Feeling Yucky

Mel has been really sick today. She can't keep anything down. I feel so bad. Her and mom went down to Salt Lake today since she has a lumbar puncture bright and early tomorrow morning. They took her to the clinic at the LDS Hospital when they got to Salt Lake and they have her hooked up to fluids and anti-nausea medicine. We'll have to wait and see if they'll be able to do her LP tomorrow. Hopefully the fluids and meds will help her feel better.

Biopsy Day

Melanie had her bone marrow biopsy at 11:45 am today. She wasn't put completely under like she wanted, but they sedated her and gave her plenty of pain medication. She had a male doctor perform the procedure at her request. He was excellent! He was able to get the fluid in one try and the piece of bone in one try as well. The procedure took 25 minutes. When I talked to Mel, she was sore but able to walk (sigh of relief). Mel is really glad to have this behind her after all of the nervousness leading up to it.

Mel's blood levels look great. Everything is up with the exception of her platelets, although they didn't go down by much. Her doctor said that everything looks good on paper and the Chimerism test will tell us if things look good on the inside too.

We got the results of Mel's spinal fluid test from last week and it showed that her spinal fluid if free of cancer!!! That is some great news!

We will get the results of her Chimerism test in a couple of weeks. This test will tell us what percentage of cells in her body are donor cells. We are hoping for a high number.

Melanie and Kaden will be going to a ReAL Salt Lake soccer game tomorrow. They are so excited!! I'll be sure to post pictures.

Thanks for the continued prayers on Mel's behalf. Your support is so much appreciated.

One Lumbar Puncture Down!

Melanie had her first of four lumbar punctures yesterday. It went well. She was sedated so she didn't have any pain. Afterward she had to remain flat on her back to prevent a spinal headache. She was really tired after the procedure and for the remainder of the day.

This morning she was nauseated, but thankfully it subsided. She went back to the hospital to have her Methotrexate (chemo that was injected into her spine) level checked. The doctors said that the chemo that is injected into the spine doesn't cross the blood/brain barrier. Mel's blood work suggests otherwise. Her levels were high enough that she has to take some medication. So the chemo does end out in the blood stream.

Mel also had a treatment that prevents pneumonia. She has had it before and it is nasty stuff! Last time she was alone in the room, but this time someone stayed with her. The staff that stayed with her had to wear a mask so they wouldn't breathe in the toxic stuff.

As far as blood levels go, all of Mel's levels were down. Dr. Peterson said that they aren't concerned until her levels start to go down every week. Having blood levels that go up and down is normal for everyone. Mel will need to continue to be careful about germs, dust, molds and sick people. We are all working hard to keep her healthy.

Mel came back home today in time for Kaden's baseball game. She will have her Methotrexate level checked tomorrow at Logan Regional.

Next Thursday is Biopsy day. Mel is really nervous about it considering her last experience. Please keep her in your prayers.

Stay strong Melly! We love you!

Hi Again!

Things are looking good for Mel. She had some blood work done at Logan Regional Hospital and her numbers were all up! She is optimistic and happy. She is enjoying spending time with family. Her nephews and nieces love to play with her "new" toys that have been in her classroom for years.

On a more somber note, one of Melanie's neighbors in the LDS hospital has passed away. He was in pretty bad shape. It serves as a reminder of how unpredictable leukemia can be. It was some tough news for Mel and our mom to receive.

Melanie will be heading down to Salt Lake on Monday night. She has a lumbar puncture scheduled for Tuesday morning. I asked Mel if these make her sick and she doesn't honestly know because she has always been in the hospital on so many other medications. I guess we'll know soon enough. Keep her in your prayers. She will stay in Salt Lake over night to be close to the hospital should anything go wrong. I know she is hoping to be back for Kaden's game on Wed.

We love you Mel!

