Wanna Play a Guessing Game?

Good Evening Everyone,

Tonight will be purely information. More information will come when we know more ourselves. 

        I will start with what we do know and I'd like to keep it as brief as possible. To begin with, my dad isn't in the best of conditions and that is putting things relatively lightly. Last week he went through another bone marrow test to see how effective the chemo was but the results were inconclusive. This means that they couldn't get an accurate count on the different types of cells that were in his bone marrow. Normally they separate the white blood cells, the red blood cells, and in my dads case, the cancerous cells. This test didn't work that way because the cells were clumped together and because of this they needed to perform another test to give us a correct treatment plan.  After his bone marrow he developed some sort of infection and he was put on many different antibiotics and anti-fungals. He experienced splitting headaches and he also ran a fever.  
       Now lets speed up to today...The doctors still don't know exactly what is wrong but his fever was gone (for today) and his headache has lessened significantly. He received another bone marrow test this morning and the results should be back sometime late next week. He really REALLY needs visitors. Even if it is just for a little while it makes such a difference for his spirits. Once again, thank you thank you THANK YOU! For all that you do and all the love that you offer. It truly makes a difference.

Laura Katchmark

Three's Company

Good Evening Everyone,

My Auntie Cheryl, and I drove down to Rochester to visit my dad today and what a nice day we've had so far. The weather is warming up and the drive down was very pleasant because (for once) there was no snow or ice! When we arrived at the Mayo we went up to his room and we were delighted to see a few of our relatives who had come down to visit! After they had left I made the mistake of complementing him on how well he looked, and I think I literally saw his head swell three sizes. His response was, "Good?! I look great! I always look great!" I love my dad:) 

Today is the last day that my dad will be receiving chemotherapy. He had a few rough days in the beginning of the week because this chemo has A LOT of side effects, but he is doing well now. It took a few tries for them to figure out the right combination of medicine. After today, he will spend 14 days in the hospital while the chemo passes out of his system. This is the period of time where nausea, and other problems such as mouth soars and skin irritation can occur. He is already experiencing some skin irritation on his hands. On day 14 he will get another bone marrow biopsy and all fingers are crossed that it will come back clean (less than 5% blast cells). From there things get a bit hazy so I won't post anything until I know for sure what the treatment will be. 

I know I addressed the topic of visiting last time I posted and I can only encourage more of that! I know it is a long drive for most and it might be hard to find time in your busy schedules. If you are interested or could possibly come down, I will post his room number. You can also call the hospital and they can give you his room phone number. It truly truly TRULY brightens his day and brings his spirits back up! 

As always, thank you so much for you endless love and support and your thoughtful prayers and thoughts. It is so comforting to know that we have so many people who care! Stay tuned:) 

Room Number: 7-416
Translation...Seventh floor, room 416

***If you are going to visit especially next week, please call because he might not be feeling very well***

Once Upon a Nightmare

Hello Everyone,

Welcome back to the blog. I have enjoyed my time off from writing very much because there hasn't been anything new to report. Unfortunately that status has disappeared and once again we find ourselves in a waking nightmare. 

On Monday the 17th my dad received yet another bone marrow and on Wednesday the 19th the results came back. The number of blast cells (cancerous cells) had increased from less than 5% to around 15-20%. The treatment plan now is going to start next Monday on the 24th. He will be admitted to Methodist Hospital (the Mayo) in Rochester for two weeks. He will once again get chemotherapy for one week and the second week his counts will plummet so he will need to be watched very closely. This treatment is more intense then the rounds he received in October, November, and December. At 14 days a bone marrow biopsy will check if blasts are less than 5%. If the results come back clear he will get more fresh cells from his brother John. If it isn't clear additional treatment will be needed. 

Another unfortunate problem for my family is that my mom won't be able to stay with my dad the entire time. Our insurance doesn't pay for lodging and she still needs to work. I have to be at school but I will be able to visit on Friday. I know my dad would like, and in fact NEEDS company. If you can, please come down for a visit. When he was in Methodist Hospital in 2012 the visitors that came helped him stay positive and hopeful. 

As a family we have had a really good few months and everything that we have been able to do has been so special. My dad and I painted the basement, we have been able to go see movies, both of my parents have been able to support my sister and I, and the best part is that we all felt so happy. I know my dad is happy when he can tell a joke and dance around the house. It truthfully is the best thing ever. I have to hope that things will work out but for now our hearts are breaking. I infinitely thank you for your support, and your prayers, and all of your hopeful thoughts. I will post again next week either on Tuesday or Wednesday and I will update regularly. 

Laura Katchmark

Keep fighting Dad. Always.

The Game Plan

Good Evening Everyone,

Once again I have proven that life has a way of leaving very little time in the day for blogging and I do apologize for the delay in reporting the results of the bone marrow test. I would like to start out by saying that my dad has 100% of John's cells. This means that his DNA matches his brother John and if a blood sample were to be taken from each both would be identical. Isn't that hard to believe? The negative side to this information is that there is still about 5% cancerous cells in his body. This needs to change (OBVIOUSLY) and to achieve this goal the doctors gave my dad a "booster round" of stem cells. The hope is that this will stimulate a reaction or "fight" in his body against the cancer. So far things have been going well. He has gotten over a lung infection and his intestinal infection is on the mend as well.  I have a good feeling about this and I know every person who reads this has the same hope as me and my family. LETS BEAT THIS THING!!!! It has consumed too much of my dads life, and the rest of our lives to ever be justified. The next step is for him to show signs of graph versus host which will indicate that the reaction is working! Keep positive thoughts coming to my dad! He needs to heal! Its about time! Thank you for your continuous love and support!

