Thursday, March 1, 2007

Back in the saddle again . . .

Hi all . . . Jeff here.

Well, I'm writing this from my hospital room, which means that we're continuing with treatment! That's a BIG prayer answered. The radiologist compared my recent scan to a CD copy of my earlier scans and indicated that the lesions had decreased in size. Dr. Legha said it was not possible to determine exactly how much they had decreased--evidently, it's difficult to draw precise measurements when comparing a digital image to an actual film--but he believed it was enough to justify proceeding with treatment. The most hopeful sign from him was his attitude. He acted surprised that we would be nervous. He said the fact that my subcutaneous nodes (the bumps on my back and sides) had responded to treatment was a good indication that the internal lesions had responded as well. I admit that I still feel a bit nervous about the whole thing. It's hard to hear someone talk in detail about lesions inside your body and come away feeling good about it. Nevertheless, I am very grateful to be sitting here in the hospital. Another round of biochemo is nothing compared to the anxiety I've felt the past several days. Hopefully the treatment will continue to work effectively on all of the cancer.

I'll be out of commission for the next week or two, so I'd like to say thank you to everyone once again for all your thoughts and prayers. One of the two high points of my day comes when I can check this blog and the Dodd Family Fund guestbook to see your comments. The other high point is when I check the mail and find the letters and packages so many of you have sent. I love reading it all, and it helps take my mind off the treatment for a little while. And another big thanks to everyone for continuing to do so much to help our family during this tough time. Thanks to all the families at Wilson School and St. Jude Parish, to our neighbors, to the members of the ND Clubs of Milwaukee and Houston, and to our many friends and relatives. You have all done so much to make this experience easier for me and my family.

Speaking of family, I'd like to say hi to Aubrey, Regan, and Jack. I miss you guys a lot. It would be much easier to go through all this if I had you around. I'm already looking forward to the next time you get to come to Houston!

Well, the nurses and pharmacists are working on my drug cocktail as I write this so I'll sign off for now. Hopefully I'll be conscious enough to watch American Idol tonight to see who gets the boot.

Jeff Dodd

11 comments:

mka said...

I am SO happy to hear that you're back in the hospital. Not many people would take hearing that as good news, but we all know what it means. I have worried all day about what the blog would say today. I kept thinking it would be good news, and I just hope the news keeps getting better. I bought a pick 5 for you and your family. The numbers are 4 (for 4 kids), 5, 21, for your birthday, 11 for Kelly's birthday, and 34 since you're both 34. I booked it for 6 days. If you would win it tonight you would win fifty thousand dollars. I've been lucky lately, so I figured it's worth a try. I'm just so happy our prayers are being answered. Love, Mom (Myrna)

Mary M Clay said...

Jeff -
Well, we are all here in Milwaukee watching American Idol for you :)

We are all so proud of you! This is great news, but we all know that your hard work, determination and strength is why you had the success today. Two down, and four more treatments to go!
We love you very much and will continue to pray!
MM

teasley_5 said...

That is GREAT NEWS!!! We are so happy to hear that the treatments are working and you are able to continue. We can't even begin to imagine how you feel. Keep up the great work and the great attitudes. You are so strong!
It sounds like you have done such a wonderful job with your children, they seem to be adjusting so well to this situation. You and your family are constantly in our thoughts and prayers.
Love and prayers,
Jason, Chanda, Alex, Noah, & Bailey Teasley

The Hutt Family said...

You must be thrilled with this great news! I know you'd probally be more thrilled if all was well and you were back in Milwaukee but..in due time..it WILL happen! We have have had you ever in our thoughts and are so relived in the good results. Stay stong for the next round! And remember how close you are to Christ's heart this Lent!
Love, The Hutts

Katie Clancy said...

Congratulations!!! I have been checking in all day waiting to see the great news! Another bonus that the doctor has been so positive all along (though careful to present a neutral position). You're well on the road to beating this, and I hope this great news carries you through this next round of chemo and eggo waffles. Just think - when you're back home in Milwaukee, you'll be saying how you can't stand to look at another waffle...The next time you are writing to all of us, you'll be at the half way mark. Lots of love to you and the Dodd Squad. Ed's here for a visit and wanted me to write he's looking forward to meeting you all. Good luck and thanks for the updates when you clearly have other things on your mind. Love, Katie

Michelle & Jeff said...

So glad to hear the news. We are all still praying hard! It is snowing lots in Wisconsin. It looks pretty. The kids are being so good. You both have raised such beautiful and well-behaved children. Tonight M.M. and I are going to cook vegetarian pizza with Aubrey (since it's a Friday during Lent). Then we are going to have a girls night. Thinking of you both and hope to see you soon. I love you!
Michelle

The Gardiners said...

Jeff and Kelly, That's FABULOUS news!! We've all been waiting and wondering right along with you. Keep it up and blessings of strength to you both during this third round. Thanks for keeping us updated. Hello to Aubrey, Regan, and Jack! Love, Meaghen, Brendan, Grace, Clare.

Terri said...

That is such GREAT news!!! I am sooo happy that is all working out. Before you know it this will all be in the past and everything will be just fine. Whenever I hear the song, "Read my mind" by The Killers I picture a slide show of Jeff in his hospital room going through treatment and other pictures of his family and stuff and watching this neat slide show to music with that song of when and how he beat cancer. Anyway, I don't even really know what that song is about, but that is what I picture for some reason. Continue the fight and we will keep praying. Love Terri

Scott_Monica1981 said...

Jeff, Kelly & family,
I'm glad to here the good news! I know you will fight this will all your might!

I took a new job about a month ago, your web site is on my favorites list on my new laptop! We think of you often and pray for your return to good health!

Setting here this morning the north wind howling, it is making me anxious for the return of spring! I always think of this like a renewal of life, I'm hoping that this spring will renew life in you!

In our prayers,

Scott & Monica

Unknown said...

Jeff, glad to hear that the treatment is working well and that you can proceed with the next cycle! You are almost half-way done with the treatment. From rainy Seattle, Michael Linden

Rita said...

Dear Jeff

All I can say is thank God for watching over you and your treatment. Faith is an amazing thing and we can all see the powerful effects of prayer. Rick and I continue to ask God to heal you and take care of your family while your away from them. Keep thinking positive thoughts. Love you Rick and Rita