Setback

Kathy is back in the hospital. She was released last week, following her second dose of chemo. She was doing great. We visited her at her RV on Saturday and she seemed energetic and healthy. She went in for routine bloodwork on Sunday and they discovered that her platelets were dangerously low again, and dropping. They will have the platelets she needs for transfusion on Wednesday.

I assume she is back in the Kohler building, on the 14th floor again. But if her levels keep dropping or if she is bleeding she will likely end up in ICU again. I will update if I hear anything different. Please send lots of positive thoughts.

From Kathy

I want to thank you all for your many thoughts and prayers. They have meant so much to me.

And my daughter in law, Melissa, for creating the Blog and keeping it up for me. She has done a beautiful thing for me.

To the oncology nurses who are truly angels. And I don't believe angels can adequately describe them. So kind and so good at what they do. At first I thought they were so dedicated to their jobs. Then realized it wasn't their jobs they were dedicated to, but their patients. When we felt like we just couldn't go on, they pick us up and carry us forward. I will never forget a one of them

I will be going back into the hospital Thursday, May 17th for another week of chemo. They think I am strong enough to go again. I have three more rounds of chemo if my body can withstand it. We are all in hopes of a complete remission. But it is very dangerous for me because my platelets run the risk of dropping to zero again, with a risk again of a brain bleed. I am praying for healing, strength and yes a whole lot of courage. With prayer from all of you yet again, I think we might just kick some more leukemia butt.

Here we go LORD, let's get it done!

Freedom!

Kathy is out of the hospital! She was discharged today, and Brian and I were lucky enough to be her transport to her temporary home. She must stay in Portland - her doctor wants her to be within quick driving distance to OHSU. On Wednesday, Rodger will be bringing their 5th wheel up and parking it in East Portland in a park that her friend lives in. Until then, she is staying with her friend.

She is so, so happy to be out. And, she got to see her grandbabies today. That always makes for a good day. She had a bone marrow biopsy Friday and the results came back great. Her levels were normal. She has lost a lot of weight and tires easily. Just packing up her room up today wore her out. 

I will work on getting an updated mailing address for her. She still cannot have flowers or plants inside her living space so please keep this in mind if bringing gifts. She will go back into the hospital for a second round of chemotherapy in 2-3 weeks; keep the positive thoughts coming. They are working!

The best birthday present ever

Kathy is getting the best birthday present ever this weekend...she is going to be discharged! She has to stay local (Portland area) so she will be taking up residence at Jantzen Beach in the fifth wheel. I'm sure that she is thrilled to be getting out of the hospital soon!

She is doing great...platelet levels are soaring and SHE is making them. They took her off of things yesterday (platelets, coagulants, etc.) and even without getting them her numbers went up. She is sounding great, and even went to Arts and Crafts class yesterday (maybe that is where she made the platelets?!?).

We plan to come visit this weekend, dependent upon her discharge plans. It could be challenging if she is in transition but maybe we can help out.