Tuesday, December 8, 2009

Update # 137

3 Years

Hi,

Jeff and Meridith left our house at 8:15 this morning and got home about 3:20 PM.  Snow has already fallen in Iowa but they returned before the worst part of the snowstorm really kicks in tonight and tomorrow.  The roads were clear for them this year until closer to Waterloo where it was patchy.  

They got away later than planned on Sunday and got here around Midnight.  Jeff's 3-year post transplant appointment was yesterday in StL.  Five minutes before we walked out the door Monday morning, Barnes Hospital called saying the bone density machine was down for the day.  That was the only test Dr. DiPersio wanted Jeff to have.  Normal blood labs were taken and Dr. DiPersio said the counts were perfect.  He was very pleased with Jeff at this point in the transplant recovery.  These first 3 years were the most critical so a huge hurdle has been crossed.  We thank all of you for your prayers that helped Jeff get to this stage.

Dr. DiPersio said the bone density scan can wait till Jeff's next six-month appointment scheduled for June 7th.

We spent part of the day in StL driving the newly remodeled eastern section of Highway 40.  Last year on Jeff's appointment day, we drove the new western part.  We tried a new restaurant for lunch and of course had Ted Drewes for dessert.  It's wonderful to smell the pine trees they sell in December while eating our frozen custard.

Ken and I plan to drive to Iowa on the 27th after church -- weather permitting of course.  (We made them take packages home with them in case we don't make it up.)  Ken's brother Dennis is also going to see where Jeff and Meridith live and watch Jeff direct at work.

A short few hours together with Jeff and Meridith but they were so important since we got to hear those wonderful words from Dr. DiPersio -- the best Christmas present we could receive.  Your love, prayers, and support have been a very blessed gift these last 3 years, too.  God continues to shower His love upon Jeff and we are most thankful.

Jeff has an Iowa City eye appointment on Jan. 28th so I'll update after that.

All of you in the path of this first snowstorm of the season, be careful and stay safe.  Everyone have a Merry Christmas.

love,

Marcia