Wow ... it has been one week since transplant! The doctors refer to the days since transplant with a plus (+) sign and the number of days ... so today is +7.
Ted has gone back to Baylor each morning at 9:00 a.m. Monday and Tuesday went pretty quick. He was home by 12:00. Today he needed magnesium, which took an extra hour or so, so we got home around 1:30. They monitor him very closely by checking his blood numbers and talking to him about any changes they need to make to the medications. The doctor today said he's where he should be. The HCT and platelet counts are still going down. He expects that at approximately day +10 to day +14, the engraftment will begin and the numbers will begin to rise again. We have a special post planned the minute we hear that Hans' cells are kicking in, so be sure and check back!
We are spending a wild New Year's Eve at home ... whoo hooo ... (which is what we have done for the last few years!) I picked up Chinese food. Since Ted isn't eating that much, we only got one entree, so the Chinese Takey Outey only gave us one fortune cookie ... Darn! That's our favorite part of Chinese food is reading the fortune cookie ... Here's what it said: "Investigate new possibilities with friends. Now is the time!"
That's what we are planning in 2009 ... lots of good times with our great friends!
Wishing you all a blessed, healthy, happy and prosperous New Year!
Wednesday, December 31, 2008
Sunday, December 28, 2008
HOME SWEET HOME!
Recliner Sweet Recliner ...
Everything went great! No traffic ... and a beautiful sunny day! We got home before noon! Ted is feeling good. He's already eaten a good lunch.
Ted will be going back to the outpatient transplant clinic tomorrow and every day next week, so they will be watching him closely for any changes. I will try and be good about posting, but you may not see a new post every day ... just so you don't worry!
You can continue to contact Ted at his Hotmail email address, but also feel free to call his cell phone or mine ... just don't call the house phone for now in case he is resting.
Please keep Ted in your prayers as his body begins to accept the new cells and that he will have continued success for a speedy recovery!
Everything went great! No traffic ... and a beautiful sunny day! We got home before noon! Ted is feeling good. He's already eaten a good lunch.
Ted will be going back to the outpatient transplant clinic tomorrow and every day next week, so they will be watching him closely for any changes. I will try and be good about posting, but you may not see a new post every day ... just so you don't worry!
You can continue to contact Ted at his Hotmail email address, but also feel free to call his cell phone or mine ... just don't call the house phone for now in case he is resting.
Please keep Ted in your prayers as his body begins to accept the new cells and that he will have continued success for a speedy recovery!
Saturday, December 27, 2008
ALMOST HOME!
Everything looks good and all is still a GO for coming home tomorrow! They tell us that we will visit with a few people tomorrow morning for instructions and then the doctor will come in and release Ted around noon. So we should be home in the early afternoon. Ted received the ultimate gift on Christmas Eve, but there are packages waiting under the tree!
Requesting prayers for a smooth homecoming!
Requesting prayers for a smooth homecoming!
FRIDAY UPDATE
Friday was a little rough for Ted. He doesn't feel like eating at all, and with all the meds still going in, he just generally feels bad. When you add in the fact that as of last night he has spent one week in the hospital and isn't sleeping well at all ... let's just say he is ready to come home!
But ...... since all the numbers are all still looking good and Ted has not had any fever ... get this ... the doctor told him that he may be sending him home on SUNDAY! Yes, tomorrow!
We're pretty excited ... and I think Ted will have a good day today just knowing that he will be home soon!
But ...... since all the numbers are all still looking good and Ted has not had any fever ... get this ... the doctor told him that he may be sending him home on SUNDAY! Yes, tomorrow!
We're pretty excited ... and I think Ted will have a good day today just knowing that he will be home soon!
Thursday, December 25, 2008
MERRY CHRISTMAS!
We typed a post from the hospital and then it didn't go through. Ted said to wish everyone a Merry Christmas. He is really enjoying the emails and cards. Thank you so much!
He had a pretty good day. The numbers that are supposed to be going down are going down and the ones that are supposed to go up are going up. So all is where it should be. He isn't eating well, but the nurses are working with him on that, trying to find something to get his appetite back.
We went for a few walks up and down the hall and then we even went outside this afternoon and sat in the meditation garden for a while. They looked at us kind of funny when Ted left pushing his IV pole with his jacket on, but he told them he was coming back, so they let us go.
