Days in the Life of Jeff

Day "365"...HAPPY BMT BIRTHDAY!

2009-11-17T21:06:00.000-08:00

Happy One Year BMT Birthday Jeff! What a ride it has been! Jeff and I have spent a lot of time in reflection over the past couple of days. We have laughed, we have cried, but more than anything, we have been filled with gratitude! Gratitude for life, for health, for family, for our beautiful children, and for the help we have received both spiritually and physically over the past year. When Jeff's transplant coordinator told us we could plan on a year to a year and a half recovery time, I did not believe her. Really, could it take that long? The answer is...YES! It seems like only yesterday Jeff was lying in a hospital bed. I am amazed at how far he has come over the course of the year. He is still not the man I knew a few years back, but I see glimpses of that guy every now and again. He is back into riding horses, playing basketball every now and then, and my honey-do list! As his medications decrease, his energy level increases. As of the first of October, his blood levels were still not in the "normal" range, but they were finally "approaching." My kids LOVE being with him. He has had a rare opportunity to spend day in and day out with them during this recovery process. The relationship they have built is priceless and could not have been built any other way. I am so proud you, Jeff! Thanks for being a great example of enduring to the end! Keep fighting. Soon, this will be a CRAZY memory for all of us! :) You amaze me! Happy Birthday.

Day "147"

2009-04-13T21:40:00.000-07:00

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!

Day "101"

2009-02-26T20:49:00.000-08:00

Our little family moved into our first home in December of 2007. We had planned to landscape our front yard in the fall of 2008, but as you are well aware, we were out of town for most of the season! :) For some crazy reason, I don't have a picture of how we left our home in November, but just imagine dirt and tumble weeds as the before picture. The rest are what we saw when we turned the corner and headed for home! Jeff was shocked and ecstatic! He asked me if I had drawn up the landscape plans because it was exactly what he would have wanted! In all honesty, I had nothing to do with it! The project was planned and carried out by the Little Valley 1st Ward members as well as several family members. I wish I had a list of those who helped so I could thank them individually, but I hear that there was a combination of young and old working together to create this masterpiece! (If someone does have a list, I would love to get my hands on it!) Anyway, I guess the grass is coming this weekend, and I can't wait to see the final outcome! It is very low maintenance and beautiful (which is great since I will be the one taking care of the place for a while)! :) My biggest worry at this point is keeping those cute tulips alive...I killed everything I tried to grow last year! My kids and I spent all morning and some of the afternoon in the sandbox (Kolten was afraid of our dog, so I couldn't have gone inside if I wanted to!)! We are loving the change of scenery and we feel very blessed to be home! O-ya...I almost forgot the big change inside our house! We are now sporting a surround system that shakes our windows thanks to some old high school buddies of Jeff's! I'm sure our neighbors thought our house was blowing up while Jeff and his brothers were watching U-571 yesterday afternoon! Thank you, thank you, thank you! We appreciate all your help through this crazy process. We could not have survived it without your prayers and support. In the 2008 October General Conference, Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin gave an amazing talk that Jeff and I read several times over the last three months. In that talk he stated, "the Lord compensates the faithful for every loss. That which is taken away from those who love the Lord will be added unto them in His own way. While it may not come at the time we desire, the faithful will know that every tear today will eventually be returned a hundredfold with tears of rejoicing and gratitude." Now, I am not sure how faithful we have been or how well we have endured the trial, but I do know that we have been blessed a hundredfold through supportive family and friends. Jeff has not had to walk a single step of this road alone. And for that, we will be forever grateful. I am sure that a lot of healing will take place here over the next several months! We are glad to be home.

DAY "100"

2009-02-26T14:12:00.000-08:00

(Yesterday) Well, we did it! We are officially home! I can not explain the sense of relief we (Jeff and I) felt as we pulled off the Boulevard Exit and headed down River Road. Then...as we turned the corner and drove down our street...again, there are not words to describe what we found. I will post pictures later today!

Day "99"

2009-02-24T08:52:00.000-08:00

Today, Jeff had another bone marrow biopsy. He has had two others in St. George, but this is the first one I have been able to watch. It was amazing to watch them screw a needle through his hip bone and suck out bone marrow and a sliver of bone. The last two were done in the OR and cost over $10,000. This one was done right here in the BMT infusion room, and the PA nearly died when I told her how much the last two cost. Night and Day difference! Tomorrow is DAY 100! We will be home to St. George soon!

Day "96-98"

2009-02-24T08:43:00.000-08:00

This shirt was given to Jeff by our primary and it explains the last three days for all four of us. Enough said!

Day "93"

2009-02-18T20:40:00.000-08:00

Can you believe that in seven days Jeff will hit his "100th Day" mark? Really, when I look back, the whole transplant process has passed rather quickly! Especially the last month where Jeff has been out of the hospital. Jeff had all his post transplant tests yesterday. We will not receive the results until next week, but we are praying for good news. Yesterday, for some reason, each and every blood count had lowered from the previous week. Jeff had had the best week post transplant yet, so we were expecting his counts to have sky rocketed...not dropped. Anyway, the doctor was not concerned. He simply said that if he hangs out in that range next week, they won't take his central line out before going home. Yup...that is right! He is still planning on releasing Jeff next week! I have absolutely loved Park City! We have wonderful accommodations (thanks to the Miners), my kids and I love the snow, and we are fairly close to the hospital. But, I can not wait to return to my own home in "sunny" St. George where I can turn my kids loose in my back yard and do household chores without two children at my feet! I know that Jeff is extremely anxious as well. His routine and social life will not change much, but at least he will be in the comforts of his own home.

Day "90"

2009-02-15T20:44:00.000-08:00

Happy Valentine's Day...one day late! Yesterday was a great day...at least it was for me! Jeff's brother Jayson and his wife Laurie came up to Park City on Friday night so Laurie and I could go skiing at Park City Mountain Resort on Saturday morning. Although it was FREEZING cold and snowy, we had a blast. It was the best snow I have ever skied in. Thanks Jayson for watching my kids and MY HUSBAND so I could enjoy a morning off--some Valentine I am! Later that evening, our little family had a fun Valentine themed dinner! Valentines has always been a big day for Jeff and I...we got engaged on Valentines Day 2004! So, we usually ride horses or drive the truck to the spot where he proposed, but dinner had to do this year!

I am actually seeing a little bit of improvement in Jeff lately. He is still nauseated but has not vomited in a week! He also rode the bike in the clubhouse a few times this week. As he feels a little bit better, he gets a little more stir crazy. So, we have been going on "scenic drives" a lot lately. He is starting to ask questions about the transplant, and it is amazing what he doesn't remember. That is probably a good thing. This Tuesday, Jeff has all of his post transplant testing. We will get the results the following week. If things look good, we will be released to go back to St. George. I can't believe we are already to this point! It is a miracle.

Day "84"

2009-02-09T21:00:00.000-08:00

WoW! What a marathon day! It was all supposed to start at 5:30 a.m. when my alarm went off, but since that never happened (?!) it started at ten to seven! I jumped out of bed, woke up Jeff, showered, woke up the kids, grabbed something to feed the kids, and we were in the car by 7:19! Jeff had a lab and doctor appointment at 8 a.m. and it was snowing like crazy! Somehow, we were only 5 minutes late. From his appointment (which was about 1/2 hour longer than expected), we traveled (again through the snow) to Nephi for "post transplant" dental appointments with my dad. Somehow, we were only 20 minutes late! :) After finding a HUGE cavity in Jeff's mouth (most likely associated with chemo, methotrexate, cyclosporine, dry mouth, kool aid, twix bars, gummi bears, and bubble gum) we ate lunch with my dad, visited my mom at school, and headed back to Park City...again in patches of snow showers! While we were in Nephi, we picked up an amazing care package from the Little Valley 1st Ward Primary! After a crazy day like this, it was awesome to pull out crafts, coloring books, silly faces, and scrapbooking supplies from the primary! We definitely ended the day on a positive note! Thanks LV 1st Ward!
P.S. Jeff's Blood levels are the same or a little less than last week. Why? Well, we are asking the same question! The doctors aren't concerned, so we will try not to be as well.

Day "82"

2009-02-07T21:02:00.001-08:00

Yup...that's right! Bed Head!! Jeff officially has enough hair to have bed head. I got a good laugh when he stumbled out the bedroom door this morning with his hair standing in every direction--almost as bad as Kaitlyn's. He was good to let me take the picture...let alone blog it! Bed head is a great sign of a good nights rest...something that Jeff hadn't experienced in several days. The first of the week was pretty rocky, but things are looking up. The med switch on Tuesday was ugly. So, Jeff is now back to his original medications, and so far so good. Sorry these posts are so few and far between...I just can't find as much time to blog between picking up toys seven million times a day (while singing the "clean up" song to encourage help from my darling children), pulling my kids up and down snow covered hills in a sled to give Jeff some quiet time, and being Jeff's caretaker (pills, food, pills, food, pills, food, pills...foot rub)!

