Progression

Yesterday was the first in 9 days that Carla left her room and went for a walk. Escorted by myself and her brother, we took a slow lap around the "track". Nurses, doctors, PAs, and CNAs showed us there smiles and told Carla it was great to see her out. As usual a little happy banter was exchanged between her and some of them.

Each day within its self can be a mini roller coaster. At times Carla is feeling just great and says lets go, then later she is managing some side effects.

This morning Carla was feeling well, showered, felt like going for a walk. Then she started to feel yucky. She told me her back was aching. Later in the evening when I returned, she was aching in her legs as well. We have been told by some people that there can be aching in the bones when the marrow is working hard. Although not a good thing to be feeling, we hope its hurting for the right reason.

Today we reviewed her blood numbers and there are definitely some note worthy signs. Her red blood count (Hematocrit/RBC) has not dropped in 3 days, remained at 26.1. Platelet levels dropped just five points from 51 to 46, normally drop 15 plus a day. The overall white blood count (WBC) was .1, .2, .4 over the same three day period. WBC is composed of Lymphocytes, Monocytes and Neutrofils(there are seven types of white blood cells, but these three compose a large majority).

Based on these numbers it appears that the new stem cells are beginning to work. I've been fooled before, so I will wait until tomorrow's numbers are gathered before I start getting too excited. No use counting the blood cells before the stem cells hatch. :)

We are now at Day 8 of the transplant. There is a range of when stem cells engraft and start showing measurable blood cells. This is usually between Day 8 to 21, but most likely somewhere in the middle. We are waiting for this process to take hold which should help improve Carla's overall feeling. Her body has been healing itself from the radiation, chemotherapy and them darn drugs. Hang in there baby, them cells are coming. I thought you looked beautiful tonight when I saw you. Your hands were warm and soft, we miss you.

McCall had a busy day yesterday. From school she went to a track meet, and she ran the fastest 8th Grade 100 Meter dash (13.98 sec) of the day. In fact, it was fast enough for her to qualify for the District track meet this Monday at Cottonwood against 15 schools. Then she went to her soccer game, where they won 2-0. Nice job!

Today is Callie's busy day. She performed with her Jump Team a jump rope routine for her school today. She was great! They all were great! After school she had to spend some time doing homework before she could get to gymnastics. Once she was home, she had to finish homework, shower and read. So proud of both of them.

Thank you Pam for being able to spend time with Carla and assist her as needed and the other little things you and Dennis do for us. Also, a big thank you to the Jensen's and Gleave's for providing us with dinner the past two days.

One more thank you...I was helping Callie do homework at the table yesterday before McCall's soccer game, when I noticed the sound of a lawn mower that was a little loud to be Patti next door. It was my neighbor Vahl from around the corner. He was mowing my lawn. I went out and said thank you so much. He figured I didnt have much time to myself and this was a way for him to give me some time for myself. Wow...thank you Vahl, I will use that time wisely.

How do mother's or single parents get everything done....? They don't. Today was one of those days where there was no shortage of things to do and not all of them got done.

Visit Carla, work, pick up Callie after choir practice, check homework, dishes, dinner, take kids to visit mom, make lunches, do some laundry (muddy soccer game yesterday), put it away.

My point is not that I miss Carla because of all things she does, but to say how much I appreciate all the things she does for our family.

Carla was a little sleepy this morning and was not feeling super great, but seemed to improved by the end of the day. When the kids and I went to see her around 8pm, she looked more comfortable than I have seen her in 9 days. Keep going on that upward trend.

Thank you Shawnette for the kind words when I saw you today.

"Good day" on the tally sheet

If I could sum up the past 6 days how Carla has been feeling it would not be pretty. These have been the toughest days. I recall this past Friday one of the nurses telling me that Carla said it feels like the days are running together. That is pretty much what happens when taking medications for pain and naseau are used...a lot of medications. Junkies would kill to have the arsenal of meds available on demand. She asks, they deliver.

