At your request...

We interrupt this myeloma fest to update you on the other all-consuming issue in our household... the kiddles. (We talk way more about these cuties than we do about cancer. Believe dat.)

Ruby is seven weeks old. I forget that she's still brand new to planet Earth... it feels like she's always been here. She's rather lovely and delightful. Her best friends are Ocean and the ceiling fan in our living room. She loves to be held and does NOT like to be put down. So I get next to nothing done but I don't really mind 'cause lookie:




Ocean making her laugh.



And here's Frick and Frack:




Don't let those sweet smiles fool you. In the last week they have been caught chewing bubble gum in Iris's closet during naps, flushing foreign objects down the potty and putting glue stick on their hands and feet in an attempt to climb walls like Spiderman.

I love them.

Here's video of Iris singing the Thomas the Train song. We bribed her with cheese. We are good parents.

2nd Half Kickoff: Monday, June 21st, 4:30pm

For those who have been tuning in to the Dominate Army vs. Multiple Myeloma, the second half of the game will kickoff this coming Monday with high dose chemo followed by my second bone marrow transplant in less than 3 months. Here's me kicking off against Michigan State in 2002....I think the final score was A LOT to 3....advantage Michigan!

It's very fitting that this weekend I'll be up at Spartan Stadium watching the 2010 Michigan High School Football All-Star game. They will be interviewing me at halftime where I will get yet another chance to say Multiple Myeloma 27 times in front of a pretty large audience. For all those with MM, we need to continue to speak up and educate folks about the disease.

This week I was blessed with the opportunity to speak with both teams and their coaches about what it means to Dominate and how I have been able to turn life's obstacles into opportunity. Just standing next to these guys made me feel like a scrawny former kicker. After I am through SCT #2 I am going to hit the iron until you can't recognize me!

My(eloma) Buddies

I still remember the commercial back in the 80's for "My Buddy". It would go: My buddy (My Buddy), wherever I go, he's going to go! And then of course there was "Kid Sister" that came to the market as well.

The good news is that Paula of Feresaknit's Blog has provided a much cooler replacement known as Myeloma Buddies and she is sending all of the proceeds to the Cancer Kicker Foundation....how cool is that?!?

Ocean, Iris and Ruby all have their dolls as seen below. Ocean's has earned the name Wolverine and the other two dolls will be named later.

These Myeloma Buddies are already traveling the world and becoming stars at events like ASCO. Just check out Dorothy who is mothered by the Adventures of Cancer Girl. If you would like to see more pictures or even order a doll, go here. We plan to add the Myeloma Dolls to the dominategear website soon.

The Dominate Army

Zak, President of the Cancer Kicker Foundation, used the term "Dominate Army" today in one of his facebook posts on the Cancer Kicker Facebook page and it really struck a cord deep within me.

One year ago July we were in Little Rock, AR seeking a second opinion from the renown, eccentric, caring and hilarious Dr. BB who recommended we start treatment immediately after uncovering over 100+ bone legions throughout my body. The cancer had gone from smoldering to a nice warm campfire. We decided it was time to dominate Multiple Myeloma.

Through this pursuit a force or "army" has been raised to help us build momentum and maintain some sanity. Even still today our church, family, friends, neighbors, co-workers, former teammates/coaches, medical staff are committed to bringing us meals and whatever we need as we sort through the chaos of being young with MM...which is allowing us to focus on one thing, dominating MM.

We are so thankful for the recent media attention that allows us to be a voice for this disease which is often mistakenly called "multiple melanoma". All of this could not happen without all the support around us. I think Matt (here's his caringbridge & blog), a young MM patient from Columbus said it best:

"I feel terrible for Myeloma. It's messed with the wrong people."

That's dead on Matt, Myeloma messed with the wrong people and now it has a whole army to respond to, the Dominate Army!

Thanks everyone for joining forces to dominate MM. -Phil

Channel 7

http://cancerkicker.org

http://dominategear.com

Myeloma Mondays #20: Frank from Brookline, MA

Where were you born and raised?

• Born in Dorchester, Ma. Raised 15 miles south of Boston.

Where do you currently live?

• Currently live in Brookline, Ma. One half mile from Fenway Park.

When were you diagnosed and how old were you?

• I was 54 when diagnosed in December of 2002.

Did you know what MM was prior to diagnosis?

• Had not a clue.

Is there anyone else your in family with MM?

• No.

What led to your diagnosis?

