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.

OH, The Ride We're on...

Ralph managed another round of chemo with the same effects as the last one. He was in the hospital for 4 days. Michael, Erin, Eric, and Mallory took turns at his bedside while I worked and Megan and Nathan enjoyed a, well deserved, cruise that she earned during her first year as a State Farm Agent. After Mallory graduated, from Pitt, with her master's degree in Speech and Language Pathology, on April 28th, I brought Ralph home. He, basically, slept for 3 days. On Wednesday, he found the energy to leave the house. Each day, he finds more strength (and sass). His platelet count was adequate, on May 3rd...we will see what Monday brings. He keeps busy telling landscapers and the dogs what to do...among others, I'm sure :) For the first time, ever, he has planned a picnic, with our children, and I am to "just show up". That is A-O-K with me! As always, please keep us in your prayers. We have a long road ahead...the ride can make us nauseous. We live in a holding-our-breath state...but we live...we laugh...we make memories...we are hopeful...and we are grateful!

Life is not meant to be run as a marathon. It is to be a series of sprints. The idea is to be standing at the end.

The children and I are doing a fine job of running a relay...taking turns at caregiving. We have certainly proven that we are a family. Ralph and I could not be more proud and pleased. Our children are our strength...the wind beneath our wings!

On this Tuesday, one day after the 40th anniversary of Ralph and I meeting at Route 19 Bowling, Ralph will be admitted to Shadyside for a second 24/4 chemo cocktail. This will be the same as the one in March. It is, apparently, not uncommon to receive this, a second time, with better results. From what I understand, he will receive this type of treatment until the Myeloma no longer responds or until his counts are VERY low to nondetectable. AND, if this is not enough to transplant, there is PLAN C...

Between treatments, we are enjoying life by planning weddings, showers, rehearsal dinners, and graduations. We enjoy times with friends and the kids. Do we have down days? YES, but we seem to be able to bounce back quickly. This is God's plan, and we hope to appear graceful, poised, thankful, blessed, hopeful, and faithful.

Thank you for your continued support through prayers, thoughts, kind words, inspiration, and unselfish gestures. Those keep our spirits lifted! May you each be blessed with good health, true friends, and peace of mind!