Friday, October, 3, 2008
Update # 130
22 Months
Good Morning,
Greetings from Iowa where Fall has begun with chilly mornings of 36 and cool days of 66 degrees.
I had hoped to send this update last evening but Jeff was busy in the computer room printing their wedding invitations. They look wonderful and should be in the mail fairly soon. Some of you have asked where Jeff and Meridith are registered – Bed, Bath, and Beyond; Target; and Younkers. All stores have online registries. You may also want go to TheKnot.com and find Jeff & Meridith’s web page to read more.
Since the last update was near the end of August, I should fill you in on Jeff’s health during September. Even with the higher dose of Prednisone, Jeff continued to experience a slight cough. Dr. DiPersio’s next plan was investigating possible pulmonary GVHD. Jeff began 2 inhalers on Sept. 5th and immediately noticed a decrease in the cough. One inhaler is twice a day and the second is on a “as needed” basis. Jeff was still to continue the higher dose of Prednisone. All this Prednisone (and possibly the steroid inhalers) have had a new side effect on Jeff – weight gain and face puffiness. Jeff spoke with his nurse practitioner in StL and they feel it’s time to decrease the Prednisone. Beginning today, Jeff is to gradually lower the dosage and eventually get back to no Prednisone.
Yesterday’s eye appointment with Dr. Wagoner was the first time we ever had to wait a great length of time to see him. He again was pleased with Jeff’s corneas but wants Jeff to return to the twice daily warm compresses (Jeff had become lax with being busy) to keep the eyes free of inflammation. Dr. Wagoner scheduled another 3-month appointment for Jan. ’09.
Well, it’s now thirteen hours later and I have time to finish the update. This next part will help you understand why I had to wait. Jeff and Meridith had contacted their apartment manager about a larger place for them to live. They were interested in a 3-bedroom but in the last 2 weeks a 2-bedroom apartment (larger than Jeff’s current 2 bedroom) became available and they decided to take it. Jeff needs to be out of his current place by Oct. 10th. It worked out well since I was coming to Iowa for the doctor and for a bridal shower for Meridith this Sunday, the 5th. So Jeff had some friends come over and we began moving things. Ken had 2 vacation days that he had not planned to use yet so he will come up this Sunday after church to help move on Monday and Tuesday. I have to return home Monday and Ken will return Wednesday morning.
Life is busy but going well for Jeff. His two part-time jobs and wedding plans keep him hopping. He says he does feel better with the daily inhaler. The next medical appointment is Jeff’s 2-year post transplant in StL on Dec. 15th. I pray he continues to do well and that I can wait till that time for the next update.
We continue to remember all of you in our prayers as I know you keep Jeff in yours. Enjoy the Fall season and we will see some of you at Jeff & Meridith’s wedding Nov. 29th and/or the IL reception Dec 14th. Take care.
Love,
Marcia