A Short Video

Okay- I got a new camera because I broke the last one. Now the pictures are great but when I play back video on the computer the music and pictures don't match. So here's a cute bit Dave did last Saturday night- very short. I'll continue to work on filming techniques.

FYI- short time left to vote on hats, new voting options to follow :)

Who's more spoiled?

I ask you....who is more spoiled... Dave or Ruthie? Here is Ruthie loving on Dave this morning.. Yes, she's on the bed and begging to have her tummy rubbed. What a life!

Dave has Mister Edd practice tonight. Lips still look pink. Maybe his hemoglobin is still really good. I think we'd be happy with anything over 11. We'll find out in the morning. I go with Dave to the appt before chemo and then his chemo pal, Joni, takes over. I'm hopeful that #4 will be similar to the first 3. Will post tomorrow.

Thanks for positive thoughts and prayers.

Get Your Flu Shots

Tuesday night and it's rainy and overcast. Dave got his flu shot today. Timing was very important. The Oncology Clinic recommended 1 to 2 days before chemo. So I have to say...everyone get your flu shot. I'm going to try to get mine in the next couple weeks. And I've heard it's good to get the H1N1 too! We'll be getting all around here (not the nose spray- H1N1 though).

Tomorrow labs and Thursday Chemo #4.

I'm trying to get some video on here from Saturday night and have to get updated program to do it. Hopefully tomorrow.

Positive thoughts to our friends in Texas- Phyllis and her dad and mom. Hang in there!

Saturday Night and Everything's Alright

Pictures: Maki siblings; Liz and Dan dancing again; Maxon Struwin; the Lester dancers; End of the night- Rick, Tom and Mark
Great night at Czar's with Maxon Struwin. Dave's energy level is definitely better and he played great.... again. Julie and Mark Lester, Liz and Dan Shiman, and Alison and Mark (Dave's sister and brother) all came out. In bed about 3 am ....again. So worth it to share music and see Dave so happy- in his element.

And we have hemoglobin... well Dave does

Pictures: Dave waiting for blood; Dave finishing second unit of blood and feeling strong! (pictures are yellow because I didn't use a flash)
After a few hours sleep, we headed for the hospital and the infusion clinic this morning. They started the first unit of packed red blood cells a little after 10 am. Dave said he felt better after 20 minutes (?). But really he was feeling a boost after the first unit. Then lunch- a burger from the hospital coffee shop with a malt. I went to do some errands and Dave asked for a Roxy burger (great appetite). When I returned with burger number 2 the second unit had been started. We left for home about 3 pm. Dave's ears and cheeks are PINK! Hoping this is just what he needed. Tonight we'll just rest. Tomorrow night Czar's gig with Maxon Struwin.

Friday morning

First- I forgot the camera last night. The venue is way cool. Dave was "hot, hot, hot". He got a little dizzy and sweaty after starting set up, but rested awhile and really did pretty well after that. It was a long day. Drive home through heavy rain, at times, wasn't very fun. In bed at 3 am ( Dave had to stop for breakfast in Michigan City). Now blood transfusion day.

Here we go- first big side effect

Well, we got a call from the Oncologist office today. Dave's WBC count is fine, platelets are a little low but okay. His hemoglobin is low, 8.8, and it's been dropping slowly from the beginning (he started at 14.3). Patients usually get transfusions for a hemoglobin less than 9. He's been a little pale to me and still tired: that explains it. So he will get typed and cross matched today before we leave town for Aurora. We'll be going to the infusion clinic tomorrow (at 9:30 am) and he'll get 2 units of blood. Down side- at least 7 hours there. Up side- I already have the day off. He'll feel better and less tired. We won't have any delays for chemo next week.

Dave feels he can still play tonight. Have to leave around 1pm our time and should get home no later than 2 am. Oh, the musician's life. We'll make it through together. I'll update tomorrow.