Today Lee will be discharged from the hospital! Usually when he is discharged, he is discharged to remain here in Durham. This is THE discharge we have been waiting for. Lee is discharged to go home to VALE! We learned this yesterday and we have both been very excited, so much so that I had trouble sleeping last night.................just kept thinking about packing and moving back home. I finally found and old Spencer Tracy, black and white movie thinking it would lull me to sleep only to discover it was one of the best movies I have ever seen! After more milk and peanut butter & crackers & advil, I finally dozed off after midnight.
This morning I met Gloria in the courtyard for our last coffee as we reminesced about our journey here at Duke. It has been as amazing journey. When we arrived here on May 31st, with Doug and Todd to help us get moved and settled in, it was with mixed emotions that are to this day impossible for me to find the words to describe. After the boys left, I looked around our small living room and the two large cylinders of oxygen by the door, the twenty small cylinders in the corner by the sofa, the portable carrier for oxygen and all the tubes and accompanying paraphanalia for Lee to breathe. He had brought his large red leather recliner and the bedside table. The room was completely filled with unopened boxes. I began to fill my time with unpacking and creating more moveable space for us. It only took me about two hours to unpack and when I finished, the tears came. Once I started crying I just could not stop. Lee tried to comfort me, but there was no consoling at that time.
You have to understand that coming to Durham offered a 50/50 solution to Lee's problem. I knew that he stood as good a chance of dying as he did of recovering. We were now at that precipuce. We had made our decision to take that risk regardless of the consequences..................we knew that it was the only chance for Lee to be able to have his life back. And so I was crying because I knew now that we could possibly be closer to losing Lee. The reality had consumed me.
That was our first day and today I am giving you the last day. It is with great joy that I write this, the last blog. This has been a journey that has allowed us to experience every emotion that we have been endowed with. We have felt fear, physical and emotional pain, uncertainty, disappointment, and tribulations. We have also felt your support, your love, your encouragement, your prayers, your committment and the freely giving of your time to help us along the way. I truly believe that we could not have gone through this without all of you being there for us.
I am so grateful to have been introduced to this blog. I want to thank Julia and her husband Bo for their idea of the blog as a way to help me communicate to all of you. They were kind enough to establish the blog and Bo spent our last day before leaving teaching me how to use it.
In addition to connecting me to all of you, this blog has allowed me to place my journey for not only you to see but also for me to see. It has been in the daily writing that I have been able to see the day more clearly, thereby, being able to cope with what I have seen once it was written down. There is an amazing amount of healing in both writing and reading. Writing has helped me remove the persistant thoughts from my head and reading what I had written allowed some ensight as to how I would be able to either resolve or cope with each day along the way.
This journey has provided the opportunity for us to cross paths with so many amazing people. Fist of all, those who are part of Duke's transplant program are very caring and concerned about the recipients. It is their goal to assure that the Donor lung is treated with utmost respect in regards to the care of the recipient. At all times we have been encouraged to treat the gift of this lung as what it is...............The greatest gift one can receive from another family. Secondly, we have met many new friends who have shared their experiences, their history of the disease and through these brief acquaintance we have been drawn into a wonderful support group of those who were otherwise complete strangers. We feel that we have made lifetime friends of Wayne & Betty, Jerry & Gloria, Nancy & Veda, Justin & Suzzane, Ralph & Coleen, Larry & Martha. There are many others, but these have been especially special to us. We have learned that it is through adversity that we are able to become who we are and who we were meant to be. It is not the worst that comes out in us when we are struggling, quite the contrary, it is the best.
Lee and I have resolved to do everything in our power to take care of this gift. We realize that we will both have a change of our lifestyle. We also realize that we will have to ask our children, our grandchildren, our friends and neighbors to be a part of this change. Even though we will not be able to resume "business as usual", we can and will be able to enjoy our family and our friends. There will be limitations and changes, but we are excited about getting home and beginning our new life. The Holiday celebrations will have to be different, with small groups and gatherings with each at different times and with short visits, but we will still be able to enjoy our new types of celebrations. We are asking that you give us some time to adjust being at home, allow Lee time to get back into some physical therapy and to please call before visiting. Due to this being the cold and flu season, we will be asking you to mask during your visit, use the hand sanitizer and to limit your time until Lee gets settled in. Lee is looking forward to the "motivation" his home environment provides . He is looking forward to being able to drive his truck again and I believe just seeing it in the carport will be a big motivator. He had his license renewed when we were home last and it will be good to see him gradually getting back to his old lifestyle.
Today as I write, I look around the same room. There are NO oxygen tanks needed, No oxygen paraphanalia and I am relaxed knowing that Lee can breathe normally again. The old red recliner will return to Vale to reside in the downstairs office, "Man's Room" for Lee to once again enjoy ballgames on his big screen T.V. Even though he cannot return to the Panther's games, he can have his buddies over for football in his room and he is already making plans for his very own "Super Bowl" party with his buddies. What a contrast in today and May 31st! Today I am filled with joy, my cup is now full and not empty. Lee is alive and he can breathe, walk and once again enjoy this greatest gift that we all have. The gift of LIFE. Lee's final word: Thank The LORD!
I suppose you knew that when I began showing old Halloween photos and talking about Lee's cat that I must be running out of things to write. You were right! With that in mind, I will end the daily blog reports as of today. I will, however, continue a blog with updates on Lee's progress from time to time. We will be returning to Duke Clinic each month for the next three to four months and his time here will gradually be reduced. I would like to continue to keep you informed. So, you may want to check each month if you are still interested. Thank you for staying with us on this, " Our Incredible Journey."
More Later............................Brenda
Wednesday, October 27, 2010
Tuesday, October 26, 2010
The Rest of The Story
On Monday, Margaret planned her day to take T.R. to the vet to be "fixed", wormed, anti-rabied, and anti-dystempered. While she was at the Animal Hospital she called me and the converstion went something like this. "Brenda, I think I have the wrong cat!" My response, " What do you mean you have the wrong cat?" Well, during the conversation we finally decided she did indeed have T.R. as there was no other female cat that size at our house. Let me tell you, T.R. did not go without a big cat fight. It seems that Margaret, Jennifer and John all have the battle scratches from Lee's precious T.R. She fought against being confined to the cage.
Margaret assured us not to worry because she had planned a " haven" of sorts for T.R. to rehabilitate at her house. T.R. would reside in the hall bath with her very own bed, litter box and food and water bowl. I relayed this to Lee. He said to tell them to return her to her natural habitat (the woodshed) because he did not want any more damage to Margaret or to her house. (This is one wild and scared cat!)
Any way, to make a long story (day for Margaret ) short...............T.R. is resting comfortably in a large dog carrier in the wood shed, Margaret, Jennifer and John are tending their wounds and Lee is happy that his cat is " fixed"! End of story..............................
I just returned from the hospital and Lee will be officially discharged from the hospital tomorrow. He is very excited about only one more night in the TENT, and that he has responded very favorably to the treatment.
More Later........................................Brenda
Margaret assured us not to worry because she had planned a " haven" of sorts for T.R. to rehabilitate at her house. T.R. would reside in the hall bath with her very own bed, litter box and food and water bowl. I relayed this to Lee. He said to tell them to return her to her natural habitat (the woodshed) because he did not want any more damage to Margaret or to her house. (This is one wild and scared cat!)
Any way, to make a long story (day for Margaret ) short...............T.R. is resting comfortably in a large dog carrier in the wood shed, Margaret, Jennifer and John are tending their wounds and Lee is happy that his cat is " fixed"! End of story..............................
I just returned from the hospital and Lee will be officially discharged from the hospital tomorrow. He is very excited about only one more night in the TENT, and that he has responded very favorably to the treatment.
More Later........................................Brenda
Monday, October 25, 2010
A Cat Tale
I don't think many of you know this but Lee has a CAT. This cat came to our house in August 2009 in a rather unusual way. One of Lee's farmer friends who lives about 10 miles from us, has over the years acquired a large number of cats. The cats live around his barn and his barnyard equipment. On a hot August afternoon, Lee's friend dropped by to visit and during the visit one of his cats had hitched a ride under his truck on the spare tire that was located there. After failed attempts to entice the cat back to the truck, Lee decided the cat could stay. For several days the cat could not be found and Lee began leaving food on his hay baler after seeing the cat there. After many weeks, Lee was able to gain the cat's trust and could pet her when he would feed her. I named the cat T.R. (at this time we had not determined the gender, so we dubbed her T.R. for "Truck Rider". Lee had become very fond of his new furry, feline friend.
It was during this unusual friendship that Lee became very ill and was away from his little friend from December until March. While we were home March - May, T.R. slept in front of Lee's bedroom because she had recognized his voice. From time to time she would greet him at the back door. At this time, he was the only person she would allow to pet her........for everyone else, she ran away. When we left May 31 to return to Duke, T.R. had just had her second litter of kittens. She had her first in October after she came to live with us. That is when we confirmed her gender.
When we went home Labor Day, T.R. had just had her third litter and Lee decided it was time to "fix" T.R..................that is where our good friend TGFM (Thank God for Margaret) comes in ................
Tune in tomorrow for the
Rest of the story!
By the way, Lee is doing very, very well! He is walking a lot and he says that he feels so good and strong. He is constantly on the phone for business, etc. He is getting excited about feeling so good and is now more motivated than I have ever seen him. We are both so excited about the prospects of getting closer to the time of discharge.
More Later.......................................Brenda
It was during this unusual friendship that Lee became very ill and was away from his little friend from December until March. While we were home March - May, T.R. slept in front of Lee's bedroom because she had recognized his voice. From time to time she would greet him at the back door. At this time, he was the only person she would allow to pet her........for everyone else, she ran away. When we left May 31 to return to Duke, T.R. had just had her second litter of kittens. She had her first in October after she came to live with us. That is when we confirmed her gender.
