T2E-D12

Dear Friends and Family,

Permit us a brief update for Saturday, the twelfth day since transplantation of the Cord Blood Stem Cells from Juanito and Mic. This was a day of some progress and some slowdowns.

On the side of progress, Trudy continues to become more alert and responsive. She can let us know yes and no answers and she is clearly most comfortable with family simply conversing within her hearing. One more day without dialysis and with some kidney output is also a positive. She continues to carry most all of the breathing load instead of the ventilator. As for the WBC's, she received so many from Katy, that we will have to set the next donation a day later than originally expected.

On the other side, Trudy is very much in a lengthy process. We must constantly remind her and ourselves that we likely have 12 or more days before engraftment and her production of her own WBC's. And while her kidneys, lungs, and liver are showing some signs, they are persistently reminding us of their slowness to get back to normal ranges of health. While there is therapeutic importance in Trudy becoming alert and active, the sobering fact is that she will also become increasingly sensitive to her pain and discomfort. Also, we caregivers can have some health issues and will have to do our best to take care of ourselves during these long days and remember to not feel guilty if and when we're not well or don't have the strength, or can't do what we sooooo want to do for Trudy. For me, right now I'm limited as to how much time I can stay in the room with her, because the face mask that we need to wear to protect Trudy, inflames my nostrils. I did NOT KNOW that my NOSE could get in a KNOT over NOTHING.

One of our great encouragements today is that Trudy is one day closer to engraftment. She is one day closer to getting out of ICU, and she is one day closer to getting of the ventilator. Thank you God, that you have carried Trudy though day 12 of this difficult time between transplant and engraftment. Please, God, help her tomorrow and every day. Our transplant friend on G-11 floor said: "Every day you are in the hospital is one day closer to being OUT of the hospital." Amen!

Blessings,
Trudy and Robert