Day Plus Thirty-Two

It is Sunday morning about 6:00 am Jody is sleeping.  I think this may be the best time to work on my posts. My day is full with taking care of Jody. We have medicines to take four times a day, a two hour infusion, a one hour walk, preparing and eating three meals a day, trips to the clinic three days a week (last week we had one extra with the bone marrow biopsy) normal weekly house chores and trying to keep Jody entertained. Jody is not one who sits and reads, she loves to cook, garden and clean. All of which she is not allowed to do. Yesterday I was doing the wash, I went upstairs to work on the blog and I heard her in the laundry room. We went out for our walk around the block and she tries to pickup the garbage people dropped in their yards and on the street. "What pigs they are, leaving trash in their yard." "Well OK, will you pick it up for me?" NO, I am not going around picking up other peoples garbage!

We had to go over that the doctor does not want her doing laundry because of bacteria, touching garbage and gardening because of germs. "I will wear a mask, and rubber gloves." NO, why take a chance? Let it be for awhile. "But you are not doing it right." Too bad, when you get better you can do it right... let me do it wrong for awhile. (I do not know how I was able to help raise four children, manage a business and live to be 60 all before I met Jody. I must have done it completely by accident.) This has become our biggest challenge. Chemo... no problem; a bone marrow transplant... gee that was easy; lost our hair... so what, it will grow back; let Tom take care of you... THAT IS IMPOSSIBLE, HE CAN NOT DO IT THE CORRECT WAY, LIKE I DO!

Jody and I sat down yesterday and had a discussion. We are going to try harder, both of us. I will try to do things the correct way (her way) and she will stay out of the laundry room and kitchen. (Do not know how long this will last.)

OK, let me bring everyone up to date. Jody s doing fabulous, according to her Dr. Gregory. All of her blood counts are in the normal range. Jody's ANC is now stabilized in the 3000 range (1500 to 7500 is normal) Her HCT is a little low at 32.2 (normal is 38.0 to 48.0) but Jody has never been in the normal range, this is high for her. Jody's WBC is at 4.3 (normal is 3.0 to 10.0).

Jody's big challenge is to rebuild her entire immune system that the chemo destroyed. Her diseased stem cells were not creating the cells she needed including the ones she needed to fight off the potential blood cancer known as leukemia. Jody's new donor stem cells now need to do the work. All of the cellular elements of blood, including the red blood cells that transport oxygen, the platelets that trigger blood clotting in damaged tissues, and the white blood cells of the immune system, come from the same stem cells in the bone marrow.

The cells that are a part of the immune system (white blood cells or WBC) are complex and different with specific functions. These cells come from two types of stem cells called Myeloid and Lymphoid.

Myeloid stem cells produce macrophages, which are found in the body tissues, play a critical part in immunity. Dendritic cells ingest large amounts of fluid upon encountering a pathogen and migrate to lymph nodes. Mast cells release substances that play a part in protecting mucosal surfaces like the nose, mouth and eyes against pathogens. Granulocytes are produced in increased numbers during an immune response and leave the blood to migrate to sites of infection or inflammation. Neutrophils are the most numerous and most important cellular component of the immune response and fight bacterial infection. Eosinophils are thought to be important chiefly in defense against parasitic infections. Basophils is probably similar to that of eosinophils and mast cells and work on allergic inflammation.

Lymphoid stem cells produce B cells, which secrete antibodies; and T cells, of which there are two classes; one, which kill cells infected with viruses and the second activates other cells such as B cells and macrophages. Lymphocytes are remarkable in being able to mount a specific immune response against virtually any foreign antigen. Another type of  lymphoid stem cells produces natural killer cells. These cells circulate in the blood and are able to recognize and kill some abnormal cells like cancer and virus-infected cells, and are thought to be important in the immune defense against intracellular pathogens.

The complicated process of bringing all of these cells back and testing to see if they are produced when a response is needed is the big challenge ahead. They are testing her blood cells three times a week to measure what is going on. In addition, they are monitoring her electrolytes to measure her reactions to the drugs she is being given and are looking for Graft vs Host Disease (GVHD).

Last week (Thursday) we went in for a bone marrow biopsy as well as a skin biopsy. The biopsy will tell us how well the transplant is doing. If you recall, on the 16th of August they sent a sample of Jody's blood off for DNA testing. One of the tests came back that she had 85% of the donor's stem cells and the other came back at 95%. The BMT team wants to compare the results of the DNA test to the results of the biopsy. We are expecting to hear the results of this comparison on Wednesday or Friday next week. On Monday, we hope to hear the initial report, which will tell us if they found any "blast" cells. This is the cell, which caused everything. If there are no more blast cells the disease is not growing. Future biopsies will determine if she is cured.

This should bring everyone up to date. Jody is doing well and adjusting to life at home with me. I know she would love to hear from everyone so call, write, or email. She can have visitors as long as you are not sick. Jody needs to be occupied at all times, so do not feel like you are bothering her. Call before you stop by, in case we are going to the clinic.

We love you all!

I am going to post things at random now, so be sure to check in...

Day Plus Thirty-One

OK... OK...

I am a little behind... Today is Saturday and I am planning to catch everyone up today. We do not have any appointments and all is well, except that I am challenged. First to get the little misuses  settled in, next to get everything done that I forgot about...

Excuse me I have to go  and stop her from doing the wash...

Day Plus Twenty-Eight

Everything still going smooth...

