DAY 10 - SUNDAY

February 1, 2009: Today was very promising. Jill's blood counts are climbing. Her WBC (which Dr Burt calls the police force) are up to 5.8 from 2.7. The platelet count is up from 117 to 212. This is amazing and it all happened within one day. She has antibiotics only by pills now and is disconnected from the IV's. The line is to stay in place for now in case she needs any transfusions. She might be released to the Chicago area as early as Tuesday. If her counts continue to climb there is no reason to keep her even though she has RSV. Her new immune system will fight the virus on it's own. There were three patients on this floor that had RSV.
All hospitals carry germs, so I feel it might be better for her to stay at the apartment where she is not exposed to anyone.
Her cough was a lot better today, but is still there. She continues to have the breathing treatments 3 times a day. I keep asking her if she is thinking clearer yet because it is one of the first signs that most MS patients report. They feel like a cloud has been lifted and they are no longer in a fog. I also see her walking a bit better although Dr Testori said it takes six months to see improvements.
I know that there are a lot of friends out there reading this blog that have Multiple Sclerosis. I hope Joyce is keeping up to date with Jill's Blog. I can't wait to report all the improvements as they happen. It has taken a lot out of her, but watching the disease take over her life was much harder. I have a lot of confidence in this transplant and don't forget she may not have to ever take shots again. She has been off the Copaxone (daily injections) since September. The Interferon shot Rebif was three times a week.

Imagine having to sit on each step so you can get down the stairs.
Imagine not being able to hold something with one hand because you need two hands to help with your balance.
Imagine the fear of a new day because you don't know what to expect when you wake up every day.
Imagine not knowing what day or year it is and you ask several times a day.
Imagine being afraid to fall every time you shower.
Imagine not wondering if where you are going has a lot of steps that you can't climb.
Imagine the fear of someone bumping into you causing you to fall.
Imagine the whole world looking at you and wondering if you were drunk.
Imagine that your hands, legs, head, or hands shake and you have no control.
Imagine exhaustion that is beyond description which you struggle with every day

NOW IMAGINE THAT ALL THESE THINGS GO AWAY AND YOU ARE LIKE A NORMAL PERSON, THAT IS A DREAM COME TRUE!
Love
Doreen