Monday, Nov. 9, 2015

Update # 204 

Almost 9 years 

Don't panic!  

I know I told you not to expect another update.  Jeff is actually doing much better but the docs are being very precautious.  Jeff may be frustrated at the moment but in the long run it really is okay. 

Due to the February Afib, Jeff has had a heart monitor on since his admittance.  An EKG was done Saturday morning and this morning he had an ECHO.  

Dr. Masri, oncologist, stopped by Sunday morning to check on Jeff.  He was glad to hear Jeff was better and was glad the morning doc had ordered a CT Scan.  He wanted to be sure there were no pulmonary embolisms plus get a closer look at Jeff's lungs.  No PE's and the lungs appeared as in previous CT's.  And we requested they perform a RSV test -- just to be sure this pneumonia is not RSV.  Negative for RSV, thank goodness.  

Jeff walked several laps around the floor at various times on Sunday.  He felt fine with no dizziness or shortness of breath.  And his cough was more productive getting out some of that gunk. 

We were all thinking of discharge this morning.  But Jeff and I started having doubts in the middle of the night when his blood pressure began to rise.  The admitting doctor on Friday ordered a different med than Jeff usually takes that was to work better with the 2 strong antibiotics.  We guess after 3 days of that, it was not working as well as planned.  So sure enough, discharge discussion this morning was put on hold while Jeff received his usual meds and his pressure returned to normal. 

Then we also learned this morning that Dr. Masri requested the infectious doc see Jeff today.  She has seen Jeff before and is concerned with the way Jeff's lungs look on the CT.  Yes, it's the same but still they are not normal -- calcification from cancer, GVHD, and scarring from previous pneumonias.  We then discussed this is Jeff's 3rd pneumonia in 13 months -- a first.  Each pneumonia damages and ages Jeff's lungs.  Dr. Ali ordered a test on Jeff's immune system.  Maybe Jeff's body is just beaten down from this last year.  There is a possibility he might receive IVIG every 3 weeks to help boost his system.  Back in 2006, when Jeff had Sepsis before the transplant,  he was given one dose of IVIG.  A bag of IVIG has antibodies from 1,000 people which helps to build up a person with low immunity.  This result will take 2-3 days so Jeff is to call her office.  She also said hospital discharge tomorrow. 

So another night here with another dose of those 2 strong antibiotics.  Jeff continues to eat and drink well and walk the halls so all staff knows he's ready to go.  His cough is more dry with hardly anything coming out.  Staff say the lungs sound more clear.  And once he is home, Jeff will take oral antibiotics plus a breathing treatment for his lungs.  All this to avoid any complications but definitely worth it. 

My return home will therefore not be Tuesday.  And Wednesday currently appears iffy due to weather.  Strong storms will be here in Iowa but tornado risk is greater at home.  Instead, I think I may take the sun and wind on Thursday.  Of course, I'll watch KWWL to help make my decision! 

I will send another update probably next week.  That will give time for the immune test results and Jeff to talk with the doc about the IVIG. 

We appreciate all your emails.  Jeff smiles when I read them to him.  We can't thank you enough for your prayers, concerns, and love.  We do feel them.  God continues to give us strength and Jeff healing.  Amazing. 

Love,

Marcia