A journey in life - musings of a doctor, husband, dad, grandad, brother, and friend

The final countdown has started.  The analogy with a NASA space launch is a pretty good one.  It is 11 days before the transplant. Although slightly less complicated, all the resources and timing to pull off this stem cell transplant are not inconsiderable and comparable to the details of a space launch. Tomorrow, I will be at Johns Hopkins to have final clearance lab testing along with a simulation for the radiation (they measure me so I get the appropriate amount of radiation).  Then we go 2 days later for the last doctor visit before getting the Hickman catheter.  That's Friday 3/2 when we move in to start the journey! On another note, prayers have been answered.  We have 6 doctors from across the U.S. (SC, TN, NJ, OH, TN, WA) who are coming to work one week at a time (some are working 2 weeks).   They will fill in for me in my absence.  Sarah, our NP, will be here.  Also, local physicians, Dr.Tom Patteson and Dr. Mendez will be coming to help out on Tuesdays.  More on t

I got a call from Max Lee at the Northern Virginia Daily.  He interviewed me and was interested on why I chose to use a GoFundMe page.  I explained to him how the cost of cancer treatment levels all playing fields and I needed help.  I also stated HOW WONDERFUL our friends and family were in supporting Jan and I.   Here is the article link .  He did a good job overall.  The only corrections were that IDHIFA is a pill and not a vial (I guess he thought I was injecting this chemotherapeutic drug each day - Ouch 😉) AND they were football games I went to while getting chemotherapy last fall (then with the injectable drug - VIDAZA - which I got at the Shenandoah Oncology Center) [that was tough doing that!].  Any way, I have been busy getting docs to cover the practice (more on that blessing later) and getting ready to go to Baltimore with Jan for the stem cell transplant.

.... and of course to all my family (and you too [who is reading this]!).  Of all days, Erika is with Jan at Johns Hopkins Medical center for a full day. Jan graciously offered to help Erika navigate the 'maze' of all the steps Erika has to go through today for a thorough evaluation as as PBSC donor for my stem cell transplant. Here they are at Johns Hopkins this AM Again, thanks for all the prayers for Erika (and my bride, Jan).  Again, my thanks for all those who've contributed on the GoFundMe page

The last week has been a busy one. Before I forget thanks again for your support on the GoFundMe   page.  Your response has been overwhelming!  This coming week will be a very busy one for both myself (and Jan) but also Erika.  Please listen to the audio blog post below: Click the doctor above. Have a great week!