Monday, June 22, 2009
Update # 134
30 Months
Good Evening,
A heat index of 105 (temperature of 97) today did not interfere with our perfect day in StL. We are under a heat advisory until Wednesday evening. Our weather had been unseasonably cool until the middle of last week. We began using our air conditioner when the temperature was 70 one day and 90 the next.
Meridith arrived at our house early Sunday morning after attending a wedding in Ohio. Jeff and his best man, Dave, got here about 4:00 yesterday afternoon. The three of them took off for StL to see a musical at the outdoor theatre The Muny.
We had to wake them early this morning to leave at 7:00 to again return to StL for Jeff's appointment with Dr. DiPersio. "Perfect" was the word he used to describe Jeff's counts and overall health. Dr. DiPersio was pleased to hear how calm things have been medically for Jeff these last six months. Stephanie, the NP, and Dr. DiPersio were thrilled to see the pictures of Jeff meeting his donor, Matt. It makes their day to see such success. When Jeff returns in six months for his routine visit, Dr. DiPersio wants another bone density test. The last one was done in 2007 at Jeff's one-year post transplant appointment. December 7th was scheduled for Jeff's 3-year appointment.
Our next stop was to the Costas Center at Cardinal Glennon to visit our "family" there. We were not able to see them in Dec. since Jeff's day at Barnes was a long one. They had not seen Jeff since he became "a married man". We put a wedding picture on "the board" for all to see. And the D.C. pictures warmed their hearts. Remember, these are the people who have been by our side since day one in 2001 and are our family!
Lunch on The Hill , the Italian part of StL, at our favorite restaurant, Cunetto's was also perfect as usual. We finished there in time to then take a tour of Busch Stadium where the Cardinals play baseball. It was very warm but the tour took us into well air conditioned parts like the home radio booth and the stadium clubs. We all had fun sitting in the dugout! Finally, the best way to cool off in StL is Ted Drewes. A perfect ending to a perfect day.
Dr. DiPersio had commented in 2006 that the first 3 years post transplant are the most critical. These last six months have gotten us closer to that date and possibly shown us that calmer health times are in the future.
Jeff has his eye appointment in Iowa City on July 23rd. We will be at their place on vacation then so I'll update from Iowa.
Last Friday night, Jeff walked in the 25th anniversary of Relay for Life. He walked with a friend who is currently being treated for Hodgkin's. Jeff's past journey is now helping to support someone close to him but continually showing how your prayers have supported Jeff. That new "survivor" shirt is in thanks to all of you. May God bless these 2 young men plus each and every one of you.
Stay safe in this summer heat.
love,
Marcia