After months of waiting, we're finally here at the University of Chicago Hospital, where I'll be staying for the next 30 days. I'm scheduled for radiation twice a day for the rest of the week, followed by a stint of Saturday and Sunday-filled chemo days. This will most likely wipe out any remaining cancer cells, as well as my immune system. As a result, the same rules apply with hospital interaction with visitors and gifts. (No sick visitors, flowers, or fresh fruit.)
Katie and I are asking those that wish to send cards or gifts to NOT send them direct to the hospital. The postal service around here and inter-hospital mail is too slow and undependable. (We discovered this the first time around.) So, if you want to send anything, send it to my home address, or give them to my Mike Rowland in the ITC and he'll make sure I receive them. Our home address is:
Jonathon & Katie Rose
25558 Serenity Drive
South Bend, IN 46228
Aside from a little fatigue and swollen feet, I feel pretty good. We're not sure why my feet are swollen but the doctors plan on checking that out tomorrow. Over the weekend, I had to take a drug that's supposed to help with mouth sores that will probably happen from radiation. The drugs made my eyes, lips and cheeks puffier than normal. My feet were swollen before I started the drug over the weekend though. Kinda strange. I look down at them and they look like someone else's feet.
Time for Fringe. Out.
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
Monday, May 11, 2009
Pre-Transplant Party
Saturday, we held a big party to celebrate the next phase of Jonathon's treatment. We've got pictures posted for those that want to see. Just click the picture below to view the whole album.
Thank you to the whole family and all the friends that showed up. We are so lucky to have each of you in our lives.
Thank you to the whole family and all the friends that showed up. We are so lucky to have each of you in our lives.
 |
| 2009-05-09 Pre-Transplant Party |
Saturday, May 2, 2009
Getting Closer...
On Thursday, we held the bone marrow drive on campus and we had great success with it. Lots of people showed up and gave their support, both monetarily and going under the 'swab.' So I'd like to personally thank everyone for coming out for that. I'm not going to mention the fact that the pizza they ordered made me sick afterwards, but hey, I survived.
For those that are interested, you can check out a few pictures from the drive.
I am however, allegedly done with chemotherapy though, according to my doctors. And that's been really nice. Being able to eat what you want is such a nice feeling. My biggest battle lately has been my headaches...they have been horrible. They start about 15 minutes after I wake up and are with me until I go to sleep. I've been living off of Ibuprofin. I'm scheduled to enter the hospital for the transplant on May 12th. Once my transplant is done, hopefully it will be smooth sailing from that point forward.
For those that are interested, you can check out a few pictures from the drive.
 |
| Bone Marrow Donor Drive |
I am however, allegedly done with chemotherapy though, according to my doctors. And that's been really nice. Being able to eat what you want is such a nice feeling. My biggest battle lately has been my headaches...they have been horrible. They start about 15 minutes after I wake up and are with me until I go to sleep. I've been living off of Ibuprofin. I'm scheduled to enter the hospital for the transplant on May 12th. Once my transplant is done, hopefully it will be smooth sailing from that point forward.
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
Good News This Week
Yesterday we received some good news from my doctor in Chicago. I had a bone marrow biopsy on Thursday of last week to determine how much of the Leukemia is still in my marrow. The results came back with a significant reduction of cancer cells. I'm not in remission yet, but very close. So that was good news! The downside of this is that they want me to have more chemo before my transplant in May to keep the disease under control. The chemo will probably start again later this week. I'm not looking forward to that, but overall progress is being made, and I'm happy about that.
I've been eating like horse these last two weeks because I haven't had chemo. I've gained nearly 15 pounds in the last two weeks because of that. It's been so nice to be able to eat what I want and just enjoy food again.
I've been eating like horse these last two weeks because I haven't had chemo. I've gained nearly 15 pounds in the last two weeks because of that. It's been so nice to be able to eat what I want and just enjoy food again.
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
Help Us Give Something Back
We are extremely blessed and lucky to have found a full match for Jonathon's bone marrow transplant, but there are thousands of people that still need a match. To help us give something back, a team of friends from Notre Dame and family has organized a bone marrow donation registry drive in honor of Jonathon. Here are the details:
Date: Thursday, April 30, 2009
Time: 10 AM - 3 PM (No appointment needed!)
Location: University of Notre Dame - Information Technology Center (Grid Room - Room 121)
It is easy and painless to get registered, and should only take 15 minutes (most of which you'll spend filling out a health information sheet). You must be between 18 and 60 years old, be willing to donate to any patient in need, and meet a few health guidelines. There is a $30 testing fee for non-minority donors. If you have other questions about donating, please call the National Marrow Donor Program at 1-800-MARROW-2.
Please help us give back.
Monday, April 13, 2009
Starting Over
As if having Leukemia, my wisdom teeth pulled, extreme fatigue, and everything else going on, I've lost my wallet to boot! I'm blaming my chemo-brain on this one. Chances are, its in my house somewhere. But I have no idea where. I've re-traced my steps a thousand times. So, today began the quest of starting over from scratch, with getting copies of my birth certificate and social security card, so I can get a new driver's license. Ugh. What a pain. All my credit cards had to be cancelled too, of course.
