Day -2

The chemotherapy is completed! Ron continues to deal with some nausea, but he hasn't vomited today. He isn't interested in eating much, but we are hopeful that his appetite will return some by tomorrow. Today he has started taking by IV an immunosuppressive drug (tacrolimus) in preparation of the transplant-- to lower the risk of rejection of the new stem cells. Everything continues to be on schedule, and his doctor says that he is tolerating everything very well.
Jan

Day -3 and Counting

The day that Ron was admitted was day -6. He will have his last round of chemo tomorrow, Sunday, day -2. Day -1 is a day of rest, and the transplant is on day 0. Today was the first day that he had vomiting from the chemo. (of all seven rounds of chemotherapy). He has not felt very well all day, but we are settled in watching the Detroit Tigers now.
I taped family pictures on the wall today, and we saw the doe again down on the soccer fields. We had seen her in May, June, and July, but today there were 2 fawns with her! Next week Ron will pass the 100 day mark of days spent in the U of Michigan Hospital in the last 17 months.
I am going to try to make a short blog entry each day for the next two weeks...perhaps longer to keep you informed of Ron's progress through his bone marrow transplant. Thanks for your support. Jan

Day 2 Chemotherapy

We have both transitioned from celebrating the opportunity for a bone marrow transplant and making the preparations at home and our Ann Arbor apartment to concentrating entirely on the process Ron has now committed to. He is definitely feeling the effects of the chemo which is harsh, but medications do control the side effects. Today was quieter, and both of us napped this afternoon...not so many interruptions for blood tests, staff visits, and information both gathering and dispersing. We are feeling settled in to this environment on 8A: the bone marrow transplant unit.
Ron & Jan

Thursday, August 18, 2011

Our move to Ann Arbor has gone smoothly. Our apartment is totally furnished, including linens, kitchen items, and even a grill with charcoal and lighter! Traveling to the hospital in the morning I pass the U of M stadium in less than 5 minutes; it is beautifully lit and reminds me of the Roman Coliseum with its many arches. With low traffic at this time I can arrive at the hospital in about 20 minutes. Ron was admitted as scheduled on Wednesday, and these two days have been incredibly busy with paperwork, tests, questionnaires, and initial visits by a large number of medical and support personnel who are responsible for his care during the transplant. We have met part of these caregivers from earlier hospitalizations.
Ron's chemotherapy started early this morning. One of the chemo drugs required several follow up blood samples which will be flown to Seattle overnight for special testing. The tests determine the exact dose for him. He will have a 4 day regimen of chemo, a day of rest, and then the stem cell transplant on August 23. They have started him on several precautionary meds to lessen side effects.
So we have arrived at the goal that had been set once his AML relapsed in May. We are so grateful for this opportunity to find his cure, but it is also a very scary time for us. We are also very grateful for the international donor who has begun the neupogen injections to boost his bone marrow's production of stem cells for the harvest. The coordination required to make all of this happen is truly amazing.

Ron's 63rd birthday is September 4. Following is his hospital address in case you would like to send him birthday and get well messages. I know that would mean a lot to him. He has always been very sentimental about recognizing others special days.

Ron Hover
U of M Hospital
Unit 8A Room 8409
1500 East Medical Center Drive
Ann Arbor, MI 48109-0110

Thanks so much for your support and positive spirit. Love, Jan
Ann Arbor, MI 48109-0110

