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Dean's daily blog...05.11.08 1:07 pm-Dean Randazzo Day +12 Well the graft took my white blood count is up pretty good as my other counts have risen to. Yesturday was kinda a bad day I had a fever and felt weak and I've got this rash all over my body. It might be graft vs host desease or a reaction from all of the meds I,ve been getting. I'm feeling a bit better today except for the rash. The Doc says I'm probably going home on tues. or wednesday, cant wait! Happy Mothers Day to all the moms out there. Thanks for check'n in, Dean ~ - ~ = ~ - ~ = ~ - ~ = ~ - ~ = ~ - ~ = ~ - ~ = ~ - ~ = ~ - ~ Read Comments Add Comment ~ - ~ = ~ - ~ = ~ - ~ = ~ - ~ = ~ - ~ = ~ - ~ = ~ - ~ = ~ - ~ 05.08.08 3:35 pm -Dean Randazzo day +9 - Well getting close, the stem cells can kick in anytime after day +10. Once that happens my counts will start to rebound and if I have no infections I will be able to go home. Cant wait! Anyway, not much to report ground hog day again Iquess thats ok. I still have nausea and haven't been eating to much. I've been drinking a lot of Sambazon Acai' and super pretzels. Thanks for check'n in. I'm jealous about the "Golf for a Cause" this Saturday, wish I could be there for all of the fun. Take care, Dean ~ - ~ = ~ - ~ = ~ - ~ = ~ - ~ = ~ - ~ = ~ - ~ = ~ - ~ = ~ - ~ Read Comments Add Comment ~ - ~ = ~ - ~ = ~ - ~ = ~ - ~ = ~ - ~ = ~ - ~ = ~ - ~ = ~ - ~ 05.06.08 10:58 am -Dean Randazzo Day +7 - 7 days since I got Joe's stem cells. Now, waiting for them to graft. The doctor says that it usually kicks in around day 12 or 14, day 10 at the earliest. So for now I'm just hang'n out waiting not much to report about I quess that is good. My counts are down but every thing is going smoothly. My highlight of the day is when my family arrives my mom, Barbara and Dean Jr. other than that its boring to say the least. Thanks for check'n in! Dean ~ - ~ = ~ - ~ = ~ - ~ = ~ - ~ = ~ - ~ = ~ - ~ = ~ - ~ = ~ - ~ Read Comments Add Comment ~ - ~ = ~ - ~ = ~ - ~ = ~ - ~ = ~ - ~ = ~ - ~ = ~ - ~ = ~ - ~ 05.04.08 12:01 pm -Dean Randazzo Day +5 - Wow I've been in here for 12 days already! Ground hog day again, my counts are low now basicly no white blood cells. So, I'm running with no immune system til the stem cells kick in. They give me anti viral, anti biotics and anti fungal meds everyday as precaution. My nausea is gettin better, I feel ok other than bored and cooped up. But, I no that I will be past this soon and back better thank before in no time. Thanks for all of the continued support! ~ - ~ = ~ - ~ = ~ - ~ = ~ - ~ = ~ - ~ = ~ - ~ = ~ - ~ = ~ - ~ Read Comments Add Comment ~ - ~ = ~ - ~ = ~ - ~ = ~ - ~ = ~ - ~ = ~ - ~ = ~ - ~ = ~ - ~ 05.02.08 1:30 pm -Dean Randazzo Day +3 Holding steady my counts are going down slowly, they will bottom out at 0 for the white blood cells. Those are the ones wich fight infections. So, during the period of no immunity I have to be very careful not to get any infections. The graft usually kicks in after about 2 weeks from the day you recieve the stem cells. So for now I'm just hanging out waiting confined to my room. Solitary confinement! I threw up a little this morning just been having a bit of nausea; part of the deal with the drugs that they give. The highlight of my day is when my family comes and visits I can still hang with Dean jr but thats going to end when my counts get near 0. Thanks for checking in Dean ~ - ~ = ~ - ~ = ~ - ~ = ~ - ~ = ~ - ~ = ~ - ~ = ~ - ~ = ~ - ~ Read Comments Add Comment ~ - ~ = ~ - ~ = ~ - ~ = ~ - ~ = ~ - ~ = ~ - ~ = ~ - ~ = ~ - ~ 04.30.08 4:28 pm -Dean Randazzo Well its day +1 thats how they count stem cell day is day 0. Feeling a little bit better but my appitite is limited the only thing that I can eat is the sambazon acai' drink. the nurse said I lost a 1lb so far but my appitite should come back after the chemo gets out of my system, usually about 72 hours after recieving it. They started me on some pills one for viruses one for bacterial infections and one for anti fungal I quess that I'll be on those for a while. Now we wait for the stem cells to graft, maybe 12-14 days. ~ - ~ = ~ - ~ = ~ - ~ = ~ - ~ = ~ - ~ = ~ - ~ = ~ - ~ = ~ - ~ Read Comments Add Comment ~ - ~ = ~ - ~ = ~ - ~ = ~ - ~ = ~ - ~ = ~ - ~ = ~ - ~ = ~ - ~ 04.29.08 8:22 am -Dean Randazzo Today is the big day as far as transplants go I am recieving my brothers Joe's stem cells. Its a basic procedure, they come into my room and then they heat the stem cells to body temp.