When we went home Labor Day, T.R. had just had her third litter and Lee decided it was time to "fix" T.R..................that is where our good friend TGFM (Thank God for Margaret) comes in ................
Tune in tomorrow for the
Rest of the story!
By the way, Lee is doing very, very well! He is walking a lot and he says that he feels so good and strong. He is constantly on the phone for business, etc. He is getting excited about feeling so good and is now more motivated than I have ever seen him. We are both so excited about the prospects of getting closer to the time of discharge.
More Later.......................................Brenda
Sunday, October 24, 2010
The Keys and I
Interesting title for today's blog because.....................I seem to have a problem with the house keys! I believe I shared with you earlier that I must feel safe here because when I got up Friday morning I discovered that my Keys were still outside in the lock. On Saturday while on my way to the hospital via shuttle, I related the same story to the shuttle driver, David. He cautioned me to be careful with that.
Imagine my surprise later that evening, while talking to Donna, I heard a knock on my door. I checked the view hole and saw that David was outside. When I opened the door, he pointed to my lock...............my keys were hanging there again and would have been there another night if David had not happened to walk by. The shuttle drivers here have a dual role. They are both drivers and security guards for the Duke Towers. It is indeed comforting to know they check on someone as absent-minded as I am.
Lee is doing very well. I try to spend two-to three hours a day with him, but do not want to pass any lingering "bugs" back to him at this point. When I am there I must wear the isolation gown and the mask so I am very uncomfortable while there. Lee is now independent enough to move about freely in the room to the bath, etc. He can come and go at will from his room to walk the hallway as long as he wears a mask. It is good to know that he does not have to wait for others to help him. He is also eating better and completely cleans his tray with each meal. So good to see him with his appetite returning.
He always enjoys Sunday afternoons because he has many football games back to back. I am sure he is watching one right now. Hopefully he will get to see one to the end before he has to go into the "Tent".
Good news here is that our neighbors, Gloria and Jerry have returned from a long week-end in Wilmington. Jerry has to have the nissen plication (stomach wrap) on Thursday. They will probably be here another 7-10 days.
To Julia..............thanks, daughter for the effort to come see us today and I would love for that to happen. Hope you don't mind that I talked you into staying home and resting yourself. Love you so much!
After tonight in the Tent, Lee will be more than half-way finished! Three down and two to go!
More Later...........................Brenda
Imagine my surprise later that evening, while talking to Donna, I heard a knock on my door. I checked the view hole and saw that David was outside. When I opened the door, he pointed to my lock...............my keys were hanging there again and would have been there another night if David had not happened to walk by. The shuttle drivers here have a dual role. They are both drivers and security guards for the Duke Towers. It is indeed comforting to know they check on someone as absent-minded as I am.
Lee is doing very well. I try to spend two-to three hours a day with him, but do not want to pass any lingering "bugs" back to him at this point. When I am there I must wear the isolation gown and the mask so I am very uncomfortable while there. Lee is now independent enough to move about freely in the room to the bath, etc. He can come and go at will from his room to walk the hallway as long as he wears a mask. It is good to know that he does not have to wait for others to help him. He is also eating better and completely cleans his tray with each meal. So good to see him with his appetite returning.
He always enjoys Sunday afternoons because he has many football games back to back. I am sure he is watching one right now. Hopefully he will get to see one to the end before he has to go into the "Tent".
Good news here is that our neighbors, Gloria and Jerry have returned from a long week-end in Wilmington. Jerry has to have the nissen plication (stomach wrap) on Thursday. They will probably be here another 7-10 days.
To Julia..............thanks, daughter for the effort to come see us today and I would love for that to happen. Hope you don't mind that I talked you into staying home and resting yourself. Love you so much!
After tonight in the Tent, Lee will be more than half-way finished! Three down and two to go!
More Later...........................Brenda
Saturday, October 23, 2010
The Tent
When I talked to Lee early this morning I could tell that he was either still sleepy or just beginning this day with just a bit of the "grouchies"! This was due to his having to sleep in a tent from 10:00 p.m. until about 5:00 a.m. I reassured him that at least he only had four more nights to go and the treatment would be finished. I did not get a very favorable response with that and assured him that I would be there shortly after lunch and would bring some snacks and a few othere things he requested.
I caught the shuttle to the hospital and finally arrived at Lee's room around 12:00. It was at this point that I could certainly understand why the "Tent" was not a good thing to try to sleep in. It is reminicent of the old oxygen tents of thr "dark ages" of medicine. It is made of plastic and hangs at the head of the bed from a type of metal T-bar. The T-bar extends longitudinally across the top of Lee's bed. Attached to this T-bar are metal rings connected to see-through plastic that may be extended the entire length if the T-tube in order to surround and enclose lee completely down to the middle of his body, thereby ensuring that his ventilation areas are covered. Hanging high enside the plastic tent is a huge air-exchange box that measures about 2x4 feet. This box does not go gently into the night as it is noisy. This is responsible for a continuous air exchange without loss of the medication that he has to enhale through a face mask! So in addition to the "Tent", he also has to wear a face mask that is connected to a pump that works like a nebulizer to administer the inhaling medication!
It is also during this time that he is receiving special I.V. medications (type of antibodies) that must be closely monitored.
IS IT ANY WONDER THAT HE CAN NOT GET ANY SLEEP?!!!
This has to be repeated each night for a total of five nights. One down and four to go..................so I am asking you to think of Lee tonight when you get all cozy in your beds to remember that he is one uncomfortable fellow. Please remember him in your prayers and pray for his ability to rest and perhaps get some sleep along the way.
More Later........................................Brenda
I caught the shuttle to the hospital and finally arrived at Lee's room around 12:00. It was at this point that I could certainly understand why the "Tent" was not a good thing to try to sleep in. It is reminicent of the old oxygen tents of thr "dark ages" of medicine. It is made of plastic and hangs at the head of the bed from a type of metal T-bar. The T-bar extends longitudinally across the top of Lee's bed. Attached to this T-bar are metal rings connected to see-through plastic that may be extended the entire length if the T-tube in order to surround and enclose lee completely down to the middle of his body, thereby ensuring that his ventilation areas are covered. Hanging high enside the plastic tent is a huge air-exchange box that measures about 2x4 feet. This box does not go gently into the night as it is noisy. This is responsible for a continuous air exchange without loss of the medication that he has to enhale through a face mask! So in addition to the "Tent", he also has to wear a face mask that is connected to a pump that works like a nebulizer to administer the inhaling medication!
It is also during this time that he is receiving special I.V. medications (type of antibodies) that must be closely monitored.
IS IT ANY WONDER THAT HE CAN NOT GET ANY SLEEP?!!!
This has to be repeated each night for a total of five nights. One down and four to go..................so I am asking you to think of Lee tonight when you get all cozy in your beds to remember that he is one uncomfortable fellow. Please remember him in your prayers and pray for his ability to rest and perhaps get some sleep along the way.
More Later........................................Brenda
Friday, October 22, 2010
A Good Friday
After a good nights rest I felt almost back to normal this morning. My cold seems to be responding to treatment and I finally feel all the pressure in my head leaving. Lee finally settled in around midnight last night at the hospital. It seems that his bed was "broken". He could not get any of the controls to function and it took a couple of hours to get another bed. He did get a decent nights sleep after that was resolved.
He looks really good. I was amazed at how strong and healthy he looked today. I don't know if I am making comparisons with how he looked the last time I saw him in a hospital bed or what, but he just looked much stronger and his color is very good. He is beginning to develop lost muscles in his chest, shoulders and arms and the leg muscles are beginning to show signs of developing again. This is one thing he will have to be especially careful about since he is back in the hospital. He must continue to walk, walk, and exercise. It is so easy to lose all with just a few days of inactivity.
I noticed when I walked down the hallway to Lee's room that there were about five other patients who are also on contact isolation. I was told that there are three other post-lung transplant patients there who have the same virus as Lee. It is my understanding that a common area is being investigated.
I have already begun throwing things out that could possibly recontaminate Lee on his return here. For example: His toothbrush, toothpaste, all breathing and inhaling equipment. We now realize how easy it is for him to get an infection. Hopefully we will all learn from this experience to be very concientious of Lee's vulnerability as he is trying to recuperate from this enormous change in his lifestyle. Most of all, Lee will have to take more responsibility in how he associates with others and to make good use of his own personal hand sanitizer and his mask. We have had many lengthy conversations in regards to that and this situation will probably help all of us to help Lee.
One thing that I have a problem with is that we should even have to explain why these precautions must be taken. It is not important so much as to the "whys", as to the fact that it is now a "must do". It is in this area that we will need your strongest support and understanding. I know that we have that because I have witnessed your love of Lee and of me. We both thank you for that.
It is very lonely here without Lee. however, I am using the time to get some much needed sleep and rest. I know that will help me be strong when he is able to return. I do not feel scared nor insecure here, quite the contrary, I do feel very safe. To make my point, after I got up this morning, I stepped outside my door briefly only to discover that I had left my house keys dangling in the lock all night! I will be more careful tonight.
More Later..........................................Brenda
He looks really good. I was amazed at how strong and healthy he looked today. I don't know if I am making comparisons with how he looked the last time I saw him in a hospital bed or what, but he just looked much stronger and his color is very good. He is beginning to develop lost muscles in his chest, shoulders and arms and the leg muscles are beginning to show signs of developing again. This is one thing he will have to be especially careful about since he is back in the hospital. He must continue to walk, walk, and exercise. It is so easy to lose all with just a few days of inactivity.
I noticed when I walked down the hallway to Lee's room that there were about five other patients who are also on contact isolation. I was told that there are three other post-lung transplant patients there who have the same virus as Lee. It is my understanding that a common area is being investigated.
