We are so very thankful for time to enjoy the Christmas season. When we began this adventure it looked like our Christmas season would be enjoyed at Emory Hospital but we were fortunate enough to be at home and Franklin as drug free as possible. Since Thanksgiving, we have been blessed with wonderful visits from most of our immediate family and have enjoyed quality time together. We would like to sincerely wish all of you, that we have not been lucky enough to see, a wonderful Christmas and a prosperous new year. Please continue to hold Franklin in your prayers for a healthy 2007.
Now for an update on the game plan as of last visit to Emory on Dec. 19, 2006.
Doctor Lonial has asked Franklin to participate in a research study that has been successful in France and Italy but has not been tried in the U.S.. It will be the same protocol but will be adding randomized Velcade to the mix. Franklin agreed to participate. Lonial assured him that it would not hurt and could help with remission success. He of course could not promise that he would not experience some side effects from the addition. Franklin has taken Velcade previously with little adverse side effects, so we are banking on this for good results. This study has several downsides - he will have to have two additional bone marrow biopsies to check for success of the study but Franklin made sure that they would be conducted with Emory's no pain policy.
Jan. 2 - Infusion of Kepivance (Drug to reduce mouth sore side effects)- out patient
Jan. 3 - same as Jan. 2
Jan. 4 - Labs, B.M. biopsy, Kepivance and possible Velcade
Jan. 5 - Admit to Emory, Infusion of Melphalan(high dose chemo- burns out bone marrow to ready body for transplant)
Jan. 6 - Infusion of Melphalan
Jan. 7 - Rest day and possible Velcade
Jan. 8 - B.M. biopsy, Kepivance, Transplant
Jan. 9 - Kepivance
Jan. 10 - Kepivance
Time in the hospital after transplant could be 2 to 3 weeks.Criteria for discharge - walking 1 mile daily, no fever, white counts up and eating.
There may be minor changes to the beginning process but dates of chemo and transplant are set. Lonial wants to discuss with team of doctors about use of Kepivance due to Franklin's amyloidosis. This drug creates large amount of activity in mucous membranes of the mouth and he is concerned how it may affect tongue swelling.
We have decided to reserve a suite at Holiday Inn Express which is only about 5 minutes from Emory. Sorry no wild parties just yet, we will hold off until the adventure draws to a close.
Our plans right now are to go up on the 2nd of Jan. ready to stay. This will allow us to have a base camp during Franklin's hospital stay and after when he will need to be close to Emory for observation. The length of time all depends on how well things progress. Franklin is such a fighter that we are assured of complete remission and fast recovery.
Lately, he has been dealing with tremendous muscle weakness but continues to dedicate himself to walking a mile a day, lifting his weights and squats using the exercise ball. We again hope you will communicate through the comments section on our blog. Thanks for the comments so far.
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4 comments:
Dear Aimee and Franklin,
Merry Christmas and a very Happy New Year to both of you. It is nice to see the plan in writing and to be able to refer to it when I am wondering what is happening each day. I know that you are in good hands at Emory and that you have trust in your team. We will be praying for you and asking other to keep you in their prayers. You know that Steve and I and many of our friends believe in the power of prayer and God's will in our lives. We love you both.
Love, Dell and Steve
So nice to be able to get an update on your condition and itinerary here and be able to direct others to this site for correct and up to date info.
Mother, Daddy and David often ask about you and send their best wishes and prayers for you.
Aren't sure if you have Mr. Chicken in your possession yet but know he is there in spirit for you.You know he was Liz's partner and companion during her battle and I think she wanted to offer insipation to you!
I know that you have had and will have more tough days ahead of you but I pray God be with you and for the remission to follow.
You and Aimee are in my thoughts and prayers.
Ann Rose
Seasons Greetings from the Golden Isles! Mary George and I send you the best Christmas thoughts! I spent Christmas Eve and Christmas Day in Fitz. This is a wonderful Christmas for her.
We have twins in the Glenn family, Wilkie and Diane Glenn's first grandkids, Murphey Glenn and Rhodes Matthew McCranie. Mary George is tickled over the Glenn part.
Thanks for all the good specifics in your blog. You send your friends out armed with facts! I like that.
Here's a hug for both you and Aimee.
Love,
Mary Freeman
Hey Aimee and Franklin. It was wonderful to see you guys on our visit to Georgia. We attended the Christmas Eve Children's Service at our local Methodist Church. On our prayer card we asked for blessings for Mike's brother and sister, you two, our friend Bob Kelly, and, of course, Dell.
We'll continue to keep you current on Addison and Lily via video.
Love, Teresa, Mike, Addison & Lily
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