Day "78"

2009-02-03T21:55:00.000-08:00

Jeff has officially graduated to weekly appointments because his blood counts are becoming very stable! It has been several weeks since he has needed a blood transfusion. The vision of Jeff in a hospital bed struggling through a blood clot or a manual bladder irrigation is still so fresh on my mind that it is hard to completely convince myself that blood transfusions are a thing of the past. He continues to pass tiny clots here and there, but they are nothing like they used to be and to be expected! He is still experiencing nausea and vomiting, so the doctor switched up his medications a little bit yesterday. We are both (but Jeff especially) are looking forward to a day when we don't have to keep a "barf bucket" within reaching distance! :) Being a family of four again has been wonderful and very difficult all at the same time! While the kids bring a smile to Jeff's face when they come running for him first thing in the morning, they can also cause the opposite effect several times throughout the day. Me...well I can't give Jeff near the attention and care I used to, which makes me feel guilty, but real life had to come back at some point!

Day "76"

2009-02-01T21:00:00.000-08:00

So yesterday, our little family had a much anticipated and very exciting reunion! Jeff and I woke up early and anxious for them to come. Our anxiety continued to build all through the day until they finally arrived around 4 p.m. They knew they were coming back to mom and dad because Grandpa Andrus "made up" some really good songs about our reunion on their drive up from St. George! I got to see them first, since I had to walk down stairs and let them in the locked door! It was awesome to see their faces light up when they saw me! After that, I took them up to find daddy! After busting through the door, they both ran into the condo looking for Jeff! It was too cute! They were SO excited! I know it sounds silly, but they have both changed so much since I had seen them three and a half weeks ago. Kaitlyn has gathered some big vocabulary words and facial expressions, and she has become quite "good" at coloring! She has also really figured out how to push Kolten's buttons! Kolten...well he has become quite the little climber and his communication skills have sky rocketed! He still doesn't use many words, but he sure knows how to point, grunt, agree and disagree!

Day "75"

2009-01-31T21:16:00.000-08:00

Today is the 3/4 mark of our 100 day transplant stay! That means that in approximately 25 days, this attractive kid will be back in St. George! Sadly enough, he is almost that skinny again! I'll try to fatten him up in the next couple of weeks!

Day "73"

2009-01-29T21:42:00.000-08:00

Today, Jeff did the most NORMAL thing he has done in 73+ days...he went to see a movie at a movie theater! While for most of you it would not be a big deal, it was HUGE for Jeff! He had literally laid in bed for most of the day, not feeling well at all. Then, around 5 p.m., he decided that he needed to get up and move his muscles. Joel happened to be in SLC for work, so we met him at a theater and watched Valkyrie. Jeff has wanted to see it since it first hit the theaters, but that was when he was stuck in the hospital with almost no blood cells in his body and no release date in sight! :) On the way home, Jeff reported that he felt better than he had felt all day long...it is amazing what a change of atmosphere can do!

Day "70"

2009-01-26T20:55:00.001-08:00

Hooray! Today Jeff had a clinic visit, and all of his counts are on the rise! So many platelets and red blood cells were wasted for so long, and now his body has begun to collect them! It is an absolute miracle that his bladder still appears to be healing. Every once in a while (and mostly after vomiting) he has a tinge of blood in his urine, but it is night and day difference from before. This is the first time after being discharged from the hospital that both Jeff and I feel comfortable being at home. He is able to rest peacefully here...no vitals, no nurses in and out, no blood clots, etc!
The worst news of the day came after my sister took our little boy to the doctor this morning. Over the weekend, he developed a rash on most parts of his body. This was a real bummer because our kids were supposed to be coming back up here with us tomorrow! :( He has a viral infection with tiny ulcers in his throat. It will be interesting to see if Kaitlyn (and the rest of Shannon's kids) get infected. A viral infection is the last thing Jeff needs right now, so our reunion will be postponed until at least the weekend.

Day "67"

2009-01-23T23:31:00.000-08:00

He's out...and hopefully this time for good! I would really enjoy spending the last 1/3 of our "winter holiday" at this condo in Park City! I have already told Jeff that if he is readmitted into the hospital again, I might have to solicit caretakers...I am not sure I can do that anymore, and I am sure Jeff feels the same way! I am just teasing. We will do what we have to do, but I do hope that he has been through the last of his BMT trials. As of now, I believe I will only post on the days that Jeff goes to clinic (two or three times a week) because things should mellow out and there won't be as much to report. Thanks for all your support , prayers, and warm wishes! We know that we have been blessed because of you.

Day "66"

2009-01-22T21:39:00.000-08:00

Well...Jeff is still here in good old room 509 of the BMT Unit, but not because things got worse! He is in the same condition, but the urologist wanted to keep him for observation one more night for a trial run. She was in the OR during his cystoscopy, and she gave us a really good description of what his bladder looked like. She could not believe the drastic improvement. She said his bladder was so fragile that it could begin bleeding again at any time...thus the recommendation to stay another night. They took him off of all IV fluids and it is up to him to hydrate himself enough that urine doesn't sit in his bladder long enough to form clots if it were to bleed. If things look good in the morning, we really should be going back to the condo in Park City.

Day "65"

2009-01-21T21:57:00.000-08:00

Bright and early this morning, the urology team came in, turned on the lights, and pronounced that Jeff's urine bag was completely clear! They insisted that it wasn't even blood tinged. I questioned, and they again said that it wasn't. Then, they SHOCKED Jeff by telling him they wanted the catheter to come out. Jeff has kind of become attached to the thing! :) They felt like it would only irritate his "angry, inflamed" mucosa in his bladder...so out it came! I wouldn't say he isn't bleeding at all, but I can say he hasn't formed any clots today! If things stay the same, they plan to discharge him tomorrow afternoon. Big change from yesterday morning...ya?

Day "64"

2009-01-20T22:01:00.000-08:00

Believe it or not, I am looking at a yellow urine bag tonight--again I'll save you from the picture! Jeff just had a cystoscopy, and the doctors were able to cauterize four big bleeders. However, before they could do that, they spent ten minutes evacuating blood clots from his bladder. They said that there were other parts of the bladder which were "angry", inflamed, and on the verge, but for the time being, they were not bleeding. They found that Jeff did not have a reflex from the bladder back up into the kidneys, so that opened up more treatment options if his bladder does begin to bleed again! The main urologist warned us (Jay, Jackie, and I) that hemorrhagic cystitis was very stubborn and it could begin to bleed again at anytime. It is my hope that I can report again tomorrow that it is still yellow! Good night!

Day "63"

2009-01-20T10:15:00.000-08:00

Sorry about the delayed post! Last night just got away from me! Jeff bled about the same amount and so it was confirmed that he would be scoped on day 64 (today)! I will post the results later tonight. Late last night, Jeff's cousins (Brandt, Clinton, and Ben) came over and gave Jeff a wonderful Priesthood Blessing. It was fun to listen to them reminisce about the "Deer Hunts of Old!"
Also, yesterday, some Andrus Family friends, Preston and Shaun Steel, stopped by! Shaun worked with all of Jeff's sisters at the Pizza Factory, and Preston was Jeff's roommate at BYU! They are great guys...made Jeff smile while they were here. The best was when they began recounting the story of Jeff and Preston attempting to "finish" Shaun's basement in college. Let's just say I had to assure Shaun that Jeff had gained some serious construction skills since then! :) Shaun and Preston run a business here in SLC called Valcom (www.slcval.com). It is a leading IT provider for the Rocky Mountain Region. Shaun decided after seeing how many hits Jeff's blog gets each day that it might be a good "free" way of advertising! So...they gave Jeff a really nice Nike jacket with their company logo on it--hoping I might post a picture. This picture is for you, Shaun! :) I guess my only question is...If anyone is referred to you as a result of this blog, do I get some sort of commission? I am just teasing...thanks for the visit and the jackets. :)

Day "62"

2009-01-18T20:11:00.000-08:00

Well, Jeff made it ten days without a blood transfusion, and that was a great mile stone in his BMT road. However, today he had to have two units of blood. His hemoglobin has been slowly dropping for the last week, but yesterday he bled a little more than usual. On a positive note, his platelets bumped up another point. Jeff asks for his CBC results first thing EVERY morning. He likes to know what has dropped, what has increased, and if he has to have a transfusion or not at the crack of dawn so he can plan for the day! We have not seen any improvement since starting estrogen yesterday, but we are trying to wait patiently! :) If he is still bleeding tomorrow night, the urologist plans to scope him on Tuesday morning.

