Friday, October 9, 2009

I know you've been waiting. We're waiting too. Jen's counts, as expected, are hovering at 0. It's a waiting game. A crucial time in this whole process. The stem cells are getting in place. They want to do their job. She was given some red cells and platelets to get things started; part of the protocol. Food is not her friend so she'll get IV nourishment, part of the protocol. She's anxious and weak and waiting. We've received lots of info on what is going on in her body, what to expect and how long to wait - 10 to 14 days before engraftment. They told us to watch her counts. They go down to rock bottom and slowly start to build back up. They might fluctuate for awhile. Don't worry. When we see a trend of 3 days or more of slight increases with no decreases. engraftment is happening.

Ron A thank you so much for writing. Jen needed to hear from you. Actually, we've all been waiting to hear from you. Only you truly know what she is going through. You are her role model and she's trying to be brave like you.

I or someone else will write when we can. Sorry, things are a little busy here. Jen and her family appreciate your encouraging words. We worry about giving inaccurate information to you guys so please forgive the generalizing and being vague.

Thanks for your support.

jo/mom/granny

jo/mom/granny
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5 comments:

  1. AnonymousOctober 9, 2009 at 4:06 AM

    Thank God Jen has Ron, someone who she can have to talk to and ask questions. We are all literally biting our nails (what is left of mine) waiting to hear the results. If anyone can do this it is Jen, she will take control of this whole situation and have it end the way she (we) all want. God Bless Jen, keep up the great work.......Love Suzanne

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  2. AnonymousOctober 9, 2009 at 7:23 AM

    Thanks for the update. Jen u are one of my oldest and dearset friends and I know that u are going to get through this very quickly and easily. We pray everynight for u. When u can have visitors let me know. Email me when u can sweet heart. Best Wishes!!!!!!!!!!!!
    Julie, Jack, Zachary, Beau, Scottie oh and of course Jeremy (Herb) too!!! LOL!!

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  3. AnonymousOctober 9, 2009 at 11:12 AM

    Jen:
    I so wish I could be there right now with you. I would give you the biggest hug, even with the mask, gloves and gown on. But I will need to do it virtually. {{{{{{HUGS}}}}}.
    You will do great !!! This period that you are in will be the most challenging for you, but everything that you are experiencing is normal. Just let those precious stem cells do their magic in your marrow. Try your best to be calm for the next two weeks. I know how anxious you must be right now, but everything is right on track. Make sure that you continue with your mouth and throat care right now. Ask for PCA if you need it for pain, it is there for your comfort. Try and get out of bed and sit in a chair at least once a day. YOU WILL MAKE IT ! There is a whole new life waiting for you at the end of this journey. I am six months out from my SCT and I feel great. So will you !
    If you need me, email or call me on my cell 714-270-2072. I am here for you.
    Your SCT partner,
    Ron A

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  4. TinaOctober 9, 2009 at 2:35 PM

    Hi Jen,

    I love you, you are my hero. I am praying for you, for peace and for those wonderful little stem cells. I want to give you hugs, kisses and I want to keep you safe forever. You are my friend, we have a connection...and I love you. For now I can only give you this that has worked for me in the past.....breathe in God and breathe out fear, breathe in God and breathe out fear.....then laugh! :) I just love that Ron! No one better than someone who's been there! much love to you, your mom, sister, hubby and everyone.

    Tina

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  5. AnonymousOctober 11, 2009 at 8:56 AM

    Hi, Jo ... it's a blast from the past ... Surgical Path in the 80's. It's hard to think of your girls as adults since, in my mind's eye, they are the tykes you were raising way back when ... just as your ageless face appears before me with that smile and twinkle in your eye. Perhaps that smile is diminished somewhat from life's realities, but hopefully, with the treatment Jen is receiving and a prayed for positive outcome, it will soon be brighter than ever.

    While Julie has always kept me updated, she left this site's address in a voice mail message today and I immediately jumped on the internet to check it out. Yes, from experience, chemo does suck, but there is a light at the end of the tunnel. The cure is sometimes worse than the diagnosis, but in the long run, it's worth the trip. And Jen's positive attitude is a plus in making the journey less bumpy.

    If our ills were erased by a grilled Kaiser roll and Coke from HUP's snack bar (I've never been able to duplicate that grilling), I'd have thousands delivered to you (in leak-proof packaging, of course).

    Take care and I'll leave you with words someone told me so many years ago ... as long as you have hope, you have the courage to go on.

    Patti B.

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