Immune System-Check!

Dave had blood work done yesterday because they needed to see where his red/white cell counts were. If he was too low they were going to have to give him a blood transfusion. But, not the case. His counts are really good for someone who has had such a strong dose of Chemo. The 'Tiger in His Tank', according to Dave, is the Ambrotose that he has been faithfully taking since the onset of his condition. A friend of his recommended it for keeping the immune system strong and it does seem to be working. Kudos to Annie Ogden for getting him started on that. And Kudos to Dave for being such a good patient and taking it all the time.

More good news, he has driven himself to the Cancer Center for his injection a couple of times this week. That means he is feeling good.

Those Happy Thoughts Just Keep On Working,
Marilyn

Cute Story

David and Kathy decided to have Olivia, Dave's youngest daughter, sleep over the other night. In the morning when it was time for breakfast, they made oatmeal. When Dave went to take a spoonful out of his bowl, Olivia, seeing that the oatmeal was very hot, decided to blow on her Papa's spoonful of oatmeal to cool it off for him so that he wouldn't burn his mouth. It really is the little things in life, isn't it.

Well, as of today, Dave has been told that he needs to wear a mask when he goes out to the Cancer Center for his injection. The high dose of Chemotherapy that he was given last Friday is about to do its job and knock his immune system down a few pegs. The Nupogen seems to be doing its work. Dave is in quite a lot of body pain, which means that the injections are encouraging his stem cells to proliferate. There is alot of pressure on the bones because the bone marrow is filling up. There will hopefully be some relief when the stem cells are harvested next week, but in the meantime, Percocet is working just fine. Just a few more days and he should be past this step and on to the next.

Happy thoughts are always welcome!!
Marilyn

He's Hanging In

It has been an up and down weekend for Dave. After Friday's Chemo, he felt okay until later in the evening and the next morning. He was experiencing fluid retention and some serious nausea, and being that it was Saturday, Kathy had an awful time getting in touch with someone to get a prescription for Lasix. Once she did, he started to feel a little better. Sunday was the first of eight Nupogen injections, which went well. As of this posting he has had two of these injections and so far, no side effects, although I'm told that he does carry a little bucket with him just in case his nausea decides to get eruptive.(giggle-giggle) So, for the most part, he seems to be doing well. He had such a great night last night that Kathy called Phyllis just to tell her how wonderful it was to see him feeling so good. Dave is one of the lucky ones who knows how to 'live' with cancer. He has a strong will, he can appreciate a good feeling (even for just a moment) and, most importantly, he has an angel by his side, who us mortals refer to as Kathy. If not for her determination, patience, and undying love and affection for this guy, his situation would be very different.
Thanks for your Happy Thoughts for Dave and Kathy!
Marilyn

We'll Call This Day One.

According to his Mom, Day 1 has been half way decent for Dave. She stopped in to the Cancer Center this afternoon to see how he was doing and she said that he seemed fine. He was in and out of being sleepy and dizzy, but not much for nausea. That's one good thing. Kathy and Dave were at the Center from 9 am until about 6:30 pm. Very long day. (Of course the nurses over at the Cancer Center take very good care of them). So, he has tomorrow off and on Sunday he will start the
8 day Nupogen injections. (To make lots and lots of stem cells.)
This dose of Chemo that he had today will have knocked his immune system down quite a lot. They actually give him
an anti-biotic drip in between the Chemo. He needs to be very careful not to be around germs. Getting any kind of infection would just complicate things for him.
He is getting a lap top so that he can keep up with your messages and well wishes and funny stories, etc. while he is going through this. He should be able to use it while he is in the hospital, where he will check the Guest Book and the Blog frequently. (And be able to use e-mail).
That's pretty much it for now. If I get a chance to speak with Kathy on Saturday, I will update you.
Keep a Happy Thought,
marilyn

He Is So Ready

I spoke with Dave today and he is ready for this thing. What a guy!! Tomorrow's Chemo treatment is an all day affair. It will be the first of three? very strong doses. (Hair loss is imminent with this type of Chemo.) I will let you know as soon as I do how he made out. Kudos to all of you who have posted such nice messages for our friend in his Guest Book. I know that he will read them again and again. Along with the many cards and letters that he continues to receive by mail. They really do make a difference.
Keep checking in.
Keep a happy thought for this dude.
Marilyn

It's Only Just Begun...

