Monday, October 16, 2006

Update # 66

Good Afternoon,

Jeff had another good week.  Things were quiet around the house and he spent lots of time reformatting his computer.

We did find out last Friday that Jeff was not approved for SSI (supplemental security income) but was approved for Social Security Disability.  He has to be disabled for 5 months which will be August to December 2006.  His first disability check will be for January 2007 but will not come till the end of February 2007 -- they pay a month behind.  At least will he will receive some months of income.

Ken and Jeff had a 9:00 appointment this morning at Costas.  They had to wait a bit for the CBC since Jeff's 2 lumens would not allow a blood draw.  That's a first.  So the nurse injected some medicine into each lumen and waited 30 minutes for the lines to clear.  Then they both worked fine.  Jeff flushes both lumens each day and they were open yesterday but the nurse thinks there was just something at the end of them.

Jeff's CBC counts are doing well.  Ken picked up a copy of the blood work that the cardiologist requested last week.  Basically they show good and bad.

Dr. Gauvain said the cardiologist is happy with one important test but some others are still out of whack from Jeff's illness and not to worry.

Dr. Gauvain said Jeff could get out a little since his counts are fairly good.  He is to stay away from crowds though.  So since it was around 1:00 PM and it wasn't busy, the two of them stopped at Applebee's for lunch on the way home.  Jeff said it felt great!!!  He hasn't been out like that since the middle of July before he went in the hospital.

Since Jeff sees the transplant doctor next Monday the 23rd, Dr. Gauvain said Jeff would not need to come and see her.  She knows Dr. Dipersio will do a CBC at his appointment.  So Jeff will not need to return to Costas till the 30th.  

We appreciate everyone's emails, cards and phone calls.  It's nice to have these few weeks of calm waiting before November.  We know your prayers are what's also helping us through this good time.  Thank you.

love,

Marcia