Friday +158 (Late afternoon Update 2)

The news continues to be good. We just spoke with the doctor again. They feel certain there are no pneumonias, either bacterial or fungal. They also feel she is not dealing with GvHD - although this is still a possibility. They are going to continue the IV stuff for another 1/2 day or so just to make certain nothing is growing. It seem her eosinophil cell levels are elevated in her lungs. What is this? Eosinophils are white blood cells that are used for fighting infection by parasites. The parasite that could be causing the problem is quite frequent in Mexico, South America, and the tropics. They asked if we had ever been in any of these areas. Of course we used to sail in the tropics so the answer is "yes". Jackie has also been to Cancun. They are running some tests to see if this could be the cause. If so, there are drugs to fight the parasite. It seems that the parasite can remain dormant for many years and reappear when the immune system is compromised. So BINGO. The treatment in the short term will be oral Prednisone. So the news seems to be getting better. They just gave Jackie a big dose of Prednisone. She will likely be running laps around the floor most of the night. Feel free to call in the middle of the night. I'm certain she will still be awake:)

Thank goodness we came to Rochester. This sort of thing could NEVER in a million years been determined in Tulsa.

Until Later....

Bruce and Jackie
From Rochester