(they are in bags), then they hang the bags and let it run into my line wich is straight into my blood stream. This probably only takes 45 minutes. I'm not feeling as good as I was I quess the chemo has caught up to me. It sucks cause I felt good when I came here but this is what it takes to beat this shit! Thanks for checking in. ~ - ~ = ~ - ~ = ~ - ~ = ~ - ~ = ~ - ~ = ~ - ~ = ~ - ~ = ~ - ~ Read Comments Add Comment ~ - ~ = ~ - ~ = ~ - ~ = ~ - ~ = ~ - ~ = ~ - ~ = ~ - ~ = ~ - ~ 04.27.08 12:47 am -Dean Randazzo 4/26/08 Well, I arrived into the hospital on the 23rd. So far so good! Well, as good as it can be for the situation at hand. The good news is that I'm doing what is refered to as a mini allo transplant. It dosen't involved nearly the chemo as a full transplant. Still more than I would like. This procedure relies on the donor stem cells to do the work. Luck for me my brother Joe is a perfect match. He was out here last week and donated his stem cells. They need to deplete my white blood cells, t-cells, bone marrow so that the donor stem cells will graff. Once they graff they will attack my body and the cancer cells so I will need to be on medication to stop the effects of what is called graff vs host disease(hvgd) until things settle and the new immune system stops causeing hvgd. This is the theory behing the mini allo transplant in short terms. Anyway, I'm feeling fine so far just bored and confined but it wont be long til I'm otta here and back in the water! I want to thank everyone for all of the unbelievable continued support! I'll be posting daily and hopefully I can get some pics up here. ~ - ~ = ~ - ~ = ~ - ~ = ~ - ~ = ~ - ~ = ~ - ~ = ~ - ~ = ~ - ~ Read Comments Add Comment ~ - ~ = ~ - ~ = ~ - ~ = ~ - ~ = ~ - ~ = ~ - ~ = ~ - ~ = ~ - ~ 01.30.08 4:59 pm -Dean Randazzo Subject: Fresh Updates to My Journal Coming SOON. I was told by my doctors in December that my Hodgkin's cancer was growing again. A plan of attack was put together for a cure; that entails two rounds of chemo three one hour once per week treatments per round. This is to prepare me for a stem cell transplant. That involves a hospital stay for about a month. I did a stem cell transplant two years ago using my own stem cells, this time we will be using my brother Joe's stem cells who luckily is a perfect match for this procedure. Check back for my blog and other updated news. I want to thank everyone for all of the positive support! Its a rough road I'm facing but, I will get through it and be cured and back in action! All of the positive energy from everyone and support helps enormously. Thanks Dean  I have a TON of stuff to report, so stay tuned.~ - ~ = ~ - ~ = ~ - ~ = ~ - ~ = ~ - ~ = ~ - ~ = ~ - ~ = ~ - ~ Read Comments Add Comment ~ - ~ = ~ - ~ = ~ - ~ = ~ - ~ = ~ - ~ = ~ - ~ = ~ - ~ = ~ - ~ 09.07.06 9:50 pm -Dean Randazzo Other comments: finaly an update? Sorry for the lapse in updates. It was difficult getting time on the internet over there. Anyway, I am doing much better! I lost all three of my surf contest though but at least I was there! My surfing started to come back after I lost the second event. I think that if the contest were one week later or if I finished my treatments one week sooner I could have done a lot better over there, oh well. I had a good trip much needed after being in the hospital bed for over 3 weeks! Its all behind me now! I don't even really think about it, I'm focused on the future. Went to the doctors today for blood test and an xray everything will be fine. I am going back to New Jersey on monday, dont forget