Monday, July 16, 2007

Update # 113

Day Plus 216

Good Evening,

My, it's been four weeks since I've had to write an update!  Life is good.

Jeff and I went to StL last Friday the 13th for his blood counts and port flush.  Things were on time and we were in and out pretty quickly.  We requested they just fax us the results later that day.  I had originally planned to write this update that night but things didn't work correctly with the fax and we did not receive it until today.

The red count continues to slowly rise.  The white count again also rose but remember they said that can fluctuate.  A couple of other counts have just now reached the normal range and we are thankful for that.  The liver level has changed and they feel it might be a symptom of Graft vs. Host.  Jeff has had a couple of other symptoms the last 2 weeks which they feel might also be Graft vs. Host.  So today the nurse practitioner felt Jeff should start taking Prednisone again.  

Jeff happens to be in Waterloo this week visiting friends and getting things lined up to move into his apartment.  He has not yet heard anything definite from his work but they are trying to arrange things to get him back.   Jeff was getting too anxious just sitting in Hillsboro and felt it was time to return north.  We pray things work out with the job and the move.   

Summer is passing far too quickly.  The last week of June, Ken and I met the Gestlands from Tulsa in Branson, MO for a few days of fun and relaxation.  We were happy to host the Rybkas from Dearborn, MI last week -- especially the Ted Drewes visits.  Our trip next week will, of course, be to Waterloo and help Jeff settle into his new place.

We continue to thank you for all your prayers.  They have helped us all tremendously.  This possible Graft vs. Host seems to have started early but the symptoms are mild and hopefully, the Prednisone will stop things from advancing.  Jeff looks well and feels pretty good.  He knows full strength is probably a year from transplant but he is ready to get on with his life.  It was a year ago this week when life took Jeff on this long detour.  God lead us to the right people at the right time and we praise and thank Him for His continued blessings.  

I'm not sure when I'll update again.  If things stay about the same, I won't need to email anything.  Jeff has an appointment with Dr. DiPersio in StL on August 20th but we hope to meet the oncologist in Waterloo next week.  Enjoy the rest of your summer.

love,

Marcia