Another project off the list

Pictures: Dave, Joni and Kris relaxing; the old counter removed; figuring out where to put the supports; and now there's 3- finishing up; Ruthie loving Kris.

Well, we went to Lowes to get the fence and counter stuff. Had a couple suggestions to look at regular laminated counter tops instead of doing the tile thing. We found one we liked and got everything we need for this weekend. After some hot dogs and Joni's beans and potato salad, Tim and Kevin started working on the new counter. They were totally done at 9:30. It's awesome. I have a little staining to do and there's a couple "finishing" touches before it's off the list completely.

Dave is really tired from radiation. At MD appointment today, they decided he should start using a nebulizer as needed. He still wheezes now and then. That made him feel better.

Thanks great friends for all of your help and to all our supporters... lots of love.

They're coming down!

Pictures: X-mas lives on; the first raised vegetable garden bed.

So we're having a few yard work days. This coming weekend (hopefully) the vegetable garden and the x-mas garland is COMING DOWN. Yeah! We're going to buy stuff tomorrow night. The goal is- fun, fun, fun all summer long.

Radiation is going well. Dave has 7 more treatments and then they'll let him recover for 6 weeks. After another MRI of the brain, they'll determine if he can have targeted radiation to any remaining brain tumors. He's having "heart burn" and burping a lot. Then there's the hiccups. Tomorrow appointment with his regular MD. Neurologist appointment today was good. Dave has some problems reading. Words get left out or he sees another letter and it doesn't make sense. The neurologist said it's from the swelling on the right side (I think that's the side) of the brain and hopefully that will improve as the swelling goes down.

We have the best CW of all!

First Spring Work Day

Pictures: Lucas on the garage roof cutting down the trumpet vine; Mom and Lucas cleaning up the trumpet vine; garden bed gone- no grass for the dogs to run around; Dave and Lindsey enjoying the fire;

dinner's almost done and the dogs are tired.

We'll be having a few more of these work days this spring. Trying to get some projects done so we can just have fun the rest of the summer. We've decided to take out the 2 garden beds in the back back yard. The dogs would just run around the big grass and destroyed the rest of the plants that were there. The raised garden bed doesn't get enough sun and is just too much work. We'll keep the square foot garden beds by the back door for vegetables. So we got 1 garden bed cleaned out, did a lot of raking and leave pick up...trimming back grasses and herbs. Lindsey, Lucas, Sue and my mom were very hard workers. Dave made beef with mushrooms, onions and egg noodles. It was very good. Then some cherry cobbler from Julie last night. End to a perfect day. Dave's just tired, okay tummy today. He liked being the "boss". Next weekend- the raised garden bed... feel free to come by if you're bored.

Camp Fires are everywhere- or at least easy to find

Picture: fire at the Lester's last night.

Well we didn't get to southern Indiana this weekend, but we got the fire and hot tub at the Lester's last night. Had a wonderful dinner, brats and beans (2 kinds), and sat around the fire. Then around 11 we got in the hot tub. It was very relaxing. And the important part is: you don't have to go to southern Indiana, or anywhere for that matter, to have a great vacation-like evening. Bonus points for the great friends too!

Alex comes to visit

Pictures: Alex; Dave and Alex with his CD.

Alex Markovich recorded an album at Dave's studio about 6 years ago. He decided to finish it with mastering in New York not long ago (maybe last fall) and release it. Alex came over today and brought a copy which we listened to with him by the Camp David fire. How fun! Talking over memories about the recording. It sounds wonderful. As soon as he has it on iTunes, we'll post a link. Great to spend some time with him too. So the fire's going and the dogs are glad to be back here. Dave seems to be more himself everyday, now and then has breathing issues. Less stomach aches. All is good. Have a great weekend.

Boys night at Camp David

Pictures: dinner; cooking rice and asparagus; the fish; the cooks- Dave, Kevin and Lindsey.

A very good friend of mine taught me something about people. Some people live to eat, the others eat to live. We, obviously, live to eat. Here's the meal the boys made Tuesday night while I was gone. Tim took the pictures. And, I hear, there was guitar and bass music live around the fire too.

Dave continues to adjust to the anti-seizure medication. A few tummy aches, but not bad. He's starting to feel a little restless from the steroids. We went to the Bistro tonight to have dinner with Tim and Joni. It's Thursday jazz night there again! (well every Thursday night is). Dave's going to try some different CPAP masks after radiation tomorrow. Thinking of starting spring yard projects this weekend. Trying to simplify so we can just enjoy the summer.

