Good News!

So Blaine's white counts went from .02 (with normal being from 3.0-11.0)three days ago, to .07 two days ago, to .23 yesterday, to 1.7 today! That means that the stem-cells have engrafted, officially, and are producing white blood cells. It means that he once again has an immune system, though a very young one, and one that is about one third of normal strength. He must still be careful, but we can lift some dietary restrictions at home. The docs say to wait a few weeks for crowds, like stores or church, and wear a mask if there is any doubt, but he is on the road to being able to be reintroduced into society. They say it will take a few weeks for him to start feeling better, and 6-8 weeks before he gets to do it all again.

The second transplant will be worse than the first, but they say he sailed through the first one. He looked incredulous at that news, and said HE didn't think it was a breeze. That's ok, one down, one to go. The myeloma response in the next 6-8 weeks will be critical. His markers all look good right now, and I will feel better when he is producing red blood cells and platelets again. He will be getting both tomorrow. So, we are very happy that the stem-cells took, and everyone at Huntsman was smiling at the news. We will watch carefully for the next while, and hopefully get through Thanksgiving before starting again!

Speaking of Thanks, we continue to be very grateful for the love and support sent our way, and all of your thoughts and prayers. They mean so very much. We don't mean to be incommunicado, we are just very focused on things right in front of us. Thanks for your understanding. Brian, you are still in our prayers as well.


Cancer is so limited. (or other physical illnesses)
It cannot cripple love
It cannot shatter hope
It cannot corrode faith
It cannot eat away peace
It cannot destroy confidence
It cannot kill friendship
It cannot shut out memories
It cannot silence courage
It cannot invade the soul
It cannot quench the spirit
It cannot steal eternal life

(Poem seen at Huntsman)

Our real enemy is not cancer, but despair. Don't let that in, and you don't let the others in either. Keep the faith, and remember, God is real, he loves his children, and you are one. Miracles happen. Just open your eyes.

Love, Marleigh