I had a BLAST at my Daughter's Wedding

7/26/15 – I am thrilled to report that I attended my daughter’s wedding and was there with energy and enthusiasm. I walked her down the aisle, sang a song at her wedding ceremony, danced with my daughter during the traditional father-daughter dance, I gave a toast to the newlyweds, gave a blessing before the meal and had a blast of a time. I am so thankful that my doctors and staff did all they could do to ensure I could share this wonderful day with my daughter. I am so happy for my daughter Jill and her new husband Marc. May they have many years for health, happiness and prosperity.

So tomorrow I start my 4^th treatment cycle. I guess all good things must come to an end... but for now I am living on cloud 9.

Below is a glimpse of my daughter’s wedding ceremony and reception. 

Also I am so happy that I was able to give them the gift of song. The following YouTube link includes a video of me singing “Wedding Song (There is Love)”.  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yj3MqAAhzWY

If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. If I give all I possess to the poor and surrender my body to the flames, but have not love, I gain nothing.

1 Corinthians 13:1-3

More to come…

http://mantlecell.blogspot.com/

Happy 7 Year Anniversary

7/17/15 – Today marks 7 years since I was diagnosed with Mantle Cell Lymphoma. As strange as it may seem, this is a day when I feel the need to celebrate.

When I think back to July 17, 2008, the day I was diagnosed… as I sat in a waiting room, waiting to speak to an oncologist at Morristown Hospital, I am using my Blackberry to Google Mantle Cell Lymphoma. I read many grim post and articles. Everything on the internet was telling me that my time was short, I had maybe 2 to 3 years at best and that Mantle Cell Lymphoma was truly a death sentence… At the same time I am hiding what I am doing and reading from my wife. I put on a brave face, I make it known that this is no big deal, that I will be fine, and that we have nothing to worry about… Within my personal thoughts I was trying to process just what was happening to me.

If you take that moment back in 2008… and then see that 7 years have passed, why would you not want to celebrate? Although I have had my ups and downs over the 7 years, I have had many awesome times. Times and events I wouldn’t trade for anything in the world. And in a week from today I will be at my daughter Jill’s wedding. This is certainly not something that seemed feasible as I sat in a Morristown waiting room back in 2008.

Sure I still have some work ahead me to get back to full health, but I will fight, I will get healthy and I will be here to celebrate many more July 17^th Anniversaries.

Also, there are so many people to thank for all the support I have gotten over the years. To all, and you know who you are, please accept my sincere THANKS for all you do for me and my family. And for my family, you are the reason I fight on. I love you so much.

To my fellow cancer fighters… Cancer research and treatment has incredible advancements every day. We can never give up because we just never know what great advancement each new day brings.

Stay STRONG, Be POSITIVE and may the Peace of Christ be with you always.

Here is a great song about being strong. It’s called: “You Gotta Be” by Des'ree

Enjoy!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9oZXJD1NVW0

The Lord is my strength and my shield; in him my heart trusts, and I am helped; my heart exults, and with my song I give thanks to him. The Lord is the strength of his people; he is the saving refuge of his anointed.

Psalm 28:7-8

More to come…

http://mantlecell.blogspot.com/

My Scan Results Are In

7/8/15 – On Monday, July 6^th I had a check-up appointment which resulted in me needing fluids due to continued lightheadedness I have been experiencing. This is often caused by dehydration or low blood pressure. The fluids were given as a precaution. Also, later in the day I was scheduled for my first PET scan since I started treatments. I received the results of my scans the next day, Tuesday, July 7^th. The hope was that I would be able to bypass my 4^th treatment and go straight to getting the DLI. Well… this was not the case. Although my scans showed good improvement, it was not enough for me to be given pass on my 4^th cycle. 

I did learn of the plan that is in place for me for the next month (which includes the goal for me to be at my daughter’s wedding with plenty of strength and energy). The plan is as follows:

• Monday, July 20^th – Follow-up check up to make sure my counts are in a good place. Later on this day I will be meeting with the Transplant Team to discuss my upcoming DLI
• Friday, July 24^th – My daughter’s wedding
• Monday, July 27^th through Wednesday, July 29^th – I receive my 4^th cycle of chemotherapy
• Monday, August 3^rd – I receive my DLI with cells that have been saved from my Stem Cell Transplant which was back in November of 2013. 

So the good news is that treatments are working.

The less than great news is that I need another cycle of treatment. 

More good news is that the DLI is within reach and this should further improve my ability to fight my MCL.

So the plan for my next month is in place. I just need to do what my doctors ask me to do. I am very confident that all will be fine. Especially with all the prayers that are being said on my behalf. I have gotten through my treatments back in 2008. I made it through my 2013 relapse with the help of Ibrutinib and a Stem Cell Transplant. I will get through my current relapse with my chemo treatments, DLI and CART. 

Most important... None of this is possible without the healing powers of God.  

Here is another YouTube link great song I would like to share with you. 

It's called "Keep Making Me" by the Sidewalk Prophets. Enjoy!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UI1obeb3A9c

Then they cry unto the LORD in their trouble, and he saveth them out of their distresses.

He sent his word, and healed them, and delivered them from their destructions.

Oh that men would praise the LORD for his goodness, and for his wonderful works to the children of men!

Psalm 107: 19-21

More to come…

http://mantlecell.blogspot.com/