The Sky's the Limit

Well, you really find out who your friends are when something like this happens! Jerry Falkner, on the left, offered his time, his wife, Mary Kay's plane AND his plane to pick me up, take me home for a few days to get some work done and then fly be back to Dallas. I can't express how much our friends have done for us since we have been on this journey. I don't know how I will thank them all. Jerry....I had a ball in the plane....I will be your co-pilot any day!!!

Now, the gentleman on the right is John Spreen. This man and his wife, Sherri, are amazing! They have been keeping an eye on our house, our yard and our baby....Ramzee...and the babysitters we have had with Ramzee for 2 months now. John mows our yard, waters our yard and plants and trims the edges with the weed-eater. (No wonder he's so skinny!) Can you imagine having neighbors such as these!! We are so blessed!!!!!

We have such wonderful friends and family. We love them all very much! Christy and Wally

(Written by Christy)

Watch Golf, Nap, REPEAT...

Daddy received his first shot yesterday to start boosting his white blood count. His level went from 0.1 yesterday to 0.2 today, but they really didn't expect to see a change until Monday. The shot causes flu-like symptoms, so he is feeling pretty tired and sore. He also received platelets today, but his numbers look good going into tomorrow's treatment. He will continue to receive his shot each day.

Christy returned from Spicewood yesterday and rode in the really cool plane pictured above! They had beautiful weather for flying!! Daddy and I were laying pretty low in the ol' apartment. We both fell asleep watching the Colonial. I can't tell you the last time I had a nap in the middle of the day! It was fabulous!!

Daddy also received some good news about a couple of his fellow transplant patients. He hadn't seen either of them in a couple of days and was a little concerned. It turns out that one finished his treatment and was sent home to Austin. The other suffered a fall on the way back to the apartment complex, but has rebounded well. He may be going home soon, also. They were both ahead of Daddy in their transplants, and we are so thankful that they're doing well! I know it gives Daddy more reason to stay focused and positive!!

Although my day at home was a bit more hectic today, I am hoping that Daddy was able to enjoy another afternoon of watching golf and napping! He certainly deserves it!

Have a great week!
Wendee

Daddy's Girls!

Today during Daddy's treatment at the Bone Marrow Transplant Clinic, Wendee and I had a "Changing of the Guard" and photo session. I spent the night last night and Wendee came to do tonight's shift.

As Daddy and I were sitting in his apartment last night, enjoying Aunt Janie's awesome potatoe soup and watching some TV, it hit me that this time together is a true gift from God. Don't get me wrong Cancer still BITES, but it also causes us to slow down and really look at what is important in life. As you've noticed, if you follow this blog regularly, Wendee has done the majority of the blog entries lately....she's a trooper and I've been just a little overwhelmed by the everyday stresses of life. But as we were sitting last night, having a glass of wine and swapping stories I realized how precious this time together really is. How many times in life are we given an opportunity to put all the stresses and distractions of life on hold and sit and talk with someone we love, for an entire day. Daddy tells the BEST stories and every time I'm there I learn something new from listening to them. Through this experience, we've all learned the blessing of looking of the bright side in every situation and cherishing every second we are given with those we love.

So find someone you love and give them a BIG HUG! We're doing great in Dallas and Kickin' Cancer's Butt!

Love and Prayers,

TeeLee

Quick update...

I am about to walk out the door to go stay with Daddy. Christy had to return to Spicewood for a few days, so TeeLee, Aunt Janie and I are helping out. From the reports I have received, Daddy is doing great! He received platelets on Wednesday and today. His white blood count was at zero on Wednesday, but it has been 0.1 the last two days. Tomorrow, he will receive his first of daily shots that should increase his white blood count. Think BIG numbers!!

Picture to come soon! I'll take one when I get there!
Have a fabulous Friday!
Wendee

Who is that masked man?

