Day 15 -July 23, 2012

Preliminary good news: 

Our Doc of the week visited with us today. He stated that a preliminary analysis  showed that that my bone marrow was empty of all cells.   This what is supposed to happen as a result of the chemo treatment.  HOOAH

The future will consist of 7 to 10 more days here at Mission hospital to ensure that I am free of infections as I now have no immune system. After that I can go home for a week or two and return for a short course in chemo which is  about 5 days  in length.

I now am leaving the Induction Phase of treatment and entering the Consolidation Phase which will include a bone marrow transplant from an unknown donor as I have no sibling match.  This means several weeks in the hospital and 3 months staying near the hospital.  I asked if it could be done in Key West.  Doc has no sense of humor.  The transplant is done in large hospitals in Duke,  Chapel Hill, Atlanta, Rover and other large cities.  Quite a long process but I will do it. It will be just another chapter in the book and I want to  see my girls  raise teenagers.

Had a great surprise visit from another old high school friend, Richard Childers.  Really brought back memories which included our best friend, Jim Vance who as a marine pilot was killed when he rolled his F4 into Jacksonville many years ago.  We understand it was a hydraulic failure.  Thanks for stopping by, Richard.

Amy returned for another visit before returning to Huntsville, NC where many residents work for NASCAR.  Many of the parents of her students change tires, wipe windshields, and pour gas for a living.

Ike and Jane competed the visitors for the day.  Quite a party!

Felt a little chatty today.

"I tried being reasonable,  it didn't work."  Clint Eastwood.