A Patriot's Final Journey

Dave Logan 1956 - 2012

"The only greater sorrow would have been not to know him, right?" -- Dymphna of Gates of Vienna

"ThirdWaveDave" Dave Logan has entered into the beauty of God's Kingdom. He left us shortly after the medical team removed him from the life sustaining measures yesterday morning. Blessedly, he did not linger long.

We will be planning a celebration of Dave's life in the weeks ahead. Dave was not one to call a lot of attention to himself as many of you know. A private man, his final wishes were simple -- Dave asked me to spread his ashes on the beach here in Cape Canaveral. It will be my honor and privilege. Details are yet to be determined, but once plans are made, I'll keep you apprised.

Several of you have indicated that you want to be present when that happens. I would like that very much and I'll let you know when the date is set to take place, giving you ample time to make whatever travel arrangements are necessary.

I want to take this moment to thank each of you who have been so kind to send me caring notes following this morning's email about Dave. Your words have been a source of comfort to me on this very sad day. I truly appreciate your sympathy and wonderful remembrances of Dave. I don't think he had any idea the impact he had on so many of you, especially those of you in our extensive blogging community.

As you will understand, I won't be doing my radio show tonight. But it is my intention to dedicate a show in Dave's honor in the near future, and I hope you'll join me when I do.

Once again, my heartfelt thank you for your kindnesses. And for your friendship for both Dave and me.

Blessings to you all,

Andrea

Many of Dave's friends have posted remembrances at their Facebook pages. Others at their websites. They include:

Mr. Right

Marathon Pundit

Doug Gibbs

I Own The World

Radio Patriot - Dave's final journey

Radio Patriot - Our patriot Dave fighting to live

"Fighters"... for Dave

It's been a long road for Dave. He's been on life support at UC Davis Cancer Center for the past month, and the outlook isn't positive, but we continue to hold hope in our hearts for this dear man, our friend and patriot whose love of country defines him.

Your continued prayers are requested for Dave. For his health, for his spirit, for his soul.

This video is written and sung by our friend LaLa Deaton, whose encouragement to Dave is deeply appreciated. It is titled, appropriately, "Fighters", because that is also what defines Dave.

Thank you,
Andrea

***

THIRDWAVEDAVE'S HEALTH UPDATE: THE PHONE CALL I WAS WAITING FOR

I belong to one of the most amazing email groups--CONRECO.  Some of the smartest, politically savvy individuals on the Internet. They're also some of the most generous, patriotic people you'd ever want to know.


Back on April 10, I put out a notice that I'd be making a slight change to my blog site: the inclusion of "gaming" and "my health" as topics of discussion.  Many know that I'm waiting for a bone marrow transplant for CML--a rare form of Leukemia--and the notice prompted many to wish me luck and to include me in their daily prayers.  Powerful support group, and most appreciated.


One of the members (won't mention a name since I don't have permission at this time) told me of someone who's a 10 year Leukemia survivor and wanted to know if I'd like to talk with her.  My answer was in the affirmative, of course. 


Well, this morning a call came in from one Rhonda Kokot.  She had AML, a very deadly version of what I have, CML.  10 years ago treatment options were few, and what drugs were available, according to Rhonda, were ineffective, so transplant was the course of action. Rhonda went thru chemo, radiation and the transplant with flying colors.  It wasn't easy, but she made it.


When she called this morning, she was on the road traveling to a race... a half-marathon race in which she's a participant!  God love her.  


During the call, Rhonda took me thru the bone marrow transplant process from beginning to end, answering any and all questions I had lurking in the recesses of my fertile imagination.  I know doctors prefer not to scare you, so they tend to "soften" the language when describing certain medical procedures, especially ones that could end in a 21 gun salute, followed by the folding of Old Glory and sounding of TAPS. 


A half-marathon!  You know that's 13 plus miles, right?  Bless her heart. 


Since I'll be in the hospital for a month, maybe longer, Rhonda took the time to advise me on how to make the stay more comfortable, more home-like. Some items never occurred to me, some did.  Long ago I learned to bring my own clothes.  The hospital gown is simply unacceptable, as anyone who's been in the hospital knows. People close to me know my feelings about the person who invented that wonderful garment.


Our conversation was most productive and cleared up several things I was nervous about.  However, I do realize each person reacts to these transplants in different ways--according to research studies, most are devoid of the horror stories you hear about.  There will be some bumps in the road, I know this, and they'll be dealt with as they arise.  Rhonda had a few nasty items hit her too, but nothing her medical team couldn't handle. And today, medical teams can handle a great deal of trouble.   


I can't thank Rhonda Kokot enough for taking time out of her day--her weekend--to talk me down off the ledge. And to the CONRECO member who set up this meeting.  Blessings to you as well.  


******


Now on to the phone call I've been waiting for. You're probably thinking I was waiting for Rhonda Kokot's call.  Well, it was one of the calls I was waiting on, but not "the" phone call.


