Monday, April 2, 2007
Update # 103
Day Plus 111
Good Evening,
Even though it is Holy Week, Ken was able to take Jeff to StL for his afternoon Labs and blood. I needed to work today to give the kids their practice achievement test to be ready for the actual tests when we return from Easter break.
Siteman was running behind again plus there was a problem with one of the machines in the Lab. Jeff's counts were pretty good again today. They stayed close to where they were last week. It was discussed having Jeff wait another week for blood but they finally decided to give him only one unit of blood today. Jeff's original time for the blood transfusion was 1:30 but with the problems it ended up being 5:00 PM. Thank goodness it was only one unit or Jeff and Ken would still be there!
Last week when the anti-rejection medicine level was low, Jeff had a little vomiting and diarrhea for a couple of days. We figured it might be some GVHD. Then when they upped his dosage, he started sleeping a lot more these last 4 days. Not as badly as that weekend before Christmas when he was still in the hospital, but we guess the medicine is now above the normal range. We should get a phone call tomorrow with the level and assume a new dosage amount will be given.
They will also tell us that antibody level but we figure it should be about the same, if not lower, since Jeff's blood counts basically stayed the same.
Now the reason they went ahead and gave Jeff one unit of blood today is he and I are heading to Iowa for a few days. We will leave this Wednesday the 4th and return on Saturday the 7th. Jeff has already contacted KWWL and everyone is anxious to see him. But not as anxious as he is to be in that building again and see his friends! He also hopes to stop by the apartment complex and talk with his manager. I think there are plans to get together with some Wartburg College friends. I'm taking plenty of books to read plus I'll do a little shopping at the mall.
Jeff's next appointment is Friday the 13th. Since this appointment was more than a week from today, it also helped in the decision making to give Jeff the one unit of blood today. Jeff will first see the cardiologist for his six-month check-up. Then he'll do his regular Lab, nurse practitioner, and possible blood.
Oh, I forgot to mention in last week's update, that as of Day 100, we no longer need to record twice daily temperatures and fluid intakes. Before I leave for school, I wake Jeff for his thyroid pill and I still take a morning temp just to be sure nothing is happening.
So, medicine levels are in an adjustment period but we hope it all has to do with Jeff's blood not trying to fight the donor's blood. Jeff's goal is to return to Waterloo mid-June and resume work the beginning of July. Dr. DiPersio says it's a good goal but will, of course, not agree to it just yet. He still wants that blood to "flip".
Thank you again for all your continued prayers and support. God has been walking the road with us through all of this, and the road is very special this Holy Week as we look to the joy of His resurrection. Have a Blessed Easter.
love,
Marcia