Dana Farber Visit

Dave and Kathy's visit at Dana Farber went well. I spoke with Dave on Wednesday and he gave me the scoop. It seems that most people in Dave's position opt for the stem cell transplant the second time that the Myeloma becomes dormant. After being ill for so long, remission is a welcome break from feeling lousy, and it is very difficult to make a conscious decision to have the stem cell transplant which will make you sick again. So, they stretch out the 'feeling good' stage past the point of being in the right state to have the stem cell transplant, and therefore, would have to wait until the treatment knocks the cancer back down to the dormancy stage. Understandable.
The doctor would prefer that Dave do this the first time around, now. It sounds like Dave will follow Drs orders, but time will tell. In the last few weeks, the 'good' days have out-numbered the 'bad' for Dave, and he is enjoying them, which ultimately makes this decision even harder.
Happily, though, he is fortunate to be in the situation where a transplant is possible.
Please join me in a happy thought for Dave and Kathy,
Marilyn

If you would like to read more about what is in store for Dave concerning this procedure, you can Google 'Autologous Stem Cell Transplant'; 'Dana Farber'; or go to the Multiple Myeloma Site.

It's 'Beachy'!

Kathy and Dave set out today on a very well deserved little get-a-way, compliments of Dave's Mom. They are actually alone and spending a few nights at Ogunquit, Me. It is an 'oh, so happy' thing that Dave feels well enough to go and spend some quality time with Kathy and spend some energizing time at the ocean. The nurses at the Cancer Center were so excited at the prospect of Dave having a little vacation from illness, that they re-arranged his Chemo treatments in order to 'get the party started' as early as possible. Happy thoughts for Dave are very contagious, have you noticed?
So, all is still very good. He and Kathy go to see the Docs at Dana Farber next Tuesday to discuss the transplant and after this redeeming time at the beach, he will be ready.
Keep a Happy thought!
Marilyn

The 'Freedom' of 'Independence'

Well, I am very happy to report that Dave is feeling terrific. He has had some back pain still, but for the most part he is having some very well deserved good days. He followed Kathy up to the Manchester Airport, on the 4th, to pick up her family who decided to visit for a bit. Her Mom will be staying on for a while. And he spent the afternoon frolicking at Brian and Pat Corey's for a little cookout and a boat ride!! He has been driving himself around, actually went and got a haircut! Kathy has been his barber for the last five months. His spirits are enormously positive, it's amazing what a little freedom can do for a person.
I guess 'Independence' Day has a new meaning for Dave.
It's all good for now.
He has an appointment with the Dana Farber Docs-so check in later for an update.
Keep a happy thought!!
Marilyn

Here We Go!!!

Well, as of yesterday, our Dave has 99.9% decided to go ahead with the Stem Cell Transplant. He will be calling the Docs at Dana Farber in the next week, to set up an appointment to discuss the preliminary procedures and the time table. Everything has to happen within a certain time limit, and now is the time.
For two reasons, first from a medical standpoint, the Myeloma is in a dormant stage and this is the best time to get the healthy stem cells to transplant, and second, from an emotional standpoint, Dave is in the best spirits that he has been in since the inception of this life changing situation.
His outlook, from all angles, looks very good. There will be a period of 'at the edge' kind of drama, but so far he has shown us that he is capable of handling the 'cliffhangers'.
What a guy!! We are blessed to be able to call him husband, Daddy, son, brother, and friend.
So, here we go-please sign his guestbook so that he can have your comforting and happy messages to bring with him to the hospital. Your words are his best medicine.
Keep a happy thought.
Marilyn

Score: Dave/1st place-Myeloma/2nd place

You gotta love that:-) Dave and Kathy had an appointment with Dr. Anamur today and he said that based on the results of the tests that were taken last week (minus an MRI-which they will do on Monday), it appears that the nasty Myeloma has gone into hiding! The Chemo treatments have knocked it down to a 'dormant' stage. This means that the 'Cancer' ride at the carnival has slowed down a bit!! Woo-Hoo!! It also means that the time has come for Dave to make that decision about whether he should consider the 'Autologous Stem Cell Transplant' ride. Dr. Anamur will be speaking with the doctor at Dana Farber this week to discuss Dave's situation and we will know more next week. Dr. Anamur explained to Dave and Kathy that this would be the best time to do the transplant, given the dormancy of the cancer. But there is an awful lot to think about. If you are interested in reading more about it-click on the link below.
He will be continuing with the Chemo sessions through the summer.
I know I've asked this of all of you so many times, and for good reason, it has worked so far.
So, keep that happy thought, would ya?-and thanks a bunch for it:-)
Marilyn


