High Temps – November 17, 2015
On November 18, 2015 by Michelle LoveBJ is still cooking. His temp goes up and down all day and night, still reaching 104, and down to 100. His white blood cell count fluctuates between blood draws at midnight and noon. His WBC count at midnight last night was 60k, and at noon today it was 42k. We want to see that Read More
CART-19 Clinical Trial Explanation from MainLineToday.com
On November 16, 2015 by Michelle LoveThis article is a very good, short and non-technical explanation of the clinical trial that BJ is on.Breakthrough-in-Leukemia-from-Penn-Medicine-and-CHOP CART-19: A Leukemia Breakthrough A Main Line Doctor leads the Penn Medicine research team. BY MELISSA JACOBS Dr. Carl June’s children call him the “Mouse Doctor.” “People would ask them what kind of doctor I am,” says Read More
The Warrior Battles The Cytokine Storm, Day 3
On November 15, 2015 by Michelle LoveUpdate on BJ…Over the past 36 hours, BJ has kept a fever between 102 and 105. Friday night into Saturday morning was rough, as his temp kept climbing, and we were anxious about how bad this was going to be, and how his body would respond. Tylenol was given every 6 hours, but did not Read More
November 13, 2015 Day 1 of Inpatient at Duke Children’s Hospital
On November 14, 2015 by Michelle LoveBJ had to go back to clinic today for the daily labs. He was slow moving today, because his joints hurt when he moves. Walking hurts, pushing himself up from lying down hurts, chewing hurts. His doctor told us that it was most likely due to the crowding of leukemia in his bone marrow, pushing Read More
Continued Rise in WBC count
On November 13, 2015 by Michelle LoveThursday, after reeling from the news of his labs from the prior day, BJ and I were so nervous going to back to clinic. Walking into the building was a daunting task. We talked each other up as we made that walk together. It was an hour and a half wait before someone finally came in Read More
Elijah
On November 13, 2015 by Michelle LoveOn Wednesday, BJ had clinic visit for a lab check. We were hoping for a white count that was not high. I knew it wasn’t good news, when the NP handed me his lab paperwork, and gave me the “I’m so sorry look”. BJ saw it too, and I’m sure that his heart sank as Read More
Promises and Defeat
On November 12, 2015 by Michelle LoveSo disappointed when I saw what time it is…laying here awake since 0220. It was a rough day yesterday here at Duke. I just really felt defeated after hearing about Elijah’s death and that Simon wasn’t doing well. I had to tell BJ about Simon and Elijah. It was even harder when I saw that Read More
Encouragement from a co-worker
On November 11, 2015 by Michelle LoveThe below is part of a text I received this morning from a co-worker. I am so incredibly blessed to have people like this in my life. Throughout the past 3 years, my Medic co-workers have been a great source of strength and support. I hope this encourages someone else today too… Sometimes, even as Read More
In the Waiting Place
On November 11, 2015 by Michelle LoveBJ was discharged from Duke Medical Center this afternoon. He received a unit of platelets during the night. His white blood cell count is now at 2000, and today, 82% of those are blasts. Again, Dr. Martin reassured BJ and I that at the moment, we don’t need to worry about the ‘82%’. That’s hard Read More
November 9, 2015 Wait and see
On November 9, 2015 by Michelle LoveBJ’s fever broke during the night. He’s feeling pretty good today. He looks good too. His hemoglobin and platelet counts remained above transfusion thresholds today. He’ll stay inpatient again tonight, and if he doesn’t have another fever, he will be discharged tomorrow. The waiting is torture for both of us, and with today’s labs showing Read More
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