I have already begun throwing things out that could possibly recontaminate Lee on his return here. For example: His toothbrush, toothpaste, all breathing and inhaling equipment. We now realize how easy it is for him to get an infection. Hopefully we will all learn from this experience to be very concientious of Lee's vulnerability as he is trying to recuperate from this enormous change in his lifestyle. Most of all, Lee will have to take more responsibility in how he associates with others and to make good use of his own personal hand sanitizer and his mask. We have had many lengthy conversations in regards to that and this situation will probably help all of us to help Lee.
One thing that I have a problem with is that we should even have to explain why these precautions must be taken. It is not important so much as to the "whys", as to the fact that it is now a "must do". It is in this area that we will need your strongest support and understanding. I know that we have that because I have witnessed your love of Lee and of me. We both thank you for that.
It is very lonely here without Lee. however, I am using the time to get some much needed sleep and rest. I know that will help me be strong when he is able to return. I do not feel scared nor insecure here, quite the contrary, I do feel very safe. To make my point, after I got up this morning, I stepped outside my door briefly only to discover that I had left my house keys dangling in the lock all night! I will be more careful tonight.
More Later..........................................Brenda
Thursday, October 21, 2010
RSV
RESPIRATORY SYNCYTIAL VIRUS. Maybe you have heard of it. It is usually a virus infection of the lungs that new Moms fear for their newborns. They are vulnerable because of their underdeveloped immune system. Most of us have it at some time and is sometimes referred to as a "cold" in healthy adults. For anyone with a compromised immune system, this virus can be very serious. Lee has this virus in his lung. We found out today when we had our clinic visit. The bronchoscopy that was done on Monday did show RSV. He was hospitilized immediately after leaving the clinic and is now on the 7th floor @ Duke.
He is on isolation and will be receiving special inhaling drugs along with antibodies to help fight the virus. The good news is that it was caught before he got into acute respiratory distress. We have been told that he should respond to the treatment in about 5 days.
After getting Lee settled into admissions, I had to leave him and go to Urgent Care Duke. I had been advised to be examined because I probably had the same virus and cought it from Lee. It is contagious so we are staying away from everyone. After seeing that I was already on a strong antibiotic to prevent bacterial bronchitis,etc. the doctor said to just leave it at that and use vaporizer, mucinex and the prednisone if I do not show good results by Sunday.
So................there you have it.................another exciting day in our life. Of course we are very concerned about this but at the same time hopeful that Lee will finally get rid of this persistant lung infection. At least we now know what we are dealing with. He never did respond for a long period of time when treated as a bacterial infection.
Thank goodness for Dennis. He came from Raleigh and took me to Urgent care. I was so tired! Lee and I had been at the hospital or clinic since 7:30 this a.m. We were both very tired. Speaking of that, I am ready to go to bed.
More Later......................................Brenda
He is on isolation and will be receiving special inhaling drugs along with antibodies to help fight the virus. The good news is that it was caught before he got into acute respiratory distress. We have been told that he should respond to the treatment in about 5 days.
After getting Lee settled into admissions, I had to leave him and go to Urgent Care Duke. I had been advised to be examined because I probably had the same virus and cought it from Lee. It is contagious so we are staying away from everyone. After seeing that I was already on a strong antibiotic to prevent bacterial bronchitis,etc. the doctor said to just leave it at that and use vaporizer, mucinex and the prednisone if I do not show good results by Sunday.
So................there you have it.................another exciting day in our life. Of course we are very concerned about this but at the same time hopeful that Lee will finally get rid of this persistant lung infection. At least we now know what we are dealing with. He never did respond for a long period of time when treated as a bacterial infection.
Thank goodness for Dennis. He came from Raleigh and took me to Urgent care. I was so tired! Lee and I had been at the hospital or clinic since 7:30 this a.m. We were both very tired. Speaking of that, I am ready to go to bed.
More Later......................................Brenda
Wednesday, October 20, 2010
Two masked "bandits:
Today as Lee and I were driving to the clinic I could only imagine the perception we gave to others as they passed us along the way. We both had on our blue masks and I jokingly said to Lee that maybe this would be a good time to attend a Halloween party.......after all, we were already dressed for the occasion. He didn't seem to think it was that funny...........probably because it was now 2:30 in the afternoon and all he had to eat this a.m. was some sugar-free peach jello and camomille tea.
Lee had his gastroscopy around 3:30 and we were on our way back tos the condo by 4:30. The good news is that there was no ulcer, just some gastritis and the gastrologist took a biopsy of that area. He does have a small hiatal hernia (not that unusual for his age) and a small diverticulum in the duodenum. There were 2 or 3 areas of small linear abrasion along the esophageal area and the stomach. Again, the doctor did not seem concerned. He said he did not see any evidence of reflux. We will have more identification when we get the pathology report that will be back in 10-14 days.
All in all, Lee tolerated the procedure well.............a little hung over from the fentenyl and versed. By the time we were settled into the condo he became hungry and ate a good meal. He has dozed off and on for the past several hours. Right now he has found a baseball game and seems to be enjoying that. He is always a happy fellow when he can find a good ballgame on the tube! I usually watch another something or movie in the bedroom. After all, one can only watch so many hundred ballgames! Lee never tires of them and will spend an entire day watching football. I am so glad that is available to him right now. When we went to his football college reunion the other week he was presented with a DVD of the winning game from one of his colleagues. He has watched it several times and I have enjoyed it too. One has to remember that it was filmed on a 16 MM projector in 1958-60 so the quality is lacking but the sentiment remains.
After tryin many different treatments for this stuffy head and nose, I finally decided to try the "Mother Method".......Steam with some vicks! It works! So, that, along with some soothing camomille tea will hopefully allow a better night with some sleep. We have another busy day again tomorrow. The clinic day has been moved from next Tuesday to Tomorrow! So, there will be an 8:00 x-ray at the hospital, then across the street to the clinic for the bloodwork, chest x-ray, pulmonary function tests and to see the doctor @ 2:30 p.m. I believe that will allow enough time to run back to the condo for a light lunch, meds, I.V. etc. We are very busy!
To my daughter Julia............thank you for sharing our good times and laughs with our bloggers! We love you!
More Later.............................Brenda
Lee had his gastroscopy around 3:30 and we were on our way back tos the condo by 4:30. The good news is that there was no ulcer, just some gastritis and the gastrologist took a biopsy of that area. He does have a small hiatal hernia (not that unusual for his age) and a small diverticulum in the duodenum. There were 2 or 3 areas of small linear abrasion along the esophageal area and the stomach. Again, the doctor did not seem concerned. He said he did not see any evidence of reflux. We will have more identification when we get the pathology report that will be back in 10-14 days.
All in all, Lee tolerated the procedure well.............a little hung over from the fentenyl and versed. By the time we were settled into the condo he became hungry and ate a good meal. He has dozed off and on for the past several hours. Right now he has found a baseball game and seems to be enjoying that. He is always a happy fellow when he can find a good ballgame on the tube! I usually watch another something or movie in the bedroom. After all, one can only watch so many hundred ballgames! Lee never tires of them and will spend an entire day watching football. I am so glad that is available to him right now. When we went to his football college reunion the other week he was presented with a DVD of the winning game from one of his colleagues. He has watched it several times and I have enjoyed it too. One has to remember that it was filmed on a 16 MM projector in 1958-60 so the quality is lacking but the sentiment remains.
After tryin many different treatments for this stuffy head and nose, I finally decided to try the "Mother Method".......Steam with some vicks! It works! So, that, along with some soothing camomille tea will hopefully allow a better night with some sleep. We have another busy day again tomorrow. The clinic day has been moved from next Tuesday to Tomorrow! So, there will be an 8:00 x-ray at the hospital, then across the street to the clinic for the bloodwork, chest x-ray, pulmonary function tests and to see the doctor @ 2:30 p.m. I believe that will allow enough time to run back to the condo for a light lunch, meds, I.V. etc. We are very busy!
To my daughter Julia............thank you for sharing our good times and laughs with our bloggers! We love you!
More Later.............................Brenda
Tuesday, October 19, 2010
Bikers!
Oh no! She found the bikers costumes! Too bad you cannot see Lee's long, blond pony tail in the back. That was the year that we had to go inside and do the hotdogs on the gas grill outside. The reason for this was because we were experiencing "gale-force winds" that evening. In the background is Lee Jr. as Superman. We just shooed the little ones to the downstairs and had all the rooms upstairs filled with adults. It was not the same, no hayride, no roasting outside.............but many, many laughs because it was one of those years with the best costumes! We did discover that regardless of the weather.....the annual party MUST go on!
Today has been one of those "I have a bad cold" day. I am trying desperately to keep Lee from getting it and am praying fervently that this will pass him by. Because I am now running a fever and the cough from my chest is not good, I called my family doctor and thank goodness he was kind enough to prescribe some antibiotics. Thank you, Thank you, Thank you!! I'm hoping by tomorrow I might begin to see some good results.
Lee was able to go to the Center for Living today even though he had to push himself to go. He is still feeling low from the new medication. The good news is that he is no longer coughing and that is a good thing. Tomorrow he will have a gastroscopy @ 3:00....just jello and clear liquids in the a.m. Thursday, more stomach x-rays.
This will have to be a short blog because I feel too lousy to be creative............please stay with me and I promise a better one Tomorrow. Meanwhile, Julia will keep you entertained!
More Later..................................Brenda
Today has been one of those "I have a bad cold" day. I am trying desperately to keep Lee from getting it and am praying fervently that this will pass him by. Because I am now running a fever and the cough from my chest is not good, I called my family doctor and thank goodness he was kind enough to prescribe some antibiotics. Thank you, Thank you, Thank you!! I'm hoping by tomorrow I might begin to see some good results.
Lee was able to go to the Center for Living today even though he had to push himself to go. He is still feeling low from the new medication. The good news is that he is no longer coughing and that is a good thing. Tomorrow he will have a gastroscopy @ 3:00....just jello and clear liquids in the a.m. Thursday, more stomach x-rays.