Well, the Titleist hat and Hawaiian shirt probably give it away, huh? Our mystery man is out enjoying his daily walk to the BMT clinic. The flowers are blooming and so is his shirt! :-) Since his white blood counts are so low, he has to wear his mask when he is out of the apartment. It is also a really good disguise if you are trying to avoid the paparazzi!

Hope you are enjoying some sunshine wherever you may be today!
Wendee
**NEWSFLASH: We may be able to identy our masked mystery man. I just received new information from our buddy, JP: "I don't know his name, but that same guy stole my wallet one night when I was drunk at Sam's boat." Hmm???

Happy Memorial Day!!

Since Daddy wasn't able to enjoy his Memorial Day doing what he loves...COOKING, Eric and I took him some ribs, sausage, corn on the cob, potato salad, baked beans, and corn/bean relish. I'm not sure how much he will feel like eating, but I just coudn't imagine not sharing some great food with our favorite veteran today! :-)

His white blood counts are still dropping and he may be receiving some blood tomorrow. It will depend on how much some of the other counts have dropped. Christy is great about writing things down and making notes, but I don't remember exactly which counts we were looking at. She does a much better job than me of keeping up with the technical information!

He will receive a shot every day starting on the 30th that will help boost his white blood count. This is what helps his count go up more quickly. Remember when his count last month went from 2.5 to 9.2! We are hoping for the same this go around. In fact, Daddy has been dropping hints that he plans to be going home on June 4th. I love that he is setting goals and staying positive!

As Whiskey Bob so eloquently put it..."Wally fought for his country and now he is fighting for his life. What an appropriate weekend for our warrior to win another battle." I couldn't be more proud of my dad on this Memorial Day!

Thanks for the continued prayers and positive thoughts!

Wendee
**I would like to give a SHOUT OUT to Christy! I gave her a mini-blogging lesson on Saturday and she was able to edit this post with more detailed information! Welcome to the world of blogging, KiKi!!**

Wally and Ramzee

Post transplant: Day 1!!

The picture above was taken when Daddy was home recovering in Spicewood. Ramzee sure was happy to have his Daddy back!! I know they are both looking forward to seeing each other again soon!

I spent the morning with Daddy while he was "dripping." As I'm sure you can imagine, he was visiting with everyone and telling stories. ;-) His white blood counts are still dropping, as expected, and should reach zero in the next few days. He is pretty tired, but we will be looking forward to the quick rebound!

Take care!

Wendee

Happy Second Birthday, Wally!!

This is what it looks like when they are giving you the stem cells. And...Voila! You now have a Second Birthday! (No...really! That is what they call it!) Daddy will have to get a whole new round of childhood immunizations this year. Falcon had a good question..."Waldo, does this mean that you have to wait 21 years until you can drink again?" Let's hope not!

I love how he is sporting his SFA Dad shirt! (That is where TeeLee, Paul, Eric and I all went to school!) He is now back at the apartment resting. Christy said that the material used to store the frozen stem cells smells like garlic, so that is what Daddy smells like, too! Not bad for someone who really likes to cook, I suppose! I guess we just always look for the humor in everything. That's truly a Dobbs trait!

Have a great Memorial Day weekend!
Wendee

Going somewhere, Wally??

Here is our Man About Town on his daily trip to the clinic. His nurse, a.k.a. Christy, has been doing a fabulous job delivering his chemo treatments at the apartment. I think she has a future in nursing!

Daddy spoke to one of the doctors about what they can expect as far as his time in Big D. His white blood count will drop to zero again after the stem cell transplant. They are looking at his last chemo treatment and white blood cell response as an indicator of what they can possibly expect this go around. Based on his last "performance," the doctor said he could be going home as soon as the first week of June. It could take longer for his counts to rebound, but I know Daddy will be working hard for an early release!

Isn't it good to see that smile??

Wendee

Flight attendant in training...

No, it's not Edee who's training to be a flight attendant!!

