Tomorrow I have all of my testing:
Bone Marrow Biopsy
Bone Density
Pulmonary Function Test
Blood
CT Scan of Chest and Head
Meeting with Dr.
Plenty of others that I'm sure I'm missing at the moment
I am very excited. Can't wait, actually. It's a huge milestone. Pray for negative for the biopsy-That's a positive!
Hockey has started. Going well. We haven't had an official game yet but we had a monster scrimmage with Green Bay Notre Dame, Whitefish Bay/Nicolet/Shorewood, Cedarburg, Marquette and Fondulac. My coaching staff has really come together: Todd Butkovich-A Green Bay Southwest alum who Molly knows from high school, David Craig-old buddy of mine and former high school hockey teammate, Jake Waraksa-Wausau West alum and back again to help the HHS program is Chris Spartz. Looking forward to a fun and hopefully successful season.
Please pray for good things again tomorrow. Leukemia sucks but you guys/gals don't!
Hope everyone is healthy and happy,
Tony Navarre
Tuesday, November 20, 2012
Wednesday, October 10, 2012
Update: Latest Appointment
Hello all:
I hope that everyone is healthy and doing well. My last appointment went very well. I have been lucky that Froedtert has scheduled my appointments in chunks, or right as my lunch at school starts. I have been able to get to Froedtert for my tests and check ups without having to take any time off at school. My last set of blood tests came back with a few results coming back better than my last test. That was reassuring. It is great to get good news. Dr. Palmer was running late so I did not get to see her, but I will at my next appointment. We have talked the last few appointments about beginning the weening process again with my prograf (anti-rejection). I am looking forward to finding out my prograf level at my next appointment, and finding out when my year eval is going to be. I cannot believe we are almost at a year already. In some ways it feels like I am still hearing that I have Leukemia for the first time, and in others, it seems like forever ago. So many things have happened, and really it has all been the same. When you spend so much time in the hospital, you don't really see all the things that you care about....but you also feel so busy. Tests, exams, meetings, staying active, resting, sleeping, but missing all of the things that you care about. Thinking about it makes me even more happy to be back doing the things that I love to do. From the small things like being able to go out to eat with the family, or spend time outside...it was amazing. Molly, Adeline, and I had the chance to go to a small party at a friends house to watch fireworks. Just being out with the family, seeing friends was hard to express. Traveling up to Green Bay or Eau Claire to see family, or meet some friends in Madison...there aren't words to explain how great those things felt. Got back to a Packer game thanks to my friend Cal and his Dad...who gave me his ticket to the season opener for the Packers. While at the game, getting to meet and hang out with two other cancer survivors...wonderful. It is strange to have such a great connection to someone who I have only met once. I got back to coaching...officially...with the boys soccer team starting in August. Unfortunately, the boys had a rough loss in regionals, but they worked hard and improved through-out the season. With also having the head hockey job as well, it was such a great start at getting back to the things I love to do. I cannot believe that the hockey season is almost here. Try-outs on November 5th...wow. Teaching and being back in the classroom has been amazing as well. The saying that, you don't know how much you love something until it is gone applies well. I knew that I loved my job, but didn't realize how much I would miss the kids. Even the hard times, when they are stressful, or mad, or tired, just feels great to be back in the classroom. Days have been really busy, and by the time Saturday is over, I am tired...but it is a good tired. Molly continues to be saint-like...although, at times, I am pretty sure she liked it better when I couldn't talk :) The "cancer card" doesn't work on her anymore either...I mean come on!! Some of the things I missed have still weighed on me pretty hard...the things I missed with Adeline, some of my very good friends weddings, I still feel like I have missed some important things. However, I think the fact that I am still here is so important, as one of those friends recently had his first child!! Congrats to Nick and Rachelle...amazing you guys!! Crazy enough, I have three friends left to go...Clark, Thane, Brent....good luck gentleman! I cannot wait to meet all the awesome kiddos. I was cleared to start doing some more activities, such as hitting the golf ball and running around on the soccer field. I know that school is going to continue to be great, and I am excited for my first birthday on December 3rd. This situation has been so great, I get to have two birthdays now.
In more disappointing news, I am sending a ton of prayers to my friend, mentor, neighbor, and an amazing person Chuck. This man is one of the most genuine, caring, and amazing people I have ever met. I know that anyone who has had a class with him at the University of Wisconsin at Eau Claire knows this. For all those who prayed for me and for anyone that was sending thoughts my way, please make the effort to say a prayer, think good thoughts...and even more, hug a person that you may take for granted. I love you Chuck, I am thinking about you and praying for you.
I know that there may not be a real pattern to this blog. More of all the thoughts I have had over the last 2-4 weeks. There are probably a million small mistakes as Molly isn't close by to tell me that what I am writing is hard to understand and that my sentences run on and on and on and on......
Thank you Molly, thank you Adeline, thank you friends and family, as we move forward, I hope that I can continue with good news and follow that with an amazing report from my one year appointment. Wear some pink for breast cancer, orange for Leukemia, find your color...hopefully you aren't impacted directly by cancer. I hope that everyone is happy and healthy...Tony
I hope that everyone is healthy and doing well. My last appointment went very well. I have been lucky that Froedtert has scheduled my appointments in chunks, or right as my lunch at school starts. I have been able to get to Froedtert for my tests and check ups without having to take any time off at school. My last set of blood tests came back with a few results coming back better than my last test. That was reassuring. It is great to get good news. Dr. Palmer was running late so I did not get to see her, but I will at my next appointment. We have talked the last few appointments about beginning the weening process again with my prograf (anti-rejection). I am looking forward to finding out my prograf level at my next appointment, and finding out when my year eval is going to be. I cannot believe we are almost at a year already. In some ways it feels like I am still hearing that I have Leukemia for the first time, and in others, it seems like forever ago. So many things have happened, and really it has all been the same. When you spend so much time in the hospital, you don't really see all the things that you care about....but you also feel so busy. Tests, exams, meetings, staying active, resting, sleeping, but missing all of the things that you care about. Thinking about it makes me even more happy to be back doing the things that I love to do. From the small things like being able to go out to eat with the family, or spend time outside...it was amazing. Molly, Adeline, and I had the chance to go to a small party at a friends house to watch fireworks. Just being out with the family, seeing friends was hard to express. Traveling up to Green Bay or Eau Claire to see family, or meet some friends in Madison...there aren't words to explain how great those things felt. Got back to a Packer game thanks to my friend Cal and his Dad...who gave me his ticket to the season opener for the Packers. While at the game, getting to meet and hang out with two other cancer survivors...wonderful. It is strange to have such a great connection to someone who I have only met once. I got back to coaching...officially...with the boys soccer team starting in August. Unfortunately, the boys had a rough loss in regionals, but they worked hard and improved through-out the season. With also having the head hockey job as well, it was such a great start at getting back to the things I love to do. I cannot believe that the hockey season is almost here. Try-outs on November 5th...wow. Teaching and being back in the classroom has been amazing as well. The saying that, you don't know how much you love something until it is gone applies well. I knew that I loved my job, but didn't realize how much I would miss the kids. Even the hard times, when they are stressful, or mad, or tired, just feels great to be back in the classroom. Days have been really busy, and by the time Saturday is over, I am tired...but it is a good tired. Molly continues to be saint-like...although, at times, I am pretty sure she liked it better when I couldn't talk :) The "cancer card" doesn't work on her anymore either...I mean come on!! Some of the things I missed have still weighed on me pretty hard...the things I missed with Adeline, some of my very good friends weddings, I still feel like I have missed some important things. However, I think the fact that I am still here is so important, as one of those friends recently had his first child!! Congrats to Nick and Rachelle...amazing you guys!! Crazy enough, I have three friends left to go...Clark, Thane, Brent....good luck gentleman! I cannot wait to meet all the awesome kiddos. I was cleared to start doing some more activities, such as hitting the golf ball and running around on the soccer field. I know that school is going to continue to be great, and I am excited for my first birthday on December 3rd. This situation has been so great, I get to have two birthdays now.
In more disappointing news, I am sending a ton of prayers to my friend, mentor, neighbor, and an amazing person Chuck. This man is one of the most genuine, caring, and amazing people I have ever met. I know that anyone who has had a class with him at the University of Wisconsin at Eau Claire knows this. For all those who prayed for me and for anyone that was sending thoughts my way, please make the effort to say a prayer, think good thoughts...and even more, hug a person that you may take for granted. I love you Chuck, I am thinking about you and praying for you.
I know that there may not be a real pattern to this blog. More of all the thoughts I have had over the last 2-4 weeks. There are probably a million small mistakes as Molly isn't close by to tell me that what I am writing is hard to understand and that my sentences run on and on and on and on......
Thank you Molly, thank you Adeline, thank you friends and family, as we move forward, I hope that I can continue with good news and follow that with an amazing report from my one year appointment. Wear some pink for breast cancer, orange for Leukemia, find your color...hopefully you aren't impacted directly by cancer. I hope that everyone is happy and healthy...Tony
Saturday, September 22, 2012
Sorry
Sorry it has been so long. Being back at school...yes back to work...has been great, but so busy.
Health report: Things have been going smoothly. I will have my year exam soon. I cannot believe it has almost been a year since my transplant. My blood tests keep coming back positive and I have been feeling good. Still taking quite a few medications and I have not started weening from my anti rejection drugs, but that is all in the plan. My doctor told me that she wants to take the weening slower this time, as I had GVHD when we weened the last time.
School report: Things have been going very well at school. I have had a couple of meetings and really enjoy the new schedule. My team teaching partner and I are having fun teaching math. Boys soccer has been fun, although we are not getting the good results that we need. Hockey does not start until November 5th. It has been great getting into that though. So much fun being busy and being surrounded by friends. Going back to work has been incredible.
Life report: Adeline has been doing well, no more episodes and she seems to be very energetic and happy. Molly has been busy with work also but really likes the kids she is working with this year. Was able to go to a Packer game, and although they lost, I had an amazing time! Got to see a bunch of friends from college. How about those Brewers! Pretty darn exciting.
Hope everything is going well with everyone else, I will try to keep up with my blog a little better. Enjoy the weekend, go Brewers, go Packers, go Highlanders.
Health report: Things have been going smoothly. I will have my year exam soon. I cannot believe it has almost been a year since my transplant. My blood tests keep coming back positive and I have been feeling good. Still taking quite a few medications and I have not started weening from my anti rejection drugs, but that is all in the plan. My doctor told me that she wants to take the weening slower this time, as I had GVHD when we weened the last time.
