pier344

Her Daughter's Wedding

2008-03-17T22:42:00.002-07:00

"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

2008-03-17T22:19:00.004-07:00

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

2007-10-12T15:32:00.000-06:00

"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

2007-10-12T15:16:00.000-06:00

"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

2007-10-12T15:07:00.000-06:00

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

2007-10-12T15:02:00.000-06:00

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

2007-10-12T14:20:00.000-06:00

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

2007-09-30T15:12:00.000-06:00

(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

2007-09-24T23:11:00.000-06:00

"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

2007-09-24T22:57:00.000-06:00

"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

2007-09-03T20:36:00.000-06:00

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

2007-09-03T20:21:00.000-06:00

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

2007-09-03T20:14:00.000-06:00

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!

2007-09-03T20:05:00.000-06:00

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

2007-09-03T19:58:00.000-06:00

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

2007-08-18T19:10:00.001-06:00

"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

2007-07-22T17:56:00.000-06:00

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

2007-07-10T22:09:00.000-06:00

"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...

2007-07-06T21:47:00.001-06:00

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

2007-07-02T17:31:00.000-06:00

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...

2007-06-28T21:15:00.000-06:00

"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

2007-06-26T19:14:00.000-06:00

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

2007-06-26T11:24:00.000-06:00

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

2007-06-25T22:39:00.000-06:00

"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

2007-06-24T17:42:00.000-06:00

"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

Prayers for Margaret

2007-06-23T16:37:00.000-06:00

Please pray this novina for Margaret and her family. St Peregrine is known as the patron saint of cancer patients.

Prayer to Saint PeregrineO great St. Peregrine, you have been called "The Mighty," "The Wonder-Worker," because of the numerous miracles which you have obtained from God for those who have had recourse to you.
For so many years you bore in your own flesh this cancerous disease that destroys the very fibre of our being, and who had recourse to the source of all grace when the power of man could do no more. You were favoured with the vision of Jesus coming down from His Cross to heal your affliction. Ask of God and Our Lady, the cure of the sick whom we entrust to you. (Pause here and silently recall the names of the sick for whom you are praying) Aided in this way by your powerful intercession, we shall sing to God, now and for all eternity, a song of gratitude for His great goodness and mercy. Amen.

Guarded Condition in Intensive Care

2007-06-23T11:52:00.000-06:00

"Last night Margaret's condition took a very sudden turn. At 4:00 am, the hospital called and told me the ICU physician needed to do a bronchoscopy and chest x-ray because Margaret had developed pneumonia. Her fever was now over 105 degrees. I spoke with Margaret on the phone and she wanted assurance that I understood what they were proposing and had no objections. I told her not to worry and that I would be there right away. When I arrived at the hospital, Margaret was breathing on a ventilator. I stayed with her for several hours, holding her hand. She was uncomfortable and anxious, of course. With the breathing tube, she cannot talk, so she communicates with gestures. The daytime ICU team did another bronchoscopy, ran several tests, drained her congested lung and sedated her. So she is sleeping and resting as I write this. This is a sudden turn of events, but the staff is fairly confident they can get this under control. Your love, prayers, and positive thoughts will help Margaret right now." -Ken

Banner Good Samaritan Medical Center

2007-06-22T21:43:00.000-06:00

Margaret has a high fever that is being treated with IV antibiotics. The Bone Marrow Transplant staff say that this often happens to BMT patients wthin the first 100 days after the transplant. They expect her to stay about 36-48 hours, but definitely until they get her fever under control, so maybe she'll be able to come home before the weekend is over. Margaret is mostly sleeping and resting today. When asked if she wanted us to bring anything to her hospital room, she said, "No, I don't plan on staying here that long so I don't want to move in my stuff."

Back to the Hospital

2007-06-22T09:41:00.000-06:00

Margaret is back at Banner Good Samaritan Hospital... At home yesterday, Margaret had a temperature that continued to climb over the course of the day. BMT patients tend to have a temp a bit higher than normal, so the City of Hope BMT clinic had told us that we should call if her temp went over 100.4 degrees. We did and since she had a Friday morning appointment, they said to keep watching her temp and they'd see her then. But we had to call again if her fever continued to worsen. Well, it did shoot up to 101.8 degrees, so we called again and they told us to bring her in ASAP. She was admitted to the 12th floor again and had IVs started with antibiotics. Hopefully, she won't have to remain there very long.