Day "61"

2009-01-17T21:03:00.000-08:00

Well, they started that new medication I was talking about today. That medication is estrogen. Yes, I said estrogen. My husband is taking estrogen. But don't worry, Joel has already sent him an email of the Seinfeld episode about the "Manssiere" (bra for men) and the doctor offered him a subscription to Ladies Home Journal! So he has already endured a fair amount of teasing! :)
Seriously, I guess they give estrogen intravenously to women who are hemorrhaging after child birth. So, they are using the estrogen to constrict the blood vessels in Jeff's bladder and stop the bleeding. I spent the entire morning researching this therapy on the Internet, and the studies seem to show that it works 80% to 90% of the time, and their are NO feminine side effects in men. The biggest concern is blood clots, but that is when estrogen is taken for a long period of time and worse for smokers! Jeff will be on the estrogen for less than 3 weeks, and he has never smoked a day in his life! Plus, he has very little platelets, so clotting really shouldn't be an issue. Speaking of platelets...Jeff is officially producing his own! Today, for the first time since transplant, his platelets increased on their own...no transfusion involved!

Day "60"

2009-01-16T22:12:00.000-08:00

Our nurse today insisted that Jeff's bladder irrigation was running to quickly, and she was probably right! However, now that they have turned it down, he has struggled with clots more. They are thinking about adding an additional medication tomorrow...we will see.

Day "59"

2009-01-15T21:29:00.000-08:00

I have had quite a few emails, phone calls, and cards lately asking about Jeff, and wondering how I am "really" doing! In fact, last week the BMT social worker basically told me I looked terrible and asked me what I was doing to take care of myself. The next day, after "exercising," I went up to the condo in Park City and brought ALL of my scrapbooking stuff back to the hospital! Yes, it takes up one side of the room, but it sure keeps my hands busy and I have a better attitude because of it. Plus, I took the afternoon off today! I left around 3 p.m. stopped at my Grandma's house, went to dinner with my parents, got my hair cut, stopped at my brothers house, picked up my car which my dad just got back from the mechanic (it had a leak in the gas intake valve that was putting off fumes in my car), and went to a scrapbooking store in Nephi. It was while I was in the scrapbook store that I found my new motto on the wall: Scrapbooking is Cheaper than Therapy! So that is just what I will continue to do to keep myself out of the loony bin! Really though, I am holding up quite well! I try to leave Jeff's hospital room each day to take a breather. Sometimes it is for 3 or 4 hours, and sometimes it is 20 minutes, but I leave each day. I miss my children more than anything right now, but I appreciate the fact that I am not trying to juggle being a mother and a caretaker at the same time. Plus, Jeff truly makes me feel appreciated EVERY day (it is a dang good thing he got married before this all came to pass)! So "really," I am doing okay! :) As for Jeff, he felt like he had less clots today, and he still hasn't had a blood or platelet transfusion lately. That is DEFINITELY progress!

Day "58"

2009-01-14T21:53:00.000-08:00

As Jeff and I have contemplated the day, we have decided that the only thing worthy of blogging is a visit from Uncle Jim and Aunt Mary (who had come up for the Draper Temple dedication) and Jeff's brother Joel (who is working at his South Jordan office). The rest is so monotonous that it hurts--catheter flushing, changing bed sheets, medications, sleeping, ESPN, watching blood levels, eating, watching urine bag fill up, changing irrigation bags, and spending "quality time together!"

Day "57"

2009-01-14T07:05:00.000-08:00

Sorry about not posting last night! Jeff and I were so entertained by the first night of American Idol Season 8, that I went to bed laughing and totally forgot to post! It was a great way to waste two hours! :) As for Jeff's condition, he actually passed more nasty clots that usual yesterday. We haven't got his blood results from his morning draw, but I would guess that his hemoglobin dropped. I am posting some pictures of his morning meds (because they just brought them in), and keep in mind that he will be getting a "bucket" of pills three more times today...some not as full as others! Let's just say he is growing a little tired of taking them--the nurses have to nag him until he gets them all down!

Day "56"

2009-01-12T21:01:00.000-08:00

I just got off the phone with Jeff's mother, and I have realized that now, more than ever, Jeff and his father have a lot in common--a deep love for morphine and phenergan as well as a hospital room. This morning, Jay had a partial knee replacement (hence the morphine and phenergan), and the doctors are requiring him to spend the night at DRMC to make sure everything is going as planned. Jackie said the drugs have put him out like a light! Hum...that sounds so much like someone else I know! We wish him a good and speedy recovery.

As far as Jeff's hemorrhagic cystitis is concerned, he is still bleeding. The doctors have decided to continue the prostiglandin treatment for now...the fact that his hemoglobin held again today gives them hope that something is working. It has been four days since he has had a red blood cell or platelet transfusion--that is a miracle in and of itself. We will see what tomorrow brings.

I went to my sister's house to shower and eat dinner with her family tonight! They sent me back to the hospital with some yummy chicken noodle soup for Jeff as well as this picture below! When I gave it to Jeff, he said, "Oh...did Ashlyn draw that?" That is when I had to admit to him that it was indeed MY SISTER that drew the picture--Ashlyn just added the dots on her face. It's drawings like this are are priceless and will definitely help Jeff get better soon...Thanks SUZANNE for helping the cause! :)

Day "55"

2009-01-11T22:15:00.000-08:00

Jeff's hemoglobin level and hematocrit did not drop very much today, so the doctors believe he is bleeding less! I guess when they say it is looking better to them, they are not just looking at the urine bag! :) They are looking at Jeff's total chemistry...and they are using their "trained eyes"--at least that is what one of the Urologists told me today!

Day "54"

2009-01-10T21:49:00.000-08:00

Yesterday, for about thirty minutes, Jeff's urine was a nice yellow color...I have never been so excited looking at a urine bag in my entire life! However, it quickly turned to the old familiar red color. Today, when the urologists stopped by for their daily visit, they were excited and said it was looking better! I, on the other hand, had to bite my lip before I said a smart remark about the fact that it looked worse to me! Maybe it has something to do with the fact that I have been staring at the dang bag for five days now and praying for yellow--anything less is simply "worse" in my eyes! If his bladder is still bleeding on Monday, they are going to switch the medications he is receiving during bladder irrigation. Meanwhile, I will work on my bad attitude toward his hurdle in Jeff's VERY SUCCESSFUL BONE MARROW TRANSPLANT! I need to focus more on that!

Day "53"

2009-01-09T20:54:00.000-08:00

As some of you may know...Jeff has some issues with the U of U hospital food from the cafeteria. I am sure it stems from the constant nausea and vomiting. :( For the last several weeks of his initial hospital stay, he would only eat from the BMT galley or TV dinners. Then on the next hospital stay, he only ate from the galley...NO TV DINNERS. Now, Jeff is no longer considered nutripenic (his blood counts are above a certain level), so he can eat outside food. It is good for him, but bad on the pocket book! Funny thing is that he will eat from the cafeterias at Huntsman and Primary Children's (both a good walk from here), but he will not even look at the menus from downstairs-- which is included in the "price" of this room! I tease him that he is pretty high maintenance, but he always comes back to the same statement..."If I am going to sit in this bed all day, I am at least going to eat good!" And "eat good" is exactly what he is doing!

Day "52"

2009-01-08T19:33:00.000-08:00

So what does a man do when he has to sit in a bed hooked up to a catheter? Watch football, surf the Internet, watch the BCS Bowl game, complete word finds, watch football, think of all the places he loves to eat, watch football, write down a list of all the things that could have or have gone wrong in this transplant, and watch more football! Then, when his bladder is clamped off for two hours during treatment, he moves to different positions over and over again so the medication touches every part of his bladder...while being completely uncomfortable. Fun stuff...huh? We switched rooms last night, so he has a nice little flat screen tv with decent sound instead of the regular "tin can" hospital kind with speakers right at your head--you all know what I am talking about! :) So that makes the football games more enjoyable.

Day "51"

2009-01-07T22:11:00.000-08:00

As of this moment, Jeff is receiving his fourth unit of blood today. His hemoglobin level dropped drastically yesterday, and they are still playing catch up. When we asked the doctor how long she thought we would be here, she mentioned that the study they are basing this new treatment on usually runs about seven days...we were just expecting a few. SO...our kids went home to St. George with Grandma and Grandpa Andrus so I could be here to cheer Jeff on as his bladder is clamped off for two hours at a time! :)

Day "50"...the HALF WAY MARK!

2009-01-06T21:57:00.000-08:00

Today we are 50 days post transplant, which means we are half way through our Northern Utah "Winter Holiday!" We decided to celebrate this occasion by heading back the the BMT Unit for another (hopefully short) hospital stay! :( Last night, Jeff passed a huge amount of blood, and almost passed out a couple of times. So, as we discussed the bleeding issues with some of the doctors today at clinic, and showed them a picture I took of one of the clots (which I will refrain from posting) they decided to readmit him to the unit and try a different treatment. It will consist of pumping a certain medication (can't remember the name) into his bladder through a catheter, clamping it off for two hours, and then irrigating the bladder for four hours. This will be repeated over and over again until his urine is fairly clear for 48 hours! It was a BMT Doctors' idea. The urologist had never done it before, but he was willing to try. In one study, it completely healed the bladder of 50% of the patients. Wish Jeff luck!

