After being in the hospital since Tuesday, I think I have been thoroughly tested. The main concern was increased white blood cells and protein in my spinal fluid. More and more this is looking like a reaction/inflammation to the chemo that was injected with the 3 lumbar punctures. Thankfully all of the scans they’ve ordered (head CT, brain MRI and full-body lymphoma CT) have all come back with remission as the radiologists’ impression. We are thanking God for this. To play it extra safe, the stem cell doctor ordered a bone marrow biopsy which was completed about an hour ago. I told the physician’s assistant who performed the procedure that I’d rather go through child birth – I at least told her after the procedure, so hopefully I didn’t rattle her too much. It’s the 4th one I’ve had and I can’t say it gets any easier.

So, after 4 unexpected days back in the hospital, it looks like all is clear! Despite the inconvenience, I’m thankful for the aggressive reaction to rule out any recurrence, infection, etc. The team here is amazing. There’s definitely no dilly-dallying.

Thank you for your prayers and concern. I should be discharged from the hospital late this afternoon. They will have me come in for labs a couple more times, and then I should be on my way out of Texas. I’ll keep you posted.