The scoreboard reflects a battle of the arms – a good ole fashioned pitcher’s duel. Goose eggs dot the scoreboard and hitters are frustrated, as each pitcher is throwing his best game yet. The runner on second was stranded, as each additional inning stretches this nail-biter.
Dave has had minor side effects, slowly gaining ground, but not able to move forward on the base path. The determination and fortitude has never wavered from either him nor his teammates. In fact, the bench has only become stronger and more supportive.
“It’s hard to beat a person who never gives up.” – Babe Ruth
As this game continues through the weekend, Dave is holding nothing back. His counts are showing that the struggle is not over. Whether that means that the CAR T-Cells are working extra innings right now to conquer cancer or the leukemia is still lurking, we are in the wait-and-watch mode.
Thirteen in 6, 10 in 10 and 6 on the day. What do these all have in common you ask? Progress. We are making progress in Seattle, and that excites us more than ever in anticipation for our return to Michigan.
Dave is in his 14th day post CAR-T Cell therapy infusion. We have 14 more to go until we reach the 28th day for the bone marrow biopsy. The June 6 biopsy is just around the corner to determine the success of this clinical trial. When the research team asked if he wanted a voluntary biopsy around the mid-mark just for research, the answer was short and quick. “No.” After 8 painful biopsies, Dave did not want to go through the procedure unless it was mandatory.
Progress can be slow at times and hard to measure, but walking out of Seattle has always been at the top of the list. While in the hospital, Dave and I walked 13 miles in 6 days to complete the half-marathon. Today, we have walked over 6 miles. Progress.
A determined path to 28
Finally, and critical to Dave’s continued improvement, is gaining weight. He put on 10 pounds in 10 days. His appetite has improved, and I am coaxing him to eat more and snack all of the time. At night, I am always encouraging him to have Häagen Dazs for a snack because of the high calories. But, two nights ago he questioned, “Do I have to? Please don’t make me eat anymore.” Who says that? Dave did.
If all goes well tomorrow at the clinic, we will have a long weekend off. Dave’s counts have been solid – improvement on four continuous days – and he hasn’t required a transfusion in 11 days. This is definitely progress. We are halfway there. Fourteen days post CAR-T Cell infusion and 14 more to go.
A ringing double off the left field wall and the runner strolls in standing up. He barely broke a sweat as he quickly rounded first base and never pulled the reins until he reached second. This is thanks to a team of doctors and nurses, and also to the perseverance of one tough ball player. Dave was released from the hospital today and is able to go back to Pete Gross House, the apartment complex for cancer patients. His determination and “win-at-all-costs” attitude has made this possible. And, at this point, he is standing on second base hoping to cross home plate after his June 6 bone marrow biopsy. We feel he is at the halfway point.
The moment he was able to walk and move around the 7th floor, he was on a mission to meet three goals. The first goal was to be at The University of Washington Medical Center the minimum of seven days required by the SCCA staff. The second goal was to regain some of the weight lost from his previous hospital admit in the beginning of April. And the final goal was to walk 13 miles around the 7th floor of the hospital in order to receive the Half-Marathon Finisher award.
Dave met every goal he set out to achieve, which should come as no surprise to anyone. Gaining weight has been, and will continue to be, the most difficult. At 170 pounds, he has a long way to go.
The support you have shown has been incredible with so many people generating encouragement in so many ways. The 7-day prayer challenge was successful, but if you are inspired to continue through the remaining 21 days, I am sure that you will feel a continued sense of closeness with Him. Finally, I want to give a huge thanks to the Jefferson High School staff for your constant communication, love and support for your long-time colleague. You have walked with him every step of the way.
Inspiration for my blog posts comes quite easily to me from the little things in daily life. You see, inspiration is all around us. You just have to stop and be still sometimes to notice. Often, it’s more obvious than at other times, but occasionally, it is staring you right in the – well – ears.
