Good News and Bad

I've been asked by many people why I haven't written on the blog for so long, but Jim has been doing well--sleeping much better than before, walking mostly with a cane, but uses the walker when the distance is too far (this walker has a seat on it which allows him to sit and rest whenever he tires). He still has some insomnia, but not nearly like before. We went to our house on Long Beach Island for six days last week (first time since last November) and I think the ocean air was good for him--he slept well for 6 nights straight! He is neutropenic again--absolute neutrophil count (ANC) below 1000, but trending up. This happened in mid-August as well, but gradually came up. People at NIH say that about 30% of patients treated with Rituxan have a dip in their neutrophil count months after receiving it and of course we all know that if there is a complication or adverse reaction to anything, Jim Fay will get it!!!! While he is neutropenic we have to be extremely careful because his immune system is compromised (constant hand-washing, avoiding crowds, wearing a mask when he goes out, no kissing and hugging, taking temperature every day and if fever, getting to a hospital for immediate treatment with IV antibiotics). We were at NIH today and need to return in 2 weeks for another blood test. So that's it as far as Jim's health is concerned (Oh yes, and I'm getting more sleep!) Barbara
Sadly, we have to report that our daughter-in-law, Sarah's brother Scott (age 33, father of two and husband of Joleen) died today in Seattle after a 3 month battle against Burkitt's Lymphoma. Please keep him and all the family in your prayers.

Jim celebrates being home

I'm sure many of you are all anxious to learn how Jim is doing . I think this picture is worth a thousand words .



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