Sue Charen

Long day in Baltimore

Yesterday was an ordeal for Sue. A couple of hours in travel and eleven hours at the hospital. There was an MRI of the liver, blood tests that led to three units of blood being transfused as well as potassium, extreme nausea (which has continued into today). Most of the "numbers" otherwise were good.

The MRI scan of the liver showed no difference since two weeks ago. Although that means that the infection has not gotten worse, it means that the infection is still there. We are not sure how this will effect the timing of the bone marrow transplant.

We will hear more next week on how the doctors feel about treating the infection and the transplant. In the meantime we are trying to diminish the nausea as quickly as possible.

Day after day

Sue is struggling to keep nausea under control. We have switched the drugs to try and change it, but it will take awhile to see how it is working. Sue became dehydrated probably due to the nausea and has been getting fluids intravenously to make up for it. All in all recovery is very slow.

We are hoping to get good news on Tuesday/Wednesday on the liver infection. We will be in Baltimore all Tuesday getting the MRI and other tests.

Physical Therapy

Starting this past Wednesday, a physical therapist started regular visits to help Sue build back her strength. I think it has helped. Unfortunately, nausea is still a major factor and we are trying to get it back under control. And appetite is still being worked on.

Sue has been getting a few visitors. It is nice to have people here if only a little while at a time.

I will be waking Sue up soon for the Giants game. There are a few friends at the game to try finding them in the crowds.

Sue and I wish everyone happy holidays.

Rainy Day and Slow Recovery

Sue has been battling nausea and her liver infection. The doctor needs another MRI in two weeks to see if the infection is reducing. In the meantime we are trying to rejigger the anti-nausea medications for the balance of drowsiness. Not much news, just the daily efforts to feel better and get strength back.

A Match

Great news. Sue has a bone marrow donor matched to her. Sue now has to kick the liver infection (taking lots of anti-fungals) and gain some strength in order to get the go ahead (a six week process before getting the donation). I am hoping people will continue to add themselves to the donor registry.

Sue is having an OK time at home. Recovery is a little bumpy. Visitors are starting to come by (as long as they feel OK). Sue's folks will be leaving soon to go back to Florida until the transplant.

And thanks again to everybody for your help and support. There is still a ways to go and your help has been invaluable.

A Dozen Steps

Sue is back home in DC. With help, she stepped up the dozen steps to get to the apartment. She had a little soup. And then went to bed for a nap. The home health aid helped prepare the apartment and is helping prepare meals, etc for Sue. Her folks are staying at the neighborhood bed and breakfast through Sunday. Hoping that this will be a quiet and easy recovery here at home.

Coming Home

Sue is doing fairly well. The doctor said that her next appointment would not be for a week and that her "numbers" were very good. And, we can leave Baltimore. However, Sue is still very weak and will need some time to build her strength. Sue will return to DC on Tuesday.

We are still waiting to hear about potential donors. We are also still looking into Seattle and Hopkins bone marrow transplant programs.

A special thanks go to several colleagues of Sue who have donated leave. Many thanks also to all those who have sent cards and helped out in other ways. Sue is truly grateful.