http://www.multiplemyeloma.org/treatments/3.03.02.php

A Little Chit-Chat

I spoke with Dave yesterday and he had some (actually, quite a few) test this week. The Doc's are giving him a complete evaluation, to see where all of his issues are at the moment. He even has to see the dentist! So we should have some results by next weeks end.
Brian Corey took him for an ice cream today! There's some happy news. Thanks Brian, I bet Dave loved that.
Dave takes such good care of himself, in the way of eating all the right stuff, ice cream must have tasted mighty nice.
Let's keep our fingers crossed for good news.
Keep it happy,
Marilyn

Thanks a Mil!!!

I would like to take a moment to thank those of you who have signed Dave's Guest Book and encourage those of you who haven't, to please do so. He enjoys reading them over and over. These messages to Dave are just another way that we can help him stay focused on healing, and as I have said before, there is nothing stronger than the Human Connection. The intense energy that comes from caring and loving, is the one thing that we can give him.
I would also like to express my gratitude to all of you for the compliments and support that I have received concerning this Blog. It has been a wonderful way for all of us to communicate.
There is not much change with Dave's medical status at this point. I am going to give him a call or a visit today and will update you if there is any news. What I do know is that the Docs are taking lots of tests this week. (Off Chemo week!) So we should have some answers by weeks end. I know that he is not feeling well in the AM part of the day. Nausea. But he does recover in the afternoon.
During these times when he is not feeling so well, it's nice to know that he has a Book that he can go to and get some encouraging words from friends and family. Or a joke or two. Laughter is still the best medicine, so they tell me!! Giggle
Keep a happy thought.
Marilyn

surprise visit!

Last Thursday those of us who lucky enough to be at the Concord jobsite were treated to a surprise visit by our friend Dave.Many thanks to Brian Corey for getting Dave out for a ride to someplace other than the hospital or doctors office.I couldn't believe my ears when i heard his voice.It's been since January that he has been at the job and he was excited to see how the project has come along,even without him.I know he has missed being a part of it but this was the next best thing.He was feeling pretty chipper and looked great!Many thanks to all who make Dave"s days a bit brighter by a phone call or visit.I know he really appreciates the contact and feeling not so isolated.Hope to see you again soon Dave.Baba booey to y'all.Moe

A Message from the "Tous Team"

LGH's 8th TeamWalk for CancerCare was a tremendous success and such an amazing community event! The rain didn't dampen the spirits of "Tous Team", whose goal was $1,900 and through the generosity of our wonderful sponsors, raised $3,015!! On behalf of our team, thank you. We'll be
back next year with hopes of growing "Tous Team" and look forward to our dear friend, Dave, to lead us in victory. As Shelagh best put it ... "this feels good". And truly, it does.
-Written by Jane Comeau

Update on the Cancer Care Walk

Our Team Goal

Goal: $1,700.00
Raised: $2,590.00

Help Us Reach Our Goal!

Welcome to our Team Page! We are walking in this year's TeamWalk for CancerCare and need your support. As walkers we are helping to improve the quality of life for cancer patients and their families in the Greater Lowell area. We want to raise the most money as a team and help Lowell General Hospital reach its goal. Please help us! You can sponsor us as a team or as individual members. You can even join our team and help raise money and awareness, too!


THANK YOU TO ALL WHO SUPPORT "TOUS TEAM" and the efforts of LGH in providing passionate care to our friend, Dave Tousignant, and to all who are facing the challenge of this frightening disease. A SPECIAL THANKS to Dave's friends that live far away but hold him close in their heart: Heather and Jack Pyle of Las Vegas, who stay in touch with Dave and his Mom, donated $100 to our team. Lynne Dwight Gow, for many years living in Chicago, wants Dave to know "the Chicago crowd has him in our thoughts and prayers" ($100), and Mike McMahon ($100), long gone from New England, but remembers Dave " as a great guy".




