Christmas in Seattle

It was a great Christmas in Seattle. The kids had fun and played with their toys all day long. Sam was excited as Santa ate all the cookies and the Rain Deer ate all of the carrots, I think that five year-olds have the best time at Christmas. The other major benefit was we missed out on the Johnson-Kempton flu epidemic.

Update on my health. I met with the Doc's today and I have a fungus and three viruses and an bacterial infection all in my lungs. This should be remedied by the amount of pills that they have given me to battle such ailments. The infusion of Ty's Lymphocytes should happen sometime next week, they want to get me in a little better shape. The fungus is going away, slowly, very slowly. The viruses they are going to let them run their course. As for the Bacterial infection they are going to treat it with antibiotics. I thought it would be some sort of fancy antibiotic but plan old amoxicillin will do the trick.

It is cold and rainy here now and we are expecting some snow tonight.

After all is told I hope all who were infected with the Johnson flu bug will have a speedy recovery.

Thanks again for all of the responses to my blog it is so fun to hear from everyone.

Casey

Last Couple of Days

The last few days have been loaded with tests. I didn't think they could do anymore tests on me. I have had a nasal wash, skin biopsy, Cat scan, a eye test (basically they put onion juice in my eyes) to test how much tear production I have, a nurse checked all of my skin for Graft vs. Host, and then they took pictures of all my skin. I didn't even mention the blood draws every other day. Before the skin biopsy, I told the nurse that they have looked at every crevice of my body and they do not need to put more holes in me. She didn't listen. She put a hole in my shoulder the size of a bic pen.

It was sunny today which seems rare for Seattle, but still nice to see the sun.

Seattle times

Things are going great here in Seattle. The last week I had more tests. I met with the attending Dr. He said that they cannot find any leukemia in my body (Yipee), so just to make sure they did another bone marrow biopsy on Friday. I think that he enjoys ordering bone marrow biopsys. They are going to run some tests on the biopsy to see if I need a transplant or possibly an injection of Ty T-Cells. It will be interesting to see what they find out on Wednesday. If they do the T-Cells then that means no chemo or radiation which would be good as more radiation may make me glow. If they go the transplant route then I would have to have the chemo and radiation but either way they have me covered. I told my brother Wade about this plan and he said that I need his Ultra Premium blood to cure me. My blood counts have stabilized as I have not had a transfusion in a while.

Things about Seattle that I never knew about. Starbucks is everywhere. Just today I walked out of a restaurant and right in my face was a Starbucks, I am sure that there was another one inside of the Barnes and Noble bookstore right next door. These people are sure hooked on their coffee. But if you try to find a Wal-Mart or even ask someone, your out of luck, you have to search high and low to find one. Apparently coffee is more important than discount goods and clothing. The other thing I noticed today is that everyone has longer hair, not many bald people here as they would freeze, not sure if this is to keep them warm or what. One guy I saw had a comb over and braids, if I can get a picture I will. Maybe this is dual purpose as he could control his tempurature, if he got cold he could comb more over, if he is hot he could just braid it up. I am thinking of trying this out for myself.

I hope all is well at you house.

Casey

Tests and More Tests

This has been a very busy week with tests. I don't think NASA does that much testing on the space shuttle. This week so far I have had these tests, MUGA, X-Ray, Spinal Tap and a Cortasol test and it is only Wednesday.

The MUGA test was kind of different as they put radioactive isotopes into your blood stream, they then put me into another tube (Why is it that medical testing equipment is all tubes). The machine had two parallel panels and a TUBE. This machine was cool, as I laid in it with the Isotopes emmitting whatever they do, it slowly made a picture of my heart and how it works. Lani calls it the sandwich machine.

The Spinal Tap was the most exciting one so far. For this procedure the Dr. had me curl up into the fetal position and hold it. He has to get right into my spine and collect some fluid. Simple plan that went wrong. The Dr. numbed the area and then proceeded to push a TWO AND A HALF INCH NEEDLE into my back, right when he was in the right spot he hit a nerve which caused my calf muscle to contract (like a charlie horse). The Doctor then left the room and returned with another Dr. who was able to get the job done but did go in at the next vertebre.

I met with the Infection Disease Doctors as well. They congratulated me on the fact that I have missed getting two infections. The bad news is that there is Aspergillis (fungus) growing in my lungs. They have put me on two different medications, one to kill it and one that stops the growth. I reminds me of being on the farm mixing chemicals, usually 2,4d as the base and some other chemical mixed in. The good news is the Doctors compared my CAT scans to the ones in Vegas and their has been improvement.

LANI IS HERE!!

Lani flew in on Friday night, I was so excited to see her. I had 6 tickets to the Sonics game but wasn't feeling good enough to go to the game. The cancer center gives out tickets to different events throughout the year. Lani and I are really impressed with the center and the care it gives.

