Day 319 BMT 109

Hello everyone. This is Rita. I got released last Sunday with great results and now only have to go back to Buffalo every other week and the other week I can go to Faxton Hospital with Dr. Butala. I am feeling good. My family can't believe that I am allowed to drive, but Dave took me out for a test drive and I didn't miss a beat. Monday, I went to Price Chopper, loaded the groceries in the car and even brought them into the house and put them away. They were all amazed! I said I have alot of catching up to do. It's hard not to be able to touch flowers or dirt, so Dave did a few planters for me, and my sister Sue did the rest. I am allowed to water the plants, though. I can't clean, dust or put dirty laundry in but I can unload the dishwasher and put the clothes in the dryer and fold them. It is so hard for me to watch people do so much for me. My sister, Eva, faithfully came every 3 days to collect my mail and water my plants. I thank her. My sister Sherry has been my spiritual soul mate every step of the way. Thank you Sherry. I would like to thank my friends, people I didn't know, the many prayer groups that prayed for me, people that sent me many, many cards and my family, and especially my kids who have given me so much love, so much of their time and have sacrificed so much. For all they have done for me, I will be eternally grateful. The benefit was wonderful. I wish I could have been there. I would like to especially thank my wonderful husband, Dave. He spent most of the time by my side, even sleeping in the recliner next to me in the hospital. He pushed me all the way, and I know I wouldn't have done all the walking and eating if he wasn't there. Thanks again to you all. I love you all, Rita

Day 311 BMT 101

Hello,

Well, we are still out here in Buffalo. So far, the results of the bone marrow biopsy are all good. While there has been an increase in the percentage of blasts, they are still within normal range. The reason we are still here is that Friday morning, day 100, Rita woke up with a slight fever. Due to that, the doctor would not release us to go home. Rita did not need to be admitted so we are back at the hotel. We have an appointment tomorrow morning (Sunday) and hope that they will let us check out of the hotel and come home tomorrow. We'll just have to wait and see. Rita is feeling pretty good and her temperature has returned to normal. They have taken more blood samples and testing to see if thay can determine the cause of the fever. We may or may not know the results tomorrow but still hope to come home as long as her fever dosen't come back.

I know this is short but there really isn't much else to say. This is just how it goes with this process. Its the old "one day at a time" thing. We are doing good and are optimistic that we will be home tomorrow.

Take care, Dave & Rits