Expect the Unexpected

This week was supposed to be filled with tests and pre-transplant procedures and meetings with the transplant team.  Tuesday went as planned, but after a review of a chest x-ray the doctors saw an infection in Jodie's left lung, they suspect pneumonia.  Our doctor admitted Jodie immediately on Wednesday (not really, we had a 5 hour wait in the ER before her room was ready) to start treating the infection. 

They don't anticipate the infection delaying the transplant, in fact to get rid of the infection completely Jodie's body needs to start producing white blood cells and that won't happen until the bone marrow transplant is complete and the marrow starts to produce it on its own. 

To prepare for the transplant, Jodie will need a central line, it's a 3 port tube inserted under the collar bone directly into the vein leading to her heart.  This is how she will receive the chemotherapy, bone marrow transplant and other medicines.  A standard procedure for many patients, it's been complicated for Jodie because her blood is not clotting like it should.  So she's been given extra plasma and platelet transfusions to improve her clotting. 

The good news, Jodie is feeling GREAT!  Good appetite, she's in great spirits and ready to get the transplant.

 Every step we take we are assured that God is right here by our side.  We were comforted today by one of the transplant nurses that heard of Jodie's story on a local Christian radio station.  She was aware of her story even before meeting us and Jodie being admitted into the hospital, yet another person among so many lifting up Jodie in prayer.

 -Thank you all for continuing to pray for Jodie and our family.

-Pray for the infection in her lungs to improve

-Pray for minimal side effects of the chemotherapy

-Pray that Jodie's body remains strong enough to endure the treatment

-Pray the bone marrow transplant is a success.

-Praise God that the kids are at home being cared for and loved while we are apart from them.