Wednesday, August 23

Hello Everyone,

Got off a little early today and am taking the time to catch up on a few things, like this message.

As Kerrie mentioned in a previous post, the transplant physician told her Monday that she was satisfied with the results of the bone marrow biopsy and hopes to start the transplant process in about two weeks. At this time we are assuming that means the week of chemotherapy to completely wipe out any blood cells being produced in the marrow followed by the transplant. For the last few days that week Jenn will be receiving the injections of Neupogen to build up her blood ( I get to give it to her if it’s on the weekend…….. Oh, Boy!! ).

The doctor is giving Kerrie the same injections this week to try to stabalize her and bring up her blood levels……her white count had finally reached 0 (normal is 10,000 +). She did have a few lymphocytes (10). Hemoglobin and platelets have stayed low……..but for two days now her hemog. has stayed over 9.0! and she hasn’t need a transfusion. that’s the first time since early July. She’s still getting platelets and hopefully those will start to rebound too, because she is still bruising very easily. And she’s actually eating most of her meals, which she hasn’t been able to do for the last two weeks.

If everything goes well she will come home for a week or so and then go back for the transplant (Oh No!!! do I have some dusting and vacuuming to do. That will be the first time since July, too).Â

So thanks everyone for all those prayers and thoughts and love that you’ve sent this way….we are on miracle # 2 (#1 was Jenn being her donor) and will start working on #3 as the transplant gets closer.

So as I’ve said before, keep them cards and letters (and prayers and energy) coming ladies and gentlemen, it’s really helping.

And for those of you who have asked, yes, I am taking care of myself. Jenn was here for a few days and that eases up some of my need to run to the hospital. I am working but also have the ability to not work -FMLA- if I need time off, like this afternoon. And I take every chance I get to just do nothing but sit out on my balcony and count the stars or, if I’m inside, to contemplate the cobwebs on my ceilings. And thanks for caring :)Â

Will write soon when I have more news,

Joan

ps……..If any of you haven’t lookedÂ at theÂ otherÂ links on the web pageÂ you need to check it out………lots of stuff being posted, and lots of pictures on the Gallery.

Â Even if you aren’t interested in the raffle (and there are some neat things on there) check out the links on the different items……my sister Nancy has made the quilts and there is info on there about her and her quilting and also my nieces who make the jewelry and hand made greeting cards………I’m really proud of them all.

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nicole williams