August 17, 2001

Update #2

Good Morning, 

This week's update is Friday, not Saturday.  

Things starting "moving" again for Jeff on Sunday morning.  He felt much better for when Mike and family came in later that day.  Felt even better when they brought Ted Drewes with them!!  

Monday brought another blood count - white count at 39,500.  Things are on schedule for the second round of chemo.  Monday also brought major hair loss.  It bugged him all day so in the shower that night he rubbed and rubbed and had me clean the drain 3 times.  

Tuesday he had Amy shave his head but you can still see a tiny bit.  He feels much better without that irritation of hair on him.  

We all enjoyed our visit with Mike, JoAnn, Brandon and Trevor.  They left Tuesday morning to return home. 

Wednesday was a pretty quiet day.  Jeff still has that constant stomach pain.  Maybe the doctor can do something or it just may be there for the entire time.  We'll find out soon. 

Thursday, Jeff wanted to go uptown for the Old Settlers Kiddie parade and walk through and see everything in the morning.  About every 2 feet he was stopped and asked how he was doing.  Last night we went again only to sit outside church to watch the big parade.  The band got new embroidered shirts and Jeff picked his up on Tuesday so he could wear it to the parade.  He also got a water soaker and when the band came by, he "got" Mr. DalPazzo, the director.  Not enough to affect his grade but Jeff did make him laugh. 

Jeff and I leave at 8:30 for Cardinal Glennon for the beginning of chemo round 2 - right on schedule.  The doctor will take an x-ray to compare with the July 26th one. 

Ken will come down after work.  I'll find out there if I get in the Ronald McDonald house for tonight.  We thought we should get the paper work started in case we need it some time later and quickly.  The hospital gets the ball rolling the first time, then we can call and get in ourselves.  Ken will stay with Jeff tonight.  When Ken goes home on Sat. then I'll stay in the hospital.  We hope to be home again by Noon on Sunday. 

I figure the next update will be Sat. the 25th.  We'll have finished the whole week of chemo plus the beginning of school.  Thanks for the continued thoughts and prayers.  

Love,

Marcia