This will have to be a short blog because I feel too lousy to be creative............please stay with me and I promise a better one Tomorrow. Meanwhile, Julia will keep you entertained!
More Later..................................Brenda
Monday, October 18, 2010
All the costumes?!
I believe my daughter has found her stash of Halloween pictures and I am sure you will get a laugh at those. There is a story behind the "Pirate and the Treasure Chest". In October, 2009, I had just completed a year of several surgical procedures for reconstruction following the diagnosis of breast cancer. It just seemed appropriate to become a "treasure chest" and for Lee to be my dashing pirate!
Today was the day for Lee to have a bronchoscopy. As you have probably surmised by now, this is routine each month following lung transplants. We were at the hospital early, around 7:30 a.m. for his scheduled case @ 8:00. After explaining that I had a cold and probably needed to stay in an isolated area, I was quickly escorted to a second waiting room so I could be alone. I am wearing a mask as often as I can or staying in an other area separate from Lee. He was finished with the Bronk by 10:00 and I was able to talk to the doctor. I explained my concern about this lung infection and that Lee had to date, had four 2-week treatments with two different antibiotics. After the antibiotics are discontinued, he begins to feel tired, coughs and gets into a general malaise after about 3-5 days. The doctor, also expressed his concern with this past history and said that hopefully they would "get to the bottom of this".
Lee has spent most of the rest of this day recovering from the anesthesia, which means he has been sleeping a lot. Tomorrow he will have to resume his regular schedule at the Center for the Living and get back into his exercise program. Unfortunately, he has so many procedures on Wednesday and Thursday that this week will not be useful for rehabilitation.
Our neighbors from Wilmington are back and will probably be here for at least a couple of weeks. It is so good to have Gloria & Jerry just popping in and out again. We really missed them when they went home. Another couple from Roanoke is back for a clinic visit but my cold will prevent us from being able to spend time with them. One certainly does not want to pass this along to lung recepients! I'm just holding my breath and praying that Lee does not get it!
So, I will close with a warning to you................be prepared! I don't know what Julia will show you next!
More Later.......................................Brenda
Today was the day for Lee to have a bronchoscopy. As you have probably surmised by now, this is routine each month following lung transplants. We were at the hospital early, around 7:30 a.m. for his scheduled case @ 8:00. After explaining that I had a cold and probably needed to stay in an isolated area, I was quickly escorted to a second waiting room so I could be alone. I am wearing a mask as often as I can or staying in an other area separate from Lee. He was finished with the Bronk by 10:00 and I was able to talk to the doctor. I explained my concern about this lung infection and that Lee had to date, had four 2-week treatments with two different antibiotics. After the antibiotics are discontinued, he begins to feel tired, coughs and gets into a general malaise after about 3-5 days. The doctor, also expressed his concern with this past history and said that hopefully they would "get to the bottom of this".
Lee has spent most of the rest of this day recovering from the anesthesia, which means he has been sleeping a lot. Tomorrow he will have to resume his regular schedule at the Center for the Living and get back into his exercise program. Unfortunately, he has so many procedures on Wednesday and Thursday that this week will not be useful for rehabilitation.
Our neighbors from Wilmington are back and will probably be here for at least a couple of weeks. It is so good to have Gloria & Jerry just popping in and out again. We really missed them when they went home. Another couple from Roanoke is back for a clinic visit but my cold will prevent us from being able to spend time with them. One certainly does not want to pass this along to lung recepients! I'm just holding my breath and praying that Lee does not get it!
So, I will close with a warning to you................be prepared! I don't know what Julia will show you next!
More Later.......................................Brenda
Sunday, October 17, 2010
My Surprise!
I was just as surprised as you when I opened the blog to see that Halloween picture of Lee and me. I knew immediately that the culprit was probably daughter, Julia! She is the busy photographer always running around making sure she gets everyone's picture in these costumes............funny, we have very few of her be cause she is making pictures of others. Believe me, she has had some really funny ones too. So, Lee and I got a big laugh out of our surprise too. One of the memories I have about the Miss Kitty and Marshall Dillon costumes is that the g/children did not have a clue as to who we were. In fact, many of them would look at us, especially their grandaddy, and ask, "Who are you?"
I hope you got a laugh and some insight into the good life that we have with our family. We have many fond memories of all the things we celebrate together. I have albums for many of our celebrations and the children love looking through them from time to time. I have enjoyed watching Laura and Rebekah, the older girls share those special times with their friends when I happen to see them with the albums.
Today has been a slow day for us. Lee is still feeling some of the effects of the medication that made him so sleepy. I have been nursing one of the worst colds I have had in years. I have tried very hard to prevent that and my challenge now is to try not to pass it along to Lee. That is not easy in the confined space that we share. We both are wearing masks...... I wear mine almost all the time and Lee puts one on when we are in closer quarters or when I have to give him the I.V. and when we have to travel in the car together.
It's good that we have had a restful day because we will hit the floor running in the morning. That will continue for most of the upcoming week.
More Later.........................................Brenda
I hope you got a laugh and some insight into the good life that we have with our family. We have many fond memories of all the things we celebrate together. I have albums for many of our celebrations and the children love looking through them from time to time. I have enjoyed watching Laura and Rebekah, the older girls share those special times with their friends when I happen to see them with the albums.
Today has been a slow day for us. Lee is still feeling some of the effects of the medication that made him so sleepy. I have been nursing one of the worst colds I have had in years. I have tried very hard to prevent that and my challenge now is to try not to pass it along to Lee. That is not easy in the confined space that we share. We both are wearing masks...... I wear mine almost all the time and Lee puts one on when we are in closer quarters or when I have to give him the I.V. and when we have to travel in the car together.
It's good that we have had a restful day because we will hit the floor running in the morning. That will continue for most of the upcoming week.
More Later.........................................Brenda
Saturday, October 16, 2010
Awake............Finally!
Even though Lee was still a little "hung-over" from the reglan, I believe at this time he is finally fully awake! So far he has not had any naps and at the moment is enjoying watching a football game. Yesterday he just slept all the time!
Today began with the usual a.m. vitals for me to log on Lee. He seems to have lost the 4 or so pounds that he had gained. He now weighs 160 lbs. I suppose the good news is that at least he is not retaining fluid. That can sometimes be one of the signs of rejection. After Lee was settled in his recliner with his morning cup of coffee, I gathered the dirty clothes and headed to the laundry room before the maids came to work. After they arrive, it is impossible to get into the laundry room until after 5:00 p.m. It will be wonderful to have my own laundry area when we return home!
Lee was able to go to the Center for the Living this afternoon for a short session. That was good since he missed his time there on Friday. He will only be able to get two days in next week because of all the procedures that will be done.
We really miss being home on the farm this time of the year. Most of you know that Lee and I always give a Halloween party for our family. We usually have it the 2nd or 3rd week-end of October because the children have other plans closer to Halloween. We have always enjoyed having everyone come in costume and the children are always delighted to see that Nana and Grandaddy are also in costume. All of our adult children try to compete with each other for the most original costume and we never give a prize for the "best" because they are all "the Best"!
We gather in the backyard around the gazebo and just before dark the children, grandchildren, aunts and uncles all crawl into the big haywagon along with blankets for the hayride that Grandaddy Lee will take them on. Lee has been known to shock a few neighbors while driving in full costume! Example: a cheerleader, a cow, a pirate, or Juan Valdes complete with the dashing mustache. I believe the year he dressed as "Miss Kitty" from the old Matt Dillon show was the best!
When they return they are usually cold and hungry and those who remained behind have a warm fire glowing in the backyard. We roast weiners, have hot dogs, chips, etc... and have roasted marshmellows for S'mores. There is plenty of hot cider or hot chocolate to warm those little goblins. It is truly one of our best parties of the year!
So now you can understand why this month is especially meaningful to us. We will miss this annual gathering and we plan to continue again next year................it may be a little different, but still a lot of fun!
more later...........................................Brenda
Today began with the usual a.m. vitals for me to log on Lee. He seems to have lost the 4 or so pounds that he had gained. He now weighs 160 lbs. I suppose the good news is that at least he is not retaining fluid. That can sometimes be one of the signs of rejection. After Lee was settled in his recliner with his morning cup of coffee, I gathered the dirty clothes and headed to the laundry room before the maids came to work. After they arrive, it is impossible to get into the laundry room until after 5:00 p.m. It will be wonderful to have my own laundry area when we return home!
Lee was able to go to the Center for the Living this afternoon for a short session. That was good since he missed his time there on Friday. He will only be able to get two days in next week because of all the procedures that will be done.
We really miss being home on the farm this time of the year. Most of you know that Lee and I always give a Halloween party for our family. We usually have it the 2nd or 3rd week-end of October because the children have other plans closer to Halloween. We have always enjoyed having everyone come in costume and the children are always delighted to see that Nana and Grandaddy are also in costume. All of our adult children try to compete with each other for the most original costume and we never give a prize for the "best" because they are all "the Best"!
We gather in the backyard around the gazebo and just before dark the children, grandchildren, aunts and uncles all crawl into the big haywagon along with blankets for the hayride that Grandaddy Lee will take them on. Lee has been known to shock a few neighbors while driving in full costume! Example: a cheerleader, a cow, a pirate, or Juan Valdes complete with the dashing mustache. I believe the year he dressed as "Miss Kitty" from the old Matt Dillon show was the best!
When they return they are usually cold and hungry and those who remained behind have a warm fire glowing in the backyard. We roast weiners, have hot dogs, chips, etc... and have roasted marshmellows for S'mores. There is plenty of hot cider or hot chocolate to warm those little goblins. It is truly one of our best parties of the year!
So now you can understand why this month is especially meaningful to us. We will miss this annual gathering and we plan to continue again next year................it may be a little different, but still a lot of fun!
more later...........................................Brenda
Friday, October 15, 2010
And He Sleeps & Sleeps, etc....
