February 28th- U of C here we come

Sorry I haven’t written, but the past two days have been a whirlwind. We arrived on Wednesday at the University of Chicago Advanced Medicine Center by limousine, compliments of a friend. (They didn’t want us driving to Chicago in rush hour and wanted it to be a calm relaxing trip, which it was.) After our consultation with the hematologist-oncologist we were given 4 options. There were 3 clinical trials for which Bill was eligible, and the fourth choice was to go home and do nothing. Bill said going home was not an option. With the doctor’s advice, we picked a clinical trial which was in the 2nd stage. She then suggested that Bill be admitted to the hospital that very day, and that medications be started immediately in the clinic.
Her concern was Bill’s white cell count was doubling almost everyday. It was 11,000 on Monday, 24,000 on Wednesday, and it would have gotten ugly later in the week. The medication was one that reduces white cell growth. After just 3 doses his white cell count was back down to 15,000 this morning, and I pray it is lower on Friday.

Here is the plan.
Today was orchestrated by the doctor. MRI of the brain, bone biopsy (his 9th), spinal fluid tests for leukemia, heart monitoring, and other tests. At one point, two wheelchairs appeared at the door to take him for testing. He said, “I can only go with one of you, pick one”.
After he passes all the tests, and meets the criteria of the study (which he should) they will start a low dose of cyterabine chemo on Friday that will last for 5 days. When his white cell blasts have been lowered to a manageable number, the clinical trial will begin. This will be a liquid that can be taken as long as 20 days at HOME. When I learn more about how this chemical works, I will share that information.
By the time we arrived at the hospital, on Wednesday, Bill was so fatigued he could not walk, talk, make a decision, or even sign his name. In the next 24 hours we had a complete turn around. About lunchtime today, he became talkative, asked questions, kidded with the nurses and complained to me. He had a brutal day with test after test, never took a nap, but was somewhat alert and more involved with his illness. I want to know who was praying at lunchtime on Thursday, because you (they) must have a direct line with the Lord. It worked!

This weekend we are having company. Kari, Jeff and baby Andrew. Janine, Don and Maggie. And because of the generosity of a friend from Pennsylvania, Bill’s 93 year old mom and 2 sisters are flying here. It will be a busy weekend. I must add that between our church friends, bridge friends, and special friends, they have prepared meals, stocked the refrigerator, cleaned the house, and are picking up the air travelers at O’Hare and Midway. I can just watch over Bill. Once again, I am overwhelmed by the generosity of everyone, and their desire to help when we are into the 5th month of Bill’s illness. Thank you.
I will post again after our busy weekend.

“The lord says, I will rescue those who love me. I will protect those who trust in my name. When they call on me, I will answer, I will be with them in trouble.” Amen