Friendship

2007-06-20T16:50:00.000-06:00

Have you ever tried to protect your friend from being knocked around or bruised during a relationship, or tried to help her feel better after falling down? The two girls in this picture are geared up for their roller-skating adventure. They have all the right spots padded. They can take on the world. I chose this picture for the blog today, because as I looked at it I recalled the adventure of my friendship with Margaret. We have held each other up through various experiences which spans over 35 wonderful years. Seeing Margaret today, doing so great at home was a special treat for me. I was able to express how very special Margaret is to me and how much I value our friendship. Having a great friend means you just get each other, you understand the nuances of conversations and the history of your lives. Friendship is a gift, and I am happy to say that I am blessed to have Margaret as my friend and I thank God each day for letting my sister live another day.

Sweet Home Arizona! Home, Sweet Home!

2007-06-18T21:58:00.001-06:00

At around five o'clock this afternoon, Margaret walked into her own home. Hospitalized since late March with only a short 9-day break, it seemed surreal to her to finally be back in her own comforting surroundings. Cosmo, her loyal dog (and freshly groomed by neighbor Becky), met Margaret at the door. Taking several daily medications and scheduled for daily return visits to the City of Hope BMT clinic, she still has many months of treatment and careful monitoring to go. But she is sleeping in her own bed now, surrounded by all the familiar things within her own home.

Margaret Released from the Hospital!

2007-06-18T21:51:00.000-06:00

This photo shows Margaret just moments prior to her release today from in-patient status at the City of Hope Bone Marrow Transplant Clinic at Banner Good Samaritan Medical Center. Nurses Erin and Amy trained Margaret on some of the daily self-care she will need to do as an out-patient of the BMT clinic.

IV Lines & Tubes Will Be Off Soon

2007-06-16T22:59:00.000-06:00

Sometimes Margaret's hospital room seems like a tangle of hanging bags and tubes. At the Getty Museum in Los Angeles earlier this year, she viewed an an art installation that presaged the IV bags, lines, and even the Hickman catheter that would serve as her lifelines on this particular voyage in her life. Sometimes we are given glimpses of future events, but we don't recognize them at the time.

Good news: it looks like Margaret will be released to return home on Monday. Enough of these tubes already!

Preparing for Margaret's Return Home

2007-06-15T22:42:00.000-06:00

Bone marrow transplant patients have immune systems that are very fragile. Before Margaret can return home, everything must be cleaned to the highest standards. In the process, she is granted every woman's dream: a household spring cleaning done by OTHER people.

Air ducts are now squeaky clean

2007-06-15T22:20:00.001-06:00

Before Margaret can return home, the entire ventilation and air conditioning system has to be cleaned. This was done yeterday by a crew from the Top Hatters. No mold or Legionnaire's disease allowed in Margaret's house!

Empty rooms to maximize the cleaning

2007-06-15T22:10:00.000-06:00

The folks at The Top Hatter did a great job cleaning the carpets. The owner's daughter was also a bone marrow transplant patient at The City of Hope clinic.

Of course, the furniture had to be stashed SOMEWHERE!

2007-06-15T22:06:00.000-06:00

While the carpet cleaning took place throughout the rest of the house, the furnishings were stored in the tiled kitchen.

Looking to Go Home In a Few Days

2007-06-12T23:59:00.000-06:00

With her blood counts climbing back up closer to normal levels, and her respiratory challenges overcome, Margaret has her sights set on leaving the 12th floor of Banner Good Samaritan Hospital just as soon as the doctors will allow. They're talking about less than a week... maybe sooner!

Still some hurdles to get over: Margaret has to eat solid food consistently without nausea, there is a minor infection in her foot (of all places) that has to clear up, and the several medicines administered by IV must all be switched over to oral doses. So far one medication has been switched successfully. Steady progress, but not quite there yet.