Day "49"

2009-01-06T21:30:00.000-08:00

Today Jeff had enough energy to play games and color with Kaitlyn on the floor...it didn't last to long, but it was priceless! I thought he would sleep all day since we had some bad IV pump issues last night. The alarm went off literally every 15 minutes to half hour! After trying every one of the troubleshooting ideas in the booklet, changing all the tubing, calling the on-call home infusion guy, and then changing the IV bag, I finally shut the stupid thing off at 4:30 a.m. and made Jeff drink water every hour until morning! :(

Day "48"

2009-01-04T10:12:00.000-08:00

We are at clinic today, and Jeff is currently receiving two bags of platelets ...yes, his levels are still dropping a little. So, instead of sitting here watching TV, I decided to make this little video Jeff has been asking me to make for a couple weeks now. His parents have spent countless hours with him during this transplant experience. He and I have appreciated their dedication...and I REALLY appreciated the time I was able to slip away from the hospital and SHOWER! Thank you, thank you, thank you!

Day "47"

2009-01-04T08:56:00.000-08:00

Today was a bitter yet sweet day. Two nights ago, Jeff's father traveled up to Park City to tell him that his Uncle Blaine had passed away and his funeral was today. Uncle Blaine was only 55 years old, and no one had expected it. Jeff was overwhelmed with memories from his childhood of Uncle Blaine...most of them dealing with the deer hunt. He was determined to at least attend the viewing today. After a long night, it was hard to get Jeff up and going...so it was very apparent that we would not make the viewing. So, he decided to attend the funeral. As we drove up to the chapel, all of Jeff's brothers were waiting to help him. When we walked through the doors, we found that Aunt Lynette had been waiting for Jeff before they had the family prayer and closed the casket. It meant so much to Jeff AND his father. We stayed for the funeral ...sat at the back, mask on face, and hands in his pockets... and we were able to sneak out during the closing song. The funeral was a great tribute to Blaine's life, he was an amazing man. It was good for Jeff to get dressed up and go somewhere. It doesn't happen very often.

Day "46"

2009-01-04T08:40:00.000-08:00

We are still sitting "tight," and Jeff is still passing obnoxiously huge blood clots. We came to the clinic today for blood work and a doctor visit. Jeff's white blood count and ANC plummeted down in the ones today. They believe it is just the immuno-suppressive drugs doing their job, but it sure puts him more at risk for infection. While we were at clinic, we insisted a urologist consult about the bladder. The BMT doctor we were visiting consulted with the urologist on call and several other people, and they again came to the same conclusion...relax and drink a lot of water! It makes me wonder if they have ever relaxed and drank a lot of water while urinating out golf ball sized clots of blood through their urethra!?! Sorry...I will end this post for now!

Day "45"

2009-01-04T08:34:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year! Surprisingly enough, Jeff was awake for the final countdown of 2008! We hope 2009 brings health and happiness to all of you! It may not be a surprise, but Jeff is passing clots again. I'm sure that we ruined the New Year's Eve party the urology Dr. on call was at when we paged him and asked him a good 20 questions! Basically, we were told to have Jeff sit tight, drink a lot of water, and relax. He basically said that unless he absolutely can not urinate, there was no need to come back in and be irrigated. So we will try to do just that.

Day "44"

2008-12-31T11:30:00.000-08:00

It's Official...Jeff is going home...AGAIN! :) What a way to start a NEW YEAR! The doc took the catheter out this morning, and lets just say that it was an eye opening experience for Jeff...literally! She didn't tell him she was taking it out, she just yanked! He has been able to go to the restroom on his own (with the help of lasix because he has gained lots of water weight). We were told that some bleeding is to be expected--just not big clots! So the bladder has been checked off the discharge list. The lung doctor stopped by this morning, ordered a chest x-ray, and scheduled a follow-up in January. He is not worried about the 2000 mL + fluid in there unless Jeff becomes short of breath. So the the lung has been checked off the discharge list. Jeff is about to receive a bag of platelets, and then his daily "filler-up" will be complete. So, I believe we are almost ready!
Speaking of blood products, I was looking through some blood work results from before transplant and I was amazed! When Jeff went to Dr. Graf in St. George back in May for reoccurring sinus infections and mouth sores, the doctor ordered some blood work to be done. When he got those results, he immediately called Jeff and told him he was concerned. A healthy young man with a remarkable medical history shouldn't have low blood counts. Amazingly enough, some of those counts were lower then than they are post transplant! In the beginning of all of this (Dr. Graf), his White Blood Count (WBC) was 2.1, his hemoglobin was 13.5, his platelets were 127, and his ANC was 1.15. At this point, he wasn't considered severe, and he was not a candidate for a transplant. However, right before transplant, his WBC was 1.3, his hemoglobin was 6.2, his platelets were 12, and his ANC was .2! THEN...we all know what happened when the chemo started! Almost all ZERO's! As of today, his WBC is 2.51, his hemoglobin is 10.6, his platelets are 101, and his ANC is 2.2. Two days ago, some of those levels were even higher. I guess my point is that his new bone marrow from Joel is definitely making the blood that his own body could not. What an amazing process!
I have included some cute pictures..one of the breathing machine that has been and will continue to be Jeff's sidekick, and the other one is Jeff shaving his NEW peach fuss that was beginning to itch! HAPPY NEW YEAR...stick close to your loved ones! Let them know how much you love them, because you never know what next year (tomorrow) will bring! We love you!
NOTE: Chest x-ray just revealed a slightly less pleural effusion. Maybe the doc was right...it will resolve itself with time!

Day "43"

2008-12-31T06:57:00.000-08:00

Well, yesterday I completely forgot to post! The day was pretty uneventful. The urologist and pulmonary doctor both said Jeff could go home anytime. Jeff only has had sediment in his bladder (probably a result of the aluminum potassium sulfate mixed with sterile water that is irrigating the badder) and it bleeds occasionally. His lung cavity is still filled with fluid, but they have ruled out all the critical problems that could cause this and are assuming it is the bodies way of dealing with all the excess fluids that are being pumped through his veins. After talking with the doctor, I (the mean wife) decided that I wanted him to stay one more night for observation and until after the catheter is out and he is urinating on his own.

Day "42"

2008-12-29T21:59:00.001-08:00

Today was nothing but bladder irrigation and the breathing machine! Pretty exciting stuff! The urology docs will try to remove Jeff's catheter tomorrow and see what happens. He is still bleeding, but not constantly. As for his lung, the pulmonary doc said that he did not want to remove anymore fluid until they figured out where the fluid was coming from--otherwise it would just fill up again. He was going to go over the results of the CT scan with another doctor and wait for some more lab results. And...I forgot to tell you yesterday that I noticed quite a bit of fuzz on Jeff's head! His hair is already growing back! It will be interesting to see what color it is!

Day "41"

2008-12-28T20:42:00.000-08:00

Okay...we are back at the BMT Unit. Jeff's heart rate has lowered and he has got some life back in him! :) He still has a fever, so they have run blood cultures and started an wide spectrum antibiotic until they know where the infection is coming from. They have not had to do a bladder scope yet because the nurses have been able to release any clots he has had since last night. A CT scan showed that he still had a "moderate sized" right pleural effusion (fluid between his lung and rib cage), so I am assuming they will tap it again tomorrow! Hopefully the worst of bladder issue is behind us. I don't want to see Jeff in that much pain ever again...I felt completely helpless.
On a more positive note, Jeff has definitely engrafted! He has an ANC of 4.0 and a WBC of 4.75! He also has no sign of GVHD! I had to stop today and remind myself of all the amazing things that are happening because I have been focusing on the bad for the past three days. ALSO...I have been getting a good laugh from what I like to call Jeff's "morphine thoughts!" He has said some of the funniest things lately after taking pain meds! I am starting to keep a note of the things he says!

Day "40"

2008-12-28T08:09:00.000-08:00

Yesterday was an absolute nightmare that began at 4 a.m. As we were talking to the night nurse the night before, Jeff and I decided that we needed to request a consult with a urologist about Jeff's bladder. He had lost so much blood since Christmas Eve, and the BMT doctors were sure that the problem would eventually heal itself. We never had to request however, because around 4 a.m. Jeff got a blood clot stuck in his urethra--he could in no way relieve himself. The nurses called the doc's, who called the urology department, who instructed them to place a three way catheter and start irrigating the bladder. After trying to release the clot several times unsuccessfully, urology finally came and cleared the urethra. However, it clogged again several times during the day...each time getting more and more and more painful for Jeff. Several times during the day he stated that he could not bear the pain anymore, and they gave him more and more drugs which still did not touch the pain. Several times urology was called, and they simply told the nurses to continue irrigating to move and release clots--"that is all we will do." Well, around 5 p.m. , Jeff again had a large blood clot which the nurses could not remove. Urology told them to place a different catheter and irrigate again. The nurse did that, released the clot, and then tried to place another three way catheter. Unfortunately, she could not get a new catheter in, called urology, and they told her to have another nurse try...still they didn't come. Meanwhile, Jeff's pulse rate increased, he got a fever, and he became pretty much lethargic...and then was rushed to surgical ICU. There, I was kicked out while they tried (unsuccessfully) to place the catheter. Jeff's parents and siblings (who were coming up for a Merry Christmas visit) arrived at this time, and his dad and brothers gave him a Priesthood Blessing. FINALLY, the urologist came in an quickly placed the catheter, irrigated the bladder, removed several blood clots, and got Jeff's urine (if you can call it that) flowing freely. During the day, he received 4 bags of blood and a continuous platelet drip. He is still in the ICU this morning, but his pulse rate and fever have lowered. They are still deciding whether to scope the bladder today, but they plan to draw more liquid out of his lungs--the pulmonary department believes he has another 1500 to 2000 mLs of fluid in there still. I will post later this evening with the results of the day.

