Mike

Hello all, I did not forget about you. I have not had a computer at home except the laptop and Bri's been using that to play Sims. So an update: Mike is doing well. He has clinic 3 days a week and so far his numbers look good. The dr. released him to eat in public restaurants and he's come back to the Springs a couple times. He finally got his XBox 360 Live to work so he's been distracted by that. Amanda, my sister, has been great. She stays with him in Denver while I stay down here and I go up every night. She will be heading back to NC on Nov. 3 so I will be assuming caregiver duties. He has a bone marrow biopsy scheduled for Nov. 4th to check the donor's cell growth. I will have more information after that meeting. He's still taking a ton of pills - for GVHD and infections. He's off the anxiety meds which is a good thing. Dakota, the dog, has been to Denver a couple times. He has anxiety attacks if left alone in a strange place so we don't leave him in Denver overnight. Bri's doing good. She is gearing up for the mission trip over Spring Break again. They are going back to San Diego so she will be very psyched.

Mike

Today is the day...Riki, his day nurse, said Mike has two birthdays - Feb. 14 and the day he received new life, today. So he will be expecting 2 parties - just a heads up :) She also said that since Mike is getting girls blood that he will want to shop for shoes and handbags which works for me too! The mall here we come - if he starts wearing lipstick I might be concerned. Anyway, she also said that his blood type will change b/c his current blood is A and he is receiving O so he can commit crimes and DNA will show that a female w/ Type O committed the crime - he's going to rob a bank JOKING! He won't feel well enough to shop or commit a crime. He's not sleeping well and he was sick this morning.

The blood is currently dripping. There will be 2 units so he should be done around 12:30 or 1ish. He will be released from the hospital on Monday and we commence our 100 days. Can I say what a blessing God is - Mike met w/ the financial guy the other day to discuss co-pays and out of pocket expenses. The procedure costs $150,000 and after Medicare and Kaiser pays their portions we are out $200. Then Kaiser picks up the hotel cost and pays him to be there!
Amanda, my sister, will be here on Monday evening for the month. We take the caregivers class on Tuesday. And his first clinic visit is Wednesday.

Bri went to Manitou Springs on a field trip and loved it. She wants to go to the Miramount Castle there which I hear is haunted. We are going to spend some mommy/daughter time together this weekend and go do that and then shopping (window shopping.) She is also going to help me get moved into the hotel suite. It should be a busy weekend. In case I didn't update everyone - Bri had the croup when she was sick last week. I took her to the dr. and she has teenage croup - not uncommon. She never had it in VA but here she gets it once a year :(

I will update more next week. Please do not call the hospital this weekend. Mike is not feeling well and I don't want to interrupt the sleep that he is able to get while he's here.