Home is the place to be.

SO glad to get back from Traverse City. It seems so long now when I'm away. Dave had fun with "the boys" - Lindsey, Tim and Kevin. No seizures. Still some tummy aches, but radiation changed him to Zantac. Lots of appointments coming up again. Neurologist March 30th, Oncologist April 5th, reg. MD next week too I think. No radiation yesterday because the machine was down, but Dave met with the radiation oncologist. Got the okay to go to the Chick Corea concert in 2 weeks...YEAH! Machine back up today and Dave's back on schedule. Seems like Dave is starting to adapt to the seizure medication, although he did start dinner tonight with coffee ice cream and bacon (said he saw it on a cooking show). I had a couple bites and it wasn't bad.

The Way It Is

Oncology appointment today....pretty much what we expected. All original tumors back with small increases except the first brain tumor, it's the same size. Now it looks like the Carboplatin or maybe the Carboplatin with CP-751,871 was what Dave's tumors responded to.

What's out there? Well, there are 3 studies in Chicago that Dave would qualify for. Unfortunately once you've started radiation for brain tumors, you have to finish and then wait 2 to 4 weeks to start these studies. The best choice for Dave, at this time, is to keep up the radiation, switch to another local oncologist and see what chemo he can start there and when. There are some choices. So we'll get an appointment in the next week or two to start that. Vacation is off the calendar for now.

It was our last appointment with Oncology Care Associates. It was very hard not to cry a little...okay we both did. This positive experience will stay with us forever. There are hard working health care professionals trying to do what's right out there. Most of them want and need the changes that are coming.

Finally, Dave has had an all around bad day (in my opinion). Lots of stomach pain and nausea continues... not able to keep much down this evening. It's probably the high dose of steroids they have him on. I'm going to Traverse City tomorrow and spending the night, so Lindsey is going to sleep over. I'm sure they'll be jammin' and there will probably be a fire. And tomorrow should be a better day for my Dave.

Almost back to normal- another Camp David fire

Pictures: Dave starting the pork; a good stir; adding the potatoes; Dave and Audrey; look at all that hair.

Pretty tired this morning, but everyone slept well. Then Dave says...."it's really sunny out, good weather for a camp fire". So here we are making pork shoulder in the dutch oven with onions, potatoes, corn and green sauce. Dave feels pretty normal. He read an email out loud to me last night and I finally understood what he was trying to tell us the last couple weeks. He doesn't seem to register all of the words. I think the oncologist should listen to him read tomorrow. So oncology appointment at 11:30- should decide where we're going, and radiation at 2 (Julie is driving this time). I've decided to keep my work appointments in Traverse City Tuesday and Wednesday. Dave is having a "sleep over" with Lindsey while I'm gone. We are postponing our vacation until after radiation. It's just the right thing to do. I talked about making it shorter, not what Dave is thinking. I think he's right.

So we seem to be getting over this last experience and it feels like we're a little wiser and more thankful.

HOME!!!!!

Got released about 4:30, dropped Dave off home about 5 pm and then I went to pick up new rXs and frozen pizza (Dave's request) for din-din. We are so glad to be okay and be home.

Here's what I know:

1- Brain tumors. 1 rt frontal lobe, 1 left occipital. The swelling and irritation surrounding at least one of them caused the seizure. Radiation will be for 3 weeks and Dave will continue on daily steroids during that time. I spoke with the radiology oncologist today and he said the tumors are not too close to any "important" parts of the brain, should respond well to radiation and when they get smaller they are perfect for a more targeted approach- we'll have more information about that next Tuesday.

2- Seizures. Dave's started an anti-convulsant. They don't draw levels, just adjust the dose if he's too tired or has any seizure activity. They say these seizures are pretty easy to control though because it's not primary brain cancer cells, it's lung cancer. Because he had a seizure, he cannot drive legally in Michigan for 6 months without seizures. He'll be needing some rides now and then.

3- Great family and friends are supporting us through this as usual. Thanks to all. Lots more appointments, information and decisions this week.

All dressed up and no where to go

We're still here in the hospital. Didn't sleep well.... that's the way it goes. Second radiation treatment went well and much quicker this morning. The neurologist came in around 11 am. EEG was normal and he thought Dave can go home today. Medication for seizures can make him very tired, but he's just been laying in bed. I finally decided he should walk down the hall. That kinda made him notice the medication more. We've decided it's probably not a great idea to go to Valpo tonight for the gig Dave's suppose to play. He hated to cancel. Now, we're just WAITING for the hospitalist to come by and release him. My mom's been at our house watching the dogs which has been nice.. can't wait to take a nap.