Returning to Ann Arbor Soon

Our days at home have passed quickly. Last Tuesday and today have been all-day trips to Ann Arbor for final tests and appointments required for Ron's bone marrow transplant. We will be home over the weekend and then move to Ann Arbor on Monday. The last few days have been wonderful with family visits and summer weather. There is nothing more special than cuddling with a grandchild next to you or on your lap. They are a constant reminder of life's blessings and the power of a smile and laughter. All of the kids and grandkids have been heading home to Ohio, Maryland, Virginia, and Rhode Island as the new school year is approaching quickly.
Ron's admission to the University of Michigan Medical Center is Wednesday, August 17. He will have chemotherapy and then the stem cell transplant on August 23. His donor has had his final clearance, and all of Ron's tests have verified that he is ready for the transplant. How could this possibly be "the easy part"? Ron will probably be in the hospital until mid-September. (which includes his birthday) and we will live in Ann Arbor until mid-December, so he can be followed closely as his new immune system develops from the stem cell transplant. I will give out his hospital address as soon as I have it and put out an all-call for a shower of birthday cards for September 4. I know that this would be something that would be very meaningful to him. Ron doesn't pull up this blog to read it, but I do read to him any messages that come in. Thanks for your continued support. So many have told me how they check the blog...not necessary to leave a comment; we know that there are many of you following this journey through the blog. We are so thankful for the goodness of the international donor and for all friends and family who have supported us during the last 17 months. You have made a huge difference in our lives and helped us cope.
Love, Ron & Jan

Enjoying Time at Gilead Lake

Ron was able to come home Friday, July 29, after 24 days of hospitalization at the University of Michigan Medical Center. This regimen of chemo was called MEC, and he continues to recover from its effects. He will have blood tests 3 times a week while home. We will make return day trips to Ann Arbor twice during our 2 1/2 weeks at home; those days will be filled with tests and information gathering for the blood marrow transplant. Ron's primary doctor at U of M will change from his oncologist to his transplant specialist.
Our family has done a fantastic job of maintaining the yard, gardens, beach area, and the lake house. We enjoyed going out on the pontoon yesterday and seeing how much everything had grown during this hot summer weather. It felt great just going grocery shopping this morning and reading the Sunday paper. All of the kids and their families will be visiting during this time we are home. (but not all at the same time:} Our kitty, Blue, is being very clingy, and my sister has agreed to be his sitter during the time we are gone starting in August.
We have felt the presence of everyone's support. It means a great deal to both of us.
A most sincere thanks, Ron & Jan

Friday, July 22, 2011

Such good news today to hear that Ron's biopsy was leukemia free! As in the past, we were cautioned that the leukemia could return, but this is where he needs to be to move ahead with the transplant in August. His blood counts should recover enough to go home in 7-10 days. Then he will return for admission August 17. We wanted to share our good news with all of you.
Love, Ron & Jan

Wednesday, July 20, 2011

We feel like we are at a major crossroad in Ron's treatment for acute myeloid leukemia. He had his bone marrow biopsy this afternoon, and it will determine the path to his stem cell (bone marrow) transplant in August. Ideally, it will show no leukemia cells or less than 5%. If not, he will have another biopsy following an additional week without the medication that assists his weakened marrow to produce red and white blood cells. With his immunity and blood counts low, he continues to have transfusions and is now on IV antibiotics. He also has antiviral and anti fungal medication. The best case scenario is to be home at Gilead Lake about July 28.
The hospital admittance for the transplant is August 17. We will be living in Ann Arbor 4 months, and we have an apartment reserved for this period of time. It continues to remain a challenge to adjust to each new piece of information regarding treatment and the "what ifs". We also continue to be humbled by the genuine bonds and concern of Ron's caregivers here at the University of Michigan Medical Center... in addition to the top notch medical care. Along with the support we feel from family and friends, it is powerful stuff.
A most sincere thanks to all,
Ron & Jan

Sunday, July 17, 2011

Ron is into the period of time called "transfusion dependent". As he says, his life has been driven by blood tests for over 15 months but it is especially so during the 2 weeks after each round of chemotherapy. This afternoon he is receiving 2 units of blood after a bout of low blood pressure. He will have platelets transfused tomorrow. Wednesday he will have a bone marrow biopsy which will determine how the next 2 weeks proceed. We have enjoyed having Niccole and Matt both in Michigan, so they can visit. Cale and his family also drove up and visited us this weekend. Then Andrew's family will be back to Michigan in August.
Love to all,
Ron & Jan

Chemotherapy Day 5 of 6 Days

Things have progressed smoothly during Ron's first week of hospitalization for his sixth round of chemotherapy. The next 7-10 days he will become dependent on transfusions as the chemo continues to do its work. We will be at the hospital at least two more weeks. Ron now has to take increased precautions for low immunity. His diet is modified, and he wears a mask when walking on the floor. Niccole, Cole, Jim Treeger, Matt, and Kate have visited; always good to have them visit and helps the time pass more quickly.
One of the new ( to Ron) chemo drugs is Michigan blue when it goes in. We continue to be a fan of the hospital but are true to the Buckeye Nation!
Love to all of you,
Jan

