Infection Update

Our primary care doctor took some blood from Denny on Monday to see what his levels are. We just got the results. His white blood count was at 13. Normal white cell count is between 6 and 10. This indicates that his immune system is in good shape and fighting. The Neulasta shot is doing it's job!

Denny has been on the antibiotic now for over 24 hours. The infection is not quite under control but it is a far cry from the previous incident. He probably needs another day of antibiotics before we start seeing improvement.

I'll keep posting with updates. Thanks for checking in.

Love to all,
Deb

Here we go again

Denny went to the doctor today. He has infection again. Luckily, he was familiar with the symptoms and got antibiotic before a fever started. We are hoping the antibiotic will nip this thing before it can get a foothold on him.

I keep posting with updates as this thing runs it's course. Thanks for checking in.

Love to all,
Deb

Days of Autumn

"Last eve I saw a beauty contest brief; Between a rainbow and an autumn leaf." The days of autumn are upon us. This picture was taken at our house. Denny and I completely missed spring and summer this year so we are going to enjoy the fall! I have all the windows open; feeling greedy for the crisp, fresh air after so much time spent in hospitals and doctor offices.

Denny is feeling a little better today. The fatigue is still getting to him but he is eating well and continuing to go to work each day. Today, he went to work and will take off a half a day to go golfing with the Corps league. Last night after work, he mowed grass with the tractor and worked on his "man-cave". He is like the eveready bunny...just keeps going..and going...and going! Go, Denny!

The emails keep coming with encouragment for Denny. We are amazed by the number of people reading these entries. All we can say is, "THANK YOU!" It makes this journey so much easier to know we are not alone.

Love and Thanks from The Woodruff 4,
Deb

Peaceful Homecoming

Good morning, all! Yes, we are back in Tennessee. Home never looked so good. When we drove in, the dogs were barking and the flowers were blooming. The big wooden rocking chair with it's fluffy checkered pillows looked inviting on the front porch. Tiny hummingbirds were stopping to say a cheery "hello" at our feeder on their way to more southern climes. It was a peaceful homecoming; a fitting end to the odyssey we began in April.

Denny is feeling fatigued and he says he feels, "not like himself". He has a few more days of this before he starts to feel better. I made homemade chicken soup and sweet tea for his dinner last night. He said it was good.

What do I think is "good"? Being home, fixing the soup in my own kitchen with the crisp autumn air coming in the windows; listening to my kids chatter about their day and the plans they have; watching Denny relax and putter around his "Man Cave"; running my fingers through our dog's soft fur while reading a really good book; and savoring the victory that we have won another day in the battle against cancer! That is my definition of good!

Love to all,

Deb

We heard you!

We started the day at 8am with lab work and the doctor visit. Then, the treatment began around 10am. All day long, the nurses were telling Denny, "Don't forget to ring the bell!" They even gave him a T-shirt and a "certificate of completion" that had been signed by all of the chemo nurses. The shirt said, "Our team is behind you all the way" with the signatures below it.

When the last bag emptied about 3pm, he went out into the hall. I got the camera ready and I could see the people watching. Denny stepped up and rang that bell! You should have heard the applause! We also "heard" you, blog friends and family! When the last silvery note faded away, Denny and I smiled at each other. The Woodruff 4 is celebrating victory!

Do we know for sure the cancer is gone? No. However, the road to this day has been full of blind curves and bumps. We have managed to stay the course in spite of horrendous obstacles and that is our victory. Cancer has not changed our outlook or beaten us. We are optimistic that the cancer has been halted in it's tracks.

Denny will continue the monitoring process to stay ahead of this enemy. We will be proactive instead of reactive. On October 8th, he will see most of the doctors and get his MRI. On Nov. 1st, he will see his chemo doctor for a check up. Everyone is expecting the best.

Our thanks to all of you for your support. We could not have done this without you. Thanks to you, the world will hear our noise. Denny's case is being documented and will hopefully help the next person diagnosed with this terrible disease.

What will we do now? LIVE OUR LIVES TO THE FULLEST! We will squeeze out memories from every moment of every day. These chapters are behind us and the book is open to a new page. I will continue to post with updates so please keep checking in. Let the adventure begin!

Love to all,

Deb

Will to Win

We are getting ready to leave for St. Louis tomorrow. The anticipation is building because it is the final treatment. I've got my camera ready for the picture of Denny ringing the bell. We have blog followers from coast to coast; and even in England! So everybody be ready....When he rings that bell, we want to hear the cheers!

"Accept the challenges so that you can feel the exhilaration of victory." - Gen. George S. Patton.

Love to all,

Deb

All Systems Go!

Dr. Gupta seemed to think it will be okay for Denny to proceed with his chemo. His treatment will start as planned next week. Thanks for checking in.

Love to all,
Deb