We have a plan in place.  January 10th Casey will get ready for his transplant.  They didn't find a suitable match, so they are going to do the transplant with cord blood (from an umbilical cord).  He will be in the hospital for about a month.  He will receive chemo the first week of his hospital stay, prior to the transplant.  There are a lot of details we will be finding out as we go.  I will keep you updated.  Until then, Casey can enjoy a normal life.  His counts are good and he is back at work.  He gets tired, but for the most part is doing great.
Hope you all have a great New Year.
Peggy

December 24, 2009

Wishing all of you a Very Merry Christmas!  I hope you are all able to be with your loved ones for the holidays. 
Casey is doing well and we are feeling blessed.  All of his counts are good, so he is able to be with his friends, family and of course his swimming family as well.  He has been on deck coaching this week and living a normal life.  He was scheduled to be admitted back into the hospital for more treatment today, but his doctors are delaying that until next week.  Yesterday was my last day of work.  I will start a new job at my family's business after the New Year.  I have been catering forever and will miss my brides, coworkers, clients and the job.  It is a great feeling when you can help a girl create the wedding she has been dreaming of all of her life.  So I am entering a new year with a lot of unknowns.  But for now I am enjoying the fact that I have a warm home, wonderful family and friends, and of course my crazy puppies! 
Peggy

Saturday, December 12, 2009

Casey was at the Cancer Center yesterday to get checked and to get a blood tranfusion.  He spoke to his doctor about how things are going for the transplant.  They still have not found anyone who is a good match, but they are still looking.  He is also considering doing what they call a mini transplant, which is not as effective at curing the leukemia, but would be a lot safer than a transplant that is not compatible. I suppose Casey is an oddity of nature.  I am enjoying spending time with Casey.  When he was younger, and I drove them into swim practice every night, I always felt lucky to have that time in the car with him and no distractions (except for Matt Horning for a couple of years! Those two were always entertaining together).   Now when he is tied up to chemo or at home, I feel as though I am getting to spend some quality time with him and getting to know him all over again.  I really like the kid!  The thing I most admire is the way he always puts other people first.  He may feel really sick, but he doesn't want to burden you with his problems.  There are times through this where I get crabby, and then I have to think I have nothing to complain about.  He was real pale and I could tell he was feeling bad on Thursday night, the only thing he said was that he was tired.  He doesn't want anyone to feel sorry for him.  I am so proud of my boy and the way he is handling all of this!
Peggy

Tuesday, December 8, 2009

I should start this off by trying to explain Casey and Big Bob's relationship.  Casey and Bob are a comedy team with their constant bantering of each other.  But Big Bob is the first person Casey calls to tell when he is being admitted into the hospital, and Bob is there every day.  Saturday evening Casey was complaining that Big Bob and Gary were eating all of his snack food.    So on Sunday Morning, me, being the great mother that I am, went to the grocerey store to stock up on lots of snacks.  I got up to the hospital to find out that Casey was being released on Sunday night.  So I took Casey and the groceries home with me, but left Big Bob in Hershey.  He went into the day hospital yesterday for his shot and to have his blood counts checked.  So far, so good.  This is the phase where we have to be especially careful of infection.  This next week will require lots of clorox wipes!
Peggy

Saturday, December 5, 2009

Casey is in the hospital getting another cycle of treatment.  This is a different protocol than the one he was on 3 years ago.  Back then he would go into the hospital as an outpatient on a daily, weekly and eventually monthly basis.  This time around they keep him in the hospital for 5 days, giving him chemo constantly and regulating his organ functions.  Yesterday he got a spinal dose.  I'm glad they gave it to him early in his admission.  It is a lot easier to lay flat for long periods of time in the hospital than what it is at home.  After all, where are you going to go in the hospital?  At home here he has 2 puppies that love to lay on top of him.  Deli, our cat who weighed 8 pounds (we lost her in July) would lay on top of him all the time during his last go round.  Bowie, who weighs 40 pounds, has decided to take over Deli's job.  Maybe I should send Bowie up to him today.  I have a feeling he will need something to keep him laying down today at 12:30 when his Tar Heels play Kentucky.  Let's go heels! 
Peggy

