Battle For Life

"I have a new name"....so she claims.

2009-05-17T21:10:00.000-07:00

My daugther has decided she doesn't want to be called by her first name anymore. She asked why we named her that because she doesn't like it. While I wasn't a fan of her name "Jessica" from the start..after 5 years it has somewhat grown on me! I just know that for a fact I do not like her new self choosen nickname...Jesse!

Hmm...what to major in??

2009-05-17T21:05:00.000-07:00

I have been struggling lately with what I want to continue majoring in. I was a dual major in Fine Arts and History prior to my bone marrow transplant. Taking a semester off of school while I dealt with my cancer has made me have time to think about things. My friend suggested anything dealing with the environment. Just like 20 years ago anything that dealt with computers was the way to go and now with the fear of global warming and going green that the environment is the wave of the next generation.

So before I can start thinking about what school I will transfer to...I best figure out what I want to be when I grow up!!

Summertime Swap

2009-05-17T13:56:00.000-07:00

Word of the Week

2009-04-06T10:29:00.000-07:00

Well, I had fun with last weeks word of the week. So its time to select another one. This one was a little fun because it isn't pronounced the way I thought it would. Then again I never did figure out how to read those little things in the dictionary telling you how! Here is this weeks word of the week:

Modicum

-noun

a moderate or small amount

Okay, so now I am certain you are all wondering how I say it. Well, I am not telling! Umm...okay! I give in... Mod-I-Cum. However, as I learned this morning that is not correct. So, if I was to spell this word by the way it is pronounced I would spell it mopidacum with those little things saying Mopa-da-cum.

Well, I hope you have just as much fun with this weeks word of the week as I have so far!

My Debit Card Affair

2009-04-03T04:59:00.000-07:00

It is obvious that my debit card is having an affair. No, not me the card! Every since the Redbox made its appearance in my local market I just can't get enough. My debit card however is rather happy with the attention it gets from me while in the presence of this new form of quick entertainment. My bank account would much rather I just stay away.

I mean what else am I to do. I am stuck in the house for most of the time since my Bone Marrow Transplant and I am just trying my best to keep this cabin fever hidden. As the Redbox's most loyal customer I figure it is time for me to start talking about all of the films I watch. I mean trust me some of them I am just glad I only had to pay $1.

If you haven't tried the Redbox then you should. There is not catch, or fine print, to make you wonder about this little box. I even once returned a movie and it didn't show up as returned. Just a quick little call and they not only credit my account they offered me a free rental! If you do take the chance on the excitement remember you can order movies right online and just run down to pick them up. I strongly recommend this on Friday and Saturday nights if you actually want to watch something that hasn't been out for a few weeks already.

Dear Donor

2009-03-31T23:16:00.000-07:00

Dear Donor,

I went and saw the doctor today. He told me your new cells are doing their job inside of my body! I am going a little crazy not being able to go out like I use too. Yet, as I sit and look out of my window I think about how lucky I am to see the new spring blossoms. Without your kind generosity I may not be enjoying these little things life has to offer. Thank you for donating your bone marrow to me.

Forever,
Matthew

Word of the Week

2009-03-31T02:55:00.000-07:00

So you found my blog and realized that this crazy guy is up in the middle of the night picking the Word of the Week. Just when you thought most would be fast asleep. Nope! Not Me! I am too busy trying to figure out which word I want to learn with all of you this week. Well, guess what I figured it out! If you already know this word, then this is your challenge to use it a few more times this week. If you don't...well it's time!

So here we go...

EVANESCENT

–adjective
1.
vanishing; fading away; fleeting.
2.
tending to become imperceptible; scarcely perceptible.

Okay, so that's your word for the week. Learn it! Use it! Have fun with it!

Prayers for Stellan

2009-03-30T19:24:00.000-07:00

Please keep little Stellan in your prayers.

Life, Loss, and Living

2009-03-29T23:51:00.000-07:00

Everybody dies...that is a fact of life...we each hold our individual ideas about what happens after we die but we all die! Each moment we share with family and friends should be cherished. We never know when our moment to leave this Earth will arrive. We have to live to our fullest no matter what cards we are dealt.

I am 20 years old and have lost both of my parents in the last 4 years. My dad died suddenly from a motorcycle accident in 2005 and my mom just last year following a heart attack. While we all are aware of the heart ache of losing someone special and we try our best to console those who are suffering from loss we forget that even though time helps us heal the wounds those people are still gone.

One of my very good friends today asked me how I was doing. It somewhat took me by surprise that he randomly asked me out of the blue if I was okay. A little dumbfounded by his concern it was rather touching at the same time. He is one of the few people who realize the heartache I still feel when I want to tell my mom a story or need a little lift from my pops.