Day "39"

2008-12-26T21:36:00.000-08:00

Well, we are back. Ever since I brought Jeff "home," I have been worried that I wouldn't know when to take him in if there was a problem. However, today I knew it was time. He continued to pass a lot of blood all day yesterday and again through the night. Then, when I went to check on him this morning, he was taking small short breaths. I couldn't get him up and moving because he was so exhausted. So, when I saw a break in the weather, I drug him out of bed, loaded the kids in the car, put the chains on my front tires, and headed for the hospital. Upon arriving, Dr. Tsai and Latha quickly checked him out, and decided that the cavity between his lung and chest on the right side must be over half way full. A chest xray confirmed that, so a doctor came in to do a thoracentesis--they stuck a catheter into his chest cavity and drained the fluid. The bag Jeff is holding is that fluid. Over 2000 mL's...and there was still more. The doctor said that was all he would take out at this time to avoid other problems. Luckily he didn't think there was any sign of infection. They are keeping him over night to watch the bleeding. He received two bags of blood and three bags of platelets. They believe that the platelets will help the bladder problem. They believe he will get to go back to Park City tomorrow. At least we had him home for Christmas Day...that is all that matters!

Day "38"

2008-12-26T21:18:00.000-08:00

MERRY CHRISTMAS! We hope you all had a wonderful day filled with family and fun! We had an amazing Christmas Morning...one Jeff and I will never forget. Our kids were thrilled with the gifts "Santa" (with the help of loving family and friends) left them. It is a good thing they are so young-- they won't expect Santa to be this generous again next year! ;) What a wonderful Christmas Morning! The picture of Jeff asleep during Christmas Dinner is classic and common these days!
If it wasn't for the blizzard outside, I probably would have taken Jeff down to the hospital this afternoon. Although his blood levels were checked yesterday at the BMT Clinic, and he didn't need any blood products, he urinated a lot of blood clots in the night. He has been bleeding since the last day of chemo, but last night was different. He also has a new pain in his chest and a slight fever. Dr. Tsai said that it wasn't an emergency and that we could go tomorrow when the weather isn't so bad.

Day "37"

2008-12-26T16:30:00.000-08:00

When Jeff was diagnosed in July, I thought that his transplant was coming quickly. I just knew that he would be home for our first Christmas in our new house. Then, when we were told that he wasn't considered severe yet and that his transplant wasn't going to be anytime soon, I just knew that his transplant wouldn't be until after Christmas. I kept telling people, "If we can just make it until Christmas!" I'm not sure why, but Christmas has always been a big deal for me. Then, in October, when Jeff's levels dropped into the severe category, and we began preparing for transplant, I prayed that he would be able to spend Christmas with my kids and I. My prayers were answered! Although there were several times I thought it may not happen, my little family was all in one place...a wonderful, snowy place...on Christmas Eve. I believe I witnessed a miracle! Jeff tried so hard to be involved in the Christmas Eve "duties"--although he fell asleep a few times while doing so! Merry Christmas!

2008-12-26T16:29:00.001-08:00

Day "36"

2008-12-26T16:13:00.002-08:00

After doing some serious grocery shopping, I left Jeff in Park City, and drove down to get my kids from my sister, Suzanne...bless her for taking them overnight so I could get Jeff in and comfortable! I took this picture of the condo we are staying in as I was leaving--the snow is beautiful! Home health came for the first time tonight. Our nurse is the cutest thing! For all you Juab Wasps out there, her and her husband own the pizza place in Kamas (South Summit)...most of you will be familiar with that! Anyway, she taught me how to hook up Jeff's iv meds (1000 mL's of fluid over eight hours each night) and flush the lines on his port. The kids were completely out of control...welcome home Jeff! I hope you can handle the noise level! :)

2008-12-26T16:13:00.001-08:00

Day "35"

2008-12-26T15:58:00.000-08:00

Thanks for the post, Suzy! Here are some fun pictures from the "Big Day" that I thought you all would enjoy!

2008-12-22T19:27:00.000-08:00

It is official--Jeff has left the hospital!!! Kathryn asked me, her sister Suzanne, to post tonight. They are hoping to get internet access very soon so she can keep everyone updated on Jeff's progress. Kathryn said that after two units of blood, two units of platelets, a kidney ultrasound and a bladder ultrasound Jeff was finally given the green light. Way to go Jeff!!!

Day "34"

2008-12-21T21:36:00.000-08:00

GREAT NEWS!!! Jeff is breaking out of the hospital tomorrow! His (and Joel's) amazing bone marrow actually increased a little instead of decreasing without the neupogen shot (ANC=1.5 and WBC=2.37)! He has no sign of GVHD, and that is an amazing thing in and of itself! Now...I have to add that anything can change between now and tomorrow afternoon. So, I have given myself a pep talk about keeping my composure if they decide not to release him! :) SIDE NOTE TO ALL THE REGULARS...I know for sure that I will post again tomorrow, but after that, I will not have Internet access for a little while. I hope you can find something to replace your morning blog break!:) Thanks for your support! We love you!

Day "33"

2008-12-20T21:48:00.000-08:00

Today we are approximately 1/3 of the way through our "Winter Holiday!" Time flies when you are having a blast! :) Actually, time is passing rather quickly--I only speak for myself...not Jeff! Jeff's count did not change much today. Is this good or bad? I am not sure! He did not receive a neupogen shot today, so tomorrow we will see how far his counts drop. That will give us a good idea of a release date. The fact that he didn't get a shot should also make him start to feel less pain! I am crossing my fingers on that one. Enjoy your Sunday before Christmas. It should be a special one!

Day "32"

2008-12-19T22:16:00.000-08:00

Jeff exceeded my expectations today! When I called first thing this morning, he reported that his ANC was 1.2 (yes, more than doubling yesterdays count) and his WBC was 2.08! They are hoping that today was his last neupogen shot...only Sunday's 4am blood work will tell! :)

Day "31"

2008-12-18T20:24:00.001-08:00

Yahoo! Jeff hit an ANC of .5 today, and he has a White Blood Count (WBC) of 1.0! I don't know what the nurses did, but I did my own "happy dance" here at my sisters house when I heard the news! That was still not the ticket to go home, but the doctor said that Christmas Eve was a realistic release date! :) He still has some issues to overcome--lung, kidney function, potassium level, bladder, neupogen, etc, etc, etc! He received platelets and blood and had the usual nausea and vomiting. Seriously, I don't know how he does it!
Oh-ya...more good news! As of today, all of Jeff's medications have been switched to PO (which just means they are taken orally)! So, he only needs his med pole (aka his second wife) when he receives blood products! Other than that, he is a free man! The trips to the bathroom just got a little easier! :)
One last thing...I put a hit counter on this blog last Friday morning, and as of tonight (Thursday) there have been 2158 hits! Thanks for the overwhelming show of support! You don't have a clue how much it brightens our day! Thanks!

Day "30"

2008-12-17T21:50:00.000-08:00

Jeff has officially been in the U of U BMT Unit for five weeks today! If his counts continue to rise as "scheduled"--.1 each day, we shouldn't be here much longer. His counts were ANC=.4 and White Blood=.79! He looked and felt better than he had in at least a week. The pain and nausea were still there, but they were able to control it better. He barely squeaked by without blood or platelet transfusions, which meant he had a quiet, peaceful day. As far as the collapsed lung goes, the doctor is not going to worry to much about it unless Jeff gets a fever--because that would be an indication of an infection!

Just in case you are unaware...there are eight days until Christmas! :) And...we are missing a very unusual St. George snow storm! :(

Day "29"

2008-12-16T20:15:00.000-08:00

Quick Stats: White Blood Cell Count = .57 and ANC = .3 YEAH!!

Jeff had a "hopefully" minor set back today. After talking with a nurse about some pain around around his shoulder blade, she decided to suggest a chest x-ray. That x-ray showed that Jeff's right lung has quite a bit of fluid around it and that his right lung is also collapsed. Right now, they are just having him exercise and use his breathing machine more often to try to fix the problem. I am sure the doctor will have more to say about it tomorrow.

Every year, the patients who are here around Christmas donate an ornament for the BMT Unit Christmas Tree. I included pictures of the ornament we added today! Merry Christmas!

