Thursday, June 5, 2008

Update # 126

18 Months

Good Afternoon,

It's still Spring but our temps have risen to summer numbers these last few days so I turned on our air conditioner today.  We are getting more than our fair share of rain also.  Ken was at Synod Assembly last Friday when they were sent to the lower level of the hotel during a tornado warning.  He called me at home and I watched the Springfield channel telling them where the storms were and information about the city.  The week before that on Sunday, Jeff was working when the EF5 tornado claimed 8 lives in towns just west of Waterloo.  The weather is certainly the forefront of things right now.

Jeff spent 4 hours today at the cancer center in Waterloo.  He said he throat began hurting him yesterday.  This morning it was still bothering him and his temperature was almost 101 so he called his Waterloo oncologist, Dr. Masri.  His exam showed only a red throat but he did a CBC and some blood cultures.  Of course, the white count was high.  Jeff was given a bag of IV antibiotics plus 10 days worth of antibiotic pills.  Dr. Masri also gave Jeff a bag of IV fluids so he would not become dehydrated.  A chest x-ray was taken as a precaution, too.  Jeff will need to see Dr. Masri again in a week.

Since I have not had to send an update in over a month, I need to fill in most of you on some new items.  First, Jeff received the name and email address of his donor on May 5th!!!  Jeff emailed the gentleman and the man has replied to Jeff.  I will not give out any more information until Jeff knows how much this man is willing for us to share.  He did send Jeff a picture of himself and we do have a copy of it on our fridge.  It does help to have a name and face!  Second, Jeff began a second part-time job at Starbucks on May 7th.  He is still in a training period so he has no definite hours yet.  He is not sure if he would be getting enough in the future to possibly get him on their insurance.  Jeff, of course, is still hoping a full time director position will open up at KWWL.  

May was a good month for Jeff.  We helped Jeff get all his belongings back into his apartment after the flood.  His new job kept him busy plus he loves making all those different drinks at Starbucks.  And Jeff's health was fine.  The GVHD seems to be calm right now.  The upping of that one medicine has helped his hands.

We're so glad Jeff did not waste time getting to his oncologist with his throat.  He should be back on his feet quickly.  This will be the first time he uses that Iowa state insurance.  Hopefully, it works well.

Jeff has an eye appointment in Iowa City on June 26th.  We are planning vacation time in Iowa and figure we'll be there for that.  I'll update from up there.

God has answered our prayers about the donor and He continues to protect and bless Jeff.  Your support and prayers are greatly appreciated.  A week from today is the actual 18-month date of Jeff's transplant.  We are daily thankful for all you do for us and Jeff.

love,

Marcia