Definitely a Christmas we won't forget! Love to all ...
He had a pretty good day. The numbers that are supposed to be going down are going down and the ones that are supposed to go up are going up. So all is where it should be. He isn't eating well, but the nurses are working with him on that, trying to find something to get his appetite back.
We went for a few walks up and down the hall and then we even went outside this afternoon and sat in the meditation garden for a while. They looked at us kind of funny when Ted left pushing his IV pole with his jacket on, but he told them he was coming back, so they let us go.
Definitely a Christmas we won't forget! Love to all ...
Wednesday, December 24, 2008
A BEAUTIFUL PRAYER
Ted is resting. Everything went well. The nurse said she would call me if there are any changes. I am home.
The nurse asked Ted if he would mind if the chaplain came in and blessed the stem cells and pray for Ted. He was in a jovial mood and told them if there was a rabbi and priest they could come, too. They gave us a copy, so I thought I would share it with you. It will be framed. It is beautiful. Here is what it says:
STEM CELL TRANSPLANT
TED FETT
December 24, 2008
The cells we bless today offer new possiblities for Ted's healing. These cells, as tiny as they are amazing, are a gift from the Creator of all Life. We acknowledge Your presence in Ted's journey and Your love for him. Thank you, God, for the gift of life that is this transplant.
We are especially thankful for the courage and compassion of Ted's donor -- someone not known to him, but now forever connected to him. Bless this donor, as well.
Spirit of all grace and mercy, bless these cells for Ted's healing acccording to his deepest needs of body, mind, and spirit. May Ted feel Your healing power flowing through every cell, bringinging a new day of health and joy and creative energy.
Go before us, O God, and lead Ted into a new day of health and wholeness so he may live his life abundantly. May the journey he has taken thus far be blessed with shallow memories of his pain and deep memories of Your love. And may the journey forward be one of healing and hope.
Ted, may God hold you close and may Divine Love and Wisdom "be healing to your flesh and marrow to your bones." (Proverbs 3:8) Amen
Merry Christmas Everyone!
The nurse asked Ted if he would mind if the chaplain came in and blessed the stem cells and pray for Ted. He was in a jovial mood and told them if there was a rabbi and priest they could come, too. They gave us a copy, so I thought I would share it with you. It will be framed. It is beautiful. Here is what it says:
STEM CELL TRANSPLANT
TED FETT
December 24, 2008
The cells we bless today offer new possiblities for Ted's healing. These cells, as tiny as they are amazing, are a gift from the Creator of all Life. We acknowledge Your presence in Ted's journey and Your love for him. Thank you, God, for the gift of life that is this transplant.
We are especially thankful for the courage and compassion of Ted's donor -- someone not known to him, but now forever connected to him. Bless this donor, as well.
Spirit of all grace and mercy, bless these cells for Ted's healing acccording to his deepest needs of body, mind, and spirit. May Ted feel Your healing power flowing through every cell, bringinging a new day of health and joy and creative energy.
Go before us, O God, and lead Ted into a new day of health and wholeness so he may live his life abundantly. May the journey he has taken thus far be blessed with shallow memories of his pain and deep memories of Your love. And may the journey forward be one of healing and hope.
Ted, may God hold you close and may Divine Love and Wisdom "be healing to your flesh and marrow to your bones." (Proverbs 3:8) Amen
Merry Christmas Everyone!
Tuesday, December 23, 2008
ANGELS AMONG US
We found out that Hans' stem cells are on the way. He collected 5.481 million cells. Ted is scheduled tomorrow for the radiation at 11:00 and will receive the stem cells later in the afternoon. According to what he was told, they are delivered by a "live" courier, which means that an individual who is a volunteer is carrying them here in person. Isn't that interesting that someone is on an airplane with an Igloo cooler with a bag of stem cells for Ted. There are definitely angels among us.
The hospital staff is doing their best to keep everyone's spirits up. This morning they went into Ted's room and invited him to a Christmas party. The party was at 2:00, and Ted was the first one there. He said they proceeded to play Bingo when others arrived. He said the same lady won the first four games, which Ted said he figured it was rigged, so he got up to leave. They asked where he was going, and he told them he was going to the restroom. He went back to his room. He gets an A+ for participation.
