Post Surgery Update

Dads surgery yesterday was to put in two tubes on the left side of his neck that go straight into his carotid artery.  The purpose of those tubes is for when they start harvesting his stem cells.  They take his blood out, filter it and take the stem cells out and then put the blood back in the other tube.  Dad says those tubes are very uncomfortable, "it feels like a knife sticking in my neck", but he has to keep them in until they are done harvesting his cells.  His white blood cell count is still at rock bottom, but they are coming up so they might be able to start harvesting tomorrow of the next day.

For those of you who dont know, last night dad had a fever that was high enough for the hospital to have mom take him in so they could monitor him.  Instead of just doing tests and giving him anti biotics they kept him over night and are going to keep him at the hospital until he is done harvesting.  Dad was not so happy to stay there and will tell anyone that he was "Shanghai'd", but he is in good hands and it is very good for him to be that close to the doctors.  We just pray that harvesting will happen quick like they are hoping so that he can come back home soon.  We are sure that some of you are wondering if you can go visit him, absolutely!  Dad would love visitors, but there are very strict restrictions where he is at.  He is in the Bone Marrow Transplant unit so they ask anyone who is sick, even in the slightest, to stay away.  They also ask that no flowers or latex balloons be taken up there.  We took a picture of Sophie and grandpa while we were up there.   We know that all the grandkids and a whole lot of other people really love dad.  Thanks again for your prayers and love you send our way.

WE LOVE YOU DAD AND GRANDPA!!!!!