11/14

A decision was made late this afternoon to discharge John after all.  His temp is down, his cat scan shows improvement, and his sodium level is up a little bit.  So, thanks to the help and speedy driving skills of Ron Young (thanks again, Ron!) we were able to pick John up and get him home a little after 10 pm.  There isn't a definitive answer on the cause of the fever which landed John back in the hospital in the first place but the suspicion is that it was viral in origin.  So the vorconazole is upped from a prophylactic to a treatment dose.  We see the physician next week (and hopefully no emergencies pop up that have us seeing him sooner) and will learn how everything is progressing.

John had a bone marrow biopsy before he left the hospital.  We are both excited and nervous about the results which will show whether the transplant is effective against the MDS and will also show whose immune system is engrafting.  Michael and Zacchary both donated stem cells so one of their immune systems could dominate or they could both engraft; waiting to learn the results of that sibling rivalry!

John is tuckered out with all of these treatments, meds, procedures and trips to Philadelphia.  He should be catching up on his sleep today under the watchful eye of my cousin, Lauren, who generously volunteered to drive up from the Harrisburg area to spend time with us.  Thanks, Lauren!

It's going to take a while but we are looking forward to continued progress and improvement in all arenas including appetite.  John is down to his high school track days weight and could use just a little bit more padding.  Maybe we can tempt a few extra calories into him at Thanksgiving dinner.

Thanksgiving could not come at a more appropriate time this year.  We are thankful for the advances in medical technology, treatment, research and the training of fantastically skilled and empathic medical workers, for all of the encouragement and help of friends and family, and for the kindness of strangers.  Thank you all; we couldn't do it without you; and, we'll be invoking your names next Thursday and every day.