December 2, 2009

Thank you to everyone who came out to the bone marrow drive last night.  We even made the channel 11 news at 10:00! 
Tomorrow it is back in the hospital for Casey for another round of chemo.  His doctor gave him an extra week and in that week he had Thanksgiving dinner, the Swim for Casey, went to the Eagles game and the bone marrow drive.  It was a full week, but now it is time for him to get back to the reality of being a cancer patient.
Sunday, December 6th is one year since Derrick Dull lost his battle with leukemia.  Derrick was a graduate of Ephrata High School and was 23 (same as Casey) when he was diagnosed.  We didn't know Derrick as well as we would have liked to, but felt a deep and common bond with him and his family.  In addition to his mother, father and sister, he left behind a young wife Mindy, who has kept his legacy through a foundation in honor of Derrick.  If you ever have an extra hour and box of tissues you should read his blog http://www.djdully.blogspot.com/.  It takes you through the horrors of the disease and the joys of his love of life and family, as well as his wedding.  In honor of Derrick on Sunday, December 6th, his family is asking people to light a candle and remember Derrick's message "Cherish each other & live life to the fullest."  The family hopes to have every hour covered starting at 1:00 am thru midnight.  They are asking people to sign up for time slots through his blog.  I got a battery operated candle for Casey's room at the hospital.  I know a lot of the nurses remember Derrick.  I think it is fitting to light up the town, because Derrick could light up a room with his smile.
God Bless
Peggy

November 28, 2009

Today was the Swim for Casey at Lancaster Aquatic Club.  What a great time.  Thank you to Casey Mann who put the whole thing together as her graduation project.  She definately gets an A+ in my book.  She had t shirts and wrist bands made incorporating orange (the color for leukemia) and Carolina blue (Casey's favorite color).  One of the grandmothers made orange ribbon chocolate pops.   A special thank you to Diplomat Swim team for bringing your whole senior team.  There were kids there from Parkland, Ephrata, Wilson, Bloomsburg and more.  It was nice to see the kids from the different teams all getting together for a common goal.  The camaraderie was evident everywhere.  I've always felt swimming has the best and kindest atheletes.

Last Sunday in church the pastor said "Only during the darkest moments can you really see the stars."  Today, I felt like I was in Big Sky country, surrounded by bright stars of all shapes and sizes. 

Monday, November 23, 2009

Saturday night a friend, Ian, called and asked if he could interview Casey for a school project that was due on Monday.  Yesterday Casey had an appointment for his every other day check-up, and you never know if it will take 1 hour or 6 hours.  So in order to get the interview, Ian went along to the infusion room with Casey.  Well Ian lucked out, Casey didn't need any blood or platelets.  I was secretly hoping he would need platelets, because they are kinda funky looking.  I mentioned that to Casey and asked him if he thinks Ian might get freaked by looking at them.  Casey in his true form said "It can't be any worse than what he sees everytime he looks in a mirror."  Poor Ian has been the brunt of so much banter from the Cobles, but that is only because we love him!  I'm not sure if Ian got the interview he was hoping for, but I know Gary and Casey liked having him along.

Today they told Casey they want to admit him to the hospital on Friday.  But it is real important to Casey to be at the Swim for Casey on Friday, so they pushed it back until Thursday, December 3rd.  I hope everyone can attend on Saturday from 12-3 at the Phoenix Academy.  Even if you aren't swimming, please stop by.  No Speedos required.  He would love to see everyone and personally thank you for your ongoing support. 
As always,
Peggy

Thursday, November 19, 2009

Yesterday Casey had an appointment to get some chemo and have his counts checked.  He need to get a couple of bags of blood, so he was up at the hospital all day. Today he starts on steroids again.  Fresh blood and roids should have him feeling good in no time.  I'm thinking he will be ready, willing and able to eat Thanksgiving dinner.   Not much to report, which is a good thing.
Peggy
  

Tuesday, November 17, 2009

Lancaster Aquatic Club is graciously hosting a swim for Casey on Saturday, November 28th from 12:00 - 3:00 at the Phoenix Academy.  Casey is hoping to be able to attend.  If you would like to participate, or for more information please see www.Lancasteraquaticclub.com.  I think it sounds like a great day! We will never be able to tell everyone how much we appreciate everything.

