11/23

We hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving; we certainly got news for thanks.  John's bone marrow biopsy results show complete engraftment of one of the stem cell donations; we don't know which one yet.  And, there are no cancer cells in his marrow.  This is exactly the result we have all been hoping for.  There will be regular follow up doctor appointments and tests; this initial biopsy result is excellent, perfect and we are very thankful for these results.

We are also thankful for all of the good thoughts, prayers, positive vibrations you have been sending John's way; and for the phone calls, text messages and cards to lighten the mood through some trying times; for the days spent in the company of good friends - most recently Nancy, thank you! - and for the audiovisual equipment from a group of old friends and comrades in arms - you know who you are!

One of John's limitations is that he cannot be in rooms with live plants which means in our house he is limited to the bedroom, living room and bathroom.  If you've never been here you might wonder why I don't just donate or rearrange a couple of houseplants so John can get to the rooms with the tv's.  If you have ever been here, you know most of our house could double as a conservatory with uncountable numbers of plants some of which are bigger than any of us.  John's most recent gift will eventually migrate out to his office (full of plants) but for the time being is set up in the living room so he can stay current with what is happening in the world.  Too generous but so appreciated!

John's last dr appointment showed high potassium; he has to drink a vial (which is vile to him) every night of a medication that binds to the potassium to lower his levels.  He had some blood work done this morning to test the potassium level.  We are anxious to learn the results so we can discontinue that med tonight if possible.

In addition to our wonderful friends, we want to give a special shout out to our wonderful family this Thanksgiving weekend.  We have been able to visit with the families of John's brother and cousin, the families of our children, and (via the phone) my family this week.  Seeing our granddaughters has been a special treat and so far, no ill effects for John and his new immune system.