Monday, January 29, 2007

Update # 92

Day Plus 48

Good Evening,

Another long day was spent at Siteman and it looks as if we might be having these kinds of days for a while.  We arrived at 7:20 AM and left about 3:40 PM.

We were Dr. DiPersio's first patient of the day and our meeting went pretty well.  He decided Jeff would not need the unit of antibodies.  The anti-rejection medicine level remained the same so the dosage stays the same again.

The two extra blood tests from last week showed that one was negative for causing the red blood problem but the second test showed there is, not a lot but a little bit of, an antibody working against the new "A" blood group.  Jeff had that one unit of blood plus the shot last Wednesday and his red count today basically stayed the same.  So Jeff was given 2 units of blood today.  Dr. DiPersio is not sure how long it will take for this red blood issue to resolve.  He said it could be a month or two or it could take up to 9 months.  So the next few appointments will probably include Jeff receiving 2 units of blood.  There is a drug that is different from the shot Jeff has received that could possibly be used in the future for this problem.  Dr. DiPersio wants to wait and see if Jeff's body will just work itself into producing the new "A" red cells.  The white cells and the platelets seem to be doing fine.

Jeff still has some trouble with his right leg when he walks at the track.  He only does a few laps then has to rest before doing more laps.  Dr. DiPersio ordered a Doppler today on the leg to check for blood clots.  It should take a couple of days to get that result.

Dr. DiPersio was very pleased with Jeff's progress overall.  Jeff's strength is fairly good, appetite is fine, and there are no major complications.  We are always happy to see the doctor's smile and hear those words of satisfaction.

We know some of you are equally going through rough times and thank you for continually keeping us in your prayers.  Each of you are in our daily prayers.  May God richly bless and protect us all.

love,

Marcia