Kathy and Dave and Ray had a very long day at Dana Farber on Wednesday. This is the beginning of the process for him. There are many tests that have to be taken before he starts on the 24th with the high dose of Chemotherapy. He managed, somehow, to emerge from the poking and proding, the 'man among men' that he is, I am told by his Mother. He remains very optimistic and in excellent spirits.
I would like to encourage you to go to the Guest Book and write a little something for Dave so that he has messages to read to give him some comfort during this procedure. Jim Doyle (who is becoming the 'Grand Master' of happy thoughts) has a little something to say about how we can help in other ways.
Also, I hope that you have all had a chance to read the latest Lion's Pride edition. If you don't get one, someone you know probably does. I will try to put it on the blog, Wendy Marshall-Hudzik, who is the 'Queen' of happy thoughts, wrote a lovely article (Class of 1970) about Dave's party and Barbara Maynard Scollan also wrote a nice article (Class of 1971). Dave was mentioned in the Hall of Fame section by his coach, Randy Whitehead, as well.
It truly is your love and friendship that keeps Dave optimistic. Let's not forget that we are on an important mission to see that he gets through this.
Thanks everyone!
Keep a Happy Thought!
Marilyn

Home Again, Home Again, Diggety Dog!

He just loves to be home! And finally on Wednesday night they let him go. I spoke with him today and he said that he is finally feeling better. Thursday, Friday and Saturday were not good days for him, but Sunday has turned out to be a beaute. His brother, Ray, was visiting when we spoke and Dave was his usual perky self. So, another carnival ride over, he's waiting in line for the next one.
'a happy thought is worth a thousand words '
Marilyn

Another Bump in the Road (maybe just a pimple!)

Dave was not feeling very well on Sunday, and he got so bad that Kathy took him over to the hospital, where he was admitted. He had a fever and was doing the shaky thing. Turns out it is just a minor infection. But as he is preparing for this stem cell procedure, nothing can be passed off as 'minor' to his medical team. So they have kept him in, as of tonite he has not been released. He is hoping to be going home on Wednesday. Kathy said that this should not affect the upcoming plans to start the stem cell process.

I would like to share with you all a conversation that I was fortunate enough to have today with a very nice young lady who told me that her uncle was diagnosed with end stage Multiple Myeloma at the age of 70. He also had a lot of bone damage, and she said that, aside from the year after the stem cell transplant, his last 7 years have been very good. The year after the transplant, he did experience a few respiratory infections. I was so encouraged by this story that I wanted to share it with all of you who are staying in the 'positive energy field' with regards to Dave and his situation.

So, lets keep yet another happy thought for the 'evacuation' of the infection, so that Dave can go home where he loves to be. I will keep you posted.
Marilyn

We Have Dates

Kathy and Dave have been in touch with the Docs and have set up the appointments to get the stem cell transplant started. There is quiite a lot involved and Dave is in pretty good spirits about it.
So, this is the schedule that Kathy gave me today:
Today was his last Chemo treatment at LGH. They want him to have a 3 week resting period. Rest from Chemo, not doctors. For the next 3 weeks they will be taking a ton of tests for all different kinds of things. They need to be sure that his body can handle this. Once he is cleared based on the tests, the procedure will officially begin on August 24th, starting with a very high dose of Chemotherapy that will be administered at LGH with Dr. Anamur. It's called 'mobilization Cytoxan'. I didn't find much about it when I looked it up. He has the 25th off, and on the 26th (and for the next 8 days) he will be given Nupogen injections, which, from what I understand, is the medication that produces stem cells and tricks them into entering the blood stream for easier collection (this procedure is done when a healthy host is donating bone marrow to someone else.) So, he has Labor Day off and for the following 4 days (9/4,5,6,&7) he will need to be at Dana Farber every morning at 7 am for what they call the 'harvesting' of his own stem cells. The doc's will actually take upwards of 5 million stem cells (amazing!) Kathy and Dave are on a housing list with Dana Farber so that they don't have to drive in every day. The
'harvesting' takes about 4-6 hours each time. September 8th is another day of rest, and then he enters Brigham and Women's hospital on the 9th. September 10th and 11th, he will be given the 'close to lethal' amount of Chemo. His immune system will be as non-functional as it can be after this dose. And then on the 12th, the stem cells will be re-infused.
He will remain in the hospital, under watchful care, until September 26th. That is the current release date. It's at this point that Dave needs to be extremely careful. He cannot be exposed to any kind of germ, bacteria, etc. Kathy said that the whole house has to be disinfected, (which luckily her Mom has already started), and he cannot be in the same room when someone is vacuuming. He will have to wear a mask when he goes out for at least the first 3 months. His immune system will remain very fragile for at least a year, though.
His food will have to be carefully monitored also. It's about as complicated as it gets, but it will help to give Dave a better and longer life.
His brother, Ray, is coming in tonite from Atlanta. He plans to stay for a few weeks and Dave is looking forward to spending some quality time with him.
Well, that's the schedule. Please try to use the Guestbook to send your messages to Dave. It would be beneficial to him if we could help keep his spirits up.
Thanks for your happy thoughts!
Marilyn

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