Monday, January 29, 2007

Sorry for the Dead Air . . .

Hi All:

Sorry for the dead air these past couple of days. Poor Jeff still does not have internet access in the apartment and I have been tending to all kinds of things since returning home on Saturday. The good news is that you haven't missed much. Jeff has been recuperating under the 5-Star care of his Mom and has begun eating and taking walks ahead of schedule. (Remember, this is supposed to be the "lazy" week of rest and relaxation--he's supposed to start "training" for Round Two next week).

Jeff was still very tired and still wasn't eating well when I left. On Friday, his white blood counts were quite low (1,300), but he seemed to really turn the corner on Sunday. When I talked to him on the phone his voice was strong and animated. Before, he talked like he was trying not to wake a sleeping baby--very soft and quiet. On Sunday, he said he felt 100 percent better than he did the day before and that he ate waffles, soup,--three regular meals and even some cake that some visitors dropped off! He continued this streak today. He's been eating very well and gaining strength and stamina. He had more blood tests today and, based upon how well he felt, he was sure that the Neupogen shots had put his white blood counts back into the "normal range." Unfortunately, we got the results of his blood tests and he's not quite there yet. The normal range is 4,000 to 10,000. Today, Jeff's were at 3,900. He was a little disappointed. Jeff is an overachiever and cannot stand being below average at ANYTHING. On the bright side, his white blood counts tripled in only three days. He's going back in to have them tested again on Wednesday. So, say a prayer that they jump up to the 10,000-plus benchmark that the doctor established for him.

In the meantime, I tried to delay this post in anticipation of some more good news wholly unrelated to Jeff's treatment--my brother John and sister-in-law Anni are likely having their baby girl today! Yay! I can't wait. I've already given all my siblings TWO nieces--after having so many nephews it's about time someone returned the favor! As of yet, there is no word on the baby, but I'll be sure to share the good news when she arrives.

I had my regular monthly check-up for our baby today and he is doing very well. He is our squirmiest baby yet and is growing right on schedule (Thanks in no small part to my nurse-friend Barbara who prescribed daily Luna Bars and protein drinks for me!). My obstetrician encouraged me to consult with an OB in Houston in the event I encounter complications while I am down there with Jeff. He was more than happy to help me find a colleague with whom he can collaborate in the event I need obstetrical help in Texas. He is a great doctor and we are forever grateful to him for the professional judgment, care, and effectiveness with which he delivered our other son, Jack. He saved his life--no doubt about it. So, Thank You, Dr. Matthew Lee!!

And while I'm handing out Thank Yous--I can't forget Brendan Gardiner and Katie Clancy et al for spearheading the donation of frequent flier miles to help my family travel to Houston and back. Brendan, if this whole Law Thing doesn't work out, you definitely have a future as a travel agent! Ha! You have been a tremendous help and I have been touched by your generous assistance because I know that as a father, yourself, you understand Jeff's urgent need to be with his children. So, Thank You Thank You Thank You for making it possible!

Much Love, Kelly

7 comments:

Tobin said...

Jeff,
Just spent some time reading the posts and cathing up on your progress. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Find the courage, strength, and hope to beat this.

Tobin, Lori and Cadence Watson

mka said...

I'm glad to hear the progress is going well. I also thought I'd throw in that baby girl Archuletta is now expected this Thursday or Friday. Everything's going well with Anni and the baby. We'll keep you posted. In the meantime Jeff isn't out of our minds and we continually pray for each step of the way. Mom

Rita said...

Dear Kelly
So very glad to hear how well Jeff is doing. I guess being an over achiever isn't always a bad thing to be. If anyone can beat this thing it will definitly be your husband.
Also so glad to hear you and the baby are both doing so well. Sounds like you have a fantastic doctor caring for both of you.
Tell the kids hi for me and Papa
we love you all and continue to pray for each one of you. I would also like to thank all of your amazing friends who are going above and beyond to make sure that they are taking care of as many of you needs as they possibly can. Your Dad and I cannot thank them enough. May God bless each and every one of them. Take care now. We love you Dad and Rita

Terri said...

Neat-O!! I am gald to hear that Nemo, I mean Finn is doing well. He's squirmmy like a fish. Ha, ha. Anyway, it's good to hear that Jeff is doing so well and that you are fine and that you have a doctor lined up in Houston. Take Care

PWilkins said...

Could you publish a Houston address - some Lincoln friends are interested in writing Mary during her stay. Thank you and God bless!

John said...

1-30-07. We received the call from the hospital this morning. Anni's cesarian is scheduled for Thursday (2-1-07) at 12:30 in the afternoon. Unfortunately she will fall one day short of having her birthday fall on Groundhog Day. This ruins my plans of making her travel to Punxsutawney, PA every year to celebrate her birthday with Phil the prognosticating Groundhog in his burrow at Gobbler's Knob.

Laura Gilbert said...

Hi, Jeff and Kelly. It's Laura Gilbert from ND and Ireland. I tried to leave a post on Friday but think I flubbed it. Anyway, I jsut wanted to let you know that you are in my thoughts and prayers every day. Since I found out about Jeff's illness, I've been playing memory lane...Jeff, all I can think of is Professor Hunt, Freshman year Latin, smoking and swearing and screaming about the vagaries of the English language --and the best part of the whole thing was knowing that you were sitting across the room, kind of laughing but also kind of terrified, just like me :)

I am thinking of all of you, and praying. Love, Laura