No Lumbar Puncture Today

Melanie was scheduled to have her first of four lumbar punctures today. She and my mom headed down to Greg's on Wednesday evening, ready to stay Wednesday and Thursday night there. They woke up and drove to the hospital for her early clinic today. Her blood draw was great! All of her counts were up from last week. YEAH! Her platelets were the same, but we will take that over dropping. The other thing that was high was the Cumadin in her blood. This is the medicine to help thin her blood. Because it was too high, they could not do the lumbar puncture today. Melanie will stop taking the Cumadin and they will check her levels in Logan next week. Depending on were they are, they will schedule her next clinic and an LP.

Since there was no need to stay over night tonight, they just went back up to Cache Valley. Of course, they did a little shopping (Costco) before leaving the Salt Lake Valley.

I feel a bit out of the loop these days. Without Melanie being down here, I don't get to see her much at all. I am so glad she is home and doing well though! Love you, Melanie. Hopefully I will get to see you soon!

Giving Up Control

Melanie had a clinic visit yesterday which ended out being an all day affair much to her chagrin. Her hematocrit was really low and so she needed a transfusion. They waited for 3 hours for the blood. It was really frustrating for her and our mom to just sit there and wait. Kaden had a baseball game that Mel wanted to be there for. She said, "I don't miss baseball". She made it to a few minutes of the game, but missed seeing Kaden up to bat.

I remember sitting in Mel's pre- transplant meeting and Dr. Ash telling her that the hardest part about post transplant life is giving up control. It's hard no doubt about it. Mel has so much that she wants to do each day, but her body just won't let her. She tires so easily, yet she keeps going and works hard to live life as normally as possible. The clinic visits are an inconvenience most of the time, but so necessary as Mel continues her battle.

Next week Mel will receive the first of four spinal taps which will include chemo being injected into her spine. We were really concerned about the chemo killing her hard-at-work donor cells. The Dr. explained that it won't affect them, they are just hoping to kill any lingering leukemia cells in her spinal fluid. She will have another bone marrow biopsy the following week. Mel has requested to be put completely under for this one. I hope they grant her wish! Her last biopsy was horrific.

Melanie has still been working on getting her classroom packed up. She isn't able to lift anything or handle the dust covered items, so she directs everyone on where to put things. Our cousins have been such a huge help to her! Emily has donated many hours in helping Mel. It is so neat to see everyone helping out in their own way, when and where they can. Thanks to everyone!

An Update

Sorry about the lack of updates. There hasn't been much to report which is sometimes a good thing. Mel is doing really good! She has been spending a couple of hours a day working on getting her classroom packed up. I know there are a lot of emotions about not being able to teach next year. Mel loves being a teacher. Our cousin Emily has been helping Melanie with this huge task of packing up her room, thank you so much Em. Mel tires really easily and Emily's help has been immense.

Mel has been to two ball games this week. Kaden's baseball season is in full swing and his biggest cheerleader is and always has been his mom. Mel hates to miss a single game. She has kept the teams stats for the last few years and she isn't able to do that this year because of her tremor. At least she gets to just watch the game and not be asked every few minutes what the score is.

We thought it was going to be overcast for the game tonight, but it ended out being really sunny. We had to be sure to keep Mel out of the sun. Thanks to George Lusk for being a lifesaver and letting us use his umbrella. It was funny to see the looks that some of the kids were giving Mel at the game. She lowered her mask a couple of times to show the kids that it was just her under there. She has a good sense of humor about it and doesn't get at all offended.

Cami and Mel at the ball game today.

Melanie will be going to Salt Lake on Friday for a clinic visit. They will be doing her usual blood work along with a test on her tears. They trap some of the tears from her eyes and test them for signs of Graph vs. Host disease. Mel still has a lot of things ahead...a bone marrow biopsy and some spinal chemo injections to name a couple. She is staying strong and taking it a day at a time. We are all so happy to have her doing as well as she is. She is a miracle!

We love you sweet Melly!

