Tuesday, September 12, 2006
Update # 56
Good Evening,
Jeff returned to Hillsboro at 2:15 this afternoon. Your prayers worked wonders again. Jeff had no fevers at all with this short round of chemo. He had 3 headaches on various days and some leg cramps one morning. So Dr. Gauvain said he could leave. Of course, the chemo will continue to be working in his body and we have to watch for any late side effects. She wants to see Jeff this Friday the 15th at Costas. She figures his counts will be lower and just wants to check on him.
I will not have to give Jeff any Neupogen shots this time. A newer derivative drug of Neupogen called Neulasta was given to Jeff this morning 24 hours after his last dose of chemo. Neulasta is a time release shot that will stay in his body till his counts begin to rise on their own. Then the Neulasta just gets "eaten" up as his body recovers.
The 4th floor at CG was completely full plus everyone seemed to have some other complication such as a virus or pneumonia. Jeff was the "healthy" one and the weekend doctor called him "The Poster Boy" for the floor. Back in the Stem Cell Unit both Josh and Robbie are in total isolation since they have a virus. Josh's transplant for Oct. 11 has been cancelled because of it and he will probably now need a 3rd round of chemo also. Levi down in ICU is progressing well these last few days. Thanks for praying for all of them.
Dr. Gauvain will want to see Jeff once a week and Heartland Home Health will also be returning to check in on him. If Jeff has no complications, we think Jeff might be able to stay in Hillsboro till time for the transplant. Jeff's next appointment with Dr. DiPersio from Barnes is Oct. 23rd. We hope he can then give us an actual date for the transplant.
Ken commented that he had an eerie experience Monday morning. Ken recalled that 5 years ago he was also in the elevator going down to breakfast when he first heard about the plane hitting the Pentagon. Who would have thought that Jeff would again be getting a round of chemo on 9-11.
Well, we are thankful that this stay was a short 6 nights and so far no problem side effects. Jeff also received a boost today when he received a package from KWWL. The crew had ordered new shirts earlier in the summer and they finally came in. Plus there were a few extra things tucked in the box. Everyone at the station had signed an extra shirt with get well wishes for Jeff along with a Cardinal hat and Rams shirt. His grin went from ear to ear when he read their letter and saw the shirt. Your prayers help each day get him closer to going back home to Iowa to the job he loves. God listens to all of you and we appreciate the time you take to remember Jeff.
love,
Marcia