I am awesome...That is all

:)

I went swimming today for the first time this summer. Yes, it is Hurricane Day, BUT... I am hurricane proof

Yeah Buddy

So I went to the clinic today and got blood work done. The doctor came in and was very excited about my results. Red blood cells are starting to go up on their own. He pretty much said I was the epitome of a bone marrow patient...I guess me doing whatever I want is working out....There Laurel are you happy now?

OUT

I finally got my pickline out this week

Our Word

Steve: *Chokes on water and starts coughing*
Mom: I think the chemo made Steve get a drinking problem.

Steve: MOM! You can't use chemo jokes....THATS OUR WORD!!!!!!!

Month

It has been a month since I got out of the hospital and all is going well. My hair started to grow back. AND I can grow a beard again.

6 Weeks

Happy 6 weeks everyone. It was 6 weeks ago today that I got my new bone marrow. And to celebrate I went to the doctors today and had to get some blood. White blood cells and platelets are normal. But my red blood cell count is low. Hopefully next week my counts will be semi normal.

Oh, feel free to come and visit. I don't do anything all day and would love to see you guys. And you can bring food ........ Just saying.

There's no place like home!

Stephen came home Friday afternoon. Patsy (a nurse) came on Saturday to teach us how to give his IV medication and he takes about 20 pills in the morning and 20 at night. He has adjusted well. He plays games, watches movies, TV, and he rests. We are venturing out today to go have lab work done. It is very nice to be home (an understatement).

It's the best day EVER!

Stephen is coming home today!
A home health aid will be coming to help with the IV medicine, he still has food restrictions, he has to wear a mask and gloves when he ventures out of his room, we have to make sure his visitors are healthy, he will go to the clinic often for monitoring, blah, blah, blah.
But...
HE'S COMING HOME!

If you think yesterday was amazing...

This morning his neutrophil count is 2300! All his counts are better than when he came here. It means new cells are growing! This is so exciting!

The 'H' word

The doctor mentioned going 'home' today. Neutrophil count is 1680. All other counts are up! He is feeling good.

Counts are at 900!

They identified the virus. It was roseola. It was dormant in his body and became active when his immune system was down. His counts are up to 900 and he is feeling good. His appetite is better and he took a walk today.

Feeling the love :)

Steve opening cards from the Terryville Ward.


The Terryville Primary cards on the window :)


Steve sleeping with the blue whale :)

Come one, come all!

Today the doctor told us that the virus is three-quarters gone. His counts yesterday were around 500 and today they are up to 880!

There is no longer any restriction for visitors. So, if you would like, you can visit Stephen. Please be sure you are not feeling sick. As a bonus, you can even visit with me! :)

Please note that Steve gets very tired by 8:00pm, so if you would like to visit with him (and me), please do so before then. Thank you for your understanding.

Cards

Steve opening cards from the Plainview Primary children :)

Counts Are Up

After a few discouraging days of Stephen's counts staying the same, they are on the rise again!

After many tests, it turned out to be a viral infection. It is now being treated and Stephen is feeling better. Thank you for all the messages, cards, words of encouragement, texts, calls, etc.

He appreciates it all. Visitors are still restricted. It is just me (Darleen) and his Dad, so I know he is looking forward to seeing other people!

May 31, 2011

Stephen had a very good night last night...no fevers or rashes! He also had a very good day...getting around more and eating a little bit more. His blood counts are the same but the doctor said he is progressing nicely.

Quick Note

Hey,

There is no news as to when Steve will be able to get visitors. But, as promised, we will let you know :) We are so grateful for all the love and support!!!

Thanks again,

Love,
Jenn

Picture Update from Room 138

The before:



The after:

Update from Room 138

Steve has has a couple of bad nights. But his days are pretty good. At night he gets fevers, chills, respiratory concerns and rashes. They are able to give him medicines to control it. During the day he is able sit up in the chair and watch TV and even took a walk in the hall (without his IV in!).

Good news is that his bone marrow is growing!! YAY!

White cell count is 1.1 (up from 0)
Neutrophils is 210 (out of 1000 and up from 0)

Things are progressing :)