Today they postponed Casey's appointment until tomorrow. He is going to get a chemo treatment and have his counts checked.  He had a laid back day today, hanging out with the puppies.  His friend Jen Rehm sent him Roy Williams book "Hard Work, a life on and off the court"... and she had it autographed for him.  He was really excited.  He was looking at the book today, I'm not sure if he was reading it or idolizing it.  For those of you who do not know Roy Williams, he is the beloved basketball coach at University of North Carolina.  His teams have won 2 of the last 5 national championships (including last year and 2005, the year Casey graduated).

Thank You All,
Peggy

Saturday, November 14, 2009

Casey had an appointment yesterday to get another injection of chemo into his spine, so he is laying low and watching college football today.  His counts are still good, but has a bit of nausea today.  A good day to do nothing.  They have him back on the schedule of coming up to the hospital every other day to check his counts and give him blood as needed.  They also told him they found another 8 out of 10 match for the transplant.  I think they are still hoping to find a 9 or 10, so we will wait and see.  I am interested to find out if anyone from the drive is ever contacted for further testing.  Even if you are not a match for Casey, I think it is a great thing to do for somebody else.  Thank you again to everyone who participated in the bone marrow drive.  I am still overwhelmed by all of your kindness.
Peggy

Tuesday, November 10, 2009

Casey came home from the hospital last night.  It is good to have him home.  The puppies were soo excited to see him.  They have really bonded.  We had to go back up to Hershey today so he could get his blood counts checked and to get a shot of nuelasta (which helps his white blood counts recover).  He will go back up to the hospital on Friday to get another dose of chemo in his spine.  We also found out that they have some leads on a possible donor match.  Let's say our prayers!
Peggy 

Sunday, November 8, 2009

Today was a warm and sunny day.  Way too beautiful to be confined to a hospital room!  Aunt Cheryl and cousin Ashley came to visit and brought Casey pizza, since he will be missing pizza night tonight.  When they left Casey walked out with them and enjoyed a little time outside.  I take the dogs for a walk....he takes his chemo for a walk.  When we came back inside, my parents were on the first floor of the hospital.  They came upstairs and to find Casey had broken out!  This hospital is big with plenty of places to wander.  Yesterday his spinal was postponed (they held his food and drink all day), and he was ready to eat, so Casey took his chemo out to lunch.  We wheeled his IV stand downstairs to the cafeteria and he ate sitting at a table instead of in his bed.  He has grown very used to having tubes coming out of his chest.  Casey is prepping for this transplant, like he did for a big race.  I guess you could say he is in a taper.  Let's hope he hits his taper right.  He is taking it like a true champion!
Peggy

Saturday, November 7, 2009

Casey is back in the hospital for another round of chemo.  He is doing real well with it, but today he is scheduled for an injection of it into his spine, which is never his favorite.  He has discovered Mah Jong on his computer is a great way to pass time.  He showed me how to play and I was there until 10:00 last night.  That's a dangerous game!

Tuesday, November 3, 2009

Last night Casey and Stevie had a great time at the World Series.  The win made it even better.  Stevie has really been a huge help taking over a lot of the coaching and taking him to Hershey for his treatments.  I don't know what I would do without all of her help.  So for them to be able to go see the Phillies play in the world series last night was a well deserved night out for both of them.  She is also able to keep Casey up to date on what each of the swimmers are doing.  They talk sets and intervals, and who went what, daily.

Casey went to practice tonight.  One more day of freedom before he gets admitted into the hospital and they beat him up again.  I was at his house tonight and saw he had a phone message from his oncologist, asking him to call the hospital and have him paged.  I called Casey immediately and told him to call (you don't get a direct call from your doctor very often).  Casey lashed out at me telling me he was on his way to practice...... I could tell by his anger that he was concerned.  About 10 minutes later (a really long 10 minutes), Casey called me back to tell me Dr. Ehmann wanted to let him know the results of his bone marrow biopsy show he is in remission!!!! Yeah!  They will continue to give him chemo treatments until they are able to come up with a match for the transplant.  With blood cancers you have to keep treating, because it keeps regenerating.  But this is a huge step in the right direction.  Thank you for all of your prayers!

