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

We made it!

August 2-10th

Ron's bone marrow biopsy was taken on August 2nd at U of M, and we had to wait on the results until our return visit August 10. The results again were leukemia-free, so he continues to be in remission! His blood counts continue to be on the low end of normal, so he continues to regain strength, and we anticipate continued progress.

What next? Ron will have monthly blood tests in Coldwater, MI, where our local medical services are, and he will return to U of M in Ann Arbor every 3rd month to see his doctor there. His follow-up tests are for 5 years.

It has been a long haul since he became ill in March, and his hospitalization started on March 31, but we have the best outcome possible after 4 rounds of chemotherapy and 5 hospitalizations. (nearly 50 days in Ann Arbor) We are deprogramming from what has been our routine for over 4 months, and we are looking forward to travel plans that we have made for the fall. In the short term we are enjoying this beautiful summer lake weather. It seems very quiet here with the kids and grandkids returning to their homes. Before heading out to their respective states, they planned a 40 year wedding anniversary party for us. We had a beautiful day for our celebration.

We have been so appreciative of the many gestures of support during Ron's treatments and recovery.

Thanks,

Ron & Jan

July 12-29: Almost there!

Ron continues to recover from his last round of chemo which was July 6-11. He almost made it through all 3 consolidation chemo rounds without a fever. Almost. We were back to U of M for 2 days last week when he spiked a fever during the time his white blood cell count was extremely low. It was a midnight ride in an ambulance, and after IV antibiotics and fluids for two days, he is doing very well again.

Today was the last post-chemo blood test in Coldwater, and although he is still anemic, his counts are high enough for his bone marrow biopsy in Ann Arbor on Monday. He should be getting more energy back each day, and we are in high spirits.

We can't believe that it is almost August! We are sending good wishes and warm thoughts to all of you.

Love, Ron and Jan

Last Round of Chem - July 6-11

Wednesday, July 7, 2010

The last round of chemo has begun! Ron had 3 appointments yesterday afternoon, "checked in" to his hospital room in early evening, and the first infusion of chemo started at 9:00 P.M. Niccole arrived in the evening and spent the night with me.

The doctor's consultation and first round of chemo have gone very well, and we are very optimisitic that Ron's treatments will ensure permanent remission. He will have another bone marrow biopsy August 2.

He is now receiving the 2nd infusion from 9-12:00 this morning. Then he has a day off. By having the alternate days of chemo, Ron can rest in my room in the afternoons. It is hard to sleep well in the hospital room!

Thanks for your continued support and good wishes sent our way.

Jan

June 30, 2010

One more round of chemotherapy to go!! We are now enjoying days of nice weather and feeling well. Ron had his last transfusions on Monday, June 21; then his blood counts returned to a satisfactory level. Today he has been washing windows, yesterday he mowed part of the yard, and we are enjoying pontoon rides on the lake. (sounds pretty normal to me!) Ron and our daughter, Niccole, have been riding bikes around the lake each morning.

We have enjoyed having our kids in the area more. It is fun seeing the grandchildren, and the kids have done some cooking for us and other yardwork and housework. Today we are celebrating our oldest grandchild's 9th birthday; this weekend we will potluck with relatives, and start to organize for our return to the University of Michigan Hospital next week Tuesday-Sunday. (July 6-11)

Ron received a booklet-style get well message from his high school classmates. It had individual greetings and there were pictures compiled from his school days. How awesome is that!? We continue to hear from friends of years past. It is a boost for both us; we truly appreciate hearing from all of you.

Think of Ron next week and send good thoughts his way. Remember son, Andrew, too who is serving in Iraq.