We just got back from our visit to the clinic. Jody checked out OK. They are very excited about her progress. The BMT team decided to adjust her magnesium infusion a little, so we will have to wait until 5:00 pm for them to courier the IV fluids to us.

Tomorrow we have a bone marrow biopsy at noon. This biopsy will tell the doctors how well the stem cells have grafted into her bone marrow. It will take a week or so to get the results. I will have them posted as soon as we hear.

More to follow....

Day Plus Twenty-Seven

Jody is home...

Jody and I arrived at home around 2:30 pm yesterday. She has settled in and enjoying her new found freedom. We are both very happy.

I will be writing more later today.

Love to everyone!

"There is only one thing that makes a dream impossible to achieve: the fear of failure."

Paulo Coelho (1947 – )
Brazilian writer

Day Plus Twenty-Six

We are both excited! Jody has been in the hospital for 32 days and today we get to come home. Dr. Brunvand stopped by about 7:30 am and examined her and told us he has completed the paper work. So baring any complications, we should be home sometime this afternoon.

Jody's counts...
Yesterday, Jody's counts dropped. )-: This is our first drop since we turned up on "Day Plus Sixteen". Can you believe it, that was ten days ago! The nurses take a blood draw at midnight and send it off to the lab. The report comes back around 5:00 am so they can start her IV's. Jody's ANC dropped from 5084 to 4000, which is a drop of 21%. Her HCT dropped from 26.2 to 23.9, which is 9%. The lab has an error rate of plus or minus 5%. There are a lot of factors that effect Jody's blood counts; water intake, food, and other medicines. The BMT team fully expect the counts to go up and down, that is why they are checked daily. Because Jody's HCT is now below 24 she needed a transfusion of blood this morning. In addition, Jody's platelets and WBC counts dropped also. Regardless of what dropped Jody remains in a normal range for discharge. As excited we are about getting out of the hospital the drop in counts has brought us back to the reality that this journey is not over. Jody and I have some big challenges ahead.

We are home!

“Today is a new day. You will get out of it just what you put into it...”  

 Mary Pickford (1892–1979)
Canadian actress, Academy Award® winner
Co-founder of United Artists

Day Plus Twenty-Five

I am quickly running out of expletives... WONDER WOMAN! They call her WONDER WOMAN...

Its a bird, Its a plane... no its Jody "Wonder Woman"

I am not quite sure of how the similarities work. Its not the chest... Its not the hair... No comment about the body... Oh well, I think I just like the metaphor... WONDER WOMAN!

When Jody entered the hospital 31 days ago; before the chemo started,  her ANC was 7035, White Blood (WBC) 10.5, HCT 27.8 and platelets were at 261. Today Jody's ANC is 5084, WBC 6.2, HCT 26.2 and platelets are now at 186. Jody is 28% away from being back to where she was before she entered the hospital. In addition, Jody has not been able to make her own red blood cells in over two years. The fact that Jody's system has been able to raise her HCT from 24.6 to 26.2 indicates her donors stem cells are working. HCT will always fluctuate, but in the past Jody's fluctuation has always been down or up .1 or .2 never up a full point. Jody is not normal yet (normal is 40.0 to 54.0), but she is certainly headed in the right direction.

We are preparing to check out of the hospital tomorrow. The nurses have trained me in how to maintain her CV port, gone over all the do's and don'ts, and have gone over GvH symptoms. Tomorrow we will meet with the pharmacist to learn about all her medications and interactions. Jody's case worker has contacted the home nursing and has everything is setup for their first visit when we arrive home on Monday. As I reported to you earlier, I have had the house professionally cleaned and I have gone through the refrigerator and pantry for expired food and thrown out anything that had been opened.

I spent the night last night and I am going to go home and return later today. Jody wants me to be here for all the check out instructions. So I will probably end it for today.

Love you all... Feel free to call or write Jody today, she is in doing great and loves to hear from you....

Day Plus Twenty-Four

It is 6:30 am out here in Denver. I think Jody is sleeping in today, because I have not heard from her. As soon as I do I will post it. We spoke to Dr. Gregory (BMT team) and she is cautioning us that the counts could go down, but she definitely feels that all the counts indicate Jody is definitely engrafting the donor's stem cells. We should know a lot more when the test they sent off comes back and is compared to the bone marrow biopsy that will be done later next week. So everyone keep the prayers coming, they are definitely working.

"Dog voting poster"

From "Day Minus Five" until last night, Jody has been taking a census on the cutest dog. Jody and I, when it is safe want to get a dog. Jody loves Springers and I love Bulldogs, so she started this contest. Our friend Linda sent me a birthday card with a picture of a Bulldog on it, and we tore a picture of a Springer from a magazine. Jody has been asking everyone who comes to her room to "vote for the dog you would most want to take home". To this date the Springer has 25 votes and the Bulldog is at 14. I will admit it does not look good for me. So, since I have the password to write on this blog and I can say what I want.  I am pleading with my audience to vote for the Bulldog. AHHH!...  look how cute he is.... he has his own remote control... AHHHHH!... This is my push to the finish...

OK, Jody just called (7:30 am), so this is HOT off the press. We have some UPS and we have some DOWNS. First Jody's ANC is still going up along with her white blood cells. This is good, because it increases her ability to fight infections. Her ANC is at 3420 and white blood cells are at 4.5. Jody's HCT however, has come down to 25.7 and her platelets are down to 156. This is all OK, the counts will always fluctuate, depending on fluids in your blood. All of these counts are percentages. The most important thing with the counts is that they indicate a trend, and in Jody's case we have a strong UP trend indication.
More to follow....

