Greetings from 5D!

Greetings from 5D at Johns Hopkins.  Late this morning Kevin was moved, yet again.  But in this case-it was a GOOD GOOD MOVE.  Kevin was in the Leukemia unit here at JH because they had critical care treatment in that area.  Now, he is in with the "solid tumor" unit, which means he's out of critical care!  He is making amazing progress.

Today there was lots of talk with doctors about his fevers, that have been a bit of a yo-yo, and determining whether they can put in what's called a port where his IV's and chemo treatment will enter his body.  However, he needs to be 48 hours fever-free, and so far that has no happened.  They are holding steady, as the current lines he has in are not infected.  So, for now, no changes. We're praying for a 48 hour period of no fever so they can do this procedure in the near future.

His feeding tube adjustment is on hold for another week-they're not too concerned with it right now, as he is at least getting IV feed.  However, this cannot continue on for weeks, so hopefully they can get the feeding tube fixed and up and running no later than the beginning of next week.

This afternoon we met with Dr. Thornton-did I mention that she's AMAZING?  They have to do one full round, or 3 sessions, before they can do a scan see how the chemo is hopefully shrinking the tumor.  This will be roughly 60 days.  Now, it is possible Kevin could be released from JH before it is up, however, if he continues on the continuous drip Taxol chemo, he will need to either be in the hospital, in a rehab, or a very slim possibility of him "bringing it with him" home.  Most likely, we'll be here at JH, but all options continue to be open.

So...as hard as it is to hear, there's a plan, but not really a plan :-)  That's the best information I can give you for now.  So, we'll continue our plans to give up our apartment, and look forward to getting things packed up in September and settled in here at JH.  Tomorrow, I move in with family friends Amy & Tim just a few minutes from the hospital.  I look forward to the comfort of their hospitality, and to finally be settled in one place.  THANK YOU.

I can't wait to see most of you this Saturday at the BBQ!  Until then, keep praying, hold steady, and know that despite all, the Lord has blessed us in the most unbelievable ways, and that HE does have a plan.