Tuesday, June 25, 2024

Update #222

23 and 18

Good Morning.  I hope everyone is dealing okay with this current heat wave.  We know some of you are experiencing storms and too much rain.

Life is going well for the Iowa and Illinois Sandlins. Jeff and Meridith had a bit of time to spend in Hillsboro this year.  They enjoyed relaxing, seeing friends, and catching up on some newer things in town.

Jeff was able to share his EMMY award with church family and family friends. They were all excited to see Jeff with this special recognition of his hard work.  They were so very proud of him.  And each of them played a role in praying for years for Jeff’s health .  Thank you.

June 10th was Jeff’s STL annual appointment.  A couple of the tests took longer to receive the results.  No medical problems but just a slow response.  Jeff’s blood work looked fine.  The Pulmonary Function test remains about the same.  It shows the moderate to severe GVHD but Jeff seems to carry on with his life doing pretty well.  Dr. DiPersio told Jeff, he has created a new drug for this issue.  On paper, this drug would help a person but Doc says Jeff does not follow the paperwork so no need to begin this drug.  That’s great to hear.  Good news came with the bone density test.  They had changed Jeff’s weekly pill to a 6-month shot to increase the bone density. This had decreased due to chemo.  This year’s result showed a significant increase in bone density.  The number is almost to the normal range.  That is great news.  So a great yearly visit.  

Last year, Dr. DiPersio was out of town so after the medical talk, Doc asked Jeff what he had been up to at work.  Well, when Jeff opened the EMMY box, Doc almost jumped up and down.  “Is that a real EMMY?” and then he opened the door to tell NP Steph to come in.  Both of them wanted a pic with Jeff and congratulated him on his award.  Doc then looked a little closer and asked where was his name on EMMY?  We all agreed he, Drs. Chu and Gauvain from Cardinal Glennon, and donor Matt all played a huge role  in keeping Jeff alive to achieve his goal.  Amazing!!! 

We continue to enjoy seeing those numbers at the top of the page increase.  The years of Jeff’s cancer journeys continue and we are most thankful to all of your prayers, love, and support.  God has been good to all of us.  We keep you in our hearts and prayers as well.  

Marcia