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.
8 comments:
Hey Jeff- I don't know if you're awake to read this...you looked pretty tired but I wanted to be the first "blogger" to wish you a happy birthday! We love you so much and wish we could be there with you through this. Know that you are thought of and prayed for all the time! Kat- you are awesome! Thanks for the updates...I look up to you so much and am glad that you are my sister-in-law! I am so lucky to have you guys as family! Get back soon so we can go on a cruise!
Happy Birthday! I am so glad things went well. It sounds like the next couple of weeks will be rough - but at least you guys are on the downhill now! Jeff - we love you and wish you the absolute best! Kathryn - your family is SOOO lucky to have you. You are going to need one long nap when this is all over! :) Once again - if you EVER need help with the kids or anything, Ava and I are all over it. Don't hesitate to call me. You are still very much in our prayers! :)
Jeff Happy Birthday from the Woodlands, Dan LIsa Zeak Jake And Kaci. We love the blog and are are glad things are moving along. Tell Joel I feel his pain even though I wasn't poked 250 times it was just one hard bump and I am sure the pain is very similar. I am just grateful it isn't any worse and That we live in a time when technology can fix our broken elements. We are so grateful you will still be with us. Happy Birthday We LOVE and Kith and the kids
Dear Jeff and Kat
Our prayers are with you both. Hang in there and stay tough!
You look awesome with your new "Do".... but Jayson on the other hand!!!!!????? He needs some help!
We love you both so very much.
Rich and Wendy Winget
Thanks for keeping us posted. We all are learning from your strength and indurance. Our prayers are with you.
How about endurance! Sorry for not spell checking.
Happy Birthday. We love you and pray for you everyday. We hope that all goes well.
We are praying for you and keeping your name on the Temple prayer roll in Snowflake. Hang in there--it'll be worth it. Love Frank and Dawna
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