pier344

Her Daughter's Wedding

drmaryalsaleh@cox.net (dylan_thomas) — Mon, 17 Mar 2008 22:42:00 -0700

"A couple of weeks ago, Margaret enjoyed seeing her daughter Jessica married. The informal outdoor ceremony was held at our home, followed by a gathering of extended family & friends. The newlywed couple is shown above left. The photo above right shows (L to R) Margaret's son Dylan, daughter Erin, son-in-law Andres, daughter Jessica, Margaret, and me (husband Ken). I think every parent wants to be there when a daughter is married, and because of the excellent medical care Margaret received in her battles against cancer and leukemia, she was able to experience this wonderful moment in Jessica's life."

-Ken

Half a Year (And More) After Transplant

drmaryalsaleh@cox.net (dylan_thomas) — Mon, 17 Mar 2008 22:19:00 -0700

Posts to this blog are few anymore, because Margaret's recovery continues to go well. Not much negative news to note regarding her post-transplant recovery from leukemia, thank God.

She continues to see the bone marrow transplant medical team every three weeks on an outpatient basis, and they monitor her blood chemistry and lab work. She appears to be fully recovered to the casual observor, but of course, she still has more recovery milestones to reach. She does have some continuing host-versus-graft transplant issues that are being dealt with, but they are minor at this point. Her immune system is becoming more robust but she still has to have a full set of immunizations once her physician considers her able to handle the downside effects of immunizations. A facemask is still appropriate for some situations, but not nearly as often as it was back in October.

She requested an evaluation on whether she could return to work for the 2008-2009 school year beginning in July, and her doctor said that she should not return to the classroom environment environment for several more months, perhaps another year. The Cartwright school board approved the extension to her medical leave of absence, so they are hoping she does return, perhaps the following school year.

Still, she is doing fine and enjoying life. She takes nothing for granted. Thought you might want to have an occasional update.

Autumn Aspens in the Arizona Highcountry

drmaryalsaleh@cox.net (dylan_thomas) — Fri, 12 Oct 2007 15:32:00 -0600

"On Wednesday, Margaret enjoyed a visit to see the fall colors of the aspen groves at the 8,000 foot elevation of the forests near Flagstaff, Arizona. It has been a long, sometimes frightening road from the intensive care unit to this point in her recovery from leukemia. There are still challenges for her: host v. graft issues, susceptability to infection, and physical weakness that prevents her from doing many everyday activities. But she is growing stronger and recovering well. This trip literally took her to a higher place, with much spiritual and emotional renewal. She said that she wanted to just RUN up the trail shown here. That shows how much energy she can muster in such wonderful surroundings." -Ken

Montezuma Castle National Monument

drmaryalsaleh@cox.net (dylan_thomas) — Fri, 12 Oct 2007 15:16:00 -0600

"The ancient ruins of a cliff dwelling called Montezuma Castle provide a backdrop of this photo of Margaret and her bone marrow donor (her brother Raymond). The pre-Colombian Sinagua people lived in this canyon until about 600 years ago, farming and nourishing themselves on crops grown along the stream below. Several times, when walking up to the Banner Good Samaritan Medical Center to visit Margaret during her long in-patient treatment, I had the impression that the hospital was a cliff dwelling like this, a high secure place where people could be protected from approaching threats. If you look at the hospital images shown on earlier posts on this blog, you may see what I mean." -Ken

Oak Creek Canyon

drmaryalsaleh@cox.net (dylan_thomas) — Fri, 12 Oct 2007 15:07:00 -0600

Margaret's reward for her patience while undergoing treatment during the past several months was a short visit to Oak Creek Canyon, near Sedona, Arizona. A peaceful, healing place to relax and listen to water, feel the fresh breeze, and enjoy the redrock vistas...

A Visit to Sedona

drmaryalsaleh@cox.net (dylan_thomas) — Fri, 12 Oct 2007 15:02:00 -0600

The photo at left shows Margaret with her brother Raymond and his wife Sally. The location is Tlaquepaque, in Sedona, Arizona.

Outdoors in the Coconino National Forest

drmaryalsaleh@cox.net (dylan_thomas) — Fri, 12 Oct 2007 14:20:00 -0600

On Wednesday, Margaret made her first road trip since her leukemia diagnosis and hospitalization. She explored the highlands of northern Arizona about 20 miles from the City of Flagstaff. During the 1970s, she had attended Northern Arizona University there, so her fondness for the cool pine forests on the slopes of the San Francisco peaks led her to return for a brief period this week.