• I was bench pressing, (attempting to), and experienced sharp pain in my upper right rib cage. Felt a hard round bump between ribs which I self diagnosed as a popped cartilage. Finally went to my primary care Doctor who sent me immediately for a scan and I was operated on to remove a plasmacytoma from my chest. Had to take sections of two ribs with it. I tell people I was in a knife fight.

How many times were you referred before actually being diagnosed?

• One…

Where have you received treatment?

• Dana Farber Cancer Institute in Boston.

Explain your treatment history:

• 1-6-2003, surgery to remove tumor from my chest.
• 3-1-03 – began 20 days of radiation.
• Five years in remission
• April – May 2008, checkup reveals protein spike. Scans show small lesions on three vertebrae.
• June – July 2008, two cycles of radiation
• Sept. 2008, began six months of Rev plus Dex. Omeprazole for heart burn and a once a week antibiotic.
• April 2009, stem cell harvest attempt failed. Became ill because of dehydration. My fault.
• May 2009, Cytoxin,much neupogen, self injected daily, and another similar, more potent drug the night before the next harvesting attempt.
• June 2009, successful harvest.
• July, Meeting with Oncologist to schedule transplant and labs show numbers look great. Postpones tp.
• Monthly blood work and Zomeda.
• March 2010 labs showed proteins up; looking forward to labs being taken tomorrow, 4-30-10.

Why did you or your doctor choose a specific treatment?

• Oncologist wants to avoid wearing out a drug. Early history, my mm was not aggressive until relapse.

What has been the side effects of the different treatments?

• Radiation: fatigue towards the end of treatment; rash on area radiated.
• Rev: stomach, dry mouth, … muscle cramps mostly at night. Minor consideration in view of Rev’s success.
• Dex: I’m told I became impatient, edgy, anxious and less fun to be with. I was oblivious.
• Cytoxin: hair loss. Came back curly and wiry texture. Has returned to normal.
• Zomeda, mild joint and bone pain and light flu like symptoms for a day after.

What has been the hardest thing about your MM journey?

• Hate to admit it, but the hardest is waiting for the other shoe to drop. For example, I think I have put off some fun things in order to avoid missing work, (and have been able to work full time other than two weeks after the operation and during the stem cell harvest), to avoid becoming expendable, or expended..

What are the top lessons learned that you would want a newly diagnosed MM patient to know about?

• Stay positive and do the things you want to do. I went on line to investigate my newly diagnosed mm back in early 2003 and took less time off, took less trips and so on, thinking I did not have enough time remaining to be “frivolous”. The treatment discoveries for mm are providing significant control of the disease and new drugs are coming into use that are even more potent. Here I am seven years after diagnosis, training for the Pan Mass Challenge, 190 mile bike ride to benefit the Dana Farber.

How have you been able to stay positive and encouraged in your MM journey?

• Keeping my schedule busy, as it was before mm; enjoying the support of family and friends; meditation or some kind of spiritual connection.

After being diagnosed... What perspective was changed the most?

• I think you worry more about those you love than about yourself. My ambition to be successful, to gain wealth and power, has been replaced by wishing nothing more than walking with my kids, or listening to my wife talk about her day. I’ve come to enjoy a daily predawn walk with my dogs and in particular, on the icy cold mornings, face first into the clean, cold air .

Did you or a parent work in a field with or were exposed to toxic chemicals prior to diagnosis?

• I worked as a roofer going through college. In those days we ripped old tar and gravel industrial roofs off, without respirators of course, and replaced them with asphalt and stone. This required melting 100 pound “kegs” of solid asphalt in a vw sized machine we called a “kettle”. We all breathed in the fumes and worked shirtless in the blazing sun, never getting sunburned because the asphalt particulate from the smoke would cover you with a dirty, dry soot that acted as a sun block. It would be an interesting study to find some old roofers and analyze the population for mm.

What MM sites or blogs had you found good information from after diagnosis?

• MMRF, The Mayo Clinic site, thecancerdiaries@live.com, Dana Farber site. Though I have just discovered this, MM for Dummies, I find it unique and refreshing.

*Read other Myeloma Mondays by going here.

**To add your story to MM Mondays Story Time copy and paste this questionnaire (click here) and send it in an email tocancerkicker at gmail dot com. I would love to share your story! -Phil

Two Days, Two Blogs...watch out!

We are finding it very difficult these days to find the time and energy to blog. Also, I realize the longer you go without blogging, the harder it is to put the ink to the paper because there is so much to cover. So rather than hash out what has gone on over the last two months since I had my first stem cell transplant, I'll try to do a better job documenting this continuous cancer journey.