I got a big chuckle today from Carla when the CNA needed to do a blood sugar test and asked Carla to give her the finger she wanted to use. You know where this is going.... So, Carla casually cocked the single finger salute, and with her eyes closed was smiling, which made me chuckle and tell Teri that she made the finger selection. All three of us got a kick out of it.

There were three good things happening today. First, Carla got a surprise visit from Lisa (Flash!) and Sandi ("It's going to be okay."). They looked so good, energetic, pretty and courageous. One of the nurses said, "There are three amazing women in this room." The three of them just have this synergy about them.

Second, Carla was looking and feeling better than she has in 6 days. You could just see it when you walked in. She didn't feel like dancing or walking around the halls, but there was a change. Maybe tomorrow we'll start walking around the short track hall.

Third, she had another chest x-ray for the pneumonia that was spotted this past Thursday. The x-ray came back clear.

Not a bad day at all....Friends, feeling good and clear lungs. I'll mark that on the "good day" side of the tally sheet.

Things that always make a good day are our children. Callie had a jump team performance today at another elementary, and she told three little kids told her she was really good. I think that made her day. McCall had a soccer game today and had some excellent cross shots, one which ended up being an assisted goal. Her placement is getting good.

People are so kind to our family. Your conversation is appreciated. Thank you Elaine and Tim for dinner, and also for the hand made paper flower bouquet. Carla will enjoy having that in her room.

Easter

There is no good time to go through treatment of any malady someone may have. Carla's treatment covers Easter and Mother's Day. These days usually culminate with families visiting and kids having fun.

In keeping with tradition, we had our Easter breakfast with Carla's family and then dinner at my mom's house. The kids and I went to see mom at the hospital between meals. I spoke to Carla before we went up and she sounded better than the previous days, although she still is tired and managing side effects of treatment.

At my mom's we played some basketball games, ate dinner, had Easter egg hunt, and then a confetti egg war. My mom had 52 dozen confetti/bird seed filled eggs that we throw at each other. My family has been doing this since we lived in California in the 70's. Not sure where it came from, maybe some crazy mexican custom.

While we were eating dessert, one of our family friends was talking to my mom about the vinyl lettering over the door, "What happens at grandma's, stays at grandma's." She asked about it and my mom told her that Carla had done that for her for Mother's Day I believe. It was just a reminder to me that Carla was with us even while she was getting better at the hospital.

Once dinner was over, I went back to the hospital to spend a few more hours with Carla before settling home. Kids are bummed that school starts tomorrow.

By the end of this evening, Carla looked to be feeling a little better. We asked to remove the heart monitor since she had been so stable and they agreed. So many lines and cables. She was sitting up and watching tv with me with less naseau, and catching some sleep when she could.

It was getting late and Carla was getting comfortable for the night, so I went home.

The girls are staying at my brother Brian and Tara's house for a sleepover tonight, playing with their cousins and doing eggs. Thank you for having them over.

It was nice speaking to Barb and Sue at the gymnastic training center today as well. I was shopping for an Easter present for Callie. They let me know they have been praying and thinking about Carla and our family. GO Soccer and Gymnastic Moms!!

Thank you Jason and Patti for tending our dear Bindi when we are away. McCall has been giving Bindi some weird haircuts...oh well its just hair. :)

Patience is a must

Each day reminds us this process is slow and we must have patience. The doctors have her connected to a machine that monitors her heart and oxygen, keeping a close eye on her since there have been some fluctuations in her levels. They detected some pneumonia in her right lung and watching that as well. The process can be very dynamic at times or can be very slow.

At this point, Carla's body can no longer make blood cells. She receives blood transfusion while the new stem cells take hold and start producing.

After returning from my morning hospital visit, Callie had been playing at a Rachel's house for a few hours. I took McCall to the track to run for about an hour. Once the kids were home and settled I went back to the hospital. Uncle Jason was coming over to be with the kids, watch American Idol and enjoy some dinner from one of our neighbors.

Thank you Childs' for the spaghetti meal. Callie felt pretty special that Skylee called to ask her what she wanted for dinner. You have such a sweet family.

Day 0 - Stem cells on board!