This has been an unusual Friday. Normally we would have left around 12:30 to go to the Center for the Living, however, Lee just could not stay awake long enough to get ready to go. It seems that all he wanted to do was sleep, sleep, sleep. I had to wake him for everything! Breakfast, medicine, insulin, even the I.V. meds. He just said he was very, very tired. Whenever it was time to get ready to leave, he told me he could not do it. He said he was too weak to walk and that he just wanted to go back to bed. I agreed with him even though I knew it would be in his best interest to go on to the CFL.
After he fell asleep again, I decided to read the drug information again because yesterday he began taking two more new drugs. I realized that it was probably the reglan. I called our lung transplant coordinator and was delighted to reach her immediately. (Sometimes we have to leave messages and they return at their convenience). She agreed with me that it was probably the reglan and said she would call the doctor and get back with me. Within an hour she did call back and told me to discontinue the reglan. She also explained that this happens sometime and that everyone reacts differently.
So, now it is 4:10 in the afternoon, his last dose was @ 11:30 a.m. and he is finally beginning to wake up. He continues to have some weakness. He will be able to catch up at the CFL on Saturday as they have scheduled him to come on Saturdays to try to build his strength.
It has been quite chilly here in Durham in the mornings, but this afternoon has been beautiful. There is a lot of pollen in the air (my car was yellow instead of white) and I have this wicked sore throat from pollen. I have been wearing a mask around Lee just in case it is bacterial or viral.
Dennis dropped by briefly this morning with a box of goodies. He brought pinto beans, asian pears, blueberry cobbler with pecan crust, camomille tea for my throat and fresh lemon mint and rosemary. Lee and I enjoyed our pear, remembering that we have two of those special trees in our back yard. Having the beans inspired me to cook the greens that were withering in the frig.......so now the condo "stinks" as Lee said. We are looking forward to this meal with a big wedge of cornbread.
We found out today that Lee is scheduled next Wednesday for another x-ray of his stomach. This time they want to evaluate how slowly or quickly his stomach empties. He will have a very busy week next week............Monday, Bronchoscopy, Wednesday, Lab and x-ray, Thursday, Gastroscopy. The next week he will have clinic and Doctor's visit on Tuesday. Hopefully, we will get the results from all.
That is it for now...............just a lazy day, waiting for Lee to "wake up"!
More Later...............................................Brenda
After he fell asleep again, I decided to read the drug information again because yesterday he began taking two more new drugs. I realized that it was probably the reglan. I called our lung transplant coordinator and was delighted to reach her immediately. (Sometimes we have to leave messages and they return at their convenience). She agreed with me that it was probably the reglan and said she would call the doctor and get back with me. Within an hour she did call back and told me to discontinue the reglan. She also explained that this happens sometime and that everyone reacts differently.
So, now it is 4:10 in the afternoon, his last dose was @ 11:30 a.m. and he is finally beginning to wake up. He continues to have some weakness. He will be able to catch up at the CFL on Saturday as they have scheduled him to come on Saturdays to try to build his strength.
It has been quite chilly here in Durham in the mornings, but this afternoon has been beautiful. There is a lot of pollen in the air (my car was yellow instead of white) and I have this wicked sore throat from pollen. I have been wearing a mask around Lee just in case it is bacterial or viral.
Dennis dropped by briefly this morning with a box of goodies. He brought pinto beans, asian pears, blueberry cobbler with pecan crust, camomille tea for my throat and fresh lemon mint and rosemary. Lee and I enjoyed our pear, remembering that we have two of those special trees in our back yard. Having the beans inspired me to cook the greens that were withering in the frig.......so now the condo "stinks" as Lee said. We are looking forward to this meal with a big wedge of cornbread.
We found out today that Lee is scheduled next Wednesday for another x-ray of his stomach. This time they want to evaluate how slowly or quickly his stomach empties. He will have a very busy week next week............Monday, Bronchoscopy, Wednesday, Lab and x-ray, Thursday, Gastroscopy. The next week he will have clinic and Doctor's visit on Tuesday. Hopefully, we will get the results from all.
That is it for now...............just a lazy day, waiting for Lee to "wake up"!
More Later...............................................Brenda
Thursday, October 14, 2010
meds, meds and more meds
Today has been one of those days when I have had many phone calls in regards to Lee's medication. The reason for this is because the systems are interconnected. To explain: The lung transplant coordinator calls me or Lee and informs us what the changes or additions will be. This is followed by a call from both the pharmacy and the I.V. distribution center to let us know that the medication is ready or will be delivered. Next, we get a call from the delivery person announcing a time for the delivery. Sometimes there are calls concerning the results of Lee's lab reports, or calls to schedule either a lab visit or a clinic visit or another procedural appointment. Usually all of these do not occur on the same day, however, today they did.
I am anxious to get the medications started. The I.V. antibiotic will start @ bedtime and the nebulizer (an enhaler that is operated via an electric pump) with an antibiotic will begin in the a.m. He will continue to use this once each day for the remaining time here and possibly on the return home. I know that Lee will begin to feel better within 12 hours of the medication. He seems to have a very stubborn bacterial infection. I was concerned that he may have a megalovirus and was relieved to learn today that the test for that was NEGATIVE. GOOD!
Once again, we have been on this up and down roller-coaster. First, everthing is going very well and in a matter of two or three days, Lee has slipped into a brief period of fatigue or general malaise as compared to earlier. These latest ones have been treated from the home area without hospitilization and that is a huge advantage for both of us, especially Lee. We are so glad that these latest ones are very small "bumps" in the road as compared to those in July and August.
I have to admit that I am having withdrawal from my good friends, Gloria and Veda. Both have returned home permanently but will be back in a few weeks for some procedures. We had become a support group for each other, meeting in the courtyard and discussing any and all things in our daily lives as caregivers. It was always good to compare notes and learn from each other's experiences. In addition, there were times when we each gave to the other a good strong shoulder to cry on.
I know that those good strong shoulders are also available to me when we can return to our home through our many friends, family and our wonderful neighbors. For all of those, I am eternally grateful and look forward to our homecoming.
More Later......................................Brenda
I am anxious to get the medications started. The I.V. antibiotic will start @ bedtime and the nebulizer (an enhaler that is operated via an electric pump) with an antibiotic will begin in the a.m. He will continue to use this once each day for the remaining time here and possibly on the return home. I know that Lee will begin to feel better within 12 hours of the medication. He seems to have a very stubborn bacterial infection. I was concerned that he may have a megalovirus and was relieved to learn today that the test for that was NEGATIVE. GOOD!
Once again, we have been on this up and down roller-coaster. First, everthing is going very well and in a matter of two or three days, Lee has slipped into a brief period of fatigue or general malaise as compared to earlier. These latest ones have been treated from the home area without hospitilization and that is a huge advantage for both of us, especially Lee. We are so glad that these latest ones are very small "bumps" in the road as compared to those in July and August.
I have to admit that I am having withdrawal from my good friends, Gloria and Veda. Both have returned home permanently but will be back in a few weeks for some procedures. We had become a support group for each other, meeting in the courtyard and discussing any and all things in our daily lives as caregivers. It was always good to compare notes and learn from each other's experiences. In addition, there were times when we each gave to the other a good strong shoulder to cry on.
I know that those good strong shoulders are also available to me when we can return to our home through our many friends, family and our wonderful neighbors. For all of those, I am eternally grateful and look forward to our homecoming.
More Later......................................Brenda
Wednesday, October 13, 2010
A tiring day for Lee
Our day began by getting up @ 6:00 and rushing out the door @ 8:00. This included packing Lee's morning & noon meds to include all the insulin paraphanalia. He had to be at Duke North (hospital) @ 8:30 for another chest x-ray and a barium swallow (ugh!) While he was busy drinking the "stuff" and rolling around on the table for all the incredible positions for pictures of his GI tract, I was enjoying meeting new transplant potentials and their spouses in the waiting room.
As I have shared with you before, everywhere we go, we are introduced to new people and we listen to more amazing stories. Both of the couples I met today were from Atlanta. The husband began to develop a cough about two years ago and now he not only has pulmonary fibrosis, he also has fibrosis of the liver. He is being evaluated for a bilateral lung transplant and liver transplant. He appeared to be in his late 50's or early 60's. He looked very weak and sick and his color was pale yellow. The other was the wife and she had pulmonary fibrosis. She is 65 years old and her illness also appeared suddenly like Lee's did. We have been amazed at the number of people who have IPF. It seems as though two out of three are afflicted with this condition.
After the barium swallow, we went to the clinic for Lee to have blood work and to wait for the doctor's appointment @ 1:00. We arrived at the clinic around 11:00 and just had a snack in the waiting area. Lee was so full of barium that he had no appetite. I did have to check blood sugar and give him his insulin though.
When we finally saw the doctor around 2:30, we were given some additional information. It seems that the barium swallow showed two existing conditions:
1. Esophageal motility is sluggish
2. Possible gastric stress ulcer (from the prednisone)
He was given a prescription for Reglan to help the esophagus and he is now scheduled for a gastroscopy procedure next Wednesday afternoon.
He was also placed on a new anti-rejection medication and taken off another one.
He will have to go back on the I.V. antibiotic that will begin tomorrow.
Next week will be another busy week because he also has a bronchoscopy on Monday morning.
We were told that we would most likely be able to go home BEFORE Thanksgiving. So, looks like we are here for another month.
As you can see, no one goes home until Duke feels comfortable with their ability to be in the best possible condition. For that we are indeed grateful. Lee continues to need your prayers and so do I! We are, of course, terribly disappointed by not being able to return home earlier. Thank you for your loyal and faithful prayers and support.
