Monday, October 23, 2006

Update # 67

Good Evening,

My, what a long day we had at Barnes today!  We arrived at 11:40 AM and left at 5:30 PM.  The lab and Dr. Dipersio were definitely running behind schedule.  They said this type of day was unusual and they were apologetic.

Dr. Dipersio said he identified 2 donors.  He activated one of them today which means he tells the donor he has been chosen.  The donor will need to respond either yes or no.  If yes, then a medical exam will need to be performed on the donor.  Dr. Dipersio is hoping for a transplant date in 4 weeks but it will take a week or two to know exactly.  

Jeff returns to Dr. Dipersio in 3 weeks on November 13th for a bone marrow biopsy.  They hope to have Jeff attend the transplant class on November 1st but they'll call us later this week about it.

Jeff's counts were good today and he feels great.  Dr. Dipersio was pleased with that.

Since Dr. Gauvain told Jeff to get out a little, he wanted to go to Fitz's Root Beer in StL.  Saturday was a beautiful day and we took advantage of it.  After lunch, we stopped by the Zoo and StL Mills.  Ken's family met us in StL that day.  Sunday was great since Jeff sat next to me in church on my birthday.  The entire congregation applauded when they saw him.

Jeff and I return to Barnes in a couple of days for those 2 heart tests.  It will take a few days to get those results.  

Dr. Gauvain wants to check on Jeff next Monday at Costas.  She thinks he should be seen and checked on weekly until the transplant.

Things have continued well for Jeff.  He and some high school friends are getting together in the near future before the transplant.  We continue to thank God for all of your prayers.  Jeff is enjoying this "normal" time before his life takes a big change.  We know you will all be with him every step of the way.  Thank you again.

love,

Marcia