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Fezo, if somebody donates in your name isn't it credited half to you? Hope all is going well for you, I would certainly be more than willing to donate in your name. I am also on the marrow donor list, again would be glad to help you out.

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you know, since the blood I get is covered by insurance (thank goodness! Between that and the medication I couldn't afford to live!) I never asked about that part.

I'm at least another medication away from having to deal with a transplant. Am hoping like mad that it doesn't come to that but I appreciate anyone being on the list! Still might need it down the road.

Meanwhile, for all - getting yourself tested for a bone marrow match is quick and painless. Actually being the donor (or in my case one who got actual marrow tested) is another story. Even that, however is not as ad as it sounds.

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Well, I'm down a quart again..... Back in for that tomorrow.

Am going for a couple of weeks without the medication to see if that does anything. Will find out more after that.

At least I will be my old self for Thanksgiving...

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Have a new quart of Omaha's finest. That's probably the furthest I've seen the blood come from.

Am still in one piece.

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God bless you Fezo. I will be praying for you. There are people from as far away as Norway that donated blood in honor of my Daughter Dana. If not for the gift of life that blood donors everywhere gave, I and my family would not have the gift of the 4 1/2 extra years of life we had with Dana.
Every day that gift saves so many lives. I truly believe that people giving blood have a special place in God's heart. Happy Thanks giving Fez!
Bill

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Thanks Deb,
So many people in this world with blood diseases often find that their
only hope of cure is a peripheral stem cell transplant or bone marrow transplant
from an unknown doner. That is a great thing you are doing. Happy thanksgfiving Deb!
Bill

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Thanks, Bill.

I'm sorry to hear about your daughter. I just can't imagine. But an extra four and a half years is a good thing.

Right now this is keeping me going while they try to beat it into remission. I think drug #1 officially didn't work. I suspect that after two weeks we'll be on to drug number two. Ultimately it may be a bone marrow transplant. We'll see.

I appreciate every prayer I get. I still think I'll beat this. So does my doctor.

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Fezo...Hoping that you beat this beast into submission. I am in awe of your courage. You remain in my thoughts and prayers.

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Keeping steady on the health front.

My sad news of the day is my dad passed this morning. He was six weeks short of 91 and had an amazing, happy life but it's rough right now.

I may be disconnected for a couple of days.

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I'm so sorry to hear this news. My thoughts and hugs are on their way. I'm so so sorry..

Char

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Sorry to hear this bad news fezo. :(

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Thanks, folks. In his own words - maybe about a year ago we were up at the house and dad was in his chair - the throne from which dad pronouncements might come if he wasn't watching baseball or golf - and he looks up at us (me, my wife and out four daughters (40% of his grandkids...) and says "If God takes me right now I have had a great life." Indeed he did.

I'm hurting now but only because I was used to haviong that presence for all of my near 58 years. It's a big empty space right now.

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Steve, I am so sorry for the loss of your Dad and am thinking of you all right now.

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My deepest sympathy for your loss, Steve. May you find much comfort in your memories of your dad. Pam

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Prayers for you, fezo.

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Add me to the list of Lightheads and others that have you in their thoughts for all you are going through. Even though your dad expressed content with his life's journey, it's the ones he leaves behind that experience the loss. I went through the same thing with both my folks. My sincerest condolences to you and your family.

And good thoughts that your health issue stays manageable...and hopefully improves! I can certainly commiserate with the being tied to an IV pole for hours. I used to get IV drug infusions that would last for 3 hours. I would get so bored and restless that my teeth would ache. And the recliners would lose their comfort after 2 hours, so I can't even imagine 6+ hours. wow

Diane

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I woke up still clutching the rosary I started saying for you last night. I finished it this morning. That was very kind of your dad to let you and your family know how he felt about living a good life. I feel that he said it in loving hopes that it would help comfort you in this present time.

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Our prayers are with you.

Bill

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Two more units of blood yesterday. I'm good for the moment....

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You're doing great, Steve. Hang in there.

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I'm so very sorry to hear of your loss, Steve. My thoughts and prayers are with you for your healing, both emotionally and physically.
Take care,
Anne

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Ah... It's Christmas Eve getting blood. guess it will keep me out of the stores anyway...

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Grrrr... back for more blood tomorrow.... To add to things I now have way too much iron in me which is the result of all the transfusions. It's showing up in tests on the liver. That will clear if we can get the blood issue settled.

Sigh...

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oh dear..get that sorted out and let us know how things go tomorrow! good luck..
char

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Will do. Thanks. Getting nuts. At one point this has to get better.

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Thinking of you, Steve, and wishing you better. Try and stay positive, buddy.
btw love the cd!

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I hope all goes well tomorrow and as always...my thoughts and prayers.

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Hi fezo,

With so many of your friends praying and sending positive thoughts your way you have to start to feel better very soon. Please do not go nuts, that's my job. Sending you a hug along with prayer.

DSR

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Yeah, my New Years resolution was to stop this stuff but my body isn't cooperating.

Actually in terms of how I'm feeling the only really bad part is being dog tired all the time.

I have to get out playing because when I have an audience all the endorphins kick in and I'm great. I'm beat the next day but that's fine.

Gotta make sure the iPod is charged and the books are set. Six hours of sitting there - you need to be prepared.

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Got my two units yesterday. Genuine Philadelphia blood. I hope this doesn't make me tolerate the Eagles on Sunday... Go, Giants!

Now I can safely turn another year older tomorrow....

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well congrats on the new "philly" blood and happy birthday!!

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Just a note here...

Well, the past month since I last reported has been more or less the same - transfusion every two weeks. Well, until today anyway. Today the hemoglobin came in at 8.7. That's not a great number but it's high enough that i was given the option of going another week if I felt up to it. Indeed I do so it will be a whole three weeks this time if things hold up. It's not earth shattering but it's the first good news on this front in a long time. I'll take that.

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must be the philly effect.. ;)
good news indeed!

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Actually the last batch was from Columbus, Ohio but who's counting?

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Happy to hear what I think is a good report. I hope you are not as tired as you were. Sending happy thoughts your way. :)

DSR

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Yes, it's a good report and indeed I'm a bit less tired.

now if you went to the doctor and tehy found your hemoglobin with an 8.7 they'd probably zip you into the hospital and order a gazillion tests but for me it's a good sign that the rate of it dropping has slowed. It's a first step. Been waiting a long time for that!

Will of course keep you posted as this goes along.

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Fezo, as always, you're in my prayers.
Keep the faith!

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So glad to know :biggrin:

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pleased to hear of the good report...hope the next one is great

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Fezo...as always I'm keeping my eye on you. Please rest and continue to improve. We got your back!