Wednesday, February 7, 2007
Update # 93
Day Plus 57
Good Evening,
We were surprised with a relatively short time at Siteman today -- in around 9:00 and out about 11:30. The appointment was with the nurse practitioner.
Last week Jeff was told to start getting out a little bit. We thought maybe a new pair of walking shoes might help that right leg so Friday after school we went shopping. Jeff said it felt like Iowa -- cold weather and doing a couple of errands in the dark night sky. But Saturday proved even a little outing can wear Jeff down. He rested most of the day.
Sunday was the first time in 12 weeks that Jeff attended church. He said it felt good but he was ready to return home.
Even though the Doppler showed no problem with Jeff's leg, he continues to have trouble walking laps. He walks a couple then rests before doing more. One half mile is about all he is able to do and not every day yet.
Jeff's counts were all up today -- even the red. It's not close to normal but at least it went up. So since Jeff did not need blood, our time was shorter in StL. He was given another shot to continue to help boost things and this larger dose will last 3 weeks. They will test the antibody again next week and see how it is doing against the "A" group.
The anti-rejection medicine level again remains the same. This dosage seems to be just perfect for Jeff. That's 3 weeks in a row.
Driving down this morning, Jeff said he wanted to ask about his blurry vision. This was the first Ken and I had heard of it. Jeff said he has had some trouble this weekend with reading sometimes. So they scheduled an appointment with an ophthalmologist at Barnes for Tuesday the 13th. This could be part of the Graft vs. Host.
Jeff seems to be constant in his recovery - not much change. The nurse practitioner told us Jeff is doing well and still above where most patients are at this point in the process.
A couple of hours ago, Jeff thinks he figured out his leg problem -- the shot to boost the blood. He received that higher dose this morning and now both legs are bothering him. I called and spoke with the nurse practitioner about Jeff's observation. She said most people do not complain of muscle ache but then she did remember one "young" guy who did comment on the same thing. So we'll just watch and record how the legs feel.
Even though Jeff goes to Barnes on Tuesday the 13th, I'll wait till after the regular weekly appointment on Wednesday the 14th to send the next update.
Your prayers are strength to the three of us. We appreciate your continuing to help heal Jeff and uplift us all. Stay warm and safe during this cold winter.
love,
Marcia