Oklahoma Relative Visits Margaret

drmaryalsaleh@cox.net (dylan_thomas) — Sun, 30 Sep 2007 15:12:00 -0600

(9/29/2007) Above: Merle, Margaret, Karen, & Wanda gather for a photo Saturday afternoon at the Griffin Place in Glendale, Arizona.

Left: Margaret shows Merle her various artworks from the "Boobie Series," which deals with her breast cancer diagnosis, treatment and recovery last year.

Margaret had a wonderful visit Saturday when Ken's mom and sister dropped by with Aunt Merle, who came all the way from Oklahoma to give Margaret a hug. Wanda and her husband Marvin had just returned from an automobile trip across the USA, visiting grandchildren, brothers, sisters, nephews, neices, and other relatives. Merle hitched a ride for the last part of the trip, with plans to stay with Arizona family members in Flagstaff, Payson, and Phoenix for a couple of months. The three ladies had a pleasant visit with Margaret & Ken that lasted most of the afternoon, until Merle and Wanda had to begin their 2-hour drive to the cool mountain pines of Payson.

ART E-GRAM

drmaryalsaleh@cox.net (dylan_thomas) — Mon, 24 Sep 2007 23:11:00 -0600

"Interestingly, the heading of this post is an anagram of Margaret's name. Just another amazing thing about her... She visited her favorite local art museum a couple of weeks ago, which energized her and was very enjoyable. Months ago, when she was hospitalized, barely able to walk a few steps, it was difficult to visualize her returning to her interests & pursuits or being out and about like this. But there IS life after leukemia treatment! Margaret doesn't dwell on what she has had to endure. She simply moves forward and gets back to her life, slowly but steadily. Her progress the past few weeks has been wonderful to see. She is so much more like herself again. Look at that smile!"

-Ken

Art Rejuvenates the Mind, Soul, & Body

drmaryalsaleh@cox.net (dylan_thomas) — Mon, 24 Sep 2007 22:57:00 -0600

"Two weeks ago, while daughter Jessica was still in town, Margaret joined her for a visit to a favorite place: the Phoenix Art Museum. Still wary of crowded locations, Margaret nevertheless has begun accompanying friends and family members, making small excursions to public places when few people are expected to be there. This helps banish the atmosphere of confinement she has been feeling at home.

"Jessica and Margaret enjoyed this mother-daughter outing and viewed works of some of their favorite artists."

-Ken

100 Day Celebration for Margaret

drmaryalsaleh@cox.net (dylan_thomas) — Mon, 3 Sep 2007 20:36:00 -0600

On Sunday, some friends and family gathered to celebrate an important milestone in Margaret's recovery from leukemia. The first 100 days after a bone marrow transplant is normally the most critical period, and she surpassed that a few days ago. The second reason for celebrating was that the results of her most recent bone marrow test showed no signs of leukemia remaining, along with normal cell growth.

In this photo, Erin and Jessica are presenting their mom with a special ice cream cake to mark the occasion.

Margaret is definitely on the road to recovery. She continues treatment related to the transplant issues. With the love of family & friends, and the dedication of medical & nursing staff, God has given Margaret a new life.

Good Friends Celebrate

drmaryalsaleh@cox.net (dylan_thomas) — Mon, 3 Sep 2007 20:21:00 -0600

Margaret's dear friends, enjoying each other's company at the celebration of her recent good news. From left to right, Kathy, Kate, and Mary. Looking at this photograph, Margaret says, "Just imagine me with these girls when we were in our twenties, carrying backpacks and hiking down the Havasupai Trail in the Grand Canyon. We've been through so much together."

A Margarita with Good Friends

drmaryalsaleh@cox.net (dylan_thomas) — Mon, 3 Sep 2007 20:14:00 -0600

To celebrate the milestone of over 100 days since the bone marrow transplant, and the awesome results of a new bone marrow test that definitively revealed no traces of leukemia remaining, Margaret has her first margarita since beginning treatment ("Doctor's orders," she says). In this photo, her neighbor Becki (left) and long-time friend Claudia (center) join her in toasting her survival and successful defeat of leukemia.