next week sept. 16 is the surf for a cause. I am looking forward to seeing everyone! Dean ~ - ~ = ~ - ~ = ~ - ~ = ~ - ~ = ~ - ~ = ~ - ~ = ~ - ~ = ~ - ~ Read Comments Add Comment ~ - ~ = ~ - ~ = ~ - ~ = ~ - ~ = ~ - ~ = ~ - ~ = ~ - ~ = ~ - ~ 08.16.06 2:06 pm -Dean Randazzo Subject: Bonjour! I have come a long way in two and a half weeks. I am in France for a couple of wqs events here. I am feeling pretty normal except for the strength; thats coming back everyday. It feels really good to be surfing again! a good swell is forcast for the rest of the week too. my doctors were not to happy to hear that I was coming here for three weeks oh well got to get on with things I figure that I can recover here just as well; and some french wine has to be good for you! well time to get back in the water Dean ~ - ~ = ~ - ~ = ~ - ~ = ~ - ~ = ~ - ~ = ~ - ~ = ~ - ~ = ~ - ~ Read Comments Add Comment ~ - ~ = ~ - ~ = ~ - ~ = ~ - ~ = ~ - ~ = ~ - ~ = ~ - ~ = ~ - ~ 08.05.06 2:57 pm -Dean Randazzo Subject: Getting better! Getting better every day now. Still a ways to go but I feel pretty normal. My blood counts are still on the low side but they are on the increase. I should be back in the water in a few more days hopefully. I just need the counts to come up a little bit more. My next blood test is on tuesday so, they better be up high enough. I want to thank everyone who helped make the 5th annnual "Drink for a Cause" a huge success! It was held Wed. Aug.2nd at RT's Longboard Bar in PB. It was a great night! I will have some pictures posted on the site as soon as I get them. I'll update again on tuesday if I'm not out surfing. Dean ~ - ~ = ~ - ~ = ~ - ~ = ~ - ~ = ~ - ~ = ~ - ~ = ~ - ~ = ~ - ~ Read Comments Add Comment ~ - ~ = ~ - ~ = ~ - ~ = ~ - ~ = ~ - ~ = ~ - ~ = ~ - ~ = ~ - ~ 07.31.06 2:48 pm -Dean Randazzo Subject: I'm free! I'm free! It feels so good to be outa there. 22 days couped up in the hospital is a long time! The first thing that I did (against doctors orders of course) was get a whole pizza from bronx pizza here in San Diego (closest thing to back east pizza out here). My mom said that she could see some color come back in my face after eating the pizza. It felt good to fill up since I had'nt been able to eat too much in the hospital. I'm on a special diet for a little while until my ummune system gets stronger. I'm not supposed to eat out, my food has to be cooked and no raw veggies or fruit except for like an orange or banana. As for surfing, I think that I will go this weekend but I won't tell my doctors. Hope they don't read this blog. Ha! Theres nothing like a good day in the surf! I am feeling a lot better since getting out but I still have a ways to go. I'll update again in a few days. Thanks for the continued positive comments and all of the support! PS. If you are in the San Diego area this Wed. Aug. 2nd, The Dean Randazzo Cancer Foundation is holding its 5th annual "Drink For A Cause" at RT's Longboard bar and grill in Pacific Beach. Lots of great raffles, live music etc....Hope to see you there......Dean ~ - ~ = ~ - ~ = ~ - ~ = ~ - ~ = ~ - ~ = ~ - ~ = ~ - ~ = ~ - ~ Read Comments Add Comment ~ - ~ = ~ - ~ = ~ - ~ = ~ - ~ = ~ - ~ = ~ - ~ = ~ - ~ = ~ - ~ 07.28.06 12:52 pm -Dean Randazzo Subject: OUT of HERE! OUT A HERE! Been waiting a long time to say that. They are releasing me this morning. My counts are all on the rise; although still very low compared with the norm. I have to be extremly careful with germs; what I eat, how it is prepared, other people etc...At least I will be able to get some sun and walk around; a nice walk on the beach sounds good! I really need some sun, I am so ghostly white! Well, its time to pack up my stuff and head out. I will be updating here every few days with my progress. I can't wait to go for a surf! Thanks for the continued support! Take care, Dean ~ - ~ = ~ - ~ = ~ - ~ = ~ - ~ = ~ - ~ = ~ - ~ = ~ - ~ = ~ - ~ Read Comments Add Comment ~ - ~ = ~ - ~ = ~ - ~ = ~ - ~ = ~ - ~ = ~ - ~ = ~ - ~ = ~ - ~ 07.27.06 4:01 pm -Dean Randazzo Subject: Day + 14 Day + 14 Two weeks since the transplant, three weeks in this hell hole! The doctors said that I am probably going home tomorrow. Good news! Get me the hell out of here! I need some sun, a home cooked meal and my own bed to name a few things. I'm feeling a little better again today and my blood counts are on the rise. So, if I don't get sick before the morning I will be going home. I'm reaching my threshold on how long I can stand being cooped up here! If they don't send me home there gonna have to send me to the mental ward because I'm gonna lose it from being here so long! Ha! Well, its 1pm judge Hatchet is coming on, gotta go. Thanks for all of the continued positive support! Dean ~ - ~ = ~ - ~ = ~ - ~ = ~ - ~ = ~ - ~ = ~ - ~ = ~ - ~ = ~ - ~ Read Comments Add Comment ~ - ~ = ~ - ~ = ~ - ~ = ~ - ~ = ~ - ~ = ~ - ~ = ~ - ~ = ~ - ~ Dean24 07.26.06 3:32 pm -Dean Randazzo Subject: Day 13 Day 13 D-Day! The stem cells kicked in! I could be home in a couple of days. I thought that I would be feeling better but, I woke up feeling like I had the flu. The doctors said it was common due to the infection and the white blood cells that the bone marrow was now starting to produce. I can't wait to breath some fresh air (well as fresh as california air is?) and eventually get back in the water hopefully in a couple of weeks. I'll update again tonight. Dean ~ - ~ = ~ - ~ = ~ - ~ = ~ - ~ = ~ - ~ = ~ - ~ = ~ - ~ = ~ - ~ Read Comments Add Comment ~ - ~ = ~ - ~ = ~ - ~ = ~ - ~ = ~ - ~ = ~ - ~ = ~ - ~ = ~ - ~ 07.25.06 2:05 pm -Dean Randazzo Subject: Day + 12 Day + 12 The antibiotics have started to work and I am feeling a lot better than yesturday. I still have a swollen face but its starting to go down. Apparently, I have an infection in one of my salivary glands. Still no action with the stem cells; anytime now. Sooner the better! Looks like Jersey had some fun waves the other day. I'll give another update this evening. Thanks for checking in! Dean ~ - ~ = ~ - ~ = ~ - ~ = ~ - ~ = ~ - ~ = ~ - ~ = ~ - ~ = ~ - ~ Read Comments Add Comment ~ - ~ = ~ - ~ = ~ - ~ = ~ - ~ = ~ - ~ = ~ - ~ = ~ - ~ = ~ - ~ 07.24.06 5:09 pm -Dean Randazzo Subject: Day + 11 Day + 11 Well, the smooth sailing ended on friday when I started to get an infection in my mouth under the gums and in the jaw. I've been in some pretty good pain and headaches and small fever 101. They have me on an IV antibiotics; hopefully that takes care of it. They also drew a bunch of blood an sent it off to the lab; I'll get the results in the morning. My stem cells have'nt kicked in yet either. Usually, its between 10 and 14 days and I'm on day 11. Hopefully tomarrow! I need my ammune system to start working for me. OH well, I should be almost home! Once the stems kick in the recovery spikes fairly quickly. I'll try and update in the morning. Thanks to everyone for all of the positive comments and support! Dean ~ - ~ = ~ - ~ = ~ - ~ = ~ - ~ = ~ - ~ = ~ - ~ = ~ - ~ = ~ - ~ Read Comments Add Comment ~ - ~ = ~ - ~ = ~ - ~ = ~ - ~ = ~ - ~ = ~ - ~ = ~ - ~ = ~ - ~ 07.21.06 10:20 pm -Dean Randazzo Subject: Day + 8 Ground hog day again, still waiting for the stem cells to kick in. Any day now and then I'll be on with things, and back in the water! My stomach has been sick and I've had a head ache all day; but I've got some good pain meds in here to take care of that. I'll give an update in the morning. Dean ~ - ~ = ~ - ~ = ~ - ~ = ~ - ~ = ~ - ~ = ~ - ~ = ~ - ~ = ~ - ~ Read Comments Add Comment ~ - ~ = ~ - ~ = ~ - ~ = ~ - ~ = ~ - ~ = ~ - ~ = ~ - ~ = ~ - ~ 07.20.06 10:10 pm -Dean Randazzo Subject: Day + 7 Day + 7 I've been here two weeks now; one more to go! My counts have gone down again (thats normal) and I needed to get a platlet transfusion. If the platlets get to low you can bleed to death if you get a small bleed; so they gave me the transfusion. The chances of getting something from the transfusion like HIV or Hep C is extremly low like 1 in 1million 2 hundred thousand. I still can't eat much; I've been drinking these acai' drinks for my meals which is'nt