A Busy Week!

It has been a busy week for both of us.  I suppose that explains my tardiness in sending out this blog.

Lee had another treatment this past Monday, at which time he did get two of the treatment medications. Fortunately his platelet count was adequate ( still a little low at 163), but not too low for the chemo drugs.

I have been amazed at the ability of his body to adjust to these strong and toxic medications.  Over the years we have heard the depressing stories of extreme nausea, fatigue and changes in platelet, white and red blood cells and hemoglobin.   At this stage of the treatment, Lee has had very little nausea.  During the first two days he may feel a little indigestion at which time he will take the anti-nausea medication and within a short while is relieved.  He has now learned to deal with the fatigue that settles in around the third day and lasts three-to four days.  He works very hard to keep active and not give into his desire to settle into the recliner and sleep.  He was told to keep moving as much as possible during hose days.  It seems to be working in his favor.

He is enjoying having grandson John home from State for the summer.  John and his family live next door and conveniently close for their partnership in various chores each has planned for John's time here.  This has been a great motivator for Lee to get up earlier in the mornings to meet with John and begin to tackle these tasks.  Yesterday they spent the day doing several power-washing chores.  Today they plan to work with John's carpentry.  He loves to build furniture and has promised his sister he will build her a kitchen table to her specifications..  He is showing surprising talent in this field.

We are now approaching the busy month of June. May is ending with birthdays for Lee, Chris L. and Chris K.  Michaela graduated from UNC Chapel Hill and is now back home with parents in Morganton.  She is eager to begin her Masters program at Lenoir Rhyne.  June begins with birthdays, high school graduations, Father's day and the beginning of beach time for our family.  This is also the month that Lee will celebrate his eighth year with the donor lung.  Yes!  Eight years on June 23!

Even though there have been multiple complications these past eight years, such as rejection, lung infections, atrial fibrillation and now cancer, there have also been many blessed times when we have been so grateful to have Lee with us.  As a family we continue to depend on his expertise in so many ways.  He is the person we all turn to as the "fixer".  Nothing stays broken if Lee is here.  He is also the person we consult in serious decision-making because we have learned that he does not make an irrational or impulsive decision.  His forethought and loving insights have been depended upon by all of us.

This week we received a gift from one of our transplant couples..  We met them during the early weeks of Lee's transplant, and have remained close friends these past eight years.  The gift was a "Blessings Jar."  We are to write down our daily blessings and put them on the enclosed small card into the jar.  It is a reminder that in spite of another "bump in the road", there are always blessings along the way.

Thank you dear friends for that reminder, your friendship and love is another blessing that goes into the Blessing Jar!


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