Duke Visit Jan.31, 2017

We finally made the Duke visit that was previously scheduled for December 17, 2016 for Lee's semi-annual clinic visit with the transplant doctor.  That visit had to be canceled because he had to schedule another surgical procedure at Duke on December 16.  That procedure was for another skin graft to his frontal and central area of his scalp due to another large squamous cell cancer that grew rapidly. He was rescheduled for post-op visit and for the previously cancelled transplant appointment on January 9th, which as you recall, we had snow; therefore another cancellation and reschedule!

We were able to catch-up on all labs, respiratory function tests, chest x-ray, and a post-op visit with the plastic surgeon.  I am happy to report that he had excellent results from all tests, and the plastic surgeon was so delighted with his good healing that she dismissed him except for any further necessary procedures (which we are hoping to avoid)!.  Even though we had to get up @ 5:00 a.m. and travel three hours to meet the 10.00 schedule, it was a wonderful day.  We had a cool, but sunny day to travel and arrived back home around 5:30 p.m.  We decided to celebrate by stopping by the Krispy Kreme on the way home!  Our clandestine purchase was quickly discovered when daughter Julia happened to phone as we were placing our order for one dozen fresh, hot doughnuts!

It is hard to explain to those who have not experienced long episodes or interventions of time filled with unexpected medical complications that are a part of the recovering process for those having a lung transplant.  We have discovered the importance and the sheer luxury of having normal days.  These have been counterbalanced with the not so normal days when we must once again fall back into the old patterns of tests, new diagnosis, treatment and the discouraging days that follow while watching our loved one once again struggle to get back to where they were prior to the present affliction.,

Clinic days sometimes provide opportunities for meeting "colleagues" or those who have similar histories.  This usually occurs whenever a conversation begins in the waiting area such as the one we had yesterday when we chose to pass an hour for lunch in a small alcove seating area off the main hallway.  While we were eating our packed- lunch sandwiches, I remarked to the couple seated directly across from us that I had learned to pack for the day when coming to the clinic.  She answered in agreement and soon we were exchanging histories between the four of us.  This is what we learned:
1.  He had a lung transplant 8 years ago @ Duke
2.  His last name is same as ours, only spelled differently
3.  They live approximately 20 miles from us

It is always encouraging to meet another who has a good post-lung transplant record.  The two men were able to compare notes, and when we departed, we felt we had been in the presence of another support team.  It is always good for Lee to see that life goes on, and that we do not need to think any differently about his livelihood or his statistically expected length of survival!  Fortunately, we have learned to put that behind us and live as we would before the transplant, with a few added precautions!

So..............................it was good to have a normal clinic day!...........Good to meet some new friends.....................and good to be able to eat Krispie Kreme doughnuts without feeling guilty!


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