bad cause there packed with good nutrients. Other than that its ground hog day again but I'll be outa here soon and back in the water in no time. At least all of the chemo is over; just can't wait to feel better! I've uploaded a couple of new pics to the gallary( look in the user gallary) Thanks for the continued support and all of the positve comments! Dean  Click Here ~ - ~ = ~ - ~ = ~ - ~ = ~ - ~ = ~ - ~ = ~ - ~ = ~ - ~ = ~ - ~ Read Comments Add Comment ~ - ~ = ~ - ~ = ~ - ~ = ~ - ~ = ~ - ~ = ~ - ~ = ~ - ~ = ~ - ~ 07.19.06 4:19 pm -Dean Randazzo Subject: Day + 6 Well, I'm Back online now after my computer crashed. Yes, better my computer than me! Day + 6.... Still feeling sick but not to bad just mainly food makes me sick. Thinking about food, smelling food makes me feel sick. My counts are still going down (thats normal) but should start to come around any day now. I should be outa here in 7 days. You guys in Jersey are gonna be get'n some good surf in the next couple days, someone get barreled for me! Thanks again for all of the positive comments! ~ - ~ = ~ - ~ = ~ - ~ = ~ - ~ = ~ - ~ = ~ - ~ = ~ - ~ = ~ - ~ Read Comments Add Comment ~ - ~ = ~ - ~ = ~ - ~ = ~ - ~ = ~ - ~ = ~ - ~ = ~ - ~ = ~ - ~ Big thanks to shell from Fla. who sent me her turtle bank. That was really thoughtful! 18 07.17.06 4:35 pm -Dean Randazzo Subject: Day + 4 Day + 4! Get'n through it..... Waiting to start feeling better? Maybe feel worse before I get better is the word from the Doc's. The cells are still dying in my body from all of the chemo I received. The time it takes those stem cells to start kick'n in and repairing things is the time that I will be feeling the worst. But, apperently when they start kick'n, things improve rapidly and I feel a lot better and will be on my way outa here. The benchmark for the whole deal is 3 weeks in the hospital; but hopefully I can be sooner. Definatly get'n boring around here! The excitement for the day is to go for a walk aroung the floor that I am contained to. Then what? More surf vids, TV, Xbox sleep, try and eat, can't wait to get in the water!! Thanks again for all of the support and comments! There is a lot of energy for my recovery which should speed things up! Dean ~ - ~ = ~ - ~ = ~ - ~ = ~ - ~ = ~ - ~ = ~ - ~ = ~ - ~ = ~ - ~ Read Comments Add Comment ~ - ~ = ~ - ~ = ~ - ~ = ~ - ~ = ~ - ~ = ~ - ~ = ~ - ~ = ~ - ~ 07.16.06 4:16 pm -Dean Randazzo Subject: Day + 3 Day + 3! The 3rd day since the Transplant. Its waiting time; waiting for the stem cells to start working. This can take up to 2 weeks or as early as 5 days. During this time my counts will diminish; the white blood cells, Platlets etc. I will have no immune system until the stems kick in. And if the counts get really low its not unusual to get blood transfusions. Anyway, feeling kinda sick but, not to bad. Its hard to eat, nothings good. I'll be outa here soon and back in the water and this will all be a distant memory. Take a minute and appreciate something that you have, and really appreciate it! Thanks for all of the positive comments! Dean ~ - ~ = ~ - ~ = ~ - ~ = ~ - ~ = ~ - ~ = ~ - ~ = ~ - ~ = ~ - ~ Read Comments Add Comment ~ - ~ = ~ - ~ = ~ - ~ = ~ - ~ = ~ - ~ = ~ - ~ = ~ - ~ = ~ - ~ 07.14.06 3:43 pm -Dean Randazzo Subject: Day + 1 Day + 1 Well finished with the procedures, now just waiting for the stem cells to kick in. Not feeling to good today. My body has been through a lot so I just need some rest. Thanks for all of the responses and support! Check back for updates and photo's as I conquer this Cancer Shit!...........Dean ~ - ~ = ~ - ~ = ~ - ~ = ~ - ~ = ~ - ~ = ~ - ~ = ~ - ~ = ~ - ~ Read Comments Add Comment ~ - ~ = ~ - ~ = ~ - ~ = ~ - ~ = ~ - ~ = ~ - ~ = ~ - ~ = ~ - ~ 07.13.06 10:15 pm -Dean Randazzo Subject: Transplant well, finished the transplant today. They thawed the cells and driped them back into my system. Feeling kinda weird and tired now from the process. Glad its done; now I am waiting for the cells to kick in. That should be within 10 days. Then I'll be outa here and