September 15, 2007
Today was a “7”.
If the Tennessee Vols had beaten Florida, it would have been a “10”.
We are now “rating” our days. This is a huge improvement in his recovery. Before Bill was just into survival, now we have degrees of well-being. Though we have also discovered that just when you think your day is a “7”, it drops to a “4” within the hour.
Bill continues to be plagued by fevers (101 degrees). I no longer panic when his temperature goes up. We now know the routine. Cold wash cloths, ice packs, fluids. Tylenol. After about 2 hours the fever comes down. Much faster than last week.
Bill is continuing to receive blood platelets on a daily basis. To try to eliminate one possible cause of the fevers, he is now getting “fresh” blood platelets that are only Type A positive from one donor. If you live in the area, and are Type A positive, and have the time to give platelets at LifeSource, 2707 Aurora Ave, (630-355-2385) your donation of time and blood would be much appreciated by Bill and I. Your donation has a very good chance of being used by Bill, because he is only be given blood that has been donated in the past 5 day. LifeSource is the supplier of blood for Loyola Hospital.
If you are “frustrated” because I won’t let anyone do anything for us (because there really isn’t anything to do at this point), giving blood, wherever you live, would be the greatest gift of all. Almost everyone on this hematology floor at the hospital is receiving packed cells or plasma everyday. It has really made us aware of the need for blood donations. Just let us know on the website that you gave blood, and Bill will be forever grateful. Me, too.
If you are tracking Bill’s white cell count, it was down to 300 on Friday, and up a little to 500 on Saturday. The doctor wants to see it at 100.
The doctor said Bill was a “B plus” patient. He would have been an “A” patient, except for his body rejecting platelets. Hey, we have to make these doctors earn their keep. Don’t want to make it too easy for them.
Bill is getting stronger each day. Again, thank you for your prayers and word of support. It keeps us going.
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16 comments:
Hey,
You know "7" is a lucky number - lucky you! Maybe you will get that "10" tomorrow when the Steelers win!! Hope someone has your Steeler sweatshirt who will take good care of it and use it in the proper manner!
See positive in every day! That will keep you pointed in the right direction!
Love, Gail
I hope you needed a nap before the 4th... ugh.
Hello Bill - The UT football team could give you some blood but the gators took it all from them Saturday. It was UGLY. Glad that you are starting to feel better. Maybe you can get one of those 10 days soon. Shannon and Shawni are preparing to leave for the FBI 10/15. Noah told them that he did not want to leave GranDad (thats me in case you could not figure it out). Love to you and Nancy.
David Eaker
Hi!
Great to talk to you yesterday. Bill just didn't yell loud enough for the Vols. Is there an empty house in your neighborhood for the UT coaches? The natives are getting restless here.
Keep up the good fight.
Becky
Hi Bill,
Seven is a good number especially since it matches your handicap. Glad to hear you're making progress. Disappointed that we missed our annual Michigan golf outing. Did I tell you I finally broke 90 -- 3 times the same week (best 84)! Our next outing with you and Nancy and maybe Brian will be in Phoenix. Pam & I will keep tracking your progress -- sorta like Fantasy football.
Jeff
Hi Bill,
Sorry about the UT game yesterday, but so glad you are doing better. We are off to the Steeler game today, we will wave to you and Nance. We will be the ones in black and gold waving our terrible towels! Keep up the good work, we think of you always. Love, Jeannie and Pete
Hey Dad!
I think you '7' day was probably better than the Vols on their trip home from Gatorville.
Hope you're eating better today - Maggie is into eating her socks right now. Maybe her socks would taste better than hospital food?
Hope your Sunday is better! At least it looks like your Steelers will win!
We'll see you on Friday!
Love, Janine, Don & Maggie
Hey Dad,
Glad to hear that your feet are less swollen than mine now and I'm sure that you're not waddling as much as me. Keep up the good work - baby Andrew will be here soon (I hope) to see his Grand-pap. Love, Kari
Hey Uncle Bill,
The Steelers looked awesome today. Hope you enjoyed it. Funny thing is those uniforms looked like the Browns...but they definitely didn't play like the Browns!!! Hope your feeling well. Think of you often.
Love ya,
Elizabeth & Brian
Hi,
I've been trying to send you a message, but your computer illiterate sister finally thinks she figured it out. I know you won't settle being a B+patient-Saying a prayer that you will be in a+shape.
oops! I forgot to sign my name
Love to you and Nancy too.
Paula and Jim
Hi Bill,
The Tennessee Vols? I didn't know that TN had a hockey team! Just joking (about the Vols, not about my complete absence of sports knowledge).
I'm glad to hear that your fevers are going away faster. It seems like every day things get a little bit better! By the way, the other residents of your hall have requested that if you insist on walking around in your hospital gown that you make sure the back is closed. The nurses however have requested that you leave it open.
Keep up the good work! Look forward to seeing you home as soon as possible!
- Janet and John Lehr
BTW Jon, if you happen to read this, my husband John LOVES the fact that you have a picture of Boba Fett. I think you're both geeks. :)
- Janet Lehr
Hi there B,
We're thinking about you and praying for you every day. Keep up the great work.
It was so nice to hear you were moved into a different room. Hopefully you will be able to get plenty of rest to beat down the fevers.
All our love,
Kay and Barney
Hi Nancy and Bill,
Just to let you know, I tried giving blood for Bill today at Life Source (2707 Aurora Ave). I was rejected because of my past (16 years ago) melanoma, but they told me that Bill was not on the list for direct donor. Before I was rejected, I said okay, I give anyway in hopes he'll get it. Sorry, I was rejected, but Nancy, you may want to call Life Source and see if you can get Bill's name on their list. I'm A positive, too!
Hope your medical report was good today, Bill. We're praying for your recovery and strength to both of you.
Dee & Jay
Bill and Nancy,
Great family photos. A lot of great smiles--you two work on continuing those smiles, let the doctors do the medical stuff, and leave the prayers to the legions of your supporters.
Bill, I'm interested in your PSU-UM assessment--I am fearful that Michigan may finally catch stride.
Keep those counts going in the right direction.
Best,
Jim Wolf
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