Thursday +8 (10:30 PM)

Just a quick post to update Jackie's condition. Her temperature has returned to near normal levels. However she continues to have problems with fluid retention. Her kidneys are functioning, but not to normal levels. Her levels continue to build. She is having difficulty breathing and requires oxygen. Some fluid buildup in her lungs is occurring. Hopefully this will resolve soon. Pneumonia is a danger when this happens. With no immune system it is, of course, quite dangerous. The docs and nurses don't seem too concerned. In fact one nurse said they only get concerned when people retain far more fluid than Jackie. Since her entry into the hospital a few days ago she has gained 22 pounds - all fluid. I'm sure she won't be happy when she finds out I posted this on the blog. So...don't tell her until she is well enough to laugh about it:)

With luck her cell counts will continue to rise. I feel there is some engraftment taking place. Her appetite was good this evening. She was able to consume a large bowl of soup with extra crackers. Once again this meal was from the "Frequent Flyer's Club" menu. It actually looked and smelled good. I cannot decide if I should pass on this secret info to other patient's families. I'm afraid a riot might take place if some of the long term folks find out better food existed and they were only a complaint away from being able to partake!

Bruce and Jackie
From Rochester, MN