Day +59 & Day +6 - May 23, 2006

Sorry for not blogging, but honestly we haven't felt much like it. There is really nothing big to write about. Jack has shown some signs of cells stirring, but nothing of consequence. The only big thing is that Jack lost his picc line again, due to infection. We now have a peripheral IV and he is doing well. We're hoping that he continues to respond to the antibiotics and the cultures come back negative. They have him tentatively scheduled for another line for Friday, but part of me says to leave it out. We don't need another source of infection when we are looking for Jack to engraph. The only good news is that the cells that Jack is starting to make is showing to have nutrifils which Jack was not making from the first transplant, so if he continues to show cells, then he is going in the right direction. Just keep praying and the sooner he starts making the right cells the sooner we can go home. Jack is really starting to get bored and asking to go home, which is a little sad. He's got everyone wrapped around his little finger and gets everything he asks for. I'm not real happy about it because I will end up with this terrible monster when we go home. Doesn't matter, I'd rather have the monster home then here in the hospital.

Enough of that..........

Through my experience here in CHOP and being part of the Oncology/Bone Marrow Transplant Unit, I have come to meet some very incredible people. Not only the doctors and nurses but the families we've met. I had the pleasure to meet this incredible mother, Eileen Caraker. Eileen's son Bradley lost his battle with Leukemia (ALL- T-cell) on Thursday May 18, 2006. I can't imagine what the Caraker family is feeling, but I do know that in the very short time and few moments I got to speak with Eileen, she is an absolutely amazing women and I am truely inspired by her incredible stability and faith. I wish I could have really gotten to know her. Please read Bradley's journal at www.caringbridge.org/visit/bradleycaraker and remember to keep the Caraker family in your prayers.