Friday, April 22, 2011

Homeward Bound!

Halftime!!

I'ts technically halftime at this point.  We just finished our second stint at Emory receiving IL-2. Some of you were lucky to see me, but probably regretted it. The medicine hit and it hit us hard.  Like I said day 1 felt like day 3 of the first week during the admin of this medicine, which is cumulative.  My vitals, blood pressure, and all of my blood work stayed with in the guide lines for the Doctor to continue administering it,  so they left us with the answer to the question, "Do you want another round?".  And I believe whether someone needs it or not( most of the time not). The universal answer to the question, "We'll do one more".  The body was still fighting and we even got another round after that of IL-2, to finish again at our lucky number 7 bags of treatment to cure us of Melanoma.

Back to the halftime speech: 

During halftime of a game the coaches will get together take a look at the game plan, stats, videos, and make adjustments given what has happened in the first half to give them the best chance to win the rest of the game.  We are currently at halftime and my Doctors, researchers, nurses,  radiologist will assess many factors to determine what is the best chance to win the second half of the Interleukin-2 battle against melanoma. Most importantly, we will have a scan to determine how the tumors are doing on May 9th and that along with the other factors will determine if we continue on this or go a different route. So lots of prayers and thought those couple of days (even if your celebrating old ass john Greene's bday that night send up a prayer for us).

All of our friends and families have been amazing with all of your continued support, but still ask what can I do to help out? We are working on a project with different quotes, sayings, scriptures, etc.  It can be funny, uplifting, or spiritual that you heard on the radio, tv, book, or just made it up. Send me an email with it gaines.neil@gmail.com.  Thanks again to everyone you DO NOT go unnoticed. I hope that everyone takes advantage of the weekend, enjoys an Easter service, break some bread with the family, or just enjoy watching the Braves or Hawks. 


We get to home to a surprise. Stoli has a summer doo.







Wednesday, April 20, 2011

If your having a bad day...

Still trekking on...Our goal this week was to reach 5 bags of IL-2 and we just got our 6th at 2 pm and could possibly get a 7th bag tonight. Swollen, lethargic, nauseas, tired, no appetite just name a few side effects, but totally worth it if it works. JK it will work.

Here are some pics of our home away from home, the Emory Manor Hotel(8 east).





My dinner: plain baked potato and water.mmmmm.
Margaret is shampooing my hair with wateless shampoo
Looks like it's working
Day 3 and 6 bags if IL-2. Thumbs up for the support. Swelled up with the Charlie.
Goodnight from 8-east

Tuesday, April 19, 2011

"Very superstitious, writings on the wall"

It's holy week and that's a great sign as we are here back at hotel Emory for our second round of interleukin-2. we have to be superstitious during our treatment and believe in every little sign of luck. Our waiting room buzzer number was 47 (my old football number). Margaret, "oh look 47 this medicine will work". Or colleen is our nurse that's a sign. Room facing the sunrise that's a sign. Sure we'll take what we can get.

Got 2 bags last night and it put me Out like I was on my 3rd day from the original week. It hits you harder and quicker the second go around I guess your body recognizes it Faster. My blood pressure is lower than normal which has been a cause for concern for the drs and nurses, but they are able to counter with some meds, or maybe someone needs to bring me a Hardees monster burger. So we are aiming for 7 bags this week which was we got the original week but will be okay with 5 (Margarets lucky number).


As superstition will encourage our pysche during this time we know that there is something stronger than luck out there that will guide us toward a healthy long life. It is the holiest week of the year, what are the chances!

Monday, April 11, 2011

Neil-ness (your name with ness on the end)

Over the weekend beer started tasting good again so that is a sign that I am back up to "par" (masters pun). I have had a week free of IL-2 now and I am doing well, this medicine is pretty much flushed out by now. It is the little things that we are enjoying this week, going to work, exercising, walking the dog, enjoying the weather, and talking about the new baby.

We were back at the hospital last week, but being on a labor and delivery floor to see my first niece/nephew be born is a little bit more uplifting than being admitted to a cancer floor. It was a blessing to have our whole family there to welcome Whitaker Neil Friedman into the world. It was such a miraculeous event to experience and we are so happy to be Uncle Neil and Aunt Margaret. Also I was incredibly touched when they announced that his middle name was going to be Neil. I set the bar pretty high, but that boy has some pretty cool parents so I know he will live up to the Neil-ness. I am so happy for Kelley and Courtney and look forward to  hanging out with my new buddy Whit.







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