back in the water in no time! check some of the pics from the procedure in the user gallary or on the link below. Thanks for all of the comments and support!......Dean ~ - ~ = ~ - ~ = ~ - ~ = ~ - ~ = ~ - ~ = ~ - ~ = ~ - ~ = ~ - ~ Read Comments Add Comment ~ - ~ = ~ - ~ = ~ - ~ = ~ - ~ = ~ - ~ = ~ - ~ = ~ - ~ = ~ - ~ 07.13.06 8:02 pm -Dean Randazzo Subject: transplant photo's link Other comments: photo's from the transplant today 7/13 Click Here ~ - ~ = ~ - ~ = ~ - ~ = ~ - ~ = ~ - ~ = ~ - ~ = ~ - ~ = ~ - ~ Read Comments Add Comment ~ - ~ = ~ - ~ = ~ - ~ = ~ - ~ = ~ - ~ = ~ - ~ = ~ - ~ = ~ - ~ 07.13.06 11:15 am -Dean Randazzo Subject: Day 0 Day 0 Transplant day! Sounds like a big procedure; but, not really. I'm not a doctor but I will try and explain as easy as possible. The whole transplant consists of stimulating the bone marrow to produce a huge amount of these new "stem cells" which get released into the blood stream. This happens outomaticly if needed to repair something in the body but in this case they gave me shots to trick the body to make a lot of these. I then came in and was hooked up to a funky machine for about 6 hours a day for two days. (This all took place 10 days before entering the hospital) My blood ran out of my body through this machine and back into my body again, extracting the baby stem cells and then they froze them. Now, today they will thaw them and drip the stem cells back into me through my main line directly into my vein. This only takes an hour or so; I have 5 bags of stem cells. From here my blood counts will continue to drop; I will have no ammune system for a period of time and will be extremly susseptible to any infection. The transplant takes anywhere from 5 days to 2 weeks to kick in. The cells have to get situated back in my system. Its amazing cause these baby stem cells know exactly where in the body each one of them are supposed to go? Once it kicks in the recovery picks up pretty rapidly. Just have to wait it out and not get sick. I threw up a couple of times yesturday oh-well I think I feel a little better today. I've got my surfboard in my room now; can't wait to ride it!! Thanks for all of the continued support to everyone posting comments and emails! The response has been really amazing!....Dean ~ - ~ = ~ - ~ = ~ - ~ = ~ - ~ = ~ - ~ = ~ - ~ = ~ - ~ = ~ - ~ Read Comments Add Comment ~ - ~ = ~ - ~ = ~ - ~ = ~ - ~ = ~ - ~ = ~ - ~ = ~ - ~ = ~ - ~ 07.17.06 9:50 am -Dean Randazzo Subject: Day -1 Day -1! Finished with the chemo! Threw up for the first time this morning before breakfast; wellsee what happens after? Feeling pretty shitty all over, not to bad though. Today is a rest day for me. Tomarrow I recieve my transplant. The transplant basicly, consist of putting my extracted baby stem cells that have been frozen, back into my system. Its like getting a new amune system. But, it takes up to 2 weeks for the cells to start kick'n in or as little as 5 days. During this time, it is dangerous for me as I will have no imune system and will be very exposed to infections. I will be feeling sick and really tired. At least I will be getting all of this poisin outa me. I will give an update later..... thanks for all of the support and comments they really help! I'm posting some pics in the gallery in user photos and some surf pics to. Dean The blog below is linked to the gallery to: ~ - ~ = ~ - ~ = ~ - ~ = ~ - ~ = ~ - ~ = ~ - ~ = ~ - ~ = ~ - ~ Read Comments Add Comment ~ - ~ = ~ - ~ = ~ - ~ = ~ - ~ = ~ - ~ = ~ - ~ = ~ - ~ = ~ - ~  1107.12.06 2:43 pm -Dean Randazzo Subject: Day -1 Click Here ~ - ~ = ~ - ~ = ~ - ~ = ~ - ~ = ~ - ~ = ~ - ~ = ~ - ~ = ~ - ~ Read Comments Add Comment ~ - ~ = ~ - ~ = ~ - ~ = ~ - ~ = ~ - ~ = ~ - ~ = ~ - ~ = ~ - ~ 07.11.06 8:09 pm -Dean Randazzo Subject: Day -2 update One more round of chemo tonight; thats it! Starting to feel sick now, food dose'nt look or smell good anymore. Oh-well, Outback steakhouse for a fat steak and a couple cold ones will be really good after a good day in the surf! I would love to be riding a 1ft