Debras updates from April

For those of you who haven't seen the e-mails Debra Erramouspe has sent to Sheila that is hanging on the board back by the kitchen, I thought I would post them. So, here they are:

April 12:
The weekend is here and hospital day 6. Now we are doing a count down to Wed. When the stem cell transplant occurs, so we are on minus day 4 (-4). That will be Preston's second birthday, April 16. We pretty much have a set routine for the days--walking, reading the paper, reading books, getting on the computer, playing games. Her refers to the hospital room as his jail cell. He finished the first round of chemo last night. the second round starts tomorrow. He is doing pretty good. A lot of nausea, but continues to make himself eat. Jim started his injections today to stimulate his bone marrow to produce stem cells. Things are going as scheduled. We will have a party wed. some have asked about our granddaughters name: Shea, 8lbs & 9oz. 20in. Born on April 3. She has a grat set of lungs to make her wishes known. Thanks for all the good vibes. Have a good weekend.
Debra & Preston
April 17:
Preston had his stem cell transplant yesterday, so that is his 2nd birthday from now on. Jim donated 9.3 million stem cells over the 2 days. We are so grateful to him for this chance to beat this leukemia. They infused a little over half of the stem cells and froze the rest, to be used later if needed. Preston has had this sudden urge to ride a horse and pitch hay since the stem cell infusion. He is on medication to help prevent rejection of the stem cells and on medication to help control the side affects of the medicines. Once again we are waiting for his blood counts to recover. We are lucky (if you believe that) to have this opportunity to cure this disease. Enjoy your day and life, and make the most of each. Debra& Preston
April 21:
It is day 5 since the stem cell transplant. Preston is doing fairly well, he experiences generalized fatigue and nausea. He continues to make himself eat and walk. His blood counts are bottoming out again and should return in 2-3 weeks, when engrafment starts to occur. He had blood transfusions yesterday and now recieves O+ blood, so Preston will be O+ from now on. I have befriended 5 other spouses and only one is a man. The majority of beds are filled with men. This place does not lack for business. We each have our own story and hardships. I am very fortunate to work where I do and have the support to be at the hospital with Preston. There are several pt form Idaho. One couple has lost their home. We share our experiences and offer support to one another. We are all in agreement that the Bone Marrow Transplant Team at the LDS hospital is fantastic and thatt we are in the right place. Take care, Debra & Preston.
April 26:
It is day 10 since the transplant. The last 2 days have been kind of rough. He has a lot of nausea, fatigue, and a shor throat. We have been told that these are common symptoms from the chemo & the transplant. The medications to help control the symptoms makes him pretty tired, He continues to makehimself eat, shower, and walk. We are waiting for his blood counts to coome up, once again. We feel like we are in the movie "Ground Hog Day", (been there done that). He has been in the hospital over 100 days since getting diagnosed. Maybe we are suppsed to develop patience ( a trait neirther of us is very good at). We have had some friends visit from home, We appreciate all the thoughts, prayers, cards, messages, and words of encouragement. thes things make our days so much better. Talk to you later.