Message from the family nurse Bob is home! He completed his stem cell transplant and was released from the hospital on December 15th a few days earlier than expected. He tolerated the procedure well and had less side effects than many patients going through the same treatment. He is resting at home and still has to take alot of precautions as his immune system is still rebuilding itself. He's happy to be home for Christmas. He still has radiation treatments to take and it will take quite awhile for him to get back to his energetic self. We are grateful that Bob has this behind him. If you visit please continue to take precautions as Bob is susceptible to illness right now. Phone calls and cards are greatly appreciated too. Bob and this family are truly blessed. Merry Christmas!

Message from the family nurse: Bob is in the LDS hospital and received his stem cell transplant on Wed, Dec 1st. There is much to be grateful about right now as Bob has tolerated the additional chemo treatments and the transplant very well. Wayne and I visited with Bob last Saturday and he was in good spirits and joking about things as usual. Bob even saw the humor in the fact that following the stem cell transplant he will emit a nasty odor from the suspension liquid that stores the stem cells. Tammy said the smell is like nothing she has ever experienced. Lucky for Bob he can't smell it. This should only last for about 3 days as this substance is released from his body. (note: It's a preservative used as a horse linament. Might explain the nasty smell.) Bob had 3 goals listed on the board in his hospital room. 1) Eat well 2) Drink fluids 3) Get out of hospital by Dec 15th. That goal is a little earlier than the Dr. predicted but knowing Bob he'll make that goal. So far he is the model patient. Although very tired, he has not been really ill with other side effects that come with the treatment. Visitation is allowed, but do not visit if you have been ill or recently exposed to illness. Bob's is doing so well and we don't want him to have any setbacks. Tammy has been at the hospital with Bob as much as possible and the kids have visited too. Keep Bob and his family in your prayers and give thanks for how well things are going so far. Bob, WE LOVE YOU and look forward to having you home for Christmas. Leigh Ann Turner, RN, sister in law