Below are some photos that that mark today's journey which included a visit to good old Schembechler Hall, the Big House and Washtenaw Dairy.

Ocean weighing himself in the Michigan Football locker room. He has cleared 40 lbs officially.

Ocean walking down the tunnel (on the left) into the Big House.

Ocean enjoying the sun in the Big House.

Iris and Ocean relaxing in the Michigan Locker Room at the Big House. If they only saw what the locker room looked like when I was there.

A view from the newly added luxury boxes at the Big House. Anyone want to donate their seat?

Ending the day with some ice cream from Washtenaw Diary...yum.

Funeral, Chickens and My 60 Day Test Results

What an emotional week. I am back in the saddle at home with not much energy to chase the kids around. Cassie was a champ with all three kids for four days as I flew to Florida to commemorate the life of my Grandpa George and share in family time. I was given an opportunity to speak at the funeral and share how my two grandparents, who were both only children, started something known as the Brabbs' Family which today includes 17 grandchildren and currently 10 great-grandchildren. Although I was born and raised several states away from my Grandpa George, it was made clear this past week that I am very much similar to the man he was and that I hope to be. On a lighter note, my uncle Jeff hosted my parents and me at his legit guest house which is home to three chickens (shown below) that provided some awesome breakfast (eggs) served up by my uncle Jeff.

Yesterday, I had bone marrow biopsy #5. I really don't mind them, partially because my PA at UMCCC knows how to dominate the procedure without dominating me. Those results will be on there way in a few days and will tell us what percentage of Myeloma plasma cells still exist in my bone marrow. Below is a picture of me waiting to see the BMT Doc, showing of my new watch which was given to Grandpa George for his High School Graduation at Flint Central. I am also wearing a silly band which I just learned about. I think the dominate bracelets are much cooler!

Also, I received my 60 Day (from transplant #1) test results and my M-Protein dropped from 0.6 to 0.5. This is positive because it is showing that my body is responding to the high-dose chemo (Melphalan) that I received. My goal is still to get this to 0.0 after my second transplant and some consolidation (more low-dose chemotherapy). I feel like I am at the mid-point of my treatment and I am very excited with the results although we still have a little more way to go.

On a side note, there are some really cool things going on with the Cancer Kicker Foundation as the Facebook Fan page is now over 4,o00 members and almost all 100 dominate shirts have been pre-ordered. I must say all of this work on CKF has been dominated by Zak Branigan who is such an inspiration and good friend to our family. Cassie is sporting her dominate shirt today and she looks hot for having Ruby only 6 weeks ago. Score.

Myeloma Mondays #19: Janice from Idaho

Where were you born and raised?

• Australia, East Coast

Where do you currently live?

• Idaho

When were you diagnosed and how old were you?

• Non secretory MM but only with a Bone Marrow Biopsy.

Did you know what MM was prior to diagnosis?

• Barely and I was an oncology nurse

Is there anyone else your in family with MM?

• My cousin has MGUS and it was put in remission in 2006 after taking the supplements I did

What led to your diagnosis?

• Exteme pain, inability to walk, exhaustion, trouble breathing, very low blood work, Hemaglobin of 6. Had an udiagnosed fractured spine, collapsed lungs.

How many times were you referred before actually being diagnosed?

• Once but the doctor I was seeing thought I had an overactive complaint list Trips to the ER they blew me off

Where have you received treatment?

• Boise, ID

Explain your treatment history

• 10/2004: Started on polymva, Coq10, Immune support, Liver support and cleanse, coral calcium, Vit B, Vit D (Cod liver oil) Vit C limited
• Heavy xray therapy 10 days only
• Never took chemo, I was a retired RN with Oncology experience and what was offered I knew how deadly it could be and I also knew I had 2 feet in the grave so I declined. Stayed with my natural therapy. This is not for everyone but worked for me.
• Transplant discussed but never seriously

Why did you or your doctor choose a specific treatment?

• My doctor allowed me to try my own treatment although she did not agree she was a real gem in that area.

What has been the side effects of the different treatments?

• Radiation was terrible for me and it was nearly the end of my what little immune system I had was done in. Could only tolerate 10 days as it was so intense and thru the sternum

What has been the hardest thing about your MM journey?

• The pain, and nausea and the worry from my husband

What are the top lessons learned that you would want a newly diagnosed MM patient to know about?

• Research as much as you can. Have an advocate. Insist on taking a copy of your tests after each visit, check out alternative as well as traditional treatments.
• Become an expert yourself. Never give up!!!