I hope your Tuesday is as good as ours!
Peggy

Saturday, October 31, 2009

Happy Halloween.

Casey and Emily ended up coming home yesterday instead of Sunday, due to illness.  Emily (not Casey) came down with the flu.  I feel bad for them.  I know how much they were looking forward to the trip.  Emily qualified for states in cross country and has her state meet next week.  I hope she is feeling back to her old self by that time.  All else is going well.  The Phillies got a late start tonight, thank goodness we get an extra hour of sleep or our church would be empty tomorrow morning.

Let's go Phightin Phils

Peggy

Friday, October 30, 2009

WOW!  Thank you all for a fantastic turn out last night at the bone marrow drive.  Casey has arrived safely in Colorado Springs, but I wish he could have been there last night to see how many people showed up.  I am deeply touched.  I tried to talk to most of the people who came through to find out how they know Casey.  The Farfield Company (Gary's employer) was well represented. A lot of old friends, a LOT of swimmers and coaches, who don't even know Casey, but they feel a connection.  The swimming community is the best!! And a lot of people who read the newspaper article or heard it on tv or radio and want to help.  Thank you to all of the LAC parents and even ex swimmers (and of course my niece Ashley and Sister in Law Cheryl - who put the whole thing together, and brother in law Dale) who helped at the different stations.  Thank you to Rettew's Catering for the dessert tray and the iced tea.  With only 3 days notice everyone pulled together and made a successful event.  The representative from "Be the Match" was stunned with the amount of people who showed up, and the amount of money raised for them.  The tally at the end of the night was 256 people who submitted swabs, with many more people who ordered kits online because they were unable to be there.  There were also a lot of people who were there, but due to medical restrictions were not able to donate.  One of the things that touched me the most is people did not just show up out of obligation, they truly want to be the one who is The Match.  Let's Hope!
Word will never suffice....Thank you, Thank you, Thank you!
Peggy

Thursday, October 29, 2009

Casey is off to Colorado Springs.  They have a bit of snow out there.  The news is reporting about 2 feet!

He had his bone marrow tested yesterday, it will take 3 days for us to get the results.  His blood work looks great.  His counts are up to a normal persons!  The only bad news we got is they are struggling to find a match for his bone marrow transplant (so I guess he's not so normal after all).  I'm excited about what we are hearing from people who are planning on participating in the bone marrow drive today.  My neighbor has another one scheduled for December 1st at the Ephrata Rec.  You have no idea how touched we are by all the kind word and deeds people have offered.  I truly believe people are good.  Casey and Stevie made the front page of today's Lancaster newspaper. Stevie was not expecting to be photographed and had wet hair.  Casey will be admitted into the hospital for another round of chemo on Thursday, November 5th, so he and Stevie can go to the World Series game on Monday night.  Let's go Phillies!!

Annie and Bowie have finally been spayed and microchipped.  They are moving slow, which is very unusual for them.  They spent their first night since birth in seperate crates and did just fine with it.  The crates are right next to each other.

I am going to work, but plan on getting to the bone marrow drive as soon as I can.  I am really looking forward to it.

Hope to see you there,
Peggy

Wednesday, October 28, 2009

Big day today.  Hopefully we find out a lot at Casey's appointment with his oncologist today as far as what is happening next.  The newspaper was at our house this morining to interview Casey in preperation for the bone marrow drive tomorrow (he is such a star!). And the puppies have been dropped off for their surgery to  be spayed and microchipped. 
Casey coached a practice last night, and is planning on coaching again tonight.  He is feeling and doing good right now, and looking forward to his trip to Colorado Springs tomorrow.  If I found out anything through all of this cancer stuff, it's Casey is very in tune to his body.  If he needs a break, he will take one, or if he felt as though he couldn't make the trip, he wouldn't go.
I will keep you all posted!
Peggy

Cost confirmation

Cheryl just called to confirm the cost of the bone marrow testing.  They are asking for a $25.00 tax exempt donation, but it is not mandatory.  Checks can be made payable to the National Marrow Donor Program.

