Autumn @ Home

As I gaze out my window, the signs of autumn surround me.  Some of the trees have shed most of their leaves and others are beginning to turn the golden color. The maple trees are so wonderful in their contribution to the canvas of color.  It is so good to be home this time of the year.  Earlier this his morning, the air was fresh at 58 degrees, now,  the sun is up, and everywhere I look there is a sense of the beauty of this earth.  What a blessing to find so much beauty to lift us up when we have the bumps in the road.

Lee is doing better each day.  I would liken the recovery from the RATG treatment as to recovering from the flu.  It did sap his energy, and he is having to work to get back the strength he had before the treatment.  He has not returned to his rehab sessions this week which is, probably just as well because of the lowered immune system right now.  He will return next week if all goes well.

Lee continues to have a high potassium blood count and we have tried diligently over this past year to adjust his meals around a potassium free or a low potassium diet.  That is very hard to do, but we have managed.  He has had almost no tomatoes, potatoes, dark green veggies, many fruits ( particularly citrus), dried beans and peas, and the list goes on to include good things like melons.  I talked to the doctor about this and he did concede that it is caused by his medication for rejection.  He said to allow some of these foods, space them apart and to watch the proportions.

As you can see, each day is a challenge.  Lee's status can change in a 24 hour period.  We are grateful for each good day he has and we try hard to be alert to any changes that will created a problem.  It is so good to know that Duke is immediately available via phone and only 3 hours drive.  It is comforting and reassuring to know that whatever the problem, they will aggresively try to resolve the situation.

I have been in touch with many of our transplant aquaintances via e-mail.  It is good to have the support group that we met while in Durham.  Having these conversations helps us to be prepared for any changes that may occur and how the problems are being resolved.  There are times when we don't get good news, but sad news, and that of course, makes us face the reality we face on a daily basis.

Good to be back with you bloggers.......thanks for being there to listen and for allowing me to unload some of my concerns.......

More Later........................................Brenda