grey cloud follows us and will for the rest of his life.  We have learned to live this roller coaster ride.  We make no plans that are too far in the future.  We live day-to-day...sometimes moment-to-moment.  We are constantly holding our breath. We get angry...we cry...we feel lost.  Feelings are unpredictable.

HOWEVER, through the grey cloud, there are MANY more breaks of sunshine...reasons to laugh, to forget, to enjoy! These moments are much appreciated and keep us sane.  He dresses and leaves the house every day.  I am able to work and enjoy the support of friends.  WE HAVE 3 HEALTHY CHILDREN.  God has blessed us immensely!

Hare today...goon tomorrow...little bunny foo-foo

Poof....it's gone!  Ralph has lost his hair and gained weight!  The steroids and chemo were less than kind.  He did receive 2 units of blood, on Monday night, and one unit of platelets.  His energy level and breathing improved a lot.  Today, he has more blood work...maybe more blood and platelets.  On May 14th, he will have blood work to determine the effect of the chemo.  He will meet with his doctor, at Hillman, on the 21st.  That meeting will determine the next step...transplant or more chemo.