Dave's Blog from Belize

We're home!

noreply@blogger.com (Dave LaMontagne) — Tue, 19 Jun 2007 20:46:00 +0000

We are back from wonderful Eden. We miss it already!
Dave had a wonderful Fathers Day but missed his children. He went outside lathered in natural insect repellant for 15 minutes. His first time outside all week. The water was the prettiest color! It is prettier some days than others, depending on the winds and currents.

We left on Monday but didn't get home til today(Tuesday). Almost all of the staff came out to see us off. I wish I had had my camera ready.It was a beautiful send off. Dave's nurse, Kenny, came along in the van for the ride to the airport. He took good care of David on the ride there. He even gave him a massage! Boy did he get spoiled at Eden.

We got stuck on the plane for 2 extra hours because the airport in Miami was closed due to storms. Then we got stuck in Baggage Claim and couldn't leave til we cleared customs. The ramp was closed for an additional 2 hours. We missed our flight to Norfolk and had to stay overnight. Luckily we had been upgraded to first class and had eaten at 2 (Belize time) because we didn't eat again til midnight. Dave fell asleep and didn't eat. He was exhausted.

We are hoping for good results from this booster. Dave's vision improved, blood work improved and breathing improved- all in the short time we were there.

Love to all and thank you for your prayers and support. Pray that the Lord will lift Dave's spirits and guide those stem cells to do his will, which is always to heal his children.
Cindy

noreply@blogger.com (Dave LaMontagne) — Sun, 17 Jun 2007 03:11:00 +0000

Here are a few pics I took.....there are more if you want to see them!

Day 5 of Trip 2

noreply@blogger.com (Dave LaMontagne) — Sat, 16 Jun 2007 13:53:00 +0000

I already tried to post to this thing once this morning however the internet went out and I lost everything. Cindy won't leave me alone about posting again so this one will be short and sweet.

Last night Joe and I had dinner and some drinks with Bill and Noke which was very nice.

Dad received his last transplant yesterday which I recorded. Not sure if I can post videos on here and don't have time to figure it out since my van will be here in a few min. to pick me up to go back to the airport. I am not looking forward to coming home, sorry guys! I just don't want to leave Dad.

Got to go....see you soon

Love
Tami, Joe, Cindy and Dad

Day 4 Evening

noreply@blogger.com (Dave LaMontagne) — Sat, 16 Jun 2007 00:32:00 +0000

Dave received his second booster today. Joe was incorrect in the amount of cells he was receiving. He received a bit more than the usual stem cells in each booster but not more than he had all together on his first trip. Each patient is treated on an individual basis here. I will hate to leave because Dave receives such wondeful care here. Tami will be coming home tomorrow. We will be leaving on Monday. All is well and Dave is in good spirits. Thank you for your continued prayers and support. Cindy

Day 3 Evening

noreply@blogger.com (Dave LaMontagne) — Fri, 15 Jun 2007 02:19:00 +0000

The van came to pick me up at 6 A.M. when they picked up the breakfast kitchen crew.I visited Dave until 10 A.M. and then went back in the van when they did their 10 A.M. run to pick up family members. Joe went to be with Dave and Tami and I were dropped off at the local airport.

Tami and I flew to Ambergris Caye to the village of San Pedro. It was a 20 minute flight on a very small plane. Tami sat in the co-pilot's seat both on the way there and on the return flight! I don't know how she managed that but she was personally asked both times by 2 different pilots if she would like to sit there. The plane ride was spectacular, it flew low over beautiful water and islands.
We had a great time looking for the perfect beach. The preferred mode of transportation on that island is golf carts and we had a blast cruising around the island on our golf cart. We drove thruough pot holed narrowed streets to the remote north end of the island and were even chased by wild dogs. We will definitely post some pictures.

While we were gone, David had an infusion of stem cells intraveniously. He had both neuronal and immunilogical cells. All went well and we are expecting this booster will be just what he needs. He had a good day and has enjoyed reading all your wonderful comments. He will be having another booster tomorrow about 1:00 EST.