July 5, 2011

As was scheduled in advance by Ron's oncologist at the University of Michigan Medical Center, Ron has been admitted for his sixth round of chemotherapy. He will be a patient here for at least 3 weeks. His hospital address is:

Ron Hover
UMMC. 8B. Rm 8429
1500 E. Medical Center Drive
Ann Arbor, MI. 48109-5112

Ron is working toward remission. An excellent donor has been located through the National Marrow Registry, and he has agreed to being Ron's donor at the end of August. He was a 10 for 10 match who has the same blood type as well. He is the same age as our son, Matt, so I can only imagine that he too is at a very busy time in his life. I hope that we will be able to learn more about him.

It was a strange combination of familiarity, comfort, trust, and fear as we entered the hospital again. Ron has done his preliminary admittance routine, and the next event will be a review of treatment by the doctor, and an xray to make sure that his PICC line is still in correct position to start administering the chemotherapy. That "permanent" IV makes bloodtests and IV meds so much easier and comfortable for him.

Thanks for your continued support in a myriad of ways.
Love, Ron & Jan

June 24, 2011

Ron's doctor from Ann Arbor called this morning while we were at the hospital in Coldwater for his Friday blood test. Ron is not in remission. He had a bone marrow biopsy Tuesday. This means that he will have a longer hospital stay starting at some time in the next week to 12 days. His hospitalization will be at least 3 weeks. The good news is that a 10 for 10 match has been found to be his donor after he gets into remission. Thanks again for your many expressions of support. Jan

June 17, 2011

We are looking forward to the weekend! Ron has completed his regimen of IV antibiotics and has mostly recovered from the last round of chemo. He will return to U of M Medical Center Tuesday for a bone marrow biopsy. We are celebrating Father's Day weekend with Cale and Jess's family, Niccole, and Cole. I think the weather is going to cooperate with a good lake day. Matt and Kate's family will arrive for their stay at "wee cottage" the following weekend.
Ron's oncologist has scheduled the next round of chemotherapy to begin July 5. He will be hospitalized for 5 days. The search for a bone marrow donor continues. None of the kids is a match. The lab at U of M has 6 registry samples that they are testing further to find a conclusive match. We are in a holding pattern until a match is determined.
It is great having Niccole and Cole here to help us. Also our siblings have jumped in to do yardwork and other household jobs. I have enjoyed getting out in my gardens during this stay at home. It is therapeutic for me.
Thanks for your support in so many ways. Ron enjoys receiving texts, notes, and cards. We still have a long, difficult journey ahead of us but have found it comforting to be home. We get out on the pontoon most good weather days.
Ron & Jan

June 9, 2011

We are home! Ron spent 21 days in the hospital in Ann Arbor. His blood counts started to recover a few days ahead of schedule, so the doctor decided to wait and do the bone marrow biopsy about 2 weeks later, so we came home. He has a visiting nurse, and I have learned to do IV antibiotics. This is a continuation of treatment for a blood infection.
What is next? We are enjoying the lake and just being home. Our kitty, Blue, is so happy to have us at home. He will have his biopsy, a one day trip to AnnArbor, in about 10 days. A week later we will hear the results and what treatment is next. His next hospital stay will probably start after the 4th of July weekend. He continues to have blood tests 3 days a week. We are doing okay and getting into a routine again.
Love, Ron & Jan

Day 18 at U of M Medical Center

Ron's medical care has proceeded close to expectations with a new thing or two along the way. He has had fevers from a blood infection but two IV antibiotics are fighting that well. Today his blood counts finally seem to be slightly improving. Until his bone marrow has recovered from the chemotherapy, he receives platelets and blood transfusions...two of each yesterday.

14 possible donors were found in the national registry. One has sent a blood sample to U of M for further testing which is required to make a conclusive match based on additional factors. If there is no final match from the registry, the next step is finding one in the cord bank. We will be able to think about this more after Ron recovers from the chemotherapy. We are still trying to find acceptance in how our lives have changed again.

