First of all I want to say thank you. The response and love that was sent to us after my last post was overwhelming. I feel your hope and prayers carrying us.
(Note: before I get started on what I forgot to say, we found out last night that the cultures that were drawn the other day came back positive for bacteria. Thankfully they started him on IV antibiotics yesterday afternoon. Because of that, at this point nothing needs to change. We are waiting to hear what type of bacteria it is. Worst case scenario, they will have to pull the hickman and place a new line. We really do not want that to happen. Please be praying that the bacteria is one that easily responds to the antibiotics.)
As you could most likely tell, there was a lot of information I was trying to convey in my last post. While I did catch you up on most everything I forgot a few details. The doctors confirmed that the cancer is his old one that grew back. From what I understand, it was hard to tell because it was presenting itself differently than it did the first time. This information did not change the course of treatment at this point. Once Joe finishes a few more rounds of dacogen (most likely 3 or 4 more months of 5 days on every 28 days) they will do a repeat biopsy. The next step will depend on the results of that biopsy. If he responds really well there is a chance they will do a large boost from his sister. The other options at that point could be a clinical trial or a new stem cell transplant (if a new transplant they would do a much gentler conditioning regime).
Many people have so graciously asked again what they can do to help and for our new address. Aside from prayer the tangible things that would be the most helpful are food, gas and leave time. I want to be clear in saying that we feel Tremendously taken care of and so blessed that we have not been in a place of desperate need for anything. However, I know that many of you have a desire to give something in addition to prayer and want to help in a tangible way. If you are one of those people, gift cards for groceries and gas would be a huge blessing. Being located in a big city there are a number of grocery stores and gas stations close but the most convenient for me BP and Super Target.
Our forest service family has taken Such good care of us. We are just now, after 10 months, running out of leave that was donated to us. You have blown our mind with your generosity. If anyone would like to donate more or just spread the word that we could use a bit more that would be amazing. We don’t totally know the ins and outs of what happens once that runs out and our only concern is that our insurance benefits may change when we switch over to FLMA.
The Boggs Crew
200 Alexan Dr #102
Durham, NC 27707