Sincerely,

Jan Hover

June 18, 2010

Ron's follow up blood tests and transfusions in June have been very similar to May's. It was good knowing the routine at the Coldwater,MI Hospital and Cancer Center. Now he is ending the transfusion dependent phase, and his counts should return to normal range soon. That means the last 10 days of June through July 5 should be a period of feeling better and having more energy.... which means that he can help mow the yard!
The kids and grandkids are starting to arrive for their summer visits, so we will have even more help and more fun, of course!
The last round of chemo will be 6 days of inpatient status at the University of Michigan Hospital starting July 6.
Happy Father's Day to the Dads, and have a great 4th of July holiday!
Jan

June 8 Update

Hi Everyone,

I wanted to let all of you know that Ron was back at U of M June1-6 as an inpatient at University Hospital. This was a scheduled visit for his 3rd round of chemotherapy; he has one more round in July. He had mostly the same doctors and nurses, and his room was in the same unit of the hospital, so that familiarity was comforting.

For these last 2 (June and July) rounds of chemotherapy I made reservations for a room at the Med Inn which is a hotel right in the hospital. Ron is a light sleeper, and the hospital routine keeps him awake frequently during the night, so each day he was able to leave the floor when treatment was done and rest in my room. I think both of us came home without feeling so totally exhausted this time. Three of Jan's Kenwood school friends visited us at the hospital on Tuesday; Cale, Jess, and kids came on Thursday, and Rick and Tammy visited Friday. We look forward to seeing all of the grandchildren later in the month. Andrew will still be in Iraq, but all of the others will be in the area. Niccole and Cole are planning to stay with us an extended period of time, so I am working on a list of chores for Cole.

The chemo continues to work as intended, so we head for the Cancer Center in Coldwater early tomorrow for bloodwork and most likely transfusions. This period of time is called "transfusion dependent" and lasts 7-10 days. This is the time when Ron's immunity is very low, so we cannot have visitors at home, and he wears a mask when we are out for doctor's appointments. This period of time is the most emotional and stressful for us, but we are okay; we know that he will feel good again the last week in June and July 1-6. We head back to Ann Arbor on July 6th.
Thanks for your expressions of support, prayers, and good thoughts streaming our way.

Love,
Jan

June 1 Update

The 2nd round of follow-up chemotherapy started today at U of M Hospital in Ann Arbor. Ron will be an in-patient June 1-6. We will plan to come home on Sunday afternoon. (There will be a 3rd and last round of chemo in July.)

The first 2 weeks that we are home after the chemo are challenging with low immunity and blood counts. This is the period of time where Ron requires blood and platelet transfusions, and risk of infection is a concern.

The last week has been wonderful with Ron feeling the best that he has since early March. The weather could not have been better, and we enjoyed being out on the lake and finishing up some things in the yard.

Just wanted to keep in touch with all of you--Love, Jan

May 23-28

What a beautiful week it has been in Michigan! Ron's blood counts have returned to a level that does not require transfusions, and the summer weather has been glorious. Cale and Jack visited Monday evening and Tuesday, and we finished trimming on the considerable hill that goes down to the lake from our house. We are looking forward to a summery Memorial Day weekend and catching up on a few more things around the yard, gardens, and house before we pack up and leave for University Hospital on Tuesday, June 1. Ron will have his second round of consolidation chemotherapy June 1-6 in Ann Arbor as planned.

May 15 - 22

The phase of treatment for this week involved transfusion support and low counts for white blood cells, red blood cells, and platelets. Infection risk had been high, so Ron could not have visitors until today, Saturday May 22. Now he enters a 10 day period of further (anticipating uneventful) recovery before returning to the U of M on June 1 to cycle through another month with a similar pattern. The last round of chemotherapy will be in July. We are now comfortable with the routine at the Hospital and the Cancer Center in Coldwater, Michigan, where he receives his local treatment when we are home. He had transfusions of platelets on 2 days.
We did go out on the pontoon on Thursday which was such a beautiful warm day...and no doctor visits. Ron finished out the week with 2 units of packed red blood cells at the hospital Friday afternoon; a severe thunderstorm passed through, and the power went out at the hospital, so the last hour he was plugged into a red outlet which is the generator power. We continue to learn!
Have a great weekend! We will enjoy the lake more than ever.
Ron & Jan

May 11-14

Ron and I enjoyed having Niccole here for 4 days over the Mothers Day weekend through Tuesday. On Mothers Day Nic and I had brunch with Ron's brother, wife, and GG (Great Grandma-Ron's mom who is 89). We returned to the hospital, and Ron was discharged that afternoon. Cale and Jack came for the night and day on Tuesday-Wednesday. We were so glad to have Cale's help when the pontoon was delivered from winter storage. 3 year old Jack is just the best "cheerer upper" for Ron.