Good Night All, Thanks for all your prayers. We will post again tomorrow. Cindy

Back from our excursion

noreply@blogger.com (Dave LaMontagne) — Fri, 15 Jun 2007 01:02:00 +0000

So Dad had his transplant today and Joe said he received more stems cells this go round than his entire trip last time. Also, it was a different blend of stem cells. The doctors think these will be more effective. He will be receiving another transplant tomorrow I believe but will not be bone marrow.

Cindy said this morning one of the nurses seemed to think Dad may be staying until Wednesday but still no confirmation. Dad really does not want to be here anymore, cabin fever has set in but much more quickly this time. I guess it doesn't matter how good looking the nurses are, he wants out.

I did not go see him today since Cindy and I went on an excursion to Ambergrise Caye. We found a beautiful vacationing spot that we want Dad to see. Once he is all healed, we will take him to Belize but not to see Eden, to vacation!!! However, we may just have to stop by and say hi.

Cindy and I took a plane over there from Corozal to San Pedro and I sat in the co-pilots chair both there and back. I have awesome pics and video of our adventure. To sum it up we rented a golf cart drove about 40 min. to the end of the world swam in the pool, had a drink, drove back (through major potholes and lakes), about 5-6 vicious hungry dogs chased us but we were able to lose them in our high powered golf cart :) and made it back in time for our 5 o'clock flight to Corozal.

Cindy is at the clinic now, Joe is watching basketball in the room drinking a beer and I am at the hotel restaurant drinking a beer :) writing ya'll! Probably need to be doing homework but this is more important.

To answer Bean's book of questions :) there aren't any patients here from last time. All are new except Dad's roommate, he is here for a booster as well. He seems to be doing very well and its very hard to see any signs of ALS which is awesome.
Cindy is eating all the conche seviche on the island all alone. I tried it and don't like it...sorry!

Ok the bartender is starting to get nosey so I'm going to go now.

Talk to you soon!
Love ya
Tami, Joe, Cindy, and Dad!!!!

Day 3 9:30 A.M. Belize time

noreply@blogger.com (Dave LaMontagne) — Thu, 14 Jun 2007 15:29:00 +0000

Hi all. Dave and I want to thank you for all your support and prayers. We feel your love. Dave's first transplant will be around 1 today EST.

DEAR LORD,LIFT DAVE'S SPIRITS AND GUIDE THISE STEM CELLS TO DO YOUR WILL, WHICH IS ALWAYS TO HEAL YOUR CHILDREN AND MAKE US WHOLE.
This is a prayer that my sister in law Lori sent to us. I hope we can surround Dave in prayer today. Thank you. Blessings, Cindy

Day 3 of Trip 2

noreply@blogger.com (Dave LaMontagne) — Thu, 14 Jun 2007 12:50:00 +0000

So its about 6:50am and I'm sitting at the hotel restaurant getting ready to do some homework. Joe is sleeping and Cindy left for the clinic an hour ago. She will hang out there with Dad until around 10am and come back with the driver who normally picks us up. Then her and I will go to San Pedro and do a little site seeing while Joe sticks with Dad. Apparently there is a flight that will take us there for pretty cheap...Joe won't go b/c its one of those 8 seater planes and thinks it'll crash. Pray for me!!

Great news! Dad is getting a transplant today. Cindy was waiting last night to talk to Dr. Ghen but the van left before he made his rounds and she needed to be on it to get back to the hotel but she called when she got back to the hotel. He did not know at that point whether or not Dad would be staying longer since his blood work had not come in yet.... :(

I did not hear this from Dr. Ghen but Joe did and said they were going to give him more stem cells than his first trip.

It seems that ALL the patients (5) this go round have ALS. I've seen all the patients except one and it seems this disease can attack you from different angles.

David and Traci....if you can make it, you guys really should try since he will be back. Meeting people with the disease teaches you alot about it, something the internet can't! The family members have their own stories and its nice to hear something familiar that nobody else can relate to.

Mom, the phone has not been shipped yet. I just got an email saying they have the order and will let me know the tracking number once it's shipped.

More later as I came out here to study and have been putting that off.

Love
Tami, Joe, Cindy and Dad!!

