8 days post transplant

Well, they are predicting an "arctic blast" tomorrow in the Little Rock area. So much for the burst of spring we have had the last two days..... Reminds me that my daughter and son-in-law spent three days getting through Arkansas on their way north Christmas 2004.

Don is 8 days post transplant and beginning to stay awake a little more! He had some GI side effects last night, but they have subsided (mucositis is a common side effect of melphalan chemotherapy). He continues to get a liter of IV saline every day, since he still has some orthostatic problems (blood pressure drops and pulse rises when he stands up, causing dizziness). That is getting better, though.

His white blood cell count hit bottom yesterday with a count of 0.01 K/uL Today, it had climbed clear up to 0.03!!! Platelets are rebounding (clear up to 32 K/uL!) For those of you who are reading this and wondering what I am talking about, the normal white blood cell count is 3-12 K/uL. Don's bone marrow was completely wiped out by the chemotherapy (which was the goal). The increase in cells today indicates that the stem cells are starting to take hold. Platelets (involved in blood clotting) often drop with the chemotherapy, leaving him prone to bruising.

His spirits have been much better today, since he has a little energy. I am sure there are quite a few emails that he hasn't returned. Be patient, you will be getting all of those jokes forwarded again pretty soon.

If all goes well, we will should be able to go home in a week or 10 days. They are talking about doing this again in 6-8 weeks! Can't wait!! Please feel free to post comments by clicking on the comment link at the bottom of the message. I will see that he gets them!

Keep the prayer lines open. God continues to bless us!