After Thanksgiving Update 11-28-07

We're grateful that we were able to attend the pre-Thanksgiving family get together in Fairfield Glade, TN.
We returned the 400 +- miles on Thanksgiving Day.
Several places were open for breakfast along the Interstate but only Cracker Barrel open around noon.

As expected, the blood labs Friday morning at the hospital oncology out patient unit and at the Doctor's office on Tuesday of this week indicated I needed a Platelet infusion.

With my blood counts still super low from the high powered Chemo that was done 4 weeks ago and usually lasts at least 6 weeks, the Oncology Doctor decided yesterday NOT to proceed with round 2 but wait until the numbers come up some.

He'll probably do another Bone Marrow Biopsy to see just how effective round 1 was before deciding what might the next step.

In the meantime, we're thrilled that I've not had the nighttime temperature spikes on the trip nor since returning home.

It is good to be able to be home even with the various trips for blood labs, infusions, etc.

So we're still taking life one day at a time as we experience the roller coaster adventure of Acute Leukemia.

Have a Joyous Christmas Season.

Pre-Thanksgiving Update

We were unable to connect with Tammy & Steve's Families in Gatlinburg area last Friday BUT plan to make Pre-Thanksgiving Celebration Wednesday.

I've been in the hospital since Thursday, Nov. 8th getting daily Platelet and antibodic IV infusions
Temperature still seems to go up to 100.7 or so every night between 9:00 and 11:00 PM.

The Doctors & Nurses cooperated in our getting out of the hospital for the trip to Fairfield Glade, TN tomorrow,Tuesday.
Looking forward to seeing our families as well as my sisters at the pre Thanksgiving gathering at my niece, Vickie & Steve Shuffitts on Wednesday.

We plan to return to Indy on Thanksgiving Day and have blood work and new platelets on Friday.

Trust everyone has a Great Thanksgiving Season

Monday 11-12-07 In St. Vincent Hospital getting IV antibodics

The Oncology Doctor had indicated and prepared us that it is not unusual for patients to develop high fevers indicating infection after the type of Chemo used in this past round.
But, since I hadn't had any severe fever with any of the other Chemo treatments while in the hospital or at home I was hoping that I would continue to avoid it this time too.

But our home thermometer indicated increased number last Tuesday and Wednesday nights. We opted not to contact the Doctor's office or go to the Emergency Room at 11:00 since we were to see the Doctor anyway at 9:00 on Thursday.
He indicated that I should be admitted to the Oncology section of the hospital to begin antibodic IV's, Platelets and 2 units of whole blood transfusion.

They ran all kinds of blood tests, cultures, liver ultrasound and so far nothing seems to come up as the 'culprit'. The weekend Oncologist indicated that 50-75 of the time nothing is indicated as they use a variety of antibodics which ultimately knocks out the low grade infection.

I suspect I'll be here most of the week but we still may be able to join our planned family get together with Steve & Tammy's family (without T.J and Tiffany) in the Gatlinburg area on Friday for 4 nights.
My niece Vickie & Steve Shuffitt have invited the whole clan including my 2 sisters to their home in Fairfield Glade, TN for a one day early Thanksgiving Celebration.

We have to be pretty flexible with so many elements involved but we're hoping that we can make both Gatlinburg and Fairfield Glade.

Trust that you and yours have a Super Thanksgiving and beginning of a Meaningful Christmas Season.

Chemo after Leukemia returned

I was able enter St. Vincent hospital Tuesday afternoon and receive a different high powered Chemo that is hopeful to eliminate the leukemia cells that have returned after the Bone Marrow Transplant.

Although they monitored me in the hospital until Thursday morning, fortunately I did not have any of the normal side effects.

I returned to the Doctor Friday morning for additional lab work and he was very pleased to see the blood numbers dropping drastically which I assume means that the Chemo is working.

My platelet level had dropped so much that I had to return to the Patient Services Dept. for a platelet infusion.

Believe they will be doing blood work on Monday, Wednesday and Thursday this next week and I'll see Doctor again on Thursday. Hopefully he will have a better idea of what the 'next step' might be then.

The Oncology Doctor indicated it is not unusual after this Chemo for patients to develop high fevers indicating infection and to contact them to determine whether be an office visit, emergency room or In-patient depending on when occur and severity.
Haven't had any severe fever with any of the other Chemo treatments while in the hospital so here's hoping won't this time either.

Will post later on how things go on this roller coaster acute leukemia adventure.

Thanks for continuing to keep us in your thoughts and prayers.