Well, I don't feel like there is much to post, but we did finally hear from the GI Doc, not the hematologist. The GI Doc says that the bone marrow biopsy does not show anything that would cause the severe anemia and lack of red blood cells. It also did not show any cancer, which is a bonus.

His speculation is that the Crohn's disease is active, creating ulcers in the intestine and thus causing loss of blood. No other tests support this, but it is the only answer there is I guess. So, now Brent will be starting a new drug that is not approved for Crohn's Disease, but has been clinically proven to work for Crohn's patients. The GI Doc has not had any insurance companies willing to pay for it, so was pleasantly surprised when ours approved it. Brent is running out of options in the biological drugs used to treat Crohn's and other auto-immune diseases. Here's hoping it is effective in his treatment and that by getting the Crohn's under control, his anemia will solve itself also. It will not be an immediate fix, of course, and he isn't happy that his entire summer will most likely be taken up by continuing the fight against the anemia.

We just continue to do what we can do. If he has a day that he actually has some energy, he tries to go into work. We are ever thankful for BYU and their patience and love and concern. We have said it many times, but returning to work for BYU many years ago was the best decision of our lives. Without this job, and without the insurance that we are fortunate to have, we would not survive.

Lisa

No, we still have not spoken with the hematologist about the bone marrow biopsy results. We do know that the biopsy showed no cancer, which is awesome, but we still have no answers as to why he is continually anemic and loosing red blood cells. Frustrating to say the least. He received 2 units of blood on Tuesday.

On a brighter note, Brent and I took the trailer up to Jolly's Ranch in Hobble Creek Canyon for a few days. It's close enough to civilization in case anything goes wrong, but far enough away to feel like you are away from it all. It was a great get away. Only one minor disaster that we will probably kick ourselves over and over again for. We have a window that opens outward above the futon. We also have an awning. The two apparently don't mix. We now no longer have a window that opens outward above the futon . . . we forgot to close it before we put the awning up for the night. We just stood there looking at each other, swore, and then laughed hysterically for a long time. It totally shattered . . . everywhere. Try cleaning up thousands of tiny pieces of glass in the dirt and rocks. It was one of those times that you just laugh because there is nothing else you can do. We borrowed duct tape from the neighboring trailer and taped cardboard over it. Crazy.

Well, that was our fun adventure. I have a deep love for campfires. I could stare at the fire all night. It was a good weekend.

Lisa

Well, we have not heard back yet on the results of the bone marrow biopsy. It is a bit nerve wracking.  Brent is getting two more units of blood today, making that a total of 24 units since January. Crazy. Thank you again to those who are able to replenish the blood bank. Hopefully we will hear from the hematologist today.