2007 TeamWalk Members
Name Raised
Jane Comeau $1,000.00
Patricia McCafferty $615.00
Patti Britton $125.00
Janet Mitchell $375.00
Marcie Kinney $100.00
Shelagh McNulty $375.00

2007 TeamWalk has 6 Individuals

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It's a Bit of a Mystery

I just spoke with Kathy and all of Dave's test results showed no significant signs of any condition that would have caused his symptoms. The Docs think that it's a combination of all the meds and the fact that he has been exposed to some viruses in the last few weeks. His body has just about had it with all this 'foreign' stuff going into it. He is a tough guy, though, and this was just another hurdle that he jumped. His spirits remain in tact, even when he doesn't feel well.
"The Song Remains the Same" - Keep those happy, healthy thoughts.
Marilyn

He is Home

All I know at this posting is that Dave did come home on Saturday night. He is feeling okay and when I get more info, I will get it to you. I have only spoken to his Mom, this morning, and she didn't give me a medical update. But she did say that he had a good day yesterday.
When I hear from Kathy, I will fill you all in.
Keep a happy thought.
Marilyn

There's a Pothole in the Road

Dave was at home this morning getting ready for his Friday trip to the Cancer Center when he started having a little trouble breathing. Kathy had just left for work, and he called her back home because he felt very bad. He started to have what they both described uncontrollable 'shivers'. They were pretty scared by the ordeal and took him straight to the hospital. The emergency staff went right to work checking blood, taking x-rays, etc. So far they have found nothing that would appear to have caused this strange occurrence. He was quite sick a few days ago with nausea and vomiting, and they thought it was a tummy bug. I saw them about 3 pm today, and at that time they were still thinking some kind of infection, maybe in the port, although they couldn't really find anything. They were treating him with antibiotics, and the plan was for him to stay overnight and get all the results back before going home. Dr. Rick is on call this weekend, which makes Dave and Kathy and Phyllis very comfortable.
There was some unexpected good news from the x-rays that were taken today. He has had no significant change, one way or the other, since the onset of the Myeloma. That perked him up a bit. And he looked great when I saw him. He had gotten his appetite back and was feeling fine physically, but emotionally wondering 'what the heck was that?' We're all hoping that it's nothing more than an infection that can be healed up quickly.
Keep those happy, healthy thoughts!!
Marilyn

Footnote: He was wearing his 'lucky heart' PJ pants. Good sign!

Medical Update

Dave and Kathy had an appointment with Dr. Lapp yesterday and it appears that there will be no more surgery for the time being. All of Dave's Docs have decided that more back surgery is not necessary in the near future. He is going to control any pain that he has with meds and if the meds don't work then they will discuss more surgery. But for the time being, Chemo will continue, which is working on the Myeloma. His numbers are still very good. He is content to be upright and able to do some things around the house, as well as take care of himself. He has a very healthy spirit, one that will not be beaten down at this point. But every day is a different 'carnival ride', sometimes exhilarating and fun (can't wait to get back in line to have another ride), and sometimes a little scary (not going to get back in line for that one!)
So for now, he is continues to eat well, sleep well and stay focused on what's important. Kathy's Mom has gone back home to Arizona to visit her new grandbaby, so Dave is doing a little cooking!! And, of course, he is still chipping away at those 'Thank Yous' to everyone. He remains extremely humbled by all of your attention to his situation.
Keep those happy thoughts.
Marilyn

If you haven't written a friendly message in the Guest Book-please do so. I have been printing them out and putting them into a nice book for him to pick up and look at when the 'ride gets a little scary'. Your friendship really means alot to him.

The "Tous Team" -Over Their Goal!!

Our Team Goal

Goal: $1,700.00
Raised: $1,870.00

Help Us Reach Our Goal!

Welcome to our Team Page! We are walking in this year's TeamWalk for CancerCare and need your support. As walkers we are helping to improve the quality of life for cancer patients and their families in the Greater Lowell area. We want to raise the most money as a team and help Lowell General Hospital reach its goal. Please help us! You can sponsor us as a team or as individual members. You can even join our team and help raise money and awareness, too!


THANK YOU TO ALL WHO SUPPORT "TOUS TEAM" and the efforts of LGH in providing passionate care to our friend, Dave Tousignant, and to all who are facing the challenge of this frightening disease. A SPECIAL THANKS to Dave's friends that live far away but hold him close in their heart: Heather and Jack Pyle of Las Vegas, who stay in touch with Dave and his Mom, donated $100 to our team. Lynne Dwight Gow, for many years living in Chicago, wants Dave to know "the Chicago crowd has him in our thoughts and prayers" ($100), and Mike McMahon ($100), long gone from New England, but remembers Dave " as a great guy".