Day Plus Twenty-Three

A smile is a facial expression formed by flexing the muscles near both ends of the mouth . The smile can also be found around the eyes. Among humans, it is customarily an expression denoting pleasure, happiness, or amusement. A smile can be spontaneous or artificial (when people feel obliged to smile). Happiness is most often the motivating cause of a smile.

Jody called and is all smiles this morning. Her ANC is now (can I hear a little drum role please).............................................................. 2600! This is way beyond our expectations. Unfortunately, I fear Dr.Brunvand and his BMT team will all have to go in for surgery next week. They all have sustained in one form or another; shoulder dislocation, wrist, hand and back pain from their slaps to the back, high fives and chest bumps. "CAN YOU BELIEVE THIS WOMAN!"

Jody is so far not showing any side effects or GvH (Graft vs Host). I spoke about this a while back, but to refresh everyone. GvH is one of the biggest side effect to transplant and it will stay with Jody the rest of her life. When someone receives a kidney the body will attempt to reject the kidney as a foreign object. This rejection is done by our immune system. In Jody's case her entire immune system is foreign and her immune system will attack her body in one form or another. This attack can come in the form of an upset stomach, severe cramping, skin rashes, head aches and so on. Jody will have to be on anti-rejection drugs the rest of her life and she will constantly have to monitor her body for a GvH attack. In addition to GvH, Jody will have to redo all of her vaccinations. She will have to go through all of the baby vaccines routine all over again; measles, mumps, rubella, and so on. Jody has an entirely new immune system and each time she receives a vaccine she will have to closely monitor the effects.


In addition to Jody raising her ANC last night, she was able to grow some red blood cells. If you recall her HCT had dropped to 24.6 and she normally gets a transfusion of blood at 24.0 and below. Yesterday she made red blood cells and increased her HCT level to 26.1. Jody also raised her white blood cells to 4.0 and her platelets to 163.  


Jody and I think she will remain in the hospital through the weekend and come home on Monday. We are waiting to hear from the BMT team, so I will have to let you know later.

More to follow.....

Day Plus Twenty-Two

Don't you just hate it. Don't you just hate it!... when I am RIGHT... Yes, Ladies and Gentlemen I told Jody she would be at 1200 or higher by today. Today's ANC is 1200! Jody's platelets have come up to 144 and her white blood cells are at 2.4, however Jody's HCT has gone down to 24.6. Remember HCT is a measurement of her oxygen carrying red blood cells and they are the last to come back. This may mean that tomorrow night Jody will have to get an infusion. No big deal, as long as the time between transfusions gets longer.

Jody is doing fantastic, her spirits are high, so everyone call or write. Together we need to give her confidence this is the real thing. Jody is not a negative person, but she has had so many setbacks, she questions what is next. Jody is doing so well she wants to stay in her little protected bubble at the hospital. She is risk adverse and is worried about coming home, worried that she and I will do something wrong. She will get sick and need to rush to the hospital. All of these concerns are legitimate, but there comes a time when you have to step out and take a chance.

“When one door of happiness closes, another opens; but often we look so long at the closed door that we do not see the one which has been opened for us.”  

 Helen Keller (1880–1968)
American humanitarian
Advocate for the deaf and blind  

Day Plus Twenty-One

Things are crazy here... I am working feverishly to prepare for Jody to come home. I wanted to post the ANC number right away for everyone to see. It is unbelievable the progress she has made. Jody's BMT Dr. Brunvand is so excited for her. He is not prepared to declare her a poster child yet, but he is reservedly optimistic.


Her ANC count for toady is 833! can you believe it... Her platelets are 127, white blood cell are at 1.7, her INR is 1.9 and her HCT is 26.... WOW! Every number is great! The INR at 1.9 will mean Jody will need to get a LOVENOX shot tonight, but that should be the last one.

“Far better it is to dare mighty things, to win glorious triumphs, even though checkered by failure, than to take rank with those poor spirits who neither enjoy much nor suffer much, because they live in the gray twilight that knows not victory or defeat.”   

Theodore Roosevelt (1858–1919)
26th president of the United States

I love this guy...

Roosevelt was the original bad ass.
Oh yes, he als served as president of the United States (the youngest in history - at 42 years old), won the Nobel Peace Prize, and was the father of six children.

(What have you done lately?)
He was a rancher, hunter, fisherman, explorer, captured an outlaw, authored 35 books, served as president of the American Historical Association, and led two major scientific expeditions for prominent American museums.

Day Plus Twenty

Standing by to hear from Jody. I have lots to do today. I am getting ready  for Jody to come home. The cleaning service is coming Wednesday and I have to get my errands done. Once Jody comes home I can not leave her for more than 45 minutes. I have worked on the best route to get to the hospital as well a alternatives, so I have that part covered.

I will update you when I hear from Jody...

The number today is 352!

Her platelets are at 111 and her HCT dropped a little to 25.4. Jody is producing white blood cells, which have gone from .7 to 1.1. All of this information is definitely positive, but I need to emphasise Jody is not out of the woods yet. They have sent a sample of her blood off to be examined for DNA and they will compare it to the results they get from her bone marrow biopsy. The first bone marrow biopsy will be preformed sometime next week, hopefully. A lot of "if" and "when" depends on her continued recovery. Jody is working on getting her INR back to therapeutic, but before they do the biopsy they will need to lower her INR. So everything is a delicate dance of chemistry.

