Day +16
The results are in - her endoscope and colonoscopy shows she has GVHD in both the upper and slower GI system. Since the 'team' already started the protocol for GVHD, she's ahead of the game and will stay on her steroids at the current strength for the next couple of days. Then, if signs are good, they will start weaning steroids very slowly.
It is my pleasure, honor and privilege to let you know that Jen has TURNED THE CORNER!!! Her bilirubin fell 11 points, the transplant cells are right on track, multiplying as we speak!
With this disease and procedure, 24 hrs makes all the difference in the world. I'm sure you are wondering how things can turn around and be so positive in just a short time. Many times patients take a turn for the worse and it looks doubtful they will make it. The next week, they are discharged. This week, we watched Jen go to the bottom and now they are talking about her getting out of the hospital. It's a mystery to me but who cares how and why it happens like this, only that it happens. Jen will have to prove herself worthy of discharge - tonight they shut off her pain pump. She must begin eating food (she's been IV fed for several days). She must be able to get around on her own, including using the bathroom. Jen has her goals back - getting out of here on Monday. Yes, that's right, by Monday.
We know that most patients get re-admitted at some time because of fever, infection, etc. after discharge (actually I think all patients do) but Jen doesn't care if she's only home for a couple of days to regroup, she'll settle for that. Of course, her goal is to never set foot in UW again. All the IVs she's still on will become pills she'll take at home. Now it's our turn to take care of her. Scary thought but they'll teach us what we need to know.
We are so thankful to God and all his angels at the hospital and on this blog for getting us through this experience. We know we have a way to go but if you let us lean on you a little longer, we'll do fine. We'll keep blogging with daily updates - hopefully Jen will take over as blogger. It would be great for you to hear her point of view on all this.
Thank you friends, family, doctors, nurses for being there for us. Thank you Jen for fighting the good fight!
jo/mom/granny
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We are so happy to hear that Jen is doing better! We'll be praying that she continues to improve so she can get discharged on Monday. Love, Anne & Bill
ReplyDeleteGreat news Jen. A huge step in the right direction, you're on your way now.
ReplyDeleteHarry, Theresa and kids
What other outcome would Jen possibly allow..you are all so inspiational. Your family and strength is what got all of you to this point. I am so proud to say that Jen is my friend! Jo, you have been amazing writing to all, I so look forward to seeing you back on the east coast soon....I know we still need to pray for you all and will continue to check in daily...Love to all of you, Suzanne GREAT JOB JEN!!!!
ReplyDeleteGreat News!
ReplyDeleteWe hope you feel better soon
Terry, Mary Anne and the Boyz
What an inspiration you are to me Jen! What great news! I cant believe how quickly it can all turn around. I got the chills as I was reading this post. I wait every day for my email to see how Jen's doing. "The only way out is through" and she's almost through. She's my inspiration..the strongest person I know. The prayers will keep coming. Thank you Jo for the updates. You're doing an amazing job, I hope you're taking good care of yourself too. Hang in there everyone. Love, Tina
ReplyDeleteOMG WALKER MOM
ReplyDeleteYOU DID IT AND I KNEW YOU WOULD.
YOU HUNG TIGHT AND TIGHTER WHEN NEEDED.
YOU ARE AN ANGLE THAT GOD IS ALLOWING US TO KEEP..
LOVE YOU SO AND KEEP PUSHING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I KNOW THAT YOU WOULD GET THROUGH THIS HUMP!!!! WE LOVE YOU SOOOOO MUCH JEN, I JUST GOT OVER BEING SICK SO I WILL BE DOWN SOON HOPEFULLY AT THE HOUSE INSTEAD OF THE HOSPITAL RIGHT????? KEEP BEING YOUR STUBBORN SELF BECAUSE THAT'S WHAT'S GETTING YOU THROUGH ALL THIS!!!!!!!!!!!!
ReplyDeleteLOVE YOU SO MUCH
JULIE, JACK,ZACHARY,BEAU,SCOTTIE,AND JEREMY
Come on Monday!!!!! So glad to hear the wonderful news!!!!! I didn't expect anything than a fight from you......you are one of the strongest women I know!!!!! It is almost one year from my mom's transplant and she is like a new person. You will be feeling great shortly too. It is amazing....thank god for us for all the wonderful doctors and nurses who make this possible!!!!! And family and friends who are always there for you!!!!!! We are so fortunate to be able to follow your progress thanks to your family. Hope to hear from you soon!!!!!!!! Keep up the good work!!!! Stay strong!!!!!!
ReplyDeleteLove,
"maugie"
Yes! I did a dance when I read this. This is what we have all been waiting for. Thank you Jen for being a strong warrior in this and thanks to your family for being an excellent support system for you and for us. We have been with you all in spirit and will continue to pray for the wisdom of the doctors and your strength. One day closer to being cured and coming home.
ReplyDeleteBiggest hugs and huge kisses,
Wendy and Tom
Best news Ever!!!Lotsa Huggs & Kisses!!!!
ReplyDeleteYou are always on my mind...
We need to find a New word for Strong...
You really are Amazing!!! Soooo Proud of you!
Jen:
ReplyDeleteI hope that you are doing great with getting yourself off the IV pole. I Hope that you are packing up to be discharged! We are praying for you. You are reaching a major milestone in your journey. CONGRATULATIONS.
Ron A