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