Today has started out to be the rough day that we had hoped to avoid. It is “technically” the rest day where Dave will not receive anymore chemo and will prepare for the bone marrow transplant to take place on Wednesday. In fact, yesterday was the final day we hope he ever needed chemo and we quietly celebrated that milestone. But, it all caught up with him last night and is pretty much kicking his tail right now. The nurses are doing everything possible to help him rest and stay strong for tomorrow. Therefore, the stationary bike and band work will lay dormant today.

When my feet hit the ground this morning, I prayed that Dave would be completely healed and receive the BMT on Wednesday with the strength and power needed to become whole again. I also prayed for the young man who is Dave’s donor. I know that today is a tough day for him as well, for he has not only prepared his body to give his stem cells to Dave, but his recovery will leave him weak and flu-like. As I continue to seek God through this season, I fervently ask Him to guide the hands of those involved in the process of healing both of these courageous men. I found this prayer that I hope you will say as well.

35th Anniversary 

It’s a pretty special day today, and we celebrate it with all of you. Thirty-five years ago was a clear and bright sunny day without a cloud in view. The morning was bustling with pre-wedding activities and down-to-the-last-second details. As my mom walked me down the aisle, I remember feeling a sense of excitement for our journey before us. And as calm as you all have seen Dave in tense situations, he did “error” when it came to our vows as he didn’t repeat after our priest as directed. He didn’t realize it was his turn. It is now my turn to comfort, encourage and walk by his side in support.

My anniversary gift to Dave was one of his favorite fruits, pineapple, as it has an excellent source of nutrients for one undergoing chemo. Still eating well, he has started to lose weight again despite his appetite. His strong body and immune system seems to be fighting off the designed treatment to drop his counts in order to prepare for the BMT. His counts are rising, but the nurse and doctors have assured us that they will come crashing down in a hurry. The next two days are harsh and accelerated in order to achieve the desired goal.

Pineapple for Breakfast

For now, he is resting and waiting for the game to start. The Lions game, that is. There is no doubt he will be ready for our big game on Wednesday.

Finally Resting

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Two days into chemo and Dave is still riding the stationary bike on the 10th floor for about six miles a day. He is walking two miles a day on the floor as well and doing 20 minutes of band work. He’s a machine. The nurses are amazed and encourage him to continue this regimen as it will quicken his recovery. His counts haven’t hit bottom yet so he still has the energy to do this. 

Dave hasn’t gotten sick yet from the chemo so we continue to be hopeful that these new treatments he is receiving are kinder to him than the previous four cycles. Little bit more tired today, but that is expected. Susan brought in some healthy snacks and he is eating well. Dave appreciates all of the emails and texts that he has received. Thank you for continued thoughts and prayers. Together –  we’ve got this! 

Today, Dave is being admitted for the duration of the BMT. Appointments in the beginning of the week kept us very busy, running back and forth to Karmanos. In preparation for the transplant, he will undergo chemo for the next five days, starting tomorrow.  One resting day is afforded on October 9, when no treatment is administered. He will also receive one total body irradiation on October 10, just before the actual transplant in the afternoon of that day. These treatments will be more potent than he has ever received and are designed to destroy bad cells as well as good cells in his body. It is necessary so that when he receives the donor’s bone marrow, it doesn’t go to war with existing cells. We learned that Dave’s donor is a young man from Europe in his 20s who is a perfect match. Our primary nurse said that is the best news one could expect. We are not able to learn more about this person until one year from now. Five days prior to the procedure of donating his marrow, the donor will undergo shots and treatments in order to prepare his body. He is undergoing heroic measures for Dave’s BMT.

On October 10, the morning will begin with a total body irradiation at 9 am. The actual BMT will take place in the afternoon on October 10. Dave is a goal-setting man and plans to be released October 31 so that we can take our grandchildren trick-or-treating. Dr. Uberti, his transplant doctor, said it is a lofty goal. But, goals are set and intended to be reached. If you wish to send cards or letters, he is at:

Karmanos Cancer Institute

Dave Sontag, Room 10209

4100 John R

Detroit, MI 48201

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