I have been diagnosed with Stage 3 Multiple myeloma

[Ninja Performance]

I have been diagnosed with Stage 3 Multiple myeloma - cancer of the plasma cells in bone marrow. 80% of my bone marrow is cancer. I will be starting chemo next week followed by a stem cell bone marrow transplant. I would have went for a checkup earlier but wouldn't ya know it, I don't have health insurance so I waited till late in the game. Dumbass.

The drugs for chemo are $8,000 per month but we may qualify for help with the meds, and The stem cell bone marrow transplant will be around $200,000. It's time to sell some things.

-Chris

Edit for more detail:

6 months ago Vicki and I both noticed I was getting fatigued a lot. I was working a full time job and rehabbing the new house, but I was really drained.

3-4 months ago fatigue was still an issue but now I was getting wore out doing much less. While I built the new garage I was bruising very easily and they would be deep and hard. Unlike me, I am hard to bruise.

2-3 months ago I started having pains in my rib cage to around my back. Couldn't take deep breaths in because it was so painful. Figured I pulled muscles.

3 weeks ago the bleeding started. Flossed and a tooth/gum bled for 3 days. Then my sinus started bleeding out my nose and down my throat. This went on for 6 days and nights pretty heavy. Not having insurance I dealt with it.

2 weeks ago, Still having "pulled muscle" feelings in ribs and back, I woke up with a very hurt shoulder. For no good reason. We went to the ER.
They did a blood workup and my blood count was at 7.5 (should be 14) and I was very anemic.

They admitted me and the next morning gave me 2 units of blood. They also did the bone and bone marrow biopsy. That hurt and still does.
My blood was monitored by drawing blood every morning at 4am. It had come up to 8.4 then 9.2 but then dropped back to 8.5. I then got another unit of blood and the next day I was up to 9.4, my HTC (the percentage of blood volume that is occupied by red blood cells) was only 27 and normal is 42 but they let me go home.
The next day the marrow biopsy was back. 80% of the marrow was cancer. Stage 3 Multiple myeloma confirmed.

Multiple myeloma is a very rare cancer and normal age for getting it is 70-80. There is very little known about why people get it. The only theory so far is people that work in the petroleum industry.

We will be doing a PH diet (raw foods mostly vegs and fruits etc) as there are many that have beat this and other cancers with this alone and we know 2 people personally that have used diet only and won, and we will be doing the IV and pill Chemo that my Hematologist/Oncologist has setup for us. The drugs he is using are newer with very few side effects. No hair fall out, no upset stomach. Then Bone marrow stem cell transplant if we can come up with the $100,000-$200,000

My body had been telling me something was wrong. I ignored it like a dumb ass male. But can't dwell on that now. It's time to kick cancer's ass and live life.

Thanks for all your support, it means a lot!

[beepbeep]

Muah!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[stealthee]

Wow. :( Good luck Chris. Prayers will be said.

[2fnloud]

WOW! so sorry to read this, Prayers from my way as well.

[mb7050]

Damn:(, I hope you the best of luck

[Jimvr4]

:( :( Best of luck Chris. You do hear a lot more success stories these days so keep positive!

[EZnTn]

Positive vibes your way Chris
Best of luck in overcoming this.

[Bob]

Really sorry to hear this, Chris. You've always been a winner, and I'm sure you'll beat this. Hang in there, and good luck.

[UTRacerX9]

Sorry to hear Chris. I don't think I have to tell you that you've got a rough time ahead, and I know this will sound trite, but stay positive. Before you begin treatment, remember how you feel NOW, and how good your life is. During treatment, there may be times where you think it isn't worth it to keep fighting, but if you can remember how you feel now, it may give you encouragement. Good luck man. :(

[STiedVR4Guy]

Wow that is some heavy news. My best wishes for you. :(

[Zaroth]

Good luck Chris. You have the whole community here sending you nothing but good wishes.

[FeaRpb]

Good luck Chris, you can do this. If my 60+ grandma can beat caner, you will have no problem. Keep your head up and eyes to the future. We are all rooting for you.

[oohnoo]

Our prayers are with you. Stay strong and focused. God bless

[j2k4]

Don't know what to say right now - all thoughts and prayers are with you guys.

Keep us posted, please?

[MADMarc]

When do you think you will be requiring new marrow? That is some intense news....sorry to hear it :( keep your chin up even when its seems everything is going wrong for you.

[Roybatty]

Best wishes...I believe a lot of us have been touched in one way or another from the big C and can empathize. But usually its someone older or much younger. Can we send paypal "gifts" toward treatment? Will need ur email.

connected via tapatalk

[onebadmollafolla]

Sorry to hear that. You'll be in my thoughts.

[Beef6]

Hate to see this happen to anyone, good luck. I hope the best for you and wish you a quick and full recovery.

[mb3000]

My heart goes out to you & your family Chris. If there is ANYTHING I can help you out with, just let me know. Myrtle Beach isn't that far away.

[stealthify]

I can't believe what I'm reading. You're a champion, Chris - you got this. Stay strong.

I'm here for you if you need anything, please keep us updated.

[DocWalt]

Sorry to hear about this Chris. Best wishes!

[BigTyla]

Very sorry to hear. You'll be in my thoughts as you pull through this!

[green-lantern]

I'm so bummed out to hear this Chris. :(

I'm praying for you guys and I'll help anyway I can.

[Permanent grin]

Chris

I'm so sorry to hear that chap, we'll be thinking of you over this side of the pond too.

André

[ntcmpjg]

Man chris that sucks if there is anything I can do to help you and Vicki out let me know. Best of luck jeff


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- Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[nodoze]

you can beat it man, it will be rough , but you will pull through, i did not have mylenoma but i has lymphoma two years ago and came through! hang in their man

[a2j]

could this be possibly done over seas for less money?
how do you get "cancer of the plasma cells in bone marrow"? should everybody get that checked? or is there a special condition?

[IPD]

chris, i will be praying for you.

[AgentOblivious]

chris, i will be praying for you.

I thought you were anti-religion?

Anyways, back on topic.

That really sucks for you, I really hope you can beat it. Its really too bad DCA hasn't been put through full trials yet...

[beepbeep]

Thanks everyone. It means a lot to us both to see the support. What a scary fucking time. Luckily, we're ready to do what we have to do.

[Mikes2nd]

i was hoping someone hacked your account and this was going to be a fake post but wow... Good luck and kick that diseases ass.

[GTOJOE]

I'm sorry to hear that dude. My thoughts will be with you. Now everyone needs to start buying their parts from NP to help pay for your medical bills.

Get spending ppl

Ninja Performance - Affordable Performance Auto Parts (http://www.ninjaperformance.com)

[Ninja Performance]

More details:
6 months ago Vicki and I both noticed I was getting fatigued a lot. I was working a full time job and rehabbing the new house, but I was really drained.

3-4 months ago fatigue was still an issue but now I was getting wore out doing much less. While I built the new garage I was bruising very easily and they would be deep and hard. Unlike me, I am hard to bruise.

2-3 months ago I started having pains in my rib cage to around my back. Couldn't take deep breaths in because it was so painful. Figured I pulled muscles.

3 weeks ago the bleeding started. Flossed and a tooth/gum bled for 3 days. Then my sinus started bleeding out my nose and down my throat. This went on for 6 days and nights pretty heavy. Not having insurance I dealt with it.

2 weeks ago, Still having "pulled muscle" feelings in ribs and back, I woke up with a very hurt shoulder. For no good reason. We went to the ER.
They did a blood workup and my blood count was at 7.5 (should be 14) and I was very anemic.

They admitted me and the next morning gave me 2 units of blood. They also did the bone and bone marrow biopsy. That hurt and still does.
My blood was monitored by drawing blood every morning at 4am. It had come up to 8.4 then 9.2 but then dropped back to 8.5. I then got another unit of blood and the next day I was up to 9.4, my HTC (the percentage of blood volume that is occupied by red blood cells) was only 27 and normal is 42 but they let me go home.
The next day the marrow biopsy was back. 80% of the marrow was cancer. Stage 3 Multiple myeloma confirmed.

Multiple myeloma is a very rare cancer and normal age for getting it is 70-80. There is very little known about why people get it. The only theory so far is people that work in the petroleum industry.

We will be doing a PH diet (raw foods mostly vegs and fruits etc) as there are many that have beat this and other cancers with this alone and we know 2 people personally that have used diet only and won, and we will be doing the IV and pill Chemo that my Hematologist/Oncologist has setup for us. The drugs he is using are newer with very few side effects. No hair fall out, no upset stomach. Then Bone marrow stem cell transplant if we can come up with the $100,000-$200,000

My body had been telling me something was wrong. I ignored it like a dumb ass male. But can't dwell on that now. It's time to kick cancer's ass and live life.

Thanks for all your support, it means a lot!

[YoshiBishi]

Better yet, set up a donation section! We spend so much god damn money on our cars, maybe we should invest in a friend.

[Lori]

Chris, I know three people who have received the same diagnosis you have. Two of the three are males (most common), all three are over the age of 50 (most common), and one is over the age of 70. It's a tough one.... No doubt about it. I'm glad to hear of the new drugs, though, as that always seems to be the worst for people. Coupling the stress of beating cancer with the stress of not having insurance... I can't imagine. I can only hope that people will step up and help out however they can. Could you maybe set up a paypal address for donations to be sent to? Alan and I would be happy to do it, except that we'd get taxed on it because of the businesses and the way our paypal account and bank accounts are set up. We'd rather you be able to get every penny that comes in to you. Please consult someone before using your business paypal account for that purpose, too.

Here's the good news. While it was a rough road, all three are doing very well. The one who is over 70 is having a tough time because of other pre-existing problems he had prior to this diagnosis. The other two, both much younger and in excellent health, have beat it. One is still going through treatments but has been diagnosed as "in remission." You, too, can do this. I have no doubt. Just remember that in the grand scheme of life, even if this takes a year, it's truly just a blip on the radar. I'm sure it won't feel that way, but keep that attitude and you'll do fine. Let us know if there's anything we can do, and please keep us all posted. I'll be praying for you.

[mb3000]

One of the few times I will link to 3si.

3000GT/Stealth International Message Center (http://www.3si.org/forum/f174/collection-chris-ipo-523608/)

[ChargerX3]

Damn, Chris. Hang in there bud. Cancer is beatable!

[bluzvr4]

best of luck bud ill be praying for u

[terrets]

I just want to wish you the best of luck. Make sure you take care of yourself during chemo, I just had to watch my grandma go through it and hers isnt close to as bad as yours.

Stay strong and good luck.

[CoopKill]

Man, so sorry to hear. My best thoughts and wishes are reserved for you. Kick some ass, and take no names...

[TAZmaniac]

Oh man .....

