They feel that Jim's recent fevers were a result of the cancer, so the longer he is fever-free, the better! Dr. Erba also gave us much hope when he actually said the "R" word...remission. He said this treatment "could" actually put Jim's cancer in a state of remission, that is the ultimate goal. We were so happy to hear that because on Friday, quite a different picture was presented to us.
The goal is still to get Jim home soon, keep his cancer under control, and wait for our match. He MAY go home by Thursday, let's keep praying for that. As far as the donor search goes, we have blood arriving from overseas on the 14th of August. That will then be tested further to see if it is indeed a match. There are also four other preliminary matches that the center is still waiting to hear from. As usual, this match being found is also at the top of our prayer list!
Jim rested a lot again today. Many of these medicines make him very drowsy, so he sleeps. He was visited by his Aunt Pat today. Although Jim wasn't up for visiting, Stephanie and Debbie enjoyed her company! Thank you too Aunt Pat for the beautiful gift basket filled with treats, we WILL certainly all enjoy it! We also had the pleasure of visiting with Harj, a good friend of Jim's from the residency program, and our wonderful friend Sandy. It was so nice to see you all! Jim was later joined by his dad, Debbie and Kevin, Don and Jan, and Tyler. Although Jim dozed on and off, the family enjoyed the time together. Thank you again to Pat Smith for sending up more goodies, we all appreciate it so much!!
We'll see what tomorrow brings...let's all keep praying. We do believe the power of prayer is working thanks to all of you. May God bless Jim with a peaceful night, and days ahead filled with hope, comfort, and healing.
Sincerely,
The Family
Tuesday, August 6 (10:30 a.m.)
Dear Family and Friends,
Many of you are asking what you can do to help Jim. Here is a GREAT way you can help Jim,or other people in his situation, like a little girl named Victoria, and our friend here at U of M, Kelly, if she needs a transplant.. A free bone marrow drive is being held tomorrow and Thursday. This is the information:
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 7TH AND THURSDAY AUGUST 8TH
BOTH DAYS 4 P.M.- 8 P.M.
DECARLO'S BANQUET HALL
6015 E. TEN MILE
WARREN, MI.
DeCarlo's Banquet Hall was formerly the Warren Chateau. It is located one block east of Mound Road. This is their toll free number if you have any other questions: 1-800-668-8250. The test is a simple blood draw.
It only takes ONE match to save a life. We hope you will find the time to go down and get tested. Our family will be forever grateful. Please pray that we will find a donor. Thanks so much.
Sincerely,
Jim's Family
Tuesday, August 6th (10:00 p.m.)
Jim had a pretty good day today. We received more good news about how his body is responding to the chemo. His doctors are very pleased with the way this treatment is knocking those cancer cells out, and he is still fever free. Thank you Lord! As a matter of fact...the team is even planning on sending Jim home tomorrow! We are cautiously optimistic about this possibility, because we have gotten our hopes up before only to be let down. But, as long as Jim's condition stays the same overnight and into tomorrow, home we go!! Jim would finish his chemo on an out-patient basis, hopefully at Beaumont. So please keep praying that this becomes a reality for Jim!
Jim spent the day with his family as usual. He was visited by a good friend from high school, Joe Bungart and his wife Kathleen. It was so nice to see them both! Kathleen brought us a delicious meal, Chinese style, and brownies that are outstanding! They also delivered meatloaf, bread, and a cake from Joe's mom, which we will all certainly enjoy very soon. Thank you so much ladies, we truly appreciate it! Along with all that, Debbie's mom, Jan, and our dear friend Sandy Regiani, prepared more wonderful food this evening. The pork chops, rice, cole slaw, etc. were fabulous. Great teamwork ladies!
We hope you read the above information about the free bone marrow drive tomorrow and Thursday in Warren. This truly could help Jim, or many others, because all those who give blood to be tested will be added to the National Bone Marrow Registry. If you have the time, we would never be able to thank you enough for your effort.
In closing, as always, we pray for Jim's complete healing. May the Lord bless us with a marrow match, and keep Jim's cancer under control until then.
Thank you all,
The Family