More Later........................................Brenda
As I have shared with you before, everywhere we go, we are introduced to new people and we listen to more amazing stories. Both of the couples I met today were from Atlanta. The husband began to develop a cough about two years ago and now he not only has pulmonary fibrosis, he also has fibrosis of the liver. He is being evaluated for a bilateral lung transplant and liver transplant. He appeared to be in his late 50's or early 60's. He looked very weak and sick and his color was pale yellow. The other was the wife and she had pulmonary fibrosis. She is 65 years old and her illness also appeared suddenly like Lee's did. We have been amazed at the number of people who have IPF. It seems as though two out of three are afflicted with this condition.
After the barium swallow, we went to the clinic for Lee to have blood work and to wait for the doctor's appointment @ 1:00. We arrived at the clinic around 11:00 and just had a snack in the waiting area. Lee was so full of barium that he had no appetite. I did have to check blood sugar and give him his insulin though.
When we finally saw the doctor around 2:30, we were given some additional information. It seems that the barium swallow showed two existing conditions:
1. Esophageal motility is sluggish
2. Possible gastric stress ulcer (from the prednisone)
He was given a prescription for Reglan to help the esophagus and he is now scheduled for a gastroscopy procedure next Wednesday afternoon.
He was also placed on a new anti-rejection medication and taken off another one.
He will have to go back on the I.V. antibiotic that will begin tomorrow.
Next week will be another busy week because he also has a bronchoscopy on Monday morning.
We were told that we would most likely be able to go home BEFORE Thanksgiving. So, looks like we are here for another month.
As you can see, no one goes home until Duke feels comfortable with their ability to be in the best possible condition. For that we are indeed grateful. Lee continues to need your prayers and so do I! We are, of course, terribly disappointed by not being able to return home earlier. Thank you for your loyal and faithful prayers and support.
More Later........................................Brenda
Tuesday, October 12, 2010
TGFM
Thank God For Margaret! She was able to go to our house, locate the forgotten computer and take it to the UPS for overnight delivery. The computer arrived today around 10:30 a.m. I believe it has now become an appendage to my body..............I felt like it had been amputated!
We had a wonderful, wonderful week-end in Vale. On Friday morning, Lee was taken by his neighbor Bill, to get his driver's license renewed. It was due in May, however, Lee was too ill at that time to get it. Now that he has his license to drive he may become more independent. So far, I am still driving. We had some time to visit with many of our neighbors, family and friends. We were not able to see everyone but we will with time. I did some grocery shopping and prepared some meals in my kitchen. It is so good to get in my kitchen...........I did find that I had already forgotten where some untensils were located!
On Friday night, Lee was able to go to his college football reunion of the championship players. When we arrived at the country club we were surprised to see so many cars. We were under the impression that it would only be Lee's college year of champions and expected to visit with approximately 40-50 people. There were probably 300 people there! Fortunately for us, most of the people stayed in the main dining room away from us allowing Lee to visit in the smaller room. He did have to walk through the large room for recognition and I was somewhat uncomfortable with the large crowd. He was only there about 10 minutes when I motioned for him to LEAVE.................as we were exiting the room, the cheerleaders (from college years) found him..............hum?! Hard to keep them away!
Saturday was busy with visits again and I was busy preparing food for a visit from Dennis and Betsy who were coming for Greg's (son) piano concert. They arrived around 3:00 and after a quick meal, we hurridly dressed and left for the concert in Lenoir. We saw many of our friends and family at the civic center. It was good to discover that our seats were in a more isolated area. Unfortunately, our seats did not allow us a good view of our son playing the piano and neither did we have good sound from the piano. The orchestra overpowered the piano. After talking to many others, particularly in the mezzinine, I was happy to learn that the sound was very good there. We were honored to be the parents of our very talented son. Tonight he is having a repeat performance in Gaffney, S.C.
Sunday was a whirlwind of busyness to prepare to return to Durham. The ride home was uneventful (especially with my driving). It was hard to leave again but good to know that our time in Durham is coming to a close.
So.............there you have it..............our week-end. We are now settled back in Durham. Tomorrow morning Lee has a Barium swallow @ 9:00, followed by clinic and to see the doctor @ 1:00. He is also scheduled for a Bronchoscopy on Monday morning. Hopefully that will determine the cause of this persistant, productive cough that insists on staying with him.
Missed you all!
More Later....................................Brenda
We had a wonderful, wonderful week-end in Vale. On Friday morning, Lee was taken by his neighbor Bill, to get his driver's license renewed. It was due in May, however, Lee was too ill at that time to get it. Now that he has his license to drive he may become more independent. So far, I am still driving. We had some time to visit with many of our neighbors, family and friends. We were not able to see everyone but we will with time. I did some grocery shopping and prepared some meals in my kitchen. It is so good to get in my kitchen...........I did find that I had already forgotten where some untensils were located!
On Friday night, Lee was able to go to his college football reunion of the championship players. When we arrived at the country club we were surprised to see so many cars. We were under the impression that it would only be Lee's college year of champions and expected to visit with approximately 40-50 people. There were probably 300 people there! Fortunately for us, most of the people stayed in the main dining room away from us allowing Lee to visit in the smaller room. He did have to walk through the large room for recognition and I was somewhat uncomfortable with the large crowd. He was only there about 10 minutes when I motioned for him to LEAVE.................as we were exiting the room, the cheerleaders (from college years) found him..............hum?! Hard to keep them away!
Saturday was busy with visits again and I was busy preparing food for a visit from Dennis and Betsy who were coming for Greg's (son) piano concert. They arrived around 3:00 and after a quick meal, we hurridly dressed and left for the concert in Lenoir. We saw many of our friends and family at the civic center. It was good to discover that our seats were in a more isolated area. Unfortunately, our seats did not allow us a good view of our son playing the piano and neither did we have good sound from the piano. The orchestra overpowered the piano. After talking to many others, particularly in the mezzinine, I was happy to learn that the sound was very good there. We were honored to be the parents of our very talented son. Tonight he is having a repeat performance in Gaffney, S.C.
Sunday was a whirlwind of busyness to prepare to return to Durham. The ride home was uneventful (especially with my driving). It was hard to leave again but good to know that our time in Durham is coming to a close.
So.............there you have it..............our week-end. We are now settled back in Durham. Tomorrow morning Lee has a Barium swallow @ 9:00, followed by clinic and to see the doctor @ 1:00. He is also scheduled for a Bronchoscopy on Monday morning. Hopefully that will determine the cause of this persistant, productive cough that insists on staying with him.
Missed you all!
More Later....................................Brenda
How to Comment
This is Julia again, filling in for Mom. I've heard many of you say that you can't figure out a way to comment on the blog post. With my computer, the following steps work. Give it a try:
Click the word "comment" at the end of the post
Type your comment in the box
Click the drop down arrow beside of the words "comment as"
Select "name/URL"
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Best wishes, and thank you for all of the love and support that you have given to my parents over this past difficult year.
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Best wishes, and thank you for all of the love and support that you have given to my parents over this past difficult year.
Monday, October 11, 2010
LEFT BEHIND
Hello bloggers! This is daughter --Julia, writing tonight's entry for Nana. In her hustle and bustle to pack from the farm and return to Durham -- she left her computer in Vale! They want you to know that they had an absolutely wonderful weekend at home, and she looks forward to "blogging" all of the details to you. They are very hopeful that their next trip home will be "for good". Then they won't have to worry any more about leaving anything behind. I believe that one of their incredible neighbors (Margaret) is going to ship the computer to Durham -- so hopefully by tomorrow night -- the blog entry will continue from Nana herself, instead of me (I'm definitely a very poor substitute). Until then...good night to all, and know that all is well. --Julia
Thursday, October 7, 2010
Edit to yesterday's post
On yesterday's blog I wrote examples of the precautions that must be taken now that Lee is ready to come home. Please allow me to be more detailed about the one concerning pregnant women:
One of the medications is for rejection. It is only a precaution to be taken around pregnant women under following circumstances:
1. THE MEDICATION IS BEING ADMINISTERED WITH THE CAPSULE BEING OPENED AND THE MEDICATION IS GIVEN UNDER THE TONGUE
2. A PREGNANT PERSON WOULD HAVE TO BE WITHIN 6 FEET OF THE PERSON TAKING THE DRUG
3. A PREGNANT PERSON MAY BE IN THE VICINITY WHILE WEARING A MASK
At this tine, Lee does NOT open the capsule and has never opened it except when in the hospital. During that time, anyone in the room had to mask.
I hope I have not alarmed you and rest assured if Lee ever has to open the capsule we will make sure it is in privacy with no one around.
Thanks,
Brenda
One of the medications is for rejection. It is only a precaution to be taken around pregnant women under following circumstances:
1. THE MEDICATION IS BEING ADMINISTERED WITH THE CAPSULE BEING OPENED AND THE MEDICATION IS GIVEN UNDER THE TONGUE
2. A PREGNANT PERSON WOULD HAVE TO BE WITHIN 6 FEET OF THE PERSON TAKING THE DRUG
3. A PREGNANT PERSON MAY BE IN THE VICINITY WHILE WEARING A MASK
At this tine, Lee does NOT open the capsule and has never opened it except when in the hospital. During that time, anyone in the room had to mask.
I hope I have not alarmed you and rest assured if Lee ever has to open the capsule we will make sure it is in privacy with no one around.
Thanks,
Brenda
Wednesday, October 6, 2010
Traveling Mercies
We are packed and ready to leave by 9:00 tomorrow! It will be so good to get home for a few days. This will be an especially good trip home because Lee is now able to do so many more things. He is so much stronger now and he is looking forward to becoming more actively involved in many of the things he did before he became ill.
Our home health nurse came by around 7:00 this evening to change the dressing on Lee's PICC line. (No, I am not allowed to do that). Anyway, we were talking about going home for a few days and as she was leaving she said, "Traveling Mercies". I did not know what she meant and she explained that in some areas, particularly in this area, it is said to wish you a "safe travel". Lee said he was familiar with the term but didn't use it and I, of course, if I had heard it, forgot it.