Flashback: The Starting Line

2007-06-11T21:17:00.000-06:00

All this talk about the many years of Ken & Margaret's relationship brought to mind this photo. It was taken at Pensacola, Florida in February 1982, after just two years of marriage. Ken was an naval aviation officer candidate and Margaret was a first-time expectant mother.

Marathon Couple

2007-06-10T18:58:00.000-06:00

Here is a great picture of Ken and Margaret. Their journey together is an inspiration to love. Looks like things are getting better, Ken can let everyone in on Margarets progress.

Sleep

2007-06-08T14:19:00.000-06:00

Margaret, has been sleeping more than usual these past few days. She had a lung procedure to remove fluid from them, so she is now breathing easier than the past few days. Margaret is recieving pain medication which is now needed because of the lung procedure puncture site being painful. It's good that Margaret gets rest, she's going to need energy to do all that she wants to do when she gets out of the hospital. Keep those cards, letters and prayers coming.

Counts are going up!

2007-06-07T10:50:00.000-06:00

Good News Today. Margaret called me bright and early stating her counts are rising. Yahoo! Keep those cards and letters with positive thoughts coming Margarets way, they are working and you are making a difference. Thank you!

The Latest Respiratory Challenge

2007-06-05T16:51:00.000-06:00

Today Margaret had another chest x-ray & CT-Scan done to check her lungs. Yesterday she had congestion and some difficulty breathing. Checks of her blood oxygen levels showed that she needed more O2. So she is receiving supplemental oxygen during the daytime. Last night, she had to wear an oxygen mask but found it difficult to sleep with it on. The repiratory team is checking her lungs out carefully today, to determine further treatments.

Some good news: Margaret's white blood cell count is rising, a possible indicator that the bone marrow transplant has been successful. Counts of red blood cells & platlets are still rather low, however.

Bizarro Sun Glasses

2007-06-05T11:43:00.000-06:00

The recent black eye called for drastic measures. Until it heals, Margaret has an awesome set of sunglasses ready to wear for those moments when a haute fashion presence is called for...

("If you can't make a visually stunning appearance, you aren't really an art teacher!")

Other Loved Ones Who Visited Last Week

2007-06-03T18:17:00.000-06:00

This last week, Margaret had visits from all three of her grown children as well as her mother. Here is a photo taken on Memorial Day of daughter Jessica, daughter Erin, son Dylan, and her mother Carmen. The girls traveled from Georgia and California to visit Margaret in the hospital. The presence of her mother and her own children has lifted Margaret's spirits greatly.

Thinking of Making a Phone Call?

2007-06-03T17:26:00.001-06:00

Words from Ken about Margaret, "she is feeling a little better, although still gets tired easily, so if you want to call her on her cell phone it is # (623) 512-0647. Her hospital room phone is (602) 239-3886. Please don't telephone after 6 or 7 PM (MST), because she needs her rest. She has her best energy spurt & alertness between 10:30 AM and 1:00 PM daily."

Margaret's Brother is Her Hero

2007-06-02T22:25:00.000-06:00

Today Margaret's brother, Raymond, visited her at the City of Hope Bone Marrow Transplant Clinic at Banner Good Samaritan Hospital. Margaret presented him with a hero's medal because he saved her life by being a bone marrow donor.

Raymond's wife Sally was also there, along with Margaret & Raymond's mother.

In the photo, Margaret's left eye shows the after effects of the procedure done yesterday, where a small optical tube was inserted into her nostril and down into her lungs. A little bleeding took place under the skin in her nose, near her eye, and so it looks like she received a black eye.

Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow

2007-06-02T11:27:00.001-06:00

This is NOT Margaret's chest x-ray, but it illustrates that something is happening in her lungs. Margaret had a bronchoscopy yesterday, and today is day 10 post BMT (bone marrow transplant). Remember Margaret and her family in your thoughts and prayers.

