10/16/12

Yesterday and today John received cytoxan to eliminate Michael's and Zacchary's T cells.  It's necessary to remove the T cells at this point but one complication of this chemotherapy is that it can cause hemorrhagic cystitis so John is also receiving lots of IV fluids.  During this phase of the preparation for receiving stem cells, John is still suffering through fevers, dehydration and very severe GI distress.  He is on round-the-clock meds to counteract these symptoms as much as possible and receiving frequent blood tests to monitor whether the temperatures are elevated as a result of an infection.  If anything grows out of the blood cultures, the medical staff will know what the agent is and how to treat it.  It's difficult drawing blood for the cultures because chemo, radiation and dehydration all deteriorate veins.  John's current symptoms will now be ongoing until the stem cells engraft and begin manufacturing new blood cells; that time is several weeks off.  So, all of your good wishes, prayers and mental support are needed now more than ever.

Despite all of this, John is in Philadelphia listening to the second presidential debate.  If you're so inclined, there is something concrete you can do.  Please consider voting for President Obama - the only candidate of a major party with a health care plan that would help John and all of us when we get sick.