Saturday +17 (Midnight)

Jackie continues to run fever. She has taken Tylenol every 3 hours in an attempt to moderate her temperature. It has ranged as high as 104.2. It was 99 earlier this morning.

This afternoon she had another infusion of antibiotics. While we were getting the infusion it was decided that she might need additional fluid with some potassium. What should have been a 30 minute stay lasted nearly 3 hours. We left the hospital at about 5:00 PM. We returned at 9:30 PM for her final infusion of the day. I'm not certain how long she will continue to receive the 3-times-a day antibiotic infusions.

Jackie's blood counts deteriorated today. It is likely due to the fever she is running. Her RBC was 8.9 which is down from 9.8 yesterday. Her WBC was 2.2 down from 3.0 yesterday. Her platelets were 118 down from 163 yesterday. Of course as I've mentioned before some variation is normal. The curve doesn't always point upward. As long as the general trend is upward that is what is important.

Her energy level continues to be very low. She was not able to walk to the hospital appointments today. Each trip required the wheelchair.

This evening her fever seemed to be moderation somewhat. Hopefully she will be able to get a good night's rest. As I write this she is carrying on an unintelligible conversation in her sleep. It may be due to the elevated temperatures. (Note: I just took her midnight temperature and it was 103.0)

By Monday we should have the results of the chimerism test. This will tell us the percentage of donor cells to Jackie's cells. It will be a good indication of how well the engraftment is taking place and at what stage she is in the process. I believe it will also give an indication of when we can expect the onset of the graft-versus-host-disease (GvHD). That will be the next battle. With luck it will not be a serious case of GvHD.

Until later....

Bruce and Jackie
From Rochester, MN