Does anyone my age (37) remember that commercial jingle from our childhood? "C&H, pure cane sugar, that's the one!"
Jo's been sleeping all day, so I've been surfing a bit trying to understand this PNH issue. As far as I can tell, PNH Clones are red blood cells with defects. The defect causes the red blood cell to break down, which in turn causes an anemic situation.
The presence of PNH Clones is not always an issue according to Dr. Childs. The severity of the problem is determined by the percentage of red blood cells with defects and the percentage without defects. Due to the Aplastic Anemia, Jo's bone marrow is not producing the proper numbers of red blood cells, so there is no way to know right now if the PNH Clones will cause future problems.
Right now, the focus is on getting Jo's bone marrow back up to livable production levels. Then we can determine if her bone marrow produces enough good red blood cells or if it just produces more and more PNH Clones.
The PNH Clones definitely complicate things a bit, but they do not change the worst case scenario. The worst case scenario is that Jo's bone marrow is beyond repair and she will need a transplant. If she receives a bone marrow transplant, she would receive an entirely new blood cell factory from her brother and we know his factory is producing a good product.
For more information on PNH, please visit http://www.emedicine.com/med/topic2696.htm.
I will have to get an update from Jo tomorrow. She looks pretty content to sleep right on through the evening.
2 comments:
Hey there you two!
I just wanted you to know that if your ears were burning (along with the fever and everything else) this weekend, it was partly my fault! I was working the Sweetheart Jamboree in Seattle, WA and I spent lots and lots of time talking to all the dancers about what the three of you are going through. I had so many people come to me asking questions and wanting to know what to do. I also took all the pictures Jo has sent me and shared them with the dancers there. I can't even begin to tell you how many folks send their love and prayers. Tom and Deb Selzler and Randy & Rhonda Shotts along with many of the couples were very interested in getting online at the hotel and checking out the blogspot. They all are sending their love and will be keeping each of you in their daily prayers.
I sure hope you don't mind me sharing the info and the pictures. I had at least a dozen folks try to STEAL the picture of Anna leaning up against Jo's smile. But you know me, I stood strong and YANKED it right back out of their sneaky little hands.
Tim, please keep in mind I'm only about 90 minutes to 2 hours away from Bethesda, MD. You have my number if you should just need to talk.
Big Hugs coming your way, please share them with our very own
"1 in a Million".
Much Love,
Joanne Brady
Hey Jo,
You're an inspiration! We can all take a lesson from you on spirit and endurance. Hang in there honey - you are in our prayers. And I'm gonna want some salsa lessons when you're dancing again. I figure if Jerry Rice can do it, surely I can!
Lynette
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