Gots-Lots-Tah-Do... I be back!

Day Plus Nineteen

Have not heard from Jody yet. Lately she has been sleeping in a little later.


Yesterday Jody was a ball of energy. Her spirits are high and she is very excited to be feeling better. Her shoulder , which has been hurting her for a week, now appears to be feeling better. Jody is not happy that she is back on the LOVENOX shots, (Remember when her platelets went up over 50 she would have to go back on the shots.) but she is tolerating them.


I wanted to post a couple of pictures of Jody with her long flowing blond hair...

Jody from the back

The hat was a gift from her long time friends in Texas, Bill and  Sharon Fauber. It took her 30 minutes to get ready for theses pictures. Just imagine if she had to put on make-up, how long it would have taken. OH yes! Jody just had to show all of the nurses her new hat...  Thanks Bill and Sharon, you made her smile and laugh.

"Ain't she purtty!" (that means BEAUTIFUL from where I come from)

OK, the number is in... 224! Jody's ANC continues to rise. Her Platelets are now at 98 and her HCT is 26.6. All the numbers are improving. It is all a very positive indication. The doctors warn us her cells could still drop, so everyone is cautiously optimistic. It is looking better for her to come home sometime this week.

Can you believe it... (I just though of this...)we are now at 30 days since I started posting daily. Jody is now in her fourth week at the hospital, so there is a possibility she will be out before she starts the fifth week. Wouldn't that be wonderful!

More to follow...

Day Plus Eighteen

90! That's the ANC number for today! She continues to grow neutrophils and the more she grows the sooner Jody can come home. Our goal is one thousand. Everyone is excited at how well Jody is doing. Did anyone have any doubts? Jody has so many friends praying, caring, sending her well thoughts and loving her that one would be hard pressed to expect any other result. Thank you! Keep believing and sending your positive feelings. It is working!

It is Sunday, I spent the night last night and Jody has begun her two-mile hallway walk. I wanted to get this posted for everyone. Jody is doing awesome, so feel free to contact her.

More to follow...

Day Plus Seventeen

GREAT NEWS!
Jody's platelets have risen to 71 and her ANC is now 36... Jody is now coming back... her bottom was zero... and now her ANC is 36 (I am repeating myself... I am so excited... I want to scream...) This is the first indication that the stems cells are growing blood cells. The doctors are not sure if it is the donor cells; that will take a couple of more weeks to be sure, but it very well could be.

Last night I told you Jody was losing her hair, so she asked me to cut her hair...

Before "in eager anticipation..."

 You know... it is like taking your pet to the veterinarian they get so excited to jump in the car and go on this great adventure.  I am not trying to say Jody's my pet or anything, but check out the next set of pictures...

"the first cut"

"are you sure you know what you are doing?"

I think at this point Jody was questioning her decision. I told her we were at a point of no return, so "GRIT your teeth!" I think my smile gave me away a little... Looks like I am enjoying what I am doing... Oh yes... looking good...

"you are having too much fun..."

YEP! This is really cool... I bet Trudy wishes she could be here, not to mention Jody's Denver beautician, Joy. I think she just quit crying on the inside and was beginning to see the beauty of the job I was doing... well, at least that was what I was thinking. "We are almost done Honey... Sit still... I do not want to mess up... Quit squirming..."

"I feel beautiful..." No cuts, scrapes or burns...

We had a great time... I hope you enjoyed the pictures. We are so excited about Jody's ANC count that nothing matters at this point. I guess now she will get some use out of Chris's hats. I can not wait to bring her home.

Jody is having a good day, and she is excited about the good news. I am going to stay home and finish some of the projects I have been working on. I am planning to go in later tonight after dinner and spend the night. I will try and write more when I get to the hospital.

Love you guys!

"The act of compassion begins with full attention, just as rapport does. You have to really see the person. If you see the person, then naturally, empathy arises. If you tune into the other person, you feel with them. If empathy arises, and if that person is in dire need, then empathic concern can come. You want to help them, and then that begins a compassionate act. So I'd say that compassion begins with attention."

Daniel Goleman
Psychologist, author of "Ecological Intelligence"
also wrote "Emotional Intelligence".

Day Plus Sixteen

Have you ever run a marathon before?

A "marathon" is a long-distance running event with an official distance of 42.195 kilometres equivalent to 26 miles and 385 yards or 138,435 feet, that is usually run as a road race. The event was instituted in commemoration of the fabled run of the Greek soldier Pheidippides, a messenger from the Battle of Marathon to Athens. The historical accuracy of this legend is in doubt, contradicted by accounts given by Herodotus, in particular.

Jody has run a "marathon' and she has several marathons more to go. She has pushed her IV cart up and down the hall 92 times, which is equivalent to two miles. In the beginning Jody started off just doing a mile for the first week or so and was not feeling challenged so she increased it to two-miles. Jody has been in the hospital three-weeks today. So adding it up seven miles give or take the first week, fourteen miles give or take for the last two weeks, and you can see she has easily done a "marathon".

Jody's ANC has dropped to "0" and her platelet count have gone up to the dreaded 50 level. This means two things; she can not go lower on her ANC (she has hit bottom) and the fear of uncontrollable bleeding is now less with the rise in platlets. Jody is now starting her second marathon today. She has to start raising her ANC so she can come home. Lets cheer her on...

