Sunday, December 16, 2007

we're at Hershey Medical Center

Here we are, sitting in Hershey, amidst a pretty bad ice storm.  John has an appointment tomorrow.  We need to find out why his immune system is so compromised.  I doubt we will though.  His physicians have been trying to figure it out for months.  Next month will be two years since John had his bone marrow transplant, and he shouldn't be having such a compromised immune system.  Dr. Claxton, John's oncologist, said there are a few patients that do have this happen, though.  They end up with a very weakened, almost non-existent immune system.  And it can continue for several years after the bone marrow transplant.  But the oncologists don't know the reason why their patients can't maintain a normal immune system.  Remember, this is important because the patient without an immune system is more likely to catch an illness, and then has a harder time fighting it off, which can be a life threatening matter.

So hopefully we will get some answers and maybe John will get some treatment.  Maybe while John is down here he can see the infectious disease specialist also.  John went to him a few months back. He gave several explanations, or possibilities, of what it could be that was causing the problem of the low white blood count and low ANC.  But he wasn't sure.  We were not too thrilled with any of the possibilities.  They were frightening.  I won't rehash all of that, b/c they were only possibilities, and no reason getting scared if they are not definite right now.  If anything pans out I'll let you know.

I was also reading yesterday on the web about what causes Autoimmune Hemolytic Anemia.  Rembember that?  John was getting seven bags of bood a day.  Then a little less, but constant bags of blood a day or every day.  So many of you were giving blood because of him, and I was so touched I was in tears really, and so was he.  Shhh, don't tell him I told you, LOL, b/c men don't tear up, now do they, LOL?  

Anyway, the causes for Autoimmune Hemolytic Anemia were listed as: viral infections, lymphoma, and certain drugs (not street drugs, LOL).  John had all of those before his he got the AIHA.  He is going to mention this to Dr. Claxton.  Only b/c he wants to make sure his lymphoma is not coming back.  The lymphoma he had before he had the bone marrow cancer.  Some of you don't know this, but John has had two cancers in his lifetime.  Perhaps it is really ridiculous to be concerned that the lymphoma could make a comeback, but when you have had the big "C" you get a little concerned sometimes.  But we are not counting on anything like that.  So please don't worry.     

John also wants to discuss the fact with Dr. Claxton that he had a viral infection right before the AIHA.  Maybe it is the viral infection that is keeping John's immune system down.  I don't know if he does have a viral infection if there is anything the doctors will be able to do for him to help his immune system anyway, except artificially stimulate it.  Does anybody know?  Help me out here Guido or Pam!  Can you answer this one?  Or is there nothing you can do with a viral infection?

Oh gee, it could have been anything.  He was taking three of the meds the medical article on the web said not to take before he got the AIHA.  And still still continues to take them.  Don't the doctors know he is not supposed to?  Sigh.  I guess we better tell them tomorrow at the appointment.  I guess I better print the medical article out tonight.  I think it was from a medical paper or a journal or something, it looked legit.

Okay, this has gotten more medical than I had planned.  I meant to talk about the ice storm, LOL.  The lights almost went out a minute ago.  The whole thing made a surging sound.  I grabbed John's arm.  I don't want the power to go out.  It will be freezing, and the food will spoiling.  Maybe we will have no water.  I think power is going out all around the East Coast.  It is horrible.  On the other hand, it is beautiful.  But branches are falling off the trees.  A car almost got hit in the parking lot from the biggest branch I have ever seen fall off of a tree in my life.  A very near miss.  Two giant, I mean giant portions of trees, no three, have fallen to the ground, already.

If it stops sleeting, and the ground isn't too slippery, maybe I can go out and snap a few pictures.  We'll see. 

Okay, gotta run.  John is getting bored, LOL.

Love you lots and lots,  Krissy :)  

26 comments:

  1. Emailing you.
    Pam

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  2. Ya'll stay warm.  Prayers for some answers.  -  Barbara

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  3. Krissy and John ... praying for you both ... you Krissy for the added strength to see John through ... and John, for you, that the doctor's find an answer and can help you heal.

    Lousy weather ... we've had lots of snow, which I love!  But the sleet started and kind of took away the fun part.  Oh well.  

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  4. Stay safe, you guys.  Praying that you get some answers.  Don't drive home until the ice is gone!  We only got a little.  Right now there is about a half an inch in Bellefonte.  We didn't get it too bad.  I love you!!! xox
    http://journals.aol.com/valphish/ThereisaSeason

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  5. I do so hope all your questions are answered Krissy.Both stay safe against that nasty weather you are amid.Prayers being said for you and yours.Take Care God Bless Kath
    astoriasand http://journals.aol.co.uk/astoriasand/MYSIMPLERHYMES

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  6. Have replied by email

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  7. I feel bad for you both having to go through all of this.  I'm sure it is a rather cool day where you are as well.  I hope you get some answers.  While there in Hershey, be sure to stop by and get me some candy, yum!!! Try to keep a smile on that face.  Take care.

