Greetings!
Things are continuing to progress. Shortly after my last update I was informed that they wanted to do white cell donations for mom to fight off her infections. Her own white cell count has started to rise on it’s own, but in an effort to expedite her healing, they still want to do the donations.
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Hello all,
Getting right to it, as Vicki mentioned previously, since my last update we found out that the “blasts,” or the leukemic cells in her blood, have dropped to 7 from when she started, when her count was in the mid 20’s. The doctors anticipate the possibility that they may drop to 0 and thus be in full remission by the end of this week, but even if not, this is a wonderful sign of progress. Read the rest of this entry »
We got some great news! The doctors said after the bone marrow biopsy that it looks like the chemotherapy is working. Joellen’s numbers went from the 29 when she was first tested down to 7 now. The lower the number the better, so we are rejoicing! Please continue to pray for the heart and lungs to improve as well. . . and please continue those cards and calls when you can. Every one is an encouragement to her. I am looking forward to the day that we can talk and talk . . . and talk . . . and talk!
June 21, 2009
Vicki
We are now at day 21 of the chemotherapy so we are expecting another bone marrow biopsy tomorrow to determine how it is working. Joellen is in positive spirits and is doing everything the doctors are telling her to do. They are working on the heart medications, and she is still on oxygen for her lungs. She feels like eating a bit and is trying out everything on the menu to find something that has a good taste! It’s not that the food is not good, but the chemotherapy affects her tastes! Popsicles and chicken broth are her favorites right now!
Before I went to Houston to see my beloved sister Joellen, I found a reflection that she had written in March 2007 about our childhood friends, sisters, who were dealing with cancer. It was so moving to me because it was her words describing what to do if you find yourself or a loved one in that situation… and here we are… in that situation. Read the rest of this entry »