Paula Jane Radcliffe, MBE (born 17 December 1973) is an English long-distance runner and currently holds several world records.

Radcliffe's distinctive "nodding" action while running has made her instantly recognisable to viewers worldwide. She is not known for her sprint finish, and instead relies on setting a punishing pace from the start in order to pull away from her opponents and open an unassailable gap.

Jody's distinctive style can be seen in her interaction with the nurses, staff and the doctors who care for her. Jody's smile, ability to become your "best" friend, desire to learn your name, caring, loving, laughing with you and at herself. Everyone of you, can name a dozen more. This is her style, and she sets a punishing pace to get things done in everything she does. This is what makes us love her and believe in her.

Today is a good day... Jody loves to hear from you... so write, email, text, call, visit (if you are well), and skype. It all helps the day go faster.

Jody's hair, as I mentioned has begun to fall out. She continues to hang on to the "maybe", but I can confirm it does not look promising. I have my clippers clean and ready to go on a minutes notice.

Jody asked me to cutoff her hair today. I will post pictures tomorrow. She was tired of her hair falling out all over the pillows and getting in her mouth. Now we look like two bald people... We are old bald people! OMG!

Marathon runners love to read signs along the race course to help break the monotony. If you're planning on watching a marathon, make some signs - the runners will love you for it. Here are some ideas;

•"On this day, you're my hero."

•"Pain is temporary, pride is forever."

•"You've done harder things than this."

•"You made it to the START, you will make it to the FINISH."

•"Pain is just weakness leaving your body."

•"Remember the reasons you are running."

•"It's not 26.2 miles…it's 10 water stops."

•"Last is just the slowest winner."

•"If it was easy, everyone would do it."

•The person who starts the race is not the same person who finishes the race."

•"This 26.2 is for all the girls picked last in gym class."

"The marathon’s about being in contention over the last 10K. That’s when it’s about what you have in your core. You have run all the strength, all the superficial fitness out of yourself, and it really comes down to what’s left inside you. To be able to draw deep and pull something out of yourself is one of the most tremendous things about the marathon "

– Rob de Castella

Day Plus Fifteen

GOOD MORNING!

Well, Jody's ANC has continued down and we are now at 68, which is below both the physician assistant (PA) and the doctor's guess. So Jody could go to "0" by tomorrow. Her platelets did increase to 37, which means she would have to go back on the shots (damn the bad luck). Remember, we are looking for an increase in the ANC to be able to start thinking about going home. There are other things that need to happen also.

Jody is feeling good today, she however is still complaining about her left shoulder hurting. Hopefully she just slept on it wrong. I am at home as I write this post. I am getting ready to go to Home Depot for some things for the house. We had and employee at Grimm's (my family's lumber yard) that we called "work work". So for today only I can be called "work work". Is a man's job ever done?

OK, now we have several names that have come up in reference to my bald head picture. (see post "Day Plus Ten") We have; courtesy of Jody, "Daddy Warbucks", our neighbors suggested "Uncle Fester", my sister-in-law is sticking me with "Shrek", and my favorite from a dear dear friend, Trudy who suggested Bruce Willis of "Die Hard" and "Die Harder" fame. Jody has begun to loose her hair and I am looking forward to our bald picture together, so have your fun now.

Love to all of you...

More to follow....

Day Plus Fourteen

I finally had a good night sleep. Every night I go home, a million thoughts go through my mind and I struggle to decompress. Last night Jody suggested I stay home and get some of the projects I have been working on done. I will not tell you what I have been working on, because Jody reads my posts.(I know she does because she calls me and tells me all that I have wrong.)

This morning Jody called to tell me her ANC had stayed at 100, but her HCT had dropped to 23 and she had to get a transfusion last night. Her blood type has remained the same and has not changed. Jody and I both are wondering what this will do to the ANC count tomorrow. Everyone will have to check the blog tomorrow to find out.

Jody's appetite has remained the same, she ordered her usual a one egg omelet with cheese and ham a strip of bacon and two pancakes. She love her pancakes!

Jody reported she walked her two-miles (see post "Day Plus Six"). So far she has been able to eat, keep her food down, walk a mile and drink her two-litres of water. Now all she has to do is get her ANC to start going up.

Jody is doing a little complaining today. She must have slept on her side last night because she is reporting her shoulder is hurting a little. The nurses gave her some percocet for the pain.

Jody is feeling a little sluggish today. She has been able to keep her energy level up so far by sheer will. She has been giving it her all. Your support and love has helped give her the drive and will power. She has so many friends... she is looking forward to thanking everyone in person. Together Jody and I have worked to paint a picture of what our life will be... this picture in her mind gives her the incentive to push-on too. It has been 25 days since we began this journey together. Keep cheering her on...

“Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously.”

Paul the Apostle... 2 Corinthians 9:6

Day Plus Thirteen

Jody continues to drop... her ANC is now at 100 (see "Day Plus Twelve") and her platelets have dropped to 26. Jody's HCT is now 25.1; the doctors normally transfuse her when she drops to 26.0, but since she is in the hospital they will allow her to go to 24.0 before they transfuse her. Jody is starting to tire a little more easily, but continues to do well.

We were excited yesterday with the possibility, Jody could come home this week. However, Doctor Brunvand said he wants to wait until Jody's counts start to rise. Dr. Brunvand ordered a special blood test to measure the presence of the donor's stem cells and depending on the results he can make a better guess on when Jody can come home.

