Sitting in the family waiting room at Karmanos on the 10th floor, I am reminded of those who are challenged with a loved one being sick. I can’t help but talk with them to see what day the patient is on, and I ask how he or she is doing. I always ask the name of their loved one and I place that person in my prayers at 5:05 p.m. What I should be doing is including all of the family members in my prayers as well. Many of you are praying for not only Dave and for me, but for the rest of our family. It has been difficult for them to see such a strong man fight so valiantly to conquer this threatening disease.

The latest update has Dave struggling to eat one of his favorite things – a peanut butter and jelly sandwich. His mom’s homemade applesauce seemed to work a little better, but the mouth sores have started and will make it even more difficult. He has to force himself to eat, but he really can’t. I think we call that a double-edged sword? We are counting down the days to October 20  because on that tenth day after the transplant, we hope to see the engraftment begin. Everything is going as planned, and the doctors reassure us that we are doing everything right. So I thank you for praying for all of us, and if you could, pray for all who battle any crippling disease. So many need our thoughts and prayers.

Hanging Impressions 

… may not be a good day, but there’s good in every day. My sister-in-law, Ann, just texted this to Dave, and it’s so appropriate for today. He has collided with the brick wall that the doctors and nurses warned he would hit. Normally, Dave would spin off and keep going, sprinting for the end zone. However, that’s not happening anytime soon. Since the transplant on Wednesday, it’s been slow going. No food sounds appetizing. Riding the stationary bike and walking seem like a chore. Even drinking water takes an  extra effort for a guy who drinks water like a camel. But, the good in today is that the television is back on and he’s watching sports. You can bet he will be watching UM tonight as the Wolverines battle Wisconsin.

The doctor doesn’t expect his counts to turn around and engraftment to take place until around October 20. And, of course you know what Dave is saying about that. He’s planning on setting a record and banking on engraftment happening by the 17th. And, I know you are all chuckling right now because you know just how true that is. Go Dave Go!

Every day may not be a good day, but there is good in every day.

Just a quick update that Dave is feeling better this afternoon. He was able to eat lunch and even walked 1/2 mile so far today. The doctors have encouraged him to accept that there will be days that he just won’t be able to move as much. Of course, this falls on deaf ears because he is normally like the Roadrunner. His goal still remains to be released by October 31 so that we can take the kids trick-or-treating. So, he will do what he has to do in order to do what he wants to do.

Last week, we asked Dr. Uberti if Dave was going to feel as crummy as he did with his first four rounds of chemo. He replied, “crummy-er.” Of course, being a Superman prototype, he flew through the first four days unscathed pretty much. Nothing stopped his workout routine as he continued his bodybuilding regimen. Yesterday was as Dr. Uberti warned, and today proved to be the “crummy-er.”

Total body irradiation this morning left him whipped, followed with side-effects that we were warned may appear. The afternoon was even crummier, but his body cooperated just in time for the transplant. It went exactly as planned and we watched in amazement that this procedure will be the cure. It arrived in a cooler, was hung like an IV bag, and entered through his triple lumen in his chest. It only took 25 minutes, which is much quicker than what it took for the donor to give.

Two hours later, he had a few side effects that the nurses and nurse practitioner said are normal. They jumped into action, took Superman’s cape off and grounded the big guy in order to let these foreign stem cells acclimate to their new environment. At the time of this posting, he is doing better and is resting comfortably.

The next five days will be rough and we continue to wait until the engraftment, or signs of new stem growth begins. Generally, it takes approximately 10-14 days before this happens.

We did celebrate the first day of the rest of his life, and the 10th floor nurses declared this his new birthday – 10/10/18. What a way to receive gifts twice a year, huh?

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

Continue reading →

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

If you wish to follow this blog, click on the Follow icon in the bottom right-hand corner.