School report: Things have been going very well at school. I have had a couple of meetings and really enjoy the new schedule. My team teaching partner and I are having fun teaching math. Boys soccer has been fun, although we are not getting the good results that we need. Hockey does not start until November 5th. It has been great getting into that though. So much fun being busy and being surrounded by friends. Going back to work has been incredible.
Life report: Adeline has been doing well, no more episodes and she seems to be very energetic and happy. Molly has been busy with work also but really likes the kids she is working with this year. Was able to go to a Packer game, and although they lost, I had an amazing time! Got to see a bunch of friends from college. How about those Brewers! Pretty darn exciting.
Hope everything is going well with everyone else, I will try to keep up with my blog a little better. Enjoy the weekend, go Brewers, go Packers, go Highlanders.
Thursday, June 21, 2012
Already the Summer
Things have been very busy. A few weeks ago I got some great news.
First, my doctor got the results back from the biopsy and there was no sign of Leukemia. The genetics test also came back negative (which is a good thing). I have been feeling better every day and have even played hockey a couple of times. I don't have the scoring touch yet, but played well enough and wasn't terrible on the ice. I have been going down weekly on medications...I am almost finished with my anti-fungal, I am very low on anti-rejection, I am down 1600mg of magnesium, and continue to drop the amount of steroids I am on. My weight is holding at 200 (yes 200, its all muscle). The humidity is horrible, but that gives me more of a reason to spend time at the hockey rink or in AC.
Second, speaking of hockey, I got the job as Homestead High Schools Head Hockey coach. I am very excited about that and looking forward to getting everything going.
Adeline has been doing well also, she has started two "toddler" classes. The first is creative dance...she definitely needs some work on following directions. They said pick up the bunny, she picked up the dots the bunnies were on, they said sit on the carpet square, she took the carpet square and put it on her head, other kids were sitting still, she was trying to find a way into the storage room. She is pretty energetic. She needs some practice sitting as well. The other class is Teddy Tumblers, which is essentially playing in a padded room. She is very outgoing, took the bubbles, and tried to turn on the radio...I think the other two year olds are a little scared of her. She may be a little aggressive with hugs and giving love.
Summer has been going great. I had the opportunity to hang out with two of my friends in Madison, Happy Birthday Thane, and my friend Clark. I have a wedding I get to go to in July, I have been playing hockey on Sunday nights, and just feel great about this summer.
Hope everyone is happy, healthy, and enjoying the weather!!
Tony Navarre
First, my doctor got the results back from the biopsy and there was no sign of Leukemia. The genetics test also came back negative (which is a good thing). I have been feeling better every day and have even played hockey a couple of times. I don't have the scoring touch yet, but played well enough and wasn't terrible on the ice. I have been going down weekly on medications...I am almost finished with my anti-fungal, I am very low on anti-rejection, I am down 1600mg of magnesium, and continue to drop the amount of steroids I am on. My weight is holding at 200 (yes 200, its all muscle). The humidity is horrible, but that gives me more of a reason to spend time at the hockey rink or in AC.
Second, speaking of hockey, I got the job as Homestead High Schools Head Hockey coach. I am very excited about that and looking forward to getting everything going.
Adeline has been doing well also, she has started two "toddler" classes. The first is creative dance...she definitely needs some work on following directions. They said pick up the bunny, she picked up the dots the bunnies were on, they said sit on the carpet square, she took the carpet square and put it on her head, other kids were sitting still, she was trying to find a way into the storage room. She is pretty energetic. She needs some practice sitting as well. The other class is Teddy Tumblers, which is essentially playing in a padded room. She is very outgoing, took the bubbles, and tried to turn on the radio...I think the other two year olds are a little scared of her. She may be a little aggressive with hugs and giving love.Summer has been going great. I had the opportunity to hang out with two of my friends in Madison, Happy Birthday Thane, and my friend Clark. I have a wedding I get to go to in July, I have been playing hockey on Sunday nights, and just feel great about this summer.
Hope everyone is happy, healthy, and enjoying the weather!!
Tony Navarre
Thursday, May 24, 2012
Been a While
Good morning everyone! Hope all is well. Figured it was overdue for an update, and since Adeline is matching shoes with Bert on Sesame Street, I'd get this out of the way.
Medical update: My big 180 day appointment is coming up on Tuesday after Memorial Day. This appointment is all the important information once again...PFT's (Pulmonary Function Test..Lungs), Bone Marrow Biopsy, Meeting with Doc, Blood...and possibly a few others...those are the biggies. For the most part, I have been feeling well. There was some mix ups with my medications, which was taking a bit of a toll on my liver...but it seems like things have gotten straightened out. I was still taking a treatment dose of an anti fungal, this just needed to be a prophylactic dose. I also got a prescription from the pharmacy and by computer error, the dose was 5mg instead of . 5 which is a rather large mistake. Finally, I was on a very, very high dose of prednisone(steroids) and that was not making things any easier. I think we have finally got all the meds back to normal, which is much easier on my stomach and liver. Also, I did have a little bit of GVHD in my gut. The great thing about this is that the doc says this will actually make my chances of relapse less likely! What a strange thing...but great!
Adeline update: Well, things have been a little weird with the little girl. She had a couple more seizures, which were scary because they still are not positive why they are happening. Not related to seizures. So.. Rotavirus? Just who she is? She is back on the anti-seizure med (overall she is pretty good at taking the meds). We have also started her on a Gluten Free diet, see if that helps with things. Bummer for her, she loved the Hotcakes from Mc D's...oh well.
Sports update: Haven't been able to talk much sports. Pretty depressing in the pro ranks at the moment. Brewers are playing terrible, and the Penguins totally lost it in the Playoffs...against the Flyers no less. Terrible. On the bright side, I always have the Packers to look forward too...really liked their draft and feel they made a lot of moves to improve their abysmal defense. I understand they were 15-1, but anyone who says they didn't need defense was out of their minds. However, the Packers already have their first trophy of the year with Double D winning the Mirrorball trophy! The HHS Girls soccer team has been up and down. Very very talented, but when they make a mistake, it usually results in a goal...they head into playoffs this coming week. It has been awesome getting back into the swing of coaching...and the gals are so much fun, not only to coach, but they are so much fun to be around. All the teams were such a huge part in getting me back to good health and they have made it so easy to come back.
Hope this finds everyone else doing well, have a great Memorial weekend and enjoy good weather!!
Medical update: My big 180 day appointment is coming up on Tuesday after Memorial Day. This appointment is all the important information once again...PFT's (Pulmonary Function Test..Lungs), Bone Marrow Biopsy, Meeting with Doc, Blood...and possibly a few others...those are the biggies. For the most part, I have been feeling well. There was some mix ups with my medications, which was taking a bit of a toll on my liver...but it seems like things have gotten straightened out. I was still taking a treatment dose of an anti fungal, this just needed to be a prophylactic dose. I also got a prescription from the pharmacy and by computer error, the dose was 5mg instead of . 5 which is a rather large mistake. Finally, I was on a very, very high dose of prednisone(steroids) and that was not making things any easier. I think we have finally got all the meds back to normal, which is much easier on my stomach and liver. Also, I did have a little bit of GVHD in my gut. The great thing about this is that the doc says this will actually make my chances of relapse less likely! What a strange thing...but great!
Adeline update: Well, things have been a little weird with the little girl. She had a couple more seizures, which were scary because they still are not positive why they are happening. Not related to seizures. So.. Rotavirus? Just who she is? She is back on the anti-seizure med (overall she is pretty good at taking the meds). We have also started her on a Gluten Free diet, see if that helps with things. Bummer for her, she loved the Hotcakes from Mc D's...oh well.
Sports update: Haven't been able to talk much sports. Pretty depressing in the pro ranks at the moment. Brewers are playing terrible, and the Penguins totally lost it in the Playoffs...against the Flyers no less. Terrible. On the bright side, I always have the Packers to look forward too...really liked their draft and feel they made a lot of moves to improve their abysmal defense. I understand they were 15-1, but anyone who says they didn't need defense was out of their minds. However, the Packers already have their first trophy of the year with Double D winning the Mirrorball trophy! The HHS Girls soccer team has been up and down. Very very talented, but when they make a mistake, it usually results in a goal...they head into playoffs this coming week. It has been awesome getting back into the swing of coaching...and the gals are so much fun, not only to coach, but they are so much fun to be around. All the teams were such a huge part in getting me back to good health and they have made it so easy to come back.
Hope this finds everyone else doing well, have a great Memorial weekend and enjoy good weather!!
Monday, May 14, 2012
Vote for Driver!!
Get on the Phones! Vote for Donald Driver for Dancing with the Stars!!!! 800-868-3403
Also vote on ABC.com, we can't let a latin soap star, opera singer, or TV personality beat DD!!
Packer Nation, get after it.
Also vote on ABC.com, we can't let a latin soap star, opera singer, or TV personality beat DD!!
Packer Nation, get after it.
Wednesday, April 18, 2012
Day 137
Things are by no means perfect, and I have a long way yet to go, but I do feel pretty good. My doctor officially took me off the anti-rejection drugs today, we will see how that affects things. I am still on quite a few pills, and need to continue to drink lots of fluids, but it was a good appointment. My doc said I was still doing better than someone in my position should be. I just hope to keep on improving and working hard at staying healthy!
Thanks Everyone!!!!
Tony Navarre
Thanks Everyone!!!!
Tony Navarre
Tuesday, April 17, 2012
Appointment tomorrow
I have got appointments tomorrow. They start at about 11 and then....you never really know how long you are going to be there. Going to bring my kindle and try to finish up the 5th book in Game of Thrones series. Hoping to hear more good news, more flexibility, and more info on how my counts and bloodwork look.
HHS Girls still unbeaten with a nice win against Port Washington tonight. I don't even want to think about the Penguins and their game 4 tomorrow. Draft for the Packers coming up, on the heels of Megatron saying if the Lions stay healthy, they will win the Superbowl. I'll believe that when I see it. Brewers with an excellent come from behind walk-off win tonight against a solid Dodgers team. Kottaras coming through huge with a 2 RBI hit to win the game in the ninth! Good luck to Alex a playoffs are going on for the Youngstown Phantoms.
Thanks for meeting us for dinner Uncle Ryan!
More to come tomorrow, Hope everyone is doing well. So a great little saying that can go with anyone fighting cancer, but specifically for Leukemia...
For Every Fight Won
For Each Battle Lost
For Those Still Fighting...
I Proudly Wear Orange
Love you all,
Tony Navarre
Other sites to check out:
Be The Match
Let Fish Walk
SO IMPORTANT!!
