Clemson is Making Their Way to OMAHA!!

As many of you know that have followed along with my progress the past year, after my diagnosis I developed a friendship with Clemson University baseball coach, Jack Leggett. I went to Ohio State with Coach's daughter, Colby, and she thought that he would be able to lend me some words of encouragement as I went through my treatments. Our relationship developed into that and so much more. Immediately we hit it off like we had been friends for years. Coach would call me a few times a week and even after I left the hospital, we continued to talk and he kept up to date on my progress. Needless to say, we became huge Clemson fans, even though we were hundreds of miles away.

As bad of shape as I was in, I knew that I was going to get better so I could go down to South Carolina and meet Coach in person, and watch some baseball. We finally were able to make that trip after I recovered from my January stem cell transplant for a series against North Carolina. Coach really had the red carpet out for us. He took us around the campus and showed us everything and gave us some history on the school. For the game Friday night, he allowed me to come down on the field while the team took batting practice and even asked me to throw out the first pitch. I was so nervous, and right before I went out to the mound, Coach gave me my own Clemson jersey with "Hare" on the back. It was such an incredible experience. I even got to throw my pitch out to Coach. As I walked off the field the whole team lined up to shake my hand and Coach presented me with a batting helmet that the whole team had signed. The players were so friendly to us, and it was neat getting to meet them, as Coach had been keeping them up to date on my progress as well.

We continued to keep track of the team's progress and as the NCAA approached and the team was coming off the ACC Atlantic Championship, my hopes were high that they would make it out to Omaha for the College World Series. My dad and I had planned a trip out there after I got sick to see the last CWS in historic Rosenblatt Stadium. We had always wanted to go, and after getting sick, there was no way we were going to continue to put things off.

The Tigers made it through the Auburn regional, beating 3 other teams and wound up hosting their Super Regional. They would play Alabama in a 3 game series at Clemson, with the winner heading to the College World Series. The Tigers lost the crucial first game, and I had to admit I was worried. They came out the next night and absolutely pounded the Crimson Tide, winning 19-5. There would be a decisive game 3 and the stakes were huge. Clemson came out and grabbed an early lead, and went into the 9th up 8-1. So, game over right? Not so fast. Alabama had some timely hits and Tiger pitchers had a tough time getting the ball over the plate and all of a sudden the game was 8-6 with 2 outs in the 9th inning. The tying run was on 2nd base and the winning run was at the plate. Finally, Clemson was able to close it out and the celebration started! The Tigers had come back and would be going to Omaha! I would be able to see Coach Leggett and the team again, and I was beyond thrilled for them.

Coach had texted my dad and said, "Tell Matt it was fate." He promised me that he would get to Omaha to see me and he delivered. My dad and I will be leaving in the next few days and we will be wearing our Tiger gear in Nebraska.

Go TIGERS!!

New Year, New Reflection

I have to say, I wasn't upset to see 2009 go. Our family had a rough year, though it wasn't all bad. My sister delivered my niece Samantha on May 6th, 7 weeks early. She had a rough go out it in the hospital that resulted in many tough days and nights for our family. I look back now and almost laugh, as she is quite rambunctious now-a-days. As a matter of fact we are babysitting her here now and she is throwing quite a fit (not unlike my sister's), though I don't think I'd trade it for the world. As if this wasn't enough time for our family to spend in the hospital a mere 2 months later I began my 7 week stay at the Cleveland Clinic. But, I don't want to spend this time reflecting and throwing a pity party for myself. We've had some good news the last week of 2009, with my transplant set to begin here in just 2 weeks and the latest testing showing no Multiple Myeloma in my body.

Though it's unfortunate, this entire situation has given me a new outlook and opinion on life. I had a tendency before to take things too seriously and I was a serious worrier. When I got sick and learned the prognosis I was facing, I began to think of just how precious life is. I don't want to ever feel as though I take any moment or person for granted ever again. I know how easily it can be done in the everyday hustle and bustle of life, but it's definitely a goal (or New Years resolution, when in Rome I guess). While I currently don't have Myeloma showing up in my body, I understand that this cancer always comes back. Some people get months free of the disease, others years. I certainly hope that I am in the latter group, but I understand each possibility. Everything is one day at a time. In the end, what else do we really have? I can remember before I was sick having plans for my life and how I thought it'd go. It always ended with my on a porch swing as an old man with my wife and white picket fence. I still believe with a little luck, that's how it will end. But, I know we don't all get that fairy tale ending. But we can all hope.

