Wednesday, August 18, 2010

Clinic report:

The good news is that the WBC has gotten better - 3.66 and Neutrophils are 1.93.
There are no outward GVHD symptoms and the PTLD is gone, but the bad news is that the chimerisms are trending down, and the bone marrow biopsy supports the downward trend. It is slight, but it is still the wrong direction.
Chimerisms tell us how much is Dennis and how much is Terry. T-cells at day 56 were 82%, day 84 were 78%, and day 117 were 67%.
Bone marrow tells how much CLL remains. Day 56 was 2.5% and day 117 was 4.1%.
The doctors remind us that the change is minimal, but this is when we want to catch it and change it.
The doctors are talking about Terry again and trying to come up with a plan.
They have some contradicting factors and some unknowns. They are trying to come up with a good, even the best plan for Terry.
Terry's oxygenation is low and they are checking things there. He had a CT scan today after the doctor visit, so hopefully they will learn something from that.

Today is day 119 and we still have no idea when we will be able to go home. These little disturbances are keeping us here and we are feeling a bit restless, but we are worried mostly for those at home. We hoped to help with school shopping this week but the kids have been sick so we must remain distant. And, school shopping is minimal compared to the farming needs. It seems that we keep leaving our responsibilities up to others and we apologize.

I was just reading thru some conference talks again and was reminded of this: "Two men can do anything as long as one of them is the Lord' and 'The Savior must be our foundation. Without that we flounder." Elder Andersen reminded us that our faith in Jesus Christ prepares us for the challenges we will face. We, refering to all members of our family, are certainly facing many different challenges.

The conference messages combine in one great message that remind us to turn to and follow the Lord, Jesus Christ. "Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest". Matthew 11:28 He will send us peace, no matter what our trials might be. We were encouraged to watch with all perseverance,to be of good courage, to act in all diligence, and to continue in patience and never, never, never give up, as we turn to the Lord and follow Him.

So, with our love of God and our faith in Jesus Christ we promise to keep an eternal perspective and pray that "all things will work together for good". We will continue to pray for those in charge, both here in the medical field and there on the home front, knowing that with God, all things are possible.

(I hope this has made some sense. There were so many thoughts going thru my mind, and when that happens it's even harder than usual to get it out on paper in a pleasing and understandable manner.)

3 comments:

Louise said...

Terry and Elaine,
As I read this and repeated it to Kent, we are encouraged by your faith and strength in this uncertain time for you. I hope and pray Terry will start feeling stronger and the doctors will be guided to know the best plan for him. Thanks again for the updates.

Ellen said...

One thing is for sure. We can't do it without the help of the Father and I don't know how people who don't believe in Him live from day to day. I want you to know that I will go to Royal and take the kids school shopping for you if they can just tell me what they need, or if you can tell me what they need. Just say the word and I am there. I wish with all my heart that there were more things I could do to help, so if you think of something, please tell me. I can't even imagine the stress you must feel and in spite of it all, you continue to keep us all updated so beautifully and with so much inspiration in every post. Hoping and praying for better tomorrows. Love, Ellen

Becky Noftle said...

I'm pretty sure I can learn to drive a tractor! Honestly would be happy to help, with school supply or clothes shopping, with anything.