Sunday +11 (8:15 PM)

Not a great deal new to report. Jackie continues to run a low-grade fever. Currently it is 101.6. This is above the threshold of 101.3 so they continue to treat her for infection with antibiotics, etc. With a fever above 101.3 they conduct blood cultures every 48 hours. Since one was done yesterday they did not do one today. If the fever continues tomorrow they will do more cultures and X-rays.

Jackie's neutrophil level is 731. They consider 500 a threshold level. Below that number they consider you to have no immune system. As this number improves so will her ability to fight of opportunistic infections.

The doctors are VERY pleased at her progress! The fact that her platelet count continues to climb in the face of a fever is a good indication that things are going well. If she had no infection or fever the count would likely climb even faster.

She continues to have difficulty with fluid retention. It seems to be getting better, however. I don't believe the docs have given her any Lasix today. Her kidneys seems to be working OK ,there is just a long way to go to get back to normal.

Her appetite remains good. She is talking on the phone on a limited basis to the kids - another good sign.

Well, until later.

Bruce and Jackie
Rochester, MN