Day 126

Hello,

Well, it has been a little tense the last few days. Rita's numbers did not come back like we had hoped. That made us a little concerned about her bone marrow biopsy. We were praying that her bone marrow results were favorable and that the cause of her numbers staying low was not a relaps of her disease. We found out today that we were right. Her biopsy results were good. No relapse!! It just seems that it will take her a little longer to recover from all of the chemo that they have given her. They started her on a growth factor shot today and I will continue to give it to her until her bone marrow starts to produce the healthy infection fighting cells that she needs. This could be a few days to a few weeks. She will be tested every couple of days to see where she stands.

Rita was discharged this afternoon so we are back in the hotel room. I can't tell you how good this feels for both of us. Its not home but, its not the hospital either. One of the hard things at the hospital was the food. I don't want to brag but, tonight I made Rita spaghetti with meatballs and sausage. I must say that it was very good. Rita seemed to enjoy it and I hope that it will be the beginning of her eating better and putting on some weight. Her strength is much better and she no longer is using the walker to get around. Now, we need to fatten her up a bit so I'll be working on that.

So, the plan is that we will be going to the clinic every couple of days until her bone marrow recovers and then, we hope to go home for a respite before she starts course three. We are getting ever closer to transplant. For me, its like struggling through a subject all year long and knowing that you have one opportunity for success and that is to pass the final. Its a good thing that Rita is taking the test because she has always passed and has even helped a few of us get by with her. I'm sure some of you know what I'm talking about.

So, to summarize - Rita is still in remission - we are back in our hotel room - Rita is getting a growth factor to help her bone marrrow recover - she is getting antibiotics to keep infections away - she will be tested every couple of days to make sure her blood stays in acceptable parameters and will get blood products if necessary - we hope to come home when her marrow recovers to the point that she doesn't need transfusions or supplements - course three will start when she has recovered enough to handle the new chemo. We are getting closer to transplant - that is the ultimate test. I know she will get through that like she has all of this so far.

I know I am rambling a bit but this past two weeks has been difficult. When we went to the hospital with the fever, we thought it would be a couple of days at the most. Now, over two weeks later we have learned that nothing is predictable with this disease. We need to be flexible and adjust to whatever is handed to us. So far, I think we are doing a pretty good job at that. Hum, I wonder if all of your prayers have anything to do with that. We all know the answer. Thanks Folks!!

OK - Goodnight, Dave & Rita