June 26, 2006
Update # 43
Good Evening,
I hope everyone is having a great summer. Our weather is just perfect lately. It's wonderful to have the windows open in June.
Jeff took a couple of extra days to come down for his testing in StL. He drove down the 13th and returned home on the 17th. We spent Flag Day afternoon at the new Abraham Lincoln Presidential Museum in Springfield. It's really not so new since it officially opened April 2005. We just never had the time to go before now. Everyone said how phenomenal it was and they were all correct. If you are near Springfield, do take the time to enjoy yourself.
Jeff's oncologist, Dr. Chu, is retiring the end of this month. He usually waits for his patients to be five years out of treatment before he refers them to long term care. Rather than have Jeff meet with another oncologist for one appointment, the doctor had Jeff begin the long term care process. Jeff had an echocardiogram, pulmonary function, chest x-ray and CBC. He then met his new doctor, John Puetz (putts), for a physical examination. This guy is in his early 40's (I'm guessing) and will now see Jeff annually every June. (I asked for how long and he replied, "Till I retire".) There was a meeting then for Jeff to receive a notebook with the summary of his disease, the protocol followed, and recommendations for the future. If Jeff ever moves too far to meet annually in StL, Dr. Puetz will help Jeff find an oncology clinic and this notebook will be beneficial to that staff.
After spending half a day at Cardinal Glennon, we stayed in town for a Cardinal baseball game that evening. This was Jeff's first opportunity to see the new Busch Stadium. We had purchased a personalized brick that decorates the sidewalk outside the stadium. It was interesting to also find a brick near ours from a "Haupt" family! What's the chance of that??? We walked all over to see the nooks and crannies of the new stadium. It was the bottom of the 6th when we decided we were ready to head home.
Jeff got a phone call Saturday morning from one of the nurses at Cardinal Glennon. She informed him that his white blood count was extremely low and Dr. Chu wanted another blood test the next week. It was a little nervous but we assumed the problem was really from the week before. (Jeff had the flu on the 7th and 8th and still felt weak on the 9th.) So Dr. Chu faxed an order to Jeff's doctor's lab in Waterloo and Jeff had more blood drawn on Wed. the 21st. His white count has risen some but the blood test will need to be repeated in 2 weeks.
I think this stressed to Jeff that even though he is "fine", his body will react more severely to ordinary circumstances. And good ole mom took the opportunity to suggest that Jeff inform his roommate how critical cleanliness is to Jeff's health. This new roommate (a friend from college) moved in the end of April and was sick the weekend before Jeff.
I phoned Cardinal Glennon today for all the other tests results and they were all very good. The echo and pulmonary will probably be done every other year. Long term follow-up for pediatric cancer patients continually evolves and that will determine what tests are scheduled and at what intervals.
Jeff continues with his medication for thyroid. His count rose in March and his endocrinologist in Waterloo upped his pill. But he immediately experienced problems (headaches and sweats) so she reduced the dosage. He just recently had another blood test for her and his count was up again and even higher than March. Dr. Reddy again upped his dosage and after a few days of a mild headache, Jeff feels just fine.
The main side effect from his treatment continues to be the teeth. He has a good dentist that has worked with radiation patients before so that helps. Ken and I do cover any expenses that his insurance will not pay. We figured this problem is not from his doing and he should not have to go into debt for it.
Jeff's TV station is being sold to a company from Quincy, IL. This will be their 12th TV station, plus 2 newspapers and a radio station. They thought they might take over June 1st but that did not happen. It just depends on the FCC and when they give their approval. But changes have already started taking place. Some on-air anchors and reporters have recently moved to other cities. Behind the camera people are not as concerned with staff changes. (Mom's first concern was -- insurance!) Jeff has heard "rumors" that the new company is planning on buying new equipment and he's just thrilled. He truly enjoys the Waterloo area and would like to stay about 5 years.
Five years ago next month is when Jeff's journey began. We cannot thank each of you enough for all the support, love and prayers you have given him and us. God has lead us through this and answered the prayers the way we wanted. We are grateful for your help. May God continue to bless each of you richly and shower you with His love.
Love,
Marcia