I stayed home all day yesterday, to clean the house and prepare it for when Jody to comes home. I have called several cleaning companies for a quote and will be making a decision this week. I do not to clean the house too soon.

Mucositis

Mucositis is one of the major side effects of chemo. Jody is doing everything she can to avoid having Mucositis. She is rinsing every time she goes to the bathroom. This morning she had a slight sore throat and by the afternoon it had dissipated. To the left I have included a poster that explains Mucositis.




I arrived at the hospital late afternoon and met Pam Menzer (Jody's friend from New Jersey) in the hall. We all had a nice visit. I stayed for dinner and went home around 10:00 pm.

“I'm a believer in momentum.”

Lance Armstrong (1971 – )
American cyclist
7-time Tour de France champion

Day Plus Twelve

She has continued to do well...

Today Jody's ANC has dropped to 300 and her platelets are at 30. Her doctor is predicting she will bottom out at 100 something and begin to rise and the PA is betting on 245. Regardless they are both excited that she is doing so well.

To date she has not had any GVH attack, so we are waiting and watching. The doctors feel Jody is doing so well she might get to come home this week. This is good news, but we do not want to get too excited. She is determined to walk her two-miles, drink two-litre of water and eat 1000 calories and so far she is doing it.

I am feverishly trying to locate a cleaning service to prepare the house. In addition, I need to prepare the house, like store all of the silk flowers and take decorations down. Clean anything that can hold dust, buy furnace filters, and a new shower head, etc.

“Bad men need nothing more to compass their ends than that good men should look on and do nothing.”

John Stuart Mill (1806–1873)
English economist and philosopher

Day Plus Eleven

took the day off...

Day Plus Ten

I am going to quit telling you that Jody is doing well. Jody is an awesome woman... Jody is doing great so call... Her cell phone is not working so well in the room. so call the room. (303-869-1517) If she does not answer in two to three rings, she has gone to the bathroom or a doctor/nurse is in the room. There is no message machine. Jody's cell phone does not work as well, so she can not call you from her room and her room phone will not allow her to dial long distance. She loves the attention and encouragement.

Jody called about 7:30 am and told me her ANC has continued to drop. She is at 580 and her platelets are now at 45. This will mean they can stop the LOVENOX shots (see "Day Minus Two")... it is a good thing.

I have a lot to do today. I am trying to prepare the house for when Jody can come home and I have some wash to do, so this will be a short post.

I do have some pictures for you, so enjoy.

Jody's in her new hat

I like this one the best! What is your vote?

Jody's friends Chris and Steve Reiser, sent her two-new hats. Jody loves them! She still has not lost her hair, but they say when it goes, it goes all at once. I am taking a vote, which hat is the cutest. Let us know... I all ready voted.

Does anyone have a suggestions on where the buttons should be (see first picture)? Jody is a little un-sure.

I promised her I would shave my head!

Here I am with my head shaved. The next door neighbor brought over his clippers and we did the deed. Jody is of the opinion I look like Daddy Warbucks from Little Orphan Annie. No comments please, it will only give her more ideas.

My head was cold,  I borrowed one of Jody's hats.

Before her chemo she was always cold and now she is warm, so she keeps the room around 72 degrees and my head was getting cold.

I decided I needed a treat tonight, so I decided to pick up dinner at 17th Parallel and bring it to the room with me. P17 is well known for their Vietnamese cuisine and as you all know i like to eat. So I ordered my favorite soup/salad "Pho" pronounced FUH. It is a broth with slices of beef or ox tail in it. You add various sauces to make it sweet and spicey, fresh herbs, rice noodles and bean sprouts... it is very good. I got to Jody's room around 6:00 pm and she had ordered chicken fingers and french fries. 

Jody was aching for company so I spent the night in her room. Saturday nights are usually pretty quiet at the hospital. We were able to bring a cot over from our old room for me to sleep on. We both fell asleep aroung 10:00 holding hands trough the hospital bed guard.

"As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them."

John F. Kennedy (1917–1963)

Day Plus Nine

Jody just called to say, she is now "Neutropenic"... HO RAY!...  I guess? Anyway remember the chart I put up on "Day Plus Seven". It talked about Neutropenia and what it meant. Jody's white cells have dropped significantly, which means the chemo has done its thing and she is highly susceptible to catching colds and viruses. So if anyone is sick and plans to visit please do not. It is not that Jody does not love you; and does not want to see you, it is that if she catches so much as a cold it could be devastating. She now has no way to fight anything, her immune system is gone. (Remember if you can not read the poster you can click on the picture and zoom in...)

The other day a good friend Cinda dropped by to visit. For those of you who do not know Cinda, she flew with Jody at Eastern. Cinda went on to join Frontier and Jody went to United via Kiwi Airline. She gave Jody a beautiful collage of their life together and Jody, had me mount in at the head of her bed. Jody really loves it...

Check out the Hair Do's

For those who are wondering how the garden is doing... I am feverishly pulling "Dead Heads" (Jody calls them "Dead Beats"... we all know she is a little crazy... "Hon, I think you are referring to people who do not pay their bills and not the tops of the flowers... OK Hon..." ) Here are some pictures.

Notice the Egg Plant in the picture to the right. I was just out looking at the plant and I have two "gi-normous" (it is slang for very large... Jody wanted to know what JAH_EYE_NORMOUS meant... ain't she cute!") fruits growing on it... Trudy, eat your HEART out!...  Love you guys...

