When the doctors walk into a room with smiles on their faces, you know something good is about to happen.
The bone marrow is CLEAN of blasts of white cells. That means the reading is less then 5% BLASTS (the mutated white cells). Some white cells must be left in the bone marrow so they can begin to reproduce the good white cells (Neutrophils). The chemo treatments were a success, and Bill is a CANCER SURVIVOR.
Now the rebuilding of white cells begins. There are 5 types of white blood cells. Each cell type has a special function. The Nertrophils are the most important cells in fighting bacterial infections in our body. We want to see his ANC (Absolute Neutrophil Count) begin to rise. It has been at zero during the chemo treatments, it needs to be at 500 to go home. He received his first injection of Neupogen in his abdomen on Friday. Neuprogen stimulates the growth of good white cells.
Bill continues to receive platelets, 10 units on Friday and antibiotics. He cannot come home until his immune system and blood counts are much higher.
Friday’s numbers were 500 White, 9.7 HCB and 6 Plts. ANC- 0
Bill will be home for about 4 weeks, then start the second round of chemo called “Consolidation”. This is not near as aggressive of a treatment. Just one chemo drug, 8 hours a day, three times a week, one week a month, for three months. (Did you get all that?) He will be back to work (half day), probably next month. Can you believe that he has gone from “near death, to “back to work” in 6 weeks. Praise the Lord!!!! And the doctors at Loyola.
Nurse Stephanie, who is our “real” source of information, explained it best. She said, “Bill, if you made it through this, you can make it through Hell and back.” The chemo treatment for AML is the most aggressive chemo treatment given. 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 4 types of drugs. The chemo treatments in the next 3 months will be a “walk in the park”.
Bill’s spirits are high. He cannot believe he will be out of the hospital in 7 days, and we are hoping for a speedy recovery.
THANK YOU……. THANK YOU….. THANK YOU. Our prayers were answered.
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33 comments:
BILL:
SO NICE TO READ SOMETHING VERY MEANINGFUL ON E-MAIL FOR A CHANGE. THANK GOD AND HOPEFULLY RECOVERY WILL GO VERY NICELY. WILL NOW HAVE A MASS SAID IN THANGSGIVING FOR THE GOOD THINGS IN YOURS AND NANCY'S LIFE.
GOD BLESS.
TOMMY
PRAISE GOD FROM WHOM ALL BLESSINGS FLOW. MIRACLES DO HAPPEN IN LIFE, AND YOU ARE A TESTIMONY TO THAT, BILL. LITTLE ANDREW WILL LOVE HEARING THE STORY OF HIS PAPPY PULLING THROUGH TO BE THERE FOR HIM. PEACE AT LAST! JUDY
What great news and my first time on the blog! Hopefully you are over the hump. Keep up the good work -- 7 days isn't long!
Sometimes we just have to be reminded who's in charge.
Blessings to you and your family.
Phyllis
Hey guys,
See, good things do happen to good people! I can just imagine the joy you both are feeling - we feel the same here! Bill, I do have that babushka I promised you - not a traditional one, but one that I think will go with you Steeler sweatshirt so you can be "in style". I am smiling from ear to ear, if you can't tell. And mom is at peace. WooHoo - doing the happy dance!
Hope things continue to progress, and hope to see you at the wedding!
Love and Prayers,
Gail
All I know to say is - Wonderful News. Stay with the program my friend.
David Eaker
That is marvelous news! It seems unimaginable that he'll possibly be home by next week! WOW! What a miracle. Barney says he gets the first golf date next year and he's buying.
Kay and Barney
Bill,
I can't see the keyboard for the tears of joy!!! You made me smear my makeup. What wonderful news. Who would have thought five years ago that you and Shelby would both be cancer survivors? Can't wait for the day you drive home!!
Love you both,
Becky
Bill,
Correction. You don't drive home, Nancy will drive, but you know what I meant.
Becky
Great news! We've been thinking and praying for you every day. Stay positive - we'll see you soon.
John and Linda Bodine
WHOOPEE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! On a scale of 1 to 10........today is at least a 20!!!!
Remember, I said you were the little engine that could and you sure proved me right.
The next goal( after you get home ) is to enjoy sleeping in a bed that doesn't "crinkle" every time you move.....:-)
Karen
Bill - Wow! How wonderful and exciting! God does hear our prayers and acts on them! Let us know if you would like peanut butter, chocolate chip, or sugar cookies!? We can't wait to bring them over soon.
Bless you both!
All The Leydens
Glad to hear the good news! We'll keep praying for continued healing and recovery in the weeks and months ahead and look forward to having you back amongst us at Grace...
Brian
I haven't forgotten you. The family was here yesterday and you were the topic of our conversation. Take it easy and relax. 7 days will pass by quickly.