I'm not scheduled to get chemotherapy at all this week. My doctors decided to let my body regain some strength before my transplant takes place. As a result, my appetite has returned with a vengeance. I've been eating non-stop. Food tastes good again! So, I'm taking advantage of this while it lasts.
I went and saw 'Knowing' with Nicholas Cage today with my Dad. It was a pretty good movie. Better than 'Fast and Furious' was. All the movies I'm really excited about are coming out in May when I'll be in the hospital. Arg.
I'm not scheduled to get chemotherapy at all this week. My doctors decided to let my body regain some strength before my transplant takes place. As a result, my appetite has returned with a vengeance. I've been eating non-stop. Food tastes good again! So, I'm taking advantage of this while it lasts.
I went and saw 'Knowing' with Nicholas Cage today with my Dad. It was a pretty good movie. Better than 'Fast and Furious' was. All the movies I'm really excited about are coming out in May when I'll be in the hospital. Arg.
Thursday, April 9, 2009
Fatigue Setting In
I apologize for the lack of posts and updates. But my neuropathy has set in so bad that I can't type like I used to. So I'm doing this letter by letter. I found out this week that my bone marrow transplant will take place during the month of May. At which time, I'll be hospitalized in Chicago for about 30 days.
Overall, I've been feeling very fatigued from this treatment. It's become very difficult to even move my legs and walk like normal. I don't feel well at all. It's been very hard to stay positive in the face of all this. I feel like I'm letting people down sometimes, but I'm so tired all the time, that I can't help it.
I just wanted to update everyone and let people know that I'm still fighting, even if I can't post every day. I'll do the best I can to bring you updates as my hands allow me to type.
Overall, I've been feeling very fatigued from this treatment. It's become very difficult to even move my legs and walk like normal. I don't feel well at all. It's been very hard to stay positive in the face of all this. I feel like I'm letting people down sometimes, but I'm so tired all the time, that I can't help it.
I just wanted to update everyone and let people know that I'm still fighting, even if I can't post every day. I'll do the best I can to bring you updates as my hands allow me to type.
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Tuesday, May 12, 2009
Back to the Grill Again
After months of waiting, we're finally here at the University of Chicago Hospital, where I'll be staying for the next 30 days. I'm scheduled for radiation twice a day for the rest of the week, followed by a stint of Saturday and Sunday-filled chemo days. This will most likely wipe out any remaining cancer cells, as well as my immune system. As a result, the same rules apply with hospital interaction with visitors and gifts. (No sick visitors, flowers, or fresh fruit.)
Katie and I are asking those that wish to send cards or gifts to NOT send them direct to the hospital. The postal service around here and inter-hospital mail is too slow and undependable. (We discovered this the first time around.) So, if you want to send anything, send it to my home address, or give them to my Mike Rowland in the ITC and he'll make sure I receive them. Our home address is:
Jonathon & Katie Rose
25558 Serenity Drive
South Bend, IN 46228
Aside from a little fatigue and swollen feet, I feel pretty good. We're not sure why my feet are swollen but the doctors plan on checking that out tomorrow. Over the weekend, I had to take a drug that's supposed to help with mouth sores that will probably happen from radiation. The drugs made my eyes, lips and cheeks puffier than normal. My feet were swollen before I started the drug over the weekend though. Kinda strange. I look down at them and they look like someone else's feet.
Time for Fringe. Out.
Katie and I are asking those that wish to send cards or gifts to NOT send them direct to the hospital. The postal service around here and inter-hospital mail is too slow and undependable. (We discovered this the first time around.) So, if you want to send anything, send it to my home address, or give them to my Mike Rowland in the ITC and he'll make sure I receive them. Our home address is:
Jonathon & Katie Rose
25558 Serenity Drive
South Bend, IN 46228
Aside from a little fatigue and swollen feet, I feel pretty good. We're not sure why my feet are swollen but the doctors plan on checking that out tomorrow. Over the weekend, I had to take a drug that's supposed to help with mouth sores that will probably happen from radiation. The drugs made my eyes, lips and cheeks puffier than normal. My feet were swollen before I started the drug over the weekend though. Kinda strange. I look down at them and they look like someone else's feet.
Time for Fringe. Out.
Monday, May 11, 2009
Pre-Transplant Party
Saturday, we held a big party to celebrate the next phase of Jonathon's treatment. We've got pictures posted for those that want to see. Just click the picture below to view the whole album.
Thank you to the whole family and all the friends that showed up. We are so lucky to have each of you in our lives.
Thank you to the whole family and all the friends that showed up. We are so lucky to have each of you in our lives.
|
| 2009-05-09 Pre-Transplant Party |
Saturday, May 2, 2009
Getting Closer...
On Thursday, we held the bone marrow drive on campus and we had great success with it. Lots of people showed up and gave their support, both monetarily and going under the 'swab.' So I'd like to personally thank everyone for coming out for that. I'm not going to mention the fact that the pizza they ordered made me sick afterwards, but hey, I survived.
For those that are interested, you can check out a few pictures from the drive.
