Monday, February 23, 2009

THe kiddie boost

The weekend was attended by both Mark & Conor. Cathi took a big jump forward in her spirits from this. It was also blessed with a cameo from Dr. Mcguirk. We say Cameo, because she has not seen much of Mcguirk lately and he always is so impactful on getting her eyes pointed in the right direction. When she checked in for the second round of chemo it was Dr Mcguirk that was so definite in his statement that they would get through this round of chemo and she would come out OK.

So Mark & Conor both spent the weekend with their Mom. Cathi's spirits continued to improve throughout the weekend as she does when her boys are present. No Maynard weekend could be complete without some exercises and a few laps. So Conor and Mark both got Cathi up for regular laps through the BMT ward.
While the pneumonia does not show signs of improvement in the pictures. It does sound better when the Dr's listen to her lungs. The fever is still intermittent but holds down to low fevers for short durations. What does up, must come down, or in Cathi's case; What goes down, mostly comes up... Food is still a concern, but slight improvement in holding down food continues. She has sustained wbc counts of .3 for several days now. Again this is the key to getting healthy again is getting Cathi's own body doing the work and that requires WBC's.
Meanwhile back to Dr. Mcguirk. The new strategy is the old strategy. Another mini transplant. This is still considered a procedure that is not as tried and true as the full blown marrow transplant, but Dr. Mcguirk's continued research and follow up with those who are making it work, has brought him to having a better understanding on getting success on this and therefore is moving forward with this again. No dates are yet set, but having a clear direction, and set of items to complete is great news.
There is much more excitement and enthusiasm after this weekend then before it started. Walt will again be the donor, and will complete this like before as scheduled. More news will be delivered on this as more is known.

5 comments:

Patty Mahoney said...

Hi Cathi,
Just got back from the Harvey Wedding. Brooke, Mary Ann's daughter was married in St. Jo, Mo.
Harvey started his speech with a joke.
Two Antenna's got married.
The wedding was OK
But the reception was great!

Pretty bad, but thought it would make you laugh.
Still keeping up with your blog and looking forward to that much needed visit when you get home. Hang in there and hope to see you soon.
FYI 56 days until Mic's wedding.
We're off to Houston this week-end for the first bridal shower.
Love you
Mahoney's

Robbie Stanley said...

So good to read all the updates and positive plans! And a photo! Cathi, you have two good kids there and how wonderful to have them around for the weekend. Wish you were here on Captiva with me - it's definitely not as much fun without you - but it sounds like you're working hard there and doing what you need to do. Looking forward to the next report ~
Love, Robbie

Anonymous said...

Great to see you again, if only in a photo - and you still have hair! Lookin good with your two handsome escorts! So glad to hear that decisions have been made and goals to meet are set. We'll concentrate on the WBC's to increase in numbers and help the antibiotics evict the Pneumo Bros. and we'll be on our way to victory.

Keep us in the loop.

Unknown said...

"Doctor, doctor, will I be able to play the violin after the operation?"
"Yes, of course..."
"Great! I never could before!"

The transplant could have another up-side :)

Great to hear that plans are in place - and great to see you and your escorts. Keep your spirits up, along with your WBC counts.

love #2 GOT

Anonymous said...

So good to see the three of you. Think of you often. Keep up the fight.
Love you
Diane