Day +2

Everything is quiet down here in Houston. The sun is shining and brightens up Bill's room in the evening with its westerly exposure. Today has been one of these days when one breaths a sigh of relief and thankfulness, for having come this far.

Bill is starting to feel the accumulative effects of the strong chemo. he received prior to transplant. We knew this was inevitable. We hope it will be mild and mostly that he will not get an infection. That would be bad news! His appetite is poor, though he still manages a few small bowls of cereal each day . He is now taking a supplemental protein drink to make sure his nourishment does not suffer.His white blood count is at 0 and will remain so for the next week or so. This is the critical time for him to avoid infections, as his body has no fighting ability. In about ten days his new blood will start to engraft and a whole new immune system will emerge. Thank you again Frank you are truly blood brothers in more ways than one.

Frank and I are meeting up with an old college friend this evening. Our histories span many decades. We will have lots to reminisce about. It will be nice to see the outside world and know that there is a world out there that is still functioning as Bill fights this great enemy.. ....cancer.


Again our heartfelt thanks for all your prayers and wishes during these past four months. Thank you to all of you who had masses offered and to those who offered the masses. Thank you to those of you who lit candles and who did twelve hour vigils in Knock and elsewhere for Bill. Thank you to those of you who made the long and ardours journey to Lough Derg on Bill's behalf. Thank you for having Bill prayed for in Lourdes.Thank you to all of you who offered prayers in all of your many faith traditions. Thank you Kathy and Janelle Picciano for the hourly novena on Bill's transplant day. The great power of prayer united throughout the world can not be underestimated. Thanks to all of you who sent relics ,holy oils holy water, rosary beads ,prayer shawls, mass cards, get well cards, the list goes on and on. We will be forever in your debt.