Send Cards, Letters and Poems to Margaret

2007-06-01T09:22:00.000-06:00

I'm sure Margaret and her family are on your mind. Well insted of sitting there, doing nothing, do something! Send Margaret a card, letter, note, picture etc, maybe even a postcard of where you live now. Make your card or note out to:

Margaret Thomas, Room 1204

City of Hope

Banner Good Samaritan Medical Center

1111 E. McDowell RoadPhoenix,

AZ 85006

(602) 239-2000

Day 8 after Bone Marrow Transplant

2007-06-01T00:21:00.001-06:00

Kate and I spent some time with Margaret tonight. For those of you who are checking the blog regularly day 8 represents a point in the post bone marrow transplant that is another victory for Margaret. As day 10 approaches please send Margaret all your positive thoughts, say only good things to each other and to Margaret and of course keep her and her family in your prayers.

Path's to Follow

2007-05-31T08:37:00.000-06:00

When we arrive in this world we never really know which path we will ultimately follow. We determine our own paths and sometimes they lead us to a highly evolved spiritual state. As you look at this picture perhaps you will be reminded of your own spiritual state, and remember that you are a beautiful and highly evolved unique being.

Understanding a Bone Marrow Transplant

2007-05-30T13:25:00.000-06:00

Bone-marrow transplant - series: Normal anatomy

Bone-marrow transplant - seriesIllustrations:
Normal anatomy
Indications
Procedure
Aftercare

Celebration : Lady in Red--Is smiling at me...

2007-05-13T21:04:00.000-06:00

Margaret enjoyed family and friends, just prior to starting the next phase of her recovery

It's A Match!

2007-05-01T07:41:00.000-06:00

Margaret's brother Raymond is a bone marrow match. Next week labs and such are done, with the bone marrow transplant sometime in the middle of May.

What? Margaret discharged!!!

2007-04-24T08:28:00.000-06:00

Even Dorothy is surprized that Margaret has left the pier and gone home! Contact Margaret the usual way: telephone, email, call for a visit.

There's No Place Like Home

2007-04-23T00:23:00.000-06:00

Rumor has it that Margaret may soon be going home!

Lab Work is improving, No more masks required!

2007-04-22T10:50:00.000-06:00

Coming out of the darkness, into the light of day!

Setting the Record Straight

2007-04-21T10:36:00.000-06:00

Kate asked that I post this lovely picture of Margaret enjoying her Mango Margarita just prior to checking into the pier. This ones for you Margaret, to inspire you and help you get out of the hospital sooner. P.S. Save those coupons sweets!

Heatherbrae 2nd Grade Gift - Many Thanks!

2007-04-20T22:29:00.000-06:00

Lots of fun suprizes in this birthday box. Thank you so very much!

Birthday Girl and Adoring Fans

2007-04-20T22:24:00.000-06:00

Birthday Girl and Ken

2007-04-20T22:22:00.000-06:00

Ken made beautiful music for his sweetheart tonight, especially on her birthday.

Celebration on the Pier

2007-04-20T22:16:00.000-06:00

Taking Time for a little Kazoo Celebration. Margaret and Ken send special thanks to the Heatherbrae 2nd Grade Team. Margaret says, "my husband and son brought this box over on my birthday, and I've been having a lot of fun with all this stuff." P.S. Ken figured out quickly that the box had to have been wrapped by the 2nd grade teachers because they tied, the bow just like "shoes are tied on a 2nd grader!"

Happy Birthday Margaret!

2007-04-20T08:08:00.000-06:00

Happy Birthday to you,

Happy Birthday sweet Margaret,

Happy Birthday to you.

And Many More......

Special Thanks to Heatherbrae Elementary School, Administration, Staff and Students

2007-04-19T18:50:00.000-06:00

Margaret and her family want to extend their sincere gratitude and thanks to the entire Heatherbrae community, for their prayers, support and kind words. Margaret looks forward to coming back to school and teaching art again, it is her passion and part of her driving force to lick the cancer. Thanks to everyone.

Looking for this?

2007-04-18T08:32:00.000-06:00

Word on the grapevine is that Margaret is looking for this....hummm, sounds like Claudia is up on something the rest of us need to be clued in on.

Day 15-16 Time for a little R & R on the beach

2007-04-15T00:44:00.000-06:00

Yummy, Yummy, Yummy, I got hospital food in my tummy

2007-04-13T19:06:00.000-06:00

You just can't keep a good girl down! Erin took this cute picture of her mother yesterday. Thanks Erin for sending the picture to the blog.