Today I was supposed to have a blood transfusion. In order to do this the nurse has to premedicate me with Tylenol and Benadryl. He gave me the Tylenol and was just starting to push the Benadryl into my port, when another nurse came running in and told him to stop because they had no blood ready for me. This was good as the Benadryl puts me to sleep within 5 seconds. If you do not believe me then ask Aaron Johnson or Nelson Tressler as they witnessed this action.

We then went and toured around downtown Seattle for the rest of the day. Seattle is an old city and is quite beautiful.

Dreaded MRI

Well today was a short day but painful. I had a bone marrow biopsy which was not fun. My backside hurts. I was excited for Friday's appointments, as I only had to see the Dentist and visit with a couple of people. That was the schedule until they changed it at the last minute. I think that Aaron again has something to do with the changes. In the morning I have to get another MRI, if you remeber the last time that I had one it was quite exciting. This will be followed up with a CAT scan. So basically I will spend the first part of tomorrow in different tubes. The MRI will be the worst and the Dr. has prescribed adivant to calm me down. Maybe I will take the whole bottle so I will not remember the MRI. The Dr. said after a couple of pills it is like a couple of glasses of wine. Unfortunatly I have never had a couple of glasses of wine, maybe I should purchase some wine just to see what they are talking about. After the scans in the tubes I then go to the Dentist for a check up, I can only imagine what he is wanting to do. The day will then be wrapped up with a visit with to the nutritionist, most likely I will have to go on a diet and eat Tofu. I will then get a blood transfusion (YUM).

Wade has now gone home and is in good health. That is a good thing and is lined up to donate his marrow around the 27th and they will do the transplant on the 27th. I am very lucky to have two people who match me as most people have a hard time finding one. So a big thank you to my brothers Wade and Ty.

Thanks again to all those who respond to this blog, it is neat to see who is reading about my life.

Casey

Life in Seattle

Well I made it to Seattle. It is very nice and green here, alot different from Las Vegas. I arrived late on Monday night and we stayed at a hotel the first night it was nice. On Tuesday I went to the Seattle Cancer Care Alliance (SCCA). I met the transplant team and they are very well organized. I have learned a couple of things about treatment. I learned that Chemotherapy does not pass the blood brain barrier. They then informed me that they will have to do a spinal tap to find out if there is leukemia hiding around my brain, if so I do not know what they will do to kill that. Most likely they will have to remove my brain and wash it in soap and then replace it!! Also on Tuesday they took alot of blood samples out of Wade and me. I then had to recount the time since I was diagnosed up to today. She, like all other doctors told me it was a miracle that I am alive. She seemed like a good doctor. On Wednesday I had to have a chest x-ray, and a lung function test. I was kind of worried about the Lung test as the last trasplant my lungs collapsed, but I passed the test. I then had to meet with the financial people to make sure that my insurance was in order. They always want to make sure they will get paid. I think that they know more about my insurance coverage than I do. I also had a EKG. The last appointment was with the transplant Dr. He told me that this is no guarantee of a cure. It was the same talk that I have had with all of my other Doctors. I call this the "Cover their butt talk", and they always end up the same with the Doc saying you have nothing to worry about.

The place that we are staying at is extremely nice and very comfortable. We have our own entrance with a basketball court right outside of our door. The people who own this house also have a circa 1950 Chevy truck in the driveway, definately our type of people. So all in all we are very comfortable, and extremely thankful for the apartment to stay in.

We also went to the famous Pikes Market this afternoon and then ate supper at Ivers.

Thanks to all who leave comments, even Aaron Johnson left a comment under the name of his wife Jill. He must be kind of bashful about using his real name. Anybody have suggestions of must see places in Seattle?

Thanks for all of the support that I have recieved from friends and family.

Casey

Two Week Stay

I have spent the last couple of weeks in the hospital (FUN). After the last round of chemo I got a infection which landed me in the hospital. It was my port that got infected so they had to remove the port. They then put a central line in my neck with three ends poking out, I look like I have a small bush growing out of my neck. This is only temporary until I get a new port put in, then I will have a bush growing out of my chest...at least it won't be out in the open. The nurses at the hospital were great. Most of the nurses came by to say hi and check on me. I don't know if it is a good thing to be on a first name basis with the all of the nurses on an entire floor.

We have found a place to stay in Seattle. When we get there is a another story. This hospital stay may have put this trip off until next week. I hope this isn't a sign of things to come.

Not much exciting to report as I have not been anywhere.

The Missed Vacation

Not too much has happened since the last update. The Latest round of Chemotherapy ended on November 3 at 5:30 am. I was home by 6:00 am cooking breakfast for the soccer players the reside at my home. Then we went to three soccer games. It was soo much fun. Sam scored Three back to back goals. Max played a good game. I was only able to watch part of Aubree's game in order to get Sam to his game. That was the best part of my week.

