Wednesday, Day +14, Jared was feeling good, and his GI side effects were better. His lab work showed that the important numbers were still headed in the right direction. Because of all the work Jared’s body has been doing to recover and rebuild, his Phosphorus, Magnesium, and Potassium levels were low so he had to get a 4 hour infusion that afternoon, and his growth factor injection. It was a long, boring 4 hours, but it was for a good purpose! This is the day that Jared started making phone calls again for the first time in a couple of weeks. 

Thursday, Day +15, was a great day for Jared! Despite is night sweats the night before, his numbers were still headed in the right direction, and everything was looking good! He had enough energy to walk up the stairs in the clinic for the first time in weeks and he got some online learning done for his apprenticeship in the Union during his time at the clinic. Jared’s Phosphorus and Potassium levels were low again so he had another 4 hour infusion, then received another growth factor injection to give his Stem Cells a boost. Jared was a little fatigued in the afternoon, but overall feeling well. 

Friday, Day +16, Jared was feeling even better. His Absolute Neutrophil Count was at 2.9 (finally over the threshold of 2.5) and counted as Day 1 to confirm complete engraftment. His ANC needed to be above 2.5 for 2 days in a row for engraftment to be confirmed. All of his other important labs were still headed in the right direction! Jared’s Phosphorus and Potassium results were taking too long due the equipment being down, but the Doctor felt comfortable enough to send Jared home with a couple Potassium pills since he was going to be back in the next day. Jared did not have any infusions this day, and was told to drink Chocolate Milk and Coke to help his Phosphorus (along with his Phosphorus supplements he’d already been taking at home). He did receive his growth factor injection. The best part of this day was that Jared had said a prayer on the way to the clinic asking to not have to sit there for another 4 hour infusion and God answered his prayer! When we got home, Jared occupied his time playing video games, and went the whole day without a nap! This the first day Jared was awake the whole day in a few weeks. Jared’s GI side effects were almost nonexistent by this day! 

Today, Day +17, has been a good day. Jared’s ANC was at 5.7 which confirmed that the Stem Cells have completely engrafted! He had his last growth factor injection, and his Phosphorus and Potassium levels were back to normal. All of Jared’s labs were back in normal range except his Hemoglobin, Platelets, and Red Blood Cells which is all to be expected as they take the longest to recover, but they’re still headed in the right direction. He did not need any infusions today, and is doing so well that he gets tomorrow off and we do not have to go into the clinic! On the way home, we celebrated Jared’s great progress by picking up some Starbucks! Jared feels pretty well, with a little fatigue today. The rainy weather does not help that either. Jared’s hair is continuing to fall out, even though he buzzed it down, with the most falling out today in the shower. He’s well out of the ‘Basement’ Period of recovery, and is doing great overall. 

This last week, all 4 of our kids went to the doctor again. Our 1 year old has an ear infection, our 5 year old has a sinus infection, our 9 year old has strep, and our 14 year old had her sprained ankle re-examined. 3 out of the 4 kids are on antibiotics. Hopefully, this means they will all be super healthy when they come home in a couple of weeks! We miss them so much and cannot wait to be all together again. There is a light at the end of the tunnel - we can see it!

God continues to show us every day that he is control and that he’s got this! The outpouring of support, love, and prayers are felt and appreciated! It’s one day at a time to get to the other side, and Jared’s over halfway there! 

With Love, 

Jared, Sarah, & The Family ❤️