Evening post

Dave got back from his MRI about 10 pm. I've set up camp on a bed by the window. Dave's very disappointed he can't go home tonight. They will not keep him here past 10....very easily. Second radiation at 9 am. No more seizures... I'm thankful for that. Good night.

When it rains, it poors

Dave had a seizure this morning a little after 3 am. He feel off the bed, which awoken me, and had a seizure. It was a little scary too. He didn't breathe well for about a minute and didn't respond to me for about 2 minutes. 911 was called and Dave's memory starts the ambulance drive to the hospital. After some decadron, steroids and a CT scan of the brain, he got a room on the floor. His first admission since this all started. The CT scan showed 2 new masses in his brain and one has a lot of surrounding edema. Fast forward to about 10am and we saw 3 MDs in a row: the hospitalist, the neurologist and the radiation oncologist. Dave got started on radiation therapy around noon, had an EEG and we're now waiting for an MRI of the brain at 8 pm. Still hoping to get home tonight....we'll see. He'll have another radiation treatment tomorrow morning and everyone is saying he can still play tomorrow night. Keep your fingers crossed. He's back to normal as far as I can see. Will post update tomorrow.

Camp David

Pictures: Ruthie and Kevin; Dave checking out the fire; Kevin, Lee, Kris and Ruthie.

Dave and Kevin had the fire going when I got home and another brisket and cabbage cooking. It was a beautiful day. Tomorrow is Dave's brain MRI. Then the weekend. They are saying "SNOW".

one down, one to go

Dave's PET scan went okay yesterday, well except it was over 2 hours (which is pretty normal because they wait an hour after the radioactive injection). I always look to see if Dave's glowing, but he never does. I went to a book club meeting last night, my second since July. It was a great book this month by the way, The Helpers. Dave jammed at Tim's house, music that is. Friday is the brain MRI which Dave doesn't like much. Monday we'll have a lot more information. Hoping Sunday doesn't really bring snow so we can have a big Camp David fire and invite all.

There are usually some rocks in the road

Today, Dave is officially off of the CP-751,871 study. CT scan results showed a small increase in both lung areas and his adrenal gland. The quote was "enough to call it progressive stage IV lung cancer".

So what's next? Well, according to our MD it's time for plan B. That means PET scan tomorrow morning at 7:30 am and MRI of the brain Friday. There are several other chemo options and the oncologist is going to see if there are any other studies out there Dave would qualify for. We have another appointment next Monday to decide the best place for us to go from here. We will need to find another oncologist so will deal with the "in network" and "out of network" issues again. Drive for less out of pocket $ to insurance or stay local and pay more. hmmm. But we'll have to decide early next week and will probably get an appointment for when we return from vacation (boy am I glad we planned that get away).

What this isn't...... First we've had a rather "Cinderella" response to the first chemo regime, better than anyone thought. So although we were rather shocked with the results today, we (really Dave) are on the lucky side so far. This is NOT the end of the fight and we really knew that in our heart of hearts. We can finally safely look at the brain tumor and find out how that is going and get radiation started if needed.

Needless to say it is a beautiful day, Dave has the fire going in the backyard to make beef brisket and cabbage, and a glass of whiskey (just in honor of the Irish). A quote from Dave Maki; "just like President Obama, the honey moon is over, the fight is not"

Been meaning to tell you

You know, sometimes it can feel like I'm writing to the air, it just goes out there. I want to thank everyone who sends a note or email (or just tells us) if they can't get comments on the blog and let us know they're following the blog. I'm not saying I need constant reinforcement, but the occasional "we're out there" is nice too. We always feel your support, prayers and positive vibes.

Big update tomorrow after chemo appointment.

PLG!

ps- Thanks Rita!

Spring really is in the air.

Spring really is in the air. Yesterday I noticed some crocuses in our front garden bed. They started appearing a couple years ago, a pleasant surprise. The dogs all got baths: Nikki and Ruthie last night, Audrey at the Dog Wash today. My mom came over this afternoon and helped me start spring yard work. We trimmed back some bushes and most of the honeysuckle. Felt good to get started. Dave worked on dinner, pork tenderloin cooked on the fire of course. Dave has practice for a Bryan Lubeck concert next weekend tonight. He won't be home until midnight...or so.

