Monday, April 13, 2009

Day "147"






Okay...so I know I have failed most of you by not posting for forty-six days, but you have to understand--something had to give! I will try to sum up the last month and a half fairly quickly since Jeff is watching over my shoulder wishing I would just give the blog thing up! As he has read through the previous posts, he is shocked and amazed by what he doesn't remember and the fact that his wife posted it for all the WORLD to see! Those of you who know Jeff well know that he hates to be in the spot light...and for that reason alone, I was surprised that he allowed me to blog his story this long.

As many of you know, Jeff's blood counts have been hanging out in the low range. For that reason, we had to travel back to Huntsman once a week for the first month we were home. Then, when his counts remained low but consistent, Jeff was able to see our oncologist here in St. George every other week. So, our trek to SLC came every other week. Then, on Day 133, since Jeff had not required a blood transfusion since leaving the hospital in January, his doctor decided he could have his central line removed! I have posted pictures of it, and those of you who were in our sacrament meeting yesterday know how he felt about me taking them--just for the record, I was not on a chair, I was standing quietly by the side of the bed! :) I just continue to tell him that someday he will thank me for four months of constant pictures! He decided not to be sedated for the removal, and he doesn't recommend it! He compares it to the scene on Braveheart where one guy is pulling another mans' intestines out! Then, to top it off, his crazy wife is snapping pictures! A central line is a major risk factor for infection, so it was good to get out. Also on that day, the doctor and pharmacist decided to begin tapering his cyclosporine (immunosuppressant) dosage. He is on an extremely high dose morning and night, so over the next nine months (until December) that dose will reduce to nothing. In the last week and a half, I have been excited to see glimpses of the man I married...playing with the kids, working in the yard (against my better judgement, but at least with a mask and gloves on), making a to do list, etc. I tell people all the time that he is beginning to have more good days than bad. We can't ask for anything more than that! Today, Day 147, Jeff had a doctor appointment here in St. George. After having his blood drawn, we waited in the room for the results. As Dr. Manalo began to read them off to us, we had her check to make sure it was Jeff's results. Each and every blood count had risen substantially. His white blood count was actually in the normal range! Jeff hasn't been normal for more than a year! The other blood counts are still lower than normal, but the fact that progress was made is priceless! Jeff is still extremely tired and has to stay clear of any sickness. He still has bladder issues that we are hoping are temporary. He is in no way out of the woods, but we can see the light at the edge of the forest. We are only going up to Huntsman once a month at this point, and eventually it will be every other, then every six months, then yearly! Now that is something to look forward to! Jeff has asked for this to be my last post, and since he asked nicely, I will comply. At least we end on a postive note! Thank you for your support, comments, and prayers. We could not have done it without you!

20 comments:

Erin said...

Such wonderful news! We're so happy for your family!

matesen said...

I am so happy for you! It sounds like things are rolling right along! (random note: the word verification word is BLESS-very fitting huh :)

jared stanley said...

nice work jeffrey, glad to hear you're getting better.

Hopie said...

YEA JEFF!!! So happy for you guys and stop giving your wife a hard time about the blog, you'll actually thank her one day!!!!

Aleisha said...

I am so glad to hear that all is going well!! We are happy for you!

Woodlands said...

That is so awesome! I hope we get to see you this weekend.

czstephensfam said...

Kathryn and Jeff, you guys are amazing! I am so glad things are at least on the upswing. We love you and hope that all continues to go well and Jeff keeps getting stronger. Kathryn, thank you for sharing with all of us, even if Jeff didn't want you too. :D

Lyns said...

Thanks for the update! I hope things continue to go well and Jeff gets better and better! I love your little family pic! So cute!

Anonymous said...

I have really enjoyed reading your updates. I appreciate your blog! :) I am so glad Jeff is starting to feel better!

Drake Family said...

Glad that things are going good for your family and that you are finally able to enjoy your house. I love the pic. of Jeff in the wheelbarrow! I agree...someday Jeff might enjoy having all the pics. you took. Thanks for sharing along the way.

Brandt & Lindsey said...

I am so glad that Jeff is doing better. We hope things continue to go well.
Love you guys!

Erin said...

Hi Jeff! I have checked in from time to time to hear how you are doing. You have been in our prayers and we are SO happy to hear some positive news! Your family is darling. I'm grateful for your cute blogging wife who kept us all in the loop! :)

Rachel Doyle said...

Thank you for keeping us informed about Jeff and his health. My family will continue to remember you all in our prayers - and we hope that his health will continue to recovery.

Rachel Cornwell-Doyle & Family

Dawna Greer said...

So glad that Jeff's labs are looking better--a healthy immune system is key to getting well. We're happy that Frank's white count is continuing to improve--in the normal range for the first time in years! It was fun to see you and your precious kids at Easter. Jeff looked great also --maybe he's a good actor!

Anonymous said...

Congratulaltions to both of you. what a mountain you have had to climb. I look at your recent pictures and you look great. You are both champions in my eyes. We wish the best for your family.
The Andrus family will always have a special place in the Robison's hearts.
All our love,
JoAnn, Calvin and Kids.

Kelly said...

that is good news and i am happpy that you are back

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