January 19, 2009

We made the trip to Omaha today. First they checked to see if John’s white blood cell count was high enough to begin the collection of stem cells. As we waited for the results, I read the paper. Both John and I were supposed to have a 5-star day according to our horoscope. And guess what? That’s what it was! John’s count was great, so they called the Red Cross and a nurse came to the hospital to begin his stem cell collection. It took several hours, but we managed to pass the time chatting, reading and such.

Afterwards, they sent us home and called within a couple hours to say the collection put John in rock star status (That’s the nurse’s claim). She said they collected enough stem cells to do about 16 transplants. Wow! We were very happy to hear this since we weren’t really looking forward to going through the whole process again. So now we are in a holding pattern. John has a couple of weeks to recuperate before the actual stem cell transplant. I don’t think I will need to post much of anything until that happens. I’ll just enjoy the next two weeks...living with my husband...the rock star.

Thanks again, and again for all your prayers, thoughts and concern!
Tobi

January 18, 2009
John is feeling better today. He worked around the house and went for a short walk. He even logged onto his blog and enjoyed all the comments. Even though he feels well enough, he is not inclined to write, so he probably won't add any comments of his own. But it sure helps his spirits to be connected to everyone. Thanks for all the support!
Tobi

January 16,2009
John had a rough night. Evidently the medicine he takes to "tickle" the stem cells out of the bone marrow and into his blood stream are making his bones ache, especially his lower back and left hip. Fortunately, Tyelenol worked to take the edge off. Along with that, it has been difficult for him to stay home. He'd much rather be working with his students!

On Monday, we will go up to Omaha to see if he is ready for the stem cell collection. Since he will be his own donor, his white blood cell count needs to be at a certain level before his stem cells can be collected. Today the count was not high enough, so I am hoping it gets there by Monday.
Tobi

January 15, 2009
Thanks for all of your positive thoughts and support. John continues to take the chemo in stride. He is disappointed, however, that he still has face hair that he will have to shave! Loosing his face hair is the only side-affect he is looking forward to.:)
Tobi

January 13, 2009
Everything looks good. Nothing new to report.
Tobi

January 11, 2009
It might be good to let you know what is coming up for John. This week he will be taking a regimen of medicines to help prepare him for his stem cell transplant. Since he will be his own donor, they are getting him ready so they can collect his own stem cells next week. After that, he will have some time (about a week) for his body to stabilize. Finally, he will spend 2 weeks in the hospital for the transplant. It will take place at Methodist Hospital in Omaha.

Today he is doing well!

Thanks for visiting.

January 9, 2009
We went up to Omaha on Wednesday, and John had a catheter put in his chest. This will be used to administer chemo and eventually for the stem cell transplant. He did real well with the surgery. Today he had his first dose of chemo. So far, so good. Tomorrow, he might experience nausea....we’ll see.

Scofield Blog

Hello to all of you who are visiting our blog. Thanks for logging on. We hope this blog will be helpful in getting information to everyone about John's treatment. I will try to post something everyday so that you will have current info. You are welcome to respond, and we look forward to hearing from you.

Tobi