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David Quessenberry Out/Back In

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Quessenberry: Team is best medicine
David Quessenberry worked out at NRG Stadium Wednesday and Texans TV caught up with the tackle.
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Vance87 said:
Quessenberry's never-ending fight

Inside Houston Texans lineman David Quessenberry's battle with lymphoma
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Quessenberry... had a big meal last night at Prima Pasta, a nearby Italian restaurant.

"We call it the last supper," [his mother] Maureen says pleasantly.

It is Quessenberry's last meal before chemo changes his taste buds again. A book by Giants linebacker Mark Herzlich taught Quessenberry that it's a bad idea to eat any foods you like during chemotherapy treatments, lest you ruin those foods forever...
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She picks up a rock painted like a ladybug. They call it the warrior bug. Quessenberry's girlfriend, a gymnast at San Jose State, made it for him. During spinal taps, a process in which a large needle draws fluid from his spine, he'd hold the warrior bug tightly.

Sometimes, especially at night, Quessenberry unplugs the tree of life and takes the elevator up to the indoor observation deck. It's a room with a 360-degree view of the hospital's surroundings. To the north sits the Houston Zoo and, farther in the distance, the glittering skyscrapers of downtown. To the south, NRG Stadium is the most visible building, with its letters shining brightly in the distance...
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"It's really a unique feeling," Quessenberry said of chemo. "It wipes you out. Makes you feel toxic."
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Playoffs, thanks for posting this follow up! Rep coming your way.

Treatment for non-Hogkins acute lymphoblastic lymphoma is a long and hard road, especially when not caught until advanced. In order to have any real semblance of success, many times an 8 drug regimen of treatment must be maintained through a 2 year period. Even with this, if a remission is accomplished, the recurrence rate within a year or two of treatment is quite high. Radiation to the chest (mediastinum) is usually necessary to combat the tumor typically found at diagnosis. The drug methotrexate, delivered directly into the spinal fluid, is usually included to try to prophylactically protect or treat the brain and spinal cord from involvement.

All of these drugs are heavy duty and have very real and severe potential toxicities to the kidneys, liver, lungs and bone marrow. During treatment, these patients' immunities are also severely depressed with the ever present worry of severe infections which can be extremely difficult to treat. All of the above treatment factors in themselves lend the patient to high morbidity and mortality.

My prayers continue to go out to David......for a total cure......but more realistically, for a significant remission.
 
CloakNNNdagger said:
Playoffs, thanks for posting this follow up! Rep coming your way.

Treatment for non-Hogkins acute lymphoblastic lymphoma is a long and hard road, especially when not caught until advanced. In order to have any real semblance of success, many times an 8 drug regimen of treatment must be maintained through a 2 year period. Even with this, if a remission is accomplished, the recurrence rate within a year or two of treatment is quite high. Radiation to the chest (mediastinum) is usually necessary to combat the tumor typically found at diagnosis. The drug methotrexate, delivered directly into the spinal fluid, is usually included to try to prophylactically protect or treat the brain and spinal cord from involvement.

All of these drugs are heavy duty and have very real and severe potential toxicities to the kidneys, liver, lungs and bone marrow. During treatment, these patients' immunities are also severely depressed with the ever present worry of severe infections which can be extremely difficult to treat. All of the above treatment factors in themselves lend the patient to high morbidity and mortality.

My prayers continue to go out to David......for a total cure......but more realistically, for a significant remission.
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Doc am I not correct in saying radiation destroys the red blood count also leading to fatigue and damage to organs including brain due to loss of oxygen in blood? Also radiation can lead to cancer also. Years ago I assisted a lady applying for disability & her cervical cancer went into admission but she became extremely anemic with frequent transfusions and her cervix was decimated. She was denied on cancer but I was able to get her approved based on her anemia and total body weight loss. A truly remarkable woman who continued to make home made tamales for her neighbors as soon after chemo and radiations as she could stand.
 
badboy said:
Doc am I not correct in saying radiation destroys the red blood count also leading to fatigue and damage to organs including brain due to loss of oxygen in blood? Also radiation can lead to cancer also. Years ago I assisted a lady applying for disability & her cervical cancer went into admission but she became extremely anemic with frequent transfusions and her cervix was decimated. She was denied on cancer but I was able to get her approved based on her anemia and total body weight loss. A truly remarkable woman who continued to make home made tamales for her neighbors as soon after chemo and radiations as she could stand.
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You are indeed correct. If radiation is diffuse enough, especially to the bone marrow, red blood cell production can be very adversely affected. White blood cells may also be destroyed leading to immune problem and inability to fight infections.