So Tuesday's chemo and 1 1/2 weeks to vacation. Things are looking up. NO tummy issues today or yesterday. Feeling good! (I think I can say both of us).

So it's Friday

We went outside with Ruthie and Nikki early evening. Lot's of birds out and squirrels. We had fun watching Nikki chasing the neighbor evening out his drive way. She is going to sleep good tonight. Dave's making spaghetti and we'll probably watch "Precious" tonight. Grateful for the weekend starting. Hoping for great weather.

A better day

Today seemed to be a better day for Dave. Tummy was a-okay this morning. We went to dinner with the Maki family tonight at Soe's in Sawyer. Phil, Loni, Ev, Al, Mark and Erik (he was in town from Chicago and it's his birthday). Great dinner but food was too rich for Dave. Dang tummy again. But what great weather today and hopefully tummy problems will subside. Monday is fasting blood work and Tuesday- CT scan results and chemo.

Warm Tuesday

Nice day here. Very fine rain shower early evening. Didn't keep us away from a small fire to cook hot dogs and sausage for dinner. Even toasted the buns. Dave had some tummy issues again this evening. I think it's 'cuz he's not eating lunch all the time, he's tired of my opinions. :) After a couple dogs, Dave got up to go in the kitchen and I heard a loud bang. He had fallen in the kitchen. Skinned both knees some. We got him back in the chair and his BP was 74/53. So he had "electrical" lights, as he calls them, and another hot dog. Think he's feeling better. He got up and did okay, now he's in bed. I had to wrap up 1 knee...couldn't help myself. It just feels better to cover up the open area with a shallow wound like that (partial thickness for all my medical friends). Watching American Idol, soon time for nightie-night.

What happened to the nice weather?

Very foggy here this afternoon and tonight. Dave didn't sleep very well last night, so he was very tired today. But he got his lab draw and lunch before I got home (a good thing). We had a fire yesterday afternoon until around 9 pm. I had to get inside to watch the Oscars. We have so many Cardinals in the yard. Nikki thinks she has to bark at them.

Fasting lab next Monday, chemo day Tuesday. Then it will be time to go to southern Ind. before we know it. Around the corner is the Chick Corea concert in April. Lots to look forward to.

Camp David friday night and another Admirals games

Pictures: Kris and Kevin sharing the fire; Dave enjoying the night; Lee warming her feet; Ruthie by the fire; cooking ribs.

So another camp fire Friday, we started right around 5 pm. All the dogs got to enjoy it and the neighbors came over too. Ended about midnight. Dave continues to have the on and off stomach - nausea periods. He'll have normal lab on Monday, but no other appointments this week.

We went to dinner and the Admirals game with the other Makis. Burgers at the Northshore Inn... a little Mexican food too. Then off to the game. We're pros at the fan thing after one game (not really). We made it through the 3rd quarter this time. The Admirals were ahead by 20 when we left. Only 2 more home games. We'll see if we make it to one more and maybe a whole game.

Tomorrow I think we'll stay home. I hope the rain stays away long enough to do a couple things in the yard. And then there's the Academy Awards.

A sunny Thursday!

Yesterday Dave started a camp fire about 5 pm. Ruthie couldn't stand it - I don't know how she knew, but she "whined" for a whole hour. Finally I gave up on work and headed out. The neighbors came over and we made a huge fire. Dave cooked fish and the neighbor's steaks which lead to a nice dinner about 8 pm. The dogs were really good outside. Even Audrey got to go out for awhile. We all love camp fires.

It's been sunny all day. Nice day to drive. We've decided to stay in Derby, Ind. in March. A property owned by Ohio River Cabins. You may have guessed that it's on the Ohio River not too far from Louisville. Hot tub and fire area meets Dave's request. It will be good to get away for a little bit.

Dave has another CT scan tomorrow. Results at next chemo, March 16.

An evening out

So we went to hear the Soweto Gospel Choir at Andrew's University tonight with the other Makis, Phil and Loni. They saw them a few years ago and jumped at the chance to see them again. Glad we got to go along. Great fun and great voices.

Dave still has tummy issues, no emesis... good thing. Doing okay with his CPAP mask, sleeping at least 7 hours with it. Great for me. We're still trying to finalize our short vacation at the end of the month. Dave wants to stay in a rental house with a hot tub and camp fire area. Doesn't seem like a tall order. We've been looking for something around Louisville and not finding much on the Internet. I did find a place on the Ohio River actually in southern Indiana, but not far from Louisville. I think it will be nice to get away with not too long of a drive. We'll get it together soon.