Day +102 and No More Leukemia!

drmaryalsaleh@cox.net (dylan_thomas) — Mon, 3 Sep 2007 20:05:00 -0600

Margaret's brother Raymond celebrates the wonderful milestone along with mother Carmen and his wife Sally. These three have been strongly supportive during Margaret's illness and treatments. Raymond saved Margaret's life by donating his bone marrow, Carmen has been a loving, concerned mother who inspired Margaret during dark times,and Sally has always been there, without question, whenever Margaret, Carmen, or Raymond needed her help.

The Celebration is a Chance to Talk with Cousins

drmaryalsaleh@cox.net (dylan_thomas) — Mon, 3 Sep 2007 19:58:00 -0600

Margaret's daughters chat with her niece Crystal during the celebration on Sunday. These cousins have been companions and friends since they were toddlers. Now that they live in three different states, the opportunity to catch up on things was a nice bonus at the celebration.

Day +87: Mister Bill Coaches Margaret on Her Comeback

drmaryalsaleh@cox.net (dylan_thomas) — Sat, 18 Aug 2007 19:10:00 -0600

"It's Day # 87 since the transplant. I go to the clinic twice a week to get checked out (lab tests and readings) and so far I am improving and everything is looking good. I have been back home from the hospital for six weeks, and each day longer is a success.

"This picture shows 'Mister Bill,' which some may recall from older episodes of the Saturday Night Live TV show. He was a claymation cartoon character that always seemed to have bad luck. His signature line was a high-pitched, 'Oh, no!'

"In each episode, something awful would happen to him: car accidents, falls, and other injuries. Yet he ALWAYS somehow managed to pull himself together by the next week for a fresh start.

"Our friends James & Claudia saw this Mister Bill figurine while shopping and immediately thought of me. So they bought him and presented him to me as an unofficial mascot. While hanging out with Mister Bill, I try to build up my strength and get healthier. I have a ways to go, but as you can see from this posed photo, I am getting stronger every day!"

-Margaret

(Warning: Girly muscles in this image may appear larger than actual size!)

Two Months After the Transplant

drmaryalsaleh@cox.net (dylan_thomas) — Sun, 22 Jul 2007 17:56:00 -0600

DAY +60 (post-transplant):

"I go to the BMT clinic twice a week, so far my lab work is looking good. Dylan takes me on his way to work and Ken picks me up after he gets off work, so we manage to pull it off . I was just telling Jessica on the phone today that I am feeling housebound, but Ken says everybody in central Arizona feels that way because of the summer heat right now. We all stay indoors with the air conditioning and look out the window at the huge white clouds building up in the sizzling heat. I was hoping to be out of the hospital in time for the desert monsoon season. Welcome monsoon!"

"I have had a temporary loss of hearing in one ear because of the medications I was taking. This is supposed to come back eventually. I do have one good ear left to hear any gossip or good stories you mught want to tell me."

Much Better, Seeing Family & Friends

drmaryalsaleh@cox.net (dylan_thomas) — Tue, 10 Jul 2007 22:09:00 -0600

"This is my dear niece Crystal, who is getting married in February. I'm really happy for her. She visited me today with her parents and her Grandma. I wish her much happiness. We are all proud of her and love her very much."

"I am settling in at home and feeling much better. I have an appetite now, so home cooking tastes just fine. Lots of dietary restrictions to follow, but we manage to come up with pretty nice meals. I enjoy seeing my friends and relatives who have been dropping by. Besides Crystal's visit along with my brother Raymond, his wife Sally and my mom, I also had a visit from Ken's sisters Cheryl and Karen today. Yesterday, our friends James and Claudia came by. I can't really go out in public yet, or be exposed to anyone with a virus or infection, so I am stuck at home for awhile. Not that I am complaining, because it is wonderful compared to being in the hospital."

"Feel free to make a comment on this blog, email me, telephone or send a letter. I am trying to answer all the mail that I received over the past several weeks. I still go in to the BMT clinic a couple times a week, for out-patient treatments. Talking with the other leukemia patients, I find that we have been through an ordeal, some much worse than others. I was lucky in that my brother was a perfect match for the bone marrow transplant. It makes for fewer complications and cut way back on the waiting time. Some people said they had to wait almost a year for a donor, getting repeated chemotherapy while on the waiting list. My brother really saved my life. The lab results showed last week that my blood cells are now 100% exactly the same DNA as Raymond's! Now THERE is something to confuse any CSI investigators... Fortunately, I don't think either of us is prone to criminal activity! "

-Margaret

HOME! Home on the Range...

drmaryalsaleh@cox.net (dylan_thomas) — Fri, 6 Jul 2007 21:47:00 -0600

DAY +44 (post transplant): "Today Ken came to get me and brought me home from the hospital. This photo shows me standing at the spot where Dylan cooked me a grilled cheese sandwich and tomato soup for dinner. A grilled cheese sandwich tastes so much more delicious AT HOME. The past couple of weeks, Ken and Dylan have been on their own in our kitchen, making their own meals. Some pizza delivery too, I suspect.