Clinic Day

Mom and Mel went to Salt Lake today for a clinic visit. Mel's blood levels are looking good. Everything was up with the exception of her hematocrit. It wasn't low enough for a transfusion though which was nice, when she requires a transfusion it adds hours to the visit. Mel found out that her central line is coming out on its own. This isn't a welcome thing because if it does fall out then Mel will have to be poked whenever they need blood. Having her central line is so much easier! It allows the nurses to give her anything she needs intravenously, quickly and without needles. We hope her line will stay put for a little while longer. The site of her line entry looks so sore and a little infected...ouch! They have decided to start weaning Mel off of the magnesium drip and start giving it to her in pill form. It is really hard on the stomach so they are doing it slowly to see how she tolerates it. Mel also received a breathing treatment today that is pretty nasty. It helps kill fungi and prevents pneumonia. Mel has to be in a room all by herself as she breathes it because it is pretty toxic. I can't remember the name of the treatment, it has a weird name. Anyway, we hope it does its job in keeping Mel pneumonia free.

Mel was able to come back home after her clinic visit! It is such a treat to have her home! I love to sit on her bed and talk or watch TV with her. I missed the simple things while she was gone that will never be taken for granted again.

I love you Mel!!

Happy Mother's Day Mel

Melanie has often said that the hardest thing about being sick for the last few months has been the time spent away from Kaden. They have really stuck together through the ups and downs of Leukemia. I think they have both learned to appreciate each other more and have learned to cherish the time they get to spend together.

Being a single mom has been really challenging and I think Mel has done a terrific job in providing for the needs of Kaden. She has worked hard to get her education despite the demands of being a teacher and single mother. Mel loves being a mother! I think she is raising a great young man! Kaden is so blessed to have a mother who loves him unconditional, with all of her heart!

Happy Mother's Day Mel!

As far as an update goes, Her labs looked good on Sat. She goes to Salt lake on Wed. for a clinic visit. She is feeling tired, is always cold, and has a tremor, but is happy, fun and smiley despite it all! It is nice to have Mel home.

Wax On, Wax Off

Today Melanie had her first experience with eyebrow waxing. Before she and Kim headed back up to Hyde Park, we headed to her friend Suzy's new salon.

Melanie has always been nervous to have her eyebrows waxed, but I think she learned that it is not that bad! Suzy also trimmed the hair around the edges of Mel's head. Believe it or not, something so simple made a big difference!

Suzy couldn't resist teasing Melanie a bit. No, she has not grown hair in her ears!

Austin has been a trooper going shopping, eating, and visiting salon's. It has been a great couple of days.

Thank you, Suzy for helping Melanie to feel more beautiful!

Origami Birds

We have been having a grand time these last few days. Kim and Melanie arrived yesterday morning. Melanie was a little subdued. She had learned that morning that one of her good friends, Janine Ward past away. Melanie and Janine have been friends for years. It was shocking and sad for Melanie.

Melanie spent some of the afternoon working on paying bills. She hasn't been in the mind set or availability of her bills for a long time. It felt good to get some of them checked off the list. As she is started to get some of the medical bills paid, she is even more grateful for all the donations!

Melanie is still required to have her magnesium IV every day. As long as she is on the Tacro medication, it will be a must. Some people are able to take a magnesium pill, which would allow Melanie to have her central line taken out. She isn't too quick to do that, because it makes transfusions and blood draws so much easier!

Having aunt Melanie here wouldn't be the same without some DSi download. Austin LOVES it!

A few side effects of Melanie's medicine and treatments makes clipping her fingernails a challenge. First, is her constant shaking from Tacro. We were laughing that she couldn't hold still enough to clip them. Secondly, her fingernails are peeling. She has a new layer growing, so the layer on the top is peeling off. However, she still managed to give herself a nice manicure today!

Today we had some adventures. We went for lunch at a yummy place here called Flour Girls and Dough Boys. They have great sandwiches and delicious desserts. We arrived at a great time. It was pretty empty, so Melanie could take her mask off and eat in peace. After lunch we went to Target and then Costco. By the time we made it to Costco, Melanie was pretty tired, so she rode on a moving cart. When we were starting to leave the store, this cute old man with a cart asked Melanie when she would be done using the "scooter". She told him we were done and that we could move her stuff to his cart and then he could use the one she had. After we were done transferring items, the man pulls a yellow piece of paper out of his pocket and proceeds to fold it into an origami bird. It was so cute of him! It made us all smile.