Monday, October 26, 2009

It has been a good, but eventful weekend.  Casey spent the weekend at his house, watching football with his buddies on Saturday and going to a swim meet on Sunday.  His swimmers surprised him at the meet.  They were wearing t-shirts they had made with his picture on the back.  The caption says "I'm a fighter" "Coach Casey Coble".  They also wore swim caps in Carolina Blue with an Orange Ribbon on them enscribed with Coach Casey.  The photo is the one from his final ACC meet, where he is flexing his muscles while climbing onto the block.  I know all his Carolina team mates remember that photo.  If anyone has any photos from the meet, please send them to me and I will post them.  It warms my heart to know so many people are out there for him.
Today his Aunt Cheryl set-up a bone marrow drive to be held on Thursday, October 29th at the Neffsville Fire Station, 200 East Oregon Road, Lancaster, from 2:00 - 7:00.  I am not sure if there is any costs invovled.  I think the going price is $25-$30.  I would have liked to be able to do something to offset the costs, but 3 days doesn't give me enough of time.  There are no needles invovled in getting tested.  It is a simple swab of the inside of your mouth.  For more information visit http://www.marrow.org/
Thank you all for your continued support.  It means more than you will ever know.
Peggy

October 23, 2009

I have not posted in a while, because there really is nothing new to say.  Believe me, that is a good thing!  Somethings in life really make you appreciate the same old thing!  Casey asked to go out to Outback for dinner tonight.  I was thrilled.  It meant he is feeling good and I don't have to cook.  His counts are at the point now where he can go out.  Today is the last day he has to give himself his IV antibiotics.  He has gotten the ok from his doctor to go to Colorado Springs, to the Olympic Training Center on Thursday, with one of his swimmers (Emily Cameron).  Casey and his friend Kyle, were talking about when they were invited to the training center, and how much more fun it would be to go as a coach, instead of an athlete (sorry Emily).

Casey has an appointment with his doctor on Wednesday (wouldn't you know it, the day the puppies are scheduled for their surgery).  At that appointment, we should find out what is happening next. If they are any closer to finding a match, and they will probably do a bone marrow biopsy to find out if they have gotten the leukemia into remission.  They take a giant needle and stick it into the center of his bone through his hip and scrape out the bone marrow.  That is how it has been described to me, I have never gone through the procedure, nor have I ever cared to watch them do it.  They have said I can be there, but I have always gone for a walk.  All of you moms out there can understand.

Hopefully, I will be reporting in on Thursday with good news.

As always, thank you,
Peggy

October 20, 2009

I have once again scheduled the puppies to be spayed on October 28th.  If Casey goes into the hospital again on that date I'm going to put Big Bob in charge!  Casey keeps getting stronger every day.  Last night he went on a short walk with me and the dogs.  As we were walking by the soccer field Bowie slipped her collar and decided she is going to become the next Pele.  The kids had a great time with her.  Casey's legs were a bit tired, but overall it was a great walk.
Last night we all called it quits on the Phillies game and went to bed to watch the 9th inning.  Jimmy Rollins had us all back up and cheering!!  Way to go fighting Phils!
I'm sorry, I do not know how to respond to the comments you leave.  But know we all read each and every one of them and really appreciate them.  I also want to thank all the kids at LAC who made up the box of toys, cards and books for Casey.  Katie Collins painted a beautiful picture for him, and didn't even follow numbers.  I think she is the next Picasso!
Sincerely,
Peggy 

Sunday, October 18, 2009

Not much to report today, which is a good thing.  Casey continues to get stronger.  The nurse will stop in tomorrow to check on him and to draw blood.  I think the course of action now is to wait until the transplant.  They are looking at the beginning of November.  I will keep you posted.  I can't imagine the transplant can be any more frightening than last week.
Let's hope the Phillies play better tonight than the Eagles did today.
Here's looking forward to a good new week!
Peggy

