Take down the tinsel!

Hello all,


The Christmas decorations have come down in room 527, and we're getting ready for the New Year's decorations. Troy is in good spirits and so far, he's reacting well to the new chemotherapy. All of the counts and proteins and levels are looking good. Much like many of the airlines, he's in a holding pattern until more information comes in. Thanks for all of the cards and emails and positive energy! It really helps him to look forward to next year.

Happy New Year!
Helen

Dec. 22 - Roll Out!

Troy is out of the ICU and back on the 5th floor!!! Please send holiday wishes to room 527.

Email Troy at http://www.nghs.com/General%20Pages/Contact_patient.asp


Happy Holidays!

Dec. 21 - Bump in the road

Unfortunately, Troy is back in the hospital. He was complaining of lower back pain all this week and some tests have shown an increase in protein (of the plasma cells) and calcium levels. Although all of his other levels are doing well, these indicate that the MM is on the march again.

They checked him into the ICU last night just to keep a careful eye on his calcium and blood pressure. He has stayed there all day today and will be released to the 5th floor once his blood pressure comes down to acceptable levels - hopefully he will be there soon. Even though he just had his dialysis port removed Tuesday, they have had to do two more sessions to get the calcium out of his body (but hopefully it won't continue). Both his calcium level (from 14 to 7) and blood pressure have been coming down throughout the day.

This development has resulted in a new chemo regiment which will hopefully take a "bite outta crime" and cut back the aggressive MM. Furthermore, the doctors are considering getting Troy to transplant a lot sooner than expected. However, this is a complicated process and there are many variables to consider before exact dates and plans can be made. Unfortunately, it looks like he will be in the hospital for Christmas.

On a positive note, Troy is in MUCH better shape than he was last time he was in the ICU. The calcium made him a little disoriented, but he is clearer headed now and slept most of the day. He sat up this evening and fed himself dinner - which is a good indication that he is feeling better!

Please keep him and his family in your thoughts and prayers this holiday season.

Thursday, December 6

Hey everyone!!!
This is Troy - I wanted to touch base and let you all know that I'm doing well. It's been a good week and I'm feeling really great right now. I did meet with the doctors that are doing the next steps of the procedure and I was very impressed and felt comfortable with the treatment they have come up with. It's going to be a long road, but we're going to make it.
If you are interested in visiting please get in touch with me and I can let you know if it is a safe time to come. I would love to see or hear from you all!
Thank you for your thoughts and prayers through this and please keep them coming.

-Troy

Dec. 5 - Next Steps

Troy met with the transplant doctor at Northside Hospital this morning and it went well. He discussed the treatment options and time frames available to Troy.

I think Troy felt good about the visit, the people he met, and the professionalism of the transplant group.

It appears the next step is to continue the chemo treatments as planned (he started his third round on Monday) until all his levels get to a low enough point. Then it becomes a game of a "wait and see."

Troy is in great spirits and seems to be doing very well. He is smiling and laughing more and is taking everything in stride. I know he really appreciates all of your support and loves hearing from you. If you want to visit, contact him via phone or email and he can tell you if the time is right. Sending pictures is also great because I know Troy misses "seeing" everyone.

More to come as it develops.