T2E - D7 (Transplant to Engraftment - Day 7)

Dear Friends and Family,

Monday was a more quiet day for Trudy. Her vital signs were stable and she rested well most of the day. She is generally alert and aware though she sometimes slips into a state where she exhibits some confusion and/or anxiousness.

Presently, Robert, Wendy, and Katy are rotating times so that one or more of us are with her every minute (except for the two hours in the evening that all visitors are must clear the ICU area). Wendy and Katy will stay at least until Trudy is out of this "critical" diagnosis. Brian and Jessica will join us on Tuesday and will fit into the rotation as well. Jessica's wonderful parents, Roger and Charlotte, came by just to show their support for Trudy. By the way, if you are in the Houston area, if you could drop by the blood donation center at MDA, you could donate blood and/or platelets in Trudy's name. This would be helpful in that she is receiving countless transfusions, especially platelets, over the next couple of weeks. If you could spread the word to people you know in the Houston area, too, that would be very helpful.

We are praying that Trudy will quickly show a positive response to the treatments. The treatment of her Pneumonia is adversely affected by the weakened state of her Liver. However, she is able to receive multiple antibiotics that are administered virtually continuously through her central line. We are mightily thankful that her vital signs did stabilize and we pray that the infection will now be controlled and eradicated. We also pray that her liver will not be damaged and that it will begin to show improved functioning...real soon!

Blessings,
Trudy and Robert, and family

P.S.: As you pray for the care givers, please pray for Trudy's mother...Effie Benoit. She wants so much to be here and to help. I can only imagine how agonizing this must be for her to be physically unable to do so.