I am SO sorry Chris. ....
Really don`t know what else to say ... except that my thoughts are with you and your family as well.

As a Pharmacist I can at least say from a professional point of view that both the research, knowledge and treatments are getting better by the day so hang in there buddy ...

Really really sad to hear that ...

TAZ

[CoreyB]

Sorry to hear about this Chris, get better buddy.

[Frostedbutts]

I've had two bone marrow transplants - I really really hope you have brothers or sisters that are a match to your marrow. Good luck.

[Ninja Performance]

I've had two bone marrow transplants - I really really hope you have brothers or sisters that are a match to your marrow. Good luck.

They want to do an Autologous bone marrow transplant. This uses my own stem cells, then they get put back in.

-Chris

[91stealthrt2]

Wow, so intense. I wish you well Chris!! Kick cancers ass.

[mcshooter]

criss a friend of mine had the same treatment and is doing great so it can be beat.. good luck

[green-lantern]

Please don't hesitate to ask for anything you guys need.

[Ninja Performance]

Sadly, while the chemo drugs may be covered, the $100,000-$200,000 marrow transplant is not. I could sell everything I have and still be way short. We are looking at every option, cancer center, aid etc. Not going to just lay down. Even without the transplant, all the medical bills are crushing. Like we don't have enough to worry about. We are thinking positive and not letting it bum us out.

Right now both rib cages HURT, my back hurts, by hip/butt hurts from the bone and marrow biopsy, and I am very worn out. But still thinking positive! Probably going to be worse before better. Here we go...BRING IT!

-Chris

[green-lantern]

Here we go...BRING IT!

-Chris

Good attitude my friend

I have an idea, sell some parts for the cause. I'm sure people have parts they aren't using right now and they could live without. I pledge a greddy electronic boost controller. All money goes to the Chris Hill fund.

[EZnTn]

Chris, you've the power of positive, healing thoughts to empower both you and Vicki though this uncharted time in your lives.
Medical technology surpasses expectations more all the time.
I've experienced what the two of you are facing now, y'all will prevail through the doubt and uncertainty, and continue to move forward.
Best of luck in the coming days, weeks and months.

[anyonebutme]

Wow, that sucks Chris. Just heard about it last night. Best of luck fighting, and beating, cancer!

[EvanH]

Good luck Chris. Id be willing to Donate if need be.

[OhioSpyderman]

Not sure how I missed this, but like the THOUSANDS of lives you've touched I am praying and hoping for the best.

You and Vicki are in my thoughts....

Bob.

[ntcmpjg]

You guys help me out when I was deployed so if you guys need anything let me know you live 2 hours from me.


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- Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[HilbillyHomeboy]

Wow, hate to hear this. Give 'er hell Chris! :)

Jeremy

[CoreyB]

If there is a fund started somewhere I would gladly donate.

[AdamVR4]

That's just awful Chris. Thanks for letting us know the symptoms leading up to the diagnosis... That information will undoubtedly make the fight just a little easier for someone else. Absolutely pulling for you.

[Ninja Performance]

That's just awful Chris. Thanks for letting us know the symptoms leading up to the diagnosis... That information will undoubtedly make the fight just a little easier for someone else. Absolutely pulling for you.

Run some kick ass ETs for me. I would enjoy that.

-Chris

[Permanent grin]

Chris

I posted this on GTOOC and GTOUK. A number of people have been asking if there is some kind of fund set up that they can contribute towards. If there is, let me have the details and I will gladly post them up over here for you.

André

[Macky]

good luck man!

[vr4chick]

Chris,

Sorry to hear. Take care of yourself. Godspeed. You're a fighter and I have no doubt that this will be just another hurdle.

[FeaRpb]

As many have said, please post up a donation page.

[ntcmpjg]

I talked to vicki today they are working on something today for donations.


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- Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[green-lantern]

I talked to vicki today they are working on something today for donations.


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- Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

http://www.3sgto.org/f2/paypal-address-chris-ipo-5980.html#post112719

[Alex3000gt]

Chris.. I do not even know where to begin.

You seem so calm and collected. Stay strong Chris.

[StealthyStu]

Positive thinking is a powerful tool! Stay strong. There are lots of people on this board rooting for you :)

[n2nsanity]

Wow, so sorry to hear this. Good luck man, I'm sure you will beat this.
I can totally relate to putting it off. It takes an ambulance for me to get to the doctor.

[1stStealthN/A]

Best wishes on a complete recovery Chris. You can beat this.

[stealthII]

You can totally beat this thing man. I know you might have some tough times ahead, but know that your friends and loved ones will be there for you. I'll be donating some $ to your cause on Friday. I'll be praying for you and a quick recovery!

Richie

[TonyM]

Wow, unreal. Stay strong and positive Chris. My dad beat cancer 6 years ago, you can too.

[Erron Spalsbury]

I'll be praying for you man, I know you can beat this.

I'd love to hear more about the PH diet at some point, sounds really cool.

[hal]

There is a thread in the Chatter section of the "Old Place" with Vicki's paypal addy, and a number of us have donated through that. She said that the donations so far allowed them to buy pain meds for Chris today, so it's already making a difference. I'd encourage everyone to go back to that site and check it out and donate what you can.

Also, as I said over there, maybe we can all try to get onto the marrow donor registry in Chris' honor. I've been on the registry for 20 years, have been called as a potential donor a couple times for secondary testing, but haven't ever been a match. Everyone's special to some group, so who knows who you might get a chance to save. A few days of pain in your ass after donating marrow would be an easy trade to keep someone alive if you're their only match.

edit: Here's a link to the Marrow Donor registry and their "join" page. Enter your zipcode, and find a listing of places you can go and get tested for free.

http://www.marrow.org/JOIN/index.html?src=tabjoin

[HilbillyHomeboy]

There is a thread in the Chatter section of the "Old Place" with Vicki's paypal addy, and a number of us have donated through that. She said that the donations so far allowed them to buy pain meds for Chris today, so it's already making a difference. I'd encourage everyone to go back to that site and check it out and donate what you can.

Also, as I said over there, maybe we can all try to get onto the marrow donor registry in Chris' honor. I've been on the registry for 20 years, have been called as a potential donor a couple times for secondary testing, but haven't ever been a match. Everyone's special to some group, so who knows who you might get a chance to save. A few days of pain in your ass after donating marrow would be an easy trade to keep someone alive if you're their only match.

edit: Here's a link to the Marrow Donor registry and their "join" page. Enter your zipcode, and find a listing of places you can go and get tested for free.

Join the Registry - Be The Match Bone Marrow Registry (http://www.marrow.org/JOIN/index.html?src=tabjoin)

There's a thread here for donations, and there is a bar at the top of the forum (every page) that links directly also.

http://www.3sgto.org/f2/paypal-address-chris-ipo-5980.html

[green-lantern]

There is a thread in the Chatter section of the "Old Place" with Vicki's paypal addy, and a number of us have donated through that. She said that the donations so far allowed them to buy pain meds for Chris today, so it's already making a difference. I'd encourage everyone to go back to that site and check it out and donate what you can.

Also, as I said over there, maybe we can all try to get onto the marrow donor registry in Chris' honor. I've been on the registry for 20 years, have been called as a potential donor a couple times for secondary testing, but haven't ever been a match. Everyone's special to some group, so who knows who you might get a chance to save. A few days of pain in your ass after donating marrow would be an easy trade to keep someone alive if you're their only match.

edit: Here's a link to the Marrow Donor registry and their "join" page. Enter your zipcode, and find a listing of places you can go and get tested for free.

Join the Registry - Be The Match Bone Marrow Registry (http://www.marrow.org/JOIN/index.html?src=tabjoin)

Also we are thinking of holding a auction so if you know anybody that wants to donate parts or whatever then tell them to post up in this thread.

http://www.3sgto.org/f2/auction-discussion-donation-thread-chris-hill-5988.html

[Ninja Performance]

Thanks again for all the support.
The bone pain which is mostly typical is ribs, back, a little shoulder/neck, is a PITA. Laying on my back pushes on my rib cage and bone pain HURTS. LUCKILY I have Vicki here. Without her I would be lost. She has to help me get in/out of a car for my visits, on/off the couch etc just because the pain. She's damn strong! Vicki is also the one doing all the paperwork, finding cancer help centers, charity centers, and Social programs etc. She is my rock.

My bone/bone marrow biopsy site started bleeding yesterday while I was on the couch. I didn't realize it until I was sitting in a pool. She spent 30 minutes getting it stopped and the rest of the night cleaning up the mess. And althugh it looked bad, and I don't have blood to lose, she kept me calm. I am unbelievably lucky to have her.

-Chris

[green-lantern]

I guess you’ll have to keep her Chris.

Hopefully you were able to get some sleep last night.

[Ninja Performance]

I guess you’ll have to keep her Chris.

Hopefully you were able to get some sleep last night.

Thanks. I was able to sleep between 5:30am and 8:00am. Better than nothing.

-Chris

[green-lantern]

Thanks. I was able to sleep between 5:30am and 8:00am. Better than nothing.

-Chris

Indeed

I have to admit I would be drugged up like Charlie Sheen if I were in your shoes.

[CoopKill]

Indeed

I have to admit I would be drugged up like Charlie Sheen if I were in your shoes.
I have been through some very traumatic pain and can attest to the drugs really only dulled my experience of life, and did little for the actual pain. I guess that might be the control freak coming out in me though...

[Frostedbutts]

I also have an unlimited hosting plan, so I can host and set up a website with links to these pages, and a paypal fund or whatever is setup if Gonzo is unable to. I would just need a domain, but I don't mind the $12 it would cost.

[Ninja Performance]

I have been through some very traumatic pain and can attest to the drugs really only dulled my experience of life, and did little for the actual pain. I guess that might be the control freak coming out in me though...

I guess that is me also. I have never done drugs, drinking, cigs ect. My body is real bad on any of the narcotic pain meds. Even 1/4 tablet. I spin like a top, sweat, clammy, throw up then pass out. It's not a good time. So I just deal. Maybe an Tylenol or two but that's it.

-Chris

[Ninja Performance]

Feel pretty good this morning. About how a normal person would feel after a pretty hard day. About ready for a nap but not yet. Which is better than I was a few days ago. It's parts of the low blood count and anemia. And maybe a tad of STRESS. Got pretty good sleep last night. Rib/back bone pain still bad. Have to lay on side due to bone biopsy site on rear right hip still hurts and will gush blood again if I put pressure on it. Which laying on side makes ribs hurt more but gotta deal with it. Probably got a good 6 hours sleep which is more than the past few nights combined. I am VERY happy I haven't had any brain symptoms like confusion etc. That does scare me as I want my brain once I kick this crap. Not too much dizziness, mostly only if I swing my head around real fast to look at something. So I don't do that.

chris

[BaadVR4]

I am a breast cancer survivor (mastectomy in 2007, chemo through mid 2008) as well as a few other major health issues. Total shoulder replacement in 2005. Emergency surgery for ruptured small intestines (abdomen fully septic by the time I got to the ER) in 2009. Then a colostomy reversal a few months later. Just 4 and a half weeks ago I had cervical surgery to open my spinal canal enough to relieve the pressure on the spinal cord. This time I had all seven of the cervical vertebrae fused with a cage.