I went to the Doctor on Monday only to learn that my platelet count was one or dangerously low. They sent me to the transfusion center to get 2 units of platelets. While I was getting my transfusion the only thing to do is visit with the other patients which can be very interesting due to my impaired hearing, and lets face it most older people have hearing problems as well. The last thing that is left is watching people. I learned that rubber gloves must be very expensive as the nurse dropped a rubber glove on the floor, obviously not one to tolerate waste she quickly picked it up and put it on. This made me very ill and wondered if this happened when she was working on me.

Tuesday I was low on Blood and had to return to the beloved transfusion center. This time I took Lani with me, being a caring husband I told her to drop me off at he front door and return about 6 hours later to pick me up. She insisted that she wanted to come with me to at least see what this place is like (she can't say I didn't warn her). We got seated in the transfusion room. The people were very diverse. One gentleman had just gotten a new prescription, this brought his total to 27 pills daily. WOW!!!! I feel better about myself. The guy next to my had some sort of a problem with his knees. It is weird how this really helps me to keep my life in proper perspective. I went there every day that week. By the end of the week I was getting sicker and sicker.

Thursday Dr. Sanchez drew some blood cultures to see if I was getting an infection. The cultures would not be back until Monday. Friday I continued my routine of getting blood transfusions. My mother came to stay with me while Lani was in Disneyland. Saturday morning Lani and Brianne packed up to go to Disneyland!!! I woke up with blood shot eyes so bad that it was harder that usual to look in the mirror, and a fever. After alot of convincing, a reluctant and worried Lani went to Disneyland.

Monday, my blood draw was not good and the results of the blood cultures were worse. The blood draw showed that I tested positive for a Staph infection the type of Staph I do not know. My platelet count was 0 (Zero) which is dangerous. Apparently, my brain could have bled and killed me or another organ could bleed and cause unknown amounts of damage. The Dr. admitted me to the hospital. I left the Dr.'s office and waited for the hospital to call when they had a room for me. I was admitted into the hospital at 6:00pm, they started to do blood transfusions at 11:00 pm, apparently they needed almost 12 hours to get ready to do this transfusion. Saturday the Dr. had my Hickman catheter removed as it was the cause of my infection, I will have to stay here until my counts recover. As much as I hate being in the hospital, it has been comforting to have someone check on me closely.

There has been no news in regards to Seattle. We do have a couple of leads for places to stay but nothing solid, again if anyone can help us in this regard it would be appreciated.

Thanks to all who have been trying to help us find a place in Seattle, I know that if there are lots of people looking, we will find something.

Casey

IS IT TIME TO UPDATE THIS BLOG?

Well it has been a day or two since I have updated my blog. See what happens when I get my freedom restored. This will hopefully get everone up to speed as to what has happended since the last report. We went over to UCLA and visited with my Dr. we talked about some different treatment methods that are available. One was to take some whites cells from my first donor and transplant them. This sounded ok until the side effects were made known to me like lots of graft vs. host diesease, rashes, infections and lots of throwing up (YUCK). The other idea that they had was to get me on to a clinical trial drug that is actually a vaccine. They will not put me on that drug as I am too much of a risk for the company right now, a death on the record would kill it as far as FDA approval is concerned and that would mean the loss of a lot money on their part, even though it might mean a cure for my part. Follow the money. I then suggested trying another transplant. The doc though that I had lost my mind as he had no experience with doing a double transplant. I talked to him a couple of weeks later and he informed my that the second transplant would be the best option for me, unfortunatly UCLA does not do this type of procedure and he is going to send me to the Seattle Cancer Care Associates for the transplant. Apparently they were the ones who pioneered transplants back in the 60's. They are the number one place to go in the WORLD for transplants, guess I should have started there in the first place. I talked to them this morning and it looks as though most of the treatment is going to be on an outpatient basis which I love. They don't really like to admit people into the hospital as it creates a hazard to recieve infection. Those who remember the first transplant will remember that it was the hospital infections that put me into the 3 week coma. I will be going to Seattle on the 28th of November to start the process of the second transplant. I feel very lucky to have two perfect matches and appreciate all that they have had to go through just to keep one of the brothers alive!!!

The Seattle portion will take about 4 months to complete, they have to do about a 100 days of follow up before I can return to Las Vegas... does anyone know of a place that I could stay at other than under the bridge of Interstate 5? It would really help even if it was broken up into a 5 or 6 different places (I don't want to wear out my welcome).

I am currently in the Mountain View Hospital until Saturday. I had to do another round of Chemo to, as my brother-in-law Brian Griffeth put it "make for damn sure" the leukemia stays in remission. Yesterday, I had another bone marrow biopsy and as Brian's wisdom once again pulled through with the advice he gave me "When the Dr. says you will feel a little bit of pressure, that really means this will hurt like hell". I still have not heard the results from this test yet but shoud soon.

