Friday, September 15, 2006

Update # 57

Hi,

Jeff and I had a long day at Costas.  We arrived at 9:30 AM and left at 5:00 PM.  The CBC showed Jeff's counts were down like we expected.  His platelets were extremely low so he received one unit of them plus 2 units of blood.  Dr. Gauvain was still pleased with how well Jeff is doing -- no fevers or complications.  She does want Heartland Home Health to do a CBC next Tuesday to keep a watch on Jeff's counts.

It took longer today than usually because the entire hospital is full.  In fact last night when Costas was closed, some of the patient floors came down to borrow the IV pumps.  Jeff's platelets were infused by gravity and Costas was running some of the kids chemo a little faster than usual to free up pumps.  Jeff finally got a pump after 1:00 to start his units of blood.  So now he's all tanked up and should have a little more energy.  Yesterday he felt tired when he walked up the steps from the family room.

I forgot to mention in the last update about some tests Jeff had when he was in-patient this last time.  Dr. Dipersio from Barnes wanted current tests before the transplant.  So as long as Jeff was at CG, they did an Echo, EKG, and Pulmonary Function.  Cardinal Glennon will send those over to Barnes Hospital.

Dr. Gauvain wants to keep a weekly check on Jeff until he sees Dr. Dipersio on Oct. 23rd.  Hopefully, I won't need to email so often for these next few weeks.  Enjoy your Fall weather.  The crisp mornings feel great and some of our leaves in the backyard are beginning to turn color.  We'll keep you in our prayers as you continue to pray for Jeff.  Your support is greatly appreciated.

love,

Marcia