Fr. Tony Update: VERY LONG CHEMO DAY
****************************************
Waldenstrom's Macroglobulinemia: Waldy Mac Map

Family Photos

Fr. Tony Update: VERY LONG CHEMO DAY

Today Tony was scheduled to be infused with Rituxan (which you all may recall he's had before), Vincristine (one we're not particularly fond of, as it causes pain and numbness in his legs/ankles/feet), Cytoxan (a new poison Tony's not had before), and the usual steroids and benadryl.

Within an hour of the Rituxan beginning to flow through his veins, he began having a serious reaction to the drug. Doctors and Nurses were all at attention, stopping the pump, getting him loaded up with benadryl, and strapping an oxygen mask on him. Reaction eventually subsided, and the pump was started back up. Every time the pump reached a certain increased level, he began reacting again. This happened several times.

Of course, I was in school taking some ridiculous evaluation exam, worrying myself silly about Tony and these drugs. They finally got all the chemo in him, and he's now happy to be home, sipping a nice cup of tea.

We can't thank the doctors and nurses enough, for all their dedication and attention shown to our Tony! They were awesome, and so caring! You can be sure Tony kept them giggling through it all, in spite of having everyone on pins and needles fussing over him.

Saturday Update:

1. Ankles Very Painful: Can barely walk.
2. Congestion continues. More coughing.
3. Appetite UP! (steroids)
4. Barely able to sleep (steroids).
5. No fever.
6. Ankles Swollen.

THE WALDY MAC MAP

After joining the amyloidosis mailing group, and discovering they had an interactive map where amyloid patients could place their name and location... I thought it would be fun to create a Waldenstrom's Macroglobulinemia patient and caregiver map. The goal of having the map is for all the Waldy Mac patients to see there are many other folks out there fighting this very rare disease, and it sure helps knowing you're not alone.

I'm very excited about the map. In a matter of a day or two, we had well over 100 names tacked on the map... and more added each day! So far the gang over on the IWMF (International Waldenstrom's Macroglobulinemia Foundation) seem happy with the map.

If you'd like to check it out, simply CLICK HERE to be directed to the blog where the map is posted. Scroll to the bottom of the page to view the interactive map. If you're a Waldy patient, caregiver, family or friend, please do put a pin in.

FAMILY PHOTOS: Below are some pictures the kids have sent along lately.

Our Abbey: Raleigh, NC and the St. Patrick's Day parade.

I think the Carolina Roller Girls found a real live Leprechaun!

Our Abbey and Lee... How adorable!

Our Carolina Roller Girl!

The next group of photos were taken while Philip, Erin and Kaylin were visiting for Christmas (2006).

OUR MEGABROAD

Our Megan with some of the orphan children at the safe house: SAW.

Clay, from San Diego, CA... enjoying his time in Mae Sot.

Too adorable for words!

Our Megan is painting again! YAY! This is a painting she did, from the photo of the little girl. The painting was then given to Social Action for Women.

Cat Tree Project

This past Tuesday I began working on the Cat Trees. I'm making one for our Hemmingway, and one for Dr. C's cat. So far I've got the base frame done, with the pole mount attached and a ramp. I've had to do some modifications to the design because I'm unable to find a 1/2 round plastic pipe.

So far so good. The one thing I've learned so far is that particle board is heavy stuff! This cat tree won't be going anywhere any time soon, and it certainly won't fall over!

Smaller Variation on the same theme.

Has been a couple of long and stressful days. Just past midnight, and must get some sleep. Our love to you all, and please continue to keep our Tony in your prayers.