I just wanted to take this moment and not only show my appreciation for his little question but to remind everyone else to ask their friend who has suffered a loss.

My DVR Divulged

2009-03-29T13:10:00.000-07:00

Let me grab the remote here and see what is on my DVR. This little box keeps me sane on most days. I mean what is better than the ability to skip through commercials. I almost can't stand watching live t.v. now on some of my favorite shows.

My Record List

Prison Break
ER
The Amazing Race 14
Grey's Anatomy
Law & Order SVU

Haha! I mean what were you expecting this big huge list of shows. Ummm...NO! I mean I am a movie guy right! Like there are 5 shows I like! That's it. Do I watch other shows? Yes! It is just if I miss them its all good. They aren't what I call "DVR Worthy". Anyhow, now you k now what's on my DVR! Plus in reality some of my favorite TV shows aren't airing anymore! Check back next season and we can see what is on my DVR. I am looking forward to some of the new seasons coming up! For now this is all.....

Earth Hour

2009-03-28T22:44:00.000-07:00

Global Warming is a serious issue that we seldom take the time to think of. I believe it will be one of those issues we won't realize it is happening until it slaps us in the face. This is not an issue that affects us as an individual but affects us globally from each nation to each person within that nation. Historically all great nations have risen and then fallen. It is our responsibility to cherish the place in which we live. It is our responsibility to protect our Earth for the future generations which will come after us.

Found A Cool Giveaway

2009-03-28T21:09:00.000-07:00

I was checking out a few blogs and found out this giveaway. So check out her blog and become a follower for your chance to win a very nifty looking sign. CLICK HERE TO GO ! There are so many little giveaways on blogger so be sure to look for them. Good Luck!!

2009-03-27T11:39:00.000-07:00

Hey its me Matthew. I haven't really made a post here and in reality this is only a partial post because what I am doing is wanting to give everyone the link to the blog, I am actually writing myself so here it is:

http://brainbroadcast.blogspot.com/

The Diversity Among Cultures.

2009-03-27T11:02:00.000-07:00

I always find it interesting how what is socially acceptable in one culture can be down right offensive to another. I believe it is our responsibility as individuals to diverse ourselves with other cultures and people. As a parent it is our duty to expose our children to other societies. We cannot sit in our own living rooms and define our world. To do this you must get your hands dirty, go out seek for the knowledge necessary to understand this place in which we live. Just within the United States alone what is a social norm in one region isn't even comprehended to another! Without having the exposure to other cultures we are only hindering ourselves and imprisoning our minds in a whirlpool of ignorance.

Pogo -- My other world!

2009-03-26T19:38:00.000-07:00

Okay, so for a few years now I have been an active player in Pogo! I have met some really great people in these rooms. I mean people I would classify as friends. Minus a few stalkers it has all been a great experience. If you are interested in playing with me sometime let me know! Here is a list of my favorite games:

Qwerty (like Scrabble)

Dominoes

Gin

Canasta

Pinochle

Spades

Monopoly

Word Riot

Various Solitaire Games

Back @ Hospital

2009-03-22T00:15:00.000-07:00

Even though I didn't report last time Matt went to the hospital he was there. Blood pressure was up to about 180/120 and he spent the night fighting to get it back down. Tonight, while we were watching a movie he started complaining a little. I slowly watched the color drain out of his face over the 2 hours we watched the movie and by the end of it his fever had sky rocketed.

Being that we have had a few issues we decided to go to Children's. We called and let them know we are coming. While it is a little further away at least we know that they will get to the bottom of all of this.

Day 54

2009-03-14T05:16:00.000-07:00

Yesterday we went to the clinic to have his levels checked. The doctor had decided on Tuesaday that it was best for him to not wait a full week between checkups. Esepcially being his levels are a little low. He ended up needing platelets. The good thing about yesterday was Matthew did now throw up once. We had our own little celebaration going on until this morning. I think in the last hour Matt has found himself hovering over the toliet at least 5 times. Sad thing is he only ate a very tiny bit for breakfast. I helped him get some meds down and hopefully that will help him with that.

It is really great to see Matthew starting to get his strength back. Jaysien and I were talking about how Matthew is still very weak but getting stronger! We have a suprise for Matthew that he doesn't know about yet. He got a new box of N95 mask which he wears when he goes out. Jaysien and I decided to decorate them. Yeah, I know we are a riot! We will show them to him tomorrow. That's if he isn't reading it here (just in case thanks for ruining our suprise Matt).

We have been trying hard to keep him from his cabin fever. Thinking of fever, Matthew currently has one. It is just low grade but enough for me to keep my eye on him. Right now it is 100.0 but he seems to be doing fine. I am going to go fix him something to eat and hopefully he will keep it down.

