September 8, 2001

Update # 5 

Good Morning, 

We had a pretty quiet week medical wise after the blood transfusion.  Just usual routine of Neupogen shots finished the 2nd.  Regular Bactrim the three days and daily Zantac. 

Dianne from Heartland just kind of checked in on Wednesday for basic vitals.  

Jeff wanted to go with the band to the Witt parade on Monday.  It was to be cool so we agreed only if he did not go early with the band.  We'd drive him over to meet them later and he could walk with them.  We told him our usual spot in case someone needed to get us.  We dropped him off, drove to a spot and walked to our place.  It was much hotter than they had said it was going to be.  Later when the band started coming around the corner, we did not see Jeff.  One of the moms marching with water stopped and said Jeff was riding in the van with the instrument trailer.  Of course when he came by, he kept his head straight and didn't look our way.  Guess that wouldn't have been cool!! 

He went to school Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday all day.  It was warm in some rooms.  His computer classes are air conditioned (naturally) so that helped some.  The last hour of each day he sat in the counselor's office.  Band was outside some days and choir room is too hot.  He either did homework or helped the secretary. 

Yesterday was an interesting day.  We got to CG at 8:00 for the x-ray.  It showed NO change.  No one had expected that.  Chu decided to put in a Broviac because disease was still there.  CBC showed counts are fine for chemo to begin Monday the 10th.  Chu told the surgeon to biopsy some more nodes on the left side of the neck.  (We told Jeff now he won't to lopsided with just a scar on the right side.)  We'll get results of that on Monday.  This third course of chemo will remain the same to be ready for the stem cell harvest on Sept. 24.  The biopsy will help to determine the future.  So BIG prayers this weekend.  The preliminary bone marrow showed negative again.  Full results on Tuesday or Wednesday.  Jeff's feeling pretty good with really no pain.  The Broviac has 2 lumens so  it's like flushing 2 PIC lines.  They want it to heal well so no showers for 2 to 3 weeks - only baths. 

Ken left for his reunion and Steve and Cathy pulled in about 11 minutes after we got home.  Of course they had stopped at Ted Drewes to we had some for dessert.  Steve ate all of his so he can watch the three of us eat ours today!! 

Guess that's it for now.  Keep praying so those miracles happen.  Thanks for love and support. 

Love,

Marcia