Well I think this will bring you up to date as to what is happening in my life. Please continue to commment onthe blog, it has been nice to hear from all of you. Thank you for your prayers and concern.

Take care

Casey

Home Sweet Home

Casey finally made it out. He is home and loving it. It is so nice to have him home. He actually has quite a bit of energy. He goes to the doctor on Wednesday, and we are also waiting for UCLA to call us to hopefully find some kind of clinical drug or some other alternative for him. They are trying to find something for him because they don't think that he will stay in remission for very long. Hopefully they find something soon.
We have had lots going on since we have been home my parents came for the weekend. That was great. We are extremely busy because Casey's license is expired and we have only one car. I feel very old fashioned. Things are going great and I promise to get some pictures on here I just had to give you all an update. Conference weekend was good and it is always great to be fed spiritually! Love those weekends.

Going on TEN!

Casey is doing well we are our 10th week. We are definetly feeling it. It has become a part of our life but it still does not make it easy. With the kids in school, soccer practices, achievement days, young womens, cooking, cleaning, and grocery shopping, and visiting Casey it is all a little overwelming. His counts are coming up to 0.6 so hopefully by next week some time he will get to come home. He is getting extremely bored, but we learned being bored is better then being worried. When he gets to come home the doctors will still be searching for some new clinical drugs that will help him stay in remission. We cherish each day and hope that he is granted more time with us.


REASONS WHY I LOVE CASEY:
1. He is always so positive (he was not a match to some new wonder drugs and he reply's, "it's probably a good thing because maybe the side effects would have been bad").
2. I love having old trucks in my back yard.
3. He taught me that the classifieds are the most important section in a newspaper.
4. He always lets me win at games.
5. He is great with our kids.
6. He always lets me have my way. (he said this is changing when he gets out of here!)
7. He helps me in the middle of the night with the kids (thank goodness this doesn't happen very often).
8. He is always willing to try something new.
9. He is always talking of new business ideas.
10. Has great family and friends!
11. Is very strong willed.
12. Use to have the cutest wrangler butt. It's not that it isn't cute anymore it's that I haven't seen him in wranglers in a long long time. Thank goodness!
13. Respects me.
14. Listens to me.
15. Has definetly made my life interesting and exciting.
16. Always watches the most interesting TV shows.
17. Has the smoothest feet in the whole world. (He takes great pride in them)
18. Is an excellent driver (this is true, he has been in and out of ditches without a scratch) (Oh! I forgot last year on his birthday he rear ended someone and lost the hood of his car! Ooops!)
19. Will always give me good advice.
20. Has definetly taught me there is more than one way to eat a grapefruit.


This week my Grandma Carol turned 75. She is the one in the middle. On her birthday she learned that she has stage 4 lung cancer. It was heart breaking to hear about it. I love her and we have so many good memories with her. Hopefully she will still make many more. Life is great and I have learned to cherish and make the most of everyday. My Grandma lived in St. George for the past couple of years in the winters. It was nice to get to spend time with her. She is always the Grandma that would shove you full of food and always had good stuff to eat. She would take offense if you didn't eat what you had to offer. I admire my Grandma she was always at my Grandpa's beckoning call. I could learn a lot from her. She is also the only person I know to have two different colored eyes. I love her and am going to fully support her in her challenges that lie ahead. My advice: Take one day at a time and NEVER GIVE UP HOPE!

9th Week!

Nothing much has changed, but we thought you all might like an update. He has just started his 9th week. They are giving him a steroid to help produce his white blood count which is called leukine. We hope this comes back clean without leukemia. They are not sure what treatment he will get when he gets out of here. Our new latest hospital entertainment is a game called "Ticket To Ride". It is a very fun and entertaining game. If you have any other game ideas please let us know so we can enjoy them the last hopefully weeks we will be in here.

Crazy Canucks

My trip to Canada was quit the adventure. I arrived at the airport and was told that only Sam and I could go. I had a friend bring me Aubree's Canadian Certificate and then was told only Aubree and I could go, because I accidently showed the supervisor that Sam was American. She did not understand that you could be citizens of two different countires. They finally said that Aubree, Sam and I could all go. But no Max. Max hopped in with Skye and off they went. I felt so bad for him. Meanwhile, my kids are crying cause Max couldn't come and I finally started crying because I was not expecting all of this added stress. The airline had told me if I have my passport and my kids had their birth certificates then all would be well. The supervisor said, "Mame it is not our job to inform you of the laws." So I am informing you, first to the supervisor you never give up your right as a citizen of one country to become a citizen of another. (called DUAL citizenship).

NoTe: If you don't have passports for your children then get them, even if they have a receipt showing that they are mailed that will do.

