Comments from the wife, version 3.3

Note from Wil: You can read Anne’s Previous Entries here and here.
For the past couple of weeks, I’ve been on an emotional and physical roller coaster. Several times I have wanted to write about how Kris is doing, but there just hasn’t been time. The day after my last post I went to see Kris at City of Hope to check on her after her stem cell transplant and meet a friend to donate platelets together.
I walked into Kris’s room just minutes after she received her transplant. I had no idea how it was done. But it’s just like receiving a blood transfusion. And for some reason, it smells like garlic through your skin. So I walked into a room that smelled like she just enjoyed Chinese food for lunch. Although I like the smell of Chinese food, I’d been fighting off a huge headache all day so it was a little unsettling.
The stem cells they harvested from Kris had been frozen until she finished her chemo and radiation and was ready to receive the transfusion. Then they do a “flash defrost” and donate them back to her. They were able to get two bags of cells from her so that’s what they gave back. They were still a little cold and lowered her body temperature one degree and gave her a huge headache, along with a big wave of nausea. But she made it through. Next was the anticipated sickness and pain she was told she would experience because of all the chemo and radiation she got. It was all done so fast that her body wouldn’t catch up to it for a few days. Well, it definitely did.
She spent the past two weeks dealing with major stomach and intestinal issues. Her mouth, throat, stomach and intestines were full of open sores. Her tongue looked like it had been badly burned; almost like parts of it were missing. She could barely open her mouth to talk. She was losing the hair she had been growing back. It was terrible to see her going through all this. But she remained optimistic. Always asking me how our training was going. How the donations were. Making plans to come to San Diego to see us cross the finish line.
While Kris was dealing with all this, I wanted to continue to do everything I could to help. I went in to donate platelets to her the day of her transfusion. Unfortunately, my huge headache stood in the way of them wanting to do it. They told me that if I already didn’t feel that well, I’d only feel worse afterwards, so I should just reschedule. I was really disappointed, but I was feeling a bit nauseaus because of my headache, so that was probably the best decision. I rescheduled for that Wednesday.
I was very excited to show up for my appointment. My headache was gone and I was feeling great. They took blood from my left arm to make sure my iron level was alright, then hooked me up on my right arm. If you’ve never done this before, (that would be me) the needle is attached to a tube that’s split in half. The blood comes out in one tube, goes through a machine to separate the platelets, then goes back into you in the other tube. It’s amazing to me that they’ve figured out how to do this. Kris said this is the same way they got her stem cells. I asked the nurse why they can’t just do the same thing to separate the cancer out of the blood. She said it really is amazing how far they’ve come in research, but at the same time be so limited. I told her we were doing this marathon to raise money for research. She thought it was a great idea and that stem cell research really needed more attention. I agreed.
I got started donating platelets, even asking the nurse to take my picture for the website. But about 15 minutes into it, my vein wasn’t too happy with the pressure of the blood coming back in. It was causing a big lump and the needle had to be removed. They would try on my left arm. They had commented after my blood test that I was a great candidate for donating platelets (average count is 150 to 350, mine was 358). Unfortuately, those great platelets were making it impossible for them to go back into my left arm vein for anything. So again, I had to reschedule. But it had to be at least five days away because I would have big time bruising (boy were they right about that!). My next try would have me hooked up with both arms. One side to take the blood, the other side to receive it back. I was bummed, but determined to help Kris, so I came back five days later.
Again, I showed up. Excited to help, a little nervous that it wouldn’t work. But I figured it would all be fine. I filled out the wierd questionairre again (“have you had sex with a man who’s had sex with another drug using man since 1977?” What? Yea, I was in second grade in 1977. But I know they have to be cautious.). The nurses recognized me because now I was on round three. They hooked me up on my right arm to receive the blood back. Then, they hooked up my left arm to take the blood. Everything was good! Veins were looking great! Just start the machine!
Immediately, the machine beeped: “access point pressure low”.
“What does that mean?” I asked.
“It means the machine is having a hard time sucking the blood from your vein.” She called another nurse over to fidget with the needle and see if it would change. It beeped again. She moved the needle around again. More beeping. She decided to pull the needle part way out and re-stick my vein. Well, the first four times she did this, it was alright, but after the fifth and sixth time, it was really hurting. I didn’t want to complain. After all, what’s a little bruising compared to what Kris is going through?
“Your veins just don’t want to do this.” the nurse said. “It’s more common in women than men. You just can’t donate platelets. Sorry.” She sent me on my way with an icepack for the HUGE lump and bruise I would grow over the next hour. So again, vein failure.
Fortunately, my friend Amy, who I met through this whole marathon experience, has successfully donated platelets, and had several friends do the same. So even though it didn’t come directly from me, Kris still got her much needed platelets. Thanks Amy!
So I’ve been walking like crazy (when it’s not raining), and visiting Kris as much as possible. I talked to Kris on the phone Monday since I couldn’t get in to see her. She said they had taken her off of one of her medications, and may take her off another one on Tuesday. The thing is, Kris has been hooked up to a million tubes and bags. Actually, more like eight or so. So weaning her off all those things was a good sign. Her white cell count was going up. That meant she was able to fight off infection. She was really worried about getting pneumonia. (Her friend went through the same ordeal a year and a half ago. She even donated platelets for him. He made it through all of his treatment and his transplant. Unfortunately, he got chemical pneumonia from the radiation and died.) She made sure she got lung plates to cover her lungs during her radiation. So I’m sure that won’t be a problem for her. She said her doctor was hoping to have her home by the weekend! I was so excited for her, and very motivated. I walked fifteen miles over the past two days, constantly thinking about how great it will be for Kris to be home.
I was out running errands today when I called Kris’s cell phone. She always leaves it on, right next to her bed. It rang and rang, then the voice mail picked up.
“It’s me. I’m out running errands and I wanted to come by and visit. Just wanted to call and make sure you’re feeling ok before I come in. Call me back!”
Kris has been feeling pretty pukey, so I didn’t want to show up if that was going on. She has wanted me to call her first in case she wasn’t up for visitors.
About five minutes later, my phone rang. It was Kris.
“I didn’t answer my phone because I was talking to my doctor.” She said.
“Oh? And what does your doctor have to say?” I asked.
“He said I can go home at 4:00!”
“Today?” I yelled. “Oh my god! I can’t believe you can go home!!”
Her white count was up. She was off all her medication. No more pukey. She was ready to go home.
“Does Taylor know?” I asked. (that’s her son).
“NO! I called you as soon as the doctor left!”
She made it.
She’s going home.
I am so happy. So happy I went out and walked two more miles.
I called her at home a few minutes ago. The radiation caused blisters on her hands and feet. It hurts her feet to walk. But she’s walking in her own house.
All the great emails and mojo worked. Her positive outlook definitely got her through this much quicker than I ever thought. I can’t wait to go see her at home tomorrow.
Thank you so much for all of your support. I know it made all the difference!

