The Latest Respiratory Challenge

Today Margaret had another chest x-ray & CT-Scan done to check her lungs. Yesterday she had congestion and some difficulty breathing. Checks of her blood oxygen levels showed that she needed more O2. So she is receiving supplemental oxygen during the daytime. Last night, she had to wear an oxygen mask but found it difficult to sleep with it on. The repiratory team is checking her lungs out carefully today, to determine further treatments.

Some good news: Margaret's white blood cell count is rising, a possible indicator that the bone marrow transplant has been successful. Counts of red blood cells & platlets are still rather low, however.

Bizarro Sun Glasses

The recent black eye called for drastic measures. Until it heals, Margaret has an awesome set of sunglasses ready to wear for those moments when a haute fashion presence is called for...

("If you can't make a visually stunning appearance, you aren't really an art teacher!")

Other Loved Ones Who Visited Last Week

This last week, Margaret had visits from all three of her grown children as well as her mother. Here is a photo taken on Memorial Day of daughter Jessica, daughter Erin, son Dylan, and her mother Carmen. The girls traveled from Georgia and California to visit Margaret in the hospital. The presence of her mother and her own children has lifted Margaret's spirits greatly.

Thinking of Making a Phone Call?

Words from Ken about Margaret, "she is feeling a little better, although still gets tired easily, so if you want to call her on her cell phone it is # (623) 512-0647. Her hospital room phone is (602) 239-3886. Please don't telephone after 6 or 7 PM (MST), because she needs her rest. She has her best energy spurt & alertness between 10:30 AM and 1:00 PM daily."

Margaret's Brother is Her Hero

Today Margaret's brother, Raymond, visited her at the City of Hope Bone Marrow Transplant Clinic at Banner Good Samaritan Hospital. Margaret presented him with a hero's medal because he saved her life by being a bone marrow donor.

Raymond's wife Sally was also there, along with Margaret & Raymond's mother.

In the photo, Margaret's left eye shows the after effects of the procedure done yesterday, where a small optical tube was inserted into her nostril and down into her lungs. A little bleeding took place under the skin in her nose, near her eye, and so it looks like she received a black eye.

Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow

This is NOT Margaret's chest x-ray, but it illustrates that something is happening in her lungs. Margaret had a bronchoscopy yesterday, and today is day 10 post BMT (bone marrow transplant). Remember Margaret and her family in your thoughts and prayers.

Send Cards, Letters and Poems to Margaret

I'm sure Margaret and her family are on your mind. Well insted of sitting there, doing nothing, do something! Send Margaret a card, letter, note, picture etc, maybe even a postcard of where you live now. Make your card or note out to:

Margaret Thomas, Room 1204

City of Hope

Banner Good Samaritan Medical Center

1111 E. McDowell RoadPhoenix,

AZ 85006

(602) 239-2000