So I have a LOT of experience with pain/pain relieving drugs. There are literally hundreds of "cocktails" available for pain relief. What works for one kind of pain might actually hurt someone with a different kind of pain. Across the board, though, seems to be the issue of nausea induced by the pain killers. The anti-vomiting drug that works best for me is Zofran. Some of the others, Phenergan in particular, made the nausea worse. The right combination of painkillers/side effect control meds can be a long process.

In the end, it is your will that sees you through; your resolve that defeats the disease. And your simple decision not to give in that will bring you triumph over all.

My prayers and best wishes are with you. Never give up.

[n2nsanity]

vicodin might be a little smoother for you. that's the only thing i handle well
everything else makes me dizzy, itchy or worse

[J. Fast]

If you guys really want to help out this cause, donate not only to Chris and his cause, but to cancer research. There are hundreds of events taking place all around the United States and World which are charitable and fund cancer research. With research comes medicine, which brings victims and their families closer to comfort, better medicine, and a cure. A fantastic funding event that Alli and I have volunteered and attended for the past 5 years is the Susan G Komen Race for the Cure, definitely something worth looking into.

As some of you may not know, my wife Allison is a doctor, and I am a small business owner. It just so happens, a customer of mine and a previous patient and survivor of blood born cancer where Allison worked when attending MUSC is now the Vice President of The Board of Trustees for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. Chris and Vickie, I spoke with him in person today on a current remodel project we're collaborating on for Catholic Charities USA regarding your current fight and he asked that I pass his contact information on to you. I am going to PM you his name and personal cell phone number. He's going to be expecting a call from either of you so make sure you follow up with him as he may prove to be a viable resource in helping you setup a management plan. He can get you in touch with the right people, be it for providing you information about treatment, setting up a trust fund or contribution fund, getting you information on clinical trials, and etc. The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society is an organization that assists victims and their families in their fight with cancer. Specifically they specialize in Leukemia, Lymphoma, Myeloma, and Myeloproliferative Diseases (information and there website can be found here: ( The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society® - Official Website (http://www.lls.org/) )

I have never met either of you and know nothing of you personally other than what a computer screen can paint a portrait of and what words can illustrate. You both have quite a battle ahead of you and it's going to test the strength of your marriage and will. Keep fighting when it gets hard, and don't ever give up or lose faith! My wife Allison and I wish you the best of luck and would like to help you by giving you a cash donation, donating items to your auction, lastly and most importantly, by getting you in touch with someone who can assist you in your fight.

A guy much smarter than me told me a long time ago, "People don't care how much you know, they just want to know how much you care." You have a huge support group and from the words regarded here so you guys can do this! Keep your heads up and god bless!

Jeremy

[Jimvr4]

J. Fast, did anyone tell you that you're awesome?!

[beepbeep]

J. Fast, did anyone tell you that you're awesome?!

I'll do it now....You're awesome!!!

Just an update. Chris is back in the hospital. His biopsy site has been bleeding quite a bit lately and the dr's office said next time it does, call them immediately. So, when it started again this evening, we called and they sent us straight to the ER.
His hemoglobin count is very low (6.5) and his calcium numbers have gone up since he was released last week. So, he is getting another blood transfusion. Please keep him in your thoughts. We're trying not to freak out, but the numbers are concerning.

J-Fast, we will try to follow up with your info tomorrow, baring that Chris is released to come back home.

[CoopKill]

:sad: !

[J. Fast]

I don't really know too much about this blood cancer stuff, it's was all pretty fuzzy when Alli just tried explaining to me when she got home. She tried explaining hemoglobin to me and about chains and what not and I wasn't really getting it and now she's on the phone. Low hemoglobin count is the percentage of protein in blood cells or air? If the count is low you are not circulating enough oxygen is that right?

[Alan92RTTT]

Vicki, is Chris taking B12. IF he is not ask the DR's if they think it might help. I Had an issue with low red count for a while and they put me on B12 to help it come up. I have no clue oif it will help Chris but it can't hurt to ask.

[BaadVR4]

When I had my breast cancer, there were exactly zero people to help me. My son was in Iraq, I was single and had to ask some my employer's wife (not real close) to take me to my surgery and take me home the next day. But then amazing things began to happen. Strangers from my parish (I'm Catholic) showed up at my home to help. To cook, to clean, to take me anywhere I needed to go. To sit with me and keep me from self pity. More importantly, they organized prayers. They got all 5 parishes in the area to organize prayers for me.
Say what you will (and I respect EVERYONE'S religious or non religious beliefs), I literally felt those prayers physically. So here's my proposal:
Donate every last penny you can afford to help Chris's fight.
Pray for him and pray for Vikki. Ask everyone you know to donate and pray. Most churches have an "intentions" prayer book where you can write down a request for prayers for a special intention. Write Chris and Vikki in every last one of those books.
Last, but by no means least, pray for Vikki. She will need superhuman strength throughout this ordeal. If you are able, drop by, do something to ease her burden. Cook, clean, do laundry. Just sit with her and let her cry. Send Pizza hut gift cards. Whatever you can, do it. Someone needs to give us an address to send gifts.
In other words. love them as you would love yourself. Our support will mean more to them than you can imagine.

[Emilie@GZP]

:hugs:

[beepbeep]

Thank you everyone. I came home briefly to let the dogs out and wanted to post up a quick update. Chris has had two blood transfusions and two plasma transfusions so far since he was admitted last night. He is scheduled to receive 6 bags of cryoprecipitate, a clotting agent. He is unlucky enough to have developed a rare clotting condition that occurs in the myeloma cancer, so he has been bleeding freely lately and had lost a lot of blood (which he can ill afford to do). He is resting as comfortably as he can and may get to come home on Sunday, depending on how well all of the transfusions go and how well his body responds to them.
As far as Vit B12...he has changed his diet to include mostly fresh fruits and veggies and has been eating really well. Surprisingly, his appetite has not been affecting. Unfortunately, the doctor said based on some of his blood work, many of his vitamin and mineral counts were off (also mentioned he seemed malnourished based on blood work...was surprised to hear he is eating well and has had no digestive disruptions). So, he is receiving some supplements as well as a medication to help remove some of the excess calcium from his blood (which can turn bad quickly, if not closely monitored). We are to discuss any additional supplements with the Oncologist tomorrow when he comes by to check on Chris and his lab works from overnight.
I will tell him about everyone's wishes and thoughts. It helps more than we can say.

[beepbeep]

When I had my breast cancer, there were exactly zero people to help me. My son was in Iraq, I was single and had to ask some my employer's wife (not real close) to take me to my surgery and take me home the next day. But then amazing things began to happen. Strangers from my parish (I'm Catholic) showed up at my home to help. To cook, to clean, to take me anywhere I needed to go. To sit with me and keep me from self pity. More importantly, they organized prayers. They got all 5 parishes in the area to organize prayers for me.
Say what you will (and I respect EVERYONE'S religious or non religious beliefs), I literally felt those prayers physically. So here's my proposal:
Donate every last penny you can afford to help Chris's fight.
Pray for him and pray for Vikki. Ask everyone you know to donate and pray. Most churches have an "intentions" prayer book where you can write down a request for prayers for a special intention. Write Chris and Vikki in every last one of those books.
Last, but by no means least, pray for Vikki. She will need superhuman strength throughout this ordeal. If you are able, drop by, do something to ease her burden. Cook, clean, do laundry. Just sit with her and let her cry. Send Pizza hut gift cards. Whatever you can, do it. Someone needs to give us an address to send gifts.
In other words. love them as you would love yourself. Our support will mean more to them than you can imagine.

I am so sorry that you had to go through any of that alone. I couldn't begin to imagine how difficult it was for you. Thank you for sharing what you have with us, because we do find encouragement in it.

[j2k4]

As to the fruit and veg, get him in the habit of keeping a fistful/baggie of edible things on his person, Vicki - it will stimulate the good eating habits he needs as well as nourish, and he'll never pig out, either.

Good all 'round. ;)

[IcelandGTO]

I saw this for the first time now..
Was in shock for few sec but i know you are a fighter chris!
you'll beat this !!
I will help, I have to figure out how i can from here but i will

[GordonRamsey]

I don't know you at all Chris, but I wish you the best. When I was younger, I couldn't understand why people couldn't just beat cancer, or why people called it a "battle" with cancer. I have never had anything as dire as this, but after going through my own "lighter" health problems I realize it's not as easy as speaking a few harsh words. Your greatest enemy will be yourself, but I think, or I'd like to believe, anything is beatable with the right medicine. Whether it be physical or spiritual. Do all you can, even meditate! At least that can calm your mind a little.

Good luck with this battle, you know you got this.


- Gordon

[93mitsVR4]

I saw somthing about this on the news the other day

Using HIV to cure cancer? : News : MidlandsConnect.com (http://www.midlandsconnect.com/news/story.aspx?id=650420#.TkXruGGROSo)

[green-lantern]

I saw somthing about this on the news the other day

Using HIV to cure cancer? : News : MidlandsConnect.com (http://www.midlandsconnect.com/news/story.aspx?id=650420#.TkXruGGROSo)

Sooooooo Chris should run out and get AIDS?



:brilliant:

[green-lantern]

I saw this for the first time now..
Was in shock for few sec but i know you are a fighter chris!
you'll beat this !!
I will help, I have to figure out how i can from here but i will


If you want to donate money then this is the cancer fund paypal.

http://www.3sgto.org/f2/paypal-address-chris-ipo-5980.html

If you have some stuff you want to auction off then here is the link for that.

http://www.3sgto.org/f2/auction-discussion-donation-thread-chris-hill-5988-6.html

[J. Fast]

I saw somthing about this on the news the other day

Using HIV to cure cancer? : News : MidlandsConnect.com (http://www.midlandsconnect.com/news/story.aspx?id=650420#.TkXruGGROSo)

Are you high? Stop smokin the refer! I know you said you haven't smoked anything else since the age of fourteen (cannabis thread FTW). Can you ease up on it maybe?

[IcelandGTO]

If you want to donate money then this is the cancer fund paypal.

http://www.3sgto.org/f2/paypal-address-chris-ipo-5980.html

If you have some stuff you want to auction off then here is the link for that.

http://www.3sgto.org/f2/auction-discussion-donation-thread-chris-hill-5988-6.html

Thanks
the first thing i will do on monday

[93mitsVR4]

Are you high? Stop smokin the refer! I know you said you haven't smoked anything else since the age of fourteen (cannabis thread FTW). Can you ease up on it maybe?

