Latest Capers

So you may know that Blaine was shut down for stem-cell prep chemo due to high LDH levels (some kind of inflammation marker, means some thing's wrong). What you may not know is that he also developed fatigue, fevers, and night sweats. When the Bone Marrow coordinator heard this, we quickly received a call from Dr. Reddy, our oncologist whom we very much like. Blaine was asked to come right in. They drew blood, and his LDH was still high. Apparently, Multiple Myeloma patients sometimes develop Lymphoma along with it, and Blaine was exhibiting 3 of the 4 major signs. Dr. Reddy was ashen as he told us about this, and set up a CT scan. Blaine's Dad and I felt like we had just been kicked in the stomach. They clearly thought this is what was happening. The good news is that the next day we were told that the scan came back clear, no Lymphoma. The bad news is that they had no idea what was up. That was Monday.

This week, Blaine was still having fevers, night sweats, and until Thursday, falling asleep anytime he sat down. Today, that fever hit 103.8 F. Not good. We called in, and were told to head to the ER, which we did. They took lots of blood, but found nothing. They also are growing some cultures to see if any bacteria presents itself, and will let us know. It is a mystery right now. If he is in remission, then it can't be the Myeloma. So they are looking at everything else. Our instructions are to treat the fevers with Ibuprofen and Tylenol. If it gets up over 103 again and does not come down or gets worse a half hour after medication, then call or come in again. This is clearly getting old for Blaine, yet he is handling it all EXTREMELY well! His Dad - worry wart. His wife - ask Blaine, I won't venture a guess. No scrap that, don't ask him. We'll just leave that one alone. :)

He still very much appreciates the kindness and prayers sent our way. We all do. Bill Murdoch and his family could sure use some TLC right now as well, as he is not doing well. Keep them in mind, and the Franzens.

Josh is enjoying a car, Dani is at the Hill Cummorah pageant, Alexis is very busy with sports, English, friends, etc, and Kyle has gotten some good time with Grandpa and his parents. We're still very busy, and happy to be so. Take care, and...

I vote Vin Diesel as bald guy - intense eyes. Not Brittany Spears!