Radiation can not only kill cells.........but those not killed may be caused to mutate (ala people exposed to the radiation of the A-bomb in Hiroshima)........and these mutations of abnormal cells to replicate abnormally fast are essentially the process of cancer production. Patients in general that have radiation to treat their cancers (even when entirely curative), have a very significant risk of later also developing a second different type of cancer.

BTW, Badboy, I meant to mention this to you when you originally posted re. your brother in this post:

badboy said:
I was just going to post similar info, thanks Doc. Folks this does not sound good especially with him saying chest cold symptoms which could mean metastases to lungs/stomach. This is the type cancer my younger brother died of 1998. Mike thought it was a sore throat & put off going to doctor until I got involved. Diagnosed in February, dies in August as it advanced very quickly. Hopefully treatment has advanced as chemo offered little for my brother. His last couple months were terrible.
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In the case of this type of lymphoma, these symptoms of cough and shortness of breath (mimicking cold symptoms) are not actually usually the result of lung metastasis. They classically are the result of a tumor mass of the lymphoma developing in a lymphoid node-like organ called the thymus gland (Fig below). It lies behind the breast bone (sternum) and in front of the windpipe (trachea). As it grows in this confined space, it begins pressing harder and harder against the fairly flexible windpipe, reflexly causing coughing, and shortness of breath and a feeling of choking as it compromises/decreases the caliber of the windpipe.

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[The overlying breastbone and rib cage are not illustrated in the Fig above]
 
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David Quessenberry ‏@DavidQberry
This man Stuart Scott guided me and gave inspiration during some of my darkest days fighting this disease. He was in a dog fight with cancer for a long time and battled with amazing courage, grace, and tenacity. His words will always motivate me and his fighting spirit will push me to never stop.

Rest in Peace Stuart and know that you made a difference in my life.
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Keep up the good fight, DQ!

:logo:
 
CloakNNNdagger said:
You are indeed correct. If radiation is diffuse enough, especially to the bone marrow, red blood cell production can be very adversely affected. White blood cells may also be destroyed leading to immune problem and inability to fight infections.

Radiation can not only kill cells.........but those not killed may be caused to mutate (ala people exposed to the radiation of the A-bomb in Hiroshima)........and these mutations of abnormal cells to replicate abnormally fast are essentially the process of cancer production. Patients in general that have radiation to treat their cancers (even when entirely curative), have a very significant risk of later also developing a second different type of cancer.

BTW, Badboy, I meant to mention this to you when you originally posted re. your brother in this post:



In the case of this type of lymphoma, these symptoms of cough and shortness of breath (mimicking cold symptoms) are not actually usually the result of lung metastasis. They classically are the result of a tumor mass of the lymphoma developing in a lymphoid node-like organ called the thymus gland (Fig below). It lies behind the breast bone (sternum) and in front of the windpipe (trachea). As it grows in this confined space, it begins pressing harder and harder against the fairly flexible windpipe, reflexly causing coughing, and shortness of breath and a feeling of choking as it compromises/decreases the caliber of the windpipe.

thymus-gland-and-spleen-by-mohammad-mufarreh-3-638.jpg


[The overlying breastbone and rib cage are not illustrated in the Fig above]
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I didn't realize DQ had cancer of the Thymus Gland . That's what my Dad had .
 
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We can send a man to the moon, but we can't find a way to treat cancer that doesn't poison the body? I'm not sure which is worse. The disease or the "cure". Call me skeptical, but huge phrama doesn't want a cure or a better/more natural alternative. Follow the money.

In any case, praying for DQ strong.
 
I am skeptical about how long it is taking to find a cure for cancer but that's just me. Yes, I know cancer treatment is much better than it used to be but still can get better.
 
Big Pharma's answer to cancer is akin to burning down the entire forest because one tree has termites.
 
gary said:
I am skeptical about how long it is taking to find a cure for cancer but that's just me. Yes, I know cancer treatment is much better than it used to be but still can get better.
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In an oversimplified nutshell, the reason is because it has just recently been discovered that MOST cancers (lymphomas such as DQ's included) are created by a mutation in stem cell division. Stem cells are the base "unspecialized" cell that divides and differentiates to initially form and subsequently repair the various specialized types of tissues in our bodies (i.e., tendon, ligaments, bone, organs, skin, etc.). So it now makes sense that the more divisions that these base stem cells undergo, the more chance they have to encounter a mutation...........and it explains why most cancer is so much more common in older individuals, as these individuals have had a cumulative experience of billions and billions of stem cell divisions in their lifetime.......each division carrying its own individual risk of mutation.

