Tuesday, August 29

Hello Everyone,

Well, I wish I wasn’t writing this update, it has been a disappointing week so far. After several days of planning and anticipating Kerrie’s chance to come home before the transplant, the doctor informed her yesterday that she is not in remission, as previously thought, as the blast cells (the bad white cells ) are on the rise.

Although Kerrie and I had both seen this on her lab reports, and it was a concern, we had hoped that if was not significant. Needless to say, yesterday was not a very good day for us..but we will use all your caring, support and energy to cope.

Everthing has been stopped… antibiotics, IV feedings (TPN), etc. The central line was removed today (possibly infected) and tomorrow they will put in another central line (in the neck) or a PICC line (in the arm). Today will be a multitude of blood work to determine if there is any infection, blood count levels ,etc. Tomorrow she will also have a MUGA scan to evaluate the condition of her heart.
This is all in preparation for the next round of chemo which is supposed to start tomorrow after the insertion of the line.

Chemo will run for 5-6 days and will be two meds. One she had before, it ran for 22 hours a day for 7 days. This time she will recieve a double dose, 2 times a day for 3 days and another med for 3 days (one after the other). This is a very high level dose with the risk of many side effects, so naturally we are concerned. The Clinical Nurse Specialist is working very closely with Kerrie and will be with us to prepare us for what to expect.

I asked the doctor about restrictions, limitations, etc.
Her answer:
Keep her walking and for her mental health, visitors for sure!

I want to let everyone know that, she loves seeing everyone, sometimes she’s tired and doesn’t do much talking, but you can feel comfortable with just sitting and watching t.v. with her (or take a nap like I do).

As before:
-1-2 visitors at a time and not too many in one day.
-no flowers, fresh fruit, vegtables, any kind of unprocessed food, etc.
-no one with sniffles or who thinks they may have been exposed to anything or who is around kids who have just had immunizations or vaccinations.
If in doubt, give me a call.

Well, we want you all to keep those prayers coming, it means so much to Kerrie……..Jenn or I will keep you updated when we have more information.

Love You All
Joan