Hey Everyone,
First a little update: Troy took his initial steps toward his first autogolous stem cell transplant (his own stem cells) last Thursday. They gave him a high dose of chemo to knock down the myeloma and when his white count comes back up, they will harvest his stem cells. (This is probably happen next week).
After they collect the cells and freeze them, they will then give him an even stronger dose of chemo that will essentially wipe out his immune system. The following day, they will "infuse" his stem cells back into his body and they will begin to build a new immune system - hopefully without any of those pesky plasma cells!
This will of course take a long time and Troy will be in a very "delicate" state - in terms of his immune system. He will also need blood and platelets at this time. Which brings me to my next point...
GIVE BLOOD AND PLATELETS!
Atlanta Blood Services will be providing Troy these much needed fluids throughout his treatment. They are experiencing a shortage at this time, and it would be great if you could donate to this life-giving cause.
I am told the process takes about 2 hours, but they have movies for you to watch while you wait! The great thing about giving platelets is that ANYONE can use them regardless of your blood type - including Troy! There are some guidelines for eligible donors - click here to learn more.
It would be great if those of you who have organized people at your school or church in the past could spread the word and rally the troops! (please consult the eligibility information before you sign people up)
You can contact ABS by clicking the link above or by calling (404)459-8744 and asking for a donor coordinator.
I know Troy, and many others in similar or worse conditions, would appreciate your support!
Wednesday, February 27, 2008
Thursday, February 14, 2008
Feb. 14 - A Little Lovin'
The transplant doctors at Northside gave Troy some good news today.
His plasma cell count in his bone marrow is down from 90% to 5% since October! Another way to think about this is that 90% of the "stuff" that made up his bone marrow was cancerous plasma cells - quite a dramatic improvement!
Many other levels are down as well, but I'm not going to go into them because it gets a little bit technical. Needless to say, most of them are either "normal" or slightly elevated - and some of them are the lowest we have seen since this summer!
I actually heard the doctor say that Troy's disease is in partial remission and that they hope to get it to complete remission after the transplant!
There are still a few concerns - mainly an elevated heart rate, a passing infection in his colon, and less than perfect kidney function. The doctors want to get Troy as healthy and strong as possible before his first transplant, which will hopefully begin in the coming weeks.
I hope this good news finds you all well on this Valentine's Day - make sure to tell someone you love them!
His plasma cell count in his bone marrow is down from 90% to 5% since October! Another way to think about this is that 90% of the "stuff" that made up his bone marrow was cancerous plasma cells - quite a dramatic improvement!
Many other levels are down as well, but I'm not going to go into them because it gets a little bit technical. Needless to say, most of them are either "normal" or slightly elevated - and some of them are the lowest we have seen since this summer!
I actually heard the doctor say that Troy's disease is in partial remission and that they hope to get it to complete remission after the transplant!
There are still a few concerns - mainly an elevated heart rate, a passing infection in his colon, and less than perfect kidney function. The doctors want to get Troy as healthy and strong as possible before his first transplant, which will hopefully begin in the coming weeks.
I hope this good news finds you all well on this Valentine's Day - make sure to tell someone you love them!
Monday, January 28, 2008
Jan. 28 - Home and Happy
Troy actually got out of the hospital when they said he would! He got home last Friday morning (Jan. 25) and is doing very well. I have never seen him this happy and energetic overall. Even though he has lost a few pounds and a few hairs, he hasn't lost his personality. This particular chemo has a more delayed effect - so I am sure his white counts will drop, but his overall pain seems to be minimal.
He told me that the one thing that kept his spirits up last week was knowing that he was supposed to be at GMEA in Savannah - I think it gave him the drive to stay positive and get out of the hospital. Many of you at GMEA said you want to see him, but don't want to impose. Troy has gotten really good at sensing his own strength and knowing when isn't a good time. Don't be hesitant to contact him and set up a time to visit - and if he can't right then, don't be discouraged because there will be other times.
Keep the positive energy coming - it is definitely helping him fight this thing!
He told me that the one thing that kept his spirits up last week was knowing that he was supposed to be at GMEA in Savannah - I think it gave him the drive to stay positive and get out of the hospital. Many of you at GMEA said you want to see him, but don't want to impose. Troy has gotten really good at sensing his own strength and knowing when isn't a good time. Don't be hesitant to contact him and set up a time to visit - and if he can't right then, don't be discouraged because there will be other times.
Keep the positive energy coming - it is definitely helping him fight this thing!
Monday, January 21, 2008
One more time, with feeling!
Troy is back in the hospital, but don't worry, it is a planned trip this time. He is receiving his last round of chemotherapy, and then hopefully, it's on to Northside for transplant stuff.
He had a great weekend visiting with friends and family (I heard that Tim made a pot of spaghetti). He said that it was the best that he was feeling in a long time.
Again, the emails help, so send your love to room 530 by way of http://www.nghs.com/General%20Pages/email.htm
He will be neutropenic shortly, so virtual contact is best.
Peace out.
Funk master H-sweetness.
He had a great weekend visiting with friends and family (I heard that Tim made a pot of spaghetti). He said that it was the best that he was feeling in a long time.
Again, the emails help, so send your love to room 530 by way of http://www.nghs.com/General%20Pages/email.htm
He will be neutropenic shortly, so virtual contact is best.
Peace out.
Funk master H-sweetness.
Tuesday, January 15, 2008
It's been a while......
Hello all,
So Troy's new chemo treatments seem to be working. The white blood cell counts are up, and the other ones are down. (The battery's up and the bowery's down....Anyone?) Unfortunately, one of the side effects of the new chemo is the hair loss. For someone who normally needs to shave every two hours, he hasn't shaved in two weeks. So, being to proactive trooper that he is, he has decided to buzz it off.
Definitely this:
Or this:
Or this:
But definitely not this:
The next round of chemotherapy starts next week, and then, hopefully, the transplant stuff begins.
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