We'll do this EVEn BETTER this time 'RoUnD!

Ralph’s Myeloma cells are becoming more aggressive, so another transplant will be done to put it back into remission. His own stem-cells are already harvested. He will go through 4 rounds of chemo starting within the next 2 weeks. The transplant is scheduled for March. There are a lot of new drugs coming out, based on research, for Multiple Myeloma. We are encouraged.

We are stronger, this time, because we know what to expect. We appreciate your continued thoughts and prayers. They certainly helped us before!

perhaps a glitch, perhaps not

It has been a really long time since I have made an entry...things had been stable. We enjoyed a family vacation in Bethany Beach and celebrated Michael and Mallory becoming engaged to a really wonderful young lady and gentleman. We look forward to weddings in June and September.

About 3 weeks ago, Ralph complained of his upper ribs hurting. Luckily, the pain subsided, but a CT scan revealed that he had a cracked rib...NO NEW LESIONS, though...phewwww! Bloodwork revealed that his white blood count was significantly low, his red blood cell count was out of whack as well as his protien levels...daily chemo was stopped...he had been on it for 2 years and protocol was only a 2 year maintenance, anyway.

After Ralph's stem-cell transplant, his Myeloma level was 3; a year later, 4; June 2011;7. According to his oncologist, it is not a concern until it is at 10, and can reach a point and level off. He sees his hemotology ongologist tomorrow at Hillman.

JUNE 2011

Ralph's bone marrow test revealed that his Myeloma levels were nearly nonexistent (#7). We, certainly, feel blessed. Together, we have a lot for which to look forward. Michael and Mallory are, both, getting married next summer. Michael's company was bought-out by another, and he sees more opportunities and plenty of learning! Megan opened her own State Farm Insurance office in McMurray! Mallory has completed 1/2 of her grad school class work and clinic work, at PITT, in Speech and Language Pathology! We have a new addition....a Soft-Coated Wheaten named ROSIE MAE!!!

TWO YEARS LATER...

Our family knows the blessings of research and doctors taking risks...knows the power of prayer...knows that God carries us when we cannot carry ourselves...will ALWAYS be thankful for the love and support of family and friends...on this day in 2009, we felt the devastation of cancer...we truly understand hope and faith...from adversity came some really good things!!!! ♥ ♥ ♥

Life Goes on...

Since the one year anniversary, there have been moments to celebrate and others that brought grief. We enjoyed a family vacation with all 6 of "our kids". In November, Ralph was blessed to be able to walk Megan down the aisle and witness her marriage to Nathan Boxx. We all enjoyed a wonderful wedding reception with our closest family and friends. In December, Ralph's oncologist said that he was doing terrific! This same month, we put down our dog of 13 years. Ralph's mother lost her battle with cancer, at age 87, a week later.

A Year Has Passed...

It was a year ago, June 11, 2010, that Ralph had his stem-cell transplant! Since then, his physical and emotional strength has progressed and he has, on occasion, enjoyed some golfing and coaching from the dugout. This summer, we traveled to Fell's Point on our way to a family vacation, in OCMD, where we met the kids. His body still aches and he needs more time to rest, but he seems to persevere. YES, some of his "SASS" is back! He still attempts to be in his office, every day, but the physical demands can take a toll, and the mental demands can give him a headache. The daily oral chemo has no effect on his knowledge or performance, but he needs more rest-time to refocus.

After the Stem-cell Transplant Annual Patient Picnic, on August 28th, Ralph is now ready and hopes to start going to the group meetings for patients and family members of Multiple Myeloma. We saw that cancer favors people of all ages, both sexes, and any race or nationality. The event was a most humbling and inspirational experience. The medical staff was as happy to be there as their patients! Such hope!

Megan is getting married, in November, and we are all thrilled that Ralph will walk her down the aisle. Twenty-one months ago, we thought that he may miss-out on that privilege. He talks a lot about wanting grandchildren, which is part of his "new' character, I suppose. Life and family are no longer taken for granted.

Although, there is still a gray cloud, it has lifted and is not quite as dark. We no longer wake to the thought of CANCER, and pray every day for patience, strength, and courage. We also thank God for the love and support of family and friends!

PLEASE continue to pray for the doctors, researchers, nurses, biochemists, and all who have helped to make this a treatable cancer.

Happy Birthday!

Our family certainly appreciates the American Cancer Society, “The Official Sponsor Of Birthdays”...this is Ralph's 2nd birthday since his stem-cell transplant! Thank you society, doctors, researchers, nurses, biochemists, friends, family...and above all....God! Ralph and I celebrated at Angelo's, went for a ride (like in the good ole days), and ate cake from Bartram House! Earlier, today, Megan took him for lunch at Capstone. On July 3rd, Michael is treating him to golf at Olde Stonewall where he can sport the new golf outfit that Mallory gave him.