Today marks a major milestone in the journey. Carla received stem cells from an anonymous donor today. What an incredible thing. They arrived in a big 20x20x20 box which was insulated and cooled.

Once the nurse verified they were for Carla, they set them down on top of Carla who was under the bed covers while they finished the paperwork. Carla reached out to them and held them in her hand, then lifted her head and looked a them. Hard to believe this day has come.

These stem cells will generate new red cells, white cells, and platelets. One of the jobs of the new white cells is to kill existing leukemia cells in the body that her body did not recognize as a threat. Day 0 is the day people get their transplant which helps to mark other milestones and progress. Carla's mom, McCall, myself, and two nurses got to experience this event. We sang Happy Birthday to Carla with the nurses as the stem cells started flowing into her body. It was a great feeling.


While today is a big day, seeing Carla in bed battling the affects of the previous ten days prepartory regimen reminds me that this a journey. Her IV tree, which I named Shelly, is decorated with medications and fluids of all sorts.

Even when she was feeling awful all curled up, Carla teased the doctor by asking him if he wanted to go dancing. Her spirit is strong.

Although I am tired from today's event and know there are hard days ahead, I am full of hope and smiles knowing my honey is on the road to recovery. I love you Carla.

Thank you Webster's for bringing dinner to our family.

We love you all.
The Hennessy's

Wascal Wabbit!!

You would not believe some of the stuff researchers come up with to put into your body. The past two days, Carla has been pumped with ATG, Anti-Thymocyte Globulin - Rabbit variety and Cytoxin chemotherapy. And let's just say, unlike real rabbits, this ATG stuff does not give a comfortable cozy feeling. Some of the side effects on Carla have been nausea, dizziness, fever, low blood pressure, high heart rate, fatigue, etc. This ATG is to help her body and new blood system work better together and hopefully reduce the affects of GVHD, Graft vs Host Disease (in basic terms, a type of anti-rejection effect). Her nose has been twitching the past hour or so, and has asked for some carrots, so maybe its working well. :)

Today she only had to deal with the ATG, no chemotherapy, and it was a better day than yesterday, but still no picnic.

Tomorrow is the big day. Carla will receive her donor stem cells starting in the morning around 11 and infuse over a few hours. Should be an uneventful process, but a long road getting there. She is excited to get to this point....and then we wait.

We did find some basic information about the donor. 49 year old and Male. Also, a very interesting piece of information, his blood type is A+. Carla's blood type is 0-. Once the new stem cells begin to form, she will change blood type to A+.

Please wish her good luck tomorrow and a new birthday. It is considered Day 0 for transplant patients.

Thank you Grandma Pam and Grandpa Dennis for doing things with the kids like making pies. Patti, thank you for having the kids over for dinner and entertaining them with games and puzzles. Having the time to be with Carla these past two days meant so much to me.

Getting closer to transplant

Although I have spent many a late night with Carla, last night was the first sleepover for McCall and I. We watched the Hulk, had some snacks, and then went to sleep. Well, did our best to sleep. They check vitals every fours hours, and also since she was scheduled to start chemotherapy, she had to start some other IV medications at 4:30am before the 8am chemotherapy. Sometimes not a very restful place, but thankful we have it.

After "waking up" I drove to Banbury Cross Donut shop to get donuts for the staff. We appreciated them changing Carla's room and moving her belongings yesterday.

Carla will receive chemotherapy drugs for 2 days. Each day for 2 hours starting at 8am. These 2 doses are very strong. She did very well with it today and was able to get some rest in the afternoon. I returned late afternoon and spent most of the evening with her, dinner, 2 movies, leg rub, hugs and kisses. Not sure it qualifies for a date night.

One of our good friends Sandy sent us a picture of herself from the Salt Lake Marathon. Thank you Sandy for running in honor of Carla. That was very special to her.

Thank you Kraig and Tami for bringing dinner. It was good to talk to you the other day.

Nice Surprise!

Today is Carla's last radiation dose. It was moved to 9am instead of the afternoon. She finished it off like a champ. Although a little dizzy, she did great! People get radiation treatment for different types of reasons, and when you finish your schedule, there is a bell you get to ring. She rang it! Now that radiation is done, chemotherapy begins for 2 days.