HHS Girls still unbeaten with a nice win against Port Washington tonight. I don't even want to think about the Penguins and their game 4 tomorrow. Draft for the Packers coming up, on the heels of Megatron saying if the Lions stay healthy, they will win the Superbowl. I'll believe that when I see it. Brewers with an excellent come from behind walk-off win tonight against a solid Dodgers team. Kottaras coming through huge with a 2 RBI hit to win the game in the ninth! Good luck to Alex a playoffs are going on for the Youngstown Phantoms.
Thanks for meeting us for dinner Uncle Ryan!
More to come tomorrow, Hope everyone is doing well. So a great little saying that can go with anyone fighting cancer, but specifically for Leukemia...
For Every Fight Won
For Each Battle Lost
For Those Still Fighting...
I Proudly Wear Orange
Love you all,
Tony Navarre
Other sites to check out:
Be The Match
Let Fish Walk
SO IMPORTANT!!
Tuesday, April 10, 2012
April Fools?
I guess when I said that I was going to do a blog the the next day, that was an April Fools Joke. HAHA, very funny.
In doctoral news, I have continued to get good news. I am ahead of the game as far as how I am doing. "For how bad I was when I was first there, I am doing better than expected." I feel very good, with the exception of occasional headaches and some rashing around my arms, legs, face and stomach, I am doing very well. After my "toe collision" in indoor soccer, I had some drainage (gross) and some bleeding, so I got the "Why don't you take a few weeks off from indoor...." from my doctor. Believe me, if she says not to do something, I will not! Number one, I never want to be where I was at ever again! Number two, my toe was killing me and it gave me an excuse. Number three, Molly heard, and if I ever tried to do something Palmer said no to, I would be in deep! Finally, if it means I can play more into the Spring and Summer, I will wait. Some other good signs...I have a few nicks and cuts that I have gotten putting in the car seat, scratch from Adeline, and the toe, and they all seem to be healing like a normally healing person. That is good, prior to me being diagnosed, I would get a cut like that, or hurt myself and it would take FOREVER to heal. So, there is all the news on the doctor front. If you want to quit now and skip all the silly sports and life stories beyond this, I would not blame you.
Homestead Girls soccer playing well. Some very close games and some very fun practices. Very fun group of ladies with a lot of talent. BREWERS are BACK!!! Love watching the games...especially seeing as how last year I was unconscious for opening day. Makes things more fun...you know...being able to see and hear the games. :) Pittsburgh Penguins playing unreal...#5 Philly plays at #4 Penguins in what could be a ridiculous 1st round of NHL playoffs. The Packers are getting close to draft time and we can see who the 2013 Super Bowl Champs will Draft.
Finally, the family is doing very well, Adeline was stuck with a fever for a few days, but came out of it alright. Mols is back to work and loving it, although, spring break is nice. We are getting back to old habits: meeting at parks, having dinner with friends when things are not crowded, and taking bike rides and playing cards. Very steadily, life is returning to normal. Also, wanted to say if anyone is really more concerned than my bi weekly blogs, I am now on Twitter @navarre17 wink wink!
Thanks to everyone! Hope you are all healthy and happy!
Tony
In doctoral news, I have continued to get good news. I am ahead of the game as far as how I am doing. "For how bad I was when I was first there, I am doing better than expected." I feel very good, with the exception of occasional headaches and some rashing around my arms, legs, face and stomach, I am doing very well. After my "toe collision" in indoor soccer, I had some drainage (gross) and some bleeding, so I got the "Why don't you take a few weeks off from indoor...." from my doctor. Believe me, if she says not to do something, I will not! Number one, I never want to be where I was at ever again! Number two, my toe was killing me and it gave me an excuse. Number three, Molly heard, and if I ever tried to do something Palmer said no to, I would be in deep! Finally, if it means I can play more into the Spring and Summer, I will wait. Some other good signs...I have a few nicks and cuts that I have gotten putting in the car seat, scratch from Adeline, and the toe, and they all seem to be healing like a normally healing person. That is good, prior to me being diagnosed, I would get a cut like that, or hurt myself and it would take FOREVER to heal. So, there is all the news on the doctor front. If you want to quit now and skip all the silly sports and life stories beyond this, I would not blame you.
Homestead Girls soccer playing well. Some very close games and some very fun practices. Very fun group of ladies with a lot of talent. BREWERS are BACK!!! Love watching the games...especially seeing as how last year I was unconscious for opening day. Makes things more fun...you know...being able to see and hear the games. :) Pittsburgh Penguins playing unreal...#5 Philly plays at #4 Penguins in what could be a ridiculous 1st round of NHL playoffs. The Packers are getting close to draft time and we can see who the 2013 Super Bowl Champs will Draft.
Finally, the family is doing very well, Adeline was stuck with a fever for a few days, but came out of it alright. Mols is back to work and loving it, although, spring break is nice. We are getting back to old habits: meeting at parks, having dinner with friends when things are not crowded, and taking bike rides and playing cards. Very steadily, life is returning to normal. Also, wanted to say if anyone is really more concerned than my bi weekly blogs, I am now on Twitter @navarre17 wink wink!
Thanks to everyone! Hope you are all healthy and happy!
Tony
Sunday, April 1, 2012
Gotta Get Caught Up
Well, there will be a good long blog coming up tomorrow. It has been a few weeks, so there is a lot to report. All is well and I hope everyone is enjoying the nice weather. Also, finally got my Tweet set up. @navarre17 I figure, its time to get with it...Johnny H convinced me facebook was ok, may as well make the jump on my own here :)
Tony Navarre
Tony Navarre
Thursday, March 22, 2012
FOX 6
Not very important....But if you want to see my ugly mug on TV, FOX 6 is doing a little piece about Leukemia and getting on the marrow register tonight at around 9:30. I hope it goes ok, we really wanted to focus on people getting on the registry.
Wow, Tom Pipines and the whole crew did a great job. FOX 6
Thank you.
Wow, Tom Pipines and the whole crew did a great job. FOX 6
Thank you.
Some Great Strides!
Well, I keep waiting for the other shoe to drop, for me to get sick, get a fever, a cold...something. Not going to happen. I have felt great. Each week I gain a little more freedom. I was told that I could go without the mask unless I am in a crowd. I can go to girls soccer try-outs, see friends and family, and even PLAY...yes PLAY in an indoor soccer game. Soooooo, first things first.... Monday and Tuesday I was able to go to girls soccer try outs. SO awesome. I am still very "photosensitive" and have to be careful how long I am outside. But holy moley!! I am OUTSIDE!!! It was great to see the girls and regain another part of my life before cancer. Tuesday night, I went to indoor soccer. I was able to work it out with a friend from summer soccer, Ted, and wow. I was a little clumsy, slow, and tired, but I made it through the entire game (picking up an assist on the first goal). Now today, I am so sore, but finally its my muscles sore from working and not from laying down, or being in the hospital or a lumbar puncture or biopsy! This is the best "sore" I have felt in a long time. I will never again complain with muscle aches and joint pain...it is so incredible to be able to have those feelings at all. Not that I love the pain or anything, but because it was athletic induced pain, it is certainly more gratifying. Wednesday, I had my doctors appointment. I was told that as long as I am careful, I can go mask free. Although, any sick people or crowds, and I have to re-wear. The most important thing I can do now, is wash and anti-bacterialize my hands whenever there is contact with: dirt, dogs, people, etc. Being the loser that I am, I walk around with a full bottle of antibaterial stuff, and with the sun, I am all bundled up in the nice Wisconsin Spring. There are worse things to have to do! The doctor also told me, that barring any major concerns, she sees no problem with me returning to Homestead in August. Can the news get any freakin' better?
Thanks to everyone I can say that it feels like things are falling into place. Life is returning to normal. I still have to be cautious and careful about the above mentioned items. My lifestyle will always be different, more careful. Even though life threw a major curve-gyro-dodge-ball, it may not have been a homer or a triple, but as a family we certainly landed on second base...with no outs and a good hitter on deck. I know I have grown as a person, and I hope for more positive outcomes in the future. Molly and I will definitely try to pay it forward. We think we have a good cause, being able to donate cord blood for free in Wisconsin...currently not available. Telling the story, if anyone else is suffering from this. Mostly, being better people all the time.
Hope this finds everyone healthy and happy! Especially, new to the world, Finley Brett H. Congrats Robin and Neil on the birth of your first son! TO NEW BEGINNINGS!!
Tony
Thanks to everyone I can say that it feels like things are falling into place. Life is returning to normal. I still have to be cautious and careful about the above mentioned items. My lifestyle will always be different, more careful. Even though life threw a major curve-gyro-dodge-ball, it may not have been a homer or a triple, but as a family we certainly landed on second base...with no outs and a good hitter on deck. I know I have grown as a person, and I hope for more positive outcomes in the future. Molly and I will definitely try to pay it forward. We think we have a good cause, being able to donate cord blood for free in Wisconsin...currently not available. Telling the story, if anyone else is suffering from this. Mostly, being better people all the time.
Hope this finds everyone healthy and happy! Especially, new to the world, Finley Brett H. Congrats Robin and Neil on the birth of your first son! TO NEW BEGINNINGS!!
Tony
Monday, March 12, 2012
What a week...What a weekend!!
So, the good news is, during the appointment on Friday, Molly and I were told that I am at 100% donor marrow. Today is officially day 100 as well.
Great quotes from the doctor:
"You are ahead of the game."
"With how bad your lungs were, you are better than I would have thought."
"You are over the first hurdle."
Great words from our excellent doctor! It feels very weird that today is day 100, almost 1 year to the date that I was diagnosed. What a long and crazy road it has been. I am looking forward to getting things back to normal. I am feeling good, I have not had any fevers, and have been able to spend a few days with Adeline without completely exhausting myself. My dad always said he wanted me to have a child just like I was....well, Adeline certainly has the energy, she likes to eat, and hasn't been sleeping great. Although she whines a lot and that is more Molly. HAHAHA Kidding.
Things have been going very well. Getting ready for the Brewers season to start and the girls soccer season starts soon as well. Hope everyone is great!
Tony
Great quotes from the doctor:
"You are ahead of the game."
"With how bad your lungs were, you are better than I would have thought."
"You are over the first hurdle."
Great words from our excellent doctor! It feels very weird that today is day 100, almost 1 year to the date that I was diagnosed. What a long and crazy road it has been. I am looking forward to getting things back to normal. I am feeling good, I have not had any fevers, and have been able to spend a few days with Adeline without completely exhausting myself. My dad always said he wanted me to have a child just like I was....well, Adeline certainly has the energy, she likes to eat, and hasn't been sleeping great. Although she whines a lot and that is more Molly. HAHAHA Kidding.
