Nancy's Update

Boo! Happy Halloween! Well, atleast my blood counts aren't too scary. Good thing the tech wasn't wearing a vampire costume! (Don't you think that there's something wrong with getting your blood drawn around Halloween Day?)

WBC 3.1 (normal 4.0 - 11.0)
RBC 3.78 (norm 3.8 - 5.2)
HBG 12.6 (norm 11.5 -15.5)
HCT 35.3 (norm 35.0 - 47.0)
PLT 90 (norm 150-350)

Today's appointment was a little lengthy. There was quite a bit of waiting involved but we covered a lot of ground. I had my blood drawn, waited a long time to see my doctor, got a flu shot, filled prescriptions and then had my respiratory treatment of pantamidine. I was at the City of Hope for about four hours. As you can see, my counts are stable and my doctor is happy with them. He didn't decrease any medications yet (I was hoping he'd decrease the anti-rejection drugs), but he added an antibiotic that he wants me to take for 20 days. This is to take care of a sinus and lung infection that may need that extra kick in the pants.

Thank you for checking in on me. I'm feeling good and I'm thankful for every day. Wishing you a happy and safe halloween. love, nancy

A3M held it's big Starnight fundraiser a few weeks ago. In addition to having a wonderful dinner and enjoying a great concert, I got to see many faces that I haven't seen in quite a while. Here are just a few of them:
The youngest boy is 9 year-old Dale Inouye. He is a patient fighting ALL. He is here with his two brothers, Derek (11) and Danny (16), his mom, Juliann, his dad, Wade, and myself. See my previous posting to read more about Dale's story.

To the right is a photo of Jerome, myself, and Christine Pechera. Christine had her second bone marrow transplant in July 06. We were next door neighbors in the City of Hope Hospital for a while. Jerome is searching for a marrow match so he can receive a much needed transplant. For more information go to teamjerome.org

These are just a few of the people who have been fighting bone marrow diseases. Now you can attach a face when I'm talking about some of these wonderfully strong people. Please keep these people in your thoughts and prayers.

Also, for my 22 relatives who were displaced temporarily due to the California wildfires in San Diego and Orange County, let's thank God that all your homes were spared, but more importantly, that you are all safe.

love you all,
Nancy

Hi gang! No blood counts just yet. I'll see the doctor next week and probably have more information on my status.

Last December, I blogged about a little boy named Dale Inouye, now 9 years old. He was diagnosed in 2000 with ALL and underwent chemotherapy regimen. He relapsed in December 2006 and underwent bone marrow transplantation in February 2007, with his donor being his older, 11 year old brother, Derek. He's now eight months post-transplant and has again relapsed. He's again undergoing chemo at UCLA with hopes of getting him back into remission.

I often used young Dale as my inspiration to continue to be positive and look forward to a healthy future. Dale is always smiling and doing things kids should do. By watching him, you would never know he is sick but inside, he must be feeling the weight, both emotional and physical, of the illness. Dale's journey continues to be one of encouragement and heartbreak.

I've checked Dale's progress daily by viewing his blog and by contact with family friends. Please view his blog at inouyeboynumba3.blogspot.com. I believe Dale will be needing blood products, so I'll blog later on where you can donate blood or platelets.

I can only imagine the stress on Dale, his parents and two brothers, Derek (11) and Danny (16). Please say a prayer for the family. I know they appreciate your thoughts and prayers.

love,
Nancy