Melanie and Kim are heading back up to Hyde Park tomorrow afternoon. Melanie has a good friend, Laura, visiting from Wisconsin she wants to see. She will be able to get some blood work done on Saturday at Logan Regional, so she doesn't have to come back down that day, and she will be able to attend Janine's funeral on Tuesday.

Our thoughts and prayers are with the Ward family at this time.

Back to Clinic

Melanie had a clinic visit today in Salt Lake. She and Kim came down this morning and will stay in the area for the rest of the week. Her appointment went well. They drew labs and met with one of the PA's. Her pulmonary function (lungs) went down a bit from where she was before the transplant, but they said that is normal. They are happy to see how well Melanie is doing. The nurses also commented to Kim that they are so glad she was able to go home for a bit! Along with normal labs, they also drew her 100 days post transplant labs. They probably won't have the results from that for a couple of weeks. Melanie was pretty tired when they were done, and was resting when I talked with Kim. Her red blood was down a bit, so that definitely affects her energy. She has another clinic visit next Tuesday, and several other post transplant test in the near future.

Kim and Melanie are coming to stay with us for a few days, so I will try to take some fun pictures of our adventures!

The Fundraiser Event

Saturday was the big fundraiser event. Mother nature kept it cool and wet at times, but that didn't stop the wonderful supporters! It was amazing to see the outpouring of love and support for Melanie. The event raised just over $26,000.00!!! Melanie was in awe and wonder at that number. She is so grateful for all who gave so graciously! This will really help to relieve the medical burden of now and in the future. THANK YOU, THANK YOU!! There were so many donations made and money given. It was humbling to see someone walk up with just a book at the garage sale, and then write a check for $50.00! We live and grew up in such a wonderful community! Cami knows the list of volunteers better than I do, so she will add some personal "thank you" on here. Cami and her volunteers did such a great job planning and organizing the event. They spent so much time! You ladies are all outstanding!! I wanted to put a few of the pictures I took from the event. Mike was the one running around clicking photos, when it was hopping busy! We will be updating and adding to this post over the next few days!

Enjoy the pictures!

Loving Every Minute Of Mom And Mel

We have sure enjoyed having Melanie and mom home! Mel looks really good and feels pretty good too. She tires very easily, but that's to be expected. It has been so nice to sit and talk to her, I've missed her a lot. I went over to my parent's home last night to see Mel and the electricity went out shortly after I got there. We sat around the table laughing and talking by the light of a lantern. Mike and Steph came over with their little girls. Lindsey kept pointing at Mel and saying something in baby talk. Taylie was especially glad to have grandma back. They read stories together and played with the paper dolls. You can tell Taylie has missed her grandma.

Here are some picture from last night.

Kaden and Mel.

Mom and Taylie reading a story.

Today, Melanie had her first driving experience since November 2009. I asked her if it was like riding a bike, she said it sort of was. She went and picked up Kaden from school and went to the eye doctor. I can't imagine how much she has missed her freedom! We take for granted just being able to hop in the car and go wherever we want, whenever we want. Mel being able to drive on her own is another small victory.

I went over again tonight and we watched a little of the jazz game. Mel had her magnesium pump hooked up to her and it was making her pretty cold. She just snuggled up in her covers and tried to get warm. She was pretty worn out by the time I left.

Mike gave Mel this tile tonight...

It was given to Mike by the father of a 5 year old girl who has been where Mel is. She is from Richmond. Mel was quite touched by it. It will be in her room. Thanks Abbot family!

Welcome Home!