Day 13-14- Time for some hemoglobin

2007-04-13T00:27:00.000-06:00

Hemoglobin is a protein-based component of red blood cells which is primarily responsible for transferring oxygen from the lungs to the rest of the body. Hemoglobin is actually the reason red blood cells appear red, although oxygen-rich blood is noticeably brighter than the depleted blood returning to the heart and lungs. Fresh hemoglobin is produced in the bone marrow as needed.

Day 11 & 12- Platelet Transfusion

2007-04-10T19:42:00.000-06:00

Today Margaret had a platelet transfusion, a platelet is responsible for clotting. It is an irregular, disc-shaped element in the blood that assists in blood clotting. During normal blood clotting, the platelets clump together (aggregate). Although platelets are often classed as blood cells, they are actually fragments of large bone marrow cells called megakaryocytes.

Day 10- Another Transfusion

2007-04-08T21:04:00.000-06:00

Margaret had another blood transfusion today, in anticipaton of this week post- chemo reaction.

Dylan's Sketch

2007-04-06T23:33:00.000-06:00

Day 8- Dylan and His Mom

2007-04-06T23:26:00.000-06:00

Tonight Dylan stopped by for a visit with his mom, while he was there he drew a picture for her. If you look closely it says, " I love you mom." This made Margaret very happy.

Day 7- Bless me father

2007-04-05T22:43:00.000-06:00

The priest came in to visit Margaret today, and made her soul feel happy.

Day 6- Pep Squad

2007-04-04T18:45:00.000-06:00

Got this great picture of Margaret & Ken's kids from Claudia. Dylan, Erin, and Jessica.

Day 6 New Pier Location- 351

2007-04-04T06:23:00.000-06:00

Margaret has moved to a larger pier (room) with a better view. Please continue to send messages in a bottle to her. Kate says Margaret looks great after her transfusion.

Day 5 on the Pier- Blood Transfusion

2007-04-03T20:03:00.000-06:00

Margaret is receiving her first blood transfusion today.

Back in the Saddle Again

2007-04-03T09:20:00.000-06:00

Here is a lovely picture of Margaret, "back in the saddle again," compliments of Claudia.

Amazon Warrior's for Margaret's Inspiration

2007-04-03T08:36:00.000-06:00

According to Jessica and Ken, Margaret has an Amazon Warrior mentality to fight the leukemia. I searched near and far to find an Amazon Woman, so here she is. Remember to post regularly as we are all sending Margaret our positive thoughts and prayers.

Margaret and Ken's Dog Cosmo

2007-04-02T22:07:00.000-06:00

Day 4 on Pier 344

2007-04-02T18:42:00.000-06:00

Margaret is seen here with dear friends, Becky and Claudia.

Thelma and Louise

2007-04-01T12:39:00.000-06:00

Here is a picture of Margaret with her wonderful nurse Louise. Margaret wanted this caption to read Thelma and Louise because Margaret is wearing a mask!

Day 3 at Pier 344

2007-04-01T12:36:00.000-06:00

Margaret felt like taking a stroll onto the patio at Thunderbird Sam Hospital. We sat there and had a great conversation.

A little leg Action

2007-03-31T18:11:00.000-07:00

Margaret's sense of humor is showing!

Day 2 at Pier 344

2007-03-31T17:58:00.000-07:00

Margaret looking chipper with high spirits doesn't she look wonderful!

Schedule a Visit with Margaret

2007-03-31T13:40:00.000-07:00

Leave a comment here if you want to schedule a visit. Someone will get back with you provided you do not leave your comment anonymously.

Send Margaret a Lifeline Today!

2007-03-30T22:35:00.000-07:00

Send Margaret a lifeline today, post to this blog!

Wasted Away in Margaritativille

2007-03-30T22:15:00.000-07:00

Mango Peach Margareta Captured on Kates cell phone just before entering the hospital.

Visualize Joy

2007-03-30T22:00:00.000-07:00

Send Margaret a Message in a Bottle

Send your joy to Margaret & Ken, Jessica, Erin & Dylan

Leave a comment for Margaret and inspire her today!