Friday, June 17, 2022
Update # 219
21 and 16
Good Evening,
For years, the number under the date indicated the number of years since Jeff's stem cell transplant. I have decided to change to the number of years since Hodgkin's and then the number since the transplant.
Let me apologize for not sending an update since 2020. My macular degeneration is limiting things I can do. For big projects like this, I need Ken nearby to help.
We have also found out this computer is having trouble sending group emails.
Jeff's 2021 StL appointment went very well. And he was actually able to have an in-person appointment. Life and health have been well for Jeff.
This year's appointment was Monday June 13. I need to begin the story of this week back on Friday the 10th. I labeled it "their kidney trip".
Jeff, Meridith, and a friend started their drive that afternoon. Meridith had begun experiencing a kidney stone attack. An ER stop in Bettendorf was several hours but pain meds and meds to help release the stone were necessary. They decided to spend the night in Bettendorf and continue to Hillsboro on Saturday.
Jeff always tries to attend a Cards game while in town. The temperature was to be extremely hot on Sunday. I suggested Meridith and I stay in Hillsboro and let the 3 guys head to StL. They could take in the game and Jeff's appointment on the 13th. The Cards lost but their friend enjoyed his first professional baseball game.
Jeff has an annual bone density scan and a pulmonary function test after he sees Dr. DiPersio. This year the 2 tests ended up being scheduled at Barnes West County facility. The times still work well for the morning.
Jeff had his blood work then saw Dr. D. Meridith and I were able to sit at home and facetime in for the appointment. Doc came in and said he was concerned with a couple of numbers. Kidney numbers. One was high and one was low. These numbers put Jeff in the "acute renal failure" range. In May, Jeff had blood work done for his endocrinologist and those 2 particular numbers were fine. Doc wanted Jeff to receive a bag of fluids after his tests in West County. And also decided to add an ultrasound to that day. Doc knew Jeff was heading home on Tuesday and said to swing by StL for a 2nd bag of fluids before driving home. And he recommended Jeff see his own doctor on Wednesday.
Tuesday Jeff had blood labs and the numbers had improved. The ultrasound showed the left kidney was swollen. Dr. DiPersio had ordered a CT scan on Tuesday when the 2nd bag of fluids was finished. The 3 Iowa people arrived home safely Tuesday night.
Wednesday morning, Jeff's doctor was considering that Jeff goes to the university hospital in Iowa City. Jeff received a call from his Waterloo nephrologist that she could not see him till Thursday June 23. He then received a call from his usual hospital that he was being referred to a urologist at the other hospital in Waterloo. That appointment was scheduled for Thursday the 16th. On Wednesday the result of the CT scan showed something blocking the left kidney. They thought it was a blocked renal artery.
Thursday the urologist suggested a stent be inserted into the renal artery. The procedure was scheduled for Friday (today) afternoon. A short 30-minute procedure with little down time afterwards should work. Good news from the day's blood work showed those 2 crucial numbers were already much closer to normal.
And this afternoon, the stent relieved the pressure immediately. Jeff will see his nephrologist on the 23rd. He does not yet know the time, but another ultrasound will be done in a week to see how the left kidney has improved with the stent.
I held off writing an update because each day we learned just a bit more. When the results of the ultrasound come in, I will update, hopefully, the end of the kidney saga. And yes, Meridith is doing well.
Oh, and Dr. DiPersio said except for those 2 numbers, Jeff looked perfect. Next year's appointment is June 19, 2023.
We always thank you for your prayers for Jeff. This year I do ask you to include 2 young men in their 30s who are having to experience their own cancer journey. One friend in Iowa is having chemo and radiation at Mayo. Zac in IL, a cousin's son, is having his chemo at Barnes in StL. Your prayers help give strength during trying times.
I hope we can get the computer to send this update to the friends who follow and support Jeff. You hold us all up year after year.
love,
Marcia