Wednesday, June 19, 2019

Update #211

12.5 years

Good Evening,

Eleven months since the last update indicates Jeff is doing fairly well.  Thankfully, another Winter with no pneumonia or hospitalization.  Even with a record snowfall for Waterloo of 60 inches!

Jeff's mediation-induced diabetes took an upward trend last Fall.  His family physician scheduled him with an endocrinologist for the day after Christmas.  The new doctor had Jeff wear an arm monitor for several weeks for a more detailed timeline.  She recommended some changes in his daily insulin.  Jeff then began using a Dexcom 6 monitor to help keep continuous track of his glucose level.  The Dexcom 6 checks his blood sugar every 5 minutes and helps him stay in his target range.  The doctor can log into Jeff's system to view how he is doing between appointments.  Modern technology!  Through all these last few months, Jeff has felt fine without symptoms people normally associate with diabetes.

Jeff and Meridith came down this last Saturday and returned home yesterday.  His StL yearly appointment with Dr. DiPersio was Monday morning.  All went well.  We are always pleased to hear those words.  Doc said it was time for a couple of long-term tests.  A bone density test and a pulmonary function test are performed every 2 or 3 years.

The bone density test can be done back in Iowa.  But the PFT needed to be done in StL so results are more accurate to compare previous tests.  Jeff was finished at 9:30 with his Dr. D appointment so we had a couple of hours to wait until the 11:30 time slot when they could squeeze in Jeff.  Lung function is below normal but that's average for Jeff's lung GVHD.

Jeff continues to handle all these side-effects of the transplant very well.  We are thankful for another new wonderful doctor in Jeff's life who is working to keep Jeff as healthy as possible.

Next year's StL appointment is scheduled for June 15, 2020.  It usually ends up changing due to with Doc's lecturing.  I'll update some time next summer.  Hopefully, not before!

We are so grateful and blessed with family and friends like all of you.  Your support, love, and prayers for 18 years have kept us moving forward in daily life.  There are not enough words to say thank you.  We hope our prayers bless your lives.

Enjoy life to the fullest,

Marcia