A Veri Happy New Year!

Happy 1 Month New Birthday Snail!

A message from Snail's Dad

Snail and Shrew Hatch a Plan

Well it appears that Valerie (our little Snail) and her twin sister Vanessa (Miss Shrew) have been keeping a secret from us. The story must have begun more than 28 years ago (yes I realize they are only 27, I am their Dad). Back then, when they were very, very, very small they came up with the idea: "Instead of just being twins, let's be Identical Twins - and yet we should look different from each other so no one will ever know that we are in fact, identical". Well for over 27 years they did very well keeping their true identity a secret . . . until the scientists at UCSD looked into their DNA. Yes their secret plan was uncovered earlier this week when it was revealed that Valerie and Vanessa have identical DNA (well the UCSD scientists are 99.99% confident of this). No wonder the doctors were amazed at what a good match Vanessa was for Valerie.

What does this mean for our transplanted little Snail you ask? Dr. Curtin and staff did their research and think that the chances of Valerie getting Graft vs. Host disease have been diminished. Not completely gone, but less likely. She should be able to cut back on her anti-rejection medication sooner than previously thought. That means she should be able to heal quicker and get back to her normal self faster than we expected. We are cautiously elated! We know there is still a long way to go before our little Snail is back to her completely normal self. And yet, what a great Christmas present.

From all of us at Team Snail HQ, we appreciate your support through these very trying times. The type of support is not as important as your continued efforts. You have contributed financially, sent cards, emails and letters, sent pictures, sent gifts, come up other with fabulous ideas for support and most important - you have prayed. Every little thing you do makes a great impact on Valerie and in the end, her successful recovery. Thank you, Thank you, Thank you!

Wishing a very Merry Christmas to you!

A Snail and A Shrew Identical?

Valerie had her early 30 day bone marrow biopsy and things went as well as they can with procedures like that and we are grateful. She had her usual blood work done in the morning and everything looked great! Her WBC's are growing nicely, platelets and RBC's holding and really the only thing she has needed recently is Magnesium because one of her pills depletes it. We are grateful for all of the new science and meds but it appears that most of her bad symptoms are side effects of the handfuls of meds she needs to take every day.
After the biopsy her doctor had asked them to wait so he could talk to them. Apparently he had news of the genetic testing that was being done on Valerie and Vanessa's cells. According to DNA and genetic markers, Valerie and Vanessa are IDENTICAL!!!! For those of you who do not know this has been a debate for many years. The doctors when they were little argued about it for one reason or another (I was 4, I don't remember why) and well, look at them here...

You see the reason for the debate but look at them here...

Clearly, Science knows more than our eyes do! The great news is that the doctor lowered Valerie's anti-rejection drugs by half and he said he might be able to lower them again sooner than they thought because well, it is harder to reject your other half! Another miracle because we are pretty sure the anti meds are the ones making her so sick.
It will take a few days for the biopsy results to come back, especially with the holidays so just keep praying and I will let you know asap.

Snail Struggle

I have been having trouble this week with a post to write. All of us at Team Snail headquarters are having trouble getting into the Christmas spirit with Valerie so miserable still. She is still having trouble with her meds and cannot seem to get her nausea under control. This means the weight loss that is so often associated with cancer and transplants has begun but doctors say it is within acceptable limits. True, she is home which makes it a lot better but she still is spending every other day in the infusion center which can take about 8 hours. First they take her vitals, blood etc to see what she is going to need, then the wait begins. The results have to come back and then waiting for whatever nutrient or med her body needs to finish. Even with an IV pick line this is a long process. Dad usually takes her to these appointments so Mom can do laundry, cleaning and grocery shopping for everyone. She loves the DVD player that Bob and Kim White gave her and can finally watch movies without it making her dizzy. That player is getting a lot of use in the infusion center!
Tomorrow is a very big day for Team Snail and we need everyone's prayer and love going out to Valerie. Tomorrow is her 1 month later bone marrow biopsy which will tell us how well the new cells are growing and how well they are killing any bad cells that might have crept up. Her 1 month "birthday" is actually Christmas Eve however since the lab will be closed for the holiday the procedure will be done a day early. Valerie has had many bone marrow biopsy's and each of them are painful and bring her great stress so we are praying for peace during the procedure and great results.
Tomorrow Greg will arrive in San Diego to spend Christmas with Mom and Valerie. I know Mom is so excited for him to be there!
Such a busy week in Snail world: Greg arriving, biopsy, birthday, Christmas!

I realized the other day I never really announced Vanessa coming home to Denver. The Shrew has arrived in the Mile High City! I was thrilled to have her back because we do just about everything together and so happy to see how well she was doing. She was a little tired at first but she has regained her strength and is back to work with no problems.

Merry Snailmas from ASH!

Valerie works at American Specialty Health in San Diego and I think you can tell how much they miss her! Her ASH family sent her this Merry Snailmas picture and I know it made her smile. Thank you ASH! You have all been wonderful with cards, snail pictures, fund raising and all of the prayers and well wishes. She misses you all too!
How many snails can you find?

Just Plain Funny

Just something funny to make you laugh today!
Click here
The things you find when you are googling "Snails"!
Have a great day everyone!