Things have been going very well. Getting ready for the Brewers season to start and the girls soccer season starts soon as well. Hope everyone is great!
Tony
Thursday, March 8, 2012
And the Verdict is.....
I got a call from my Transplant doctor today! They do not know the percentage yet, but there is no evidence of leukemia in the marrow! YEA!!!! This is the longest I have gone disease free! Fanastic news, if it were a Friday, I would tell everyone to go out and have a celebration!!! Just like this fine group of young people! Hope everyone is as healthy as I feel right now!!
Sunday, March 4, 2012
The "BIG" one
Well, the date is set, the first major milestone post transplant. My 100 day workup. I have brought this up in past blog reports (is that what we're calling it). They are all scheduled, and thankfully, although it will be a long day, all of my appointments are going to be on Tuesday. I have a couple of follow up appointments to get all of the results, but having all the tests in one day is fantastic!! My schedule looks like this: 7am CT scan, 8am PFT (Pulmonary Function Test), 9am Labs (lots and lots of my life force), and 10am the big marrow biopsy and meeting with Dr. Palmer. WOW, that is going to be one heck of a day. As far as my body goes....take it easy, just a cancer update....I am feeling pretty darn good. I am continuing to have minor rashing, some good headaches, and a lack of sleep. However, that being the only real issues, I am pumped. I feel better each day, more like I feel more normal each day. Just looking to get things back to normal. I know that girls soccer try-outs start soon, and I really hope to be a part of that. I am still on many restrictions...I can only see a few people at a time (Molly and Adeline), I can visit the rink, but if people start coming in, I must leave. I was able to stop into school, but only for a short visit. I can only be around people who know they are healthy and have not been exposed to illnesses. The further away from transplant I get, as long as I stay healthy, the more freedom I will get. Speaking of getting things back to normal, an important date for me is coming up fairly quickly. I received the phone call from Aurora that I had leukemia on March 16th, 2011. It has been almost on year.
My weekend was fantastic. Lots of hockey on the internet and the championship game on TV. Congrats to EC Memorial for getting to state, congrats to GB Notre Dame for winning their first state hockey championship. Molly and Adeline were able to catch a play date in Sheboygan with Isla and Lauren, and then some breakfast with Bob and Michele before coming home to begin the clean-up process. I got to "sleep" in, mostly, just rolled around with weird dreams until I made myself a scrumptious Strawberry and Spinach smoothie. Molly, Adeline, and I got some much needed cleaning done on the house. Although, due to my restrictions, I don't really do much "cleaning." I do more sorting. I am not allowed to go into the basement because of the "dangers" of possible fungus or mold. Darn lungs. We have our laundry downstairs, which means water...etc etc...so, I get to fold. I like folding laundry about as much as I like running for fun. They are about even on the scale, the only thing worse than folding is probably matching socks. This is basically what I end up with every time I try to put all the socks together.
We finished all the socks on Sunday. Thankfully Molly helped, although Adeline thought the purpose was to just throw socks around from one place to another. She was not helpful. We also attempted to clean out the guest bedroom, which was dusty, so I had to steer clear of there as well. We did get some things put away and some other items ready for the garage sale in Eau Claire. My dad and sister are going to be able to take the garage sale items back to Eau Claire, when they bring back our computer, which died, and was brought back to life...thank you Neil!! SOOOOOO....on to the week ahead. I am ready for a great 100 day workup. I am so thankful to everyone who has helped get me here. Hopefully, turning a major corner this week! Home stretch...?
GREAT BE THE MATCH VIDEO
Hope this finds everyone healthy and happy!
Tony Navarre
My weekend was fantastic. Lots of hockey on the internet and the championship game on TV. Congrats to EC Memorial for getting to state, congrats to GB Notre Dame for winning their first state hockey championship. Molly and Adeline were able to catch a play date in Sheboygan with Isla and Lauren, and then some breakfast with Bob and Michele before coming home to begin the clean-up process. I got to "sleep" in, mostly, just rolled around with weird dreams until I made myself a scrumptious Strawberry and Spinach smoothie. Molly, Adeline, and I got some much needed cleaning done on the house. Although, due to my restrictions, I don't really do much "cleaning." I do more sorting. I am not allowed to go into the basement because of the "dangers" of possible fungus or mold. Darn lungs. We have our laundry downstairs, which means water...etc etc...so, I get to fold. I like folding laundry about as much as I like running for fun. They are about even on the scale, the only thing worse than folding is probably matching socks. This is basically what I end up with every time I try to put all the socks together.
We finished all the socks on Sunday. Thankfully Molly helped, although Adeline thought the purpose was to just throw socks around from one place to another. She was not helpful. We also attempted to clean out the guest bedroom, which was dusty, so I had to steer clear of there as well. We did get some things put away and some other items ready for the garage sale in Eau Claire. My dad and sister are going to be able to take the garage sale items back to Eau Claire, when they bring back our computer, which died, and was brought back to life...thank you Neil!! SOOOOOO....on to the week ahead. I am ready for a great 100 day workup. I am so thankful to everyone who has helped get me here. Hopefully, turning a major corner this week! Home stretch...?GREAT BE THE MATCH VIDEO
Hope this finds everyone healthy and happy!
Tony Navarre
Monday, February 27, 2012
Been a While
Wow, since February 22! Sorry it has been so long...but it seems like no news is good news. I have not had any issues. I am still being very careful, keeping my mask on whenever I am not at the house, and trying to make sure I am eating better. I take my temperature at least 2 times a day and have not had a fever. My rash seems to come and go, but it has never been very bad. In fact, if there is some redness or bumps, I usually can put the creme that my doctor prescribed and it is gone by the next day. My transplant doc said that this could be some form of graft vs. host, which would be okay, because that would mean that there is also graft vs. disease. My next appointment is tomorrow, Tuesday, the 28th. During that appointment, I will schedule my 100 day appointment...WOW, it has gone so fast. My 100 day appointment will be a little more extensive because of the lung issues I have had, but not too bad. It sounds like another lung function test, a full CT scan, a bone marrow biopsy, and lots and lots of blood. Not sure if I have to do the heart function tests again, but that is something that I will find out tomorrow. So, for now, it is continued spinach smoothies...yum yum, trying to get some exercise in everyday, and staying away from germs and sick people. :)
In sports news:
It was a rough ending to a great season for the Homestead Highlanders. They were taken down by Brookfield in the sectional semi-final game. It was a great season guys, each year Homestead has improved and maybe next year will be their turn! Congrats to my alma mater Eau Claire Memorial for once again making it to the state tournament. They will face Brookfield on Thursday. I am really looking forward to the NFL draft. The RG III situation makes it a little more fun to watch and the Pack could be drafting a Badger in the first round. They may also get some extra picks because of the signing of Jermichael Finley. With that signing, the Packers can put the franchise tag on Matt Flynn and possibly get a bunch of draft picks for a guy who is going to be an unrestricted free agent on March 13th. Nice move Packers. That is the way to stay ahead in the game...look at the Patriots, they seem to do pretty well gaining picks and maintaining a team (Matt Cassel move). I really like this move and I hope that it works out. At the same time, Brewers season is getting ready to go. Pitchers and catchers have reported and Ryan Braun will not be suspended for 50 game...HUGE! I think Braun handled himself very well and that he represented Milwaukee well.
Finally, speaking of representing well, congrats to Eau Claire Natives, Justin Vernon and Michael Noyce for winning, not one, but two Grammy's this year in Bon Iver! Unreal! However, I think they have a bigger accomplishment. When you can get on Saturday Night Live, and be made fun of on Saturday Night Live by Justin Timberlake, you know you have made it big! Well done!
Hope this finds everyone healthy and happy.
Tony
In sports news:
It was a rough ending to a great season for the Homestead Highlanders. They were taken down by Brookfield in the sectional semi-final game. It was a great season guys, each year Homestead has improved and maybe next year will be their turn! Congrats to my alma mater Eau Claire Memorial for once again making it to the state tournament. They will face Brookfield on Thursday. I am really looking forward to the NFL draft. The RG III situation makes it a little more fun to watch and the Pack could be drafting a Badger in the first round. They may also get some extra picks because of the signing of Jermichael Finley. With that signing, the Packers can put the franchise tag on Matt Flynn and possibly get a bunch of draft picks for a guy who is going to be an unrestricted free agent on March 13th. Nice move Packers. That is the way to stay ahead in the game...look at the Patriots, they seem to do pretty well gaining picks and maintaining a team (Matt Cassel move). I really like this move and I hope that it works out. At the same time, Brewers season is getting ready to go. Pitchers and catchers have reported and Ryan Braun will not be suspended for 50 game...HUGE! I think Braun handled himself very well and that he represented Milwaukee well.
Finally, speaking of representing well, congrats to Eau Claire Natives, Justin Vernon and Michael Noyce for winning, not one, but two Grammy's this year in Bon Iver! Unreal! However, I think they have a bigger accomplishment. When you can get on Saturday Night Live, and be made fun of on Saturday Night Live by Justin Timberlake, you know you have made it big! Well done!
Hope this finds everyone healthy and happy.
Tony
Wednesday, February 22, 2012
Good News
I got a call from Froedtert this afternoon that the swab from yesterday came back negative for all three viruses they tested for (including RSV).
Also, Molly and I want to say a huge THANK YOU to the Homestead Community once again for the fundraiser that they are putting on tomorrow night at the HHS vs. Germantown basketball game. We have said over and over again how blessed we feel to have you all in our lives, and we mean it. Thank you, thank you, thank you for all you have done.
Hope everyone is happy and healthy.
Also, Molly and I want to say a huge THANK YOU to the Homestead Community once again for the fundraiser that they are putting on tomorrow night at the HHS vs. Germantown basketball game. We have said over and over again how blessed we feel to have you all in our lives, and we mean it. Thank you, thank you, thank you for all you have done.
Hope everyone is happy and healthy.
Tuesday, February 21, 2012
Day 80
Over the weekend and through the Tuesday I have been feeling pretty darn well (see, it's like the song). Friday I had a good time hanging out with the family. Molly, Adeline and I had a quiet night and went to bed relatively early. Saturday morning, my cousin Neil came by to help fix our totally broken computer. You know the one with all the family pictures and movies...ahhhh. Although, it sounds like Mr. Neil may have fixed most it. Great!!! Sunday, we had a visit from our friends from Minnesota. Brent and Lindsay were able to visit prior to their big move across country. They stayed for a few hours and took off back towards Eau Claire. My appointment today went well. They took a swab of my nose...you know the one where they shove the q-tip 15 feet up your nose and spin it around for five seconds. They did this to test three different types of viruses, to make sure I don't have them, so I will see what happens when the tests come back from that tomorrow. I did not cry or sneeze at all when they shoved the q-tip up up up (HA! Did so). I think that stuff touched my brain!