wave right now; I'm jonesing that much right now! Who needs to know what is on what channel and at what time, I can tell ya. I would've pulled my hair out by now if I was'nt already bald ha ha!; boring being cooped up in a hospital room. Anyway, could be worse! My prognosis is really good and I will be outa here and I will be back......No Worries!......Dean ~ - ~ = ~ - ~ = ~ - ~ = ~ - ~ = ~ - ~ = ~ - ~ = ~ - ~ = ~ - ~ Read Comments Add Comment ~ - ~ = ~ - ~ = ~ - ~ = ~ - ~ = ~ - ~ = ~ - ~ = ~ - ~ = ~ - ~ ps I am adding daily photos in the Gallary under user photos and a couple of surf pics to 9 07.11.06 10:03 am -Dean Randazzo Subject: Day -2 Day -2! Last day of chemo!! Its 7am tuesday morning, not feeling to bad so far. Just an overall sick feeling. Thanks to everyone for all of the love and support with all of the emails and comments! I will give a better update later....Dean ~ - ~ = ~ - ~ = ~ - ~ = ~ - ~ = ~ - ~ = ~ - ~ = ~ - ~ = ~ - ~ Read Comments Add Comment ~ - ~ = ~ - ~ = ~ - ~ = ~ - ~ = ~ - ~ = ~ - ~ = ~ - ~ = ~ - ~ 07.10.06 10:34 am -Dean Randazzo Subject: Day -3 Day -3 which means 2 more days of this shit! Its 7am now, my chemo starts at 9am. The first one is ETOPSIDE and will take about 2 1/2 hours to drip and then I get another chemo drug same as yesturday which will drip for anothe hour or so. Then at 10pm they do the same program with the same chemo drugs as this morning. I can feel the shit just building up in my system, not a good feeling! After all of the chemo is finished on tuesday night wednesday is a rest day then thursday I recieve the transplant. Basicly, the transplant consist of first; extracting my own stem cells (they are produced by my bone marrow and stimulated so they get released into the blood stream where they are extracted and frozen) which they did 2 weeks ago. Second, hit me with heavy chemo for 5 days and then put the stem cell, back in me to recover. Its a lot more intense what they are doing but to put it simply. I will try and find a link to post here with some good info on this procedure. Well, time to try and eat something. I want to thank everyone for their comments and support! I saw some post on local swell and surfline too. Thanks, Dean ~ - ~ = ~ - ~ = ~ - ~ = ~ - ~ = ~ - ~ = ~ - ~ = ~ - ~ = ~ - ~ Read Comments Add Comment ~ - ~ = ~ - ~ = ~ - ~ = ~ - ~ = ~ - ~ = ~ - ~ = ~ - ~ = ~ - ~ 07.09.06 12:03 pm -Dean Randazzo Subject: Day -4 Day -4 Three more days of chemo including today. Feeling ok so far. My stomach feels quizzy and I'm a little tired but not to bad yet. Nadal is staying alive he's got a long way back to win this one. Glad I did'nt take any bets on this one. Jason, I hope you told your girlfriend about your wild night you posted here for everyone ha ha yeh, it was good to see you and thanks for your post here. I'll post again later its only 9am here now. Dean ~ - ~ = ~ - ~ = ~ - ~ = ~ - ~ = ~ - ~ = ~ - ~ = ~ - ~ = ~ - ~ Read Comments Add Comment ~ - ~ = ~ - ~ = ~ - ~ = ~ - ~ = ~ - ~ = ~ - ~ = ~ - ~ = ~ - ~ 07.08.06 3:16 pm -Dean Randazzo Subject: Day -5 Day -5 or day 3; the treatment is all finished on day 0, 4more to go, really looking forward for that day. Then its day 1 on the road to recovery and the sooner that I am back in the water! Today I am recieving a lovely cocktail (no not the cocktail that I would like to be enjoying on a deck somewhere overlooking some surf) a cocktail consisting of three different chemo drugs. The first, Carmustine, the same one that I started on yesturday. The second one is called CYTARABINE and the third one for today is going to be ETOPOSIDE. Combined, it will take approximatly 7 hours to drip into my vein. Yeh, and all of these come with a long list of potential side effects but, so far every thing is going good. Not much to do here; watch TV, Xbox, walk some laps around the hospital floor that I am confined to oh, order room service. Only in La Jolla I can order off a full menu like in a luxury hotel any time and what ever I want. Thats exiciting cause I will be here for 3 weeks. Thanks