Altho that has nothing to do with this thread, I havnt smoked in over half a year. And It is supposed to be a mutated form of hiv that makes your bloods cells attack cancer cells. Its supposedly not like other HIV. And im not putting it in here to say he should go for it (they have only done it with 3 people and 2 of them have no cancer in a year) but that if i had cancer i would want to know all my options

[BaadVR4]

Thank you for your kind words. And you have correctly identified the problem. Being alone. I was alone physically, so everyone could see my "alone-ness". With you and Chris, it is easy to have a different perception. Times are coming when one, either and/or both of you will feel alone, deserted, unappreciated and unloved. And because "you have each other", many otherwise caring and supportive friends (and family) will not see your pain. And it's not uncommon for couples to battle each other during times of stress and "burn out". Just the day to day needs (Chris's, yours and keeping everything afloat) can easily become overwhelming. Then there are the burdens of the disease itself which neither of you can do anything about. My advice: Pray. The "Serenity Prayer" is particularly appropriate. And it is okay to simply say "I need help". Try to remember every day that a joy shared is doubled; a sorrow shared is halved".



I am so sorry that you had to go through any of that alone. I couldn't begin to imagine how difficult it was for you. Thank you for sharing what you have with us, because we do find encouragement in it.

[Tos]

All I can say is wow and I'm so sorry to hear this man. Just know that you have so many people pulling for you. Hell, move to MA where we have state provided health insurance and the best of tge best doctors.

Stay positive! If you need someone to talk to.


-Matt

[green-lantern]

Altho that has nothing to do with this thread, I havnt smoked in over half a year. And It is supposed to be a mutated form of hiv that makes your bloods cells attack cancer cells. Its supposedly not like other HIV. And im not putting it in here to say he should go for it (they have only done it with 3 people and 2 of them have no cancer in a year) but that if i had cancer i would want to know all my options

Ha ha don't sweat it, I'm sure anything is worth looking at even if it seems insane. I kept thinking I was going to see The Onion on that article.

[2xmks]

Chris we are all very sorry to hear this. My family and myself will all keep you in our prayers.

You know a great deal of shops, vendors etc... A quick thought is to have all of us throw a "donation" car wash/show at our shops. All donations going to help you in this fight. Just a random idea, however it may prove to be a good boost for you to get you the treatment you require.

Let us know if we can help in any way.

Mike

[beepbeep]

Overnight, Chris' blood numbers dropped. Chris is bleeding somewhere in his body. The oncologist believes that he is bleeding under the skin, into the soft tissue, where is biopsy was done. So far today, he has received 2 more units of blood, 2 more units of plasma and he is set to get another 6 bags of the cryoprecipitate tonight. He's very tired today and in a lot of pain but he has actually managed to sleep some today.

We're hanging in there, though. Don't count us out yet!!!

[DrGonzo]

Now Online: http://www.3sgto.org/f2/chris-hill-donation-auction-house-online-6018.html#post113637

[beepbeep]

Latest update: Chris is out of ICU and is feeling better. His blood numbers are good and they are treating the pneumonia aggressively. The doctor feels they have stopped the bleeding and have that issue under control. We are waiting for the second Chemo medicine to come in so that he can start---Thursday maybe, the doctor says. :crossesfingers:

[mb3000]

Keep that momentum going Chris. We're all pulling for you.

[Jimvr4]

That's a relief! You know we're all pulling for you......

[J. Fast]

Oh man... the fight is on, stay strong!

[vr4chick]

Chris is obviously a fighter. Godspeed. Thank you for the updates Vicki

[green-lantern]

It's nice to hear a little bit of good news.

[BaadVR4]

I don't know what kind of setting Chris's chemo will be in. Mine was in a small facility dedicated to chemo treatment. Typically there were 10-12 patients receiving chemo at any given time. Beware of the atmosphere. While most patients try desperately to present a positive attitude, most are scared s**tless. And is shows through their bravado. But the real danger is the group who have already given up. Their despair is palpable, you can literally feel it in the air and it suffocates anything positive. Make sure you stay positive. And pray, pray, pray. God's blessings be with you.


Latest update: Chris is out of ICU and is feeling better. His blood numbers are good and they are treating the pneumonia aggressively. The doctor feels they have stopped the bleeding and have that issue under control. We are waiting for the second Chemo medicine to come in so that he can start---Thursday maybe, the doctor says. :crossesfingers:

[beepbeep]

Chris came home today. We both are exhausted. Will give better update tomorrow.

[Granny]

:)
That is all.....

[vr4chick]

Chris came home today. We both are exhausted. Will give better update tomorrow.

Awwwww,good job! I know you are getting Chris through this....you are doing an excellent job.....He will continue to fight as long as he knows people are backing him.

[Ninja Performance]

I AM ALIVE. And for that I am grateful. This past week in the hospital was much harder than the first visit. The only words I have is hell. My blood numbers were dangerously low and they couldn't stop me from bleeding inside into my soft tissues.
Then I came down with pneumonia and could breath. Numbers kept dropping. All of my bone pain kept increasing. I spent about 2 days fearing for my life. I was more scared than i have ever been and in 100 times more pain and exhaustion than I have ever been in. Knowing Vicki was in the room somewhere helped me fight. I was tired and confused. I do NOT know what I would do with out all the love and support of all my family and friends. Tomorrow is the first CHEMO day! I am excited. But I so wiped out this is the only thing I have posted since I got back yesterday. Love you all and thank you from the bottom of my heart.

-Chris

[UTRacerX9]

Way to go Chris, keep fighting!

[ChargerX3]

Chris, its good to see the fight in you. So glad you got your blood count back up. Onto the next round.

[green-lantern]

Keep up the fight buddy! You can do this! We are rooting for you.

[AceJas]

My prayers are with you. Man this is so upsetting.

[TurboSinceBirth]

I hope that you don't have to do chemo everyday or even 3 days a week. I saw how much it took out of a person and it will leave you weak. Those drugs are very powerful and definitely not something to mess around with. Hopefully it won't hit your blood count too hard.

On another note I ordered 2 Aeromotive Stealth fuel pumps from you guys over the weekend and I got them in today so I'd say it hasn't affected the business like I thought because shipping was on quick. :D Any ideas when you'll put your car up for sale Chris?

[Ninja Performance]

CHEMO DAY!
I am excited and scared. I will do Chemo thru IV called Vecade 2 times a week. A pill (Revlimid) with Dexamethasone for 2 weeks on 1 week off. For 12 weeks. It is a very targeted regim for Multiple Myeloma that has very good success rates.

-Chris

[EZnTn]

Relieved to hear you have a direction with positive end results.
Positive thoughts that you will be on top of that group with positive results.

[CoreyB]

Sounds like you are headed down the right path. I was worried when I heard about the bleeding, hospitalization.

[j2k4]

How's the new diet going, Chris?

[Ninja Performance]

just an fyi

Multiple Myeloma is pretty rare and for the most part it hits around 65-70 yrs of age. There are about 1-3 cases per year at the 40 yr mark. But that wasn't rare enough for me.

Every time they gave me blood/plasma etc, my numbers would bump up them drop back down and keep going. My Superhero Hematologist/oncologist (ask anyone around and they will RAVE about Dr Brouse) figured out I have a blood clotting disorder called FactorX which I never had an issue with until the Myeloma woke it up.


Factor X, also known by the eponym Stuart-Prower factor or as prothrombinase, is an enzyme (EC 3.4.21.6) of the coagulation cascade. It is a serine endopeptidase (protease group S1). Factor X is located on chromosome 13 and is in band 13q34. Factor X is a vitamin K-dependent, liver-produced serine protease that serves a pivotal role in coagulation as the first enzyme in the common pathway to fibrin formation. Inherited factor X deficiency is a rare autosomal recessive bleeding disorder that is estimated to occur in 1:1,000,000 individuals

Once I got to stage 3, all my blood numbers were so far off FactorX woke up. Then all th eblood products they pumped in would bleed into the deep soft tissues. Once he figured that out, and fixed it, the bleeding stopped. And now recovery begins.

It was so scary and disheartening to see my numbers continue to drop after so much blood products being put in. But my DR is the man and HERE WE GO!

-Chris

[DuTTch]

just an fyi

Multiple Myeloma is pretty rare and for the most part it hits around 65-70 yrs of age. There are about 1-3 cases per year at the 40 yr mark. But that wasn't rare enough for me.

Every time they gave me blood/plasma etc, my numbers would bump up them drop back down and keep going. My Superhero Hematologist/oncologist (ask anyone around and they will RAVE about Dr Brouse) figured out I have a blood clotting disorder called FactorX which I never had an issue with until the Myeloma woke it up.



Once I got to stage 3, all my blood numbers were so far off FactorX woke up. Then all th eblood products they pumped in would bleed into the deep soft tissues. Once he figured that out, and fixed it, the bleeding stopped. And now recovery begins.

It was so scary and disheartening to see my numbers continue to drop after so much blood products being put in. But my DR is the man and HERE WE GO!

-Chris

glad he caught that, seems you are in good hands.

[UTRacerX9]

So basically, when you tell your wife that she's lucky to have you, because you're 1 in a million... it's actually true? ;)

[Ninja Performance]

2 cases around 40 yr olds a year X the 1 in a million. I really Really did not want to be that special. Post whore back in the day...and a few ET/trap records and I was happy.

-Chris

[beepbeep]

So basically, when you tell your wife that she's lucky to have you, because you're 1 in a million... it's actually true? ;)


:lo5l:



Really did not want to be that special.
-Chris

Oh, you're special alright......

[mb3000]

Keep up the fight Chris! 1st quarter starts NOW! :bigthumb:

[TurboSinceBirth]

Great news! :)

[green-lantern]

Oh, you're special alright......

So special he bought a short bus

lol

[Ninja Performance]

So special he bought a short bus

lol

Well duh

-Chris

[ntcmpjg]

Glade your getting better keep us posted.


---
- Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Ninja Performance]

Glade your getting better keep us posted.


---
- Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Thanks
Sorry I don't answer the phone. The pneumonia makes me easy to start coughing if I talk, and all my bone pain in my ribs and back do NOT like coughing so I stay pretty quiet all day.

-Chris

[TurboSinceBirth]

Thanks
Sorry I don't answer the phone. The pneumonia makes me easy to start coughing if I talk, and all my bone pain in my ribs and back do NOT like coughing so I stay pretty quiet all day.

-Chris

So that means Vicki gets to talk your ear off all day and you can't do much about it. :p Lol.

