Staying Positive

OK so now we are into month #2 of this journey..... trying to stay focused on a 100% positive recovery even though the latest bone marrow results were not what we had hoped for. Billy's body continues to produce those damn purple cancer cells despite aggressive chemotherapy, so round 2 is underway. Same schedule as before, 5 days of twice per day chemo along with antibiotics and other medicines to prevent side effects. He feels good, tho, and as long as his hemoglobin stays above 25 he gets to ride the brand new stationary bike they brought to his room yesterday. You would have thought it was Christmas he was so excited! Walking the halls dragging an IV pole and wearing a respirator is not Bill's idea of exercise. Those of you who know him know biking lags just a bit behind running as a passion. He also has been sleeping better, thank goodness, and this morning grand rounds were not until 8:30 so we both slept in. A team of no less than 7 doctors arrived, reviewed his case, laughed at all Billy's jokes and assured us what he is going through is not uncommon with this kind of cancer. We continue to feel very confident in the treatment and staff. Spent a leisurely morning watching the Giants-Mets game (Huff at 2nd base - are you serious??!!) and relaxing afternoon. Saturday is traditionally our "date night" so I'm going to run over to P.F.Changs in the Stanford Shopping Center, bring back some dinner then we'll settle in to watch a movie. About as good as it gets considering the circumstances! Billy had some great visits and phone calls this week - you all play a bigger part than you know in helping keep his spirits up; thanks so much Lisa

Dealing With Detours

Hi everyone. Thanks for checking in with all the positive thoughts. We feel blessed to have so many great friends and family cheering Billy on to the finish line. Had a little detour this week. Following the most recent round of chemo our hope was that the bone marrow biopsy would show no cancer cells. Unfortunately this was not the case and so they will do a repreat biopsy next week. If purple cells remain more chemo may be needed and the process he has just gone through repeated. If the cells have been sucessfully eradicated then we wait about two weeks for his body to replenish itself with healthy cells before the doctors will consider discharge. In the meantime it is a day to day regimen of antibiotics, platelets, short walks and rest. Needless to say all the doctors and nurses love Billy, his sense of humor and positive outlook. He has been visited personally by the head chef (who used to work in the White House) and plans to get on a first name basis with the hospital CEO. He continues to work by holding conference calls from bed and last week registered for Wharf to Wharf; I have no doubt he will find a way to race! Truly an inspiration to us all. Lisa