July 13, 2006

Update # 44

Hi,

Jeff had that second blood draw on Thursday the 6th.  He was called on Monday the 10th with the results -- no change.  That meant his white count was still low.  His platelets and red seemed to be ok.

They were concerned down at Costas and had a conference meeting today about Jeff.  Jeff spoke with Dr. Chu (we thought he retired 6-30 but it's 7-31) this afternoon.  They think maybe his bone marrow is not working properly.  This is a blood system related problem and NOT a malignancy.  This can be a side effect from the chemo.

Costas wants to do a bone marrow biopsy and a chromosome study.  They will also test some of Jeff's frozen stem cells at the same time.  That way they can determine what this really is.

Jeff's new doctor at Costas will be Brandon Triplett.  He did some work at Cardinal Glennon and then did some research at St. Jude's.  CG is thrilled to have him back replacing Dr. Chu.  Dr. Puetz, Jeff's long term dr., will continue to be part of Jeff's team.  Dr. Chu said he will also "stop by" -- as a friend.

Jeff hopes to have the testing done on Fri. Aug. 4th but needs to check with his boss tomorrow.  The new company took over July 1st and there have been some changes already. 

The results from the chromosome study will take at least 2 weeks so we probably won't know anything till the week of Aug. 21st.  I'll keep you informed when we know something.

So we again request your prayers during this time of uncertainty.  Thanks for being there for Jeff.

love,

Marcia