79 thoughts on “Comments from the wife, version 3.3”

  1. We’re over half-way to our donation goal! Please take a look at our Team in Training Homepage and make a donation, if you can.
    Of course, if you’re wating for me to set up that PayPal page, you can shoot daggers my way. I’m still working on it. 🙂

  4. Yo.
    Gimme the info.
    Page will be up.
    This is too important. We’ll trade. What I want for this.
    ::extending hand::

  5. Heya! Great news!! Glad Kris is on her way (prolly there now) home. I have a father living w/colo-rectal cancer and I understand how hard it can be. You truly are an amazing friend and I’m happy to support your cause!!
    Jodie

  6. I know what you mean about those needles, I give blood once in a while and boy those things sting going in (and its worse if it doesn’t end up in the right spot the first time).
    Anyways, glad your friend Kris is doing much better.
    My last experience giving blood

  7. Wooooooooo!!!!!
    Anne and Wil, you both rock! Kris, you totally rock! And everyone else who sent prayers and mojo, you all rock too!
    Thanks for keeping us updated Anne! 🙂

  9. Anne, you and Wil both are truely two people that I admire. I’m glad to hear Kris made it and I’m proud for everything that you two have done to help make it possible. Together we can make this world a better place, and you two are prime examples of that.
    Here’s to you guys!

