Day 38 Admission

Dearest friends and family,

I didn't really intend to write again tonight, but after reading the blogs, I just have to thank you all. They've really touched me, and I know Bob will feel the same way when he reads them.

I should also let you know that Bob actually had 46 neutrophils today. So that is a start. Normally they like them to be 500 or > before you can be sent home, but we actually talked to Patty the discharge coordinator today about coming home at the beginning of next week. She said that it's possible to come home with a lower ANC, but Bob might have to stay on IV antibiotics. I'm sure he will also continue to need blood and platelets, so theses things have to be coordinated with a home care agency. Bob did need platelets today, and once again was just zapped by the benadryl. He didn't have any fevers while I was there, but this evening his temp went up to 100.4. Still not as bad as 102.8...which happened early Thursday morning at 6am. I don't think I ever told you, but Dr. Luger thinks Bobs' temps are from the leukemia itself, and Bob may have to go home with fevers, but they complicate things. Normally when a pt. goes home after chemo, they're told to come back if their temp hits 100.5, so they can be cultured and started on antibiotics. Well, Bob has been cultured out the wazoo(literally), and they have all been negative, plus he is already on antibiotics, so this is something we are going to have to play by ear. But what we are really hoping is that his temps just stay down, so I can have him back home.

Bob is watching Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon tonight.(Btw, Matt he loves the DVD player, and I loved your blog tonight...thank you. And Deb and Joe, I have your DVD player at home...thank you so much for sharing.) So he's feeling pretty good. He's going to try and get some laps in tomorrow if he's feeling okay. He really hasn't been walking for 2 weeks now, and I'm afraid he's going to feel that, once he gets home. But he's been a model pt, and I know he'll do what he can.

Now, just a few comments on your blogs...........Kris, I'm not entirely convinced that you hadn't started the Cinco de Mayo celebration a little early, and blogged that schizophrenic post yourself.I think I hear Margaritaville playing in the background.........Wanda, I feel that I should know the hot pickle/ICU story since I worked there 22 years, but I can't think of what it is. Do you want to share?........Kim, I'm so excited b/c I know about the fat lady singing.(At least I think I do). During the golden age of Vaudeville there were always many acts, but the last one was always a fat woman singing. Hence, it ain't over etc. Kris, is that right?........and finally Mandi, thanks for sharing that sweet tale. I loved it.

Once again, thank you so much. As Matt said, have Faith and Hope. We are doing our best, with the help of your love and support.

All our love,

Bob and Mo

P.S. Now I need help from a computer geek....When I used to hit enter, the cursor would move to the line immediately beneath, but now it won't cooperate...witness my sign-off above. How can I correct that????