NOW, about a Canadian wedding, they are a little different then your American weddings. First off to anyone attending the reception, I apologize but yes we are crazy. I think my new sister-in-law and her family think we are crazy. My uncle was MC of the wedding. It started off good, then we were told by my brother that we weren't allowed to clink the glasses because it was offensive to the bride's family. Then we got in to the program, the dinner is all about the program and the food (which came from Columbia, we had stuffed pigs, It was really good) the program consisted of one of my uncle's being Elvis, then my Grandma Yoodling, the MC had transformed into Spiderman and the costume has shrunk from last time he wore it. Elvis by then had even gotten more warmed up and decided to do another number. Then to top it off my Dad did a crazy dance completed with a routine of his animal noises. We were all looking around to see how everyone was reacting. I guess Chad (my brother) need not hide how crazy we all are, at least now she knows what she has gotten in to and at least she will get sympathy from her family now.

The trip was great we got to see lots of old friends and family and it was even nice enough to go bale jumping. This is really fun! The little kids even rode calves. What we do on a farm is very different but it was a great way to grow up and we wouldn't trade it for anything. We had a great time and am excited to be back with Max and Casey, all is still going well with Casey. He is started on this 8th week and hope to be out of here at least by next weekend.

Amazing Adventures

I just have to tell you some of the things that Casey has been doing for fun. He will walk around the hospital talking to everyone he sees. The picture below is a volunteer desk. When no one is around Aaron and him will sit at this desk and try to help people. I was surprised the volunteer wanted to take a picture with him. They will also sit in this lobby on the second floor and watch out the windows to the main entrance. So when you come to visit don't be surprised if you have a masked face watching you from.

Also one night as I was leaving I passed in the parking lot a jetta with two guys in it. One being a man with a mask and gloves on and the other being Aaron Johnson. When they saw me they were speeding through the parking lot only to end up hiding behind a dumpster in a car. I felt like I was chasing Herbie. Those guys are crazy. At least it's nice to see him having fun. Those two are always up to trouble. That reminds me of another story. About three weeks ago Aaron was up here visiting and Casey was complaining of how cold it was, so before Aaron left he turned the heat up for us. The thermostat made a really loud buzzing noise but we weren't to alarmed, we were glad to finally be warm. Well, about 4:00 am the nurse came in and we all woke up it was so hot in here we were sweating so bad we had to open the door to get cool air. There was no going back to sleep. The next morning maintenance came up and said it was 107 degrees in our room. Thanks Aaron, they fixed it and Aaron is no longer allowed to change the temperature.

Everything is going well! We hope to get him out of here (legally) soon.

Bone Marrow Update

I had my biopsy on Wednesday afternoon. It hurt a lot this time, the doctor had to pull out two samples. The process is kind of interesting first they numb the area above your pelvis. They then make a small cut and push the needle through the bone. The needle is about half the size of a Bic pen. When he pushes the needle through the bone you can feel it hit the other side of the bone, kind of a cool feeling. Then he pulls out the samples each time it hurts the same, the pain is quick and sharp and is over as quick as it starts. He then takes a sample of the bone. That is the basics of a Bone Marrow Biopsy. I am sure that I have missed some parts but I am no doctor.

The results from the test came back this morning. The results were very good with 97% of good healthy cells, the remaining 3% were inmature cells. This is of no concern as these cells are just developing into good normal cells. It would have been bad if there would have been around 40% blasts. The Dr. is very happy with the results. I had the last treatment and should be out of here in a couple of weeks (hopefuly).

I am currently working out some issues with the soda/sugar embargo placed against me by LANI NISH. This has now grown into a movement with my other loyal friends {aka JILL JOHNSON}. Jill has caused her husband to halt the delivery of Atomic Sour Apple Slurpees to my room and this will continue until I get this mess cleaned up, or until I am released from the hospital and am able to purchase my own. I am currently thinking of things that they should have to do with out, I am open to suggestions....

On Wednesday I attemped to escape from the hospital, only once again LANI foiled my plans. Aaron needs to get a faster escape vehicle.

We watched the repair people at the hospital try to replace some ceiling lights. This was quite funny as he had to replace one lightbulb THREE times. This tremendous job required one man on the lift, one on the ground, two security guards [for laughter(no wonder my Suburban got broke into as he was too busy watching the repair people)] all watching the guy replacing the lightbulb. I no longer wonder why it is so expensive to be in the hospital.

Thanks again to everyone who has commented on my blog it is really fun to see who is reading.

Remember your suggestions on things that Lani and Jill should have to go without..

Here is what I have thought of:

1. Nice haircuts, I am able to do them for free

2. Cheese cake factory with friends

3. Swiming parties in the middle of the day {sun causes skin cancer}

4. Tanning beds {causes cancer as well}

5. ???????