2007 TeamWalk Members
Name Raised
Jane Comeau $1,000.00
Patricia McCafferty $320.00
Patti Britton $125.00
Janet Mitchell $0.00
Marcie Kinney $100.00
Shelagh McNulty $325.00

2007 TeamWalk has 6 Individuals

Surgery Notes

Well, surgery went well. Dave stayed overnight in the hospital because surgery was scheduled rather late in the day yesterday. And, as we have proven in the past, we got what we asked for. Dr. Lapp was able to 'see' the vertebrae that has been the nasty little culprit. The cause of most of Dave's pain and the one that helps hold up his head. So, it has been repaired. Woo-Hoo!! Pat yourself on the back if you were one of those praying for good vision for the Doc. What I understand is that he was able to repair about three this time. There is still more to do, but the follow-up visit in 2 weeks, with the Doc, will be the determining factor.
Kathy picked Dave up this morning and she said that he was feeling very upbeat with hardly any pain. So he's on one of the good 'carnival rides' as of this posting-lets hope it lasts a long time.
Don't forget to go to the Lowell General website and sign up to be a walker on the 'Tous Team' or sponsor a walker if you can't make it. The website is listed in the message about the walk from Jane Comeau.
Keep those happy thoughts.
Marilyn

As Promised-More Info on the LGH Walk

We are now registered as a team, in love and support of our buddy Dave, for the May 20 Lowell General TeamWalk for CancerCare. Please go to www.lowellgeneral.org and click on the "Walk", then scroll to "Sponsor a Walker or Team". We are "Tous Team" and you need to use the quotations. Registration is $10 and you can sign up for either the 3 mile or 6 mile walk. As mentioned previously, send this along to as many people in your address book as possible. Bring your family, friends, co-workers ... we can make this a tremendous event. If you cannot walk, you may want to sponsor one of the team members.
Thanks everyone ... maybe a few of you could jump on this bandwagon with me and we'll figure out our team tshirt. Let's get those walking papers going!
All best,
Jane
jemcomeau@comcast.net

It's a Go!!

Dr. Lapp and Dr. Anamur had a little pow-wow yesterday and they both feel that more kyphoplasty is the answer to Dave's vertebrae issues. So they have scheduled him for surgery on Monday, to shore up 2 of them and then 3 weeks later go in and finish up the rest. Dr. Lapp says that he can only repair what he can see, so let's hope for clear vision that day for the Doc. He seems very optimistic that he can help Dave.
Deciding to have a stem cell transplant is a weighty problem for anyone, in Dave's case, with all of the bone damage, it makes the decision a lot more difficult. Let's hope this back surgery works and gives Dave the peace of mind that he needs to make other decisions about his health.
Thanks everyone, this is proof that your thoughts and prayers are working once again,
Keep it going,
Marilyn

Happy Thoughts Footnote: Dave drove the car the other day!! Woo-Hoo!!!

Dave's Cloud Has Sprung a Leak...

...in the form of a back specialist, Dr. Lapp who says that he can fix up Dave's vertebrae in two operations. He gave Dave and Kathy the ray of sunshine that they needed to hear right about now. This is very good news for Dave. His concerns, up to this point, have been about his back and whether or not the bone damage can be repaired enough to continue to fight the Myeloma. This is the first time that he has felt that there is some hope of bone repair. So, it looks like a go, just when it will happen hasn't been determined, but I will let you know the minute I do.
Think good, happy, healthy thoughts for this boy,
He needs you,
Marilyn

It's a Tough Battle

I had the opportunity to visit with Dave yesterday (I brought him the messages from the Guestbook and pasted them into the book that we had at the Fundraiser that not many of you got to sign). Which brought him great joy, so if you haven't posted your message for Dave in the Guestbook, get crackin'. He needs those 'Happy Thoughts' if we expect him to fight this unpredictable disease.
The news on Tuesday from the Doc was not the best. Dave's vertebrae continue to deteriorate. Which causes him alot of pain. And the Myeloma numbers are not dropping as quickly as the Doc's had hoped. He is in very good spirits, though and he looks great, even with the weight loss. His focus right now is research. He is looking for some answers about the stem cell transplant choice, the bone damage, and overall what to expect from all of this. If any of you have access to information concerning his particular situation; I.E. chat rooms, websites, personal experience with Myeloma in a younger person with bone damage, PLEASE email ME so that I can get it to him. I don't want to overwhelm him with info, so I would prefer it if I could do the preliminary 'weeding'. (Thanks!) Which means that you can send ME anything that you think might help him with his research.
Your support of this Blog speaks milestones about the love and friendship that you have for Dave and Kathy. I want to thank you all again for checking in with us, daily. It means alot to them.
It's time to write down your 'Happy Thoughts'!
Marilyn