for the comments!Keep them coming, its incredible to have everyone pulling for me and all of the support out there! I posted a few pics in the gallary but am having trouble with the site getting them into the proper folder. Look in the user album and in the latest uploads thats where they are ending up. I'll be adding every day. Yeh, federor is 0 for 4 in the last matchs against this guy, any bets? Dean ~ - ~ = ~ - ~ = ~ - ~ = ~ - ~ = ~ - ~ = ~ - ~ = ~ - ~ = ~ - ~ Read Comments Add Comment ~ - ~ = ~ - ~ = ~ - ~ = ~ - ~ = ~ - ~ = ~ - ~ = ~ - ~ = ~ - ~ 07.07.06 5:15 pm -Dean Randazzo Subject: Day -6 Day #2 or day -6 in treatment terms. I recieved my first chemo today; one drug named CARMUSTINE which dripped into my Pheresis catheter (a surgicly inserted line directly into my jugular vein) over a period of about an hour and a half. There is going to be a regiment of four different chemo's over the period of 5 days and the time that it takes to drip into me also varies. I am still feeling fine for now. Check back for more updates and hopefully I will be able to get some photo's up here or in the photo gallery area. Anyone watching wimbledon? ~ - ~ = ~ - ~ = ~ - ~ = ~ - ~ = ~ - ~ = ~ - ~ = ~ - ~ = ~ - ~ Read Comments Add Comment ~ - ~ = ~ - ~ = ~ - ~ = ~ - ~ = ~ - ~ = ~ - ~ = ~ - ~ = ~ - ~ 07.06.06 10:39 pm -Dean Randazzo Subject: Day minus 7 Day one in the hospital; In treatment terms its day minus 7, it goes to 0 then starts day one which represents the first day on the road to recovery. I could be here in the hospital for up to 3 weeks depending on how I recover after the treatmet. I am doing a stem cell transplant treatment; they take out baby stem cells from the blood, freeze them (they extract over 5 million) then they hit me with 5 days of heavy chemotherapy consisting of a cocktail of toxic drugs and then they put the stem cells back into my blood stream. After all of that I'm done with the treatments and beging my recovery. This treatment although extremly intense, has a very good success rate. I will be posting here throughout the treatment so check back for updates, pics and progress. I want to thank everyone for all of the support, prayers and concerns! Dean ~ - ~ = ~ - ~ = ~ - ~ = ~ - ~ = ~ - ~ = ~ - ~ = ~ - ~ = ~ - ~ Read Comments Add Comment ~ - ~ = ~ - ~ = ~ - ~ = ~ - ~ = ~ - ~ = ~ - ~ = ~ - ~ = ~ - ~ 3 07.06.06 10:31 pm -Dean Randazzo Subject: Day minus 7 Day one in the hospital; In treatment terms its day minus 7, it goes to 0 then starts day one which represents the first day on the road to recovery. I could be here in the hospital for up to 3 weeks depending on how I recover after the treatmet. I am doing a stem cell transplant treatment; they take out baby stem cells from the blood, freeze them (they extract over 5 million) then they hit me with 5 days of heavy chemotherapy consisting of a cocktail of toxic drugs and then they put the stem cells back into my blood stream. After all of that I'm done with the treatments and beging my recovery. This treatment although extremly intense, has a very good success rate. I will be posting here throughout the treatment so check back for updates, pics and progress. ~ - ~ = ~ - ~ = ~ - ~ = ~ - ~ = ~ - ~ = ~ - ~ = ~ - ~ = ~ - ~ Read Comments Add Comment ~ - ~ = ~ - ~ = ~ - ~ = ~ - ~ = ~ - ~ = ~ - ~ = ~ - ~ = ~ - ~ 06.29.06 10:43 pm -Dean Randazzo Subject: First entry - testing!!! Other comments: Testing the blog area for the 1st time... This is the first entry of many... just testing the blog out.  Dean, I'm testing the new blog. I could make this much more user friendly but I don't have access to the database on the server. This will at least work for now - let me know if you need anything else. I'm stoked to hear things have turned for the better - my prayers are out for you & your family. Stay strong my friend! Lance ~ - ~ = ~ - ~ = ~ - ~ = ~ - ~ = ~ - ~ = ~ - ~ = ~ - ~ = ~ - ~ Read Comments Add Comment ~ - ~ = ~ - ~ = ~ - ~ = ~ - ~ = ~ - ~ = ~ - ~ = ~ - ~ = ~ - ~ 1 |
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