It is difficult not be anxious about what the days to come will bring, but we are confident of who is in control. Thank you in advance ... I know you will be in prayer with us tomorrow as God continues to hold Ted's hand.
The hospital staff is doing their best to keep everyone's spirits up. This morning they went into Ted's room and invited him to a Christmas party. The party was at 2:00, and Ted was the first one there. He said they proceeded to play Bingo when others arrived. He said the same lady won the first four games, which Ted said he figured it was rigged, so he got up to leave. They asked where he was going, and he told them he was going to the restroom. He went back to his room. He gets an A+ for participation.
It is difficult not be anxious about what the days to come will bring, but we are confident of who is in control. Thank you in advance ... I know you will be in prayer with us tomorrow as God continues to hold Ted's hand.
Monday, December 22, 2008
CELEBRITY VISITOR
I hesitated to tittle this post "celebrity visitor". I wanted to add the words "idol" or "star" or "hero" because those words also apply.
This afternoon we had a surprise visit from Meg Brown and her mother, Kathy Brown. Meg is the author of the book I wrote about in an earlier post. I sent out several copies, and I have already heard from several of you that you have read the book. Everyone has the same reaction, she is an amazing young woman! Kathy is also a cancer survivor. What an inspiration!
Ted finished the chemo today and is feeling good. Tomorrow is a rest day, so he is going to try and take advantage of the down time.
Thanks again to Meg and Kathy. Here are pictures of them with Ted.
This afternoon we had a surprise visit from Meg Brown and her mother, Kathy Brown. Meg is the author of the book I wrote about in an earlier post. I sent out several copies, and I have already heard from several of you that you have read the book. Everyone has the same reaction, she is an amazing young woman! Kathy is also a cancer survivor. What an inspiration!
Ted finished the chemo today and is feeling good. Tomorrow is a rest day, so he is going to try and take advantage of the down time.
Thanks again to Meg and Kathy. Here are pictures of them with Ted.
Sunday, December 21, 2008
TED AND HIS NEW FRIEND
Ted had such a good day that he asked for a day pass to get out. The doctor told him it was not a good idea. The nurses are all teasing him that he is wearing out the floor. He is eating great and doing a lot of walking and talking because of the steroids he is being given.
When the nurse did the orientation on Friday, she told Ted that he was about to meet up with his new friend. She said that his friend would go everywhere he goes. (Ted was hoping for a puppy.) Instead they introduced him to his IV pole. We didn't give it a name, but today we dressed it up and took it for a walk.
Also, we met a man today that had a transplant in 2005. He volunteers at the hospital and shares his story. He was very helpful and is doing great! We really enjoyed meeting him.
Ted was moved into his new room, which he said is like going from a Motel 6 to a
5-star hotel. We are glad we paid for the upgrade :) There is a computer in the room, so we set up an email account for Ted. If you would like to email him, send me an email and I'll give you the address.
Thanks once again for your prayers!
When the nurse did the orientation on Friday, she told Ted that he was about to meet up with his new friend. She said that his friend would go everywhere he goes. (Ted was hoping for a puppy.) Instead they introduced him to his IV pole. We didn't give it a name, but today we dressed it up and took it for a walk.
Also, we met a man today that had a transplant in 2005. He volunteers at the hospital and shares his story. He was very helpful and is doing great! We really enjoyed meeting him.
Ted was moved into his new room, which he said is like going from a Motel 6 to a
5-star hotel. We are glad we paid for the upgrade :) There is a computer in the room, so we set up an email account for Ted. If you would like to email him, send me an email and I'll give you the address.
Thanks once again for your prayers!
SATURDAY POST (ON SUNDAY)
Ted did great on Saturday. The chemo went well. He also got one unit of blood and his numbers improved almost immediately. He had a really good day. I hope I didn't stay too late, because I stayed until the the Cowboy game was over (I guess I should say the Ravens game:) ... but Ted was feeling good and very talkative, and we kind of lost track of time.
I told Ted I posted the picture in front of the Bone Marrow Transplant sign. We kind of had a good laugh about it. We recalled a picture of a different "journey" we took a few years ago ... and decided next year our picture will look more like this .....
I told Ted I posted the picture in front of the Bone Marrow Transplant sign. We kind of had a good laugh about it. We recalled a picture of a different "journey" we took a few years ago ... and decided next year our picture will look more like this .....