[green-lantern]

Well feel free to chat all you want here with your fingers then. :D

[Ninja Performance]

Bone pain was too much to post any updates yesterday. I felt like all my bones were broken. It's part of MM. The cancer cells overgrow the space in the bones and the bones expand causing pain.

Today is markedly better. Sore yes, but not excruciating.

Not being able to take pain meds (narcotic pain meds and me do not mix as I have always thrown them up) kinda stinks but I like being coherent thru it all anyway.

-Chris

[j2k4]

Bone pain was too much to post any updates yesterday. I felt like all my bones were broken. It's part of MM. The cancer cells overgrow the space in the bones and the bones expand causing pain.

Today is markedly better. Sore yes, but not excruciating.

-Chris

Good to hear this, Chris. ;)

[EZnTn]

Chris .. it's great that you can post
Just great

[AdamVR4]

Bone pain was too much to post any updates yesterday. I felt like all my bones were broken. It's part of MM. The cancer cells overgrow the space in the bones and the bones expand causing pain.

Today is markedly better. Sore yes, but not excruciating.

Not being able to take pain meds (narcotic pain meds and me do not mix as I have always thrown them up) kinda stinks but I like being coherent thru it all anyway.

-Chris


Thank you for the update. It's great to hear you're feeling some relief.

[Ninja Performance]

2nd Chemo shot and 5th day taking chemo pills. Had blood checked and my Hemoglobin has RISEN to 10.6. That's right, I am making blood again. I am starting to kick cancer's ass!

-Chris

[TonyM]

Excellent news, keep it up Chris!

[Chris@Rvengeperformance]

Man Chris it is hard for me to know what to say. You've been on my mind, but I've avoided your threads because cancer is a really sore subject to me and anything I can think to say feels like peeing in the ocean.

I hope that makes sense. If you were closer and felt better id have a bunch of work for you.

I hope you beat this!

Sent from my DROIDX using Tapatalk

[OhioSpyderman]

Excellent progress Chris :)

From what I've read, you're skipping the pain meds?

Just a heads up...no one will think any less of you if you DO take them (I know you are a STRONG person)...

I don't know if I should ask here or PM, but it seems "appropriate" to ask....are the donations and auctions helping at all?

WE are all behind you....

Bob.

[beepbeep]

Excellent progress Chris :)

From what I've read, you're skipping the pain meds?

Just a heads up...no one will think any less of you if you DO take them (I know you are a STRONG person)...

I don't know if I should ask here or PM, but it seems "appropriate" to ask....are the donations and auctions helping at all?

WE are all behind you....

Bob.

Hey, Bob. Chris doesn't take the pain meds because of his reaction to them (dizzy, vomiting, shakes, etc). He has found that taking Phenergan helps a little more than Tylenol so that's something.
We have been able to get all of his prescriptions so far thanks to donations. What we have received we are being cautious of, so that we can make it go farther for everything to come (i.e. dr appts, stem cell transplant, recovery, etc).
As far as the auction, more items have gone up, but it's still pretty quiet over there. I think word is still spreading and things will pick up. We have some things to get up on there, now that we are home again.
He chuckled today without the pain....was the best sound I've heard in a while. :Bliss:

[Ninja Performance]

$10,000 month drugs can do wonders. I did some work out in the garage today. That made my week.

-Chris

[TurboSinceBirth]

Man Chris it is hard for me to know what to say. You've been on my mind, but I've avoided your threads because cancer is a really sore subject to me and anything I can think to say feels like peeing in the ocean.

I hope that makes sense. If you were closer and felt better id have a bunch of work for you.

I hope you beat this!

Sent from my DROIDX using Tapatalk

I completely understand. I lost my sister to cancer last year so it's still hard to think about and I couldn't read every update just because I hate hearing about the effects of cancer with how much it destroys a person's body. I saw it take over from a tumor in the leg, to the pelvis, and up all the way into the spine. It really sucks and hits home. About six months ago I read an article about a young boy 12 years old here in my town that was diagnosed with the same cancer as my sister. I started crying and wanted to talk to his family only because I knew what they would all go through. He ended up having his leg amputated and is still plugging away.

I'm glad to hear that things are on the up. Lets hope it stays that way! :D

[mb3000]

Keep strong Chris!

[CoreyB]

$10,000 month drugs can do wonders. I did some work out in the garage today. That made my week.

-Chris

Impressive, your gonna beat this thing. Dont over work yourself.

[beepbeep]

Dont over work yourself.

:smartie:

[Granny]

2nd Chemo shot and 5th day taking chemo pills. Had blood checked and my Hemoglobin has RISEN to 10.6. That's right, I am making blood again. I am starting to kick cancer's ass!

-Chris

That made my day! :kisses:
I know you are felling better but remember to use that energy to get better.
Everything else will be waiting on you when you are done takiing care of yourself.

[Ninja Performance]

Tired. Ribs are doing OK, back bones are killing me. Hopefully some phengran tonight will let me get a good night sleep. Feeling good considering last week and so soon on the chemo drugs. NINJA POWER!. I started the VR4 and sat in it for a few minutes revving it. It made me smile. Apologized to her for being gone for a while. Told her she WILL get back to the track when I get all patched up.

-Chris

[OhioSpyderman]

Cancer is a weird thing, I've read that the young and old handle it best (I'm guessing that on either end you don't KNOW or maybe don't CARE)...

I have lost 4 family members to this, thankfully my son is a survivor....

I am here if you need to talk...

Bob.

[Ninja Performance]

Guess the Cancer wasn't enough, Just got home from another 3 day visit. Blood in urine and bad pain in both kidneys started thursday. CT showed what they think was stones that already passed. Blood is clearing up and no infection so I got to come home today.

-Chris

[CoopKill]

Better to be already passed than passing.

Hang in there man, and kick some ass!

[Granny]

:smartie:

[green-lantern]

Guess the Cancer wasn't enough, Just got home from another 3 day visit. Blood in urine and bad pain in both kidneys started thursday. CT showed what they think was stones that already passed. Blood is clearing up and no infection so I got to come home today.

-Chris

Maybe Alan can go ahead and change your screen name to lucky. lol

[mb3000]

Keep up the fight Chris, you can do this!

[BaadVR4]

Just a couple of thoughts. First, have you tried Zofran for the nausea? Both my wife and I have serious nausea problems from the meds we take now and I had problems when I was doing chemo. Different meds work better for different people. Ask your Dr.; I'm sure he would be happy to try Zofran. Sheri and I both use it and it helps us a lot better than Phenergan.
Secondly, almost every drug manufacturer has a program to provide free or VERY LOW COST prescription medications.
Hang in there..........................3 steps forward, 2 steps back. And some days, it's two forward and three back. Our prayers are with you both.

[Ninja Performance]

Luckily the very new meds I am using for Multiple Myeloma, Revlimid and Velcade, don't have severe stomach issues. I get some heartburn late at night but that's about it. Appetite is still good.
And yes, sometimes it seems like 1 forward 2 back but in my mind I am moving in a forward direction and that helps my mind overcome depression. That and all the support I have gotten. Especially from Vicki. She has been my rock. And I know there has been times where things looked very bad and she was very scared inside. But she was strong for me. I am lucky to have her.

-Chris

[Ninja Performance]

Last 2 days have been rough. Lots of pain. Bleeding from kidneys again. Kidneys hurt. They are not sure why. They think stones but think part of the clotting cascade (factorX) issue I have my be the cause.

Good news, yesterday I got another Velcade shot (chemo) which really help with pain/inflammation. They checked urine and blood numbers. My Hemoglobin is still up at 10.1 but even better my Platelets are up to 170,000. Which is great. Even with chemo killing good cells my body is making lots of blood.

-Chris

[j2k4]

Good news, that.

The other must be stones - small consolation - but still. :D

[EZnTn]

Good news, that.

The other must be stones - small consolation - but still. :D
They sure don't seem small on the way out !!!

[SilverBullet]

I'm sorry to hear what you've been going through, Chris. I can't imagine what you are feeling, physically and emotionally.

I know that everything helps, but financially speaking, what are you looking at? You said that chemo is $8,000/mo, and the marrow transplant is around $200,000.. How many months of chemo are your doctors thinking you need? If someone could write you a check for $XXX,XXX, what would that amount be to cover it all? (or at least the majority of it)

[beepbeep]

I'm sorry to hear what you've been going through, Chris. I can't imagine what you are feeling, physically and emotionally.

I know that everything helps, but financially speaking, what are you looking at? You said that chemo is $8,000/mo, and the marrow transplant is around $200,000.. How many months of chemo are your doctors thinking you need? If someone could write you a check for $XXX,XXX, what would that amount be to cover it all? (or at least the majority of it)

He is scheduled for 12 weeks of Chemo with the transplant to follow right after if we have the money/financing for it. I'll have to double check, but he gets Chemo for 2 weeks, then he's off a week, then Chemo 2 weeks, then off a week---so I'm not sure if the 12 weeks is ONLY considering the Chemo time or if it's 12 consecutive weeks, including his week's off. I'll have to ask tomorrow.
IF the transplant works, then he will just be monitored from there on out unless he comes out of remission. If the stem cell transplant fails, they will either recommend a bone marrow donor transplant or just keep him on Chemo (keeping him on Chemo is also the plan if we don't have the money for the transplant).
So...........total $ is hard to say.....I'd roughly figure $250K including the stem cell transplant once (and I'm including the dr visits, prescriptions, any additional hospital visits that could come up). I rounded high. As of right now, we've raised $4,500. We're working on getting the extra vehicles listed to sell those (Wagoneer, Short Bus). I'm also working on some fund-raisers as well as still applying for anything we qualify for from all of the cancer programs. It's honestly been very intimidating to try and tackle it all, but we're just plugging away, form after form. :o
Hope that answers your question.
Today he's been pretty stationary in the recliner. His back and his right kidney are causing him a lot of pain today. Hopefully, tomorrow we will learn a little more of how to treat his kidney issue (which may or may not be stones).

[SilverBullet]

Yes, that does, thanks! I have an acquantance that I know helps out monetarily in a big way in these sort of situations. I will see what I can do.

[2fnloud]

Vicki,

I do not want to sound trite, But I once heard "How do you eat an elephant?.......One bite at a time."

I can only imagine how overwhelmed this must have you both. When it all comes at you at once, try to adapt "W.I.N."

What's
Important
Next

It has been encouraging to read the positives that Chris has been blessed with despite the setbacks.

[vr4chick]

How does one acquire financing for something like this?

[beepbeep]

Vicki,

I do not want to sound trite, But I once heard "How do you eat an elephant?.......One bite at a time."

I can only imagine how overwhelmed this must have you both. When it all comes at you at once, try to adapt "W.I.N."

What's
Important
Next

It has been encouraging to read the positives that Chris has been blessed with despite the setbacks.

