Monday, February 19, 2007

Update # 95

Day Plus 69

Good Evening,

Our trip today was much faster than last Wednesday.  Weather was clear and traffic was none existent with President's Day.  We even had 2 - 3 inches of new snow Friday during the night.  

We were in and out of Siteman in 1 1/2 hours.  Dr. DiPersio was gone today due to a death in his family.  One of the associates filled in for him.  That one blood test from last week still shows that Jeff's blood is fighting against the "A" blood group.  So the shot (the one that bothers Jeff's legs) will have to be continued.  They discussed and agreed that the smaller dose given every two weeks will be acceptable.  That should help reduce the side effect of muscle aches in Jeff's legs.  Jeff says the legs are feeling better but he has not returned to walking laps at the fitness center yet.  The other blood counts were fine today and Jeff did not need any units of blood.  The anti-rejection level is right on course again.

The doctor referred to Jeff as a "poster boy" so far but stated that doesn't mean it will be clear sailing all the way.  There are still long months ahead but we are very thankful for each day with no major complications.

Jeff did have a little nausea on Saturday afternoon (after 5 1/2 weeks without any) and had to take an anti-nausea pill.  I had him stay home from church on Sunday just to be sure he wasn't having some trouble.  It must have been something he ate since he's had no more problems.

We took advantage of today's beautiful weather -- sun and mid-50's in StL.  We did a little shopping (not much since Jeff starting limping) and ate out.  

Last Spring, Ken and I had started planning how we were going to Waterloo this President's Day weekend and celebrate with Jeff.   Feb. 21, 2007 would be Jeff's 5-year anniversary from treatment of Hodgkin's -- we were going to celebrate a cure.  But life took Jeff down an unexpected difficult road.  We can't celebrate a cure just yet but we do give daily thanks for the miracles we see after this transplant.  God has helped Jeff and us by giving you as a support group.  We cannot continue without each of you.  We thank you all for your prayers and pray that maybe in December 2011 we can finally all celebrate that cure.

God's blessings,

Marcia