Monday, February 11, 2008

Update # 123

14 months

Good Evening,

My oh my, Iowa is just too cold!!!  I drove up early on Saturday to beat the wind.  The last hour of the drive was windy and the last 5 miles had blowing snow.  But the wind chill yesterday of minus 30 degrees was way more than I need.  The drive today to Iowa City was slow at times with more falling and blowing snow.  Tonight should bring more inches of snow but hopefully not too much since I plan to return home in the morning.

Jeff's appointment today was scheduled for 3:30.  We left late morning thinking we'd have a nice lunch and some time before the doctor's visit.  But the drive took longer with the weather and the forecast was for more snow.  We quickly had a bite to eat then went over to the hospital early.  They went ahead and worked Jeff in sooner (at 2:10) and we were finished and out the door about the time of his original appointment.

This was the second round of immunizations -- 3 shots --- in Jeff's post transplant protocol.  We had thought we were going to meet Dr. Carter but instead met with his Physician's Assistant.  After discussing Jeff's medical history, she did a brief exam.  She particularly listened to his lungs since we mentioned Jeff's pneumonia the end of January.  She said they sounded all clear and commented he seems to be doing fabulous in his transplant recovery.  As of right now, this is the only appointment with the transplant people in Iowa City.

Tomorrow Jeff meets with his Waterloo oncologist for that second chest x-ray and his monthly port flush.  And tomorrow is the actual 14 month date of his transplant.

Jeff's next eye appointment in Iowa City is on March 20th.  His eyes are fine but that 3 month check up is still a good idea.  The GVHD seems to be under control and manageable.  His hands and legs have improved with the higher dosage of that one med.

It was enjoyable to once again watch the newscasts that Jeff directed this weekend.  This goal of returning to his life at Channel 7 is a wonderful blessing.  He has also started searching for that second part time job and insurance.  April 30th is too quickly approaching.

So despite the Iowa weather, things are going well for Jeff.  He has improved from his January illness and received his necessary shots (more at the 2 year mark).  Please do continue your prayers for his job/insurance hunt and his consistent recovery.  We pray each of you are staying safe through this stormy winter weather and are living Lent to listen to God's word.

love,

Marcia