Friday, August 31, 2007

Collection yesterday was a bust; we got less than a million cells, which only put us at about three million for two days. Very disappointing. It was such a poor showing that they said there wasn't any point in doing another collection today. The good thing is that we got enough for one transplant, but we need more. We have an appointment with Dr. Lonial Tuesday to discuss our options.

Last night, Jimmy's fever was gone, his white blood count was normal and we were both having a fit to leave the hospital. At about 8:30PM they finally turned us loose. Jimmy came home and went straight to bed. He's completely physically and mentally exhausted and badly needs a break to build his strength back up before we start trying to slay the dragon again.

He hasn't lost his hair yet, although that's probably coming. He looks a little pale, a little tired, definitely a little shorter because of the collapsed vertebrae, but he looks good, amazingly like our same old Jimmy.

We have the doors to our balcony open this morning; it's so pleasant outside. There's a soft breeze, the cicadas are chirping, and there is the tiniest hint of fall in the air.

4 comments:

anne freeman said...

Saturday
Thinking of y'all over this Labor Day week-end. Hope a bit of rest nourishment & T.V.[football] is in order.
Keep up the great attitude,love
anne

Theresa and Billy said...

9/1/07
We traveled to Atlanta Friday night, and went to Emory saturday morning to let you know we were thinking of you. We didn't expect to be able to see Jimmy, but we hoped to see you, Ellen. I was delighted to learn that Jimmy was discharged on 8/31. I hope he is positioned to watch the Bulldogs. Ellen, I brought you a book, but I will include it in a package from Dewar's or via Mary. Each day, Jimmy is in our prayers. Our hearts are deeply touched by your detailed narratives. Tell Jimmy we miss him. And you take care too. God Bless You.

barbara and pat said...

jimmy and ellen..you must know that all of us who care so much are riding this roller coaster with you-we battle to see who can read your update first and report to the other. ellen, you must write a book to encourage those who are experiencing what you are- to share the lessons learned from childhood-'the greatest of these is love'- we are home in lagrange - watching the dogs-every 5 minutes pat says 'lets call the dewars'-of course, we can't- but wish we could--we do feel so connected with the "blog"-yet so far away...it's our only way to communicate and we are thankful for it. we are also thankful for life's miracles..the soft breezes, the cicadas chirping and holding the hand of the one you love.. god bless you both..love and prayers,barbara and pat

barbara and pat said...

jimmy and ellen..you must know that all of us who care so much are riding this roller coaster with you-we battle to see who can read your update first and report to the other. ellen, you must write a book to encourage those who are experiencing what you are- to share the lessons learned from childhood-'the greatest of these is love'- we are home in lagrange - watching the dogs-every 5 minutes pat says 'lets call the dewars'-of course, we can't- but wish we could--we do feel so connected with the "blog"-yet so far away...it's our only way to communicate and we are thankful for it. we are also thankful for life's miracles..the soft breezes, the cicadas chirping and holding the hand of the one you love.. god bless you both..love and prayers,barbara and pat