Day 2 of Trip 2 in Belize

noreply@blogger.com (Dave LaMontagne) — Thu, 14 Jun 2007 02:57:00 +0000

Here are a couple pics I took while touring the property.

I'll have more tomorrow as Joe is getting on my nerves! (what he does best)

We have arrived in Belize!!

noreply@blogger.com (Dave LaMontagne) — Wed, 13 Jun 2007 17:31:00 +0000

YAY, WE MADE IT!! Sorry for not posting anything yesterday but we didn't get our bags until late last night which included our laptops! We were lost without connection to the world!

Oh, while we were running through the airport in Miami we ran into Dr. Ghen, he was on the same flight as us but he was in first class. He is a great guy all around and is definitely dedicated to getting Dad back to where he was. I am totally in awww of how nice ALL the staff here are. Everyone has lived up to the expectations I had.

We arrived at the clinic after a long road trip from Belize City at about 2 or 3 local time. When we arrived all the staff were waiting to greet us. I haven't seen a bigger smile on Dad's face until we arrived at the clinic. (don't tell him but it brought a tear to my eye!)

Dr. Ghen made the rounds last night and informed us Dad may be staying longer than anticipated. Not a problem since Cindy and Joe will be able to stay with him. Unfortunately I won't be able to stay but I know he will be ok in the hands he is in now.

They haven't decided if they will supress his immune system but will know once his blood work comes back, which will be today. His extended stay will also depend on his blood work so we will keep you updated when we hear anything new.

They weren't kidding when they said the connection here is spotty! Some emails are coming in however none are going out at the moment.

Dad has a roommate, Lynn, he is here for a booster. He was the guy Dad spoke to prior to coming to Eden and I think has a testimonial on Eden's website. Very nice guy and also dedicated to getting Dad's head in the right place. He seems to be beating the disease and will be definitely be a mental booster for Dad.

More later, Joe and I are going to get some local fare!

Love ya'll,

Tami, Joe, Cindy and of course Dad!

We're Back!!!!

noreply@blogger.com (Dave LaMontagne) — Sat, 28 Apr 2007 19:23:00 +0000

We're back in the states! Beanie is home with her hubbie and Dave and i are staying at the Highland Beach Home in Florida. It is so beautiful here and about 300 yards from the ocean! We will be coming back to Va Bch tomorrow as we are anxious to get back home. We already miss the wonderful staff at Eden Clinic but have been told we can call the doctor anytime day or night. It is like we belong to an exclusive club! Words could never explain how incredibly wonderful the staff was. We have lots of eail addresses of all the patient's families so I will be staying in touch with them. Hopefully we will see them again when we return. We will probably all be returning at different times. but it would surely be nice to all return together. Dave became close to his roommate Jerry and Bean and i became close with two of the gals- one whose bhusband has a very rare terminal disease and the other one is a model and actress whose mother has Parkinson's. She isn't a well known actress but she had a travel show on the entertainment Channel. We really enjoyed spending time with her and she invited us to LA. You wanted details so hopefully I have given you some! Dave has to be very careful to stay healthy so if you come to visit- I will probably make you wear a mask! But don't let that stop you. We want to see our family and friends!!! Love Cindy
Please continue to keep Dave in your prayers. It is such a wonderful feeling to know that you are all praying for him. He feels surrounded by your love and it is very comforting! We love you all!!!! I will ask my sister to do a slideshow and also post more pictures!

Day 15 departure day

noreply@blogger.com (Dave LaMontagne) — Fri, 27 Apr 2007 13:29:00 +0000

We are all packed up and ready to get in the van. It sure was quiet around here yesterday. cindy and I stayed in Dave's room last night to keep him company. The beds are very comfortable. We are going in to get breakfast and will be leaving here in about an hour. this is the last posting form Belize. Dave needs your continued prayers and support...we need to pray that the stem cells arrest the progression of the disease and that Dave can get stronger....keep those prayers coming.