I am however, allegedly done with chemotherapy though, according to my doctors. And that's been really nice. Being able to eat what you want is such a nice feeling. My biggest battle lately has been my headaches...they have been horrible. They start about 15 minutes after I wake up and are with me until I go to sleep. I've been living off of Ibuprofin. I'm scheduled to enter the hospital for the transplant on May 12th. Once my transplant is done, hopefully it will be smooth sailing from that point forward.
For those that are interested, you can check out a few pictures from the drive.
|
| Bone Marrow Donor Drive |
I am however, allegedly done with chemotherapy though, according to my doctors. And that's been really nice. Being able to eat what you want is such a nice feeling. My biggest battle lately has been my headaches...they have been horrible. They start about 15 minutes after I wake up and are with me until I go to sleep. I've been living off of Ibuprofin. I'm scheduled to enter the hospital for the transplant on May 12th. Once my transplant is done, hopefully it will be smooth sailing from that point forward.
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
Good News This Week
Yesterday we received some good news from my doctor in Chicago. I had a bone marrow biopsy on Thursday of last week to determine how much of the Leukemia is still in my marrow. The results came back with a significant reduction of cancer cells. I'm not in remission yet, but very close. So that was good news! The downside of this is that they want me to have more chemo before my transplant in May to keep the disease under control. The chemo will probably start again later this week. I'm not looking forward to that, but overall progress is being made, and I'm happy about that.
I've been eating like horse these last two weeks because I haven't had chemo. I've gained nearly 15 pounds in the last two weeks because of that. It's been so nice to be able to eat what I want and just enjoy food again.
I've been eating like horse these last two weeks because I haven't had chemo. I've gained nearly 15 pounds in the last two weeks because of that. It's been so nice to be able to eat what I want and just enjoy food again.
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
Help Us Give Something Back
We are extremely blessed and lucky to have found a full match for Jonathon's bone marrow transplant, but there are thousands of people that still need a match. To help us give something back, a team of friends from Notre Dame and family has organized a bone marrow donation registry drive in honor of Jonathon. Here are the details:
Date: Thursday, April 30, 2009
Time: 10 AM - 3 PM (No appointment needed!)
Location: University of Notre Dame - Information Technology Center (Grid Room - Room 121)
It is easy and painless to get registered, and should only take 15 minutes (most of which you'll spend filling out a health information sheet). You must be between 18 and 60 years old, be willing to donate to any patient in need, and meet a few health guidelines. There is a $30 testing fee for non-minority donors. If you have other questions about donating, please call the National Marrow Donor Program at 1-800-MARROW-2.
Please help us give back.
Monday, April 13, 2009
Starting Over
As if having Leukemia, my wisdom teeth pulled, extreme fatigue, and everything else going on, I've lost my wallet to boot! I'm blaming my chemo-brain on this one. Chances are, its in my house somewhere. But I have no idea where. I've re-traced my steps a thousand times. So, today began the quest of starting over from scratch, with getting copies of my birth certificate and social security card, so I can get a new driver's license. Ugh. What a pain. All my credit cards had to be cancelled too, of course.
I'm not scheduled to get chemotherapy at all this week. My doctors decided to let my body regain some strength before my transplant takes place. As a result, my appetite has returned with a vengeance. I've been eating non-stop. Food tastes good again! So, I'm taking advantage of this while it lasts.
I went and saw 'Knowing' with Nicholas Cage today with my Dad. It was a pretty good movie. Better than 'Fast and Furious' was. All the movies I'm really excited about are coming out in May when I'll be in the hospital. Arg.
I'm not scheduled to get chemotherapy at all this week. My doctors decided to let my body regain some strength before my transplant takes place. As a result, my appetite has returned with a vengeance. I've been eating non-stop. Food tastes good again! So, I'm taking advantage of this while it lasts.
I went and saw 'Knowing' with Nicholas Cage today with my Dad. It was a pretty good movie. Better than 'Fast and Furious' was. All the movies I'm really excited about are coming out in May when I'll be in the hospital. Arg.
Thursday, April 9, 2009
Fatigue Setting In
I apologize for the lack of posts and updates. But my neuropathy has set in so bad that I can't type like I used to. So I'm doing this letter by letter. I found out this week that my bone marrow transplant will take place during the month of May. At which time, I'll be hospitalized in Chicago for about 30 days.
Overall, I've been feeling very fatigued from this treatment. It's become very difficult to even move my legs and walk like normal. I don't feel well at all. It's been very hard to stay positive in the face of all this. I feel like I'm letting people down sometimes, but I'm so tired all the time, that I can't help it.
I just wanted to update everyone and let people know that I'm still fighting, even if I can't post every day. I'll do the best I can to bring you updates as my hands allow me to type.
Overall, I've been feeling very fatigued from this treatment. It's become very difficult to even move my legs and walk like normal. I don't feel well at all. It's been very hard to stay positive in the face of all this. I feel like I'm letting people down sometimes, but I'm so tired all the time, that I can't help it.
I just wanted to update everyone and let people know that I'm still fighting, even if I can't post every day. I'll do the best I can to bring you updates as my hands allow me to type.
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