PacingThrough The Race - In-Patient Treatment Mile Marker 6.5

It has been a little over a week now and things are beginning to settle into somewhat of a routine.  Bill no longer feels like such a pin cushion; a PIC line was placed so blood work can be done and IVs given without sticking him. He handled his bone marrow biopsy like a trooper which is good because these will occur fairly frequently during his treatment.  For the time being masks are not required which makes visiting much more pleasant.  He had a visit this morning from the lead research physician overseeing his clinical trial who said from all indications his body is handling the chemotherapy regimen as expected.  Today is day three.  He first gets an injection of Neupogen, a drug which helps counteract the immunosuppressive effect of chemotherapy.  Then an hour of chemo, break for four hours and then another two hours of chemo.  This will occur five days on, two days off.  So far he has felt a little fatigued but no nausea or other unanticipated side effects.  Yesterday he even strolled his IV down to the atrium in the cancer center where a concert was taking place.  I have a feeling soon he will be playing his ukelele right along side the other musicians! He has family/friends staying with him around the clock and the team at Stanford are very accommodating.  His daughter Brenna had to head back to the University of Arizona but son Brady is able to stay awhile longer.  He and Bill are hanging out watching basketball this afternoon. 

When we arrived last Saturday we were told to plan for at least a one month stay.  Well one down and only three to go!  This is a day to day journey and, like running a marathon, must be paced slowly but without ever losing site of the finish line.  As long as things continue to be OK at the end of each day we feel more and more positive about the long-term outcome.  All of your love, support, prayers and good thoughts are definitely making a difference so keep 'em coming!   Lisa

Sending Items to Billy

You can send cards to Stanford Hospitals & Clinics F Ground Unit MC 5615 WILLIAM GRIFFITHS 300 Pasteur Drive Stanford CA 94305 Hopefully Bill himself will be authoring these posts himself soon. Love to everyone - Lisa

The Starting Line

The marathon has begun. It will be Billy's biggest challenge yet but with everyone's love, support and prayers he will cross the finish line a winner.  Even tho this is not quite a race he signed up for, he has the same amount of determination many of you have seen out on the trail. So how did we get here?  Billy had not felt well for the last couple of weeks. Tired, feverish with a sore throat and no appetite. Went to the ER on 3/12 where he was given a 7 day dose of antibiotics. He thought he felt a little better and enjoyed a brief visit home with Brenna. Since he was not getting a lot better he revisited the ER on Sunday the 22nd. Was told he had a sinus infection and pharyngitis and given a stronger antibiotic. This did not produce the desired results and he actually seemed even more tired with continued symptoms. We started thinking perhaps he had mono. When I came home from work on Wednesday I noticed his eyes looked jaundiced and he seemed more short of breath. He had developed a rash and was still very tired. I took him back to the ER and insisted they run a full spectrum of tests. The doctor came in delivered the news of blood cancer. After the initial shock wore off we focused on "the plan" ahead. First a blood smear to determine what type of leukemia and plans to transfer th Stanford asap.  Smear came back acute myeloid leukemia. We arrived at Stanford last night and truly feel we are in excellent hands. Very impressed with all the doctors and nurses so far.  Lots of blood work, tests, transfusion etc has not left much time for rest but this should all settle down a bit once they do a bone marrow biopsy tomorrow and know exactly what type of AML he has. What we do know is he will be here for at least a month during the "induction" phase of chemotherapy. Brady & Brenna are headed home and everyone else, both family & family, have been wonderful. We will use this blog to update everyone frequently. Billy sleeps slot so don't be discouraged if your phone calls go unanswered. He is not allowed to have flowers or visitors who have any sign of illness like a cold or cough. This blog site is a great way to get your get well wishes communicated. Bills in room F030 of the Petersen