A Light at the End of the Tunnel

We were pleased to find, when Jim saw his doctor last Friday, that while his blood counts were low, he did not require any transfusions. Also, all the tests came back negative for any infection. A bone marrow biopsy will be scheduled toward the end of February which will tell us if there are any leukemia cells present. If there are none, Jim will be declared in remission. More good news is that Jim’s doctor has given him a date when he will be released to return to work. The targeted date for return to work on a part-time basis is March 2. He will be allowed to work 20 hours a week for the first month with full-time work resuming the first of April. What a relief to feel that the end is in sight.

Jim saw his doctor again last Wednesday. His white blood count was high enough for him to be out and about in public again. That’s a special treat to Jim that really helps with cabin fever he sometimes feels. We were surprised to learn that Jim’s platelets and hemoglobin had both fallen. Transfusions were not necessary for platelets even though they had dropped, and the decision was made not to give a transfusion for hemoglobin. Jim was asked to return again in two days, which will be tomorrow, to recheck his counts. The hope is that his body will have begun to make blood cells on its own. Jim was told that after this many rounds of chemotherapy, it is not uncommon for his counts to rise at a slower rate than before.

In closing, as we near the end of Jim’s treatment, Jim wanted me to share this favorite verse with you as he strives to finish strong. “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. 2 Timothy 4:7

Thanks for your care for us and for all your prayers. We will continue to keep you posted as we learn more.