How have you been able to stay positive and encouraged in your MM journey?

• Prayer, Meditation, Faith, Get rid of fear (takes work) Anger and grudges helps heal your soul. The will to be calm and forgiving is as important as getting the medicine.

After being diagnosed... What perspective was changed the most?

• I was pretty confused and never really thought I would die, I guess someone above gave me this serenity. Just dealing with the pain and nausea kept me occupied. Had wonderful support. I am more tolerant of others.

Did you or a parent work in a field with or were exposed to toxic chemicals prior to diagnosis?

• I gave chemotherapy for 3 years but that was in the 80's
• As children we had some exposure to garden chemicals but not many

What MM sites or blogs had you found good information from after diagnosis?

• Cancercompass.com
• medifocus.com
• Phil's site www.mmfordummies.blogspot.com
• www.healingcancernatrually.blogspot.com
• www.healingcancernaturally.net

*Read other Myeloma Mondays by going here.

**To add your story to MM Mondays Story Time copy and paste this questionnaire (click here) and send it in an email tocancerkicker at gmail dot com. I would love to share your story! -Phil

Dominate Shirts NOW AVAILABLE!

The Cancer Kicker Foundation is officially launched thanks to Zak Branigan, President, and caregiver to his amazing wife who just beat an aggressive form of breast cancer. Zak spent the last week working on our first production of Dominate shirts and pushing paperwork to get us incorporated. Our first order was pretty small, so we didn't have to break the bank to get these shirts to people who really want to support the cause. Make them go fast so we can dream big!

[Click here to order your dominate shirt NOW!]

Also, for anyone who purchases more than one shirt we will also send the equivalent number of DOMINATE bracelets. Buy 5 shirts and get 5 bracelets. There is no shipping charge. The plan is to channel all proceeds to get the Cancer Kicker Foundation off the ground so we can raise MILLIONS for cancer research targeted at finding a cure for Multiple Myeloma and supporting those affected.

To learn more about CKF, check out our Facebook Fan Page!

Order at DominateGear.com!

Order Your Cancer Kicker dominate shirts online here thanks to Under Ground Printing. Shirts are only $20 with no shipping cost! Orders of multiple shirts will get free Cancer Kicker - Dominate bracelets equivalent to the number of shirts ordered. Expect two weeks for shipment and delivery. Make sure to tell us what size(s) you would like!

[Click Here to Order: DominateGear.com]

Shirt Details:

• Shirts! $20 plus shipping
• American Apparel tri-blend (NICE!)
• Unisex shirt from XS to 2XL
• 100% of proceeds support the Cancer Kicker Foundation

If you aren't ready to dominate the shirt, you can purchase dominate bracelets for a suggested donation of $2 each with free shipping. Dominate date every day with the Cancer Kicker Foundation!

Thanks, all. Keep dominating. -Phil (co-Founder and MM patient)

The Dominate Gene Lives On

There's so much both Cassie and I want to say and reflect on over the last two months, but the reality is that things have been too busy on the home front to find the time and energy to blog about it. For starters, here's me dominating as I get my heart and lung screening to make sure I am healthy enough for my second transplant, which will happen on June 23, in exactly three weeks!

I'll admit, there isn't a day that goes by where I don't think about Multiple Myeloma. Fortunately, I was wired to be a glass is half overflowing type guy so I usually channel my energy on that topic to try to grow or benefit a cause. The most recent being these sweet shirts that my boy Zak Brannigan spearheaded (check them out here!).

As for this particular week, it has been extra tough because it seems after the dust begins to settle in our lives and we feel like we have some clarity for the path we are on and where it is leading us the dirt often gets kicked back up in our eyes. This week my family lost Grampa George (no, not graNDpa). The guy was the epitome of what it means to dominate life and losing him this week made me realize that genes go much further than hair color and chin dimples...and for this I am thankful. The funeral is set for Monday and I'll be heading down with my mask on with all my family to celebrate such a great life and mourn the end of our time with him here. Here's a picture of our last time together:

Amidst all of this time feeling sad for reasons other than cancer for once, I was given a bright shining ray of hope today. Test results came back from a young cancer patient (41) who had a very aggressive form of Myeloma. After Day 30+ post-transplant, he has no M-protein....HOORAY! The MM journey brought our two families together based on the likeness of our situation (young kids at home) and it's so great to see victory on their end. Their journey is not over, but oh how sweet the news was today!

Cassie and I hope to video blog very soon. Until then, keep dominating!