Friday, December 19, 2008
CHECKED IN
Just wanted you all to know that Ted is checked in and resting comfortably. He got to the room around 3:30 and we had an orientation of the floor. The nurses could not be nicer. They had a snack ready for him, and then he ate a good dinner at 6:00. He said the food was great. The doctor did the line placement around 7:30 and everything went perfectly. The doctor knows TJ and Lori from when they worked at Baylor, so that added a nice personal touch.
The best way to reach Ted would be to text him on his cell phone. The phone in his room isn't working yet, because he is in a temporary room for now. They said they would probably move him to a different room in a few days, but he is enjoying getting text messages for now.
They are starting the chemo tomorrow, so I will keep you posted. Thank you for your thoughts and prayers!
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
THE PLAN
We got a lot of information from Ted's appointment today. Ted's transplant doctor is Dr. Vance. He sat with us for almost two hours today and went over everything. When we arrived, they gave us a three-ring binder titled "The Transplant Journey." It has tabs from A-L that cover more than you'd ever want to know about a transplant.
Ted will be admitted to Baylor on Friday. They will do a surgery on that day where they will remove his port and replace it with a triple line port. The itinerary says he will also receive hydration and teaching on that day.
Saturday, Sunday, and Monday he will receive chemo to prepare for the transplant. Tuesday is listed as a "rest" day. On Wednesday (12-24), he will receive full body radiation, after which he will receive the donor stem cells.
Dr. Vance had the results from the PET scan that Ted got on December 12th and seemed very pleased with the results. In his words it was "unimpressive," which he explained meant that the lymphoma had minimized to a point that he felt was good. He said several times that Ted was at a good point to receive the donor stem cells.
Ted asked Dr. Vance (just out of curiosity) if he knew where the donor was from and Dr. Vance jokingly said that he might be from Kamino (Star Wars reference to Boba Fett) ... a joke wasted on us, because we definitely aren't Trekkie's and didn't get it? Poor guy!
We really like Dr. Vance. He never seems like he's in a hurry to move on and really wants to help us understand everything that is happening. A transplant coordinator (Jennifer) was also in the conference with us, and she seems very caring and genuinely interested in Ted's care.
They said he should expect to be in the hospital for two weeks, maybe three, it will depend on how things are progressing.
We were told that Ted will have a phone in his room that he will be able to check the voice mail on, so as soon as we have a phone number, I will give it to you. I know he will enjoy hearing from everyone. At this point, visitors will be asked to be "by appointment only" so that Ted can rest as much as possible.
Your words of encouragement and all the cards he has received have meant so much to him! As far as what we are asking from you now ... and this probably goes without saying ... but continued prayers for strength for Ted and prayers for the transplant team would be our request.
We talked about it tonight, and as much as Ted and I would love for him to be home on Christmas, there really isn't ever a good time for things like this. We continue to count our blessings, which are many, and have so much to be grateful for! (Ted and Tina)
Ted will be admitted to Baylor on Friday. They will do a surgery on that day where they will remove his port and replace it with a triple line port. The itinerary says he will also receive hydration and teaching on that day.
Saturday, Sunday, and Monday he will receive chemo to prepare for the transplant. Tuesday is listed as a "rest" day. On Wednesday (12-24), he will receive full body radiation, after which he will receive the donor stem cells.
Dr. Vance had the results from the PET scan that Ted got on December 12th and seemed very pleased with the results. In his words it was "unimpressive," which he explained meant that the lymphoma had minimized to a point that he felt was good. He said several times that Ted was at a good point to receive the donor stem cells.
Ted asked Dr. Vance (just out of curiosity) if he knew where the donor was from and Dr. Vance jokingly said that he might be from Kamino (Star Wars reference to Boba Fett) ... a joke wasted on us, because we definitely aren't Trekkie's and didn't get it? Poor guy!
We really like Dr. Vance. He never seems like he's in a hurry to move on and really wants to help us understand everything that is happening. A transplant coordinator (Jennifer) was also in the conference with us, and she seems very caring and genuinely interested in Ted's care.
They said he should expect to be in the hospital for two weeks, maybe three, it will depend on how things are progressing.
