Wandering in the desert for 35 days and 35 nights

The results of the bone marrow test were terrific. Jim is in 100% remission, his red blood cells and his white blood cells have responded and are back to normal but his platelets are not. Dr. Ansari told us that when he admitted Jim to the hospital, he thought that he had cured the cancer but killed his body.

The question of the third outpatient chemo will not be answered for 5 weeks (hence the wandering in the desert for 35 days and nights). Jim has got to get stronger and keep his numbers up. Dr. Ansari is hoping that the rest will allow the platelets to recover. We are looking weekly blood tests which is not a big deal.

Please continue with your prayers. We would love visitors but call before you come. Colleen is taking a much earned vacation next week and Sean is coming to parent sit. It will be good to see him and have his list of chores completed.

Same Song, Second, Third and Fourth Verses

So much has happened durinig the last month and a half, that I hardly know where to begin. The first round of chemo, outpatuent, was completed in August and Jim got a break because of Labor Day. Because Dr. Ansari did not want the chemo to extend over a full weekend, the chemo started a week later that we anticipated. Jim felt really good that week and we even spent about 4 hours at our newly acquited lake cottage. Chemo started the second week in September and Jim tolerated it just fine. Ten days out, however, he developed a strep infection and was hopitalized for 6 days. He was not a happy camper. Nobody likes to be in the hospital less than Jim. Nothing suited him and I was glad when he came home because he was not so crabby. He had a bone marrow test last Thursday and we will get the results tomorrow.

Things are good at home -- many thanks to the Saint Joseph High School teachers for their meals. Thanks to our sister-in-law for her meals and for walking in the leukemia for Jim. The blood drive held in Jim's honor was a rousing success. The students, staff and faculty donated 54 pints of blood. Chris Bishop did an outstanding job s the coordinator.

Please keep praying -- we have many bumps to get over before we are back to our normal routines.