Finally, wishing good luck to the state hockey teams. Homestead play against Brookfield tonight in the sectional semi final at Ozaukee Ice Center and Eau Claire Memorial play against Chequamegon/Phillips. Work hard gentleman, hope to see you both at the State tournament.
Check it out at Wisconsin Prep Hockey
Hope this finds you healthy and happy!!!
Tony Navarre
Finally, wishing good luck to the state hockey teams. Homestead play against Brookfield tonight in the sectional semi final at Ozaukee Ice Center and Eau Claire Memorial play against Chequamegon/Phillips. Work hard gentleman, hope to see you both at the State tournament.
Check it out at Wisconsin Prep Hockey
Hope this finds you healthy and happy!!!
Tony Navarre
Friday, February 17, 2012
What a Great Week
On Tuesday, I had a great doctor appointment. I got a lot of questions answered about the disease as I continue through the next 30 days or so. Actually we are on day 76 of 100. When I reach 100 days, I will have a large work up including a lung function test, a bone marrow biopsy, and additional blood drawn. Hopefully, I will find out more about the long term after this work up. I also got to see my buddy Thane. After my appointments, I was able to stop in Bayside and have lunch with Nancy H. Great sloppy joes, awesome dessert, and incredible conversation. Hopefully, I will have more chances to do that. There was also a balloon and candy to make Adeline happy. Wednesday I headed to the rink and was able to skate and watch game film as the state hockey playoffs near. Thursday was a great day, I was able to go to Homestead and say thank you for all that they have done for me. My doctor said that as long as I didn't stay, and had my usual gloves and mask on, that I could stop in. It was great to see everyone and be back, even if for just a moment!!! Friday, I was able to watch video again as the hockey boys won their game against Germantown and now await a challenger (Brookfield Stars or Cederburg Bulldogs). Hopefully the boys will play well and make all the hard work over the last 4 years worth it.
Hope this finds everyone healthy and happy!!!
Tony
Hope this finds everyone healthy and happy!!!Tony
Sunday, February 12, 2012
What a Weekend!
So, what a crazy start to the weekend. Here we are at Day 71 and still feeling good.
FRIDAY: Again, people being very generous. Molly and I had a meal prepared for us by Mimi R. (always fantastic) AND at the same time it was put into motion (Thanks to Molly's mom and Jyll's mom...family friends) that Jyll Lucas-Everman from "The Next Food Network Star" was going to come to the house and make us a meal. (Good thing the stove, micro and fridge were all cleaned. thanks Deb) WOW!!! Friday morning I was still sore from my skate on Wednesday and did not get a whole lot of exercise. I rested and played some video games....I know, I know, sounds real tough. I get pretty tired playing video games. Anyone that knows how I coach, will understand. I get a little worked up, same thing goes for video games. Now, because my lungs are not what they used to be, I actually can get tired yelling at the game. (I can hear Molly in my ear now..."It's just a stupid game.") Yes, it is just a game, but I like winning. I think this is the same approach I took to the Cancer table. Not to sound like Charlie Sheen, but, I do feel like I am winning, minus the tiger blood. Although, I have been called Tony the Tiger. Wow, what a tangent. So, by Friday afternoon Jyll was in our kitchen in Port Washington with her husband Tommy (great guy) and she was whipping up spaghetti and meatballs. Now, you may say, spaghetti and meatballs? It was perfect, she had take into account the fact that I can only reheat things after two days, so she also made extra meatballs. AMAZING!!! Spaghetti and meatballs should not taste that good. I definitely over ate and loved it. (not over rated...OVER ATE) Jyll then had a show at the Nari Home Show and had to run back. It was amazing. You can check her out at JYLL.
SATURDAY: Molly's parents came into town to help Molly do some things around the house. We needed it. Because of the bone marrow transplant, I cannot be in any room that has been recently vacuumed, I have to stay away from any dust or dirt, and have to wash my hands 1/2 million times if I do cleaning. Not to say that I was lazy, but Molly, Bob, and Michele completely stormed the house. Michele had already cleaned all of our kitchen cabinets and now she was running errands. Bob and Molly totally destroyed the basement in a good way. They got rid of a bunch of useless stuff, organized, cleaned, swept, and vacuumed. Made a HUGE difference. Due to some of the cleaning going on, I left, fully masked and gloved up and dropped off mail at the post office, and drove through the bank. Got A LOT done. Then, thanks to our friend Mimi, we had a meal all ready to go for dinner. Adie loved it and so did Daddy! (mommy too, that just didn't work in the rhyme). I also got to improve my player on NHL 2012...not great, I can admit it, I am not great, but at least I play the game the right way...not crazy out of position and everything.
SUNDAY: Did not sleep well...that has been the only real lingering issue. I have trouble sleeping through the night. I think it is from the medications and being used to the hospital. I wake up every two hours like I need pills or my vitals taken. However, if that is the worst of my "side effects" I will NOT complain. I have not had any of the GVHD side effects yet. A few skin irritations and some headaches, but nothing serious. Still no fevers, no liver issues, although the doctors are still keeping close watch of the numbers. Sunday was pretty boring other than that. Molly and I got a chance to catch up on the TV series The Walking Dead.
So, it has been a very cool weekend. Lots of resting, cleaning, and hanging out as a family.
Hope this finds everyone healthy and happy,
Tony Navarre
FRIDAY: Again, people being very generous. Molly and I had a meal prepared for us by Mimi R. (always fantastic) AND at the same time it was put into motion (Thanks to Molly's mom and Jyll's mom...family friends) that Jyll Lucas-Everman from "The Next Food Network Star" was going to come to the house and make us a meal. (Good thing the stove, micro and fridge were all cleaned. thanks Deb) WOW!!! Friday morning I was still sore from my skate on Wednesday and did not get a whole lot of exercise. I rested and played some video games....I know, I know, sounds real tough. I get pretty tired playing video games. Anyone that knows how I coach, will understand. I get a little worked up, same thing goes for video games. Now, because my lungs are not what they used to be, I actually can get tired yelling at the game. (I can hear Molly in my ear now..."It's just a stupid game.") Yes, it is just a game, but I like winning. I think this is the same approach I took to the Cancer table. Not to sound like Charlie Sheen, but, I do feel like I am winning, minus the tiger blood. Although, I have been called Tony the Tiger. Wow, what a tangent. So, by Friday afternoon Jyll was in our kitchen in Port Washington with her husband Tommy (great guy) and she was whipping up spaghetti and meatballs. Now, you may say, spaghetti and meatballs? It was perfect, she had take into account the fact that I can only reheat things after two days, so she also made extra meatballs. AMAZING!!! Spaghetti and meatballs should not taste that good. I definitely over ate and loved it. (not over rated...OVER ATE) Jyll then had a show at the Nari Home Show and had to run back. It was amazing. You can check her out at JYLL.
SATURDAY: Molly's parents came into town to help Molly do some things around the house. We needed it. Because of the bone marrow transplant, I cannot be in any room that has been recently vacuumed, I have to stay away from any dust or dirt, and have to wash my hands 1/2 million times if I do cleaning. Not to say that I was lazy, but Molly, Bob, and Michele completely stormed the house. Michele had already cleaned all of our kitchen cabinets and now she was running errands. Bob and Molly totally destroyed the basement in a good way. They got rid of a bunch of useless stuff, organized, cleaned, swept, and vacuumed. Made a HUGE difference. Due to some of the cleaning going on, I left, fully masked and gloved up and dropped off mail at the post office, and drove through the bank. Got A LOT done. Then, thanks to our friend Mimi, we had a meal all ready to go for dinner. Adie loved it and so did Daddy! (mommy too, that just didn't work in the rhyme). I also got to improve my player on NHL 2012...not great, I can admit it, I am not great, but at least I play the game the right way...not crazy out of position and everything.SUNDAY: Did not sleep well...that has been the only real lingering issue. I have trouble sleeping through the night. I think it is from the medications and being used to the hospital. I wake up every two hours like I need pills or my vitals taken. However, if that is the worst of my "side effects" I will NOT complain. I have not had any of the GVHD side effects yet. A few skin irritations and some headaches, but nothing serious. Still no fevers, no liver issues, although the doctors are still keeping close watch of the numbers. Sunday was pretty boring other than that. Molly and I got a chance to catch up on the TV series The Walking Dead.
So, it has been a very cool weekend. Lots of resting, cleaning, and hanging out as a family.
Hope this finds everyone healthy and happy,
Tony Navarre
Thursday, February 9, 2012
Weekly Update...
See what happens when I get out of the hospital...I lax on my blogs-man-ship. Day 68 (my count, I think that's right)
So, the latest news is that I have been released to my own home and I am able to be on my own. My mom went home on Tuesday and yesterday was my first official day on my own. It has gone well. I love my mom, but it is great to be back in Port on my own. Well, on my own until Molly and Adeline get home from school. I know for sure that I get a bone marrow biopsy on or very near day 100. Up to that point, things look good. I feel good, I have been taking my temperature on a regular basis and my blood work has all come back "good" or "as expected" so that has been very good. My hemoglobin, hematocrit, and white blood cells seem to be functioning normally. It is good to be home, there are not many more steps to, hopefully, getting my life back to normal.
1: Biopsy
2: Regular Dr. checkups
3: Life style changes (wash hands, stay away from sick people, sanitize)
4: No more sunlight...or rather, much more careful in the sun
5: Keep clear of dirt...there goes my floral career
Hope this finds everyone happy and healthy!
Tony
So, the latest news is that I have been released to my own home and I am able to be on my own. My mom went home on Tuesday and yesterday was my first official day on my own. It has gone well. I love my mom, but it is great to be back in Port on my own. Well, on my own until Molly and Adeline get home from school. I know for sure that I get a bone marrow biopsy on or very near day 100. Up to that point, things look good. I feel good, I have been taking my temperature on a regular basis and my blood work has all come back "good" or "as expected" so that has been very good. My hemoglobin, hematocrit, and white blood cells seem to be functioning normally. It is good to be home, there are not many more steps to, hopefully, getting my life back to normal.
1: Biopsy
2: Regular Dr. checkups
3: Life style changes (wash hands, stay away from sick people, sanitize)
4: No more sunlight...or rather, much more careful in the sun
5: Keep clear of dirt...there goes my floral career
Hope this finds everyone happy and healthy!
