DOT +23

Happy Saturday to all,

We intentionally didn't post last night with hopes of a two day trend since the white count moved to 0.3 yesterday, but it decided to drop back to 0.2. I have declared that we are officially on a roller coaster!  The white count doing this is not abnormal but the normal time to see it move is around day 14, and we are on day 23.  The doctors have tricks up their sleeve to boost the cells if needed.  Trust me, I am much more anxious about it than Patrick!  When the nurse came to tell us the counts, he looked me straight in the eye and told me not to get upset... thank you Patrick, once again you are my boulder!

He is doing as well as can be expected, he is pretty tired and takes a long nap almost every afternoon. The clinic days have been a little long but are easily handled since the staff is so warm and friendly.  I continue to be amazed with Patrick's positive attitude. Nothing seems to get him down except me encouraging him to take his daily walks!

Dan arrived this afternoon after taking a trip to the barber, see photo below. Patrick is looking forward to having him here as he is much better company for weekend sporting events!

Many people have asked what they can do.  First and foremost is pray for a gradual increase in the white count and that the cells are the donors, not Patrick's!  Also, receiving a "real" piece of mail is always very welcoming as life gets pretty boring going to the clinic and back to the apartment day in and day out, see address below.

As always, thank you for your support....stay tuned for roller coaster updates!  

xoxo caroline

Though the fig tree does not bud and there are no grapes on the vines, though the olive crop fails and the fields produce no food, though there are no sheep in the pen and no cattle in the stalls, yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will be joyful in God my Savior. The Sovereign Lord is my strength; he makes my feet like the feet of a deer, he enables me to go on the heights.

- Habakkuk 3:17-19

Patrick Haley

2901 Bertland Ave.

Apt. 1223

Durham, NC 27705

Labs from today:

Test	Patrick	Normal Range
White Blood Cell Count	0.2	3.2-9.8 (this will go to zero)
Hemoglobin	9.2	13.7-17.3 (they try and keep it above 8.0)
Platelet Count	15	150-450 (they try and keep it above 10)