We walked back to her room, and when we entered the room it was empty! Her nurse Tony was watching and waiting for her reaction. He was behind us with a big smile, surprise! While she was doing radiation, he moved all her stuff to "the Room". What a guy! This isTony walking Carla from the old room to "her room". These people are just so incredible.

McCall and I are staying overnight with mom in "her room" at the hospital. Callie is staying at her good friend Maya's tonight.

Radiation and "the Room"!

On Thursday when Carla and I returned to the 8th floor after her 4th radiation dose, her friend Jenny, who has "the Room" she wants, was walking by WITHOUT her IV pole looking for the dietician. She was planning her escape! Jenny has been there about 6 weeks and had progressed enough with her diet intake that she could leave the next day. Carla was more than happy to hear that news, both for Jenny and to eventually get "the Room".

Today comes along, and Carla is checking on Jenny (and "the Room"). Jenny is packed and ready to GO! She looked like someone packing to go on a long vacation, suitcases, bags filled with everything. But she cannot leave until 4 or 5pm because of a study that she is involved in...but she did go home. YAY!! Because it was late in the day, Carla's move to "the Room" would have to wait.

Carla completed her 5th dose of radiation. The normal radiology staff would not be working Saturday for her last dose, so they said their goodbyes to her. They said Carla is the second toughest person to go thru the TBI that they know. I think she is the toughest, she was holding back. Thank you Tarali and Mark, you were awesome.

Thank you Lisa P and family, and the Huntzinger's for dinner. Not only delicious, but helpful in so many ways.

Roasted like a hot dog?

Today is the 5th day I've been up in the BMT clinic. I've tried to find a routine to make the days go by faster. I do a lot of walking, talking to other patience's or staff, watching movies, needle point and the occasional nap. I am waiting for my friend Jenny to leave her room so I can steal it. She has much better views of the city, large windows with natural light and a walk in shower.

I am on my 4th day of the TBI radiation treatments. I feel like I am being roasted like a hot dog. The first treatment felt like I had a small sunburn and it was hard to sleep. The machine you stand in makes me feel little tired, light headed and sleepy (which is real common). Only 2 more to go then we start chemo on Sunday. (I did pretty well with chemo last time but this is more powerful than before). Wish me luck that I can handle it.

Thanks to all that have stepped up to help Jeff where he needs it.

Cheery Girl

The nursing staff is so amazed at how Carla is so cheerful and generous with her smiles given the past few months, and most recent stone incident. She has a pretty smile and beautiful blue eyes. No matter what department she goes to, I see the staff light up when they recognize her because they know she is going to make them laugh or do something to take the edge off of their jobs. She completed her second TBI, and the radiology staff just love her.

Her aunt and uncle, Stan and Patsy, stopped in Salt Lake, and visited Carla today. Thank you Patsy for your kind words and inspiration.

McCall had track practice after school, then a soccer game in North Ogden. Thank you Lisa P for driving her up and back. Callie had show choir meeting after school. After she finished her homework we took Carla some soup and breadsticks and watched Kicking and Screaming. I was pretty tired from being up from a long work night, and was camping out on the recliner and then laying on part of Carla's bed.

Tomorrow is a track meet for McCall at Skyline High, then off to another soccer game.

Carla will be at the hospital for 4-6 weeks! Your cards, texts, phone calls, meals, love, have meant so much to Carla and our family. You can send things to the house and we take them up to her. Remember no live flowers or latex balloons. These really mean so much. She loves you all.

It's a "Boy"!

Well, that's what they are saying at the hospital. Carla passed that kidney stone this morning, and suddenly it seemed the "stone" had its own reality tv show. It was touring the 8th floor, signing autographs, guest appearance lined up on SNL. The entire staff was just amazed with Carla.

Carla was back to feeling well, albeit very tired from her high flow IV water bag, which helped move it out, but kept her up ALL night. Just to be sure, she did another CT to confirm it was truly gone, and it was.