~Mike

Hey it's me...Jaysien!

2009-03-10T00:14:00.000-07:00

I'm sitting here watching Matthew asleep on the couch. I want to move him but he actually looks pretty comfortable. I can't help but think about how just a few weeks ago I was afraid to watch him go to sleep. Afraid that the new day would bring darkness in my life. As he sleeps there with his mouth half open I just think about how we are all so lucky to have him around.

I was just telling this girl he likes tonight that he is a great "catch". No Lie! Yes, half his Myspace page is in love with him. Half the girls that come into his life tend to find feelings for him. If only I were to be so lucky with the girls falling for me without me having to work so hard to make it happen.

Matt got his first letter from his donor today. He was tickeled silly. While I wish I could be the one to share this awesome note from a selfless person I have to wait. Those of you that know me know I tend to not be able to keep my "big mouth" shut. However, Matthew wants to share it on a personal level with a few people before annoucning it to the world.

This person, this unknown man, I can't telll him enough how I am indebted to him forever for giving me another day with my best friend.

Tomorrow is Matthew's first big check up since we have left this hospital. He will have a Bone Marrow Biopsy and I hate to see him so nervous. I will say a few extra prayers tonight and try my best to keep his nerves in check tomorrow.

Jaysien

Update from the Homefront!

2009-03-08T13:17:00.000-07:00

While Matthew has finding the comforts of home welcoming, I am sure at this point he misses the drama that was void in his life during his 2 months stay there. We did find ourself back in the hospital Friday night. They gave him platelets and some antibodics.

We will make the trip to the doctor on Tuesday. He has been having a few problems that we will be sure to have checked out. Matthew for the most part is trying hard to conquer his cabin fever. I have never seen someone so excited to go through the drive-thru at the pharamcy.

Home Sweet Home

2009-03-02T08:23:00.000-08:00

We are so thankful that Matthew was able to come home on Friday. What is even more exciting he was able to see Jessica. Watching the two of them interact show's such true love between a daddy and his little girl. While Matthew is home we still know the importance of keeping him healthy and cell building. It is nice to slowly watch him get color back to him. Matt has to go back to the doctor on Wednesday for a follow up. Then after that we will go very Tuesday for his labwork. Any of you that know how Jaysien was during all of Matt's chemo days checking his tempature every hour. Let me just say then he was a little crazy about it but now he is totally insane. I am suprised Matt can get any rest as Jaysien continues to check his tempature every 2 seconds. Well, maybe not that bad.....

~Mike

Support Bone Marrow Transplants

2009-02-25T18:43:00.001-08:00

Nobody ever knows how ones affluence can help another. Matthew was blessed by a stranger and was given a chance at life. While everyone may not be able to donate to such a cause. There are ways to help out. We are coming to you asking for support of the mission to save the life of another human being.

Please check out the donation page in Honor of Matthew and his Battle for Life!

http://foundation.marrow.org/goto/matthew

Surgery went well....

2009-02-20T14:57:00.001-08:00

The surgery went well to remove Matt's central line. At least this will stop any infection from spreading. They did have to give him a high dose of antibodics today that made him break out in a little rash. They changed the medicine right away and he is all better now!

Matthew is getting some rest and as soon as he wakes up he has some yummy food waiting for him.

~Mike

Old Post

2009-02-19T14:23:00.000-08:00

We realized we had old post from another blog from a few years ago. We figured out how to import it to this one. There is one more out there that we will try to import over.

~Mike

2009-02-19T08:23:00.000-08:00

They started giving Matthew his medication orally. They do that with hopes that he can go home very soon! Right, now the doctor says that next week might work for us. Matthew has been running a low grade fever this a.m that is due to a infection starting at his Broviac. They went ahead and scheduled surgery for tomorrow to remove that. I know he will hate getting sticked all the time for his blood work but we can't afford an infection either.

Matthew was given some benadryl and has been sleeping most of the night and morning.

Day 27

2009-02-16T13:23:00.000-08:00

ENGRAFEMENT DAY

Today, we got the greatest news! Matt has started the engrafement process. We didn't post when he reached the required levels to start the 3 days process before the big milestone. However, we have been on edge the past few two days hoping his levesl stayed up! THEY DID!

Matthew is running a little of a fever. Tomorrow he will be moving down the hall and out of this very strict isolation. The doctor says to plan on being here for at least another two weeks. Everything seems to be functioning well. They ran some test today on his liver. Matthew wrote his first letter to his donor and was rather excited to give that to his coordinator. He colored him a picture which I thought was adorable.

Thank you for keeping Matthew in your prayers as he battles for his life!