Day "28"

2008-12-15T21:00:00.000-08:00

Happy four week BMT Birthday Jeff! We celebrated with an ANC of .2! At this rate, we should be out by Christmas! When we leave here, we will be going to a condo in Park City for the remaining days (until Day "100")! I am going to call it our "Winter Holiday!" At Day "100," Jeff will be evaluated, and they will decide whether he can go home to St. George! I have been told that Huntsman is pretty stuck on the "100" day thing, but we will see! We'd be glad to go home early! :)
When Jeff's blood counts reach a certain level, they won't give him the neupogen shot anymore. I hope it is soon--I hate to see my husband in pain! Pain = pain pill = nausea = anti-nausea medicine = long naps during the day = long sleepless nights!

Day "27"

2008-12-14T21:01:00.000-08:00

Jeff's white blood cell count dropped a little this morning, but his ANC stuck it out! Platelets, vomiting, sleeping, football...just another day in paradise! According to Jeff eating, drinking, and taking pills were optional today! :) Better luck tomorrow!

Day "26"

2008-12-13T12:39:00.000-08:00

Hooray Daddy! Jeff's ANC actually showed up on his morning blood work today! It was 0.1! His nurse , Chris, came in at 6 a.m. doing her best "HAPPY DANCE!" His white blood cell count also came up to .37...a big jump from yesterday's .08! Things are beginning to work--now we wont have to make threatening phone calls to Joel's house in the middle of the night! :) The doctors want his blood counts to rise slowly or he will have an increased risk of graft verses host disease (GVHD). It is a miserable thing to live with as it can cause skin rashes and problems with the liver and stomach. I am finding that a lot a patients who are readmitted to the BMT unit are struggling with GVHD. Since Jeff had a bone marrow transplant instead of a stem cell transplant, his odds of getting GVHD went down to about 50%. GVHD is helpful to patients who have cancer because it also fights cancerous cells, but it will do nothing for Jeff but cause him to feel awful. So...here's to a slow and gradual climb to an ANC count of .5! Congrats Jeff! We are so excited for you!

Day "25"

2008-12-13T12:25:00.000-08:00

Sorry...Sorry...Sorry for not posting yesterday! It was one of those days, but I posted a picture of what Jeff did pretty much ALL day...SLEEP! The neupogen shot they have been giving him has a tendency to make your bones and joints ache quite severely. Finally, Jeff asked for some pain medication to dull the pain. It worked, but it also put him to sleep for most of the day. It seems like everything that is good also brings something bad along with it. Also, his white blood cells came up to 0.08 and his ANC came up to .017...again a small change, but a change indeed!

Day "24"

2008-12-11T20:37:00.000-08:00

The only news of today was that Jeff's white blood cell count increased from .04 to .06! That increase was most likely a result of the neupogen shot he is receiving in his stomach each day now. Other than that, there was no change. Although Jeff slept through most of it, today was a good day! :)

Day "23"

2008-12-10T19:23:00.000-08:00

For the first time in four weeks, our little family was in the same place at the same time! :) After realizing that I hadn't wiped either of my kids noses once this morning, I quickly packed them up and headed to the hospital! Jeff didn't know they were coming, so we totally surprised him! I was so proud of Kolten... As soon as he made eye contact with Jeff, he ran to him with open arms! Jeff has been so worried that he would forget him since he was so young and it had been four weeks... but that was NOT the case! He wanted to stay on Jeff's lap for most of the visit. Kolten's reaction helped Kaitlyn warm up a bit today as well! She is still a little distant, but Jeff found that gummy bears make a big difference--"Give me another hug and I'll give you more!"

As far as blood cells are concerned, there was no change today. That was a little bit of a downer! However, we still have fifteen days until Christmas, so we can procrastinate a little longer! :)

Day "22"

2008-12-09T21:47:00.000-08:00

Jeff called me this morning around 8 am sounding frusterated. He had just gotten his blood results back and his ANC (absolute neutrophil count) was still at 0.0! The ANC has to be .5 for three days straight before he can be released from the hospital. Again, he expressed his concern that his transplant wasn't going to work! However, when Dr. Cao came in for morning rounds, he gave us some semi-good news! :) He looked at some of his blood sample under a microscope and found 12 teeny-teeny-tiny neutrophils! Which means that his ANC is now 0.0012--yeah I know it's pathetic, but it's a start! Also, Jeff was unhooked from his "second wife" (aka his med pole) all afternoon today! He loved it! I couldn't get him to sit down because he could move around his room so "freely!" It's the simple things that bring lots of JOY these days!

Day "21"

2008-12-08T22:05:00.000-08:00

Bring on the SNOW! While I was raised with lots of snow in the winter, I have a love for skiing and snowmobiling, and I spent about seven winters driving in the snow, I am completely scared to death of the stuff! I have "Dixie Blood" now, and I am a serious cold weather pansy! As I left my sisters warm house this morning and began driving to the hospital in what I considered a white out, and what the rest of the drivers probably considered a mild winter storm, I decided that I must really love my husband! And then, when I left my sisters house for the second time tonight and found ice on the roads, I decided that I was a complete idiot! All in the name of LOVE! Well, that and the fact that Jeff had a craving for apples and microwave popcorn! After a series of Connect Four games in which I lost 2 to 3, some microwave popcorn, a good foot rub, and writing this post, I have decided that it is time to go back out on the icy roads with a prayer in my heart that my reaction skills are up to par!

No cells today, but they started Jeff on nupigyne (spelling?) shots which are supposed to stimulate white blood cell growth. He will receive them daily until he begins producing his own blood cells!

Day "20"

2008-12-07T18:31:00.000-08:00

Nope, no blood cells yet, but lets look at the bright side...Jeff didn't have any transfusions today! Unfortunately, that means that he will probably end up having both blood and platelets tomorrow, but that is a good twelve hours away! :) Kaitlyn was able to visit again today for a few minutes! She is not sure what to think about this place or the things that her dad is hooked up to...it will take some time to get used to! Kolten is still a little under the weather, but I hope to bring him to see Jeff soon!

Day "19"

2008-12-06T22:08:00.000-08:00

Today, a visit from a very special person made Jeff's entire week! Although Kaitlyn was not what I would consider healthy, Jeff just had to see his little girl today! It is amazing what a little girl with a cute little smile can do to brighten your day! It had been three and a half weeks since he left her at my parents house, and he has been aching to see her since! The fact that Jeff has absolutely no immune system meant that our visit was short, but it was very sweet. Healing for both of them! :) Happy Day 19!

Day "18"

2008-12-06T07:38:00.000-08:00

So, I apologize for not posting yesterday! It could have something to do with the fact that I left Nephi at 6 a.m., drove to St. George, picked up my kids from Jeff's sisters house, got some "stuff" from my house, had the kids play with our dog Rustee who is across the street, drove to Nephi, picked up my kids' stuff from my parents, and then drove to Farmington to a Christmas Party at 6:30 p.m.! My dad accompanied me on this trek, or I probably would have given up half way through! By the time the Christmas party was over, and my kids were still wired until about 11 p.m., I couldn't focus long enough to post! Jeff's parents stayed with him all day yesterday... Thanks Jay and Jackie! From what I hear, the day was very uneventful! Jeff had a wonderful nurse, Louisa, who made the day go smoothly! No platelets, no blood products...good day! :)

Day "17"

2008-12-04T19:05:00.000-08:00

Today the BMT unit had their staff Christmas Party! When we heard the caroling, we walked outside Jeff's room to gain a little holiday cheer! Jeff has been in a rather good mood today--even with three transfusions! He even let me take AND post a picture of him and his 90% bald head! :) I think he is still as handsome as ever!

Day "16"

2008-12-03T21:44:00.000-08:00

Today was a good day of rest for Jeff! He didn't have any transfusions...which was a big surprise! No transfusions= no vitals every fifteen minutes! :) We officially got the kibosh on the Christmas Lights, but they were fun while it lasted! At least we had a weeks worth of holiday cheer!

Day "15"

2008-12-02T21:26:00.000-08:00

Two blood transfusions, one platelet transfusion...just another day in the life of Jeff Andrus! A blood test showed that Jeff still had methotrexate in his system, so the Doc told us not to be alarmed if he didn't start producing bone marrow this week! It may take a few days longer! Only time will tell.

Day "14"

2008-12-01T21:29:00.001-08:00

I can't believe that it has been two weeks since Jeff's Bone Marrow Transplant--the transplant that Jeff really doesn't remember! Jeff might disagree, but time is passing rather quickly for me. Joel, our BM donor, came to visit tonight. He still has a hard time bending over and lifting heavy objects, but he seems to be on the mend. Forgive me for the monotonous posts lately, but we seem to be in a holding pattern. Jeff is not getting better, but he is certainly not getting worse at this point. Some how, he has been able to avoid IV nutrition. I was told today that ninety percent of patients end up on it because of nausea and mouth sores (mucosidous)! Jeff is pretty much surviving on cereal, peaches, crumb donuts, bananas, sun chips, apple juice, and Gatorade, but it is doing the trick! It can't be easy... shoveling down food when the smell, let alone the taste, make you nauseous...but he is doing it! Way to go Jeff! It just might make all the difference in the road to recovery!

