Friday +72 (10:00 PM) Double Negative!

I didn't realize they had pulled a blood sample yesterday for another CMV blood test. It seems they wanted to confirm the negative test from earlier in the week. The second test was also negative! This, of course, is great news. It will make the decision to allow Jackie to return home much easier. To be safe, she will continue to receive Ganciclovir treatments until Monday morning. At that point they will place her (probably) on oral Ganciclovir until she is weaned off the Cyclosporine. So, with luck only 3 more IV treatments.

Jackie had a great day today. She had very little nausea and only a little back pain. She continues to pack boxes and suitcases in preparation for departing Rochester.

In speaking with the nurses this morning it is possible she could be released for a couple of weeks; perhaps even until the magic 100th day. She would have blood drawn in Pryor or Tulsa and it would be sent via FedEX to the Mayo clinic. They would follow up by phone. Each patient is different and we won't know more until we speak with the doctor. As it turns out, we are going to be meeting with the doctor that is head of the bone marrow transplant unit. Her normal doctor is out of town so it will be his boss that signs off on any visit home.

I spoke with Derrick tonight and he and his girlfriend went into a tiny restaurant in MA to have dinner. The restaurant was in a small town south of Boston. While there Steven Tyler of Arrowsmith Rock and Roll fame came in. It seems he is the owner of the restaurant and just dropped by to check on things. That was Derrick's and Tiff2's brush with greatness. Just in case you haven't seen Derrick in a while and you've never seen Tiff2 I've put their picture on today's blog. I also put a photo of Tiff1 and her husband Joel as well as a photo of Brittany.

Photo legend: First Row: Brittany. Second Row (Gap): Derrick. Third Row: Bruce, Tiff, Jackie at Tiff's wedding at this time last year. Fourth Row: Derrick and Dog Chloe this summer Fifth Row: Tiffany Finch (Tiff2) and Derrick. Sixth Row: Tiff with husband Joel. Last Row: Brittany with boyfriend Mike.

Until Later...

Bruce and Jackie
From Rochester, MN