Tuesday, April 3, 2007

Update # 104

Day Plus 112

Hi,

The nurse practitioner called this afternoon with the result of the anti-rejection med level.  Even with doubling the medicine, it only rose one point.  That did make it into the low end of "normal" but they just weren't comfortable with things.

Bone marrow patients don't necessarily have fevers (like with the pneumonia) and since Jeff had some fatigue and reduced appetite that apparently wasn't related to a high medicine level, they are concerned there may be an infection somewhere.  

The nurse practitioner called our family doctor and had him request a couple of blood cultures from our local hospital lab.  Then she called our pharmacy and prescribed an antibiotic that began tonight.  She also wants Jeff to return to StL next Monday, the 9th for more blood work and cultures.

They still feel it is important for Jeff to visit Iowa but stressed to watch for any changes.  I had already packed his two medical binders with all his information and the necessary phone numbers for Barnes.

Jeff has perked up a little since his unit of blood yesterday.  The result on that antibody test (the one that tells about his blood fighting the donor's blood) probably won't be in until tomorrow.

So I'll let you know about things next Monday night.  Stay warm -- we're dropping down to the 40's again!  Enjoy a Glorious Easter.

love,

Marcia