Last Thursday, one of my medical team members phoned me.  Christine's message was straightforward: that my donor still had a few routine tests to go thru but at this time they were able to "green light" my transplant. I must say, those words brought back the feelings of anxiety that only a first static line jump can create in the pit of your stomach. Some of you will understand what I'm talking about.


So, my orders are as follows:  The University of California Cancer Center will be expecting me May 4th for admission.  Chemo will begin soon after one medical procedure is complete--the installation of a chest catheter, not sure of the technical name.


On May 10th, my donor's bone marrow will arrive at Sacramento International, then transported to the cancer center. Soon after arrival, the bone marrow will begin flowing into my veins.


As a reminder, I will have a laptop and video at my bedside so I can document this process the best I can.  On those days when I'm not feeling well enough, Andrea Shea King will transcribe by phone to my blog anything of note.


That's it for now.  Updates will follow in the days to come. Blessings to all of you who've prayed for me.  Don't stop now!  


***

A COUPLE CHANGES HERE AT THIRDWAVEDAVE

This is just a notice letting regular readers, friends and family know that THIRDWAVEDAVE, the blog, will be posting more frequently on a couple topics I don't normally post about. Now there's a reason for this and it isn't important for me to go into all that's behind this, but for now, here's a little insight:

The first topic is GAMING. I'm talkin' gamblin' here. I was in the business of gaming, or around it, for nearly 25 years. The issue is near the top in the chambers of the California Legislature. These geniuses--the criminal class--here in River City will be trying to convince the voting public to "OK" turning this once beautiful, productive and very significant state into a casino. Well, I've been around this business for a long, long time. I have an opinion about this and will be posting about it here. If that's not to your liking, just come back another day and quite possibly I'll have something of my own or a linked piece for you to enjoy. Just remember, though, gaming is coming to your state soon... if it isn't already there. Not a good thing.

The second topic is MY HEALTH. Most of you know that my health problem back in '07 was diagnosed as a rare form of leukemia(CML). Long story short--I was approved for a BONE MARROW TRANSPLANT not long ago and I will be chronicling it on this blog. This little procedure will have me in the University of California Davis Cancer Center for a month, maybe longer. Here's my plan for the time I'm in the hospital:

They have WiFi. A plus for what I'm planning. I would like to track the process from beginning to end, using my words and video. Now I will be in bad shape during the procedure. Also, I will be in an isolation room. The first week starts off with liberal doses of a chemotherapy cocktail, which will bring my immune system down to nearly non-functioning. Then I get the bone marrow transplant, and that's where the real fun begins. Well, I will be feeling rather poorly at this point. That is, if I even survive the process.

My intentions are to write about the process and to do a short video of me talking about it. A couple things here: One, this is good for me since I won't be without something to do, a goal to keep me occupied. Two, others with similar conditions, or one of their loved ones, can get a peek into what this transplant process entails. Three, outside of my birth, this will be the single most important event in my life... or death. I want to keep a record of it with the hope that maybe someone else will benefit from my presentation. I hope I can grind it out on those days when I'm doing badly. I'll just have to see what I'm made of, I suppose.

And, of course, if you didn't stop by TWD's to see and hear about my illness, I certainly understand that. Not fun being sick, and I'm sure it's not much more fun reading about it, either. If you do click off, just remember to stop by on another day. I'll be doing the other newsy items, plus The Andrea Shea King Show, so things won't be changin' that much. Just a little addition here and there.

Thanks and good luck to me!!

***

TWD MEDICAL UPDATE

Good afternoon friends and family. This is an update of my medical situation.

Last Saturday morning (4am) I became ill with a fever and flu-like symptoms. Sometimes with leukemia I'll get hot flashes that recede shortly after they begin, but this wasn't one of those times. It was "go time." I went to the hospital, was admitted and stayed until Monday afternoon.

Months ago, as part of my leukemia treatment, my medical team installed in my arm a device called a pik line. Not sure how it's spelled but it boils down to an IV line in your arm that stays in place for up to a year. The line allows medical staff to take blood for testing and administering medicines/fluids as well. No needles involved as leukemia treatment involves lots of antibiotics that cause veins to be harder to find for that technician looking to take more of my blood, so the pik line solves that problem.

Well, sometimes the pik line comes with problems. This one did. Whatever the reason, this line caused me to develop a couple blood clots in the deep vein between my elbow and shoulder area, causing my arm to begin swelling, turning red, becoming warm with the arm seeming tight to the touch.

An ultra sound confirmed the clots, treatment was prescribed, improvements were immediate and out the door I went. Hospitals are full of sick people and I don't care to be in them. But with leukemia, I know I will be in them more and more as time goes on. I'll be going in for about a month, maybe longer, in the near future for a bone marrow transplant. If this little process doesn't kill me, I will certainly survive leukemia, setting a new world record.

Btw, the treatment for the clots, is I get to give myself a shot twice a day in the tummy area, possibly for up to six months. This, I'm convinced, is God's way of getting my attention for my wicked ways in the past. Message received, loud and clear!

