DAILY NANCY UPDATE #1

Greetings. 

This is the first in a series of DAILY NANCY UPDATES I will be sending you until the amazing Nancy Neufeld Callaway is in full remission and we have kicked her leukemia on its ass. Please feel free to pass it along to anyone else you think needs to be informed.

BREAKING NEWS

Last night we got Nancy fully moved into her spacious new digs at the fancy UCLA Oncology Center. So for the next 3–4 weeks, she will be at: 

UCLA Ronald Reagan Hospital

757 Westwood Plaza

Room 6117

Westwood, CA 90095

As much as we appreciate your desire to see and support her, it's always best to call and/or text Nancy or me directly before visiting. For the next month, she will be subjected to all kinds of tests and treatments. So there will definitely be some better times than others for you to be with her. And given the nature of her illness, it is super important that you be extremely healthy before visiting. Because the intensive chemotherapy will compromise her immune system, even a slight case of the sniffles could slow and/or jeopardize her recovery. So if you're not feeling great – you're not seeing her. That's what FaceTime is for.

HEADLINES

Last night, Nancy didn't sleep terribly well. But sleep is usually hard to come by in the hospital, between lights, beeps, and the constant poking and prodding of nurses. Her pain is moderate. She's mostly uncomfortable from a little swelling in her hand caused by an IV, and what may be a little bit of gout related swelling in her foot. But otherwise, she is in very good spirits.

Dr. Gary Schiller, the director of hematology/oncology, visited with both of us first thing this morning. He was kind and confident, patiently listening to Nancy describe what she is going through, and assuring us she is in the best place possible for treatment. Based on her current condition and his experience, he felt strongly that Nancy has an 80% chance of reaching remission.

We also consulted with Dr. Caspian Oliai, who is one of the team of doctors tasked with treating her. He also took a full survey of what's going on and assured us they are very good at what they do. Later today, we will also be meeting the senior member on her team, Dr. Sven Devos. More information on him at the link below:

http://www.stopcancer.org/Main/Default/OurResearcherDetail.aspx?id=28

TODAY'S HURDLE:

Later this afternoon, Dr. Oliai will be performing a bone marrow biopsy, taking a sample of Nancy's blood directly from her spine. It won't be pleasant, but should be mercifully short-- and is the best way to get the most absolute, definitive diagnosis of exactly what she is up against.

POSTSCRIPT

Because Nancy is so deeply loved by so many, I may not be able to respond to each and every email or phone call, but I will be posting all information on this blog for everyone who loves Nancy to stay informed. So please check back for further details. Meanwhile, the kids and I-- and especially Nancy-- all genuinely appreciate your love, concern, support, and prayers.

And please feel free to leave comments on these blog posts. They will all be read by or to Nancy.

WE LOVE NANCY AND WE WILL NOT BE DEFEATED.