Wednesday, January 17, 2007

Update # 90

Day Plus 36

Good Evening,

"No Acute Leukemia Seen" were the words on the bone marrow biopsy report!!!  This first part of the result was already back today and means Jeff is in remission.  Barnes will call when the other result comes back with the percentage that the donor has taken over Jeff's marrow.

Jeff's counts were again up and down.  The shot from last week for his red count has not yet begun to work.  They said it could take 2 weeks to work and it's possible he might need a shot every couple of weeks.  

The anti-rejection medicine level had lowered but was still higher than they want it to be.  Again, the dosage was cut in half.  So Jeff is taking a very low dose once a day.  Since this medicine level had gone down, the level on the kidneys had also gone down.  They had figured that would happen.  It's back in the normal range but up just a little high.

One more test result should be in by tomorrow.  They checked Jeff's immune system to see if he might need a unit of antibodies.  Remember he received one of those when he had Sepsis back in September.  Depending on the level, he could receive a unit once a month for up to six months.

We had to be at Siteman early this morning but it was worth hearing the nurse practitioner say how well Jeff is doing.  "He's a poster boy", she said.  Jeff's taste buds are definitely returning since he has been eating and drinking much better these last few days.

Since we finished at Siteman fairly early, we stopped by Costas at CG for a social visit.  Jeff was able to see Dr. Gauvain. the nurses and other doctors who have been instrumental in his life since 2001.  They were all so pleased to see how well Jeff looks and how well he is doing at this point in his recovery.  Little Josh happened to be there for a check up and he's also doing great.  Levi was transferred from CG yesterday to a rehab center and is doing remarkably well.  Your prayers have also helped those boys.

A college friend of Jeff's came down from Iowa over this past long weekend.  They enjoyed catching up on things.  We were inside most of the weekend since we had some ice but nothing like our last storm.  We all had fun with one of Jeff's Christmas presents -- 2006 StL Cardinals World Series Monopoly game.

Jeff again has an early appointment next Wednesday the 24th with the nurse practitioner.  I'll update on him that evening.

We wish you could all see the smiles of these professionals as they continue to track Jeff's progress.  This is exactly what we prayed for and we know all your prayers have been the power behind it.  Jeff's road is still long and uncertain but it is getting shorter each day.  We thank God you take time to raise Jeff up in your daily prayers.  God has blessed us with all of you as friends.

love,

Marcia