HAIR TODAY...AND GONE TOMORROW!

Dear Friends,

     Marcie and I wanted to give you an update on the latest events in our unexpected journey. It is even more fraught with "hair-raising" twists and turns than you can imagine!

     The "Chemo-Hair-Apy" party on Friday night was a a blast and a huge success.  We are still awaiting final numbers but we believe we exceeded the goal of $2,500 in funds raised for Emerge's Children's Center.  So many dear friends came and really got into the whole funky hairdo thing; there were some wild and crazy "do's."  We think a lot of  you really enjoyed releasing the inner child.  We do have a therapist on staff to deal with that!   Our friend Rob Ebner has a new (dis)taste of whipped cream as he was the chief victim of the pie throwing event!  What a good sport he was!  How can we begin to thank all of those who worked so hard to put everything together into such a memorable event?  Our deepest thanks to all of you.  For more pictures of the great buzz go to my sister's blog http://lifebetweenthebuns.blogspot.com/

     On Thursday of last week I noticed a small lump in my neck above the place where the catheter is on my upper chest.  It was tender to the touch, but I really thought nothing of it, although I mentioned it to the home health care nurse who came to clean the catheter on Friday morning.  By Saturday evening the lump had grown significantly and it hurt to touch and move my neck.  After consulting with the home health care nurse by phone, we followed the recommendation to go to the emergency room at Western Reserve Hospital (Cuyahoga Falls) about 11:00 Saturday night.  They did a CT scan and discovered a blood clot that was approximately 7-8 centimeters long.  Since it was related to the catheter, which had been installed by University Hospital, I was sent by ambulance to UH about 5:00 Sunday morning.  I felt quite miserable all day Sunday.  After more tests, an ultrasound and consultations with many doctors it was decided to treat the clot with Heparin.  It has been successful, slowly dissolving the clot.  The danger, of course, was that the clot would break off and cause a stroke or a pulmonary embolism, so we are very, very thankful to the Lord for protecting me and getting the right treatment in time.  I will have to be on blood thinner for the next couple of months.  Marcie has been able to stay with me here at UH, so we are comforting and encouraging each other and looking to the Lord for strength.
  

      As of now, we enjoy a great view of Cleveland's skyline from the 4th floor of the Seidman Cancer Center.  We will know by tomorrow whether my long term stay for the bone marrow transplant will be delayed.  In the meantime, we thank you for your love, prayers and the help you have given in so many ways.

SPECIFIC PRAYERS REQUESTS:

• For a resolution as to the timing of the bone marrow transplant.  We had geared ourselves up emotionally for me to go into the hospital May 7th and get it over with.  It will be a challenge to our spirits if we have to delay it.
• Many doctors have been called in to consult on my case; even a new expert in the field of Multiple Myeloma, whom we will meet with tomorrow.  This doctor will have a significant impact on how my treatment moves forward.  Please pray that we are able to communicate well with each other and that God would direct this doctor's knowledge and thoughts as to the best course of treatment.
• Pray for the nurses and other caregivers who serve cancer patients.  What a blessing they are and how well they serve people! 
• Pray for the opportunity to share Christ with all of these fine caregivers.
• Pray a blessing on family and friends who have been and continue to help and serve us in so many practical ways.

Much love, Don and Marcie