Jody continues to tolerate all the bad stuff the doctors are throwing at her. She got up, walked a mile, ate breakfast and talked to Joe (her father) on SKYPE, which by the way continues to amaze him... I mean the SKYPE part. (Jody's SKYPE ID is Grimm5838@gmail.com) Jody also continues to amaze the doctors with her progress... We are not completely out of the woods until "Day Plus Twelve"... The BMT Team doctors think that if she continues making this kind of progress, Jody might be able to go home in a week. At that point we have the next one-hundred days to contend with, but it would be so much easier if she was home with me.

Everyone knows how Jody is always thinking about the comfort of others and much to my chagrin I am trying to get her to work on letting others care for her. Like when I am in the kitchen and she removes a hot pan from the burner, Jody feels the necessity to come clear across the room to tell me to be careful and not touch the stove because it is HOT. Let me tell you... if I touched the stove and burnt my hand, it would be the last time I touch the stove. "I learn very quickly!" In the same sense Jody is of the opinion that nobody can clean and organize like her, everything is in its place, labeled and folded exactly right. Jody has begun to tell me (via the phone) how to clean and organize the house and where I should put things. Jody says "you will forget where you put things". Well now let me tell you... we live in a small 1400 sq.ft. townhouse and there are not a lot of places to loose things, "If I forget where I put it, we will find it... I guarantee it." For those who are wondering why I am going down this path, it is because her comment helped me determine my quote of the day. It has to do with unnecessary acts, thoughts, etc., so enjoy.  

More to follow...

“A man should take away not only unnecessary acts, but also unnecessary thoughts, for thus superfluous acts will not follow after.”

Marcus Aurelius (121–180)
Roman emperor

Day Plus Eight

We had a nice rain last night and all the flowers are up and looking beautiful. My flower (Jody) has been sleeping in a little, so I am holding off contacting her this morning. Last night we changed rooms, after inspecting several opportunities she made a decision. Jody is now in room 3307 which is across the hall from our former room. The windows face to the east so she will get the morning sun. The big deal is she can see the tops of a couple of trees as opposed to an air conditioner. Her  view is still basically looking at the side of another building... Jody is happy!

Just talked to Jody and she reported she slept like a BABY in her new room. AH... AH... AH... (come on everybody) she is my baby...

Jody's ANC has dropped to 1050 and her platelets have moved to 77 (we have to be real careful not to get a cut now), indicating she is still dropping. Her energy levels still remain high though, so go figure. She is a heck (trying to remain PG) of a gal!

By the way... for those sending cards the address remains the same. (see post "Day Minus Four") You do not have to use the room number. The mail you have been sending is reaching her and she loves to hear from you. However her phone has changed, it is now 303-869-1517. Jody's cell does not work so good in the hospital and this room has a little less reception than the old one. Do not forget we have SKYPE. Call Jody first to be sure her computer is on. Jody is very animated and it is fun to talk with her when you can see her on the computer. The reception is not great so sound comes and goes depending on the time of day and speed of the connection.

Today's blog is about friends. Jody has so many friends out there, everyday she is getting cards form you. Thank you so much for al that you do, it really picks her up. This brings me to the quote of the day... I have to give credit to Jody's dear friend, Judy Baker of Tampa, FL. We love you Judy!

"Good friends are like stars. You don't always see them, but you know they are always there."

by Unknown Author

Day Plus Seven

Yesterday we met with the doctors on the BMT Team and asked them why Jody's ANC count had leveled out and stopped declining. Our concerns were that something was not happening and that should be happening. I am sure the doctors deal with this everyday.

Jody and I were told that we need to let the doctors know if anything, no matter how inconsequental, happens we need to let them know. They (the doctros and the nurses) have made Jody and I concerned about all kinds of aches, pains, and germs. We are constantly looking for changes to her body, and are cautious about everything. So we always ask questions... lots and lots of questions.

Dr. Matous informed us everything was going to plan. He told us that Jody's ANC may not drop to zero and her platelets may not go below a 100. It was OK if it did, but it may not.

The best way I can describe it to you is there are two intersecting lines... One is her ANC going down and the other is the donors cells, which are kicking in and going up. Once her cells get down to a certain level and the donor cells begin to take hold her ANC will again begin to climb. I know it is confusing... let me just say we are still on target. Jody's energy level is holding up for now, but it is due to drop and she will have to fight back. Jody and I are prepared to fight.

Jody's ANC is at 1155 and her platelets have not really changed and she is having another good day.  I just arrived at the hospital (3:30 pm) and Jody has walked her mile... OK mile and a half... Her appetite continues to be a challenge but she is working on it. Her weight has continued to drop.

Jody told me Dr. Matous saw her earlier today and said she is an awesome woman. (We knew it all along, it took him a week to figure it out.) I am dealing with her ego now.

Surprise, surprise, Jody has started a campaign to get her room (upgraded) changed. She has figured out that on the other side of the hall the windows face east and she is convinced the rooms are better. The nurse stopped by to say she can move tomorrow if she still wants to, so she is all about her move. She wants to call in "Two Men and a Truck" moving company.

"It's only when we truly know and understand that we have a limited time on earth -- and that we have no way of knowing when our time is up -- that we will begin to live each day to the fullest, as if it was the only one we had."

- Elisabeth Kubler-Ross

Day Plus Six

It is a beautiful morning!