Love and Prayers,
Paula and Jim --the kids too
Thankfully all the news looks so good. You have absolutely been on my heart and in my prayers!!!
Tom M
Thank You God !!! Wonderful news. I'll still keep praying. Can't wait to talk to you soon. Love you, Jean
Wahoo!!!! Bill and Nancy, congratulations! It is so great to hear good news from you. Have a speedy recovery!
- Janet and John
Praise the Lord! This was such wonderful news! Will keep praying as you continue your recovery and come home soon!
Sherrie
Dear Nancy and Bill,
It was reassurning to talk to Nancy on the phone yesterday. I didn't get the email on the web site, so we have been in the dark, but now we can celebrate with you the great news...cancer survivor. Our prayers have been answered, which is a good thing.
I know that the battle is not over and you still have a couple tough months ahead, but I know just the joy of getting out of the hospitial and sleeping in your own bed will be very meaningful.
Positive attitude is key to surviving cancer, so keep thinking good wishes and you will be back on the golf course in no time. Let us know when you are ready to play and we will hope a plane to Chicago. Remember I don't play in the snow.
Love to both of you,
Joe and Suzanne
I think baby Andrew wants his Pappy out of the hospital before we go in. We don't want two Hubers in the hospital at the same time. Can't wait to hear that you're on your way home. Jeff and I are very ready for our new arrival!
Hey Bill,
Just wanted to say hi. I know you are so ready to get home and I'm so glad that time is around the corner. Hope you are having a restful weekend and enjoyed the Vols and Steelers wins, and the Eagles too--how about that; Nancy our team is making a come back!
Love ya,
Laura
Bill and Nancy,
That is the best news ever! It is indeed a Glorious Day! Another great day will be when this episode of "Survivor - Loyola" is over and you are back home. Nancy, you'll have to beat us all back at the door!
Ed and Julie C.
Bill and Nancy,
We are just back from a weekend in Wisconsin and are thrilled to read that Bill is doing exactly what we all prayed for -- recovery!
Our thoughts and prayers are with you both and your family.
Dee & Jay
It is said," a picture is worth a thousand words." Your smile is how we were all feeling when we got your good news. Mom was smiling from ear to ear today when I visited.
Have a great day,
love,
Paula
What is going on. Too many days since we heard from you guys. What's up?
David Eaker
Blame Maggie for the lack of recent postings! Nancy was busy watching her granddaughter so Don & I could visit with Dad.
I can tell you that by Sunday we had worn him out. I think I kept him up too long with all my chatting. But I can report that he was in good spirits and he looks particularly good with a shaved head!
Bruce Willis has nothing on him!
Dad-hopefully that was our last visit to Loyola for a while. We can't wait to see you at home!
Love, Janine
That is terrific news, Bill. I can't imagine how long the ordeal felt. Hopefully, the prayers helped and you will soon be back to work for another long ordeal!
If you or Nancy need anything, don't hesitate to ask.
Tom & Pat
I have goosebumps! What wonderful, glorious, THANK YOU GOD news! Alleluia and Amen!!
Reed & Bekki Hamilton
Amen - Glad it's going well. Looking forward to seeing you back at Grace.
And as someone who's Father twice fought different types of Lukemia, I'll second the Call for Blood donation. Even if you can't help Bill, you can help someone else' father, brother, mother.
Lifesource has critical need for Type O blood, and All "-" blood types currently. If you lead a busy life like most of us do, think about their Alyx donation where you donate a Double Portion of Red cells, but can only do it 1/2 as often.
My next Donation Dec 15th...
Sorry - Should have signed last post as Brian Fahs.
Bill,
Now that you know you're a cancer survivor, I hope you're enjoying your rest in the hospital. It makes the stay easier knowing that it's temporary!
Just think of how much more you'll appreciate regular food when you get home! As soon as you feel up to it, I'll make you your favorite brown meal--just let me know when!
Nancy and Bill, you have been an inspiration to us all with your faith, strength, and patience. Just a few more days, and you'll be HOME!
Take care,
Janet and John
Great news from the Huber clan--our prayers have been answered. And I know you are enjoying that 3-0 start for the Steelers....price
I have been keeping up daily by reading the blog. What wonderful news. It makes you truly thankful to God for the privilege of life. You have been and will continue to be in our prayers.
Love
Bill, Luanne and Jack
Hi Bill,
I am so glad to hear that you are improving. You've been in our thoughts and prayers.
Congrats on Andrew! We are still waiting for "good news" from our girls......
Maggie is a doll. What a cutie! Now she is at that wonderful age when everything is new.
I cannot begin to tell you how many new things I am learning following your condition....Not to mention all the computer knowledge I'm gaining. I love all the pictures. This is my very first blogging.
Take care,
Judy
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