Trying a new treatment - chemo

I didn't realize it has been so long size I have made an entry.  Sorry.  There have been lots of reasons.  Computers at both the hospital and Hope Lodge have been down at different times.  One night I had to stay all night with John at the hospital while he got blood and chemo, making sure he didn't have a reaction while receiving either one.  Actually, I stayed the whole day, all night, and the next day.  Another reason I haven't done an entry in days is I have just been too dog tired.  I stay with John from about six in the morning till eight thirty at night, and when I get back to Hope Lodge, I am often too tired to do an entry.  Often I can't get on the computer during the day, because I can't leave John's side.  So if I don't get on at night, I don't write.

Okay, so here is what's going on.  The IVIg treatment didn't work.  The oncologist came in and told John and me yesterday.  He said they were going to try a treatment called Rituxin.  It is a chemo.  John is to get it for 4 to 7 weeks.  One day a week.  Actually, he has already gotten it twice, during weeks when he had IVIg.  So he is on the way to possible good health already.  The oncologist said it often takes three or four weeks to see if it is working.  

Right now John is still requiring about two bags of blood a day.  And he is still on dialysis.  On a good note, there is a possibility, the kidney doctors have told him, that he may not have to be on dialysis for the rest of his life!  Praise God for that. 

Another really exciting thing is that John was moved out of the Intermediate ICU into a regular room!  He is getting stronger, and is finally able to sit in a chair to eat his meals.  He also walked a little bit down the hallway yesterday for the first time in about two and a half weeks with the help of a physical therapist!  I was astounded as he was so much stronger than when he was in the Intermediate ICU.  And he is no longer hooked up to all those wires!  He is hooked up to machines at times, but it is so much better now!

Having said all that, the doctors all still puzzled as to why he is needing the two bags a day if he seems a lot better.  His platelets are also very low.  He may get platelets tomorrow.  And he had a bad experience with dialysis yesterday (Friday).  But I won't go into all of that right now.  Just pray that he won't have a bad experience again tomorrow (Sunday).  Thanks.

Okay.  So how have I been?  On a rollercoaster!  One day the doctors give me good news, the next day bad, the next day good, the next day, bad, then good - you get the idea.  But I do remain pretty steady through it all, because you have to.  And through it all I have been tremendously uplifted by you all in J-Land, with your comments, your entries to me in The John and Krissy J-Land Gazette (that's the journal Tammy created for  John and me!), and by the blood that those in J-Land are giving in John's name.  John and I are so moved by the blood given.  Oh, and I can't forget the snail mail we are getting!  How truly thoughtful of you all.  Our hearts are warmed, and we don't feel alone.

Well, I better go now, I was just falling asleep.

I love you all, Krissy :)