To get everyone up to speed on the medical stuff now, I received a great email on Wednesday from Doctor Benson. First and most importantly, my Bone Marrow Biopsy confirmed what Dr. Benson was thinking, there was no Myeloma present in my body. This is especially promising considering that my first biopsy (done in August) showed 70% Myeloma in my bone marrow. Thinking of that as a reality really scared me, but for now that number is a big fat zero. As the Doc said, I put the "smack down" on Myeloma. There was still some amyloid in my bone marrow, but this can take time to absorb into my body and there is a chance it won't respond, or at least as well as the cancer has so far. There was one concern, as my breathing test showed some abnormalities. Benson thought this may be due to some amyloid in my lungs, but wanted a CAT scan to be safe. I received an email that everything came back "normal" (no masses or tumors) and that it was indeed likely due to amyloid. While the amyloid is concerning because of it's effects on my organs, I am keeping a positive mindset and ready to kick butt in the transplant phase.

As of now, the schedule is set for everything. From the 7th-11th, I will be having Neupogen injections, which will stimulate the growth of bone marrow. Then on the 11th I will begin the harvesting phase. This will likely take 2 days, though I am going to try and be an overachiever and knock it out in one. Depending on when I am done harvesting, I will be admitted on either the 18th or 19th to begin my stay at The James. This will most likely be at least a couple of weeks. While I'm not looking forward to being at the hospital again, I'm ready for this next phase.

Thank you so much for all of the support these past couple of months, I truly believe that the thoughts and prayers have gotten me through this. God bless.

Clear Eyes ~ Full Hearts ~ CAN'T Lose

And I'm Halfway Through the Testing.

Well, Day Two is in the books. The first thing that we did was visit the Apheresis department. They wanted me to take a questionnaire to see that I was mentally and physically prepared to go through the transplant. It looks like I'm not looney tunes and I'm not pregnant, whew. I was worried about that one. Everything came back fine and I actually was able to speak with a Doctor from Hopkins Hospital from Arkansas, which is the "gold standard" for Multiple Myeloma. He spoke very highly of Doctor Benson, as does everyone else I've spoken to affiliated with The James. Next, a few nurses took a look at the veins in my arms to see if they could withstand 5 hours of harvesting my stem cells. Fortunately, I have 5 veins between my 2 arms that are "Great" so that means no early placement of the port. And that means (hopefully) lower risk of infection.

After that I was supposed to have my Bone Marrow Biopsy, which all I wanted was to get it over with. Of course, the Nurse Practitioner had some things come up and could not come up. It was alright, it just gave a chance for my anxiety to spike a little bit more. No big deal. We then met with the Transplant Co-ordinator and some others that just gave us a run down and also some information about support groups, etc. I'd be lying if I said I was completely listening, in anticipation of the BMB.

Finally, the nurse came in to perform the biopsy. All I could think of was the miserable experience of the one in Cleveland. There were a few differences in this situation. They had me lie flat on my stomach opposed to my side. And a nurse performed this one, instead of a doctor. Finally, this one was done outpatient, opposed to me being in ICU. While it was still terribly painful, the nurse was great in talking me through what was going on and letting me know when particular pain would be coming. I'm definitely thankful this is over and hopefully will not need another one for a very long time.

To end the day, we met with Dr. Benson. The meeting was relatively quick, as we have already spoke about a lot of what is going on/will be happening. He did mention that he believes I'm already in a remission or as close as I can get, through my Velcade treatments. He also informed us that I was in better shape and my numbers were continually improving than he even expected or had hoped for. He continued to say that my kidneys were "Miracle Kidneys," after my creatinine being over 7 in Cleveland and now being 1.4. He also began telling me that he has never put patients on maintenance drugs once they were in remission, because there were no studies that showed if it was worthwhile and some of the side effects just weren't worth it. However, a new study shows that a particular drug will help keep patients in remission longer and hopefully a longer life expectancy. He said we don't have to make a decision today, but it is a conversation we should have. All I could think of was, "Absolutely!!"

Whatever I need to do, yes yes yes.

Today is the final day of pre-transplant testing. Looking forward to having this over with and enjoying Christmas.