Tony
Saturday, February 4, 2012
Home...different from Freedom! But Wonderful!
Couldn't sleep a wink last night because I was so excited. Headed back to the house in Port Washington for the first time since November 30. Now, when I escaped the hospital, I was so happy for things like, soft towels, and nights without interruption (Adeline excluded). Molly, Adeline, and I are all home now and so far, I already have seen major improvements! There is a "guide" button for the TV, no more channel surfing. The internet works ALL THE TIME, not just three in the morning, and ten at night. A big one here, a couch that fits more than one person...I can SPRAWL. In other words, now I can really get lazy. My PS3 works once again, there are two bathrooms, my overlarge stuffed chair, and rooms to escape to! The things that you take for granted. For me, things seem to be getting back to normal. Someone said to me, wow, isn't it just so much better to be home. Right now, it is more than that. It is normal. I have not felt normal in a long time. I think this is so refreshing, not just a change to a new place, a new setting, and feeling better. It is a small taste of what my life was before cancer, but better, because I can appreciate things so much more.
Ok...pause...Molly just tried to throw away my pet monster...does anyone remember that! My Pet Monster? So awesome, and the one that I have is a puppet, I have to tell everyone to calm down, I put the kabash on that big time, I'll wash it, but the My Pet Monster stays!
So, to finish things up...love being back at home in Port Washington and I have all of my family, friends, and supporters to thank for sticking by me. One step closer to beating this thing.
And I kept the My Pet Monster!
Love you all!
Tony
Thursday, February 2, 2012
Few Days Have Gone By
Frustrating that the internet connection has not worked the past few days here at the 'hometel' but I got some time, so here it goes. January was the first month since February 2011 that I did not have to stay overnight in a hospital. ACTUALLY, only the second month since February 2011 that more than half the month wasn't spent in the hospital. Not that I have not made some life long friends at the hospital, but I prefer to see you in a different environment for once.
Monday - Thursday has been good health wise. I have been making smoothies like no ones business. Lots of spinach and almonds. I have not had any fevers or a temp higher that 98.5 since getting out of the hospital. My lungs seem to be slowly getting better. It is hard because I am used to being able to run and skate and whatever...without getting "tired" but now, I have to take breaks for whatever activity I have set for myself. I suppose if it means that being alive and with my family was the trade off, there really is no contest. Time will heal...
On the doctors front, Dr. Palmer said that there was a good possibility that I could be home by the weekend and without a caregiver by next week. WOW!!! That is incredible. I am at day 61 from transplant today and feel like that could be some kind of record. It has helped to have my mom here, but it is going to be awesome to be able to be home as a family again, possibly by next week.
I've skated a few times per week along with doing some YOGA, shake weights, and walking. Overall, it has continued to be a very "boring" stay...which is good. Hope this finds everyone healthy and happy. Enjoy the weather when you can!
Tony
Monday - Thursday has been good health wise. I have been making smoothies like no ones business. Lots of spinach and almonds. I have not had any fevers or a temp higher that 98.5 since getting out of the hospital. My lungs seem to be slowly getting better. It is hard because I am used to being able to run and skate and whatever...without getting "tired" but now, I have to take breaks for whatever activity I have set for myself. I suppose if it means that being alive and with my family was the trade off, there really is no contest. Time will heal...
On the doctors front, Dr. Palmer said that there was a good possibility that I could be home by the weekend and without a caregiver by next week. WOW!!! That is incredible. I am at day 61 from transplant today and feel like that could be some kind of record. It has helped to have my mom here, but it is going to be awesome to be able to be home as a family again, possibly by next week.
I've skated a few times per week along with doing some YOGA, shake weights, and walking. Overall, it has continued to be a very "boring" stay...which is good. Hope this finds everyone healthy and happy. Enjoy the weather when you can!
Tony
Sunday, January 29, 2012
How Was The Weekend?
From the 27th to the 29th...things have gone very well.
Friday I skated again; Coach Donovan came out for a while and we passed the puck around. Felt very good and got a good work out. After my appointment, it was also suggested I take some precautions for when I am out in the sun. Due to the medications I am on as well as my new bone marrow, my skin is very sensitive. This weekend, with some help, I picked up some new clothes. I now have a few outfits of sun clothes and a couple of sun hats that I can wear while I coach. One hat I picked out, and the other Molly picked out. We'll see if the soccer teams go for it like the bare feet and the sunflowers seeds, which I will probably still do.
I got up early on Saturday and played with Adeline. We hung out as a family all day. Molly and I even got some cribbage in. Sunday, Molly and Adeline let me sleep in and went for a ride and breakfast. I have been eating smoothies all weekend. The blender has been fantastic. Again, magnesium is something that I have to get into my system at a very high rate...to the tune of 16 magnesium plus protein pills. Eating spinach helps, but who wants to eat spinach all day....well...I have been putting at least 1/3 of a bag of frozen spinach in each serving. That doesn't sound very good, but when you throw in some frozen berries, a banana, almond powder, a carnation instant breakfast and some vitamin water, you have a pretty darn good drink, and very healthy too. At least for a magnesium hound like me.
As far as health, I have felt pretty good. Still some headaches, exhausted at strange times, but overall, I have felt very good and I am at day +57. It has went fast and slow. The 'hometel' is starting to feel a little cramped and I can't wait until I can go to Port Washington. I hope that everyone is healthy and happy, enjoying the unseasonably warm Wisconsin weather or the weather wherever you may be. Tony
Friday I skated again; Coach Donovan came out for a while and we passed the puck around. Felt very good and got a good work out. After my appointment, it was also suggested I take some precautions for when I am out in the sun. Due to the medications I am on as well as my new bone marrow, my skin is very sensitive. This weekend, with some help, I picked up some new clothes. I now have a few outfits of sun clothes and a couple of sun hats that I can wear while I coach. One hat I picked out, and the other Molly picked out. We'll see if the soccer teams go for it like the bare feet and the sunflowers seeds, which I will probably still do.
I got up early on Saturday and played with Adeline. We hung out as a family all day. Molly and I even got some cribbage in. Sunday, Molly and Adeline let me sleep in and went for a ride and breakfast. I have been eating smoothies all weekend. The blender has been fantastic. Again, magnesium is something that I have to get into my system at a very high rate...to the tune of 16 magnesium plus protein pills. Eating spinach helps, but who wants to eat spinach all day....well...I have been putting at least 1/3 of a bag of frozen spinach in each serving. That doesn't sound very good, but when you throw in some frozen berries, a banana, almond powder, a carnation instant breakfast and some vitamin water, you have a pretty darn good drink, and very healthy too. At least for a magnesium hound like me.
As far as health, I have felt pretty good. Still some headaches, exhausted at strange times, but overall, I have felt very good and I am at day +57. It has went fast and slow. The 'hometel' is starting to feel a little cramped and I can't wait until I can go to Port Washington. I hope that everyone is healthy and happy, enjoying the unseasonably warm Wisconsin weather or the weather wherever you may be. Tony
Thursday, January 26, 2012
Day +54
Wow, it has been a few days since my last report. Life at the 'hometel' remains mostly the same. I am grateful to the Ozaukee Ice Center for giving me 30 minutes of ice time here and there. Many of you know, I am not fond of running. Basically, if I am chasing something, or if something is chasing me, I will run. Other than that, I'll have a stroll thank you. So far, it seems no news is good news. Doctor told me to make sure that I stay out of the
sun, which at this point isn't too hard. I may need to have a different signature look...ie: barefeet. Bear Bryant had some sweet hats that covered his ears and face, that may have to be my new look or the Indiana Jones hat was always one of my favorites. My doctor also wanted to make sure I continue the exercise and the eating. It has been difficult making sure I get all my vitamins and minerals. However, Colleen, another wonderful person in the Homestead community hooked me up big time!! A blender and some good smoothie 
recipes that include everyone's favorite...spinach! Spinach has a ton of Magnesium, so, Spinach it is. I was able to drop the puck at the Cancer Awareness game between Homestead High School and University School of Milwaukee. I had to wear a mask of course, but it was so incredible to be at the rink, watching the team play, even for the shortest of times. Every little thing that I can do helps make my life feel a little more normal. Also, big props to the student sections for the game. Both schools showed up big for a great cause and a great game. Homestead came out on top 5-3 in a well fought battle of two top ten teams. The doctor cleared me to drive again, which is nice and thinks that soon I could go back to my actual home in Port Washington. She did stress again that it was still early and not to overdo the exercise. But I am optimistic, My next appointment is on Monday and hopefully I'll get some more good news. 
I hope this finds everyone healthy and happy, nearing the end of the week! Headed to Friday, hope everyone has a great weekend.Thanks Wisconsin Prep Hockey for the awesome article and great pictures!
Tony Navarre
Saturday, January 21, 2012
Saturday
Adeline was the morning alarm going off at 5:45am. I am still not sleeping very well, so this was not a welcomed event. Thankfully, my fantastic wife got up with Adeline and they played and went for a walk and a drive until 8:30! So lucky. I didn't sleep great through that 3 1/2 hours, but it was well worth it!! After getting up and enjoying my oatmeal, pomegranate juice, and green tea for the day (good for magnesium and potassium) I played with Adeline for a little while and watched some television. We took a drive to pass some time and came back to the 'hometel.' Molly and I played some poker and a game of cribbage....I lost both. Finally, we decided on a BWW dinner. We took a drive there to pick up our order and enjoyed some wings. We are again listening to the Badger Hockey team taking on Alaska-Anchorage. Good luck to the Putnum Ratz ; they are at the US Pond Hockey Championships on Lake Nakomis! I usually play...unfortunately, I couldn't make the trip this year. But, next year I'll be ready!! Adeline took a bath and hit the pack and play while Mols and I listened to the end of the Badger game and I lost a couple more game of cribbage. This coming week I hope to get to the rink a few more times and keep getting the leg strength up. I will also make sure to get the arms going and do YOGA at least two times this week.Hope everyone has a great weekend and enjoys their day!