Days "12 and 13"

2008-11-30T20:34:00.000-08:00

Well, yesterday was yesterday...ENOUGH SAID ABOUT THAT!

Today, day 13, we received a picture from Jeff's cousin! It was titled the "Bald Mans Club!" We got a good laugh from it, so we thought you might enjoy it, too! I guess that Jayson, Jeff's brother, brought a shaver to the Andrus Family Thanksgiving Dinner, and people lined up to shave their heads for Jeff. The first, and most surprising, in line was Uncle Jim! Thanks for the gesture guys...it brought a good smile to my hubby's face!

Other than the fact that Jeff was stuck here in this room, his day went very well. His bone marrow is expected to begin producing by day 18, which is Friday! It sure will be amazing to see his blood levels rise without a transfusion! The best part of my day today was attending a little sacrament meeting here at the hospital! It only lasted for 30 minutes, but it was powerful! I really need a good spiritual uplift, and the speakers touched on everything I was struggling with! I am so grateful for the college students who volunteer here. The have brought the sacrament to Jeff each week, and he has been so grateful for it! Have a wonderful day! We hope to as well! :)

Day "11"

2008-11-28T19:22:00.000-08:00

Today was the last day Jeff received methotrexate ... an immunosuppressive chemo! Yahoo! His new bone marrow should begin to produce blood cells by next weekend! We are praying for engraftment, and we are very confident that it will work, but we are still very nervous!

Last night and today have been pretty rough for Jeff. He has had some nausea and vomiting, leg and foot aches, and quite a bit of water retention! He has slept most of the day, but is beginning to feel better this evening. I have posted a picture of his feet because they look similar to mine when I am nine months pregnant! :)

Day "10"

2008-11-27T20:42:00.000-08:00

Happy Thanksgiving!
We hope it was a pleasant day for all of you! It was pretty quiet around here, but I believe that that was exactly the kind of day Jeff needed! He hasn't been sleeping very well...nurses in and out, transfusions, vitals, bathroom, etc. So, today, while I went down to Nephi for a few hours for turkey dinner with our kids, Jeff was able to sleep with very few interruptions. He was in good spirits when I got back! Sleep can do amazing things for people! :)

So, now that Thanksgiving dinner had been served, it was time to decorate for the holidays! I had to hurry and take a picture of our Christmas Lights, because our nurse said that the "uppers" might not let us keep them! So, for tonight, we will enjoy! Happy Holidays!

Day "9"

2008-11-26T20:20:00.000-08:00

Today, Jeff wanted me to tell you to enjoy your Thanksgiving dinner tomorrow while he enjoys his "low microbial" hospital turkey dinner! Yum, YUM! Also, think of him while your scarfing down your warm pumpkin pie, and he is chewing on his three day old pie! Really...don't feel sorry for him! He likes potato pearls instead of fresh mashed potatoes! :) On a more serious note, have a Happy Thanksgiving! There are so many things to be thankful for during this time of year!

New developments today? Well, he has the beginning stages of a common mouth problem after chemotherapy. I know that I am spelling it wrong, but it is called mucusidous. It kind of looks like thrush. It isn't to uncomfortable yet, but we are told it CAN be very uncomfortable in the later stages! HAVE A GREAT TURKEY DAY!

Day "8"

2008-11-25T20:22:00.000-08:00

For a long time now (like since Day "-1") I have been thinking that Jeff might be one of those small percentage of people who don't loose their hair during chemo...but I was wrong. Last night, while scratching his head, Jeff grabbed onto a little patch of hair and pulled it out with ease! I couldn't believe it, so I tried it myself!;) Sure enough, I pulled out the patch I grabbed onto! After showering this morning and finding hair all over his towel, Jeff decided to shave it all off to avoid the irritation of hair in his clothing. It's to bad Kaitlyn wasn't around...she would have enjoyed shaving daddy's head again!

Day "7"

2008-11-24T19:35:00.000-08:00

No, my camera doesn't have a "red eye" problem, those are Jeff's real eyes! They are the result of a low platelet level! Hence, the daily platelet transfusions! At first it was kind of spooky, but you get used to it after a while! :) Today has pretty much been business as usual, except for the fact that Jeff was unhooked from his med pole for like 15 minutes. He was able to walk around the unit like a free man, and then they hooked him back up for more meds!

Thank you again for all the comments and emails! Our goal, is to eventually respond to each of you...but it is going to take a little while! But, please know they are appreciated and they mean more than you will ever know!

Beauty and the Beasts

2008-11-23T21:20:00.001-08:00

Bald is Beautiful

2008-11-23T21:10:00.001-08:00

Bald is Beautiful

2008-11-23T21:09:00.001-08:00

Day "6"

2008-11-23T19:42:00.000-08:00

It has been an long day for Jeff, but he is still doing very well. After drawing blood this morning, the doctors decided he needed to have two red blood cell and two platelet transfusions. They have a certain level that they don't like patients to fall below. If Jeff didn't have a central line (as pictured), transfusions would be a much bigger deal! So, he received blood products all day and then his third dose of methotrexate tonight...right through his central line! In a diluted dose, methotrexate is not considered a type of chemotherapy. I guess that the concentrated version...the type Jeff receives...is considered chemo. Right now, he has a white blood cell count of 0.03, which is why he has such a great risk of infection. The chemo and immunosuppresive drugs target white blood cells, so right now a low blood count is a very good thing! Once his new bone marrow begins producing cells (which won't happen for another week or so) we will see all his blood levels rise! Jeff is constantly tired and usually nauseated, but those are his only beefs right now!

Joel is still in quite a bit of pain! I saw some pictures of his lower back, and he really does look like he has been beat! :) Feel free so show him as much sympathy as possible...sometimes he feels like his pain and suffering are being overlooked! :) On a more serious note, we are so grateful for Joel! I know that there are many who match but are unwilling to donate! Bone Marrow is not an easy thing to harvest. Thank you, thank you, thank you!

Had I have known how many people would be reading this blog, I promise I would have taken some writing and grammar courses to brush up on my skills! :) Please ignore my grammatical errors!

Day "5"...The Holy War 2008

2008-11-22T22:17:00.000-08:00

I know for a fact that my husband has been a "True Blue BYU Fan" for thirty-two years now! The man graduated from the "Y" for heaven sakes. I thought he bled blue, but something went wrong today--the day of the "Holy War 2008"! After showering this morning, he asked me to get him his RED scrubs that the pres. of the university gave him on transplant day. I told him that he should probably wear blue on the day of the biggest football game of the year, but he again asked for the U of U paraphernalia! When I asked why he was going to betray his alma moder, his answer was simple..."These people saved my life!" Okay, so he's got a point! Or...maybe he feared what the nurses might push through his central line if he didn't root for the correct team! Fear can do funny things to you!:)

I don't know what these U of U doctors put inside Jeff's veins last Monday, but it couldn't have been Joel's Bone Marrow...He "bleeds blue" as well! I guess the university president was right when he wrote in his card, "eventually everyone becomes a Ute!"

Day "4"

2008-11-21T18:59:00.000-08:00

Well, I wasn't here to witness it myself, but I hear that my husband ate like a horse tonight! He is really trying to stay away from IV nutrition for as long as possible--it is no good for the digestive system. Tonight he ate some soup, toast, crackers, rice, a twix bar, and apple juice. Yes, that is right, he ate something other than cereal! He also decided this morning that he was beginning to look like a grizzly bear, so he decided to shave his beard that had been growing for a week and a half. He has managed to keep his hair so far...it makes me wonder if he will actually lose it! Only time will tell! I can't remember the actual percentage of people who don't lose their hair as a result of chemo, but I know that it is extremely small! Good Luck, right?

Also, some of you might have noticed that I have a spot for a slide show, but there isn't a slide show! That is because I am what I like to call a "Cyber Dummy!" If anyone knows how to make it work, please email me at: jeffkatandrus@gmail.com :)

Day "3"

2008-11-20T18:55:00.000-08:00

There is really no big news to report today...I guess that no news is good news! Jeff had his second dose of methotrexate (a heavy immunosuppressive drug) which is totally wiping out his white blood cells. He has two more doses--one on the 6th day and the last on day 11. I guess the big news for today is that Jeff talked to Kaitlyn on the phone for the first time since he was admitted! Their conversation was limited, but I think it was good for both of them.

I have included a picture of what one nurse, Bob, told me was Jeff's second wife. When I asked why, he told me it was because it was always following him around! Yup...that is pretty much what both the med pole and I do all day...follow Jeff around!:)

Day "2"

2008-11-19T19:34:00.000-08:00

Well, Jeff developed pneumonia on Monday, and they began medicating him that day! Today, when Jeff actually left the unit for a chest x-ray, there was no sign of infection! Thank you for your prayers and fasting! We know it helps and works!