We continue to hope that we can return to Gilead Lake by June 15. Family has been caring for our 1.3 acre yard with multiple flower beds and potted plants. I had done a great deal of planting before Ron's diagnosis of relapse, and we have many perennials. We would be home 2-3 weeks before another stage of treatments brings us back to Ann Arbor. Love to all of you and a heartfelt thanks for your support in so many different ways. Ron & Jan

Tuesday, May 31, 2011

We are sending out a special thanks to all Veterans for their service to our country. Ron and I did miss some of the traditions that we have followed for our Memorial Day weekends.

It was great to have son Andrew and daughter Niccole visit us for the weekend. Each one of us had special alone time with Ron, and I was able to have dinner with the kids. One of the evenings there was a tornado warning, so we experienced the hospital's drill routine. Ron is now in the period of time where he is transfusion dependent and has very low immunity, so we cannot venture away from the hospital. He wears a mask when out of the room, and we can go outside for a brief period of time.

We did find out that Ron's brother Rick is not a bone marrow match, so on to Plan B which is to find a match in the national registry. All of the kids are being tested too; they have a 1-5% chance of being a match. We will go step by step to see what needs to be done.

Five Days of Chemotherapy Completed

A lot has happened in the first week of Ron's hospitalization. He has completed his FLAG regimen of chemotherapy. He was given two types of chemo and tolerated it well. His appetite has greatly diminished, but nausea is controlled very well.

He will remain hospitalized for up to 3 more weeks as his bloodcounts and any other issues are treated. He has started having platelet transfusions daily. The care here is excellent and any test is done and monitored quickly. The support of our "staff friends" many of whom we know from last year's hospitalizations has been wonderful.

By about June 3 we will know if Rick, Ron's brother, is a tissue match for a bone marrow transplant. In 2 weeks Ron will have a bone marrow biopsy, and we will know if he is back in remission. Then the next course of action can be determined. It is an emotional roller coaster.

We feel the support being sent from family and friends...such a blessing for both of us.

Treatment has begun!

Chemotherapy started today. Ron is receiving 2 types of IV infusions. The first lasts 30 minutes; then 4 hour wait, and the 2nd infusion lasts 4 hours. His treatment is approximately 1:00 - 9:30 PM. We are hopeful that he will not become nauseous. He did not with previous chemo. This regimen is called FLAG.

Ron's brother, Rick, will meet with Dr. Bixby (Ron's doctor) tomorrow and also have a blood test to determine if he is a donor match for Ron's bone marrow transplant. (also called stem cell transplant) A sibling has a 1 in 4 chance of being a match.

Below is Ron's more specific address. He is in a private room so will stay here when his immunity and bloodcounts are low. He has many of the same nurses that were here a year ago. That has been comforting and welcoming. The University of Michigan Medical Center is amazing.

Ron Hover

UMMC/8B Room 8422

1500 E. Medical Center Drive

Ann Arbor, MI 48109-5112

Ron returning to U of M Hospital - Ann Arbor, MI

Ron is beginning treatment that is expected to take a few months to full recovery. His treatment will start with chemotherapy-- the goal being a return to remission from acute myeloid leukemia. This first stay in the hospital will last about a month.

His treatment will continue with a transplant which is a process that will take us through the summer months. Thanks to all of you for your support in the past. We should know a great deal more about this process in the next days. I will periodically add to this blog to keep you informed.

Update May 2011

We found out yesterday that my Dad's leukemia has returned. He will be returning to University of Michigan Medical Center to start another round of treatment next Wednesday. I don't have a lot of details yet, but my Mom and I plan to update the blog as we learn more.

I know that all of your messages, letters, and cards meant a lot to my parents last year...I know they would appreciate any words of support.

Home Address:
743 Gilead Shores Dr
Bronson MI 49028

Hospital Address:
University of Michigan Medical Center
Floor 8
1500 E Medical Center Dr
Ann Arbor MI 48109

Email:
ronlhover@gmail.com

Thanks,
Cale