No time was wasted on keeping the bone marrow transplant on schedule. Within 2 hours she headed down to radiology and completed her first of six TBI treatments. She did great, I'm so proud of her strength. Her parents kept her company while I went home to the kids.

After dinner, the kids and I went up to see mom. She was pretty tired, but very happy to see McCall and Callie. They shared how school went, and I told them how well mom did today.

Yesterday, Carla and I spent some time talking with a patient who received a BMT a few weeks ago. She has given both us invaluable insight to the process and has become a friend, with much in common. She and Carla were originally admitted within four days of each other, but Jenny had to spend Christmas at the hospital.

Thank you Meg and Craig for dinner tonight, very appreciated, and enjoyed visiting with you. Jenny G, you are a life saver for coordinating the dinner schedule, thank you.

Bone Marrow Transplant takes a slight detour

Today was the day Carla had been gearing up for. Her bone marrow transplant process to start. Preparation, packing, physical conditioning, emotional strengthing. Her body had a different plan...

She woke up this morning at about 3:30am with some pain on her right side, then it quickly escalated to excruciating pain.

What could be happening? Just yesterday we spent the entire day together as a family. McCall's soccer game was cancelled, Callie had morning gymnastics, had a Subway lunch, went to see the movie Soul Surfer, ate dinner at Chili's, visited her parents, once we got home Carla took a bath to unwind, we all settled down on the couch to watch a movie (me and Callie stayed awake) until 11ish, and we all went to bed sleeping under the same roof knowing that mom would be going away for some time.

I called the nurse's station at the hospital, coordinated a few calls with the Physician's Assistant and the on-call doctor, and they instructed us to come in...we were supposed to be there at 8am anyways for the big day. We left the house about 6am after our dear neighbor Patti came over to be with the kids when they woke.

Once we got there, they checked her over, drew blood, checked for infections, drew cultures, order a CT, but most important...worked on getting the pain under control. Although not completely gone, they succeeded. Next, she went down for a CT with a handful of possibilities. About 2pm the doctor got the radiology report...Kidney Stone! We were quite relieved that it was not something worse.

Good News, Bad News. Good news, it happened now before the transplant process started, where a possible infection could be very life threatening with no immune system. Bad news, transplant is on hold until the stone passes. She was just 6 hours from starting the process. Carla is in good hands at the hospital right now. We may know more tomorrow about the impact to the transplant schedule.

We thank you all for the hope, love, support.
The Hennessy's

Getting ready!

With the biggest stay in the hospital coming up I’ve been very busy trying to do as much as I can before. A lot of dinners, visitors, phone calls, all the “chores” I can still do and more. Thanks to all of you that have called, stopped by, taken us out or sent a card. It all helps me so much!! Here are just a few photos that I’ve taken.

Carla and Leslie Leslie-Carla-Beatrice

Me and my brother Jason

Aunt Sandy-me-cousin Casie

Sandy and Carla

Yesterday was the last of the official tests (full body PET scan and another chest CT). I’ve done them before and they are no big deal. All the medicine they pump through my veins to get the scans makes me feel a little gross. Today is a lot of meetings with nurses, pharmacy techs, dietitian and a “family conference” (everyone that might be taking care of me needs is coming) so we all know what to expect in the next coming months. Check in time is still Sunday. I will get my room (hopefully the one I wanted) , start some fluids, antibiotics, anti-nausea medicine and do my first TBI treatment.

Thanks for the extra support!

Jeff's cousin and husband did a "bowl-a-thon" in my name for cancer awareness (and for their grandma who fought breast cancer). Thanks Alexis and Rich. You guys are awesome!! :) love you!! ♥ Just got a package from Jeff's other cousin and aunt that did a WALK-A-THON in my name. They sent me a shirt, bracelet, photos and a gift bag which I'll use in the hospital. They raised over $4000.00 towards cancer awareness. WOW! I feel so grateful!! My cute friend Anna donated money at her high school to the "crushing cancer tree" in my name. Thanks Anna. :} I am so fortunate to have so many people thinking of me and honoring my name. Thanks everyone for your support!!!!! ♥