Thursday, March 20, 2008

Update # 124

15 Months

Good Evening,

Spring has officially begun and the weather actually felt like it today.  We had sunshine and the temperature was in the 50's -- that was in Illinois.  I think Jeff's Iowa weather was fairly close to the same as ours.

Jeff had his eye appointment this afternoon in Iowa City but I did not travel north for it.  I had laparoscopic gall bladder surgery on March 7th and wasn't sure how I would feel so I told Jeff to count me out for this time.  I remained home from school for a week and then returned to my classroom on St. Patrick's Day.  It was certainly an easy surgery and I am recovering very well.  I am thankful for the prayers of those who knew my situation.

"Those are the best corneas I've seen all day" were the words Dr. Wagoner said to Jeff today.  He checked Jeff's eyes and said to continue with what he is doing.  In fact, after the next 3-month appointment on June 26th, Dr. Wagoner thinks Jeff should be able to begin 6-month check-ups.  We are very thankful the GVHD is not affecting Jeff's eyes.  Overall, Jeff seems to be doing fairly well health-wise.  He only had to see his Waterloo oncologist in March for a monthly port flush.  

A second part-time job with insurance for Jeff is still up in the air.  Jeff had an interview last week but has not yet heard a reply.  We continue to pray that God has things fall into place before Jeff's Cobra and disability end on April 30th.  As usual, he continues to love his director position at KWWL and is thankful to be back but wishes the main company would have left his job as a full time person instead of part time.

Jeff sees Dr. DiPersio in StL on April 28th.  We're hoping he will take Jeff off a couple more of his meds.  That would mean only 2 meds remain and those are important ones.  I probably won't email till the next day since I know our day in StL will be long.  We haven't seen our "family" at Costas in Cardinal Glennon since last August.  We plan to stop by there so they can see Jeff.

There has not yet been any contact from Jeff's donor.  We'll check with one of Dr. DiPersio's nurses in April and make sure that all the paper work was sent through.  They had said it could take a while.  

Life is going well for Jeff.  His body is only rarely affected by the GVHD and we know how serious it could really bother him.  We give thanks to God daily for Jeff's continued healing and recovery.  We pray it leads to that cure.  All of you are so strong to help with our requests for healing, job and insurance, and donor contact.  Your love and support have held us up every step of the way.  Thanks for being faithful in your concern.  We pray for you during this Holy Week that you will be renewed by the glorious resurrection of Easter.

love,

Marcia