Saturday, October 17, 1009

Last night Casey came home from the hospital.  He is really doing much better!!  Someone from the home nursing company stopped in last night and again this morning.  They delivered his drugs and checked him out.  The nurse this morning said his chest sounds good.  For the first time in 10 days, I had a really good nights sleep last night. 
Gary and I, went out and checked Casey's house and got some groceries.  Tonight is a good night to stay in, watch TV and eat comfort food.  Let's hope the Phillies don't walk in the game winning run again, and we will be able to keep Casey's blood pressure under control. 
Thank you to Everyone!!
Peggy

Thursday, October 15, 2009

Every day keeps getting better.  Today they came in and turned off the loud air machine!  Yeah!!  People coming in his room can wear regular masks instead of the heavy duty ones.  Apparently there is a shortage of masks because of the swine flu.  They are sending a therapist in tomorrow to try to get him out of bed, and get him ready to get out of here.  Boy would that be nice!  He has a port in his chest, so he can hook-up his own IV at home.  He's also still on oxygen.  I remember 3 years ago, when he was initially admitted to the hospital and diagnosed, it was his first time in a hospital and didn't even know what blood type he is.  Now he is hooking-up his own IV drugs and can tell you how many platelets he has. 
His counts continue to rise and all of his lab work is looking good.  The fever is gone.  He was watching TV tonight and started laughing.  Casey has a great laugh, it was good to hear it again.
Peggy

Wednesday, October 14, 2009

Casey had his bronchoscopy today, and all went well.  Hopefully the results will come back quickly and they can officially rule out tuberculosis and get him out of this noisy room.  They have a giant machine in here to suck up all the bad air and blow it out the window.  The volume on the television is at 75 to be able to hear it.  It will take a few days for the tests to come back, which should show where the pneumonia is coming from.  Good thing the biopy is sent to his Aunt Debbie's lab.  His counts continue to go up, his white blood count is up to 1.0 today, and his fever was under 100 all day.  I have no idea how long they plan on him being in the hospital, but he better not get used to sponge baths, breakfast in bed and people asking him every hour what they can get for him.
Casey got a nice letter from the Johannessen family today.  Their son, Lars, who is a college student has joined in on growing a mustache in support of Casey.  I think that is too funny! 
We enjoy reading all of your comments, and are touched by all of your kindness.
Today is an even better day than yesterday.  I can hardly wait until tomorrow!!
Peggy

Tuesday, October 13, 2009

Good Day!!!  The fever finally broke and his blood counts are starting to recover.  I am still holding my breath for the 4:00 hour.  He is so much better today, he actually ate some food on his own.  He is able to sit up and feed himself.  It is far from a full meal, but at least he is getting some nourishment in him. His white blood count went from 0.1 on Sunday to 0.2 yesterday and 0.6 today, which means his immune system is coming back and his body can help fight the infection instead of relying soley on the antibiotics.  He is still considered neutropenic as long as his white count is under 2.0, so he still has a way to go.  His bronchoscopy is scheduled for tomorrow. 
Big Bob was on standby, as he was not up to having anyone come to visit.  He called him today and told him to come on in.  Big Bob's wife (Dr. Bethards) would stop in during her rounds offering to help in any way.  The Bethards family is special, as is the LAC and UNC families. 
While hanging out with Casey, I have been reading Cesar Millan's new book on how to raise the perfect dog through puppyhood and beyond.  My puppies are definitely not balanced. I feel like such a failure!
I plan to return to work tomorrow
Thank you, Thank you, Thank You!!!
Peggy

Monday, October 12, 2009

They cancelled Casey's scope today due to low platelets.  Which would have been ok, but they never told us.  They were supposed to take him down for the procedure at 11:45 a.m.  When the infectious disease team came in at 2:30 I asked what was going on, if they forgot about him?  They checked into it and told me that it will now happen on Wednesday.  The unfortunate thing about that is they held food and beverages from him for the procedure and he actually felt as though he might have been able to eat something today. 
It is now the bewitching hour of 4:00 p.m., where everything starts going haywire with him.  All in all he does seem to be better than what he had been, but still has a long way to go.  Maybe we can watch "House" tonight and figure this all out.
Meanwhile, I have had to cancel the puppies surgery for the second time.  We have not been able to give them the attention they need, but they still love us anyway.  Aren't dogs great?
As always, thank you for your concerns, comments and prayers.
Peggy