    Phil

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  8. ((((((((((((KRISSY)))))))))))))I hope they can find out whats going on with John.Just know,I am always praying.

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  9. I'm glad you are where you need to be and not traveling.  The wind is howling here and snow is blowing.  We've gotten several inches since I went to church at 11:00 this morning.  You are both always in my prayers.  'On Ya'-ma

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  10. I hope you both get some answers for John`s condition. I`m glad you are safe in the hospital with that awful storm raging around you, stay safe.

    Love Sandra xxxx

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  11. What is AIHA? Please email me at PeytonsWater@aol.com when you get a chance. When I donate blood, I always think of John, they ask if there is anyone I donate in the name of, but honestly I only know JOHN and no other info. SO my question is, if I donate, does MY blood go to him, or is he guarenteed blood if there is a shortage if people have donated in his name?? What is the reason to donate in peoples name???? I have no idea. But because of John when I first met you here, I started donated reguarly. (well, ever 1 1/2 mths allowed) Next time I'm going to do the aphrysis (spelled way wrong) you can do that every 2 weeks! Strangely, I enjoy donated, I have no idea why? LOL
    I hope someone can help him about his immune system, I wish i had something to offer other then the standard vitamins and eating which I'm sure you hear over and over again from people that only have that to offer.
    Your both in my prayers
    Love
    Ang

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  12. I have John and you in my prayers.
    Missie

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  13. Hi hon. I'm so sorry the two of you are having to spend so much time at the Center, but so glad to know you are safe. Those ice storms are horrific. We
    experienced one when we lived in Washington. Praying for you always. Remember that, okay?
    Merry Christmas.
    Love and hugs too.
    Barb- http://journals.aol.com/barbpinion/FROMBARBSSPIRITUALJOURNALS

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  14. Aw Krissy, I hate to see that you and John are back in Hershey.  I supose in this case, no news is probably good news.  I pray that John is ok.  Be safe and stay warm.  This weather is awful.  Love you both, Chris

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  15. I hope your able to get some answers this time around hon. I take it your in Hershey Pennsylvania??? They just had it on the news , there was a major power outage in PA from the Ice storm. I hope you and John are safe. Your both in my thoughts and prayers on the smoke! (Hugs) Indigo

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  16. Yes, I hope you get some answers and can be back home soon.   We'll be anxious to hear what you find out.   Take care,  Linda in Washington state

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  17. sending good thoughts and prayers that answers are found.
    hugs
    d

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  18.  There are some viral treatments out there these days.  Hope they got to the bottom of the problem and you get to go home worry free soon.  Take care.

                       Julie

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  19. Oh Krissy, I am sorry you are faced with these issues. They just won't leave John alone will they.  You are both in my heart and prayers.  Call when you get home.  If you end up staying in Hershey, I'll send you a phone card or you can call me & I will call you right back...when you have time or the need to talk.  Merry

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  20. Praying for John. I hope his doctors find an answer soon, and are able to prescribe a treatment that will help him recover and grow strong again. Bless you both at Christmas. bea

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  21. Praying for John... hope they get him all sorted out and back home quickly!

    be well,
    Dawn

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  22. My prayers are with you both, I know it's alot for you to deal with too!!  I hope all is well very soon!!

    Joann

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  23. Praying they find some answers for your husband and hope you are getting the rest that you need. Paula

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  24. Prayers for you and John and wishing you a peaceful joyous Christmas!!!  
    Lisa

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  25. I hope you didn't lose the power in the end ~ that would freak me out!!!  My best wishes to both you and john.  It must be awful to go through all that ((((((((hugs))))))

    Jenny

    http://journals.aol.co.uk/Jmoqueen/MyLife

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  26. Antiviral antibiotics are available for some types of viral infections — but not all. Taking antibacterial antibiotics when you have a viral infection won't treat the viral infection and may even be harmful. Consult your doctor for advice on a specific condition. My grandfather had a viral infection right after he started Chemo for his lung cancer, it made his numbers plument (spelled wrong) and he had to stop treatment and start taking these shots that did nothing to help his numbers. The Doctors were hesitant and actually did not give him anything for the viral infection. They let it run it's course and just kept a close eye on him! It took a good 6 months for my grandfathers numbers to go back up and start his treatments again. I am praying for both you and john! You have so much going on and that darn ICE storm is not helping any! lol! Take care! You both are in my thoughts and prayers!

    ~Nicole~

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