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We departed the beach early yesterday morning, had breakfast @ Bojangles and was on the road by 8:00 a.m.  Lee drove all the way and each time I offered to drive, he reminded me that he was fine.  The trip home was somewhat eventful because we passed an accident  near Lumberton and a traffic jam on I-85 near Gastonia.  Other than that we were able to arrive home by 1:30 after stopping for a few groceries and subway for lunch.

Lee's cough from the bronchoscopy Oct. 20th has finally subsided.  I called his lung transplant nurse last Thursday and she was able to get a prescription order from the doctor for an antibiotic.  Within 24 hours, the cough was beginning to wane.  He seems to be fine now and will continue the antibiotic until the 10 days have been completed.  I believe his lung was inflammed from the biopsy, and it had not healed.  He had begun to run a low grade fever. 

Unfortunately, he has had a complication from his fishing day last week.  It seems that the constant throwing out the line and reeling with his right arm and shoulder has caused extreme discomfort.  He gets some temporary relief from "icy hot" patches, but is not able to use his right arm with shoulder movement without experiencing the pain. This is the same shoulder that has the prosthesis that he had in 2006.  We are hoping he did not tear a muscle. This morning he has gone to his family doctor to have his labs done and will talk to him about the shoulder.  His plan is to go to rehab and at least get his leg exercise in today. 

He has been given  a new anti-rejection drug that he must take twice a day.  This is in addition to the ones he has been on during this past year.  We are suspicious that it is draining some of his energy that he had prior to the last visit to Duke.  There are several types of drugs that may be used, but Lee has at some time during this past year tried them all with adverse effects, such as low blood pressure or debilitating fatigue.  This is one of the last to try and since he had rejection, they really want him to stay with it.  Unfortunately, it saps his energy.

It is good to know that you are still there as our friends and family, reading the blog and caring about what is happening in our lives.  We love hearing from you with all your comments.  Doug, I know your Dad will be happy when he can share some days of golf with you.  Dennis & Betsy, thanks for your counseling on my behalf and all that you do for us when we visit Durham.  We had such a good visit over your "early" Thanksgiving meal and enjoyed the take-home food at the beach.

So, there you have it.  The good, the bad, the ugly....................We are focusing only on the good because Lee and I believe that is the key to his success.  How fortunate we are to have family and friends who never give up on us and continue to send prayers and good wishes our way! Good news is that we are home, looking forward to the holidays, family visits,  and all the good times ahead.  We wish you the Good, also.

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