November 17, 2001

Update # 15

Good Evening, 

Finally getting around to sit down and do this update.  Last Saturday was Jeff's worst day for pain from shingles.  They didn't itch too badly but he stayed on Tylenol with Codeine all day.  It was great to be able to do the  IV meds at home 3 times a day.  Jeff felt fine after Saturday and just relaxed and did homework all week.  A check-in phone call to Dr. Chu on Wednesday extended the meds from 5 to 7 days.  Some shingles still had liquid in them. 

Jeff and I went to Cardinal Glennon yesterday for the rescheduled tests.  He had the CT scan and pulmonary function done.  Nuclear Med said NO to the PET scan for yesterday.  They said the few shingles left with liquid could show as activity on the scan and we'd want nothing to possibly be questionable.  The echo was also cancelled due to technicians possibly coming in contact with the few shingles remaining.  The PET scan and echo have been re-rescheduled for Monday the 26th.  Third time should be a charm!!  No consult meeting has been rescheduled.  They gave Jeff a script for the pill form of his meds for the next 7 days.  They said since his immune system is down, that's probably why it's taking longer for the shingles to scab.  Jeff's blood count was pretty good yesterday. 

So all in all it was a quiet week.  I even got to drive to school every day!!  I guess this is short but sweet.  All of us wish to all of you a happy and blessed Thanksgiving.  God has blessed us with you as family and friends for which we are truly thankful.  

Hugs and kisses - love,

Marcia