Thanks. We do have to keep the perspective where it needs to be. Hard to do at times. The fact that he is already positively responding to the Chemo is incredible. We try to hold onto that while we forge ahead.


How does one acquire financing for something like this?

Traditional "financing" one wouldn't. I was referring to any state or government programs that we could qualify for...and because we don't have kids, it means we don't qualify for the majority of them....doesn't mean we won't try anyway. I suppose "coverage" would have been more appropriate terminology.

[Granny]

.
Traditional "financing" one wouldn't. I was referring to any state or government programs that we could qualify for...and because we don't have kids, it means we don't qualify for the majority of them....doesn't mean we won't try anyway. I suppose "coverage" would have been more appropriate terminology.

Kids! Good lord woman why didn't you just say so. I have plenty of those. What would would you like?
I'm pretty limited to boys but I have a selection of blonds and 1 red head you can choose from.

If there were any big miracles in my future I'm passing it along to you. Let's hope I was going to win the lottery or something. :)

[beepbeep]

Kids! Good lord woman why didn't you just say so. I have plenty of those. What would would you like?
I'm pretty limited to boys but I have a selection of blonds and 1 red head you can choose from.

If there were any big miracles in my future I'm passing it along to you. Let's hope I was going to win the lottery or something. :)

LOL...I asked my niece if I could borrow her little boy for a while....And I don't believe in miracles---I rely on them!!! <3 Off to Chemo.

[beepbeep]

Yes, that does, thanks! I have an acquantance that I know helps out monetarily in a big way in these sort of situations. I will see what I can do.

Just knowing there is someone out there who can do things like this warms my heart, even if they can't help us. Thank you for thinking enough of us to even consider it.

[SilverBullet]

I don't know if this has been asked yet, but does Chris have life insurance? A lot of times, in a case like his, you can use part if not all of the death benefit to help pay for medical bills.

[Mikes2nd]

there are insurance policies you can start pulling from ahead of time if you have serious illness.

Who knows if they actually work but they "say" you can use them...

[Ninja Performance]

Kidney (right) is still bleeding. Last 2 days has been very bad pain in right kidney. Hopefully the stones will be all gone soon. I could probably take one or the other but cmon, dealing with the cancer AND stones? that's just cruel.

-Chris

[Ninja Performance]

Good news, my hemoglobin numbers are up, my plattlete numbers are 180,000 (very good) and my liver numbers are back in line where they should be (they were bad when this all started). So chemo and my hard head (helped with all the awesome support) is kicking ass!

-Chris

[vr4chick]

That's awesome :)

[EZnTn]

I keep checking this thread for good news
I know it's a fight
I keep sending positive thoughts, as do so many
Seeing your progress Chris brightens the day

Prayers that you continuously improve

[Ninja Performance]

First round of 2 weeks of chemo is done. (2 weeks on 1 week off) Made me tired, and was in the lucky 50% that lose taste. All but some sweet and some spicy taste comes thru now. And even sweets are very bland. Still have good appetite and est alot but my body is eating up cals and have lost 6 pounds.

So I am eating a lot of smaller meals and trying to pack on calories so my body has all the energy it needs to rebuild. Even the smallest things wear me out and put me down the next day so I have to be careful to do anything. Which sucks cause I am NOT a sit on my but kinda guy. BUT I am feeling halfway decent all things considered and am alive so I am happy!

-Chris

[mb3000]

Keep it up Chris, you're doing great! I would suggest trying to eat as many Mcdouble burgers in a day as you can, cheap & full of calories!

[Ninja Performance]

Keep it up Chris, you're doing great! I would suggest trying to eat as many Mcdouble burgers in a day as you can, cheap & full of calories!

Tried a whopper the other day. I ate it but couldn't taste most of it. So that's a bummer. What's bad is the part of tastes that do come thru. Sometimes it makes things taste very bad. All I am left iwth is texture on some things and that is kinda yuck also. I still eat but it isn't as enjoyable as it used to be.

-Chris

[AdamVR4]

I didn't know chemo could make you lose taste. Sweets too? Shiiiiit, I have a serious sweet tooth, but I know you got me beat since you prefer your powerade with a scoop-a-sugar... haha, keep it up man.

[TT Eric]

Tried a whopper the other day. I ate it but couldn't taste most of it. So that's a bummer. What's bad is the part of tastes that do come thru. Sometimes it makes things taste very bad. All I am left iwth is texture on some things and that is kinda yuck also. I still eat but it isn't as enjoyable as it used to be.

-Chris

It's time to eat all the good stuff for health then! Usually stuff that are good for health doesn't taste good and we choose junk because it taste better, now you have no excuse for
Broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cauliflower, spinach and stuff like that! If it taste nothing it can even be considered an improvement in many case! :D

You can drink all those green shake stuff packed with nutriments (that one would feel like barfing at the first sip) without noticing the difference between this and a Pepsi!

Seriously it would certainly be a good idea to pack in good healthy food, according to the advise of your physician, things like quality vitamins & minerals like Usana would give important basic nutriments to equip your body to fight, along with protein isolate shake that make the immune system strong and help your muscle mass. Those 2 things come to my mind first.

Eric

[Ninja Performance]

I didn't know chemo could make you lose taste. Sweets too? Shiiiiit, I have a serious sweet tooth, but I know you got me beat since you prefer your powerade with a scoop-a-sugar... haha, keep it up man.

Yeah, neither did I :( I may be thin but I like eating and like the taste of many things. It started happening little by little so Vicki looked it up. Sure enough, it's about 50% of chemo patients get it. Most keep some sweet and spices come thru. Putting pepper on things helps. Even sweets, which I love, are muted. :( But even with the chemo killing the bad AND good blood (cells, plasma etc) my numbers are coming up so I will deal with some no taste issues :)

-Chris

[Ninja Performance]

It's time to eat all the good stuff for health then! Usually stuff that are good for health doesn't taste good and we choose junk because it taste better, now you have no excuse for
Broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cauliflower, spinach and stuff like that! If it taste nothing it can even be considered an improvement in many case! :D

You can drink all those green shake stuff packed with nutriments (that one would feel like barfing at the first sip) without noticing the difference between this and a Pepsi!

Seriously it would certainly be a good idea to pack in good healthy food, according to the advise of your physician, things like quality vitamins & minerals like Usana would give important basic nutriments to equip your body to fight, along with protein isolate shake that make the immune system strong and help your muscle mass. Those 2 things come to my mind first.

Eric

When I was diagnosed 8/4 we decided to really shift our eating habits and started going fresh vegs and fruits and less red meat (grrr) more fish and lean towards an alkaline diet. I like most vegs and pretty much all fruits so it wasn't too hard. No cow milk, I now dring lots of soy milk. Problem was my body is in a BIG repair mode and I lost 11 pounds (from 140 to 129 which is a lot on a small frame) and lots of muscle from laying in the hospital for 3 weeks this past month. And that was with a good appetite and eating a lot, just not the food I needed to keep on the weight and muscle.

So we had to shift a bit back to getting weight, protein, calories, and some fat back in my diet just to get my body back to where it was to fight. I have put a few pounds back on, I think I am back up to 134 or so. I eat all the time. My body just uses up calories faster than I take them in. And I don't do anything. The smallest activity still wears me out and makes me sore the next 2 days. I am slowly doing stretches and some resistance band exercises.

It's crazy how far I allowed this to take me before ending up in the hospital at the last stage of the disease. Drrrrr.

-Chris

[Vantage]

Hope things keep getting better for you, and I'll be keeping you and your family in my prayers.

[VR-4 0wnz j00]

Ill be praying for you Chris. Looks like your on the right path.

[Jimvr4]

I find breads and pasta dishes are good for adding on pounds :)

[j2k4]

I find breads and pasta dishes are good for adding on pounds :)

Like a lasagna sandwich. :)

[beepbeep]

The past few days have been decent days. While he is still in pain, but it's not intolerable. Everyday I do a little less for him and watch as he does more for himself (i.e. make his own breakfast, put on his own shoes, let the dogs out, etc) and he is doing really well. Of course, now he feels like he is ready to do 'more' but he is learning that it just isn't in the cards right now. It's tough to watch someone who has been in constant motion and involved in constant projects force himself to sit and do very little.
He did say last night at dinner that more of the flavors were coming through. Chemo starts again next week, so I told him to enjoy what he can taste now. :D I did take him out yesterday for a drive (though not in the VR4, which would probably put him back in the hospital!!) but it was nice to get him out of the house for a short while. Didn't take too long before he was exhausted. :(
So many of you are still sending us messages and thoughts and we appreciate every one of them. It's hard to think that something is wrong with him, cos he doesn't have a broken arm, say, or a bandage on his head. It's only when he tries to move or do anything that we are quickly reminded that he's just getting started on his road to recovery. All of the thoughts and prayers help us everyday. The donations that have been sent are keeping us afloat and helping to get us through. Outside of my own family, I have never been a part of such a fantastic and caring group. I know I can say for both of us that we can't wait to put this behind us and get back to the track!! :zoom:

[TurboSinceBirth]

I've been slow about getting some items relisted but I'll get right to it. I hope the rest of the recovery for Chris is all downhill from here. Cancer sucks.

[HilbillyHomeboy]

I've been slow about getting some items relisted but I'll get right to it. I hope the rest of the recovery for Chris is all uphill from here. Cancer sucks.

downhill, bro. :)

Jeremy

[TurboSinceBirth]

downhill, bro. :)

Jeremy

Haha. Thanks Jeremy. I guess my brain was fried. You know what I meant. :p

[beepbeep]

Chris got to spend some time in the garage this weekend when maTT, Jomojr, Bret and Jason all came by. This is the closest to the 'normal Chris' I've seen in almost 2 1/2 months. Still sore, but able to walk more and stay out of a chair longer. Talking shop and watching the fellas in the garage did a lot to up his spirits!! :bigthumb:

[Ninja Performance]

It was a very good long weekend with the guys. Like a mini car meet. Good friends, story telling, Bsing, spending time in the garage. Thanks to Matt, Jomo, Bret, and Jason! I had a great time. You guys rock!

Chemo start again tomorrow. Just when some of my taste was coming back and I haven't been as tired from the drugs. But I am not sad about it. The chemo hasn't been too bad so far. And it's helping me kick the cancer.

-Chris

[BaadVR4]

I remember chemo. Horrible metallic taste in my mouth ALL the time. The only way to get rid of it was to eat very sweet or very spicy foods. Even then the taste would only go away for 20-30 minutes. In the 3 months of chemo I GAINED 45 pounds. I just ate and ate and ate and ate.

Hang in there, buddy.

[Ninja Performance]

Blood checked before starting my 3rd week of chemo. My Oncologist is kinda beside himself. His words "Your blood looks NORMAL". He did NOT expect me to get to this point in only 2 weeks of chemo and one week off.

