Three days ago, the doctors said her neutrophil level was at 300. She needed a 500 to go home. Yesterday she was at 1000 and today she skyrocketed to 3000! My brothers and I spent the entire day dusting, vacuuming, and cleaning every inch of this house as my dad (Paul) went up to the hospital to pack her up and take her home! I don't know who's more excited to be home...my mom or my dad.
Even though Julie is home, visitors are still very limited due to her incredibly low immune system. She would love to see everyone that she can this week, but we were advised from a panel of doctors that it wasn't the best idea while she is "on vacation". Please email or write a note on the blog or her Facebook page. She reads these almost every day. She told me she feels uplifted and blessed by so many people offering prayers, support, and love. It's amazing how people rally together to lift and strengthen each other. We are truly blessed. Thank you!
Next Wednesday Julie will go back for another bone marrow biopsy. After the testing, she'll be admitted for another 21-24 days for the second round of chemotherapy. She will definitely be needing all the faith and prayers to get through it. Afterward, she'll have another short "vacation" and then return for 7 days of combined chemo and radiation. This specific 7 days will be the worst. This will kill white and red blood cells. The bone marrow transplant will occur at the end of those 7 days. Recovery can be long and tricky. We were warned of Graft vs. Host Disease and the effects thereof and other complications that can arise. Without the bone marrow transplant, the average rate of survival is 25% at her age. With the transplant, it goes up to 50%. We have faith in these doctors and believe in miracles.
Keep us in your prayers!
No comments:
Post a Comment