Sharon wants to send a great BIG thank you to everyone again. She and Bob appreciate all of the cards, gifts, thoughts and prayers they are receiving.

Sharon is taking baby steps. Things are improving weekly. All of her blood counts are improving as well. She is still receiving platelets everyday. There was an exception where her platelet count was stable enough where she did not have to receive platelets. This was only for one day. The next morning, she had a nosebleed which meant she needed platelets. She has not received any red blood cells in several days.

Sharon is at +45 days today. She is required to be at the Mayo until +100 days past her "birthday". They are hoping to be home before Christmas.

She still has no appetite or taste. All of her mouth sores have completely healed. She is still enjoying mandarin oranges, pineapple and peaches. She also supplements her meals with Ensure or Carnation breakfast drinks. Bob is back to doing the cooking. It may be a good thing Sharon can't taste anything.

The GVHD (graft vs. host disease) is almost gone. The prednisone and cream have done their job. Sharon said her skin was sloughing off which is part of the healing process. She is receiving monthly breathing treatments. These seem to be helping with her shortness of breath. We had a rather lengthy conversation on Saturday and she did not seem to be having any trouble talking.

Since she cannot wear her contact, the doctor recommended that she get a new pair of bi-focal glasses. She should have received these today. Now, she will be able to read better.

With the aid of her walker, Sharon is getting her exercise. She is even able to walk short distances without the walker. Her legs were aching when I spoke to her.

Sharon received her flu shot on Saturday. Once the H1N1 vaccine has been received, she will be required to have this one as well. Anyone that comes to visit Sharon must be vaccinated. Bob said this is a very big issue at the Mayo. One of Sharon's doctors, Dr. Hogan, caught the flu from his kids. He has not been allowed at the hospital. She's been in the care of Dr. Litzow in his absence. I have attached a picture of Sharon and Dr. Litzow. There is also a picture of Sharon with her nurse, Mary.

Tom and Kim bot a buddy pass for Keith to visit. Keith will be arriving in Minneapolis on Wednesday. He plans on staying with his mom and dad for a week.

Mouse and Mom were supposed to arrive on Monday. However, Mouse's husband had a cold and Mouse had a scratchy throat. The trip was postponed as to not expose Sharon to any germs. Sorry....Mouse. I know how much you wanted to see Sharon.

The new addition to the Gift of Life House had an Open House on Saturday. I have attached pictures that Bob sent. Sharon did not attend. She did not want to fool with all of the precautions she must take when going outside of the GOL house. I am providing comparison photos from the room they are in now to the new rooms.