First Day of School

The kids made it back safely and are ready for school. They were up at 4:30 because of the thunderstorms. Aubree fell out of bed because the noise scared her. They finally went back to bed but were soon up again at 6:00 am, they made there own lunches, beds, and set the table for breakfast. Do you think they were excited? They still rode their bikes despite all the rain. I can't believe summer is over already.

Casey is doing good. His counts are at 0.2 which is awesome. He will have his bone marrow biopsy on Wednesday. Hopefully the results will be great!

Things he misses most!

Everything is going great! Casey's counts are where the doctor would like them. He will have a bone marrow biapsy next week. He is wondering if anyone would like to trade him. This is where they dig into the bone and pull out some marrow to see what is being created (normal cells or leukemia). This is very painful. It is like watching a cow be branded. He acts like one too!

Things he misses most:

1. Being able to do anything about the letters from the home owners association.

2. Being 10 pounds bigger.

3. The temperature (Aaron says its hot as h... outside but it sure feels like h.... in here).

4. Having thin hair.

5. Hearing firecrackers in the middle of the night.

6. Being toilet papered and having signs in your yard.

7. Being honked at.

8. Driving all the way across town for work.

9. Pulling weeds.

10. Cable TV.

You really don't realize how good you have it til it's all gone. Tell us something you really would miss. (non-commenters don't be shy)

Casey's mom and Dad left today. It was a lot of fun having them here. We look forward to seeing them in a couple of weeks. We miss them so much already we made a little movie for you. Casey's counts are down to 1.4 so things are still looking good. He has been a little tired lately because his red blood counts are down. We have been waiting all day for a blood transfusion. His blood is really rare, (they do all this screening because he has all of these antibodies in it. So hopefully they will find some. He looks great and is no longer hooked up to an IV pole. He will only be hooked up to it when he needs blood. Watch out you might see him roaming the halls. Ha Ha! (his turn to wear a mask!)

Third times a charm!

This week Casey's mom and Dad came to visit. It's always nice to have company. Casey is doing well this week. On Friday he started a targeted drug to hopefully kill the last 2000 leukimia cells. They say this drug will go in and attach itself to the leukemia cells and kills it.

The side effects have hit. He woke up one morning and it looked like he had slept with a cat. He is completely bald. The other night the teachers and priests came to see him. He challenged them to be bold and go bald. He got to shave some of their heads. He really enjoyed this! When I got here after Young Women's the room looked like a tornado hit it. There was hair, brownies and frosty cups everywhere! (What a mess!) There has been more people to go bald. Thanks for showing us your head, Eric McKay (we even like the tan spot on the top of your head). We have heard there are many others that have done so also. Please send pictures. We have received many phone calls about Ken Secretan shaving his head. Thankyou so much! We really appreciate everyone's support. Ben Nish is coming close!

FIVE highlights of the week:

1. Watching coyote calling movies (it sounds like squealing balloons)
2. Calls from the kids (bee stings, and stunts on horses)
3. Received more for the car write- off then we would selling it. (Thanks Apryl!)
4. Shaving the young men's heads. (I wonder what there mom's thought?)
5. I just won another 4 weeks of unlimited stay (food included) and the Mountain View Hospital Grand Vacation Club. (drugs included).

Things you didn't know about me!

Casey's counts are at 5, you are probably wondering why. This is because his bone marrow is recovering from the first round of chemo. It is starting to make good blood cells. He also got a shot of epogen (this produces red blood cells). This means he is doing well. Here is a list of things you didn't know about Casey:

1. He doesn't like bugs (will wait for someone else to come and kill it).

2. Started a rafting company with a friend. The business is still going strong. (to bad he bailed out early).

3. He was bucked off a horse and landed on a rock and got knocked out.

4. Learned how to bare foot ski one summer and also learned how to take in lots of water.

5. Taught seminary at 6:00 am for one year.

6. Learned that he shouldn't ride other people's motorbikes as he didn't heed his brothers warning about how fast it really was. (All we saw was sparks flying and Casey heading for the neighbors front window.)

7. One of the first times we met, a group of us went swimming at the headgates at midnight. I was looking into the water when Casey pushed me in. I dove in and came up all bloody realizing the river was only 3 feet deep.

8. Killed the neighbors 4H projects. (Ran over four steers coming home one night).

9. Loves racing Ben when driving (even if it means putting my minivan in the ditch, with wife, kids, sister-in-laws and all of our Christmas presents).

10. Is totally deaf in his right ear, and very selective in his left ear.

Also, he can't wait to see all the people that have shaved their head!!! Thanks!