You might remember, I posted in some of the injury threads, that many scientists and physicians have had very strong concerns that stem cell therapy, such as injections into injured tendons and ligaments, could translate into the creation of a cancer.............this is why.
 
CloakNNNdagger said:
In an oversimplified nutshell, the reason is because it has just recently been discovered that MOST cancers (lymphomas such as DQ's included) are created by a mutation in stem cell division. Stem cells are the base "unspecialized" cell that divides and differentiates to initially form and subsequently repair the various specialized types of tissues in our bodies (i.e., tendon, ligaments, bone, organs, skin, etc.). So it now makes sense that the more divisions that these base stem cells undergo, the more chance they have to encounter a mutation...........and it explains why most cancer is so much more common in older individuals, as these individuals have had a cumulative experience of billions and billions of stem cell divisions in their lifetime.......each division carrying its own individual risk of mutation.

You might remember, I posted in some of the injury threads, that many scientists and physicians have had very strong concerns that stem cell therapy, such as injections into injured tendons and ligaments, could translate into the creation of a cancer.............this is why.
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MSR

Great info
 
So Chris Myers is out at Texas Childrens Hospital visiting those kids going through things kids should never have to endure...

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Toro made an appearance along with Coach O'Brien...

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Ryan Mallett joins in... still wearing Texans gear(!!!)

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And look who else took the time to lighten the load of these TCH kids...

None other than David Quessenberry, who is so immuno-compromised himself that he needs to wear a mask to protect himself...

Freaking DQStrong, man!

[IMGwidthsize=400]https://pbs.twimg.com/media/B-ttgFfUEAAneSb.jpg[/IMG]

:clap:
 
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David Quessenberry ‏@DavidQberry
I'm officially in remission. Man I love saying that!
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Yes!!! :doot:

Drew Dougherty @DoughertyDrew
On personal side of things, Quessenberry's happy his hair is starting to grow back, and that he can eat BBQ again.

Daivd Quessenberry said he's doing daily training. "Every day I feel myself getting stronger."
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MistaRed said:
DQ said he's in remission and he plans on playing this year.
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CloakNNNdagger said:
???
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Yeah I don't buy him playing this year. 99.99% certainty that he will not

The other .01% is reserved just in case Thorn gets his interstellar phone working and calls in a few favors...

I'm very happy for him and hope he continues to improve, hopefully 2016 he will see some playing time, but it ain't gonna happen in 2015
 
Playoffs said:
I don't care if he ever plays for us,

I just hope he lives to be an old man.
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Ditto!

MistaRed said:
DQ said he's in remission and he plans on playing this year.
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Just an explanation of why I questioned the return statement presented above. His particular type of non Hodgkins lymphoma is not the type that is typical. His is a fairly rare form that is typically much more aggressive and usually caught in advanced stage that has already metastasized from the lymph nodes to organs. Most recurrences occur within the 1st 2 years following diagnosis. Many physicians, for that reason, with maintain chemotherapy during this period of time in order to lessen the chance for recurrence. During chemotherapy, patients are usually instructed to avoid heavy stress activities (including any but light weight lifting), contact sports and any activities that can lead to dehydration...........all restrictions being incompatible with football.
 
Really glad for David and nice to see the Texans out in the community.

On this topic (a bit off topic) anyone know where and how you can volunteer at hospitals like this? Granted I'm not famous but are their opportunities for you to just hang out with patients, especially kids?
 
CloakNNNdagger said:
Ditto!



Just an explanation of why I questioned the return statement presented above. His particular type of non Hodgkins lymphoma is not the type that is typical. His is a fairly rare form that is typically much more aggressive and usually caught in advanced stage that has already metastasized from the lymph nodes to organs. Most recurrences occur within the 1st 2 years following diagnosis. Many physicians, for that reason, with maintain chemotherapy during this period of time in order to lessen the chance for recurrence. During chemotherapy, patients are usually instructed to avoid heavy stress activities (including any but light weight lifting), contact sports and any activities that can lead to dehydration...........all restrictions being incompatible with football.
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So in most cases of a player coming back too soon, the risk is potential arthritic issues, potential tissue damage, or other things that a GM and medical staff may not lose sleep over. In this case, the risk is recurrence of cancer.

