Here we go again?

• WBC is 1440 (4500-11000)
• Neutrophil count is 1260 (1500-7800)
• Hematocrit is 28.9 (36-46)
• Platelets count is 93 (150-350)
• Transfusion scorecard: platelets (67); blood (32).

Nice bump up on the platelets after 2 more transfusions.

Steroids have been cut back to 50mg/day. As a point of reference, she was getting 500mg/day, so they are really trying to get her weaned off. We will probably stay at 50mg/day for 4 more days, and then drop down to 25mg. So far so good as far as the breathing. Getting off the steroids as much as possible is important, as they suppress the immune system somewhat, as well as weaken the skin.

Now, regarding the subject line above, back on April 11 the doctors told us they were making plans for Denise's discharge from the hospital, and we know how that turned out. Well, yesterday the head doctor said "we want to get you out of here in a week or so". What that really means is we will need to move to a rehab facility as soon as they feel she is medically able to do so. Where is a big question mark, as it will all depend on her transfusion needs and her ability to do 3 or more hours of rehab per day. If she can do the 3 hours and still require transfusions, they would probably move us to another building here at Johns Hopkins. If she can't do the 3 hours daily, we probably would have to go to a different hospital or rehab center. We will have to see how this week progresses with her physical therapy. I don't see the transfusions abating anytime soon.

Finally, she did sit in the chair for about an hour yesterday, and will do the same today.

Factoid: Hard to believe, but in 1980 Disco Queen Donna Summer was the first woman to win a Grammy for Best Rock Vocal Performance (Female) for "Hot Stuff".