My first Blog by Erik Hallberg

This note is being done by someone under the stress of drugs. Max has told me to say that because it will have unusual comments. 
Ahna does such a great job that this will surely be a dissapointment including typos. The main reason for this attempt is to thank you for the notes, cards, and phone calls. It really helps to keep the spirits up.
Currently I am taking 80 gallons of fluids a day IV as I don't like to drink water. It feels like 80 gallons....
Also taking drugs to start up another round of stem cell collection.. Looks like Friday. My other batch had some enemy cells in it.. Feeling really pretty good. Max, as Ahna has mentioned has been terrific trying to coral my less than perfect disposition. Don't know how I could be so lucky to have her....
Big meeting on Tuesday to lay out the transplant timeline so more to follow...Thanks again for all of your thoughts and prayers.   Erik

Oops. Published before I was done. That's what I get for doing this from my phone! Anyway, Dad is getting a pretty heavy dose this time. So far he is good. Blood platelets were down and required a blood transfustion. This is very common and probably will not be the last. As you can see in the photo he is charming the nurses. (Sorry, I tried to twist this photo.) After this round in the hospital they will harvest more stem cells. The goal is to get rid of the cancer cellsin his blood. As with last time the effects of the chemo don't hit till the end of this cycle and after his release. Mom is doing well. Staying busy and wishing this all to end soon! Victor, dad's brother, is helping out for the week. This gives mom a deserved break from the hospital and dad enjoys the company. Keep the great thoughts and messages coming. They read them all.

Day two of round two chemo. Dad is back in the good hands at UW Hospital. He will be there through monday

You know Erik is feeling well when he can car shop with the best of them. Yep, looks like a new suv for the Hallbergs.

The folks are in Bend OR for a few days. So good to see them. Their spirits are high even though dad has to go back for more chemo next Wednesday. As I was driving the boys to school this morning I recieved a phone call from dad. It turns out that during his shower he discovered handfuls of hair. His request was that I bring over my clippers and give him a buzz. The photo here is prior to the buzz. My mom and I think he looks pretty good. However, the last time his hair was this short was in high school for the state swim championships. All I can say is look out ladies! Should have an after shot up in the next few days. The stem cell harvest went good, but the pesky cancer cells are still there. For that reason he gets a heavier dose next week. His brother victor will be visiting during this hospital and will help keep boredom at bay for the 5 days he is there. Keep sending those happy thoughts and prayers this way.

This morning Dad is headed in to get his stem cells harvested. He has been getting shots everyday to encourge his bones to mass produce these little cells. As a result it leaves him with a deep bone pain that requires pain meds. He is also feeling some if the effects of the chemo. After today he and my mom will get a much deserved break for a week. Imagine that. . A week with no doctor visits. Too good to be true. To harvest the cells dad will be hooked up to a machine for 7 hours. his blood is run through and it recognizes and pulls out around 10 million of the little buggers. If you need something to do feel free to call him today. He is not going anywhere. Mom is good and looking forward to a break. Olav left Tuesday after spending time with them. They were able to do some kayaking one day on Bainbridge. We hope that dad stays healthy so they can come to Bend for a few days. His white cell count is going up and that is a good thing. Clean master Maxine is working over time to keep the germs at bay. Pretty sure they have the cleanest hotel room around!