So, as you all might have guessed we're nursing some broken hearts in the DuBransky home. The Eagles really let us down. Tom decided that we should drown our sorrows in In-N-Out (since a local teppan grill has become our celebration site and that's a bit expensive our sorrow drowning site is a bit more low-budge). We just kept running over the game in our minds and thinking of all the things that could have been different. It's a painful form of torture. When Gabriel realized that the Eagles had actually lost he really burst into tears. He's becoming a true fan: our plan has hatched.
My coping mechanism includes looking forward to the presidential inauguration. Tom's not much for the ceremonies, but he's looking forward to the new presidency.
Well, again, the update is minimal. Tom had a transfusion on Wednesday. This transfusion was given to him before his numbers got so low that he was having symptoms. He was also given an antibiotic to help with the sore in his mouth, the sore throat and the low grade fever that would come and go. For these reasons, today, 5 days later, he's not having any symptoms and looks healthy. It was great to see him with some energy. I got him some clothes that fit, which also helps him not to look so thin. He'll have a transfusion this week, hopefully on Wednesday again so that the symptoms can remain managed.
Finally, and most importantly, Tom's City of Hope appointment has been confirmed for January 27th. This 3-hour appointment is with Dr. Chen (who we think will be his doctor, Doctor Nadel is the team lead) and a clinical Social Worker. I believe it will cover the process and set the various procedures in motion. It is our understanding that we can expect them to schedule the more involved typing of Tom's blood. They will also ask Tom's brothers to be typed (starting with three of them) so that they can begin the comparison to see if any of them would be suitable donors(http://www.marrow.org/PATIENT/Donor_Select_Tx_Process/The_Search_Process/HLA_Matching_Finding_the_Best_/index.html). Each of his brothers has a 25% chance of matching. His brothers' responses to this request have ranged from, "Please, please, take MY marrow (Marc), to "What will you give me for it" (Jeff) to "Please don't hurt me" (I'll let you guess). In reality, for those of you who don't know, Tom has six very loving brothers who are all ready to support him.
We have not received confirmation that T-Cell Lymphoma has been ruled out, but expect to hear in the next few days. The Lymphocytes (T-Cells) were much lower in his last blood test (which is a relatively good sign - if there were cancer cells they'd be multiplying not decreasing). So, we're even more confident that his diagnosis of Aplastic Anemia will be confirmed this week. Again, this diagnosis is the best case scenario, even though a rough road lies ahead. We are always reminded of the strength that grows from faith.
Thank you all again for your prayers and support. With love, The Highland Park DuBranskys
My coping mechanism includes looking forward to the presidential inauguration. Tom's not much for the ceremonies, but he's looking forward to the new presidency.
Well, again, the update is minimal. Tom had a transfusion on Wednesday. This transfusion was given to him before his numbers got so low that he was having symptoms. He was also given an antibiotic to help with the sore in his mouth, the sore throat and the low grade fever that would come and go. For these reasons, today, 5 days later, he's not having any symptoms and looks healthy. It was great to see him with some energy. I got him some clothes that fit, which also helps him not to look so thin. He'll have a transfusion this week, hopefully on Wednesday again so that the symptoms can remain managed.
Finally, and most importantly, Tom's City of Hope appointment has been confirmed for January 27th. This 3-hour appointment is with Dr. Chen (who we think will be his doctor, Doctor Nadel is the team lead) and a clinical Social Worker. I believe it will cover the process and set the various procedures in motion. It is our understanding that we can expect them to schedule the more involved typing of Tom's blood. They will also ask Tom's brothers to be typed (starting with three of them) so that they can begin the comparison to see if any of them would be suitable donors(http://www.marrow.org/PATIENT/Donor_Select_Tx_Process/The_Search_Process/HLA_Matching_Finding_the_Best_/index.html). Each of his brothers has a 25% chance of matching. His brothers' responses to this request have ranged from, "Please, please, take MY marrow (Marc), to "What will you give me for it" (Jeff) to "Please don't hurt me" (I'll let you guess). In reality, for those of you who don't know, Tom has six very loving brothers who are all ready to support him.
We have not received confirmation that T-Cell Lymphoma has been ruled out, but expect to hear in the next few days. The Lymphocytes (T-Cells) were much lower in his last blood test (which is a relatively good sign - if there were cancer cells they'd be multiplying not decreasing). So, we're even more confident that his diagnosis of Aplastic Anemia will be confirmed this week. Again, this diagnosis is the best case scenario, even though a rough road lies ahead. We are always reminded of the strength that grows from faith.
Thank you all again for your prayers and support. With love, The Highland Park DuBranskys
1 comment:
Wow...I'm praying for Tom. I will place all of you on our prayer list. I know some awesome prayer warriors! May God provide all of you the strength to move forward, the doctors and staff to direct you down the right path of healthy living, and His love throughout the highs and lows. Thinking of all of you. Love Debbie Tuck
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