Quick update
November 15, 2013 in Lymphoma by Reta Reed
Many of you may already know, but Jeff has been moved out of ICU and back to our favorite 7th floor with his favorite nurses. Not that the nurses in the ICU weren’t also wonderful! He made quick friends with all of them, as usual 🙂 Getting off the ventilator alone surprised many of his doctors. (You and I knew he could do it.)
The nasogastric tube is gone, two of the peripheral IVs that were in each hand are gone. He is allowed a regular diet, but he doesn’t have much appetite yet. He is still getting IV nutrition. He coughs a lot and seems to have panic attacks. He has anxiety about choking or suffocating – residual effects of the ventilator tube and ICU. His oncologist is talking about the second cycle and we’re terrified. The recommendation is to do a half-dose of the same chemo. Still high dose, but hopefully not so much to kill the poor guy.
On the positive side, I talked to the stem cell transplant nurse at MD Anderson where Jeff was initially evaluated and typed and she told me there is at least one possible donor. That donor has to be willing and still has to be worked up, but it is a step in the right direction!! We have an appointment next week with the transplant team in Dallas and hope to get this ball moving quickly. His best chance is a stem cell transplant.
Glad he has moved floors…good sign!!! Continued prayers to you both!!!
Glad to hear that things are starting to look up. Ya’ll are in our continuous thoughts and prayers
wonderful news!!!!!
Praying that this is the perfect donor! I am on the Bone Marrow registry, and hope some day I can give that gift to someone…as I’m praying this person will be willing to do for Jeff if he is truly a match. Praying for you both!
Hey y’all…just heard about all this. Know that both of you and your family are in my thoughts and in my heart. Always admired you both – real troopers. Will keep pulling for you! Sending a hug…got it?
That is great news, hope it works out , sounds like you at least are having a bit better days, out of ICU
Will keep my fingers crossed for you , great news
totally a step in the right direction. Love ya as always!!!
Wow a possible doner, that is awesome! That will Jeff very very happy and fill him with hope.
I’ve added Jeff to all my friends prayer lists. Hoping for the best and continued strength. Love you guys!!
I cry every time I hear more good news. Please keep it up, and know we are continuing our thoughts and prayers.
Possible stem cell donor?! Woooohoooo! 😀 That is the best news I’ve heard all week, maybe all year.
I’m sure the anxiety is rough, at times, but after what Jeff’s been through with the ventilator, I would think a touch of it would be natural…I hope he feels better and is less scared as the days go on. More chemo sounds hard too, I know he must be tired, and has had a rough run with it, but hopefully it will do its job and he can have the transplant. I am really hoping and praying for that.
Prayers and best wishes from my family to yours, Jeff and Reta.
More prayers sent !!!
Jeff you are my hero! And Reta you are amazing! Jeff is fighting so hard and with all the continued prayers he IS going to beat this! Thanks for the updates.. I know you’re getting tired of my texts 🙂