Sunday, October 11, 2009

Friday night Casey's fever went up to 105.5.  Gary and I put wet towels on him to try to get the fever down.  It brought it down, but it kept going back up.  He has gotten blood and platelets on a regular basis.  We came in on Saturday Morning to find him hooked up to a heart moniter.  During the night his heart rate went up and they got a cooling blanket to try to keep his fever down.  He had a rough day yesterday, but then last night he started feeling better.  When I came in this morning, he looked better than he had all week, and was a real grump.  So I knew things were turning around finally.  But now he has developed pneumonia on top of the blood infection.  They moved him into another room under isolation and negative pressure.  Tomorrow he is scheduled for a bronchioscope to try to figure out where the pneumonia is coming from.  He has more things hanging on him than a Christmas tree.  The good news is, his temperature, blood pressure and heart rate seem to be somewhat under control.
Sorry, he has not been answering phone calls, he really has not been up to it. 
I'll keep you posted.
Peggy

Friday, October 9, 2209

Casey still has a fever of 102.5 and is feeling pretty weak and tired.  Last night his fever was up to 104.5 and his blood pressure was down to 65/26.  They packed him up with ice and got the fever down and gave him 2 units of blood.  Today the results of the cultures are showing a bacterial infection and have started him on vancomiacin (sp?).  I'm not sure of the spelling, but I know it's good stuff!  They have given him fluids and platelets and have him on board for 2 more units of blood.  He has waves of feeling good and feeling bad.  But overall, he is much better than yesterday.  He still has not been able to eat anything, so he, and Gary, are taking a nap.  We are happy that they are headed in the right direction with his treatment.  The nurse just took his temp and it is back up to 104, blood pressure 132/62.  Right now he his feeling bad, hopefully that will turn around soon.  He was feeling perky about an hour ago, so we are just holding on for the ride.
His friend Griff called from Chapel Hill.  It is always great to hear from him.  This is alumni weekend down there.  Casey may be the alumni, but we all go down for the weekend.  There is nothing better than a beautiful fall football weekend in Carolina.  I wish we were there.  Hope you guys have a great weekend.  Go Heels!
Peggy

Thursday, October 8, 2009

Today is not a good day.  Casey woke up not feeling well.  He took his temperature and had a fever of 100.9.  He currently has no immune system, so any temperature over 100.5 is an automatic admission into the hospital.  Till I got home from work and got him up to the Hospital, (around 12:30 pm) his fever was 102.5.  They have him hooked up to antibiotics and have taken jars and vials of blood.  My sister, Debbie, is the microbiology supervisor here at Hershey Med.  I called her on my way up here and fortunately she got things cleared for take off, and was waiting for Casey with a wheelchair.   He is back in room 6126 again.  Debbie has take his cultures down to her lab.  Special Delivery..I think everyone is impressed! 
They just picked him up to take him for a chest xray, so he's not in the room and we can talk about him.  He was unable to walk the 6 steps from his hospital bed to the stretcher without assistance. I am really no good at the nursing end of things, so I am the first person to ask for help.  If you have ever seen anyone who is neutropenic (no immune system) get a fever, you understand why I am so neurotic about him washing his hands and staying germ free.  He said he can't remember ever feeling this bad...I said that's because you were unconcious the last time.  I had to ask him if I could turn on the Phillies game.  You know he's feeling bad.  When Stevie gets sick, she whines a lot. When Casey doesn't feel good, he gets angry.  So right now, he is down right pissed off!
Keep those prayers coming!
Peggy

October 6, 2009

Another day up at Hershey.  Casey was not feeling well this morning, his counts are way down, and he has a cough.  They took chest xrays, and said they will give us a call if anything shows up.  Right now we are in a holding pattern.  I am not sure what or when things happen next.  He will go back up on Friday to have more blood drawn and to keep him under a watchful eye. 

