Concerned

This past week has been filled with correspondence from one of our close lung-transplant buddies and his wife.  We are filled with concern because he has recently been given the diagnosis of Leukemia.

When we relocated to Durham in 2010, we formed some close bonds with four other couples.  All of the spouses (husbands) spent many weeks together at the Center for Living in preparation for the transplants and many weeks following the transplants.  We, the wives, along with our husbands, became a strong support group and have managed for the past two years to get together for five or six days at our beach house for a wonderful reunion and celebration of life.  Lee and I have been planning our third reunion-celebration for May 2013, and were disturbed to learn that one of our group is seriously ill.

They are both in Durham and many tests have been done during the past week.  Unfortunately, he has a rare type of leukemia and one that is difficult to treat.  Already on immunosuppressant drugs and a host of others do not make it any easier to treat.  Currently, we are waiting to hear his prognosis and type of treatment.

I guess on the positive side, this couple has made excellent use of their time since the transplant.  They have been able to travel extensively, having just completed a trip to the Holy Land prior to Christmas 2012.  So many of the items on their "bucket list" have been completed, and for that, we are truly grateful.

I am sharing this story with you so you will understand how fragile lives are for any post lung- transplant recipient.  We are aware each day as Lee consumes his 20-30 pills, that even though they keep him out of rejection, they are weakening his kidneys.  In addition, the medications change the blood cells and their production.  One of his most potent medications, Prograef or tacrolimus, is so strong that a level must be checked periodically.  The level must be maintained in his blood between a 4-6 point deviance.  A drop or an elevation can create either rejection or kidney damage.  That is why we deligently have these blood levels checked each month and more frequently if they begin to deviate either way.

In addition, even though the medications allow Lee to lead a more normal lifestyle, he continues to struggle on a daily basis with strength issues, and more recently has begun having some periodic episodes of ligament, joint and muscle pain in various areas of his body.  Again, we are not sure if this is medication or as he says " Honey, I am just getting old!".

All in all, he does very well and I was delighted yesterday as I watched him from my vantage point at the kitchen window.  He was happily working in his orchard, pruning trees in anticipation of a bountiful Summer.  In addition, he has been attending meetings and as the once president of his high school class, is planning a reunion in late Summer.  He is a busy fellow!

Yes, the story of our friend is our concern too.  We continue to stay in touch, to pray for them and for guidance in their decisions during the remainder of this week.  I have learned that the reality of this age is that we must accept losses, and with the loss, the pain.

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