  10. I burst into tears when I reached the end of this entry. I’ve found myself completely caught up in Kris’s progress. A friend’s mother is going through cancer treatment right now, and she also had very welcome news today. She hasn’t beat it, but it hasn’t spread and she is doing much better.
    Today is a very good day.

  11. I am so happy for your friend, Kris. My younger sister donates platelets as often as she can. She says it is rough. We have both signed up to be bone marrow donors. Once you have someone close to you go through this type of cancer, you suddenly find yourself doing things you wouldn’t ordinarily do, or even think to do. Good luck with your walk! It is great that you are doing it and generating so much publicity for it.

  12. I’ve tried to donate a few times and have also had the vein problems. They sent me home with a sticker that said, “I tried. Did you?”
    I am SO glad to hear that Kris is home now and that she’s doing well. Monkey mojo works its magic again. 🙂

  14. Good post, Anne. You made a heroic effort to help someone, and I’m glad your friend is responding so well.
    Wil, I respect your family’s support for your friend, not the least of which is by raising money. But I’m amazed as what seems like compartmentalized thinking on your part that you wrote an “ode to cigars” while you have a friend suffering from cancer (smoking is a contributing factor to some people getting breast cancer, btw). You seem to be the sort who tries to be honest with himself, so I hope you think deeply about your own smoking and whether you want to talk so glowingly about it. I hope you kick the habit, perhaps in honour of your friend is going through.

  15. I don’t ever comment, and this my first time, but I just wanted to wish your friend Kris well. It really busts me up when people are sick. =(
    [wishes he was superdude and could cure the sick. (and fly)]

  16. Congratulations on a valiant effort to donate platelets… some folks just aren’t able to. Depending on your blood type, City of Hope or the Red Cross might be able to use whole blood from you rather than platelets… the time between donations is longer, but the gift is just as important.
    Most of the platelet donors I coordinated a few years back didn’t have any of those problems, but some did. I have trouble giving platelets, myself… flakey iron levels sometimes and inconvenient potassium level drops. That and when they hook me up in-one-arm-out-the-other, I get very, very cold.
    Good thoughts to Wil, Anne and Kris. You’re inspiring and educating… thank you for talking about these things. And warm congratulations to Kris for being home!!

  17. Anne,
    1. Go team! You may haven’t been able to donate the platelets, but you made the effort!
    2. I had the strangest reaction to that photo: “This is the happiest-looking donator I’ve ever seen”
    Okay, fine, it’s 1 in the morning and I’m feeling loopy.

  18. Oh, I know what trouble the donating can be. I used to donate plasma, which works the same way as when you give platelets. Only they return the blood through the same tube and vein, but on a second cycle. I always had trouble with it because my veins are so small and very deep. Caused a lot of scarring, and I kinda look like a junkie now.
    Anyway, I know how frustrating it can be to not be able to donate because of it.
    Either way, I’m really glad that your friend is doing better. Good luck with your training, and donations.

  19. Happy for you all, and it also gives hope to many other people who are going through this.
    A long and happy life Kris.

  20. Dear Anne,
    From your writing, it is clear that Kris is a very courageous woman. And she is clearly empowered. Maintaining a positive attitude throughout this ordeal has been challenging, but she has done it.
    I am in awe of her.
    From your writing, it is clear to me that you have done an amazing job at being a supportive, considerate, loving friend. You

  21. YAY!
    I’m so happy to hear Kris is home already! I’m also really glad that she’s got such a great friend looking out for her in her time of need. Anne, you kick ass! 🙂

  23. Yay! I’m so happy Kris is home!
    Today I saw a woman wearing a “Team in Training” t-shirt walking briskly by the beach, and I thought of you two and how awesome it is that you’re doing this. You rule.

  25. Hey, GREAT NEWS!!!! I so happy to hear that she’s finally home!!! YAY!!!!!!!!!! She’s quite the lady from the sound of it.

