Back In The Hospital

The last couple of weeks have been busy and full of ups and downs.

On Aug. 14 we went to the cancer center for the bone marrow biopsy, blood work and 24 hour urine test. Up to now the main treatment for the myeloma has been the dexamethasone. If the results were to come back with no more than 10 percent of the rebel plasma cells in the bone marrow they could begin the harvest of the stem cells. So we waited.

On Monday we went to the renal clinic for a review with Dr. P. That news was good because John's kidney functions have gone from 30 percent to 44 percent.

Today John came down with cold and flu symptoms so we phoned the cancer center. Dr. V. decided to admit John to the hospital. The bone marrow tests were not good enough for the harvest so they want to go ahead with some more intensive chemical therapy. He will be in the hospital for at least four weeks. They will build him up a bit before they do the actual therapy. Tomorrow they are going to install the pic line. John is spending the night in emerg. They should have a bed for him by the morning.

Please pray that his flu will go away and not cause problems. His immune system is not very good and they have him in reverse isolation to prevent him from getting anything else. Pray that the pic line installation will go well and that they can start the chemo soon. Pray that the chemo will not further damage his kidneys. Also John has been getting a lot of swelling in his legs. Pray for that to be healed. Pray that John's spirit would not be too sad as he has a long stay ahead of him.

Thank you for all the praying that you have been doing. We would not be doing as well as we have without those prayers. I am convinced of that. I will try to keep you posted with the latest news.