Hemoglobin up to 11.8, Platelets are 260,000, White cells 4300. I think it's a combo of the chemo, my will power, my family and friends and my diet change (mostly vegatarian)

Of course the cancer is not gone, and I have 3 months of chemo and stem cell bone marrow transplant to go, but my body is responding beyond what anyone expected. I am still weak and have to gain muscle mass back. But overall I feel tons better than I did 1 month ago!

-Chris

[Beef6]

Great news, Its amazing what keeping a great attitude can do in these situations. Keep kicking its ass!

[FeaRpb]

Very good news Chris

[Granny]

We all knew you could do it!

[CoopKill]

Awesome! We are all behind you...

[green-lantern]

Great news Chris! :)

[mb3000]

Keep it up Chris! :bigthumb:

[Jimvr4]

Wow, great progress!! Keep it up, Chris!!

[Bob]

Great news, Chris!

[CoreyB]

That is amazing news, keep fighting the good fight!!!

[Ninja Performance]

Here is some info on the diet (lots of research including 2 peolpe Vicki knows personally that fight cancer with only diet). This was kinda hard at first but not like you would think. I thought it would really be bad, but I think it was easier than anticipated cause it's live or die? I had no trouble giving all the bad up. It was a no brainer and not too hard so far. I was he guy that would eat packets of sugar, candy, coffee, red meat, fried, I would salt before taste...Chocolate....But that is now all gone for the most part. But would rather wake up in the morning

Yeah. I am one for a nice steak, Coffee with chocolate cake for desert. So I will deal. It's not too bad. I always have like most all fruits and a good amount of veggies, just didn't eat too many. And even though I like fruit more (sweet) that has to also be limited to say 10-15% (too much sugar) and better stuff in the greens and veggies. So now it's some fruit, veggies, lots of carrots (very good antioxidants), legumes, beans, and some nuts (almonds) and LOTS of water and a hard boiled egg occasionally. We also do occasional fish (baked).

No more soda, coffee (ARGH), sweet tea, Cow milk or "sport" drinks ie gatorade, pwerade, vitamin waters. I have cut my sugar intake to a few pounds a week to Nothing that I add to things, just what is already in the food. And I have cut added salt out as well which I always added to food. And no fried of course. No chips, candy...you get the idea, no junk.

I also started eating green shakes made with Superfoods like Vibrant Health Green Vibrance. Not the tastiest thing....but really gets your body REAL GOOD nutrients. I also stopped eating cow baby milk. I mean cmon, we aren't baby cows. I also take Spirulina caps and Chlorella pills which are also both in the green drink but I also take more. They are both great additions to a healthy diet.

I feel better on this diet though, so I wouldn't feel too bad for me.

-Chris

[VR-4 0wnz j00]

Sounds like a good diet. Beware of eating too many almonds. I used to eat 30-40 a day, snack on them all the time at work because they are really good for you. It ended up taking some of the enamel off my teeth...just a FYI

[Ninja Performance]

Sounds like a good diet. Beware of eating too many almonds. I used to eat 30-40 a day, snack on them all the time at work because they are really good for you. It ended up taking some of the enamel off my teeth...just a FYI

I hear ya. I might eat a few dozen every other day or so. Everything in moderation. I ate an avocado for the first time last week. Have had guacamole before, but never just the avocado. It's not too bad. So I eat them now. Not too many of course. 1/2 at a siting and every few days. Lots of raw veggies and some steamed. Need to keep cooking them as much as possible. Squashes, brocolli, cauliflower, salads, carrots, spinach, mustard and collard greens. Fruits include apples, oranges, Kiwi, banana, grapefruit, lemon, grapes peaches, nectarines, plums, and some others and am adding more. But again, only 10-15% can be fruit.

And the amount you need to eat to keep on weight means eating every hour or so.

-Chris

[Ninja Performance]

And fruits need to be eaten on an empty stomach without anything else. Otherwise they sit on top of other food and start to ferment.

-Chris

[BigTyla]

This is great news. Keep it up!

[beepbeep]

Makes it so much easier if the significant other in your life is willing to take up this type of diet with you. Otherwise, all the stuff you used to enjoy is still in the house. I don't mind, cos I have always preferred fresh veggies to red meat. Fruits I'm having to work on adding, cos I'd rather have veggies. Lots of experimenting to find good combos and tasty meals.

[Granny]

Makes it so much easier if the significant other in your life is willing to take up this type of diet with you. Otherwise, all the stuff you used to enjoy is still in the house. I don't mind, cos I have always preferred fresh veggies to red meat. Fruits I'm having to work on adding, cos I'd rather have veggies. Lots of experimenting to find good combos and tasty meals.

Yea..Mike is always trying to force feed me those darn chocolate whipped cream icing cup cakes when he knows I would much rather have a bowl of greens. :Innocent:

Not having that stuff in the house makes a big difference.

Thank goodness for the wealth of new recipes on the internet.

[vr4chick]

More studies are showing health benefits from Coffee

Coffee Health Benefits : Coffee may protect against disease (http://www.health.harvard.edu/press_releases/coffee_health_benefits)

I would never give that up, I will take my risk. Also, to get the heath benefits I use whole bean coffees...usually like the dark roasts. I don't drink Folgers or anything like that.

[Ninja Performance]

More studies are showing health benefits from Coffee

Coffee Health Benefits : Coffee may protect against disease (http://www.health.harvard.edu/press_releases/coffee_health_benefits)

I would never give that up, I will take my risk. Also, to get the heath benefits I use whole bean coffees...usually like the dark roasts. I don't drink Folgers or anything like that.

Not to slap down the article but it's 5 years old and riddled with might, could, may. No actual science.

The negatives far outweigh the "possible/May protect against..." positives and for my condition it is downright bad. It would only feed the cancer cell growth (leaves a very acidic ash once the body converts it and cancer thrives in an acid environment). It's hard to give up but I did cold turkey. Miss it? Yes, but I would miss waking up in the morning more ;)

Sadly, my cancer is a genetic fault in my genes. I will never rid my body of it like other tumor cancers. it is part of my genetic makeup, so I have to eat a diet that suppresses cancer cell growth to keep it in check/remission as best I can.

Now on the other hand, coffee enemas are very good for you.

-Chris

[Ninja Performance]

Why the higher blood numbers (more normal) are so out of the ordinary especially this early in my treatment and why my Oncologist is so surprised with the fast turn around:

The chemo drugs are not picky, they kill cancer AND good blood cells. So we were (DR included) expecting my red and white blood cell count to go even lower but would deal with it as it was killing cancer as well. The surprise is my good numbers are going up not down. NINJA POWER!

-Chris

[stealthify]

Seems those prayers are working Chris - the power of love and support. Keep it up man, you got a lot of people rooting for ya!

[Ninja Performance]

More info on my diet:

I am on an alkaline diet. Cancer loves an acid environment. It also loves sugar. This cuts out all animal products including dairy, grains (all breads, pasta, etc), sugars, processed foods etc, some nuts, coffees, sodas, candy, and other stuff.

The good are most Fruits and Vegs. Almonds are great while most other nuts are bad. Most legumes/beans. Soy especially fermented (Tempeh, miso), most spices, onions/garlic/peppers...

I also take Spiralina, Chlorella, and Vibrant Health Green Vibrance superfood green drink. It isn't pleasant but makes me feel great. Everyone should take it.

While I do miss stuff, and I can have very small bites of some stuff every once in a while, I actually feel bad doing it and feel good mentally when I am eating the stuff I know is better for my body. I was the one putting 8 teaspoons of sugar in coffee...now I have no coffee or sugar....And it hasn't been as hard as I thought it would be.

-Chris

[Jimvr4]

Chris, It's good to see how you've adjusted already to realities in diet etc. I'm older than you and living with an auto-immune disease (rheumatoid arthritis) for over 15 years now. I haven't had to adjust my diet much although we tend to eat more fruits and veggies ever since my son decided he is vegetarian. I take a low dose of a cancer fighting drug, Methotrexate, but my biggest adjustment was self injecting Humira every two weeks. I'm able to do everything I want to do including spending hours in the garage working on the car.

I'm glad to see you posting up more frequently because that must mean your feeling better :)

-Jim

[BigTyla]

While I do miss stuff, and I can have very small bites of some stuff every once in a while, I actually feel bad doing it and feel good mentally when I am eating the stuff I know is better for my body. I was the one putting 8 teaspoons of sugar in coffee...now I have no coffee or sugar....And it hasn't been as hard as I thought it would be.

-Chris

That is a great sign!

[stealthII]

Yup, good to see you posting! We appreciate you keeping us in the loop. :) That was also nice of your crew to pay you a visit. Is MaTT still living in Florida? He used to go to my church when I was younger. It's a small world :)

[Lori]

Chris, while we're not doing it for the same reasons, I'm pretty much following that same diet. It wasn't intentional - it started off as a diabetic way of life, then just evolved for me into almost vegetarian. Regardless, I can speak from experience... You'll miss those things less and less as time goes on and as you continue to eat healthier. I'm a true believer that this way of life can cure a lot of different illnesses and diseases. I know I feel a thousand percent better since starting it. Just stick with it - it's obviously working for you.

[AdamVR4]

I am on an alkaline diet. Cancer loves an acid environment. It also loves sugar. This cuts out all animal products including dairy, grains (all breads, pasta, etc), sugars, processed foods etc, some nuts, coffees, sodas, candy, and other stuff.

The good are most Fruits and Vegs. Almonds are great while most other nuts are bad. Most legumes/beans. Soy especially fermented (Tempeh, miso), most spices, onions/garlic/peppers...

I also take Spiralina, Chlorella, and Vibrant Health Green Vibrance superfood green drink. It isn't pleasant but makes me feel great. Everyone should take it.

mmmmm, miso soup :)

Past along the info to my vegan+fish wife. I assumed you were saying that most beans, soy, onions, garlic, peppers are good. Funny how similar her diet is to yours. She's going to out live me by like 100 years.

[Ninja Performance]

mmmmm, miso soup :)

Past along the info to my vegan+fish wife. I assumed you were saying that most beans, soy, onions, garlic, peppers are good. Funny how similar her diet is to yours. She's going to out live me by like 100 years.

Yep, onions, fermented soy (Tempeh/miso), garlic, peppers are all good.

15 minutes in the pool today at the gym, that was all I could do, but it was a good 15 minutes. Can't actually swim yet, just moving around getting things back in shape. Tired and sore...But feel good. Little by little. The month in the hospital laying in bed and losing 15 pounds really did a number. But already doing so much better.

-Chris

[Chris@Rvengeperformance]

glad to hear you are getting better!

[Ninja Performance]

Talked to the stem cell bone marrow transplant medical group yesterday. Their statement "We won't even consider you until you have full insurance coverage or money in hand ($100,000+)" and they also want $300 just for the consult to chat about it.