A minor infection had developed into a fever, which developed into pneumonia. Transplant patients are very susceptible to infection from everyday germs during the first 100 days after the transplant. The staff at the City of Hope Bone Marrow Transplant clinic and the Good Samaritan ICU got me strong enough to come home again. Ken visited me almost every day and even spent three nights at the hospital next to my bed. Dylan, Erin, my Mom, Kate and Kathy also visited. I know others wanted to see me, but the staff & my family were protective. I appreciate all the prayers for my recovery and all the good thoughts sent my way. I'm VERY happy to be home! I'm trying to build my strength back up here at home. Doctors orders are that I exercise (by walking around inside my home), eat well, and get a lot of rest. Thanks to Ken's sister Karen for helping the guys keep the place clean while I was out. All in all, there's really no place like home." -Margaret

Erin visits her Mom

drmaryalsaleh@cox.net (dylan_thomas) — Mon, 2 Jul 2007 17:31:00 -0600

Margaret's daughter Erin journeyed from Los Angeles over the past weekend to cheer up her mother. She made several visits to the hospital, including one on Sunday when Margaret's own mother accompanied her. Along with the excellent nursing and medical care, the visits by Erin and Carmen seemed to have worked! Margaret is doing much better now. She is off the supplemental oxygen, she is walking around the ward every few hours, she is eating solid food with almost no nausea, no more catheters, no more nourishment via IV, and she just seems so much more like herself. Still has a mild low grade temp (about 100 degrees), had mild anemia so she received one unit of blood, still receiving antibiotics via IV, and had a new PICC installed today. A few medical things to resolve as you can see. But, the doctors started talking about sending her home in a few days, maybe as soon as Friday or Saturday. Yesss!

Recovering from the recent pneumonia slowly, very slowly...

drmaryalsaleh@cox.net (dylan_thomas) — Thu, 28 Jun 2007 21:15:00 -0600

"A week ago, when Margaret was readmitted to the City of Hope Bone Marrow Transplant Clinic, she picked a different room, one with a scene painted on the wall by a former staffer who signed the mural simply as 'Rizzo.' The image of a small coastal town in a tropical setting reminded both of us of a place in Puerto Rico called Playa de Naguabo. I had hoped that it would provide a peaceful distraction for Margaret. Today during my visit to the hospital, I was informed that Margaret will be taken off the Intensive Care status but will remain in the same room. When I arrived, she was sitting up in a chair, reading a magazine, which was great to see. A mild fever; her temperature is 100.2 degrees, considered almost "normal" for bone marrow transplant patients, but still enough to keep an eye on. All her blood counts are good, this morning's chest x-ray still showed some congestion, but steadily decreasing from yesterday. She is still really tired. The nurses had to help her into the chair because she can't walk on her own yet. Antibiotics & nourishment from the IV. Nausea is still a big problem; she hasn't been able to eat solids since coming off the ventlator. She is much more alert that she was the past couple of days, but it still kinda fuzzy to some small degree. Her voice is hoarse, so even though she can talk, she doesn't talk much. She is weak, there's no other way to put it. The physical therapist and speech therapist are working with her to get her back on her feet & talking normally within the next few days. Margaret said she is not up to visitors for now, maybe a few days down the road. She did not want her room phone number given out yet, because she wants to rest and not answer the phone. She does plan to see Dylan tomorrow, since she hasn't seen him in over a week. Erin will drop by on Saturday after I pick her up at Sky Harbor. Her mom Carmen may be able to visit on Sunday. The staff wants to keep the visitors to a real minimum (maybe one a day) and limit their stays to 10-15 minutes. I didn't even stay long today. So, maybe by Sunday or Monday she might be up to chatting on the phone and have other visitors AFTER the weekend. I can't explain how frail she seems right now, even though the worst is over. That pneumonia just kicked her butt hard, and she needs time to recuperate." -Ken