We were told that Ted will have a phone in his room that he will be able to check the voice mail on, so as soon as we have a phone number, I will give it to you. I know he will enjoy hearing from everyone. At this point, visitors will be asked to be "by appointment only" so that Ted can rest as much as possible.
Your words of encouragement and all the cards he has received have meant so much to him! As far as what we are asking from you now ... and this probably goes without saying ... but continued prayers for strength for Ted and prayers for the transplant team would be our request.
We talked about it tonight, and as much as Ted and I would love for him to be home on Christmas, there really isn't ever a good time for things like this. We continue to count our blessings, which are many, and have so much to be grateful for! (Ted and Tina)
Monday, December 15, 2008
BRRRR......
It's cold in Texas. Right now my computer says it is 27 degrees. I know some of you live where it's a lot colder, but we aren't wired for this kind of weather! Brrrrr....
Tomorrow (Tuesday) the appointment is at noon at Baylor in Dallas, so I hope we don't get any of that icy weather that us Texans find it impossible to drive in!
The books came today! Yeah! I am mailing them out tomorrow morning to Dawn, Lori, Kat, Beverly, and Barb (2 ... give one to Mom, since she's in Austin now). Helen/Julie picked one up already. Missy, Laura, Carolynn and Kim, I will deliver yours. Who else? If I forgot you, please let me know. (Janet, did you want one?)
Until tomorrow ... Stay warm!
Tomorrow (Tuesday) the appointment is at noon at Baylor in Dallas, so I hope we don't get any of that icy weather that us Texans find it impossible to drive in!
The books came today! Yeah! I am mailing them out tomorrow morning to Dawn, Lori, Kat, Beverly, and Barb (2 ... give one to Mom, since she's in Austin now). Helen/Julie picked one up already. Missy, Laura, Carolynn and Kim, I will deliver yours. Who else? If I forgot you, please let me know. (Janet, did you want one?)
Until tomorrow ... Stay warm!
Friday, December 12, 2008
Mit tiefer Dankbarkeit!
Hans is the name we have given to Ted's donor. Because of privacy laws, we are not allowed to know anything more about him other than he is a 34-year old European male. Ted chose the name Hans because since Ted is of German descent and ancestory normally plays a big part in who is your perfect match, he is convinced that Hans is German.
Ted thinks Hans is also an Olympian. I am going along with him, but I think the chemo is affecting him on that one! (Tina)
"At the end of six months, if I find out he is of Italian descent, I am changing my name to Guido." (Ted)
At this point, we know that Hans went for the physical a week ago, passed, and has and agreed to be the donor. According to what we have been told, we are allowed to contact him six months after the transplant by letter (delivered by the transplant center). After one year, if the donor agrees, we are allowed to contact him and request to meet him.
Today Ted went to the transplant center for a PET scan and radiological consultation. They are working up a calendar of when everything will take place. We were hoping for more definite news today about the schedule, but they made an appointment for next Tuesday to get the specific dates on when the process will begin. Of course, I will post on Tuesday as soon as we find out.
Since the process of a stem cell transplant takes place over several days, things are shaping up to look like Ted will be receiving stem cells for Christmas this year ... the best present ever!
Thank you Hans! We love you wherever, whoever you are!
Mit tiefer Dankbarkeit! (look it up, it's German)
Ted thinks Hans is also an Olympian. I am going along with him, but I think the chemo is affecting him on that one! (Tina)
"At the end of six months, if I find out he is of Italian descent, I am changing my name to Guido." (Ted)
At this point, we know that Hans went for the physical a week ago, passed, and has and agreed to be the donor. According to what we have been told, we are allowed to contact him six months after the transplant by letter (delivered by the transplant center). After one year, if the donor agrees, we are allowed to contact him and request to meet him.
Today Ted went to the transplant center for a PET scan and radiological consultation. They are working up a calendar of when everything will take place. We were hoping for more definite news today about the schedule, but they made an appointment for next Tuesday to get the specific dates on when the process will begin. Of course, I will post on Tuesday as soon as we find out.
Since the process of a stem cell transplant takes place over several days, things are shaping up to look like Ted will be receiving stem cells for Christmas this year ... the best present ever!
Thank you Hans! We love you wherever, whoever you are!