Their tone changed when they found out I am not insured. I hate when medical people treat you different because you are not covered.

Luckily the hospital, CMC Union, that I was treated initially at (for the most part of a month) did NOT treat me that way and are working on helping me cover some of the bills there.

We are still optimistic something will come through to help with the stem cell bone marrow transplant. It's a needed procedure to help with the longevity of remission.

-Chris

[CoreyB]

Any chance that with your diet you could avoid the transplant?

[Ninja Performance]

Any chance that with your diet you could avoid the transplant?

Trouble with Multiple Myeloma is you can not cure it. I will always have it. It's just a matter of how well I respond to treatment and how well I keep it in check for the rest of my life. With MM, it kills the bone marrow in the bone replacing it with cancer cells so then you can't make blood. Once the large portion of them is killed from chemo, they harvest the stem cells then do high dose chemo with Melphlan (which also would kill stem cells if they weren't harvested). This kills any left over cancer cells not killed during normal chemo. Then your harvested stem cells are put back in and they start to build everything back up (which takes 6 months).

Stem cell transplant has been the best course of action for younger and responding patients to ensure the longest remission. So while we will use diet and supplements like Spirulina, Chlorella, and Superfood Green Vibrance to maintain the disease, I will need stem cell transplant to give me the best fight against it.

-Chris

[HilbillyHomeboy]

Can you apply for disability and get a medical card?

Jeremy

[Ninja Performance]

Can you apply for disability and get a medical card?

Jeremy

I applied for SSd which can take 6 months to aprove and for the most part you can rely on being denied at least once, then there is a 24 month wait period to get Medicaid once they accept you for SSd. I don't have a child and own too much (LOL) to get SSI or Medicare. I am kinda between a rock and a hard place. Like many americans, falling through the cracks. Up until decemeber last year I always had Health insurance of some sort. Just couldn't "afford" it anymore.

-Chris

[vr4chick]

Talked to the stem cell bone marrow transplant medical group yesterday. Their statement "We won't even consider you until you have full insurance coverage or money in hand ($100,000+)" and they also want $300 just for the consult to chat about it.

Their tone changed when they found out I am not insured. I hate when medical people treat you different because you are not covered.

Luckily the hospital, CMC Union, that I was treated initially at (for the most part of a month) did NOT treat me that way and are working on helping me cover some of the bills there.

We are still optimistic something will come through to help with the stem cell bone marrow transplant. It's a needed procedure to help with the longevity of remission.

-Chris

I know what you mean.

After the accident I developed Hyperthyroidism. UT never even once took a look at it while I sat there for 8 days. I got to another ER, no chance in hell was I going back to UT, I tell the triage nurse "I have untreated hyperthyroidism." she was like ok. I told the nurse and he said ok. I told the er doctor and he said ok. I get up into the OR and I told the anesthesiologist and she like "You need that treated dear, its going to kill you. I have to get the surgeon right away. We don't do surgery on people like you". So the surgeon came out and explained the increased risks with doing the appendectomy.

Ultimately, I ended up having some sort of heart troubles during the surgery. When I left the hospital another doctor gave me Atenolol and for the most part it works. last week was the first time my heart rate was under 100 in 5 months.

[Ninja Performance]

New blood numbers. My HGB (hemoglobin)is up to 13.8, WBC (white blood cell) is up to 6100 and my HCT (Hematocrit) is up 38. The cancer cells are getting their ass handed to them and my marrow is making blood!

To get a real picture of how the cancer is fairing against the chemo/diet they will test my M-spike (M protein in the blood) in a few more weeks. Mine was off the charts at 8.9 at the start well over the 5 that puts you in stage 3 (only 3 stages in multiple myeloma). That and the 80% cancer cells versus bone marrow in the bone marrow biopsy. They monitor it to see it go down to diagnose treatment is working.

For how I was a month ago, I am responding far above any expectations.

Keep the well wishes coming!

-Chris

[VR4Rob]

Dude that is awesome! Sending thoughts and prayers your way about the marrow/stem cell transplant :)

[STiedVR4Guy]

This is really great to see you doing so well. Sorry to hear about the transplant deal, that really sucks. My dad has not had medical insurance for a very long time and its hard as hes getting older now and starting to need doc visits every so often :/

I hope everything works out, Keep up the fight!

[EZnTn]

Talked to the stem cell bone marrow transplant medical group yesterday. Their statement "We won't even consider you until you have full insurance coverage or money in hand ($100,000+)" and they also want $300 just for the consult to chat about it.

Their tone changed when they found out I am not insured. I hate when medical people treat you different because you are not covered.

Luckily the hospital, CMC Union, that I was treated initially at (for the most part of a month) did NOT treat me that way and are working on helping me cover some of the bills there.

We are still optimistic something will come through to help with the stem cell bone marrow transplant. It's a needed procedure to help with the longevity of remission.

-Chris
Best of luck getting insurance Chris
Hope this part of Obamacare is in effect, that you can't be turned down for preexisting conditions.
Great to hear you are steadily improving, fighting this
NWS LINK REMOVED

[Mikes2nd]

yes hopefully you can get insurance with obamacare...

The high risk pool (HRP) should be able to help? This was introduced by Obama for people who get shot down by the private insurers because of prexisting conditions...

Find Insurance Options (http://finder.healthcare.gov/)

Some of that website is down. but max is 500$ a month, 3500$ max deductible...

http://www.healthcare.gov/law/features/choices/pre-existing-condition-insurance-plan/nc.html

Your included in the automatically enrolled?

http://www.inclusivehealth.org/federaloption/

NC High Risk Pool Reduces Federal Pool Rates
TV and billboard ads allow Inclusive Health members to spread the word

RALEIGH - Inclusive Health has applied for and received federal approval to reduce its monthly premiums for Inclusive Health - Federal Option members. Rates for people up to age 55 will decline by about 10 percent with reductions for those aged 55 and above of up to 31 percent. These reduced rates are currently available to new and existing federal option members.

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New Federal High Risk Pool Option

Uninsured North Carolina residents with pre-existing conditions may now qualify for the new Temporary Federal High Risk Pool. Established as one of the first initiatives under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, it targets people who have been without creditable coverage for at least six months. In North Carolina it is administered by Inclusive Health, a North Carolina non-profit established by the North Carolina State Legislature to administer Inclusive Health - State Option. We are pleased to bring the experience and infrastructure that has made Inclusive Health - State Option a success, to uninsured North Carolinians who qualify for the federal pool.

How do I know that this is the right option for me?

Inclusive Health - Federal Option is for North Carolina legal residents who have been without creditable coverage for at least six months. Unlike Inclusive Health - State Option that imposes a six month waiting pre-existing condition waiting period on applicants who have not had coverage in over 62 days, Inclusive Health - Federal Option has no pre-existing condition waiting period. If you currently have coverage then Inclusive Health - State Option may be a better option for you so that can avoid having to go without coverage for six months in order to qualify for Inclusive Health - Federal Option. We encourage you to review the eligibility, benefits and rate information under both Inclusive Health - Federal Option and Inclusive Health - State Option carefully in making your decision on which option may be best for you or call the Inclusive Health Call Center at 866-665-2117, Monday - Friday 8 am - 5 pm EST.

[Ninja Performance]

We have been looking into it, more in depth as we need to see if it will cover stem cell transplant and the jury is still out. Oh, and I am in South Carolina ;)

-Chris

[Ninja Performance]

This ends my 2nd two weeks of Chemo. 2 on 1 off. 6 more weeks of chemo then about 6-8 weeks until Stem cell bone marrow transplant if we can come up with the $100,000. Blood drawn to test M-Spike for the first time since diagnosis. Started at 8.9 (Very High). This will determine how well chemo is killing the cancer cells. Takes a week to get results.

M-Spike is a measure of blood protein. It should be 0. MM causes a higher than 0 spike. 0-3 is stage 1 , 3-5 is stage 2, 5+ is stage 3. I was 7.9 and 80% marrow was cancer cells. With all my other blood numbers responding so well, we are hoping for a good bump down in M-spike! It's early so it won't be super low, but any drop will be great!

Chemo treatments are starting to "stack up". Getting more "chemo brain" dizziness and tiredness. Hopefully this week off it will clear some.

-Chris

[J. Fast]

Will that number keep declining while your in chemo or will it be all over the place week by week? Are you fetchin for yourself now or is it kickin your ass pretty good? Can you do any type of exercise or are you too fatigued?

[Ninja Performance]

Will that number keep declining while your in chemo or will it be all over the place week by week? Are you fetchin for yourself now or is it kickin your ass pretty good? Can you do any type of exercise or are you too fatigued?

The M-Spike is a measurement of the monoclonal protein doing a serum electrophoresis (which separates the blood proteins into groups based on charge and size). Monoclonal gammopathy is so characteristic of myeloma that you can use it for both diagnosis of disease and follow-up of patients. Normal M spike for a person without MM is 0, it should never be above 0. Unless you have MM.

Using Bone marrow biopsy results (amount of cancer cells versus healthy bone marrow left) and M-Apike along with a few other blood tests they stage (1-3) the level of the disease. I was 80% cancer in the marrow and 8.9 M spike. Both well over the limits to be in the highest stage 3. Luckily my bone x ray scan showed ZERO bone lesions/holes/weak spots etc which is very common.

They will check my M spike via blood test every 4 weeks or so (it's expensive and takes a week unlike the normal CBC tests I have done weekly they do in house). If the chemo is working, the m spike will come down. I need to show a good partial response to total response to get a stem cell. My M spike needs to be 1 or lower to collect the stem cells and best would be .1 or lower so that they are super clean.

My other blood numbers, HGB, White blood cells etc will move all over during chemo. It may get lower (it should as chemo kills all cells). Luckily my body is kicking ass and even my white blood count is good and my body is responding with great blood numbers. And I can feel that it is.

I can do some things. Depends on what and when. Sometimes I can make my own dinner. Some times I don't have the energy to get out of the recliner and Vicki helps me a LOT with things. I need to exercise to get the muscle back I lost in the hospital and get healthy. The more exercise I get the better I will be health wise. We joined a gym that has a pool for low impact exercise. I can do about 15 minutes wading around, arms under water and what not before I call it a day. I walk outside slowly at this point and it feels good to do it. I am doing better every day. I am less fatigued than I was before I was diagnosed. I now have blood in my body, and I am not anemic anymore.

-Chris

[Ninja Performance]

Well, we will be cleaning up the Wagoneer this week to sell it to cover medical expenses :(

-Chris

[GTOJOE]

Just don't sell the shortbus :p

[beepbeep]

:sadsadpanda: But she will go for a good cause.

[beepbeep]

Just don't sell the shortbus :p

:( Short bus will be next.