Into the Sheltering Shade

drmaryalsaleh@cox.net (dylan_thomas) — Tue, 26 Jun 2007 19:14:00 -0600

The desert garden at

Banner Good Samaritan Medical Center

Phoenix, Arizona

"Those of us who live in the desert of the Southwestern USA have an appreciation for the shade. It is a sheltering place of rest, protected from the blazing sun. Margaret has safely made it through a perilous stretch and is now resting in the figurative shade. She has improved steadily since this morning. As Dylan mentioned, she is off the ventilator and she is breathing fine on her own, with just a little supplemental oxygen. Her lungs still have some congestion, but they are clearing as she continues to receive antibiotics through an IV. Her temp, heart rate, and other vital signs are within normal range. She is often awake for stretches and talks occasionally with a hoarse whisper. She still has some lingering effects of the sedatives (not always fully alert, moves slowly, and has trouble focusing her vision), but the nurses say that will all clear by tomorrow. Nausea is still a big problem, so getting her to eat food again over the next few days is part of the program, as is the plan to get her on her feet and walking around her room a bit. She won't really be ready for visitors or phone calls tomorrow but probably will be able to do so by Thursday, if her strength improves. She said more than a few prayers of thanks today. Bless everyone for spiritual support during the past few days. It was a very rough passage. It is wonderful to see her sitting up, looking around, breathing normally, and smiling at the staff as they happily greet her." -Ken

Getting Better

drmaryalsaleh@cox.net (dylan_thomas) — Tue, 26 Jun 2007 11:24:00 -0600

My dad was at the hospital with my mom and called me with some good news. The breathing tube they had in her was removed. Now she just has the little oxygen tube like most patients. She is also off the heavy sedation and is just resting in the hospital. The staff at City of Hope seems to be doing an amazing job. I'm sure it wasn't a pleasant experience for anyone, but they literally saved my mom's life (again).
Apparently her vocal chords were agitated during that whole process so she can't comfortably talk right now. So hold back on visits and phone calls for at least a couple days please. I also just want to say thank you to everyone who is reading this for their support. My mom has a lot of friends and family that love her. She wouldn't be the same without you guys.
We'll post another update tomorrow.

-Dylan

Continuing Slow Improvement

drmaryalsaleh@cox.net (dylan_thomas) — Mon, 25 Jun 2007 22:39:00 -0600

"Margaret's overall condition remained basically unchanged on Monday. She is heavily sedated now, and only wakes up momentarily about 3 times every 24 hours, when the nurses back off on the sedatives briefly to check reflexes and her reactions. She is mentally fuzzy, disoriented, obviously frustrated when awake, and tries to grab or pull the ventilator tubes. However, there is some good news. I slept in a chair next to her bed again last night and in the morning the radiology staff took another chest x-ray. About an hour later the ICU doctors came in. They said the x-ray image still shows congestion in the lungs, but much less than yesterday. Her lab tests and other vitals look better, her temperature is in the normal range, heart rate & BP is normal now. So, continuing with plenty of antibiotics through IVs, rest, sedation, and on Tuesday they plan to begin transitioning the ventilation to more normal breathing on-demand by the patient. If all goes well, the ventilator tubes might be removed by Tuesday evening or Wednesday. Then the sedation can be lifted and she can return to her normal alert self. I'll update more after Tuesday morning's discussion with the ICU docs." -Ken

Some Improvement But Still Guarded

drmaryalsaleh@cox.net (dylan_thomas) — Sun, 24 Jun 2007 17:42:00 -0600

"I spent Saturday night at Margaret's bedside in the hospital, keeping vigil and trying to reassure her. She was mostly sleeping under heavy sedation but every hour or two, her eyes would open and she would be aware for a few minutes before dropping off again. By sunrise, she awakened for more extended periods. She communicated with gestures since she cannot speak right now. The Good Samaritan ICU staff and City of Hope BMT clinic staff have really worked to balance every test, image, and vital sign with medication and procedures to keep things under control. This morning Maragaret's condition is much improved: normal temperatures, normal heartbeat and blood pressure, x-rays show less congestion in her lungs, and she looks less distressed. However, she still has pneumonia, she still is on the ventilator, and she still requires lots of antibiotics. There was some buildup of fluid between her chest wall and lungs, so a thoracentesis was done this afternoon. While I went home for a couple hours sleep, Margaret's friend Kate went in to sit with her. Since she is a former respiratory therapist, she is familiar with the ventilator and ICU setting. Otherwise visitors are out of the question right now. Your prayers and loving thoughts are working; please keep them up. I'll be back at the hospital in an hour or so, and will update everyone tomorrow." -Ken