Spa Day Hospital Style

Joy got the full works at the hospital yesterday in preperation for all of the treatments she'll need before the transplant surgery. She had cardiograms, pulmonary tests, ct scans, and yes, she can even tell you her lung size because they were measured too! She also got to see the radiation machine which looked vaguely familiar as a cross between a pilates machine and an exercise bike.

She wrapped up the day with a visit to the dentist to get her teeth cleaned because she won't be able to do this again for at least a year.

After this full day of treatments, she and Ken are looking forward to a relaxing Christmas with the kids (if only they could convince them to sleep in on Christmas morning!--suggestions anyone?).

Peach Fuzz

Both Joy's hair and blood are currently growing. Her blood cells are increasing so much that she should feel good for the holidays. She is also excited because her bone marrow transplant has officially been scheduled. January 10! Happily, the donor's donoting actual bone marrow instead of just stem cells. She'll be entering the hospital January 1 and will stay until well after the operation.

But what is REALLY making Joy excited is that she and Ken have just completely finished ALL of their Christmas shopping and some kind neighbors have been doing all of the gift wrapping!--Jealous anyone?

Christmas Gift

So, unfortunately because Joy's brother Darren has some certain antibodies in his blood, he is not able to be a bone marrow donor for Joy. However, Joy and her family have received a special gift for Christmas.

Ken's words are below:

The hospital just called. They have identified a donor match for Joy! He is a 10 for 10 match. This means that according to the technology used today, he is the best match that can be found. We also know that he is 43 years old. Because of privacy issues, this is all of the personal information that we will ever know. The doctor is recommending to perform the transplant just after the first of the year.

We are all very, very grateful. :)

Delightful Decorating

Joy is now at home with her kids and has been happily spending the last little while decorating for Christmas. Deciding they wanted to help, the twins made a display of stealing ornaments and climbing on everything possible. Fortunately, they are still with us.

Due to her continual treatments, Joy's blood counts are continuing to drop. She is receiving transfusions every other day and is continuing to feel better as a result.

We are proud of your progress Joy!!

Free Again

Yes. Joy is once again out of the hospital! She has finished her third round of chemotherapy and is now free to leave. Because her kids are all sick, (darn the winter!) she is currently staying at her parents' house. She also received some other good news today. She had a spinal tap done to see if she had any cancer cells in her spinal chord fluid.

She does not. :)

Toodles

Joy has loved being home and has expecially enjoyed watching the twins toodle around. She had a lovely Thanksgiving and was greatful to be home! She administers shots to herself everyday and will be receiving another round of chemotherapy withing the next few days.

Homeward Bound

To the delight of Ken, Olivia, Joshua, Grace, Eleanor, Noah and everyone reading this blog, Joy came home today. Her children made a banner in honor of the occasion. She will be home until the 30th. Hooray!

Because, she is still weak, she still cannot accept visitors. She wants everyone to know, however, how much she loves them!

The OTHER good news is . . . her cancer is currently in remission!

Coming Home :)

Joy starting feeling NORMAL today. She took a walk outside today. AND, she'll get to come home sometime this week. Hooray!

She is thrilled to be coming come. Because she is still weak and needs rest, however, she will not be able to see visitors. Please let her know how much she is loved by sending comments to the blog.

happy, happy . . .

This will describe all of you at the end of reading this posting.

First of all, Joy will be able to go home mostly likely within the next several days.

Secondly, her white blood cell count is up to 1100, exceeding the doctors' expectations.

Finally, (this is so good that i'm going to make you read this extra stuff before getting the news--just to make you savor this more) . . .

Darren (Joy's older brother) is a donor match.

Ken and Joy and both of their families are very grateful for this news and feel especially grateful to all of those who have been fasting and praying in Joy's behalf.

:)

Joy had a FANTASTIC Halloween! (pictures coming soon.) She got to watch 24 (scary, i think, even when it's not halloween).

Unfortunately, her Typhlitus has been causing her a lot of pain over the last couple of days. She's now on some opiates from an IV that have been helping her feel better. She also had the tube taken out of her collarbone. This means that it will be easier for her when she returns home.

And . . . the big news is . . . her white blood cell count (the good kind) went from 8 on Monday to 80 on Tues. Hooray! If they continue to increase, she can return home.