Thanks to A.G. for the update on our situation.

The doctors were pleased with my progress, other than the fact that my platelets and hemoglobin were not numbers that were increasing to the level I need. April 21st

I had an appointment at M D. Anderson to have my numbers checked. Dr. Anderlini’s Physician Practitioner (Jill) came into the room and first thing she said was, “You have no blood.”

She was right because my hemoglobin was only 6.7 (normal is 12.0-16.2) my platelets were still very low. They ordered 2 units of blood one of platelets and a unit of potassium. The platelets and potassium were given with no problem then, I received Tylenol to help my body accept the blood. The first unit was almost complete when I began to feel like I was smoothing. It became worse and I told Arthur I could not breath. The nurses’ station was across the hall from the room we were in and instantly I had about five men and women from the medical staff in the room. They ended the transfusion and started giving medications to get rid of the reactions. I was monitored there and they found my blood pressure to be 190/94. The diagnosis was that the blood was given too fast and my body could not handle it at that rate. I have received several units of blood but this was the first time I had a reaction.

Later in the evening, we were sent to the Emergency Room because doctors are in that 24/7. I was monitored throughout the evening and given an E-Ray of my chest. They found a great deal of fluid in my chest and in my lungs. At 2:00 AM, I was sent to ICU for dialysis. At 6:30 AM (the end of the dialysis), we were sent back to ER. Because the hospital was so full, we remained there for a day and a half. At 1:00 AM, were finally sent to a room. I was in dialysis three times to get rid of the fluid.

We were allowed to leave the hospital and return to the Houston apartment on Monday the 25th.

We returned to the hospital this morning and found the hemoglobin had risen to 12.1-thanks to the units of blood; my platelets are 25-up from 23. We hope this indicates that my body is starting to make them on its own.

Another bone marrow biopsy must be done before Dr. Anderlini can release me to go home. We are to have this done on Thursday. We will also have the infusion of Pentamidine for protection from pneumonia on Thursday. This is all in preparation for the release and our return home—our real home, Weatherford. We are excited about this; it has been a long time since January 19th.