The doctor and nurses told Jeff that if he will get up and exercise, try to get some food in his stomach, and keep up on his oral care, he will get out of here sooner than later! So, Jeff jumped up and rode the bike and then did his oral care! Then, he ate a twix candy bar and some sliced peaches! Thats my man...only the good stuff! He has had a great day, and he is really trying hard!

I am trying to get a slide show of all the bald head going around! So, if you have one, please email me a picture at jeffkatandrus@gmail.com! I read your comments and emails to Jeff each day, and he loves to hear from you! Sorry it takes us so long to respond! We'll get better at it!

Day "1"

2008-11-18T21:30:00.000-08:00

Is that what I think it is? A SMILE! Yes, that is right! Jeff actually smiled today! I am going to attribute that smile to the seven pounds he lost last night, and the fact that he hasn't thrown-up in 24 hours! Around Saturday, his body started absorbing fluids. He went from weighing 180 lbs on Wednesday to 205 lbs. yesterday. Dr. Tsai was very concerned and put him on lasix to draw the water out of his tissues. Joel was able to visit before he headed back down to St. George today. He said he feels like he has been kicked by a horse! Imagine that! I hope he survived the five hour drive home! Jeff agrees that today has been the best day he has had yet! Which reminds me...we have been here for a week already! Time flies when you are having fun! :)

Day "0"...Jeff's New "BM" Birthday

2008-11-17T20:24:00.000-08:00

Around 4:15 p.m. today, Jeff was given "new life!" Since the bone marrow creates all blood cells needed to sustain life, Jeff's bone marrow was litterally reborn! We will now call November 17, 2008 Jeff's New "BM" Birthday! Thanks to Joel Andrus and his donation of a little over a liter of perfect 10 out of 10 matched bone marrow, my husband will be able to continue to be here with us on this earth. I know that it wasn't an easy thing for Joel to do. It taxed him both mentally and physically. There are not words to express how grateful we are for this act. Joel had a needle pushed through his hip bones over 250 times in order to donate bone marrow today. He is incredibly sore...we are so sorry for that.
Unfortunately Jeff was pretty much unaware that the transplant was taking place. After a fairly rough morning with several doctors and nurses in and out of his room, he could barely open his eyes. It is expected that his health will continue to decrease for another week or so since he is on heavy immunosuppresive drugs (these are needed to aviod a regrection or graft verses host disease). However, in about 9 to 13 days his new marrow will have settled into his kidneys, liver, and bone marrow cavities and begin producing new blood cells. At that time, we should see his health increase.
Jeff received some birthday gifts today...some coming from the office of the President of the UofU, Mike Young. In his hand written card, President Young assured Jeff that, "eventually everyone becomes a Ute!" Tim Anderson from St. George, who sits on the board of trustees here at this university, has made sure we are receiving VIP treatment. We appreciate the special care so much.

Day "-1"

2008-11-16T16:09:00.000-08:00

JOEL MADE IT BACK FROM HAWAII...that is the best news we have had today! Since he did not manage to get stung by a stingray or contract any crazy diseases while on vacation, the transplant is on for tomorrow! This is a picture of Joel's tatoo he got in Hawaii. He wanted to make sure the surgeon cut open the correct side...the back side and not the front side!:) I am not sure of the schedule for it all, but I know it will be a huge day for all involved! I guess Joel has to check in at 6a.m. Check the blog for a "NEW BIRTHDAY" (Day "0"--Transplant day) post!
Today has been an extremely hard day for my husband. Around four this morning, he woke up with excruciating pain in his abdomen. As it turns out, the mesna (a medication that is supposed to bind the chemo before it reaches the bladder to prevent the bladder lining from being injured) did not do its job. Therefore, the doctor believes the chemo reached the bladder and caused the inner lining to slough off and cause lots of bleeding. Since his platelets are so low, his body is having trouble clotting the blood. The doctor said he would be in pain and experience bleeding for the next couple of days. So, Jeff is receiving morphine shots every two to three hours to keep the pain under control, plus he has been transfused with three bags of platelets.
As I was typing this post, I watched a life flight helicopter land on the top of Primary Children's Medical Center. The smallest of beds was taken from inside and wheeled into the elevator. I had a feeling of overwhelming gratitude for my little ones! They have been watched over and protected. The only thing I can think of that would be worse than seeing Jeff go through this process would be helping one of them through something like this! Thanks again for everything each one of you have given to us! Take Care! GOOD LUCK TOMORROW JOEL!

Day "-2"

2008-11-16T08:46:00.000-08:00

Today was the last day of CHEMO! Hooray!! It was a very long day for Jeff. He received several transfusions, had a reaction to to an immunosuppresive drug to caused severe back pain and a rash, plus he had some nausea (and everything related to it!) I, on the other hand, had an amazing day with my kids! Jay and Jackie stayed with Jeff while I went to see my kids...on Jeff's orders! It was very important to him that one of us saw them, and since he had no options, I GOT TO GO! It was a wonderful day. I stayed with them until I put them to bed tonight, and then returned to the hospital to relieve his parents!

Day "-3"

2008-11-14T20:27:00.000-08:00

Today has been a quiet day. Jeff felt fairly good this morning, and he slept for most of it. After his third dose of chemo tonight, he vomited a little. The pharmacist was here yesterday, and Jackie asked about the chemo. She said that they rate chemo from 1-10...10 being the strongest. Jeff is receiving about a level 8 each day. The name of the chemo is cyclophosphamide. Jeff can feel when it is going in him! It is a feeling he can't describe and no one will ever understand unless they experience it for themselves.

I have been sleeping here at the hospital with Jeff while my kids are in Nephi with my parents. There are several interruptions during the night, but the small fold out bed isn't to bad. I was able to go home this afternoon (well to my sisters house in Bountiful) to shower and take a nap while Jay and Jackie spent the morning and part of the afternoon here with Jeff. I guess I shouldn't have left, because when I did, the clippers came out! Jay was completely bald when I returned! Jay makes a good bald man! I think he could probably get used to not using a comb. Jay's not the only one sporting a bald head! Jayson, Joel, Quinten, Carter, Bradley, Peyton, and Jacob are shiny on top as well! As soon as I get pictures of all of them, I will post them on this blog! It will provide some comic relief to you! :)

Day "-4"

2008-11-13T15:47:00.000-08:00

Well...last night started out great, and then the nausea kicked in around 4 am. The rest as they say is history! Jeff has not been able to eat much today, but he did eat a bowl of cereal before his second dose of chemo tonight. Jeff also received his first dose of ATG, which is an immuno-suppression drug. I had to take a picture of Jeff's med pole because it seems to grow every time I walk into the room! More and more fluids...more and more drugs! Hang in there Jeff!
I think the best thing that has happened to us since yesterday was the fact that Jeff was moved to a new room. Now, I say new, but that simply means a different, bigger, nicer room...not a new and improved room. The U of U BMT unit is quite old and out dated, but the nursing staff makes up for any discomfort! They are amazing! We have had so many little miracles in our short stay here in SLC. We have been blessed with everything from wonderful living accomodations offered by others and extra special care from doctors and nurses to pictures of shaved heads to lighten our mood (which I plan to post on this blog for your enjoyment as soon as they are emailed to me). Thank you, thank you, thank you! We could not do this without the help of our support system!

Day "-5"

2008-11-12T22:43:00.000-08:00

Well...today was a big day! After seven and a half hours of transfusions this morning at Huntsman, we drove over to UofU Hospital for a Line Placement. The Central Line was heaven sent! NO MORE POKING! Everything goes in through the ports on the central line...chemo, meds, fluids, and the transplant itself. Around 7pm he started his first round of chemo, which went rather well. They say the worst side effects wont come for a couple days! Jeff went through a lot today, but he managed to keep really upbeat! So far we have had amazing nurses and we have had some great visits from doctors and hospital administor assistants. Joel...please don't feel guilty that you are sitting on a beach in Hawaii and driving down the coast in your convertible. Jeff is comfortable in his deluxe twin bed in the UofU BMT unit! We'll see you on Monday...after your relaxing vacation!

Day "-6"

2008-11-12T22:04:00.000-08:00

So, we have been told that children deal with the hair loss from chemo better when they help cut the parents' hair in the first place. Therefore, Jeff let Kaitlyn start the process on Tuesday! She took a couple swipes and then wasn't too sure about it! So, Jeff took a turn and then I finished it off! Jeff actually handled it very well...and I don't think he looks to bad as a bald man!:) Every time Kolten saw him, he giggled! It was a lot of fun for our family! Bald is beautiful!

Day -7

2008-11-10T08:04:00.000-08:00

Jeff will officially be admitted to the U of U hospital on November 12, 2008. He will receive four days of chemotherapy, and then have one day of rest. On Monday, November 17th, Joel Andrus will donate, or harvest, a liter and a half of Bone Marrow which Jeff will recieve that day. That is Day "0," and it will be considered his "New Birthday!" From Day "0," Jeff will remain in the hospital for 5 to 8 weeks, and then in the Salt Lake Valley until Day "100," when he will be evaluated and hopefully released to go home to St. George!