Sunday, March 6, 2011 11:45 AM

Good morning!  Happy Sunday.....hope you all have something planned for some rest and time with family and friends.  We're still here at Los Robles - we're planning to watch a couple of movies today and then I have a few errands to run.  Tomorrow is Ida's birthday so we'll have a little celebration at the shop in the morning. 

The on-call oncologist was just here and he said Ed's white count is moving in the right direction - it's gone up - a good sign that the nupagen is working - yeah!   His blood protein is down a bit from when we got here 3 weeks ago, so they've adjusted the calories he's getting in his TPN, which should take care of that.  They are determined to fatten him up!  Red cell count is down a little so they will give him a blood transfusion today, which is very typical and done frequently during chemo - nothing to worry about.  I asked about donations since some of you have asked me and here's what the doctor and nurse told me - the hospital encourages people to donate blood, but it wouldn't be for Ed specifically - there is an extensive screening process, etc. that takes time and they don't normally designate blood donations specifically for someone unless you are donationg your own blood in anticipation of a surgery or it's a very rare type or something.  They do really appreciate donations to keep the general supply up.  Feel free to donate with Ed in your thoughts - it would be a win/win for everyone.  Thank you for all for your offers of blood and food and help in general.  It's been an overwhelming and amazing outpouring.  We feel blessed to have so many friends and family with such open hearts.  An amazing blessing!!

Thanks again for your blog comments - I know some of you are still having trouble posting comments - I recommend asking a teenage for help if you have one available - they seem to be born with that type of knowledge now days.  More cards arrived yesterday - Ed really really loves getting mail, so that's an option too.  Since we're hoping he may be able to come this next week - send any cards to the house so he'll definately get them.  I have them stacked up on the windowsill in the hospital room since we've had to remove all the flowers and plants while his white count was low.  I'll ask the doctor tomorrow if he's allowed to have visitors again and then let you all know if he's feeling up to it as well.

I will check in a little later and let you know how the transfusion went.  I'm sure it will be just fine, but I know everyone is anxious for updates.  We have a wonderful nurse - Kathy - today and she is so on top of everything - it's amazing.  They are all good, but she's super excellent and attentive.  She says it's only cause she's hoping for an invite to the lake house!

Later all.  Enjoy your Sunday.