Last night Melanie headed home to Cache Valley! She went home amongst mixed feelings from the doctors. One doctor (Dr. Ash) was all for it. Dr. Peterson is the doctor she met with yesterday, and he was a bit apprehensive. He didn't have any problem with her going up for the fundraiser for an overnighter, but was not on board with longer. At 100 days post transplant (May 17th), they perform a bunch of tests to see if there is any graft vs. host. The doctor really wants her to be close until they know this information. His concern is that complications can come on fast, and Logan Regional is not equipped and experienced enough. Melanie has an appointment on Tuesday, and they are going to try and start the testing process as soon as they can. Melanie is ready to be home! Dr. Ash is all for it, because she thinks it will do great things for Mel's spirits!

All of Melanie's counts were down a little yesterday. It wasn't a drastic difference. The doctor said if we checked our blood they would fluctuate a bit from day to day a well. So, everything is still going well! She won't be able to be at the fundraiser the entire day, but she will pop in. It is going to be such a great event, and she doesn't want to miss out!

I have been trying to coax Melanie into posting on the blog, but it is still too hard and frustrating for her. The Tacro medicine she takes makes her hands shake. She can do quick notes on Facebook, even though that is even difficult. However, it just frustrates her to have to hit the wrong key, backspace, delete, etc. Some day she will get on here.

Welcome Home, Melanie!

See you all on Saturday! Hopefully Mother Nature will be kind!

We're Still Alive!

Hi Everyone,
It's Mom (Peggy) again. We've had a pretty uneventful week. Melanie couldn't get her pictures to work so no photos again. Thursday we had visitors come. My dad, Doral and his good friend Kathy Heaps. They are planning to get married on July 8th!
It has been a short time since mom's death but my dad isn't sitting around feeling sorry for himself. Life goes on. We're happy if he's happy. We are not meant to be alone. We wish them the best! Friday we made a very short visit to the clinic. Melanie's white blood count has been the same for the last three visits (3.1). It's almost normal. Yeh! Her hematocrit was up from 30.2 to 31.3. Her platelets jumped from 60,000 to 65,000. Her neutrophils were the only thing that went down. From 2.5to 2.0. Sharon, the RN told us things looked good and Mel didn't need any transfusions. Happy Day! We decided to go visit my Aunt Ronda Hyde in South Jordan. She had a back surgery on March 3rd. There were complications with the surgery and she ended out going deaf in both ears. The surgery hasn't seemed to have helped. It's so sad that she can't hear us talk to her. She uses a laptop to read what we're saying. She's been staying with her daughter and son-in-law, Janice and Craig Downs. It was so fun to see them and just get out of the house. We stopped at Arby's on the way home. Saturday we went to Walmart with Kaden and LeRoy to get a few groceries. We stopped at Carl's Junior for lunch. We always go through the drive-thru. We had visitors again today. My brother David, and Cindy, his wife came. Thanks for the visit. Saturday night Kaden stayed with his mom while we went to my dad's 78th birthday party in Salt Lake City. We ate at The Roof. Kaden and Melanie watched Avatar while we were gone. We are thankful Melanie is doing better. Our hopes are that Tuesday we can come home and be with the other part of the family for either a short visit or a long visit. THERE'S NO PLACE LIKE HOME!

Hope to c/ya soon,

Mom (Peggy)