Tuesday, January 17, 2012
Day +45
Had another very good doctors appointment today. I am down to one appointment a week now. That is really exciting. My blood counts were all good and I still feel good. My transplant doctor was wondering if she should go to an Admirals game or a Badger Hockey game. I said, there is nothing like a Badger Hockey game at Kohl Center. The Seive chant, the band, the student section, the atmosphere...you gotta love Badger Hockey. Certainly one of my favorite sporting events to attend. We got to talking, and the quote of the day, for me was..."What do you call the little cage they put players in who misbehave?" LOVE IT! As for 
the rest of the day, still same old same old. Very cold outside, and of course I am wearing masks whenever I step outside my 'hometel' doors. Exercise has not been easy, but I have done at least 20 minutes of some sort of exercise everyday....trying to keep things fresh, I go from hand weights, to YOGA, shake weight, ice skating (which has been hell on the legs and low back), elliptical, and the treadmill. So I get a good mix of things, I just wish the lungs would come around faster...I still get winded very easily and it takes a long time to recover. I think, at this point, that has been hardest for me. Knowing that I used to skate and shoot, and pass without thinking about it. Or, run for 35-40 minutes during a soccer game and be able to maintain high quality. Maybe get a little winded, but nothing serious. I am not a patient person; My pulmonologists said that it could take as long as 2 years for my lungs to recover, and even then, it will not be completely. That also means that I have to continue to work at it....but I have the time, so I just need to keep up the attitude. Good thing my YOGA disc is Jillian Michaels...she'll keep me in line.Hope everyone is healthy and happy. Until the next time....
Tony
Sunday, January 15, 2012
Its all Packers
Well, I'm getting off my chest now, and I am not talking about it again.
This hurts like Super Bowl 32...
This hurts like 4th and 26th....
This hurts like Favre's last throw as a Packer....Brett Favre's last throw as a Packer was in the 2008 NFC Championship game against...the New York Giants.
My opinionated and self centered take.
I am a coach...therefore, my first criticism has to be the coach of the Green Bay Packers. McCarthy remained conservative throughout the game. Tom Coughlin showed he wanted to win the game when up by three with 57 seconds left, he didn't kneel on the ball, he attacked and tried to WIN the game. The Packers did not. There were really no down field attempts. The team had dropped passes, fumbles, blocking mistakes, and 2 onside kicks which were both unsuccessful. That leads to the offense! What the heck guys? Come on! We had, what...6 fumbles all year, what the hell happened? Blocking for Rodgers on obvious passing downs was no good either. Dropped balls on critical downs just can't happen. Special teams fumble and 2 missed onside kicks. Granted they did block a field goal....but what does that matter when.......DEFENSE. We all knew you were bad, but holy cow, this was awful, I don't think the giants ever cared if it was third down or not because they knew they were going to get how many yards they needed anyway. NO pressure on the QB, yes, Cullen Jenkins must have been that important. Cal, John, Serge, Bill, Rubber, Siegel...can anyone explain this to me. I do not want to hear, they caught the Giants at the wrong time or any of that. WOW, just terrible. I am going to bed now.
Hope everyone is happy and healthy...or for some of us healthy :)
Tony
This hurts like Super Bowl 32...
This hurts like 4th and 26th....
This hurts like Favre's last throw as a Packer....Brett Favre's last throw as a Packer was in the 2008 NFC Championship game against...the New York Giants.
My opinionated and self centered take.
I am a coach...therefore, my first criticism has to be the coach of the Green Bay Packers. McCarthy remained conservative throughout the game. Tom Coughlin showed he wanted to win the game when up by three with 57 seconds left, he didn't kneel on the ball, he attacked and tried to WIN the game. The Packers did not. There were really no down field attempts. The team had dropped passes, fumbles, blocking mistakes, and 2 onside kicks which were both unsuccessful. That leads to the offense! What the heck guys? Come on! We had, what...6 fumbles all year, what the hell happened? Blocking for Rodgers on obvious passing downs was no good either. Dropped balls on critical downs just can't happen. Special teams fumble and 2 missed onside kicks. Granted they did block a field goal....but what does that matter when.......DEFENSE. We all knew you were bad, but holy cow, this was awful, I don't think the giants ever cared if it was third down or not because they knew they were going to get how many yards they needed anyway. NO pressure on the QB, yes, Cullen Jenkins must have been that important. Cal, John, Serge, Bill, Rubber, Siegel...can anyone explain this to me. I do not want to hear, they caught the Giants at the wrong time or any of that. WOW, just terrible. I am going to bed now.
Hope everyone is happy and healthy...or for some of us healthy :)
Tony
Saturday, January 14, 2012
Are You Ready for Some Packer Football!!
The weekend has gone well, Molly and I have been watching some movies and at her suggestion, I picked up Moneyball, The Help, and Crazy, Stupid Love. Made it through The Help, and Moneyball, threw in Crazy, Stupid Love, and what a funny scene. See if you like this scene...Crazy, Stupid, Love. Molly and I got a pretty good kick out of that one. As far as health goes, things are still going well. A little more tired today, but I think that is a result of the week prior and the need for a solid nights sleep. Got a med to help a little more with the sleeping, so we'll see how that works tonight.
Hope everyone has their Green and Gold ready to go for tomorrows game against the Giants! GO PACK GO!
TODAY is also MOLLY'S official Birthday! Happy Birthday Molly, everyone tells me a few things...
1> How did you get her?
2> You really out kicked the coverage on that one.
3> Were you her only option?
4> Did you trick her?
Again, my answers:
1> Got the right job.
2> I am a good kicker.
3> As far as I know, I was the closest.
4> Yes
Have a great night! Love you all!
Tony
Hope everyone has their Green and Gold ready to go for tomorrows game against the Giants! GO PACK GO!
TODAY is also MOLLY'S official Birthday! Happy Birthday Molly, everyone tells me a few things...
1> How did you get her?
2> You really out kicked the coverage on that one.
3> Were you her only option?
4> Did you trick her?
Again, my answers:
1> Got the right job.
2> I am a good kicker.
3> As far as I know, I was the closest.
4> Yes
Have a great night! Love you all!
Tony
Wednesday, January 11, 2012
An Awesome Day! 2 Big Steps in Getting Back to Normal
Well, it has been a pretty darn good day. Got up early this morning (Early for me 7:00ish) and got a good breakfast in me. Oatmeal, a banana, and orange juice for all those wondering, and headed to Ozaukee Ice Center. I had talked to my transplant doctor about getting on the ice and she said all was good as long as I stayed clear of all the locker room areas and the rink wasn't busy....from the picture, you may be able to tell how busy the rink was. So grateful to my friend Chris at OIC for helping me get back out there. I remember thinking in the hospital, after the doctors told me I may not be able to walk for as long as a year if ever due to the length of the paralysis, what does that mean for skating....will I ever get to skate again? No soccer? Jeez, for a while there, I was like...no stairs? Today, I was skating, mind you, I almost fell out of the players box, and nearly hit the ice a couple of other times after experimenting with some quick stops...but I maintained my balance and never fell. Thank you Homestead Blueline for keeping me warm, the jacket is incredible. My muscles and feet are sore, my hands were not the silky smooth dangle masters that they usually are, but I was skating, shooting, and passing the puck around. Felt a little more like my old self. 
After getting back from the rink, I cleaned up and watched Kung Fu Panda 2. Pretty decent if you haven't seen it. Kind of a tear jerker for a little while. I know, I am such a cry baby, take it easy Thane. After the movie, I waited for Molly to get home and then we went out to dinner! Granted, we did a hand off in the parking lot with Adeline going to Grammy and Tony going with Molly, but we made it to Devon Seafood Grill just before 4:00. I wore my mask into the restaurant, and until we got food, but then was able to enjoy a nice dinner for Molly's birthday. She had a great coupon. The server asked if I had food allergies and we explained the whole 'mask thing' to him. They were AWESOME...server let me know if any sauces had uncooked ingredients in them, I knew from all the hospital folk what foods I was not allowed to eat and the meal was awesome. Great for my first meal out since March 5th 2010, and Molly's birthday. Then when we were finished, the server let us know that they gave us the appetizer on the house because we chose them for my first meal back. What a nice gesture....very cool. 
I wasn't actually sad, like in the picture, but I am pretty sure that alcohol and 15 medications is a bad idea. In fact, I know it is...it was a celebration with water. And also, stop staring at my beautiful dome and keep reading. Did you just look back up at the baldness? I bet you did. Then we headed back to the 'hometel' for the remainder of the night. Adeline is looking fantastic in her pink Harry Potter glasses. She doesn't seem bothered by them too much, although it is certainly an adjustment. So, all in all, a pretty darn good day. I am going to try to keep up my exercise everyday. I have my next appointment on Friday, and I will meet with my transplant doc to see how my blood work is, and find out any new information.
Hope this finds everyone healthy and happy,
Tony
After getting back from the rink, I cleaned up and watched Kung Fu Panda 2. Pretty decent if you haven't seen it. Kind of a tear jerker for a little while. I know, I am such a cry baby, take it easy Thane. After the movie, I waited for Molly to get home and then we went out to dinner! Granted, we did a hand off in the parking lot with Adeline going to Grammy and Tony going with Molly, but we made it to Devon Seafood Grill just before 4:00. I wore my mask into the restaurant, and until we got food, but then was able to enjoy a nice dinner for Molly's birthday. She had a great coupon. The server asked if I had food allergies and we explained the whole 'mask thing' to him. They were AWESOME...server let me know if any sauces had uncooked ingredients in them, I knew from all the hospital folk what foods I was not allowed to eat and the meal was awesome. Great for my first meal out since March 5th 2010, and Molly's birthday. Then when we were finished, the server let us know that they gave us the appetizer on the house because we chose them for my first meal back. What a nice gesture....very cool. 
I wasn't actually sad, like in the picture, but I am pretty sure that alcohol and 15 medications is a bad idea. In fact, I know it is...it was a celebration with water. And also, stop staring at my beautiful dome and keep reading. Did you just look back up at the baldness? I bet you did. Then we headed back to the 'hometel' for the remainder of the night. Adeline is looking fantastic in her pink Harry Potter glasses. She doesn't seem bothered by them too much, although it is certainly an adjustment. So, all in all, a pretty darn good day. I am going to try to keep up my exercise everyday. I have my next appointment on Friday, and I will meet with my transplant doc to see how my blood work is, and find out any new information.Hope this finds everyone healthy and happy,
Tony
Tuesday, January 10, 2012
Day #38 continued
So, post Leukemia appointments wrap up:-Thing went very well
-Blood work looks great, no concerns
-Need to keep piling in the magnesium and phosphorus
-Dr. Palmer will see me next Friday and I will have a more informative appointment
Non-cancer related (as you can tell from the obvious pictures of Cancer blood and non
cancer blood):- Good luck tonight Homestead Hockey against Cedarburg! Go get em' boys, have yet to beat Cedarburg as a part of the Varsity...sooo, I guess to this point, I will miss it again, because I am confident in you guys tonight!!