On the way back from the Center for the Living we talked to Julia and learned that many of our friends and family will be attending Greg's concert. We are looking forward not only to the performance but also to seeing so many of you there. Right now, Lee is planning on going. At first we thought it best to avoid the crowds but the doctor gave him a thumbs up to go. To put it in his words, "you have to continue to have a life. You just have to use good judgement and carry a mask and hand sanitizer with you. When you hear someone coughing, put the mask on and ALWAYS use the hand sanitizer after handshakes. It is best to avoid ALL HUGS and close contact." So with that in mind, we are sure whenever you are around Lee you will help us by remembering these things.
I am asking you to try not to find me a bit overbearing on the subject of "what we must do now". You have to understand that the closer we get to coming home the more I feel the responsibility to prepare everyone. We plan to continue to see our family and friends, to go to church and to attend other important events. We just have to keep "protection" always in our minds. There are so many issues that you just never think about until you are in that situation. For example: Lee cannot be around babies within three weeks of their vaccine. Babies receive "live vaccines" and there is a possibility that he could become infected just by being around the baby at that time. Some of the medication that Lee takes is dangerous for pregnant women and they should be careful when around Lee as long as he is on that medicine. This is one that he will probably be on the rest of his life.
Lee and I have had four months to adjust to accepting these standards. The post-lung transplant coordinators, doctors, therapists at the CFL are all excellent in keeping us informed and answering all questions we have. Another area of learning is in the sharing of information with other patients and their caregivers. It will take some time for everyone to adjust and then it will become normal for all.
We are anxious to leave and will leave as soon as we can tomorrow morning. Our plans are to try to be in Vale by 1-2:00.
Traveling Mercies.........
More Later................................................Brenda
Our home health nurse came by around 7:00 this evening to change the dressing on Lee's PICC line. (No, I am not allowed to do that). Anyway, we were talking about going home for a few days and as she was leaving she said, "Traveling Mercies". I did not know what she meant and she explained that in some areas, particularly in this area, it is said to wish you a "safe travel". Lee said he was familiar with the term but didn't use it and I, of course, if I had heard it, forgot it.
On the way back from the Center for the Living we talked to Julia and learned that many of our friends and family will be attending Greg's concert. We are looking forward not only to the performance but also to seeing so many of you there. Right now, Lee is planning on going. At first we thought it best to avoid the crowds but the doctor gave him a thumbs up to go. To put it in his words, "you have to continue to have a life. You just have to use good judgement and carry a mask and hand sanitizer with you. When you hear someone coughing, put the mask on and ALWAYS use the hand sanitizer after handshakes. It is best to avoid ALL HUGS and close contact." So with that in mind, we are sure whenever you are around Lee you will help us by remembering these things.
I am asking you to try not to find me a bit overbearing on the subject of "what we must do now". You have to understand that the closer we get to coming home the more I feel the responsibility to prepare everyone. We plan to continue to see our family and friends, to go to church and to attend other important events. We just have to keep "protection" always in our minds. There are so many issues that you just never think about until you are in that situation. For example: Lee cannot be around babies within three weeks of their vaccine. Babies receive "live vaccines" and there is a possibility that he could become infected just by being around the baby at that time. Some of the medication that Lee takes is dangerous for pregnant women and they should be careful when around Lee as long as he is on that medicine. This is one that he will probably be on the rest of his life.
Lee and I have had four months to adjust to accepting these standards. The post-lung transplant coordinators, doctors, therapists at the CFL are all excellent in keeping us informed and answering all questions we have. Another area of learning is in the sharing of information with other patients and their caregivers. It will take some time for everyone to adjust and then it will become normal for all.
We are anxious to leave and will leave as soon as we can tomorrow morning. Our plans are to try to be in Vale by 1-2:00.
Traveling Mercies.........
More Later................................................Brenda
Tuesday, October 5, 2010
Departures
It seems as though all the people who had their lung surgery about the same time as Lee have received their discharge notices and may return home! This is such good news because we are anticipating the same news when we have our next clinic appointment on October 13.
Our neighbors, Jerry and Gloria from Wilmington, Veda and Nancy from Oak Island, Larry and Martha from Georgia and others are now either at home or will be leaving during the next two to three days. Those who have resided here at Duke Towers along with us for the past four months will surely be missed. It will be sad to part, but so good to be going home! We are very happy for all of them and look forward to October 13 to see what the doctor says. He did tell us that if everything remained the same and there were no changes that Lee would probably be discharged then.
Today has been a very busy day....................especially for me. I don't think I have stopped for longer than five minutes since getting up this morning. There was much to do this morning and after I dropped Lee off at the Center for Living I had many errands to run. By the time I finished, it was time to return to the CFL, then back to the condo........supper to prepare, etc............................Finished in time to see who has to leave "Dancing with the Stars". Lee and I usually have "bets" on who stays or who goes. I love to watch it for the dancing................wonder what Lee watches it for?! Of Course!
At any rate, it is one that we usually follow to the end. Good to have some entertainment.
Lee continues to improve. Today he increased his laps by two................He is now walking 7 laps in addition to all the other activities. He has done so well that he was able to have a treat of sister Lennie's pound cake for his snack at the Living Center. Of course his blood sugar was over 200, but we just adjusted the insulin. After all, he needs to gain weight and what better way than with his favorite dessert!
We are so excited about leaving for home over the 8th, 9th and 10th. If you do not have a blog to read on Thursday, Friday, Saturday or Sunday.....................I will return on Sunday night.
More Later..........................................Brenda
Our neighbors, Jerry and Gloria from Wilmington, Veda and Nancy from Oak Island, Larry and Martha from Georgia and others are now either at home or will be leaving during the next two to three days. Those who have resided here at Duke Towers along with us for the past four months will surely be missed. It will be sad to part, but so good to be going home! We are very happy for all of them and look forward to October 13 to see what the doctor says. He did tell us that if everything remained the same and there were no changes that Lee would probably be discharged then.
Today has been a very busy day....................especially for me. I don't think I have stopped for longer than five minutes since getting up this morning. There was much to do this morning and after I dropped Lee off at the Center for Living I had many errands to run. By the time I finished, it was time to return to the CFL, then back to the condo........supper to prepare, etc............................Finished in time to see who has to leave "Dancing with the Stars". Lee and I usually have "bets" on who stays or who goes. I love to watch it for the dancing................wonder what Lee watches it for?! Of Course!
At any rate, it is one that we usually follow to the end. Good to have some entertainment.
Lee continues to improve. Today he increased his laps by two................He is now walking 7 laps in addition to all the other activities. He has done so well that he was able to have a treat of sister Lennie's pound cake for his snack at the Living Center. Of course his blood sugar was over 200, but we just adjusted the insulin. After all, he needs to gain weight and what better way than with his favorite dessert!
We are so excited about leaving for home over the 8th, 9th and 10th. If you do not have a blog to read on Thursday, Friday, Saturday or Sunday.....................I will return on Sunday night.
More Later..........................................Brenda
Monday, October 4, 2010
....Mostly Monday
In trying to describe today I asked Lee for a description of today..............since neither of us could really find a "catchy" phrase, we just decided it was mostly Monday.
I suppose by that we mean that:
1. We had to get out of bed a little earlier
2. There is always a busier schedule to begin the week
3. We are a little slower getting started than on the previous Friday or other week-days
4. We must be honest and admit.......some laziness
The good thing about Monday is that the weather here has been phenomenal! Crisp, clear mornings and temperature high was 68 degrees. After leaving Lee at the Center for the Living, I came back the condo and decided to read for a while. I have some really good books that I ordered from Barnes & Noble and today was the perfect time. I must have dozed off after the first page! Had a good 2 hours of rest!
When I returned to pick up Lee @ 4:00, he had finished a little early (this is good as it means he can now move through all the exercises faster). He was able to walk an extra lap today in addition to all the other exercises. He did seem a little more tired. Mondays are harder because he is not able to continue the intensive workout over the week-ends. Walking alone is not quite enough to maintain the strength and endurance that he acquires at the CFL.
Needless to say, within thirty minutes after returning to the condo, Lee was fast asleep in his recliner. He had a light snack of ICE CREAM first and was eager to relax for a while. Even though the ice cream was both sugar free and fat free, his blood sugar prior to supper was a whopping 200 +!
So, as you can see, it was just an uneventful day. How wonderful it is to have a day again that is just that...............a normal, mostly day. No high drama, no emergencies, it was Mostly Monday.
More Later.................................................Brenda
I suppose by that we mean that:
1. We had to get out of bed a little earlier
2. There is always a busier schedule to begin the week
3. We are a little slower getting started than on the previous Friday or other week-days
4. We must be honest and admit.......some laziness
The good thing about Monday is that the weather here has been phenomenal! Crisp, clear mornings and temperature high was 68 degrees. After leaving Lee at the Center for the Living, I came back the condo and decided to read for a while. I have some really good books that I ordered from Barnes & Noble and today was the perfect time. I must have dozed off after the first page! Had a good 2 hours of rest!
When I returned to pick up Lee @ 4:00, he had finished a little early (this is good as it means he can now move through all the exercises faster). He was able to walk an extra lap today in addition to all the other exercises. He did seem a little more tired. Mondays are harder because he is not able to continue the intensive workout over the week-ends. Walking alone is not quite enough to maintain the strength and endurance that he acquires at the CFL.
Needless to say, within thirty minutes after returning to the condo, Lee was fast asleep in his recliner. He had a light snack of ICE CREAM first and was eager to relax for a while. Even though the ice cream was both sugar free and fat free, his blood sugar prior to supper was a whopping 200 +!
So, as you can see, it was just an uneventful day. How wonderful it is to have a day again that is just that...............a normal, mostly day. No high drama, no emergencies, it was Mostly Monday.
