"You're Gonna Lose That Girl"

Peripheral blood with Marrow

The Beatles were on a roll, they had conquered the USA and started the British invasion. 1965 came around and management wanted a follow up movie after the success of A Hard Day's Night.  Help! was conceived as a send up somewhere between the Marx Brothers and James Bond films. The original songs and soundtrack were produced differently for the U.K. and American markets in 1965, eventually the re-mastered CD was released in the USA with all of the songs from the UK version. This little ditty is John's song about a losing a love if you don't treat your girl right.  Sincerity aside, there is a good back and forth between John and George/Paul harmonizing that make me think of early Beatles songs before the artistic changes coming soon with Rubber Soul.

Since my last post, we've had mostly good
news. My PET scan was normal, so was my

bone marrow biopsy. I seem to have good marrow and stem cell activity from my female donor, after a relapse. I might lose this girl in the future, but we are struggling with the why's and how's. We wondered if more chemo is wise or necessary as it comes with a black box warning due to the potential of bad side effects. We also started a search for a bone/stem cell donor in case a 2nd transplant is the best course of action. After doing as much research as possible, I decided to go with at least one, probably two more rounds of chemo, starting round three of Nelarabine Monday the 21st. Doctors from the Hutch and my personal Dr.are still conferring about what will occur after March 2011, I hope to have some consults soon with the "experts." In the meantime I will continue the every three week chemo regimen which tends to keep me tired for two weeks and good for two weeks. I am happy at home still exercising every day with more walking and continued stationary bike. Yvonne followed me as I tried the stairs (12 floors) at St. Joseph's this last week and made it without a sweat- the big climb is only 57 more floors!  Love, Greg

"Love will find you"

Sedona Az May 2007

It's almost Valentines day, this early warning for those who still need to prepare, buy some chocolates, or ??? is provided from an experienced Valentines dummy with time on his hands. It shouldn't take a quasi-holiday to remind us that there are loved ones and people close to us that like to receive red devils or underwear as gifts.  Love the one you're with!  Also, for those experiencing some Winter doldrums- here's a photo of sunny Sedona Arizona. Today's musical guest is Findlay Brown, kind of a new singer-songwriter from England. My favorite song of his is called "Everybody needs love" I couldn't get a good video of it...
My Valentine took me to what was supposed to be a quick doctor appt. yesterday, it just wasn't our day in terms of process as we started at 930 and got home at 230. But it was a great day in terms of lab tests, and hope for the future. My blood numbers are continuing to improve, so is my fitness level.  I had a PET scan last Friday; PET scans look at organs and tumors inside a person after an infusion of sugar water and an isotope. The scan reads how the sugar water is attracted by things to see what is growing or attracting the sugar.  Dr. Senecal was very happy to report that my results showed my tumors are not active and all of my other important processes are running in tune.  Dr. S was unsure what all of this meant, but it was good news- he suspected it would take a lot longer to get to this phase. We are both waiting to hear from the Fred Hutch folks about next steps.  I had a feeling that the two rounds of Nelarabine had put me very close to or in remission. I didn't quite get that word out of Dr. S though.   So, more waiting for a bit.  I am still scheduled for a chemo round starting Presidents day. Happy Valentines day little early, we will be on the road for a little R and R this weekend.  Love, Greg

"Hey Bulldog"

The Beatles as we came to know them became a group in 1960. In 1962 they finally became whole when Ringo joined and Pete Best exited the group. The Beatles recorded songs as a group from 1962 until 1969. During those seven short years they went through many phases of group dynamics. Towards the end of their recording life, the group had gone from collective songs towards individual efforts where a second or third Beatle wasn't even a necessity. In 1968 the boys actually played together for what many said was the last time on "Hey Bulldog." While a John Lennon song, Paul contributed as did the rhythm section in the studio. The attached clip was actually made to promote the Lady Madonna single, but shows the Abbey Road vibe of the time and a good time in the studio. The song is basically meaningless, and a bit of a rocker.
Speaking of dogs, our puppy had an issue where her hair was not growing back from the August surgery. Yvonne got a blood test done the other day and Sadie is low on platelets at about 100, normal is 160 and above.  I happen to be low on platelets too...  So we are left wondering about other potential issues for now. We will check her again in a few weeks, her liver enzymes were elevated and her cholesterol was great.

During our January snow event

I am getting over most of my recent chemo weeks' side effects, still a little unbalanced and woozy.   I had a PET scan on Friday and hopefully the results will come in Monday or Tuesday. PET scans look at tumor growth and lymph nodes... I hope everyone has a good Superbowl Sunday, I like both teams but think the Steel curtain is too tough for the Pack.

I am living Happy, I hope you are too- Greg