Both Wednesday's and Friday's early morning blood draws indicated that Ron need blood transfusions, so we are in the learning curve for having that done at the Cancer Center in Coldwater during its hours or the hospital after hours. He had 2 units of blood at the Cancer Center on Thursday and 2 units at the hospital on Friday. We returned home about 10:00 last night. The transfusions are expected; as one nurse put it "He had a double whammy with the leukemia making his bone marrow sick, and then the chemo also makes it sick, so he will not produce his own blood adequately for awhile."

The effects of the first round of consolidation chemotherapy are at the strongest now, so his blood counts are low. We will not be able to have visitors at least over the weekend. On Monday we will see his local oncology doctor at the Coldwater Cancer Center. An uneventful weekend will be wonderful!

Thanks for your continued expressions of support. We are so appreciative.
Ron & Jan

May 10

My Mom and Dad are back at Gilead Lake as of last night. I know that they are glad to be home again. They'll be travelling to the hospital in Coldwater periodically for bloodwork and monitoring. I'm planning a visit this week, probably Wednesday.

-Cale

May 4 - 5 - 6

We have returned to University of Michigan Hospital for Ron's first round of consolidation chemotherapy. This is the first of 3 rounds of follow-up chemo. His bone marrow biopsy last Thursday again showed no leukemia cells, but this additional chemo will greatly improve the odds for a permanent remission. Of course, we are going for the cure! We are back in the same unit and have the same medical staff which we cannot say enough good things about. Ron will get to go home on Sunday afternoon; the 2nd round of chemo will be in June and the 3rd round in July. We are looking forward to Niccole coming for a 4 day weekend with us. Jan had a great evening and morning in Bowling Green with Lisa, Abby, and Cale's family.

-Jan

May 4 Update

My mom and dad are back at U of M as of today to start the first round of consolidation chemotherapy. The most recent bone marrow test (from Thursday) again showed no evidence of leukemia cells.

Treatment starts tonight; my dad will likely be released on Sunday. This will be followed by two more rounds of consolidation chemotherapy over the next couple of months.

Jan's Update: April 24 -29

Ron and I have enjoyed our days home at the lake. Spring is in full swing, and a visit by 4 of the grandchildren (ages 1, 2, 3, and 5) was a special dose of good medicine. Cale, Jessica, and Lisa helped with jobs in the house and yard. Everyone was so busy; Ron and I both had to take a nap when they started back to Bowling Green. ...so much fun for us. The little ones always make us laugh and put things in perspective.During the week we also made trips to Coldwater for Ron to have blood tests and meet his local oncology doctor.

On Thursday we traveled back to Ann Arbor to visit U of M Cancer Center when Ron had appointments for a blood draw and bone marrow biopsy. Tuesday, May 4, is our return date to University Hospital where Ron will be admitted for his next round of chemotherapy. He will be hospitalized 5-6 days. His blood counts have mostly recovered to normal ranges. Yeah!Thanks for your many expressions of support.

Check out Cale's message on the following link if you have not done so.

http://main.acsevents.org/goto/chover

Enjoy the day,Love, Jan

Please Consider Making a Donation to American Cancer Society

I'm participating in American Cancer Society's Relay for Life event on May 21 in Bowling Green. This is an event that I've been involved with for several years now, but it is taking on added meaning this year for obvious reasons.

For more information, or to make a donation, check out my Relay Page:

http://main.acsevents.org/goto/chover

Thanks!
-Cale