Thankful Thursday

Before we start our list, I thought I would give you an update. Today Casey is starting a second induction of chemo (more of the same chemo for 5 days). The doctor is very hopeful that this will put his leukemia into remission. The rash he had is blossomed (that's what the doctors called it) and is starting to go away. He is ready for his second round. Another marathon begins. Here are some things we are thankful for:

1. For the ever changing technology of medication.
2. Children that can go on vacation without us.
3. All the visitors and phone calls that come to the Mountain View vacation club.
4. The new classy recliner that arrived to our room this morning (thank you thank you)
5. Repair shops that fix cars
6. Surprise parties
7. That baldness is beautiful
8. Nurses that come immediately when you push the call button
9. Miracles
10. All those that leave comments

What we are most of all thankful for is the knowledge that we have in our Heavenly Fathers plan, that we have the opportunity to be with our family for eternity. That he loves us and watches over us. He has blessed us so much, through the power of prayer, fasting and the priesthood. We are so thankful for everything we have and all the experiences we have been through, we have been strengthed through it all. It seems so hard at times but He always seems to get us through it. Thanks for all those that help!

The Doctor Returns......

Dr Sanchez came back today. He said everything is fine my counts are at 10 (10,000), they should be lower but he said I have defied all of the odds so don't worry yet. Things have been very uneventful except I have developed a rash (on my belly). The doctors don't know what it is from but they don't seem too worried. His line came out tonight and he bled all over the bed. It was SCARY. It was right after the nurses told him not to wet his bed. It was kind of funny.

One of the doctors on the team is from Kenya. She makes her rounds at 10 or 11 at night. She thinks we have a neat tribe. Tonight she asked if Casey was an actor, he is soooo dramatic. One day a nurse was giving him a transfusion of platelets she had forgotten to premedicate him. When the platelets reached his body he shook violently. She freaked out and got mad at him.

Thanks for all of those that fasted for us. It is neat to be a part of something so special. It really boosts us up.

I have had lots of comments from people who said they would have shaved their head if they were on the list. Consider this an open invitation (Delton, Ken Secreton, Sheridan Smith, Eric Mackay, Shane Norman, Brianne Whitaker, Alan Nish, Dan Noorda, Lamar Noorda). I will continue to add to this list as more names come to mind. A special thanks to Ken Kaufman for shaving his head.

It is fun to read everyones comments. It helps brighten our day.

First day without chemo!

Today was the first day without chemotherapy! Now we just wait to see if it kills all of the leukemia. They knock your white blood counts all the way to 0. A normal persons white blood count is anywhere from 4 - 11. Casey came into the hospital with a count of 120. His leukemia was very rapid. Today his white blood count is 21, but they are still seeing blasts (those are what they call leukemia). The doctors are worried that he is resistant to the chemo. Which means we go to plan B. We don't really know what plan B is. We should know by Monday or Tuesday. His main oncologist has been out of town for a week. Casey is starting to get a few fevers, which don't really amount to anything. Thank goodness! Some of you have asked what signs he had to know that this disease was back. It was as simple as just having a rountine blood test and them telling you we think you have a 50/50 chance your leukemia is back, and then by the end of the week the doctors want you admitted to the hospital. His spirits are still high and we enjoy all of the comments we receive. This definetly cheers him up. Thanks for all the prayers they are definetly felt.

Also thanks for the wonderful birthday! He had many calls, cards and visitors. Jill showed up with homemade tie-dyed t-shirts and a disco ball. He received many great gifts (magnifying glass, and a regifted walker). Thanks for an unforgettable birthday!

One more item Casey wants me to talk about. He was taking a nap today, when he had a visitor arrive. The older woman woke him up and said how are you doing kiddo! She walked over to the table and asked where did you get the table son! My wife Lani brought it! She looked at me funny and said you aren't Andre. Then realized she was in the wrong room. What is really funny is we met Andre yesterday walking in the halls. He is completly bald 300 pounds and he was wearing underwear with a cape on! It made for and exciting morning. Lets see what happens tomorrow.

Just when you think times are tough......

It all started yesterday. The doctors decided they wanted to do an MRI on Casey to see what was causing his blurry vision. We arrived at the MRI room and Casey laid on the table and went in. The technicians got in there booth and started their program, suddenly we all hear a help, help with lots of commotion going on they rescued Casey from the machine. His interpretation of it all: (They tied my head down and straped my arms down and put a towel over my eyes so I couldn't see, then they pushed me in and jammed my head in a cage. Then suddenly there was a loud noise as if the whole machine was going to fall apart. So I started kicking my feet and yelling help! help!. I was sure the whole machine was falling in on me. They assured me they could fit a 360 pound person in there. I say there is no way they could squeeze a hotdog between my chest and the roof!) Needless to say we learned Casey was claustorphobic. So they put a mirror above his head so he could see me standing at the end of his bed. We successfully completed the MRI. The results came in today and everything looks good. Hopefully his vision will clear when the chemo and all the other meds stop.

