Arrived at Oak Island yesterday afternoon after the usual five-hour journey from Vale. We were both excited to be able to finally be with our families for an extended time of two weeks. As we were discussing only recently, "maybe this Summer will be without those many trips to Duke!" Our optimism was without caution.
After reading my last blog written on June 24 in celebration of Lee's five-year victory, I realized that we are guilty of becoming complacent at times, and are temporarily drawn into a feeling of what is "Normal" for most everyone we know. Whenever Lee has good days with a surge of energy, it becomes easy to overlook the rules. It becomes alright to attend a large gathering, or it is O.K. right now because there is no flu, etc. We forget and give hugs to those we greet. It will be fine for Lee to enjoy his garden, after all, how can a small amount of time in a place he enjoys create harm? The temptation for both of us is too great! We break one rule and all is fine. We receive a great report from Duke and we drop another rule or two. We rationalize by saying, "Isn't this why he got the lung, so he could enjoy his life?"
On our way to the beach yesterday, we received a call from the pulmonary department at Duke. It seems that one of the cultures from the bronchoscopy on June 19th, after being incubated for 21 days is positive for a bacteria that requires treatment. No, the treatment cannot wait until after our two weeks at the beach. The answer was that the treatment would have to begin next week.
On Thursday, July 9, Lee will have a Pic-line inserted into his arm for him to begin receiving I.V. antibiotics that can be administered at home. We will learn how long this treatment will take after the visit next week. The good news is that it is in the beginning stage and perhaps can be stopped with this treatment. Where did this bacteria come from? It is everywhere; in the soil and water, in the dust of the air. To those of us with a normal functioning immune system it is harmless, but to a transplant recipient with a lowered immune system it is dangerous. It is not contagious from person to person, and is only bad for the person who has no immunity.
The plan is to leave from the beach house for the appointment (possibly a 2-night stay) , return to the beach on Friday, enjoy the last of the week with one family and look forward to the other half of the family arriving next week. We also understand that this could change. We may have to return to Vale to begin the new treatments.
Now you understand why a normal day is special to us. Maybe we will have some more when this treatment passes. We thank you for being there, even in the absence of my staying faithful to this blog. It is comforting to know as you sometimes remind me when I see you, that you still follow my blog. Thank you, and thank you for your prayers.
More Later................................................................Brenda