Clear Eyes ~ Full Hearts ~ CAN'T Lose

Well, Day One is Down.

Yesterday I had my first day of pre-transplant activity. Before we had to meet with the Financial Officer I ran up to James 2, which is where I did my chemotherapy. Some of the cookies, from the very successful cookie fundraiser, were donated to the wonderful staff. They were very appreciative of the "Thank You," plus it was nice to see them. They've become such a large part of my life, it's been a little odd not seeing them a couple times of week. Though, I'm not complaining about no longer having chemo.

From there, we met with the Financial Officer. Personally (and speaking for my parents) I wasn't really looking forward to this meeting, though it was not what we thought it would be. The woman we met with was very helpful and just wanted us to know what was out there for assistance and that my cancer would put me on the fast track for some of the things. She went as far as telling as eating options in the area, which I know exactly what I like as campus is my old stomping grounds! One "funny" thing we found out during this meeting is that many believe that the transplant is an "Elective" procedure. I beg to differ, but I understand the bureaucratic stuff. All in all the meeting went well and was not as stressful as I anticipated.

As this meeting ended, we went to James 11, which is the Outpatient Transplant floor. Once I am released from the hospital, this is where some of my appointments will take place. I was taken back to give blood, 17 vials, or so I thought. After giving blood I went back to the lobby with my parents only to feel a tap on my shoulder and the disappointing look on the face of the nurse. He had forgot to take one vial of blood, so I had to go be stuck one more time. Though I wasn't thrilled, really not a big deal. After waiting a little bit longer, the nurse came and got us to have an EKG done of my heart. Nothing like hearing, "Well it says normal." Now that's something I took for granted in the past. Without much break, it was then off to a chest x-ray, which took a total of about a minute and a half.

We then met with a nurse for an educational meeting about everything I could possibly want to know about the transplant. She gave me all the juicy details about the chemo I will receive in the hospital which by all accounts is some pretty serious stuff. I'm sure it'll stink, but I have to keep my eyes on the prize, getting out of there God willing in a remission. I'm at point right now where I just want remission, I understand this cancer comes back, but anytime without it, I will truly live my life to the fullest. I'm excited for this next step and ready to kick this thing's butt!

Clear Eyes ~ Full Hearts ~ CAN'T Lose

Beginning of the Pre-Transplant Procedures

Today I received a call from Becky Whitaker, one of the Bone Marrow Transplant coordinators. Like much of the past couple of months, this brought on a mix of emotions. I was excited that we were beginning to take the next steps into a *hopeful* remission. There was also some definite anxiety about the unknown. Many things come into my mind when I think about what the next few months will hold for my family and I. Going back into the hospital is obviously very worrisome to me. This isn't because I don't have confidence in the doctors and staff, there are just so many other factors that can effect the length of my stay, as I well know.

Tomorrow I have an appointment at a OSU branch in Dublin to have an ultrasound done of my liver. This was ordered a few weeks back when we met with the specialist. I don't believe that there's anything in particular they are concerned with at this point, but he would like to get a baseline for what kind of shape it is in right now.

The next few weeks will be busy, even with having a break from chemotherapy. I am still seeing Wendy, my physical therapist. Things are going very well, and I'm continuing to go so I can maintain the strength I have and hopefully put on a bit more weight before entering the hospital. I know that I will lose weight while the in the hospital again, so I need to try and get as close to my typical weight as possible. I'm still about 10-15 pounds away, so I'll be hitting the Christmas cookies and meals pretty hard this year!

Taking up even more time will be all-day testing on December 18, 22, and 23. It's sort of a bummer that it is so close to Christmas, though I'm trying to maintain the thought process that it will all be over and I can enjoy Christmas before stem cell harvesting begins. These appointments will include scans, MRI's, X-Rays, meet with the Chaplain, among many others. Not to forget the dreaded bone marrow biopsy, which I've been told will be on the 22nd. Absolutely not looking forward to that. Becky let me know that they hope to not have to place my port until stem cell harvesting, which would most likely be after the New Year. As long as my veins can withstand the testing, this shouldn't be a problem.

As you can see, it will be a busy couple of months. I'm trying to keep my focus on a beautiful Spring that involves baseball and hopefully a full remission.

Clear Eyes ~ Full Hearts ~ CAN'T Lose