Tuesday, September 1, 2015

Round 1: CRUSHED

Thank you to everyone for the wonderful comments and support that we have received over the past few weeks. A simple thank you just doesn't seem to suffice for all of the prayers, thoughts, uplifting messages, meals, cards etc.
As far as updates go, we are about 3 weeks post round one of induction chemotherapy for transplant which we hope will happen by the end of the year. Chemo went well and Curt only had to stay in the hospital for 4 days rather than the 6 we had originally thought. He had wonderful nurses, and quite the VIP suite.

Grateful for great Nurses!
Curt was a trooper these past 3 weeks and is just beginning to gain back strength and has taken to reading his daily newspapers and babying that ever so spoiled rotten dog, Tanner. Chemotherapy is the cocktails that kills off cancer cells. Unfortunately, chemotherapy is often what we call "non selective". This means that the drugs (aka POISON) that is being pumped into his body are unable to distinguish between a cancer cell and a healthy cell. Because these drugs are non selective all cells die, including the cancer cells. What does this mean for Curt? Well along with the cancer cells goes his, immune cells, hair cells, blood clotting cells, skin cells...the list could go on and on.

Besides his flowing long locks, the most crucial and fragile cells relate to his immune system. Because his immune system is shot, it is often for his benefit that he does not come into contact with anyone who may be sick or have been around sick people. Think of him having a newborns immune system, except worse. Because Curt is so prone to infection even up to 3 weeks after his chemotherapy, his special appearances and autograph sessions will be limited in the coming months. It's not that he has resorted to a lifestyle of seclusion, but just has quite the anal retentive strict General Manager Oncology RN as his eldest daughter.

Today Curt goes back in for more lab work and a meeting with the oncologist which will decide when the next round of chemo will be done. Thank you again for the support you have shown our family. We couldn't get through this fight without each and every one of you!




Goofing around as usual!