Mon & Tues, Days 5 & 6

Ceomi's white blood cell (WBC) counts have dropped. This is the expected result of the chemotherapy. It is clearing the way for the donor cells to establish themselves as Kings of the Hill. The outcome of this though is that Ceomi will feel somewhat terrible. Her neuropathy is continuing (mainly pain in her hands and feet) and may be slightly worse for a while since the treatment is pills and it is getting difficult for her to swallow them and then to keep them down.

As her WBC count is low, the lining of her esophagus and mouth is irritated and sores can develop (mucositis). There are few remedies for this other than time and rising WBC counts. They try to ease it with special mouthwashes and pain medication. It makes it very difficult for Ceomi to swallow liquids or eat.

These are the hard days, especially since the treatment in Chicago gave a preview of some of what is to come. The nurses refer to this time as being in the basement. I think that's a pretty apt description of how it feels BUT good days are coming very soon. This part is just the necessary evil to make it to the happy days in the sun that are coming right around the corner.

Speaking for Ceomi and her family, we realize just how many people are praying for her and cannot express the comfort that it brings to know how often our Father hears her name. Her mucositis during induction chemo. was quite severe. Please pray that she will not have such a strong bout of it this time.