More Later.................................................Brenda
Sunday, October 3, 2010
Happiness & Sadness
Another good day today! We were able to "visit" our church in Lincolnton via DVD today and were surprised to learn that our good friend Sonny H. was hospitilized @ Presbyterian in Charlotte. At the time, we did not know the circumstances.
Dennis and Betsy dropped by after going to church @ Duke chapel. We followed them to Raleigh to visit Roger and Genice.
Lee was able to walk at all times WITHOUT the assistance of his rolator! We had it in the car but he did not use it at all. That was so good!!!!!! He amazes me at the progress he continues to make. We had a delicious lunch, however; between the main course and prior to having Genices's famous cheesecake, I gave Lee his I.V. medication. In my excitement upon arriving at their beautiful home, I forgot to administer the medication that was due at that time. It isn't often that one interrupts everyone's meal with an I.V. administered at the table! (we may never get invited back!).
All in all, it was a good afternoon. We celebrated Dennis's birthday (which is tomorrow) and I am sure I am forgiven for the poor timing of the I.V. We were back at the condo by 4:00 and Lee watched the end of the Panther's game and part of another while I visited my friends here at the condo. While I was outside in the courtyard, Lee walked and also visited some of our neighbors here. It is good to watch his independence and his confidence returning.
When I checked my voice mail later, we were saddened to learn that our good friend Sonny H. had died the previous Thurs. or Friday and his funeral was today. We will remember his dear wife Evy in our prayers tonight. We are saddened that we could not be there for her.
So life goes on, doesn't it? Some days are filled with joy and others with some sadness entwined. Today was one of those days....................happiness with the visit with family members and sadness for losing a friend.
More Later................................................Brenda
Dennis and Betsy dropped by after going to church @ Duke chapel. We followed them to Raleigh to visit Roger and Genice.
Lee was able to walk at all times WITHOUT the assistance of his rolator! We had it in the car but he did not use it at all. That was so good!!!!!! He amazes me at the progress he continues to make. We had a delicious lunch, however; between the main course and prior to having Genices's famous cheesecake, I gave Lee his I.V. medication. In my excitement upon arriving at their beautiful home, I forgot to administer the medication that was due at that time. It isn't often that one interrupts everyone's meal with an I.V. administered at the table! (we may never get invited back!).
All in all, it was a good afternoon. We celebrated Dennis's birthday (which is tomorrow) and I am sure I am forgiven for the poor timing of the I.V. We were back at the condo by 4:00 and Lee watched the end of the Panther's game and part of another while I visited my friends here at the condo. While I was outside in the courtyard, Lee walked and also visited some of our neighbors here. It is good to watch his independence and his confidence returning.
When I checked my voice mail later, we were saddened to learn that our good friend Sonny H. had died the previous Thurs. or Friday and his funeral was today. We will remember his dear wife Evy in our prayers tonight. We are saddened that we could not be there for her.
So life goes on, doesn't it? Some days are filled with joy and others with some sadness entwined. Today was one of those days....................happiness with the visit with family members and sadness for losing a friend.
More Later................................................Brenda
Saturday, October 2, 2010
Walk, Walk and more Walk
Lee has done a lot of walking today! Since the doctor told him this past Wednesday that he could go home whenever he started "burning up the track" at the Center for Living, he has been walking around the walkway here at the condo. Of course having this wonderful cool weather has also been an inspiration to get outside and walk. Lee walked this morning and was gone for so long that I went outside to check on him. He was across the courtyard toward the back visiting with one of our neighbors. It is so good to watch him go about independently now. He leaves the condo WITHOUT ME, and walks and visits. That gives you some idea of how improved he has become in these past two weeks.
This afternoon we, along with our neighbors, Jerry and Gloria, rode to one of the shopping areas. This one was North Pointe. It is a small shopping area but had lots of good walking areas outside. Lee and Jerry walked while Gloria and I shopped at Bed, Bath and Beyond, Ross, and the Dollar Tree. The boys were able to enjoy each other's company and the girls were able to shop, shop, shop. Gloria and I laughed because mostly we just looked. We could not buy anything because our condos are so small that we do not have the storage space! A good way to curb spending is to live in small places!
Lee and I are doing well with the new antibiotic. I am doing well because it works very well around a good sleep schedule for the night. Lee is responding very well and seems to be feeling so much better. Before he began this new antibiotic he was coughing constantly in the mornings and had a productive cough. He even coughed off and on throughout the day. Within 12 hours of the 1st and 2nd doses of this drug, he began to stop coughing and he began to feel so much better. His appetite has improved and he has actually gained 4 pounds! I believe the infection was pulling him down. I still do not understand why it took so long to determine which antibiotic he was sensitive to. Six weeks is a long time to continue along with a lung infection.
We are excited to be getting ready to return home for a few days next week. Lee is planning to go to his football reunion for a couple of hours on Friday night. I have already given him the lecture on the "wearing of his mask" and to remember the purell hand sanitizer after handshakes. We have tried to encourage everyone to use "knukle bumps" instead of hand shakes. I try to remind everyone to remember NO HUGS & KISSES ( even though Lee will surely miss those from the Ladies)! We must all work together to try to prevent Lee from getting a lung infection again.
I am looking forward to Greg's concert on Saturday night........................hope to see some of you there!
It will be good to come home for a few days and eventually for good.
More Later................................................Brenda
This afternoon we, along with our neighbors, Jerry and Gloria, rode to one of the shopping areas. This one was North Pointe. It is a small shopping area but had lots of good walking areas outside. Lee and Jerry walked while Gloria and I shopped at Bed, Bath and Beyond, Ross, and the Dollar Tree. The boys were able to enjoy each other's company and the girls were able to shop, shop, shop. Gloria and I laughed because mostly we just looked. We could not buy anything because our condos are so small that we do not have the storage space! A good way to curb spending is to live in small places!
Lee and I are doing well with the new antibiotic. I am doing well because it works very well around a good sleep schedule for the night. Lee is responding very well and seems to be feeling so much better. Before he began this new antibiotic he was coughing constantly in the mornings and had a productive cough. He even coughed off and on throughout the day. Within 12 hours of the 1st and 2nd doses of this drug, he began to stop coughing and he began to feel so much better. His appetite has improved and he has actually gained 4 pounds! I believe the infection was pulling him down. I still do not understand why it took so long to determine which antibiotic he was sensitive to. Six weeks is a long time to continue along with a lung infection.
We are excited to be getting ready to return home for a few days next week. Lee is planning to go to his football reunion for a couple of hours on Friday night. I have already given him the lecture on the "wearing of his mask" and to remember the purell hand sanitizer after handshakes. We have tried to encourage everyone to use "knukle bumps" instead of hand shakes. I try to remind everyone to remember NO HUGS & KISSES ( even though Lee will surely miss those from the Ladies)! We must all work together to try to prevent Lee from getting a lung infection again.
I am looking forward to Greg's concert on Saturday night........................hope to see some of you there!
It will be good to come home for a few days and eventually for good.
More Later................................................Brenda
Friday, October 1, 2010
Our Thankful Hearts
This morning while Lee and I were watching The Morning Show we were able to see two families share their experience with a transplant. This particular program involved a heart transplant. The donor heart came from a 13 year-old daughter who had a skiing accident and was declared brain dead. The recipient was a 32 year-old mother of two who was dying of heart disease. Through a series of coincidinces and leads they were brought together. The mother of the child's donor heart listened to her child's heartbeat in the recipient. It was an extraodinary moment.
As we watched we were both moved to tears realizing once again this tremendous gift that was given to Lee. Without the donor lung, Lee would have died. The doctors have told us that he would not have lived through the Summer. As I type this blog, I look across the room at my husband who appears to be healthy and normal. He is now able to walk greater distances without the help of the rolator and even has a slight spring in his step. As he is sitting there, he is enjoying breaths of air that now enter the new lung without any struggle whatsoever. His color is nice and pink and he is now the picture of health. How grateful I am to the family of the donor lung! It is with thankful hearts that we offer this prayer of thanksgiving for the skill of the surgeons, the compassion of the caregivers both in the hospital and the clinic and for all our friends and family for accompanying us on this journey. Most of all, we thank the family of the donor lung for their generiosity in making a decision to help others during their own time of grief and sorrow.
The weather promises to be cool and lovely over the week-end. Tomorrow we plan to do a lot of walking practice and on Sunday we are looking forward to visiting neice, Genice and husband Roger for lunch in Raleigh. Dennis and Betsy plan to join us there. It is always a treat to be able to go places again.
We wish you all a wonderful Autumn week-end. Enjoy this lovely weather!
More Later..................................Brenda
As we watched we were both moved to tears realizing once again this tremendous gift that was given to Lee. Without the donor lung, Lee would have died. The doctors have told us that he would not have lived through the Summer. As I type this blog, I look across the room at my husband who appears to be healthy and normal. He is now able to walk greater distances without the help of the rolator and even has a slight spring in his step. As he is sitting there, he is enjoying breaths of air that now enter the new lung without any struggle whatsoever. His color is nice and pink and he is now the picture of health. How grateful I am to the family of the donor lung! It is with thankful hearts that we offer this prayer of thanksgiving for the skill of the surgeons, the compassion of the caregivers both in the hospital and the clinic and for all our friends and family for accompanying us on this journey. Most of all, we thank the family of the donor lung for their generiosity in making a decision to help others during their own time of grief and sorrow.
The weather promises to be cool and lovely over the week-end. Tomorrow we plan to do a lot of walking practice and on Sunday we are looking forward to visiting neice, Genice and husband Roger for lunch in Raleigh. Dennis and Betsy plan to join us there. It is always a treat to be able to go places again.
We wish you all a wonderful Autumn week-end. Enjoy this lovely weather!
More Later..................................Brenda
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