  26. *Daggers headin in Wil’s direction!*
    Nah, there still is some time… finish yer book. The money sits here, waiting patiently.
    Anyways, Anne, you are a STAR! Thank you for letting us know! AND YAY KRIS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! So glad to see her better, and MORE MOJO to continue building up great health!!!!
    ((((((HUGGLES OF JOY TO WHEATON FAM AND KRIS’ FAM))))))))
    Bless you all more than you can handle, sweetums!!!!
    xxx Patty 🙂

  27. I am so elated to hear that Kris coming home… I wanted to share with her a song my uncle and I used to sing on the way to and from chemo: Chumbawumba’s “I Get Knocked Down” song. Wailing it out the window… playing it loud helps the spirit and it fits perfectly… “you get knocked down, you get up again… and then you have a whiskey drink….” 🙂
    Monkey mojo to you Kris: I even activated the Alabama prayer chain my Mom belongs to when I first heard you were ill-now that’s serious… you don’t want to mess with Southern women on a mission.
    Much love to you!

  28. YES! YES! YES!
    *punches the air in celebration and gets odd looks from co-workers*
    That is hella cool news!
    Now Wil, SET UP THE FRICKING PAYPAL OPTION ALREADY!
    *Best Dr Evil impression*
    “Throw me a fricking bone here….”

  29. Good for the two of you Anne & Kris. Kris is lucky to have such a great and loyal friend.
    Those blessings I can give you are yours – and those I cannot give you, you will have to discover for yourself! 🙂

  30. I’m glad to hear she’s doing well and got released ok.
    I’m wondering if she’s on cisplat and vincristine push. That is what they had my daughter on and I was told they also put people with leukemia on that. I didn’t know exactly what my cousin was on when she was in treatment. My cousin went into remission several times with the longest lasting 5 yrs. She died tho when I was in my late teens.(I’m 36 now)
    Thc tablets might help with the nausea. Tho I’m guessing they suggested that. Has she told you about the salty taste? If she has a VAD(IV implant in the chest that lasts about 2 years and is a bit more gentle than the normal iv pokes but either way they get emela cream) thats what happens when they hook you to IV.
    I’ve heard how BMT’s can be but not some of the other leukemia specific treatment. I do know what hell radiation is. My daughter used to joke she was like dax on startrek. She got spots simlar to hers behind her ears and on back of head/back from high doses of radiation. She had 5500GCY to the head, another 5500GCY to spine, and then another 5000GCY incrimented to both… max dose without them killing you… tho they did offer gamma knife that thing makes you sick and very risky.
    If she’s not eating much I hope she’s got plenty of ensure. Gawd went through tons of that with my daughter tho she had a g-j tube for it.(NG’s are just awful… make your throat sore, etc)
    I hope her little ones are also doing ok. I know my sons aunt’s kids were just terrified. Probably didn’t help that their cousin(my daughter) was dying while their mom went through treatment for breast cancer. And that their paternal grandparents died of cancers.(lung cancer) In some places they have kids groups and play groups for them. Sometimes I think it helps kids to talk to other kids that have delt with the same sort of stuff or to try play therapy.(my kids had play therapy and it’s frequently used where I am for several things)
    For some that might not know some leukemia and breast cancers are linked. It was chromosome 15 on the short arm I think. Also linked to same sort of cancer my daughter had, non specific MR and colon cancer. Read up on it years ago trying to learn more to help my daughter.
    Anyways I wish your friend well. They are lucky to have you guys rooting for them. I know from being in that situation myself even tho sometimes people around you feel sad and helpless to help the fact they give you a big hug when your feeling like crap or make you laugh does help… it takes the edge off things. Also it helps life to take a break from the constants that you have to deal with in treatment.

  34. Hooray for Kris! Having been through a serious illness myself there’s nothing better than going home. And based on my experiences, Boost tastes better than Ensure. Sending all of you good thoughts!

  35. This is most definitely good news!
    The fact that stem cells worked here is definitely a positive thing. I have something where stem cells are still not really approved… but it’s not life-threatening. Cancer is. I’ve been witness to too many situations where “chemo” was part of a sad tale. Glad this isn’t one of them.