Today Casey decided he wanted fish and chips for lunch. His mom cheerfully jumped at the opportunity to serve Casey. A couple hours later we got a phone call saying bad news lunch is going to be late and you are going to get a new car. What was really funny is she told me over the phone that it was just a little fender bender. Then 2 minutes later she called to see where she should get the car towed to. I went to pick her up and laughed so hard because the whole front tire of the car was shoved into the the car. What damage a little fender bender can cause. We love Apryl and love having her here. It gave us something else to worry about and gave us quite the laugh. I tell you there is never a dull moment around here. Can't wait to see what tomorrow brings! Also, it's Casey's birthday tomorrow, he will be the big 35!!! Congrats for him he is quite the trooper and always has a smile on his face.

Just a thought: A wise man once told me if money can fix your problems you really have no problems.

Bittersweet!!

Today was the day we had to ship our kids to Canada. Tears were shed, Casey was able to give each one of them a blessing. They were very sweet. Casey's dad took them on the plane to Great Falls. We are hoping they will make it across the border with those three little bandits. We shed tears wishing we were on the same holiday. It will be hard to go home to such a quite place but at least this way our attention can be on Casey. Casey's mom stayed here with me. Bless her heart!!!! I'm so thankful for all the help and encouragement we have received. As we speak a little birdie told me my house was getting cleaned. Thank you! Thank you!

Casey has had a good day! His counts are where the doctors would like them. Tomorrow he will fill you in on this. He has had lots of rest today which is a good thing. Also, Congratulations to Drew Bushman who is the closest to a shiny head. We will send pictures in an upcoming blog! Andrew Dixon has a close second. Aaron and Brian we want to see those ears.!!!!!!

We appreciate those who have joined Casey's chrome dome club. We are daring the Mortensen's (Todd, Brett, and Craig) and also the Martin's (Sterling, Gary and Jeff) to join the club. Your so close:)

Today we are thankful for: The bravest Grandpa in America for taking three young children on an airplane trip home. And also the comfort blessings can bring.

Lots of Love
Lani

My list

5 Good things about the hospital

1. My model nurse (Melodee)
2. Milkshakes and Ruth's Chriss
3. Visited by two Mark Howard's in one day
4. Making everyone wear masks
5. Being a 24 hour psychologist

5 Reasons why I am jealous of Winn:

1. Thick flowing mane of hair
2. His new Q7
3. His blog comments are better than mine
4. His fetish for anything Oakley
5. His dog Diesel

Special congrats to Matt Haugh, Grayson Tressler and Doug Glenn for going bald for me.

5 people I would like to see bald for me.

1. Aaron Johnson-Brian Griffeth (twins)
2. Winnfield Greenwood
3. Skye Tressler
4. Gary Nish
5. Ken Kaufman
6. Andrew Dixon
7. Rich Kempton and or Cammille
8. The Silverfox aka Jim Folsom
9. Izetta Martin
10. Cecil Jones

The list was too fun so we came up with 10.

Today was the best of days and the worst of days. The laxative didn't work, just lots of gas. Which the nurse says is a good sign. I guess I won't explode. I appreciate the 6 visitors today. Sunday is by appointment only. There is standing room only from 1:00 to 4:00. Sorry Bishop. Church attendance will be low. My leukemia counts keep coming down, so everything is looking good.

Fiesta Party

The first full day of chemotherapy went well. No side effects yet. Feeling really good. The doctors are all really impressed with everything. The Highlight of the day was a surprise party. Some friends came in and decorated my room with hats and chili peppers and gave me a nice mexican sunrise. It was complete with a pinata and a golf club. We were busted by the nurse who made the party givers eat in the hallway while I ate in my room alone. Also it was quite the sight to see a blind deaf man hitting a pinata with two white men with little mustaches almost getting hit by a golf club.

My vision is very blury caused by the antibiotics which should clear up within the week. We are so thankful for the many visitors, phone calls, letters, and comments on our blog. Thanks for thinking of us. We really appreciate it. Heavenly Father has truly blessed us!!!

First Post

With the help of Jill J. we have created a blog!!

Today we got the hickman catheter on left shoulder. This will facilitate the administration of the Chemotherapy drugs. The hickman catheter goes from your chest over your collarbone onto the superior vena cava (for all you dummies it goes to your main vein) it ends just above the opening of the heart. I had a heart ultrasound and could hear the sound of it opening and closing. So Cool! The consistent rhythm was good to hear!!! They will start Chemotherapy tonight at 6:00. Ruth's Chris fillet was brought in to honor the occasion. This was especially nice because when chemo starts everything tastes like rusty nails. Tonight I am looking forward to Smokey and the Bandit if I can see it, my eyes are blurry from some medication.

Today I am thankful for all of the friends and family. I am thankful for the calls.