I was unable to reach Bob and Sharon by phone this weekend. The following information is based on a couple of e-mails received from Bob.

The first e-mail said that all is going as well as expected during these low days. The doctors and nurses are continuing to monitor Sharon's progress. She was able to take a shower on Friday. Her hair has begun to thin. She is still having trouble with the mouth sores, a rapid heart rate and having shortness of breath. They are hoping for the engraphment to occur soon.

In the second e-mail, Bob says that he believes Sharon is beginning to turn that first corner which is bigger than Bark Inn Curve. There are still a lot of bumps in the road ahead where numerous infections or complications can occur.

Sharon had to receive one unit of blood on Friday. When her hemoglobin drops below 8.0, she requires a transfusion. The hemoglobin is currently 9.3 with a target of 13.0. Her white blood count has been around .1 or .2 for the last two weeks. As of this e-mail, her white blood count was .4 with a target of 5.0. When they begin seeing the white blood count rise, the engraphment is occurring and Pat's immune system will begin to take over. Her platelets are currently 16 with a target of 150. When they drop less than 20, a transfusion is needed.

Her hair loss is very evident now. Sharon has asked Bob to buy her a scarf. He said there is a nice place on the subway level where he can purchase one for her.

The goals established for Sharon at this point are to keep active, try to eat, walk, keep active, exercise the lungs, and keep active.

Bob's sister, Barb, is going to be visiting for a week beginning Saturday. Keith, Sharon and Bob's son, will be visiting at the end of October.