  36. Oh how WONDERFUL!!! I was so hoping for a happy ending! My husband’s best friend died from complications from a bone marrow transplant in January 2000, he was only 30. I wish I had known more about leukemia then, maybe he wouldn’t have had to wait so long for a suitable donor? Who knows. You and Wil are to be commended for all you are doing, with the walk and all. I wish I still lived in SD, I’d walk in it as well.
    Here’s to a speedy, and a more pleasant, recovery for Kris!

  37. Rock! On! Kris is home! That’s great news! I’m quite relieved to hear that she’s doing well, I was wondering how her treatments were going. Tonight, I’ll be raising my Guinness high and toasting everyone involved – doctors, nurses, friends, family, and total strangers who have contributed to cancer research over the years – but especially because of this joyous homecoming!
    Anne and Wil: You two are the absolute summit of the Mountain of Good People. What you’ve done for Kris… Well, there aren’t words to describe it, honestly. You guys rule!
    Kris: Way to go! You sure are a trooper! I’m sure I’m not the only WWdN regular who admires your courage, optimism, and strength. Here’s hoping that this is the beginning of the road to total recovery. Welcome Home! If you ever need more Mojo, you know where to find us…

  38. What great news Anne! I enjoy your writing as much as I enjoy Wil’s! I hope you will continue to contribute your thoughts and comments on a regular basis! Take care!
    Greg in Tulsa

  39. Kris:
    Congratulations, Kris! I knew that you could do it! Hang in there. Just remember, you’ll go through tough days, but you will always come out on top! We have all been keeping you in our prayers. My brother’s best friend went through the same procedure at 19. Remember not to push yourself, too much! Your body is still adjusting. But I KNOW that you are going to beat this thing! Also, I am sure you probably already know about it, but for the sores in your mouth, ask your doctor from something called magic wash. It will help to heal and soothe the sores. If you get thrush, make a mixture of 1/2 Boric Acid and 1/2 water, put some on a rag and clean your mouth with it. The thrush will come off. (The Boric Acid won’t hurt you! We asked my grandmother’s doctor!) Hang in there!
    Anne: You are a wonderful friend! Make sure that you take care of yourself, too! I know the feelings of helplessness that you are experiencing at times. Over the last year, my brother’s best friend, my uncle, and my grandmother have all been battling cancer. My mom and I have been the primary care takers for both my uncle (who passed away 6 months ago) and now my grandmother. It’s a hard thing to watch someone you care about get so sick from the thing that is supposed to cure them, but hang in there. My uncle always told me that knowing that someone loves you and cares enough to take the time to visit them while they are sick is the best medicine that he could have ever had. Kris is a fighter and I know that she is going to make it through this. When she is going through the rough times, tell her that we are all praying for her. She has made it through rough days before and she can make it through the tough times again!
    Wil: Thanks for assisting Anne in sharing her experiences with Kris. I think we all know someone who is dealing with cancer. It’s nice to know that someone else is going through the process with us!

  41. Anne, thanks for the update. It’s terrific to hear that Kris is home and healing and I hope her recovery continues!
    Extra bits of mojo…can’t hurt
    Dawning realization: Jeez, how long has it been since I even donated blood???
    (scurries to websites for local donation options)

  46. Congratulations to Kris on being able to go home!! That is so awesome! It sounds like she has rounded the corner on this and is doing much better!
    I just hope that if something like this happens to me that my friends are as great as you and Wil are to her!
    Much Love,
    Tim

  48. This is such wonderful news! Kris continues to be in my thoughts and prayers. Unfortunately, I also got very angry reading about the barbarity of cancer treatment. It’s infuriating that in this day and age a person has to go through such crap to get rid of cancer, especially when there’s already a cure. But, that’s another story. Lots more good mojo coming Kris’s way!
    Tracey Weiss

  50. What wonderful news!!! I’m so happy to hear that Kris is doing well. I’m sure it will be so nice to see her in her own settings again. =) You’re a very loving, giving, and caring friend… and I know she appreciates it more than she could ever say.

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