July 31, 2006
Update # 47
Good Evening,
Jeff's last dose of the 10-day chemo was about 9:15 tonight. Yeah!!! Now we wait for the next bone marrow biopsy on August 7th. We pray for a remission and that his counts to begin to rise.
His platelet count has fallen more so he received a pint of platelets on the 29th and then another pint of platelets this morning.
The mouth sores began on Saturday so Jeff started using a special rinse. So far he has no pain with them.
A fever of 102.8 popped up on Saturday evening. They started an antifungal medication which sent him into chills. Two blankets and the heat lamp turned on above his bed still did not stop the shivering. So before the next dose, they gave Jeff some Demerol. It helped the medicine go in fine but he certainly got loopy. Ken and I had to snicker when he tried to talk!
They are watching Jeff's kidneys so they have cut back on one of the antibiotics and stopped the antifungal med after those 2 doses.
Sunday morning when I opened the window blinds, I saw a car had crashed through the front fence of the hospital on Grand. One of the mothers in another room had heard the noise, looked out and saw someone crawl out of the car and run away. So we guessed it must have been a stolen car that someone had taken for a joy ride.
Jeff noticed some hair loss in the shower and also commented his beard is not as heavy. Little Josh's mom said she noticed Josh had some hairs on his bed too. Jeff thinks he'll have his head shaved on Wednesday.
Well, the second highlight of today (last chemo was # 1) was FOX 2 News anchor Tom O'Neil came by to visit Jeff this morning. He does some work with Basket of Hope since his son died from Leukemia in 1987. A reporter also came along to visit plus a camera crew was there to film part of their time together. Tom and the reporter stayed after the camera crew left and talked with Jeff for a while. They discussed Jeff's situation and then talked TV things.
Before Tom left, I reminded him of almost 40 years ago when he attended the high school prom at Sweet Springs. He was attending college at Mizzou when my friend Greg brought him down as a blind date for one of the girls. Small world!!!
I'm home doing some laundry and getting ready for my work day at school tomorrow. A fifth lady from our Wednesday Bible Study group can't help unpack boxes but she's fixing lunch for the five of us. How super!
Ken will come home Wednesday to get things started for Sunday church. He does want to be back at CG Friday afternoon when Len, our best man who now lives in Rockford, comes to visit Jeff.
We contacted Jeff's physician, dentist, and endocrinologist in Waterloo today and updated them on Jeff's situation. Cardinal Glennon has already faxed Jeff's thyroid count to his endocrinologist and they will work together during this time.
Ken also has things lined up for the "POD" for Jeff's apartment. Ken plans to drive to Waterloo either the 9th or 10th and start some cleaning. Michael (my brother) and his family will come from Chicago on the 11th to help pack all weekend. Then (with the help of some Waterloo people) load the POD on the 14th -- not sure of what time. Ken and Haupts will then return to Hillsboro with one of them driving Jeff's car.
The doctors seem pleased with the way things are going. His right arm and back are still red but looking better. One of the other doctors is covering for Jeff's doc since she is on a tropical beach this week. She told Jeff she'd be back before his bone marrow biopsy on the 7th.
We all thank you for the gifts, cards, calls, emails, visits, and especially the prayers. Those of you who are being tested for bone marrow -- another big thanks. Maybe Jeff will be a little more responsive these next few days without those drugs. He really does appreciate your contacting him. Your love and support is felt by us all. God bless.
love,
Marcia