Day + 37

Today was a long day at the hospital. Bill had the usual blood work done and then went to ATC for his usual I.V.and magnesium. His blood results also indicated that he was deficient in Vitamin D. Ironically, when he had a physical examination way back in Dec. 08,he was also found to be deficient in vitamin D. I read somewhere in the Internet that there may be a link between leukemia and vitamin D.deficiency, I have to wonder if it is not so. This is just my own theory and has not been substantiated.....I have been told more than once, to pull the plug on the Internet. However, it is a wonderful tool. I sometimes wonder what we did without it.

Bill also had a spinal tap done today. This is to check to see if his spinal fluid is still free of leukemia. Leukemia was never found in his spinal fluid, but since it showed up in theM.R.I of his brain prior to his transplant, it needs to be rechecked. He also had some chemotherapy administered intrathecally (into the fluid filled spaces next to the spinal cord). This is a precautionary measure just in case some leukemia still remains in the brain. He will have this procedure done every month, alternating Cytarabine and Methotrexate. We are not sure how long they plan to continue to do this. It will most likely be until he leaves M.D.Anderson.

Honestly, I don't know how Bill can be so brave. On two occasions during his spinal tap I had to remove myself from the area, as I felt faint. Bill never flinches. He has such strength and endurance. These procedures are not for the faint of heart. My admiration for him is limitless.
I'm sure all your prayers have contributed to his strength. Thank you so much. Please keep them up. It is heart breaking, to see so many people each day at the hospital, stopped dead in their tracks, by this horrible disease.

On the positive side. Katherine's cousin Susie arrived in Indianapolis for a few weeks to help her with Kaitlyn. She will travel to Boston with her for Sophie's christening(Katherine is the Godmother) and also help out with Liam and Sophie for a week during the week of Karen's brother's wedding. Thank you Susie you are a little gem.

Once more we thank you for your prayers and messages and cards. We really appreciate them and know that they are contributing to Bill's recovery.