This morning I could not get a song out of my head. The song just kept continuously looping. Does that happen to you? It happens to me all of the time, especially at night when I’m trying to sleep. Well, this morning I was humming along and kept singing the chorus over and over again because it’s so inspirational. After 30 minutes, I said to myself, “I need a different song in my head. I’m driving me crazy.” I turned on Pandora and saw that the last station I listened to was country, but today I really wanted to continue my morning the way it started – with Christian music. Before hitting the arrow in the top left corner to switch stations, I was stopped in my tracks with the first five chords. And then, I paused to enjoy the moment. The very same song that had been running through my head all morning started to play. I stood still and listened to every lyric of H.O.L.Y. by Florida Georgia Line. This may give you chills with the irony of that moment, but it just made me smile in affirmation.
What a glorious moment to feel such love in such an intense way. I felt that that dedication on Pandora was for me. But it was for you too, because it inspired me to share it with you. Just as I am about to share more wonderful news. Dave’s call early this morning is what initiated the constant melody in my head. It looks like we are right on schedule for Dave to be discharged from the hospital on Wednesday. That was music to my ears.
Our team of doctors is extremely pleased with his progress, and even more encouraged that he has not experienced any intense side effects that could delay progress. Once released from the hospital, we will continue to report to the SCCA for daily monitoring and blood counts. The seven watchful and prayerful days are ending soon if you accepted the prayer challenge. Once released, we hope that you continue to pray for complete healing. With the bone marrow biopsy still scheduled for the 28th day following the infusion, we ask that you be vigilant and keep Dave in your daily prayers.
Just like the song, which moved me to write this update today, you too should be inspired by the outcome of your constant prayers. How can He not be inspired by all of you and what you have done for the Tag Team?
Today, Dave is being honored at Saline High School’s baseball diamond before the doubleheader against Dexter High School. Saline youth baseball teams were invited to today’s game in support of Dave’s fight against cancer, and for cancer awareness as well. Coach Joe Welton and his friend Brian Sayers painted the cancer ribbon behind home plate. It is apropos that the finishing touch on this whole day included adding No. 28. to the design. Coach Welton planned this day around a man he admires and a game that he loves. We tip our hat to him and for the abundance of support he continues to generate for Dave and our family.
Our grandson, Easton Sontag, threw out the first pitch of the game. What an honor for the Sontag family. Watch here.
Finally, the following is an update of the CAR T-Cell infusion process. Thus far, the side effects have been minimal, thanks to the low burden of cancer entering Wednesday’s infusion. We are on high alert, as we wait for anything to come our way. It is like watching paint dry. Or maybe it’s like sitting in bumper-to-bumper traffic waiting for it to finally open up and start moving. Better yet, it’s like the grass we planted last year with ten long days of waiting for results. Most importantly, I hope you are thinking what I am thinking. Four days into the prayer challenge, which was posted on Tuesday, I tip my hat to the One above Who is listening and responding to all our prayers.
The hitter comes out of the dugout with a methodical and confident walk to the plate. His clean, crisp uniform is hanging loosely, but proudly, on his thinner than usual body. At first glance, the pitcher thinks that he may be an easy out. But the guy on the mound has no idea of the heart and the passion that the hitter has. In fact, he has no idea what the guy in the batter’s box had to do to even jump back into the lineup.
The hitter digs his back foot in first and the front foot lands comfortably. His shoes are polished but yet well-worn. The catcher notices that these shoes have seen many a game. As the hitter grips the bat, he is looking for one pitch to hit. He whispers to himself, “Look for a fast ball that I can drive.” Stance…concentration…rhythm…. Clearly No. 28 is not a rookie.
The game begins. Today is his day.
As one sits in the stands and watches this incredible game unfold, know that it is going to have a few grueling innings. But, No. 28 has filled the stadium with more supporters than one could ever count. The visiting team has no fans, no one cheering it on and no chance to win this game.
