Wednesday, July 18, 2018
Update #210
11.5 years
Greetings One and All,
A year -- well, 3 weeks short of a year, since the last update -- that means no major medical issues with Jeff.
The hematoma last August in Jeff's right leg reabsorbed into his body in those following weeks.
And the medicine induced need for the low-dose, once-a-day insulin continues. It appears this has become a permanent new side effect in life.
The annual appointment with Dr. DiPersio was this last Monday the 16th. Some of you watch the date I give and notice that no appointment happened in June. We are extremely fortunate to have this brilliant doctor care for Jeff but it also means he travels the world to teach other doctors to care for their patients in out of the box ways. He cancelled Jeff's 2018 appointment not once but twice. Jeff was able to get a small amount of time away from work in July which is a Sweeps month.
Doctor D was again pleased with Jeff, the counts, and that Jeff lives life to the fullest. One liver count was a tiny bit out of range but felt no need for follow-up. Skins spots have begun yet again to appear on Jeff. He has noticed a "summer" time period happening of this part of GVHD. It makes sense with no heavy coat wearing in the warmth. And Jeff always avoids any length of time in the sun. The spots are only a few so no need for medication yet to calm them down. Doc was very happy to hear Jeff had another healthy Winter with no pneumonia or hospitalizations. "Minor" sinus infections with anti-biotics from Jeff's local doctor, Dr. Mustafic, and some days home from work, were not too bad.
It was interesting to see the completion of the new building in the Barnes complex. We have seen so many additions in our years at StL hospitals. Each one helps make an improvement in people's lives.
Jeff and Meridith had not been in Hillsboro in 2 years so everyone was glad to see them at church. St. Paul's has been Jeff's support since day 1 in 2001. We also jam-packed a lot of fun into these days. We saw a Cardinals game, experienced the new City/Arch/River project, visited friends, viewed exhibits at the history museum, attended a performance at The Muny's 100th season, and of course, enjoyed Ted Drewes.
June 10, 2019 is Jeff's next scheduled StL annual appointment. But we all know that it will quite possibly change. We are all fine with seeing Doc D at his convenience rather than Jeff needing to see him. Next Thursday the 26th will be 17 years since Jeff's medical journey began. We love to see that "11.5 years" since his stem cell transplant. Yes, there are GVHD side effects but they are controllable and do not hinder Jeff in living life his way.
We thank each and every one of you for your continued prayers which have helped to increase those number of years. God has blessed Jeff and us with such loving and caring family and friends. May God bless all of you in the coming year as you remain in our hearts and prayers.
love,
Marcia