Belated Happy Valentines Day

Hello everybody,

I know this is a long overdue post and I apologize, but I've been waiting for some info to share with you...more on that later. First I'll catch you all up on Bob. When we wrote last he was in the midst of his second round of chemo. He did fine w/ that, had a bone marrow biopsy on the 31st, and just finished his 3rd round of chemo this past Tuesday. We found out last week that the bone marrow has improved...the blast count, which is the number of leukemia cells, was down to 16 %. To refresh your memory, it was up to 40% in November and needs to be less than 20% for the stem-cell transplant to be done....so we have yet to speak to an MD, but we see Dr Luger at Penn this coming Monday and should know more then about what lies ahead. Bob has spoken to his nurse practitioner(NP) from Penn and she did tell him to schedule a 4th round of chemo. So that will start at the beginning of March. At that rate I think it's looking like the end of March/beginning of April when Bob will be hospitalized for the transplant. But, like I said, that's speculation on our part and we'll know more after Monday.
Bob's feeling okay right now. He is still plagued by these 2-3 day bursts of terrible congestion and sneezing. He has gone through 2 large boxes of tissues in the last 3 days. I talked to Bobs' visiting nurse today and she thinks it's related to the chemo. The nausea still comes and goes, but it's never been as bad as it was with the first round, and of course his arthritic knees are still painful and this weather hasn't helped much with that. But overall I'd have to say he's come through the chemo very well, and I hope and pray that is a good omen for the transplant. Oh! I forgot to tell you that his counts have improved dramatically also...his platelets are up to 56,000, his hemoglobin is 12.0 and his white count has been close to 5.0....numbers Bob hasn't seen since the AML was diagnosed. So speaking of blood counts segues me nicely into my next subject, the reason I was putting off writing to you.
I'm so excited to tell you that there is going to be a Red Cross blood drive in honor of Bob and our dear friend Deb Teklits, who as most of you know also has AML. Our good friend Bonnie Handerhan(AKA Stonehead to Bob) has undertaken this task since she wanted to do something for the both of them, and says so many people have asked her if there is anything they can do for Bob or Deb. Deb and I have talked frequently about all the red blood cells and platelets she and Bob have received. Without all the volunteers who give blood and platelets they both would have been sunk a long time ago. So we're all so excited at this opportunity to give back to the Red Cross and through them the community at large. I also want to clarify that this blood is not going to be targeted specifically for Bob or Debbie, they simply want to give something back and are hoping you will all help them to do that. We're also thinking this would be a nice opportunity for people to see Bob and Deb, both of whom will be there, health conditions or hospitalizations not preventing them.

Now, what I know for sure is that the drive will take place on Saturday, March 31st at Bonnies' home, which is on Tennis Circle in Lansdale(right up the street from Debs' house). The tentative time is 11Am to 5PM. There is a lower age restriction of 17 years. There is no upper age limit. Obviously there are other restrictions related to health and medications, dental work, tattoos, piercings etc. which are too long for me to list here. Anyone can call, blog or e-mail me with questions or you can call 2 Red Cross numbers...215-451-4363 or 1-800-give-life. My e-mail is mobobmaz@msn.com. I'm not sure yet exactly how we are going to handle signing up. There are going to be appointments slotted for every 15 minutes, and we may have sign up sheets on the computer, or you may have to call or e-mail either Bonnie or myself. Bonnie and I met today w/ the Red Cross reps, and the whole process for each person takes about one hour, most of which is used up on paperwork. So that's the meat of the matter for now. I'll be back w/ more details, especially the exact time and procedure for signing up.
If I can answer any questions in the meantime, I'll do my best. I know there are many people who don't feel comfortable blogging, but I'd appreciate a little feedback about the blood drive, so we can get an idea of how many people to expect. Feel free to e-mail or phone.

Thank you as always for the prayers and good thoughts, blogs and cards. Not a day goes by when I don't run into someone who sends Bob prayers and well-wishes. It means so much to us and we thank you for all the support you've given us through this "adventure" thus far. Bob sends his best and says..."Come out and get stuck. It's for a good cause and you can see me too. What a deal! Ha!"....I swear...he really told me to write that. I never would have used the word stuck!!!

All our love,
Bob and Mo