I sincerely hope that no pressure from the Texans organization is influencing this decision.
 
By the way, good post Playoffs. It's nice to see leaders from the team donating their time, including Mallet.

I believe this is the hospital where O'Brien spends time with this son. Someone correct me if I'm wrong. I'm too sleepy to google.
 
Playoffs said:
So Chris Myers is out at Texas Childrens Hospital visiting those kids going through things kids should never have to endure...
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My wife and I used to work at MD Anderson. Some heartbreaking things in that place.

The good thing about the kids is that they can bounce back better than most of the older patients. But some of those kids are in such sad shape and they're all so brave.

That's just a rough place to walk around.

Made my wife give up smoking.
 
The Pencil Neck said:
My wife and I used to work at MD Anderson. Some heartbreaking things in that place.

The good thing about the kids is that they can bounce back better than most of the older patients. But some of those kids are in such sad shape and they're all so brave.

That's just a rough place to walk around.

Made my wife give up smoking.
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I work my extra job as a police officer/security at St. Lukes Hosp. and periodically see the kids from Texas Childrens Hosp. on the 1st floor, usually when their parent wheel them into McDonalds. When I see parents are pulling a plastic wagon with a 2-5 yrs. old bald kid wearing a hospital gown and have 2 I.V. polls on the wagon with lines running into each arm and an oxygen bottle in the wagon with the tube that goes around their ears and under the nose it's everything I can do not to cry. I've seen so many of these kids though that just light up with a huge smile when they realize they're being allowed to go to McDonalds and they can have chicken nuggets or an ice cream cone for the first time in a long time. It breaks my heart but then I realize that these kids are so much stronger than I am. God bless them.
 
The Pencil Neck said:
My wife and I used to work at MD Anderson. Some heartbreaking things in that place.

The good thing about the kids is that they can bounce back better than most of the older patients. But some of those kids are in such sad shape and they're all so brave.

That's just a rough place to walk around.

Made my wife give up smoking.
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My wife's worked at MD Anderson for about 13 years and you're right, just painfully heartbreaking. She works in the Admin building, but has to work with the doctors all the time. I recently visited after an appointment with my cardio at St. Lukes and left wondering (again) why the good Lord would allow young innocent kids to have to go through such pain.

Obviously I want the best for Q, but I also want him to succeed on the field too. Imo, he would've won a starting spot that season had he not been diagnosed. I know he'd love to get back to where he was if not better. I'm looking forward to keeping up with his progress.
 
This is smaller than volunteering at one of the hospitals but something to consider...

If you have tickets you aren't going to use, thinking about giving to acquaintances just to find them a home, etc. the Texans have a program to donate them. Families who are down in the medical center have a drawing when tickets are donated. 1st time we did it, a couple who had been living down there for about 3 months with their young son in the hospital got a night out coincidentally when we were playing the husband's favorite team and it was his birthday. Small thing to lift them in a difficult time.
 
infantrycak said:
This is smaller than volunteering at one of the hospitals but something to consider...

If you have tickets you aren't going to use, thinking about giving to acquaintances just to find them a home, etc. the Texans have a program to donate them. Families who are down in the medical center have a drawing when tickets are donated. 1st time we did it, a couple who had been living down there for about 3 months with their young son in the hospital got a night out coincidentally when we were playing the husband's favorite team and it was his birthday. Small thing to lift them in a difficult time.
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Wow! I did not know this. Thanks, I'm going to spread the word to those I know.
 
infantrycak said:
This is smaller than volunteering at one of the hospitals but something to consider...

If you have tickets you aren't going to use, thinking about giving to acquaintances just to find them a home, etc. the Texans have a program to donate them. Families who are down in the medical center have a drawing when tickets are donated. 1st time we did it, a couple who had been living down there for about 3 months with their young son in the hospital got a night out coincidentally when we were playing the husband's favorite team and it was his birthday. Small thing to lift them in a difficult time.
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msr

That's an awesome idea. Thanks for bringing that to people's attention.
 
Brisco_County said:
So in most cases of a player coming back too soon, the risk is potential arthritic issues, potential tissue damage, or other things that a GM and medical staff may not lose sleep over. In this case, the risk is recurrence of cancer.

I sincerely hope that no pressure from the Texans organization is influencing this decision.
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The recurrence of cancer is probably the greatest fear, but because chemotherapy produces significant general compromise of the immune system, infections such as pneumonia, or exposure to viruses that the body cannot combat, or sepsis from even minor wounds can be catastrophic.
 
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