As part of his hydration and chemo, Daddy has a nice new roller bag that goes everywhere with him. He called to tell me today that he was a flight attendant in training. I remember those days! He sounds great and we are still giddy from his news on Wednesday. OH! In his transplant orientation yesterday, the clinic staff went over some "dos and don'ts" for the next several weeks. One thing they mentioned was to be sure and drink pasteurized beer. Of course, Daddy took that to mean that he is SUPPOSED to be drinking beer as part of the treatment. Sounds good to me!

Christy has rearranged the apartment and even went to a thrift store today to buy a new TV stand. She said the other one was just too short! She walked down the street and did a little shopping this afternoon. I think they are getting comfortable with their neighborhood and new digs. They were able to meet Mike and Marti for Mexican food at Matt's in Lakewood last night. YUM! Now that Daddy has a new "friend" to tote around, he is pretty much going to stay close to the apartment and BMT clinic. At least his roller bag doesn't talk back and light up like "The Clown!"

He will spend the next few days going to the clinic for several hours each day to receive more hyrdation and chemo. He will receive his stem cells on Friday, and they have warned him that he will feel pretty "yucky" for awhile after that.

Thanks for the emails that have been sent to whoswithwally@gmail.com. I am forwarding them all to Christy and she shares them with Daddy.

Love,
Wendee
PS...I know! I know! I just had to include one more picture of Edee! She had her 12 month check-up yesterday, which included a visit to the lab to check her iron levels. There were 3 lab techs standing in front of her and it was so pitiful!! Poppy Wally, Edee wants you to know that she feels your pain!! The only thing good about getting shots and bloodwork is getting ice cream afterward!

Preliminary update...

Well...I just got off the phone with Christy and they are at the Bone Marrow Clinic in Dallas. Daddy had his scans this morning and they are moved into the apartment. He has his pic line put in already and they received GREAT news from Dr. Agura. His scans showed (are you ready for this??)...NO CANCER! The canteloupe sized tumor...GONE!! The other cancer...GONE!! He even used the word "remission!" Our conversation was cut short because a clinic employee came into the room to talk. If I find out more info, I will post it ASAP! She sent me a picture on my phone, but I can't get it to upload to the blog. Daddy was all smiles! :-) Me too!!
It's 5:00 in Texas! Go have a cocktail in celebration of Wally!
XOXO!
Wendee

Attitude is Everything!!

Every time I have talked to Daddy lately, I have been thoroughly blown away with his positive attitude! He has been in wonderful spirits and his time at home has been spent hanging out with friends, enjoying the weather, hitting golf balls in the backyard, strolling through the neighborhood, and loving on Mr. Ramzee! He and Christy are headed back to Dallas Wednesday morning for his PET scan. He will then begin the bone marrow transplant process, so he will be in the apartment for about 6 weeks.

Thank you for sending so many positive thoughts to Daddy! I can tell that he is receiving them! Please keep it up as we continue our program entitled "Kickin' the crap out of cancer!" :-)

Love and thanks,
Wendee

P.S. Please humor this sentimental mom by allowing me to share a picture of Edee celebrating her 1st birthday this weekend. Our journey to parenthood is just another reminder to keep the faith and enjoy the ride, however bumpy it may be at times.

Lookin' good!!

I went by to see Daddy on Saturday, and it was great to see his smile!! Edee and I made a quick trip while Eric was wheelin' in nearby Marble Falls. Christy took this picture Thursday or Friday, but Daddy was lookin' just as fabulous when we arrived! He was as talkative as ever! Edee had fun crawling around in the house and yard, but we didn't stay too long for fear of bringing germs and wearing Poppy Wally out! I think he is feeling pretty good, but his challenge is to not over do it or he has to spend the next day recovering. (Sounds like a night out in Red River!) I delivered some mail that came to TeeLee's house after his return to Spicewood.

He thoroughly enjoys hearing all of your well wishes!! Keep 'em coming!

Love,

Wendee

*COMMENTS: I had to suspend the comments section due to a spam-like comment I received on Sunday. If you would like to leave a comment, please send it to our gmail account listed in the right hand column. I will make sure that Daddy gets all of those emails.