This much we know. The first 28 days are going to be a nail biter. Twenty eight days from today will be the first bone marrow biopsy that will confirm the Car T-Cell infusion was a success. No early signs from the dugout will give any indication of that expected triumph. Even daily counts won’t determine the outcome. The official scorekeeper will keep you as informed as possible to avoid errors.
The pitcher is winding up and the hitter is still quietly rocking in motion before he starts his load….
Stay tuned for the pitch-by-pitch in the days to follow.
All along, Dave and I have put our faith, hope and trust in God. Never wavering, we surrendered to Him and have followed what has been written for us long ago. Our relationship with Him has changed on so many levels. And from the beginning of this journey, we have always felt that we were the instrument to bring you closer and stronger in faith too. It’s quite humbling.
As the toughest part of Dave’s treatment starts tomorrow, we know that he will be in the hospital for a minimum of seven days. We invite the entire Tag Team to join us in daily prayer. Choose to commit to seven days of prayer. Choose seven objects and place them in a location where you will see them first thing in the morning. It may be seven Jolly Ranchers, seven Red Vines or seven mints. Starting tomorrow morning, take one and pray from the time in reaches your mouth until the last swallow. Please say one prayer for Dave, and continue to pray for others the rest of the time. There are so many people who need our prayers.
Not sure how to do this? Talk to God. First, thank Him for the many blessings in your life. Second, ask Him to help those who need your prayers. And finally, have a few personal moments with Him. I’m not sure if you will feel a deep sense of purpose, but I know daily prayer gives both Dave and me purpose and strength. And if you miss a day – don’t sweat it. He will be hoping to hear from you the next day. I am sure of that. And, tomorrow morning when I begin my prayer, I will start by thanking God that so many have joined us in our prayer challenge. We would be honored if you would share this with your friends and family. There is such power in prayer. We love you and can’t wait to see you soon.
Throw your hands in the air and shout whatever comes to mind.
WE GOT THIS…BRING IT ON…LET JESUS TAKE THE WHEEL…KICK CANCER TO THE CURB…NOBODY IS TOUGHER THAN TAG….
We know that hundreds of friends and family members have been impacted by Dave and his fight to win the biggest game of his life. We also know as the fight continues, you have been just as relentless following the blog, praying for a miracle and cheering us on from the sidelines with your incessant comments.
LET’S GO YOU JOLLY RANCHER…THAT MAN IS AN ABSOLUTE MACHINE AND HE CAN DO THIS…BOOM…LET’S GO YOU COTTONPICKER…LEAD US OFF TAG….
It is now game time. The bone marrow biopsy confirmed that the leukemia is still active, but presents a low burden at 13.9 percent in Dave’s body. This is a great improvement from one month ago when the cancer returned with a vengeance. His CT scan on Thursday also provided a look at the dramatic improvement that his right lung has made with the fungal infection. Further tests performed yesterday provided the research team with everything they needed in order to qualify him again. Yes, it’s now game time.
CHEESE ‘N CRACKERS, GET THIS THING ROLLING…KEEP UP THE GOOD FIGHT…YOU ARE ONE TOUGH COTTONPICKER…DON’T STOP YOU DOG HEAD….
Today, tomorrow and Monday are chemotherapy days designed to deplete existing T-Cells in order to make room for the newly engineered CAR T-cells. Tuesday is considered a “rest” day, and the only requirement is reporting to the clinic for bloodwork and a final check.
The day that we have been waiting for is Wednesday. Dave will be admitted to The University of Washington Medical Center in the morning. He will receive his CAR T-Cells in the afternoon. He will be in the hospital a minimum of a week and longer if we encounter any complications. Once released, he is monitored closely. On Day 28, he will receive another bone marrow biopsy to determine the success of the entire CAR-T Cell process. Then, we hope to come home for a few weeks to enjoy the beginning of our Michigan summer.
DEAR CANCER, MEET MY FRIEND JESUS. HE’S TAKING OVER TO WIN THIS GAME.
Tune in on Tuesday for the Tag Team challenge. We hope you choose to participate.
Tag Team 