Friday, September 1, 2006
Update # 54
Good Evening,
Some of you have been asking about an update on Ken. The end of this month will be a year since his prostate cancer surgery. He is doing very well. Ken was to have an appointment with the urologist on 8-21 but explained Jeff's situation and cancelled. Ken did have his 3-month PSA test done and then spoke with the office to find out the count is right where it belongs. If you remember, Ken's goal was to be ready for that youth gathering in San Antonio last July. He did well most of the time, but had to sit and rest occasionally. Thanks for your continued prayers for Ken.
For those of you who were not on Jeff's Hodgkin's list of updates, let me explain a couple of things. The Bob Costas Center is the hematology/oncology out-patient part of Cardinal Glennon Hospital. Jeff had most of his chemo there in 2001 and that is where he continued to see doctors every six months. If someone is in-patient, then that group of patients is located on the 4th floor.
So last Monday the 28th, Jeff and Ken went to Costas for the bone marrow test. Dr. Gauvain said that from her preliminary look, cells were beginning to come back and things looked good. Today, we got the official report -- Jeff IS in remission. We were thrilled!!! Jeff's infection fighting cells were also slowly coming back on their own. His red count was borderline so as long as Jeff was there, Dr. Gauvain decided to give him one unit of blood.
Dr. Dipersio from Barnes had wanted Jeff to start Neupogen shots. Those will raise his white count quicker. I gave them to Jeff during Hodgkin's but with Leukemia, Dr. Gauvain had wanted to wait and let Jeff's white cells start on their own. So after the bone marrow test, Jeff began daily Neupogen shots.
When Heartland Home Health came yesterday for the CBC, Jeff's infection fighting count quadrupled. Of course, it was so low that it still is nowhere near where they need it to be.
Since Costas is closed Monday for Labor Day, Jeff will not need to go down. Dr. Gauvain wants Heartland to do another CBC here on Tuesday the 5th. She'll then see the counts and decide about Jeff's second round of chemo. Ken commented that she may do a very short course for this second round to keep Jeff in remission till time for the transplant.
We heard from Barnes Hospital on Wednesday the 30th that the National Marrow Foundation approved Jeff's financial grant. We figure it will be a month before we know more about donor matches.
The 3 of us have enjoyed these 10 days that Jeff has been here. We ordered a second HEPA filter for the family room downstairs. Jeff spends a majority of time there and it's easier than carrying the one from his bedroom down the steps. So both places that he uses the most are continually being filtered.
I know that Dr. Gauvain was very concerned about getting Jeff in remission in that first round of chemo. I knew all you people who were praying for him and how your prayers worked a miracle in 2001 with his Hodgkin's and that you would be just as fervent this time. Thank you for this step of the Leukemia process. Please continue those prayers because Jeff still has a long road ahead of him -- before and after transplant. Jeff is thankful for your love and concern. He truly is doing well -- physically and mentally. God bless each of you.
love,
Marcia