So I've been home for a few days, feeling very good and ready to continue the process of kicking a Marxist out of OUR White House. Anyone with me?

Later, and thanks for all the Well Wishes. Most appreciated.

***

TWD UPDATE PT 3: CML, TASIGNA + 60 DAYS

I'm now 60 days into the TASIGNA drug trial, with some test results remaining the same and one huge area of improvement.

First off, here are the basics: I tipped the scales at 160.5 lbs; Blood pressure 122/82; pulse 84. Still need to pick up another 20 lbs or so, but my weight loss has stopped and I'm stable in that area.

Blood results: White Blood Count is holding at 3,500 (normal is 5-10k). Last month we reduced my dosage in order to raise my WBC to normal. That didn't happen but the Dr is not concerned about it. We just need to keep it from moving above normal limits.

The huge news this month: Testing prior to this review showed my blood platelets were into the danger zone--very low count. Platelets are important because that's what allows your blood to clot. And leukemia wins when you begin to bleed and it can't be stopped. With this type of leukemia, it's either bleeding or an infection that gets you.

Testing this month for my platelet levels returned a reading of "NORMAL." Yes, normal--just like healthy folks. My Dr. was somewhat surprised at the rapid increase in improvement. Me, I was wondering why I wasn't told about the platelet levels in the beginning, but quickly realized docs don't like to scare you if they can avoid it. I want to know it all--good or bad. Next visit this will be made clear to my doctor. By the way, my doctor is one of the finest I've ever been to. His office is operated in a most efficient and professional manner, and it makes going to an appointment practically enjoyable. He graduated from the University of Wisconsin, and by the look of him I'd say that was about 20 years ago.

Months ago, when he first examined me, I was in bad shape. Worse than I realized. He completed his examine, did a quick consult and went for the door. Fast, I thought. Then about 3 seconds later, he popped his head back in the door and said, "Don't worry, I'll have you feeling better soon." I was sold.

The bad news is really good news, but I still don't like it. In order for researchers to determine exactly how successful this therapy is, they have to do a bone marrow biopsy. This allows them to calculate the percentage of cancerous white blood cells. The lower the better, of course. None at all is my destination. The procedure is most unpleasant, so I'm not looking forward to it, at all.

If you're interested, this short video gives the latest news about Chronic Myeloid Leukemia. And this short animation shows how CML begins and progresses in your body.

TWD Update 1

TWD Update 2

Blessings to everyone--thanks for the prayers and please keep 'em comin'. No doctor can write a Rx as effective as your thoughts and prayers.

***

TWD UPDATE PT. 2: TASIGNA + 30 DAYS

*The first TWD Update is here.

Since the first update a lot has happened. A month ago I began taking a new generation cancer drug--TASIGNA. The drug was just approved by the FDA in June and I'm part of the ongoing clinical trial. If Tasigna continues its success rate, it will replace Gleevec as the first-line defense against Chronic Myeloid Leukemia.

In the short span of a month, this is where I'm at:

White blood cell counts are the most important item tracked on the blood test. In June my WBC was 32,000 (normal is 5-10k.) We expected it to rise prior to medication to about 40,000. We were wrong. It skyrocketed to 105,000--30 days ago. This is a place you really don't want to be.

I began with 300mgs of Tasigna, and within the first few days I had every side-effect in the book. It's a thick book. My doctor brought me back in a few days later to see how I was tolerating the meds. I survived all side-effects, even the big one: Sudden Cardiac Death. This is always a good sign, or so I'm told. After seeing the results, the doctor then doubled the dosage to 600mg. I thought since 300mgs was so much fun, 600 should be a blast! Actually, it wasn't that bad.

As the days went by, my body began fighting off the side-effects, but a couple remain with me. This is normal and I can live with it.

I'm supposed to weigh 185 lbs. At one time I dipped into the high 140s. I began treatment at 154 lbs, and today I weighed in at 160.5 lbs--when you lose that much weight, you begin counting those half pounds. Gaining weight is very good sign.

Today my WBC registered 3,500 (normal is 5-10k.) My doctor said it's off-the-charts good news. However, he said the drug was working too well and we'd have to reduce the daily dosage to 450mgs. The idea here is to raise my WBC to within the normal range of 5-10k. This should be no problem.

Because of today's outstanding test results, my doctor has already ordered additional and advanced blood tests that will examine down to the cellular level to see if the Philadelphia Chromosome is packing its bags and leaving town. The goal of this drug is to add yrs to one's survival or rid the body of the PC. If you can rid your system of the PC, you're essentially cured. And there are many cases of this on record. I plan to be added to that list.

Many wonderful people have included me in their daily prayers. Words escape me--Thank You wouldn't be enough. But please keep me in your prayers because they're the best damn health coverage I could ever hope to have.

Blessings from me to you.

UC Davis Medical Center--Sacramento