Home at last!

Deann is finally back at home. She was able to go home on Saturday and is enjoying the comforts of her home, kitty cat, and husband.

More to follow.

Going home soon!

Momma Deann is doing much better. I spoke with her today and she seemed to being feeling more like her old self. There is the possibility of allowing her to go home this weekend, however we don't want to rush things and make sure she is healthy enough to leave.

Unfortunately I don't have much more info at this time, but will get my facts in order and post them as soon as I know what is the 411.

Word-

Sarah

Much Thanks!

Thank you to all those who Fasted today, Deann and fam appreciate all your efforts.  

Deann is still in the hospital, boo.  But the staff is keeping her fever down, making her feel much better.  They are testing various things that may be causing her fever, but until they know the reason she is trying to rest, stay hydrated and build up strength.  

Thanks for all you care, we will keep you posted.

Sarah

Fast and Prayers!

Deann and Jim made it home to CC on Saturday, unfortunately Deann had to go to the hospital on Sunday due to a fever.  She is still there, and will be until they can determine the cause of the fever and then treat it.  Her family and friends will be holding a special Fast in her honor tomorrow, Tuesday the 17th.  We would love all to join who are able to fast, but if not please send lots of prayers and positive thoughts her way.  She needs a little positive power right now.

I am sure she would love visit, but she is currently in an isolation room because of infection and can't have guest at this time.

Thank you again for all your love, support and friendship.  It has truly helped us all get through this time.

Lots of love,

Sarah

Coming home

To all my very dear friends –


Once again, you’ve made it possible for Jim and me to keep our chins up & continually move forward. We have been officially dismissed to go home for a few weeks & cuddle in our comfy bed & lead a more normal life. I can’t wait to see my cat, but I hope she remembers us. It seems a new relationship has been established with Uncle Ronnie and Aunt Kristi.


We thank the Hansen’s so much for the care of our home and cat. That was such a comfort to me to have them there.


All of you, my friends, are so precious to me. Knowing I have people who pray on my behalf is very powerful. Your comments have helped me in ways I can’t even describe – I get very emotional when I think of all of our lives and relationships. I must quit with this sappy stuff because I can’t see through my tears!


At any rate, the clinic team has determined that my blood levels are where they need to be, so I’m coming home with lots of pills & lots of instructions. I will be home for 5-6 weeks & return around Christmas week to begin the process all over again – but hey – I’m half way there!


Jim and I talk about our blessings and the many incidents in our lives that have shown to be truly blessings, although sometimes well disguised, for our good. How blessed we are to have access to this amazing technology & incredible medical staff – to have the insurance support to help pay for it – but most of all, the love we have for one another!


I love you dear friends. I’ll see you and talk to you in a few days.

Deann's travels

I know for sure that Deann is feeling better. Two nights ago, we were sitting at the table in our apartment when she started to get up. I asked where she was going and she said, “Well, I really only go a couple of places in this apartment...poop and poop again.” Good to see her bathroom humor returning. I was getting worried there for a while.

She really is getting better, although she is still incredibly weak. She had a blood transfusion yesterday, which seemed to help some. She is still on oxygen & looks like she will be for a while. Sarah mad e dinner last night for us and Deann ate pretty well. That was good to see although I don’t think Sarah planned on her eating. Maybe she was just trying to tell me something!

It’s pretty amazing to see all the patients being treated here for multiple myeloma. They come from all over the country. It’s great to think that so many people will be helped in fighting this disease. We get the feeling that the clinic has a tough job treating as many as possible while attending to each individual’s needs. There are many changes in how things are done from Deann’s first visit and unfortunately, insurance coverage plays a part in some of them. We are so lucky to have good coverage.

Should know tomorrow what the plan is for her release back to Carson City. We’ll keep you all posted!

Engraftment!

Engraftment achieved on Friday! White blood cell count is come up very nicely over the last two days so Deann has taken a big step on the road back from transplant hell. Got a ways to go before they’re ready to turn her loose but there are definite signs that she feels a little better today. She’s back on oxygen and has some lung congestion and spends most of her time sleeping but had more spark today. The plan is to give her a blood transfusion tomorrow to help her red blood cell counts and check her Tuesday. If she’s doing better then, she might be able to come home later in the week. They’ve told us with this treatment there really is no normal, so we’re not getting too excited just yet...just grateful that we have the support of our family and friends and in knowing that you’re all with us.

Still waiting...

Day 9 for Deann since her transplant & there were some good indications in today’s blood tests that she will soon reach engraftment. Couldn’t prove it by the way she felt today, but we’ll go with the opinion of the experts. This time around, she’s unfortunately experiencing many of the normal side effects associated with this treatment. She is dealing with it like the trooper we know she is but doesn’t feel like wonder woman right now. It’s hard to see her so wiped out but we’re proud of how she deals with it. Amelia the nurse always wants to know what book Deann is reading & told her today that it’s the first time she has ever seen her not reading one... we’re hopeful that she’ll pick that book back up soon!

Down time

Deann is now Day 7 after her transplant...the time she is most apt to feel bad & she would not doubt confirm that she does. It’s sobering to see how quickly some of the treatment side effects can take hold. Yesterday, I went out for a couple of hours with her feeling pretty good & came back to see her totally wiped out. Still, as I look around the treatment center, I know she is getting through this better than most...of course that’s no surprise is it??

Last test showed her white blood cell count pretty much wiped out & now she needs to start generating those cells on her own. Typically that happens from Day 10 to 14. She just received a blessing from Trevor & Andrew, who broke his arm Saturday & needs one himself. Sarah is now taking care of all of us... so I’m pretty sure more kids aren’t in her game plan just yet. She just gave Deann a little trim ...nobody looks better in a buzz cut!

Please keep Deann in your thoughts & prayers because we all she needs that to help her through this thing!