-Adeline got glasses today, not enjoying them at all!
Helpful links:
Leukemia Lymphoma Society
Team in Training
Caring Bridge
Highlander Classic
Ozaukee Ice Center
Hope everyone has a great night,
Tony
Appointment...Day #38
Things are still going well on the GVHD front. Still no fevers, no GI problems and no rashes. (The three things that I am supposed to look for everyday) It gets a little monotonous checking my temperature four or five times a day...but, if that is what it takes, what can you do? So far, the 'hometel' has been pretty much as expected. Lots of rest, exercise, and watching TV. I know, I know, you are sooo jealous of how AWESOME my days are! I will update my blog for today after my doctors appointments and keep up with any changes. Also, Molly is going to run the Green Bay 1/2 marathon and is participating in Team in Training. To support her in this Marathon, click the Team in Training link for more details. Team in Training supports the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.
HHS Hockey is one game down in conference and one win with a victory last night over Germantown. Again, if you are up for some great hockey, check out the Highlander Classic.
Hope everyone has a great day...future blog to come post appointments.
Tony
HHS Hockey is one game down in conference and one win with a victory last night over Germantown. Again, if you are up for some great hockey, check out the Highlander Classic.
Hope everyone has a great day...future blog to come post appointments.
Tony
Friday, January 6, 2012
The Proclaimers, a Commercial, and a Promotion
I could walk 500 miles....well not really, that would take me forever! I did just stay at a Holiday Inn Express last night...well, not that either. Actually, I jogged a mile in 14:28 minutes tonight at the Residence Inn, which is the same thing. That is essentially a record for me. I was very tired and worn out, but felt pretty good afterward. I don't know how much better I'll be able to do than that, but it is a heck of a start. It also felt incredible to get into the shower without wrapping my arm up like a mummy. Small steps people, small steps. My doctors appointment went well also. I only had to give three vials of blood this trip, which was nice. All of my liver numbers have come back to normal, and my white blood cell count is good. There are still some quirky numbers (Low red blood cell, hematocrit...etc..boring) but all in all, my doctor says, "The numbers look good." I have been a bit paranoid. I talked to Molly and my doctor about this, its in my head, but so far post transplant has gone well and its almost like I am waiting for something to go wrong. Dr. Palmer says it is still early, and Molly says not to worry either, the nurses even said a little GVHD is ok. With my past, though, it is hard not to worry. Finally, I am excited because I asked, and Dr. Palmer said I have to stay out of locker rooms and I can't be around anyone yet, but I could skate as another form of exercise. Wow, never thought I would get the chance to skate this season. I am not too excited, because I know I cannot yet go out with friends or be in a group, but, like I said above, small steps. Small steps everyday and soon enough, I will be 'back at full strength,' not debatable.
For all you Badger hockey fans, I threw that in there. Great game so far tonight from the Hockey Badgers (up 4-3 as I type) with Justin Schultz getting his 100th point...wow, what a defenseman! Sweet, also as I write, Jefferson holding off two RIT gentleman from getting in a friendly conversation during the Badger game. No fighting guys, no fighting. No Packers tomorrow, because they have a bye as the number one seed. I am excited, the week off will get them healthy and they'll be ready to face whoever the following week. The Penguins have fallen to third place in the Atlantic
Division but sixth in the Eastern Conference. Injuries are really taking their toll on the Pens. Ryan Braun's latest is that he will probably not be able to overturn the 50 game suspension. How does Brauny feel about it? "This is all BS. I am completely innocent." Well, lets hope. As for the Homestead scene, The Highlanders had a nice win over Oshkosh 2-1 and go into this coming week with four conference games. Important week for the Highlander boys. Also, great opportunity to support Homestead Hockey by watching or playing some pond hockey in this years Highlander Classic. I think that covers the Badgers, Packers, Penguins, Brewers, and Highlanders. Sorry to those of you who don't need the sports update, but too bad.
Hope this finds everyone happy and healthy!
Tony
For all you Badger hockey fans, I threw that in there. Great game so far tonight from the Hockey Badgers (up 4-3 as I type) with Justin Schultz getting his 100th point...wow, what a defenseman! Sweet, also as I write, Jefferson holding off two RIT gentleman from getting in a friendly conversation during the Badger game. No fighting guys, no fighting. No Packers tomorrow, because they have a bye as the number one seed. I am excited, the week off will get them healthy and they'll be ready to face whoever the following week. The Penguins have fallen to third place in the Atlantic
Division but sixth in the Eastern Conference. Injuries are really taking their toll on the Pens. Ryan Braun's latest is that he will probably not be able to overturn the 50 game suspension. How does Brauny feel about it? "This is all BS. I am completely innocent." Well, lets hope. As for the Homestead scene, The Highlanders had a nice win over Oshkosh 2-1 and go into this coming week with four conference games. Important week for the Highlander boys. Also, great opportunity to support Homestead Hockey by watching or playing some pond hockey in this years Highlander Classic. I think that covers the Badgers, Packers, Penguins, Brewers, and Highlanders. Sorry to those of you who don't need the sports update, but too bad.Hope this finds everyone happy and healthy!
Tony
Tuesday, January 3, 2012
V-P Day
Today I had a victory! A victory over my PICC line. I have had a PICC line since I was diagnosed and today, I no longer have one. I can shower without having to have cling wrap in the bathroom! I no longer need to get chemotherapy, IV drugs, or medication. This is great news! My appointment today was also very informative. My doctor let me know that "Your blood work looks great." (not yours, mine) I also learned that sushi is not out of my life. It will be gone for more than a year, but knowing that it is still in my future is great. I also know that there are 8 markers to determine bone marrow matches and that my match was 8 out of 8. I am in a great mood today...this appointment could not have gone better.I also wanted to make note of the t-shirt I am wearing in my photo above. (Sorry, my computer camera gets it all backwards) I got a great letter in the mail with two 'AS ONE' t-shirts. What a fantastic message. I feel it speaks a lot to the wonderful people around me. I have never felt like I have been facing cancer by myself, but with my friends, family, and other supporters AS ONE. You have all given me the strength to fight this disease and today, in my opinion, is a huge triumph. So again, I say thank you to everyone who has supported me and my family.
I do not want to talk about the end of the Badgers Football season. I can't...maybe in a post next week I will vent, but it is still too fresh right now. As long as I can always say, I have the PACKERS. How about Matt Flynn? Jordy Nelson? Great game for those two and excellent 15-1 season for the Pack. Not excited that our defense gave up another monster game, or that Calvin Johnson looked like a cyborg against the Packers defense. But, as it seems to go for the entire season, a win is a win, and if they keep winning, who am I to complain? I just want them to keep it up in the playoffs.
Thanks to all!! Great V-P Day!
Tony
Monday, January 2, 2012
Day +30 ... Big day in Sports!
Hope this finds everyone safe and well recovered from the New Years celebrations. I am reversing the order of my blog today, so, if you are not a sports fan....skip to the CANCER UPDATE. Plus, I figured we dont always have to start with the cancer stuff. Lets start putting cancer in the rearview mirror.What a great day for sports today. Molly, Adie, and I are planning on watching the Winter Classic...great outdoor hockey game...AND how can you not watch the
Rose Bowl!! I am a little worried about the Wisconsin Badgers in today's game. It is going to be fun to watch, that is for sure. Mark May said that he likes the match up the Badgers have and I agree with him. I totally disagree with Lou Holtz who said that the Badgers offensive line was fat and slow...that the weight they carried was a spare tire. DISAGREE, have you see those linemen get out in front of Ball and White to block? Those guys are 
athletes! I am always impressed that the lineman can get around the corner and protect our running backs. So, that being said, I hope that the Badgers can keep up with the Ducks. I am more worried about our defense. Either way, after last years Rose Bowl, whatever happens this year will be fun to watch. I do not feel like the Badgers are going to get blown out, and that would be the only way this game is a dud to watch. As far as the hockey game goes, I am not a fan of Philadelphia at all. I dislike them completely. This is a team, whose fans booed a Cancer Awareness ad in their 
own arena because some of the NHL stars in the ad were from rival teams. What a bunch of hacks...ok, so I am not a fan of the Flyers. That being said, they are playing the New York Rangers. I am also not a huge fan of the Rangers. I do not dislike them, but I wouldn't chose them over many other teams. So, I am hoping for a Ranger win with lots of goals and excitement. Make people see how much fun hockey is to watch. I am also excited for this new sports network...which was versus but is now NBC Sports. I am hoping this means we'll get some more televised hockey games for those of us who don't have NHL Network or Center Ice. At any rate, good day for sports and hopefully things go the way of Big Red!CANCER UPDATE
So far, things are pretty consistent. The medications are a little annoying, but I know they are a necessity. I am taking 35 pills a day total, spaced out 4-5 times during the day, one IV that takes 2.5 hours to finish, and an inhaler 2 times a day. It gets to be a lot to remember even though it is pretty much the same everyday. It is also a lot of pills to swallow. Hopefully, at my appointment tomorrow, they will discontinue the IV drugs and possibly take away some of the other meds. I do not know the plan though. As far as the 'hometel' goes, things have been pretty good. The people here are incredibly nice. They do a great job cleaning, and they also do that all according to our schedule. Very handy, especially because there are still some strict rules that I have to go by. I have to use a new towel every time I shower, I have to have new sheets at least 1 time per week, I need to have my own set of dishes, or have dishes cleaned a lot. So this has been great as they change the sheets whenever we ask, give us new towels everyday, and I can run the dishwasher as much as I need. It is hard because I know it is not very environment friendly, but that is the way it is for now. This week will be tough...My mom is coming to stay with me while Molly works. Molly has a very busy work week, I will have at least two doctors appointments, and of course, Adeline. It is going to be tricky getting her and all of us into a routine between hometel, Port, work, Dr. appointments, weekends....I am sure it will work out. As I have said before though, anything is better than being in the hospital. As far as any side effects from the transplant, I have been spared...knock on wood. Want to keep that up for as long as possible, if I was one of the 20% of people who didn't have side effects, I would be ok with that. Molly and I have said numerous times that we put in a lot ... A LOT ... of hard work in at the beginning of this whole cancer business, having an easy-ish go of things post transplant would be pretty darn nice. I KNOW that the prayers and thoughts have helped. It feels like, now that we are 1/3 of the way through things, or close, that time will go a little faster. By 1/3 of the way through things, I mean the 100 days that are most critical after transplant. I am excited for my life to get back to normal. I really want to see friends and get back to work.
Enjoy the final days of break, for those that had time off, and Go Badgers!!!
Tony
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