Improving Blood Counts and TESTS, TESTS, TESTS!

What a beautiful day it is here in Houston where the temperatures are suppose to reach into the 70's today! Walking outside and taking that first breathe of fresh air is wonderful. As much as we both love the Houston weather, we still are looking forward to be back in our home in front of a roaring fire in the fireplace while sitting next to each other appreciating what we have been given from God. He has given us the strength to endure the last two months with hope and faith.

Yesterday Joe had his regular Fast Track blood draw and we were both ecstatic to see that Joe's platelets soared to 151 which is in the normal range. What is wonderful about the platelets is that Joe's body produced those without any transfusions. It is a relief to see them in the normal range so we do not have to worry about serious bleeding from any small little thing like blowing his nose, coughing too hard, a small cut as well as big accidents that can happen. The other red blood counts continue to improve although they are not in the normal range but they are going in the right direction. We pray that the bad lymphocytes keep dying off till they are gone. The best we can hope for is a complete remission that would last 3-5 years. Eventually the lymphoma will come back and we will have to take additional therapy to contain it. The good news that with every passing day research is being done to add more years to one's life with lymphoma as well as a cure. A donation to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society goes a long way. I have been impressed what this organization does to help patient and caregivers from an information point as well as emotional and financial support. The funds they raise goes into research also. I have heard first hand of people who are without health care because of job lost or disability get financial assistance. Joe and I are blessed that we do not need the financial assistance but the information, emotional, and research work has definitely helped us.

Starting at 11:30 AM today, Joe will first get a Bone Marrow Aspiration and Biopsy followed by X-Rays, CT prep, and then the CT at 4:30PM. I am sure that we will be at MDACC till early evening. We hope that the tests will show the positive results that we need.

Monday is the BIG day starting very early with a blood draw then our meeting with Dr. Romaguera to review the results. We will be on the edge of our seats listening to every word that the doctor says and pray that he okays Joe's transfer of care to Emory in Atlanta with Dr. Elliott Winton. If we get the release, we will then start to pack up what we have accumulated over the last two months and squeeze them into our car. If all goes well, we would start to drive back to Atlanta on Tuesday, 12/14 and drive half way stopping in Biloxi for the night. On Wednesday, 12/15, we drive the rest of the way home with butterflies in our tummies over excitement and should be home early evening. What a joy that will be for us!

The very next day, Thursday 12/16, Joe starts the day with Lab work at Emory followed by a visit with Dr. Winton. Joe will be admitted to Emory as an inpatient for a week of chemo. God willing he will be released on 12/23 just in time for Christmas. It will be God's gift to us and what a huge one that will be.

May your Christmas holiday be filled with love and good health along with thanking God for letting his Son come into our lives to save us in more ways than we could even imagine.

Ciao!