Laura Katchmark

Memories:
It was brought to my attention in the beginning of this week just how far we have come in this battle against cancer. I personally have grown and have had to conquer many things that I never would have imagined facing when I was younger. Looking back, I realized that my dad, Timothy Katchmark was diagnosed with leukemia in 2012. It is now 2014 and everyday of my life since October 31st of 2012 has been filled with the merciless reality that cancer brings with it. To me and my family, especially my dad, the cut that was ruthlessly gouged into our life still feels fresh and to be completely honest it bleeds frequently. I have to admit, there have been some days where giving up seems like it is the only option left to us. It is in times like these when everything is cold and bleak and utterly horrible that I am reminded of the determination of the human spirit. Its almost comical how the littlest things in our world can turn our perspective completely around. The most basic human needs, when fulfilled, become the greatest joys one can experience. I am writing this only as a reminder to myself and everyone left with worry in their hearts that we can't change what isn't in our power. We can only hold on to the little things and once that is realized, the little things turn into something much bigger and worth remembering. 

Fast Facts

Good Evening Everyone,

I am going to keep this really really short tonight because there isn't an excessive amount of new information to give out. I hope everyone had a nice New Year and that your New Years resolutions haven't already wavered! I will quickly share the resolution my family made. We are going to try to do one family related activity once every week (meal, game, movie etc.) and I personally am going to continue to enjoy every moment of my life even when things could be better. Alright, on to the information...

1) My dad received his 11th bone marrow test last Monday the 6th 
2) We will receive the results of the test on the 14th of this month
3) Depending upon the results the next move will be determined and I am hoping that whatever happens will be positive and move us in a healthy direction
4) He has gone two weeks without a blood or platelet transfusion which is a possible indicator of his own cells starting to reproduce. 

That is all for now and I will post after the 14th and let you all know what the next battle will entail! Goodnight!

Laura Katchmark

A Very Merry Christmas

Good Evening Everyone,

What a lovely Christmas! I have to say, it beats last Christmas when my Dad was still in the hospital and couldn't be home! This year we went to my aunt's house and it was a wonderful gathering. It felt complete and the atmosphere was one of content and happiness.  I always find it amusing that after such long periods of time without visiting, a family can reconnect and enjoy each others company! It is so much fun to see the little kids and babies bring such joy to everyone's face! New life is very refreshing and at the same time it reminds me of the fact that I am growing up! Its a scary thought, growing up, but I have a plan to contribute greatly to something in my life and now I just have to decide what that will be! As for my Dad, he is doing as well as he can be doing with everything that has happened to him. He really appreciated the time he got with his relatives on Christmas Eve and he has had such a positive attitude about everything. He is truly a strong and loving person with a determined spirit! After his third round of chemo his counts dropped off almost completely and they are still very low. He also developed an intestinal infection that is minor and is being treated with antibiotics. On January 6th he will be going in for a bone marrow to see if the cancer has been killed off. Please send your prayers, thoughts, anything, his way! This is a very very important test and lets just say that passing it is the only option that has a favorable outcome! He also asked me to write a thank you to everyone who has ever donated blood! He has received over fifty transfusions so far and they have saved his life again and again. Never under estimate the power of a giving spirit! That is all for now! I will post again after the new year! May 2014 bring good fortune for all!

Laura Katchmark 

Dad cant have live plants in the house so this year we improvised and decorated our fake tree!! It will be a bittersweet memory forever.

Last Round

Good Evening Everyone,

Tomorrow marks the day of the third and final round of chemo (as of now). I have to say, we are all ready for this to be completed. The next round will again last for five days and once it is over a stem cell transplant will be scheduled just as before. My dad has been feeling really good lately! It is so easy to tell when someone is genuinely happy and feels almost normal and he is no exception. Just the fact that he has been able to eat fairly normally and participate in our family activities has relieved so much stress for everyone. The positive attitude that has been relatively hard to hold on to has started to slowly reappear and take shape in our lives. Unfortunately every silver lining has its downfall and tonight ended up being a bad night for him. The chemo doesn't start taking effect right away and he did experience some stomach pain and nausea throughout the day. His goal is to just make it through the week and I know he will. If I have learned one thing about my dad, its that he never gives up when something is hard (for lack of a better word). Please send your prayers his way! Your love and support is appreciated and my entire family is humbled by it. I will post again next weekend.

Laura Katchmark

ON A SIDE NOTE...
I am not a person who is offended by many things. I am fairly even tempered and I don't believe in spur of the moment come backs or lapses in self control. However...this stupid "comedy" crossed my line of what is morally correct and appropriate. I refused to watch the whole thing but my god. ..whoever is writing this has no idea what it is like. CHEMO IS NOT A JOKE!!!!!!!!!!!! BALDNESS SYMBOLIZES THE HELL YOU HAVE GONE THROUGH AND WHATEVER ELSE THESE IDIOTS HAVE TO SAY IS JUST AWFUL.  Take a look for yourself and think of all of the people who have cancer and who just got slapped in the face. What is the line between funny and down right cruel.
http://www.cbs.com/shows/mom/video/dfWHf5B_E4wQaV_ghGP3pdKq0b4Y3qSv/mom-new-boobs/

I'm not particularly religious but I do find comfort in this quote. I hope you do as well.