This is Frank.

I called and talked with Patrick today about Jack and Barb's status. Here's what's happening.

Jack got a new doctor last week. Patrick says that his bedside manner and communication with the family is very different from the former doctor. He is gruff and blunt. This led to some confusion about Jack's prognosis and condition. It really hasn't changed. At this time the graft is doing great, the new immune system is kicking in fine, and there is no sign of cancer. However, the graft versus host disease is severe. It is very serious. In Jack's case the new immune system continues to attack to lining of gut. This makes for symptoms similar to Crones Disease. The initial treatment in these cases is high doses of steroids. There are many side-effects that Jack suffered. However, the bottom line is that steroids didn't work.

This is when the new doctor came in talked about several other medications that will be tried. However he also said that if these medications didn't work the reaction could be fatal by Christmas. Some of you may have got the second part, but not the first. The new medications will be tried and we need to pray hard that they will be effective.

However, Jack's physical status at this stage is better than it has been for about a month. Without the side-effects of the steroids, his mind is clearer and he's feeling better. He is being encouraged to eat, but it is very painful. Morphine is sometimes required to get him through it. He is receiving nourishment IV. He is very tired of the hospital room and needs encouragement . Phone calls, letters, packages, and cards are encouraged.

Barbara's eye is healing, but much more slowly than she would like. She still has to take the three eye-drops hourly during the day and three times during the night. Her sister, Heidi. is here to help her drive and cope. It is very difficult for Barbara and she needs our support and prayers. She is on disability and plans not to return to work at this stage.