Whew!!!

Okay, a collective deep breath! Turns out, it's only a cold! A narrow escape from U of A hospital yesterday. Donovan slept almost around the clock, slept most of the trip to Edmonton, then awoke feeling soooo much better, and looking tons better too, I might add, despite our early appointment time. The main thing was his throat being much less sore, so he could actually do his "blows". The pulmonary function tests indicated that his lungs were still fine, 90% in fact, down only 1% from last time.

On checking in with x-ray, they were able to do his CT scan at the same time, instead of having to wait till his 1 pm appointment, so that was a bonus. His CT was again improved, but that nasty little fungus isn't all gone. So the inhalation treatments continue, but we can handle that, for now. The drug takes 15 or so mins. to complete, and is irritating on the throat. The dr. says that at this point, 3 months after the start of treatment, it is difficult to say what is fungus on the pictures, and what is scarring from the infection. Even though there will be scarring, the "proof is in the pudding" when the breathing tests show Donovan's lungs to still be 90%, while fighting a cold!!! I think we can live with that!

As for Donovan's incredible "Shrinking" act....losing 1-2 lbs./week, they took him off one drug, and want to wait and see....there is a drug he could take to stimulate his appetite, but they are reluctant to start it yet. So, we'll keep an eye on the scale, and keep passing the plate to Donovan, who celebrated yesterday's great appointment with a Double Whopper! Hopefully this will turn around for him, and the numbers will go up!

We're 'kicked out' for 6 weeks now...so if we're back before then, it's strictly for "cuddling" reasons...our adorable little Elijah, and of course, his parents!!!

We made our way to Katie's house after visiting with the docs, and attended a baby shower at her church. Elijah tolerated all the passing around until the very end, when he displayed his great lung capacity for one and all to hear!!! A little overtired, I think. He's grown some since we last saw him, but sure hasn't outgrown the ability to charm one and all! We also had the pleasure of meeting lots of Katie's inlaws, and realizing just how loved they and their baby are!

Well, off to Leduc (Katie's) for more Nana-time, and also to the mall to shop with Amy. The weekend goes entirely too fast...we hit the road for home tomorrow.

Enjoy our wonderful break in weather...surely spring is coming, and thank-you for your prayers and part in our narrow escape from hospital!

love,
Beth

Life on a Tightrope...

Walking a tightrope is sometimes how I feel what life is like post-transplant....and on days like today, it gets a little scary.....

Donovan began to complain of a sore throat on Tuesday. Yesterday was better, today he is definitely sick. The most concerning part of this is the colored mucus he is coughing up from his lungs, and the pain on coughing. His throat is much more sore. Good thing we have an appointment with the docs in Edmonton tomorrow. This is our first illness (other than the fungus) since transplant, and the unknown is always intimidating and anxiety provoking.

So, we are packing up and heading out. We can expect a bronchoscopy, a CT scan, bloodwork, pulmonary function tests, etc. etc. We can also expect a hospital stay and IV drugs for a couple of weeks if this is a bacterial infection....I hope not, but I'm being realistic.

I would ask you to please pray that this infection is only viral, that it responds quickly, and does no damage to Donovan's precious lungs!!!

We also have a baby shower for our new little Elijah, tomorrow night at Katie's church. I sincerely hope we are able to attend (Amy & I anyway...)

I will update here as we figure out what the plan is. Laurier has begun yr. 2 of his journeyman's (carpentry) course this week, so is up to his eyeballs with schoolwork for the next 2 months. He is coming with us, but has to be back Monday....life is never dull it seems.

Thank you all for your love & support,

Beth