evening Day 14 Eden

noreply@blogger.com (Dave LaMontagne) — Thu, 26 Apr 2007 01:43:00 +0000

Well the countdown to home coming is on. The doctors explained to us that Dave’s stem cells are like a fetus growing inside of him and maturing. It will take time for them to grow and develop and become the new neuronal stem cells that he so needs; we cannot be impatient for results. The neuronal stem cells are the most highly specialized of all stem cells and take months to function properly. He is in the process of being healed, but there is a lot of work to do, a lot of damage to reverse. He will get at least two boosters this year that will be needed to work with the platform that has been laid now. There will be a major change in what he can eat and use…..all organic foods, no gluten, no sugar, no preservatives, no red meat (except buffalo occasionally)….all organic toiletries, and household cleaners. He will need blood work monthly to monitor results. He will be in rehab to start to rebuild muscles that have died (we need to pray that the fasciculations stop first) and to improve lung function. Good thing he has Cindy to watch out for him, huh????

Day 14 Eden

noreply@blogger.com (Dave LaMontagne) — Wed, 25 Apr 2007 22:30:00 +0000

The internet has been in and out all day, every time I went to publish to the blog, I would lose the connection. Today most are packing up and getting discharged for tomorrow departure. We are departing the next day (Fri). Dave seems in good spirits and was receiving a large IV of vitamins called Super Immune. He can go out as much as he wants today after the sun goes down, and I think he is anxiously awaiting a tour of the clinic property. The families will meet tonight for a talk with Dr. B about nutrition, diet and lifestyle changes. We are also hoping for a tour of the research lab.
The girls (Cindy, Miriam, Cindyloo and I), went into “town” for lunch to the Casablanca (a former brothel). It was great….Cindyloo and I had (you guessed it) conche seviche and curried shrimp…yuum. It was a hot walk in both directions but the first time we have ventured off the property for lunch. We shouldn’t have left it for the next to last day, I guess. My camera battery died on me and the spare was out of juice, too, so no new pics today.

roommate Jerry

noreply@blogger.com (Dave LaMontagne) — Tue, 24 Apr 2007 18:36:00 +0000

Jerry shows off his new hairdo while getting his transplant

you asked for photos, so here they are

noreply@blogger.com (Dave LaMontagne) — Tue, 24 Apr 2007 18:23:00 +0000

Keep those cards and letters coming

noreply@blogger.com (Dave LaMontagne) — Tue, 24 Apr 2007 18:13:00 +0000

Dave gets an ultrasound of the pituitary, liver and heart from Dr. Nancy and Nurse Simone

noreply@blogger.com (Dave LaMontagne) — Tue, 24 Apr 2007 18:08:00 +0000

Dave talks to folks at home via Yahoo Messenger

Day 12 Eden

noreply@blogger.com (Dave LaMontagne) — Tue, 24 Apr 2007 14:11:00 +0000

Day 12 Eden

Dave is actually going to receive another transplant by IV today which is wonderful news…….he will be ahead of the game with this one. He started his treatments so early that there was time for another….everyone else will be getting their fourth today, when he gets his 5th. I am staying back at the hotel again today even though I feel much better…I want to be sure that I didn’t have the flu instead of food poisoning. Pretty sure it was the mayo at lunch time…no one else ate it but me. I am sending Cindy with the camera to take photos even though it will be the same as usual. Being here at Eden and being watched over so wonderfully you feel like you are being healed.

Day 11 after lunch

noreply@blogger.com (Dave LaMontagne) — Mon, 23 Apr 2007 20:12:00 +0000

Dave is looking good- good color in his face. This place is fabulous if you know anyone who could use this treatment- good for cancer- neurological diseases. Not that I wish ill on anyone.
When I said Dave will be quaretined- I meant that he shouldn't go to public places but we can have family over or go to visit family. He should probably wear a mask. We can't wait to see everyone! Thank you all for your comments. Dave loves hearing from everyone.