Mit tiefer Dankbarkeit! (look it up, it's German)
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
NO SUCH THING AS A FREE LUNCH
A few years ago, Ted and I went to a seminar about lymphoma. One of the speakers was a woman named Meg Brown. She had had a transplant with the same group of doctors and at the same hospital that Ted will be going to.
After hearing her inspirational story, I bought her book. The book is written in a diary format, chronicling her stem cell transplant journey. I find her story amazing! The book is titled "Dancing With The Enemy...Letting The Good Outweigh
The Bad."
I think anyone that reads the book will gain insight and understanding about the process that Ted will be going through. It has been so long since I read it that I will be reading it again. This time I will be reading it with a different perspective, since the first time I read it, I didn't know Ted would be getting a
transplant.
Soooooo .... drum roll ..... here's the deal .... I have a few "extra copies" that I would like to send out! To you and only you, today and only today, for the low, low price of .... FREE!!! So if you would like one, comment to this post, or email me and let me know if you would like a copy ... and I will send it to you!
Ted says there's no such thing as a free lunch. While that may be true, there is such a thing as A FREE BOOK ... right here on our blog!
Click here to check out Meg Brown's website.
(A special shout out to Susie for help with the books and talking to me for a very long time today!) Tina
After hearing her inspirational story, I bought her book. The book is written in a diary format, chronicling her stem cell transplant journey. I find her story amazing! The book is titled "Dancing With The Enemy...Letting The Good Outweigh
The Bad."
I think anyone that reads the book will gain insight and understanding about the process that Ted will be going through. It has been so long since I read it that I will be reading it again. This time I will be reading it with a different perspective, since the first time I read it, I didn't know Ted would be getting a
transplant.
Soooooo .... drum roll ..... here's the deal .... I have a few "extra copies" that I would like to send out! To you and only you, today and only today, for the low, low price of .... FREE!!! So if you would like one, comment to this post, or email me and let me know if you would like a copy ... and I will send it to you!
Ted says there's no such thing as a free lunch. While that may be true, there is such a thing as A FREE BOOK ... right here on our blog!
Click here to check out Meg Brown's website.
(A special shout out to Susie for help with the books and talking to me for a very long time today!) Tina
Monday, December 8, 2008
No News Is Good News
Ted is feeling okay, but very tired. He has an appointment on Friday at Baylor, so hopefully we will know more then and have information to share!
I posted a slideshow below of the Polar Express train ride in Grapevine that I took on Saturday with some family and friends. The beginning pictures are from the Teddy Bear Factory where Channing and Campbell made a reindeer to take along on the train. Ted wasn't able to go with us ... we missed you Petts!
I posted a slideshow below of the Polar Express train ride in Grapevine that I took on Saturday with some family and friends. The beginning pictures are from the Teddy Bear Factory where Channing and Campbell made a reindeer to take along on the train. Ted wasn't able to go with us ... we missed you Petts!
Wednesday, December 3, 2008
HAPPY ANNIVERSARY LORI & TJ
If you haven't checked it out yet, click here to see Lori & TJ's blog. It is such a sweet video and really brought a smile to Ted's face today!
fettsrus
Ted finished the chemo and is feeling pretty good! He doesn't have any appointments scheduled until next week, when he goes in on Friday to have blood work. Right now we are enjoying a quiet evening at home, ahhh!
fettsrus
Ted finished the chemo and is feeling pretty good! He doesn't have any appointments scheduled until next week, when he goes in on Friday to have blood work. Right now we are enjoying a quiet evening at home, ahhh!
Monday, December 1, 2008
Thanksgiving weekend
We had a visit from Ted's sister and husband and niece over the Thanksgiving weekend. Here is a picture of them in Canton on Friday ... (Dawn and Charley and Nicole.) They laughed when I pulled out the cart ... but it was full when we left. We came back to our house and had dinner (I can't believe I didn't get a picture of all of us!) Then on Saturday we all went to church and out to dinner. Thanks for making the trip! It was great to see y'all!
Today Ted had his first round of Treanda chemo and will have it again tomorrow. He seems to be tolerating it pretty well. We still don't know when the transplant will take place, but will let you all know as soon as we know more.
Hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving! (Tina)
Today Ted had his first round of Treanda chemo and will have it again tomorrow. He seems to be tolerating it pretty well. We still don't know when the transplant will take place, but will let you all know as soon as we know more.
Hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving! (Tina)
