Wednesday, September 6, 2006
Update # 55
Good Evening,
Jeff returned to CG this morning for his second round of chemo. We've learned the first round of Leukemia chemo is "induction" and this round is "consolidation". Dr. Gauvain (CG) and Dr. Dipersio (Barnes) decided this round will be short. Jeff will receive one kind of chemo twice a day for three days. Now the days will be alternated on day 1, 3, and 5. On day 6, Jeff will again begin the Neupogen shots to help boost his counts.
Jeff had 6 Neupogen shots last week and it did help to boost his counts. But his counts did not rise to the level that was originally wanted. The team discussed that their initial idea of Mylodisplasia (where the bone marrow was worn out from the Hodgkin's chemo) was still in the background with this Leukemia and that Jeff's counts might never rise until after the transplant.
This short consolidation round will continue to keep Jeff in remission until the time for the transplant. They are still thinking end of Oct, beginning of Nov. or mid-November.
They do not plan for Jeff to be in the hospital as long as last time. This chemo will produce high fevers so when he recovers and stabilizes he'll be able to return to Hillsboro. We figure he should be in CG a couple of weeks.
Jeff is in a regular room on the 4th floor. Ken caught up with the "boys" back in the Stem Cell Unit. Little Josh and Little Robbie are still there. Josh's transplant is scheduled for Oct. 11. Robbie is still recovering from his. Levi continues down in ICU and Ken did not get to talk with his mom. Ken will come home tomorrow afternoon and we'll meet at church after school for our picture for the church directory. Then I'll head to StL. I'll talk with Levi's mom and find out more about him. Then Ken and I will switch places again on Sunday afternoon.
So things are going pretty good. Just continue your prayers for this round of chemo. Jeff will be worn out by this time next week. We thank all of you for lifting him up each day to God.
love,
Marcia