Jody awoke in good spirits, took her shower and is looking at the menu... News Flash! Jody's ANC is now in and we are at 1462 so we are continuing to stay flat. Her platelets are 100, so they too are staying level (this is what determines if she needs to get the Lovenx shots). We are questioning what this means? Jody is doing quite well and continues to tolerate the drugs.

Jody's PA (physician's assistant), Bryce Younger stopped by to assure us the nader (the rate of ANC drop) is different depending on the type of chemo protocol. In Jody's case she had Fludarabine-Busulfan (Flu-Blu)and the nader is typically 10 to 14 days to drop to zero. Her last chemo was on "Day Minus Two" so she is currently at 8 days. That means "Day Plus Eight" through "Day Plus Twelve" should be the worst. Bryce tells us everyone is different and we all know Jody is different. ( I love you honey...)

Hey everyone! I meant to tell you we are on Skype, the connection is OK. If you want to connect send us your number or call us and let us know you are on and we will call you. Anyone who is not on Skype; Skype is a free program that connects computer-to-computer via the Internet using VOIP and if you have a camera attached to your computer we can see you and you can see us. It is real easy to use so you non-techs can do it too.

I have a couple of pictures for everyone...

Local talent I found at the nursing station.

Kami and Jody

Here she comes!

She has to walk 46 times up and down the hall, to walk a mile. She is a pro at this from all the years pushing a beverage cart down the ailses... "Coffee? Water? Please remain seated... Out of my WAY! you BO ZO!"

Rounding the corner

I caught Jody eyeballing the exit sign.

Someone come quick, she's trying to escape!

There she goes... Cute butt...

This is a woman on a mission. "I have no time to talk... I am on number 45... " I think I saw her smile as she turned the corner...

"A smile is the light in your window that tells others that there is a caring, sharing person inside."

Denis Waitley
Financial, Professional

Day Plus Five

I have not heard from Jody yet, but that does not mean anything. I am staying home this morning to do some housework. I am hoping to hear from her soon. Sleep is tough to get at the hospital, so on the chance she is sleeping I will wait until I hear from her. I will keep you guys posted.

I have thought about the quote of the day. I just had a nice conversation with my youngest son, PJ. Much of our discussion dealt with being happy. He wished me Happy Birthday, and I responded that I wish him happiness. The conversation was a bit more convoluted....  I am happy all of my children are healthy, as well as all my grand-children. I am happy that all of Jody's friends are happy and sending us happy thoughts and prayers.  Jody called to report the doctors were happy with her progress so as a result, I am most of all happy that Jody is doing so well at "Day Plus Five"...  So today is all about happiness!

Today is a good day, so everyone feel free to call. Jody is a little tired because her ANC has dropped to around 1,300. Remember she is headed to zero real soon.

I arrived at the hospital around 4:00 pm to find Jody doing great. We talked for awhile and then ordered dinner. Jody asked me to spend the night with her, so I made up the cot. Love to everyone, I will write more tomorrow.

"Thousands of candles can be lighted from a single candle, and the life of the candle will not be shortened. Happiness never decreases by being shared."

- Buddha

You have to really think about this quote a little... then it hits you... Oh, Oh, if I am happy and I share it... it will not cost me anything... and someone else can be happy too. Whoa! that's a thought... if people are happy good things happen to you... and you never run out of being happy... Happiness attracts happiness, right? I could go on forever...

Day Plus Four

Day plus Four and things are still going smooth. We woke about 6:00 am when her night nurse came in to check her vitals ( vitals is when they check her heart rate, blood pressure and temperature). Jody is having a little upset stomach and her skin has become sensitive, but otherwise she is tolerating everything quite well. Her platelets continue to drop, and we are expecting to see a big change in her ANC today. Day plus Five and Six, we were told, should be the beginning of her struggle  and Day plus Six through Twelve is when she should begin losing her hair.

Today is much like all the other days, Jody will watch TV, walk the halls, maybe do some reading and try to entertain herself and get through the day. Your calls and letters help, they distract her and help time pass.

She wants to know if she will ever be beautiful again?

I caught her in a smile...

Jody keeps asking if she will ever be pretty again. I keep telling her she's the most beautiful person in the world to me and I am the only one who counts. I know you all will agree...

Here we are together...

Here we are...

This is our before picture as we enter our second week. Gee, I can not wait to see the after week two picture! I know my children are all excited. Shannon (my oldest) says she is liking the "Hair Cut". I have been cutting my own in preparation and Jody is coming around to letting me cut her hair. Don't we look "purty" (that's Kentucky for beautiful)? 

I decided to go out for lunch, so I went across the street to Thai-Basil". I love the food there and I can find a quiet booth to sit in near the window. Jody eat some Baby Gouda cheese, crackers and a high protein drink for lunch, so we are both content. I am sensing a nap coming on, but what the heck aren't I always...

Well the ANC came in about the same as yesterday, however her platelets are continuing to drop. Tomorrow we should see a difference.

It is me! in my Birthday Boy gown...

I spent the night last night so we decided I should go home and get some rest. We had a nice dinner together. I loved all your phone calls wishing me Happy Birthday. I love you all, I just hope I can live up to all your expectations and do a good job taking care of Jody. Thanks!

Good night, see you tomorrow...





A very dear friend of Jody and mine sent me the quote of the day...

"Our love is the unfolding miracle that expands our joy to include our pain."

Alla Bozarth-Campbell, PHD