A lot of people have generously offered to be tested for their bone marrow.  My goal was to have an answer today, but once again the day got ahead of me.  He got a packet of info from his advocate, which I took with me today to read.  There is nothing in the information about that.  The phone number for be the match is 1-800-627-7692.  It is always after 5:00 until I can make the phone call.  I think you can order a kit which includes a swab for you to swab you mouth and send back in.  Everything that I am learing is you would then be on a National Registry and could be called by anyone to donate.  You don't have to if you are not willing or able.  They are in big need of mixed race and asian ethnicity.  Fortunately for Casey 73% of people on the registry are of Caucasion tissue type and patients are most likely to match someone of their own ethnic backgrounds.  If you are of another ethnicity other than caucasion, they would love to have you on their registry to give everyone more of a chance of a cure.

As always, we are overwhelmed with all of your kindness.
Peggy

October 4, 2009

Casey had the weekend off of chemo, so he spent the weekend at his house.  His college friend and roomate, Yuri, spent the afternoon with him yesterday.  They watched the UNC/UVA football game together.  His friend Jenn came to see him last night, she is in the armed services (she's a graduate of the Naval Academy), so I really have a hard time keeping track of her, but we are all very proud of her. The ususal crew was also over,  Kyle was talking about an Australian tradition, where the men grow a mustache for the month of November in support of prostate cancer....So, Kyle, Derek, Tyler and Jed have declared the month of October to grow mustaches in support of Casey Coble.  If you know these guys, you understand how sweet, but whacky it is.

Casey was up at Hershey today and requried 2 pints of blood.  His counts are all way down and he is having spinal headaches from the lumbar puncture.  He didn't have a great day yesterday, his Tar Heels lost and he had a terrible headache.  Fortunately, Yuri lived with him for 4 years and knows how passionate he gets about his sports teams.

Hope you all had a great weekend!
Peggy

October 1, 2009

Good News, I was able to bring Casey home from the hospital tonight. Originally they had told us he would be in until Saturday, with the best case scenario possibly Friday night, depending on his counts and vitals. He called me at work around 3:30 this afternoon and said they were cutting him loose. His doctor has us prepared for fevers and all kinds of nasty stuff. He took the treatments like a trooper. I suppose all of the old college parties prepared him for the toxins he has had to ingest. A lot of his buddies from UNC have offered to help however they can (which we all really appreciate), but boys, it looks like you have done all the prep work for him!

He goes back up to the infusion room tomorrow to get his counts checked and a shot of neulasta. He is not on a restricted diet right now, but probably will be on Monday, so we stopped to get burritos on the way home. Last time we went through this, I gained 15 pounds!

Thanks again to Everyone!!

Peggy C.

September 30, 2009

I am sitting in Casey's room watching him sleep, while he is watching the Phillies. He reminds me of his dad!
Today he had chemo shot into his spine, which is never his favorite way to spend an afternoon. Can't say as though I blame him.
You have heard of therapy dogs that come to visit patients in the hospital? They are not allowed in this wing (no flowers either), so he has a therapy Bob. Big Bob Bethards. His wife is a physician here, and his daughter is a med student here, so Big Bob is very comfortable in the hospital. His son Joey is an LAC alum. Big Bob comes to see Casey every day and brings him Hershey Bars and a lot of grief! I know he looks forward to the grief more than the candy.
We have his blackberry hooked up to his laptop, so he now has internet access. He asked me to say thank you to everyone for all of your phone calls, cards, nice notes on facebook, emails and concerns.
Peggy

September 29, 2009

We are new to setting up a blog, but wanted to create something to keep you all informed on what is happening with Casey. He is currently in Room 6126 at Hershey Medical Center getting another mega dose of chemo. He should be in until Friday or Saturday. His room is large with a mini frig (no beer), a flat screen tv, a comfortable bed and fresh/clean air pumped in. He may not want to come home. I guess I'll be stuck with his 2 cats!! His spirits are good which helps all of us. His biggest complaint these days is the Phillies closing pitchers.

They are searching for bone marrow donor match, since Stevie did not pass the test. There are 4 possible matches, but they still need further testing. Our neighbor is setting up a bone marrow drive on December 1st from 3-7. Location needs to be confirmed. The cost for testing is $25.00 per person. If anyone needs a graduation project, a fundraiser for the bone marrow drive might fit the bill.

Thank you for all of the support, thoughts, cards and prayers.

We will keep you updated.
Peggy Coble