Day 16: Continued Improvements

Krista is doing so much better today. There were no vomiting incidents at all, and her liver and kidney function is still stable and normal. Her platelet level was low, so she got a transfusion early this morning. We noticed some bruising which is typical of low platelets. That just takes some time to heal.

That reminds me that the City of Hope blood bank called me the other day asking if we knew anyone who would like to donate. They do things a bit different than UCLA and Santa Barbara in that blood products can be donated specifically for a patient at no cost. If you find yourself near Duarte, CA and have any extra blood, it could be really helpful -- either for Krista or for other patients here, too. (They have so many stem-cell transfusions here that they split the floors between specific ways of doing the transplant -- and the rooms are almost always full!) Krista can use platelet donations from any blood type, and if you have O-negative she can use whole blood also. If you are interested, call (626)471-7171 and ask for Jenifer, mentioning donating for Krista English. The donation center is open on the following days:

• Mon, Tue 9:30 am - 6:30pm
• Wed 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
• Thurs-Sat 7:00 am - 4:00 pm
• 2nd Sun of month (Nov 10th, this month) 7 am-4 pm

Krista's hair is starting to fall out. It was looking like she might keep it, but the clumps that are dropping probably indicate that it's not going to stay for long. They have a really good beauty/image group here, but so far Krista hasn't wanted to have them cut it off. She got a nice shorter haircut before starting the treatment, so it's not getting tangled at least.

Glenn and Jannelle were here again today. Krista had spilled some things on her blankets and I had some other laundry to do, so it was great to be able to leave for a couple of hours to take that and get some lunch. My mother, Jan, is with the kids in Santa Barbara and she's doing a great job with all the craziness of the boys schedules. Not only is it soccer finals this week, but Trevor also has a choir performance. The schedule I put together was going to be too much for Trevor, so they all figured out that it would be better for him to miss the last game of the season so that he can make the performance on time and with enough energy. I wish I could be there for it tomorrow! Hopefully someone will record a video of it for us.

We wait in hope for the Lord;
he is our help and our shield.
In him our hearts rejoice,
for we trust in his holy name.
May your unfailing love be with us, Lord,
even as we put our hope in you.
(Psalm 33:20-22)