Home Away From Home

Hi everybody! It's Mom (Peggy),
We were supposed to do the blog yesterday, but we took a break as well as Mel's sisters. Sometimes a break is in order. Melanie did a lot of sleeping yesterday and I did a weeks worth of laundry as well as a bathroom cleaning. We have to be really careful to keep things sanitized and germ-free for Mel. We went to the clinic this morning at 10:40. Melanie had her blood draws, talked to the PA, Charlie, and then had a good talk with Dr. Asch. Melanie's counts have been climbing again. Her white blood count is at 3.1. Her hematocrit is 30.2. Her platelets are 60,000. Her neutrophils are 2.5. These numbers probably don't mean anything to a lot of you, but Dr. Asch was so excited! Melanie talked to her about going home to Hyde Park. Kaden is having a harder time leaving each Sunday night. It's been a long time since he's been with his mom for a long period of time. A thirteen year old needs his mother. Dr. Asch is having the PA check in for a place that can do her blood draws and home healthcare to provide supplies for her central line and any IV supplies she might need. The usual time to leave if there isn't any graft versus host disease is 100 days from transplant. That date would be May 17th. She is on one immunosuppressant, Tacrolimis. This can be tapered off when the time is right. It has to be checked often so this is one of the reasons for staying close. We'll be glad when she can stop some of this drug because it causes BAD tremor in her hands. Her writing is like an old woman. She hasn't been able to write any thank you cards for a long time. SORRY EVERYONE. Just know that all you've done and are doing is so appreciated by Melanie. She just can't reply right now. Tomorrow we go back to the Bone Marrow Clinic to have her Tacro level checked. Friday we go in again to have blood levels checked. Tuesday we go for a clinic visit with the doctor. We're hoping for permission for Melanie to go home for the garage sale on May 1st. She will have to wear her mask and gloves. She won't be able to stay for a long amount of time, but we're hoping she can make an appearance! She tires quickly and has to be careful with large crowds of people. It will be nice to be back in good ole Hyde Park. It might not be for good yet. She has to go to the clinic at least once a week. We just have to play the patience game. We're used to that. Time to go to bed.

Love to all of you,
Peggy

Family Fun

Melanie is still doing really well. Today She headed to the clinic for a check on her blood levels. Everything was up, except for platelets. They have said all along that platelets would be the last to come up. Things are looking great! She is still sore, but not in the extreme pain. She hasn't even been taking any pain medication. She looked 100 times better than the last time I saw her!

We had a little get together at Greg's house to have a triple birthday celebration.

We put up an umbrella, and Melanie even sat outside for a few minutes. She had to go in, because it was a bit breezy. If she is out in a breeze, she has to wear her mask. She would rather sit inside than wear the mask. She bought some great new hats on a little shopping adventure she took yesterday!

Our birthday kids: Greg (April 15th), Brooke (17th), and Grandpa (21st). My mom feels bad that she won't be with my dad on his birthday, but we had a great party tonight.

Melanie is really starting to get some hair! Greg and I had fun grooming it for her.

It is so nice to see her smiling, talking, walking, and just feeling better!

Quick Update

Melanie was able to leave the hospital today. She is feeling and doing so much better! She made it through this bump in the road. It will all be uphill from here! She is really hoping to be able to make it up to Cache Valley for the fundraiser. We will keep our fingers crossed.

Thank you for all of your prayers!

Nightmare Comes True

During Melanie's previous hospital stays, she has always had one concern. She was so nervous that there would be an earthquake, and she would be on the 8th floor of a crumbling building. Well, tonight her fear came true...kind of. They felt the 4.9 earthquake that originated in Randolph. My mom was sitting in the chair, and Melanie was lying in bed. The building definitely wasn't coming down, and there was not much movement. However, it was enough for Melanie's bed to move a little and startle them both. Something they won't forget!

Melanie is doing a lot better. Today, they turned off all the IV's, except for fluids. She is taking her medications by mouth again. Her pain pump is off, and her TPN (moo juice) is done. If she can prove to Dr. Ash that she can eat (she has not been eating enough calories on her own), and her pain is under control, she could possibly leave tomorrow. Either way, she should be leaving soon!

Melanie went walking twice today. She walked around her room without the walker, and then in the hall. She had her walker in the hall, but used it mostly for stability. The physical therapist really had her focus on standing up straight and tall, and just balancing with the walker and not leaning on it. My mom said she is walking so much better! She was a lot more alert today! She didn't have any pain medication, and was doing pretty good. The medication in the pump made her nauseous again. It was a trade off. She could have pain or nausea. This should improve as the medication leaves her system. Her left foot is still more swollen than her right, but hopefully the swelling will go away soon, especially if she can get up and walk around.

Melanie is so looking forward to being out of the hospital once again!