Day 11

noreply@blogger.com (Dave LaMontagne) — Mon, 23 Apr 2007 17:54:00 +0000

Dave is now receiving his massage. The first one of the day. Dave went outside for 5 minutes yesterday with a mask on. It was uplifting for him. When we get home - he will pretty much be quarentined for a month- no public places. He has to wear a mask on the plane going home. We were going to stay in Florida for a few days but we may just stay overnight because he can't be out in the sun. We will see. Will post later. Bean has food poisoning. I am fine. Cindy

noreply@blogger.com (Dave LaMontagne) — Sun, 22 Apr 2007 20:05:00 +0000

A hug from Dr Vanessa after transplant number three

Day 10 Eden

noreply@blogger.com (Dave LaMontagne) — Sun, 22 Apr 2007 19:48:00 +0000

The attached photo is of Dave’s stem cells; the red vials are the neuronal and the black are the immune system.

Today is Dave’s fourth and last stem cell transplant (this go around). Joe left at 11:00 for a 2:00 flight out of Belize City. Dave’s prep work was already started, so he got to be with him for that. The transplant was the same as the previous ones. He receives mannitol to open the blood brain barrier first; the stem cells are warmed and transferred to a Saline IV bag; Dave’s vitals are monitored the entire time and he is on Oxygen; when the IV bag is empty they inject a bit more Saline to make sure that no stem cells are still in the bag; Dave receives the mannitol again until it is finished. Today the transplant was neuronal (neurological) stem cells for the nervous system and hemapoetic (I think that is how it is spelled) which are the stem cells for the blood and the immune system. The transplant should be 5 vials of each, they gave Dave 10 vials of the hemapoetic as an extra boost to his system (we will try to find out what Dr. Mitchell’s idea behind that was and let you know). We are pleased to know that they pay such individual attention to each case, and David is being treated so specially and so well. Dave was meditating and visualizing the stem cells going to the right targets as he was receiving them. He was surrounded by his healing shawl and teddy bears.

Last night Dr. Mitchell invited Jake and John (Jerry’s sons), Joe, Cindy and me in to meet Denise who is here for another booster. She was first transplanted 9 months ago. She has the same form of ALS as Dave (the Limb onset which manifests in the limbs). She has had the disease for almost 3 years and uses a scooter to get around. The good news is that the disease has not progressed in 9 months; she can breathe easier and has better movement of her arms and hands; her fasciculations have stopped. She is here with her husband and they are very pleased with her lack of regression and her small improvements as they saw her deteriorate for two years previously. She is living with the disease and not getting worse. Dr. Mitchell says she is very strict about her diet and does rehab 3 times a week. We hope that she might be able to meet with Dave and Jerry before we leave. This is what we are hoping for Dave: that the disease flat lines and gets no worse. Anything better than that is icing on the cake and God’s will for David.

Love to you all; Beannie and Cindy, and Dave

Day 9 Eden

noreply@blogger.com (Dave LaMontagne) — Sat, 21 Apr 2007 20:40:00 +0000

We are heading over to the clinic….the families have been waiting for the van to pick us up, it is 11:30 our time. It is hot, hot, hot and muggy this morning and the breeze calms down about 10:30 until the evening. Dave got another roommate moved into his room last night…..Will has Hepatitis C. So there is lively conversation going on with Dave, Jerry and Will….a lot of testosterone in that room. The photos I just posted are of the family members leaving the clinic last night along with Dr. Mitchell in the middle and Dr. Vanessa on the left. We then had dinner last night together along with Dr. Blyweiss and Bill and Noke who are the clinic administrators.

Day 8 Eden

noreply@blogger.com (Dave LaMontagne) — Fri, 20 Apr 2007 21:10:00 +0000

Today is a day off for Dave, yet the clinic is in full gear with 7 bone marrow transplants. Dave is sitting up in a straight back chair wearing his running shirt and shorts, and we see that he is getting stronger and more able to sit up for longer times......he is getting worked out on a regular basis and does get tired from the work out, yet he is glad that he can exercise. He has a very positive attitude about his future...he is ready for rehab, nutrition and a new diet when he gets home. Dave sends his love to all. the next transplant will be on Sunday or Monday. Keep your emails and blogs coming, they are the highlight of his day.

Cindy and I might be getting addicted to Conch seviche...we have had it for every dinner since we've been here, except last night.....no conch available, oh no. So we got it for lunch today. It is absolutely great here.