It's been a while since I sat to chronicle the happenings in our life. And there are a few things to mention...
First of all, Donovan has been well, and we are always happy to mention that. He's been working hard since his checkup two weeks ago...exercising, taking his meds and eating!!! The only trial he has experienced has been his weight loss. His blood sugars tend to trend downward rather drastically after his morning exercise session and we think that his metabolism is revving too high, burning far too many calories and resulting in weight loss. He can't seem to keep up with his body's need for fuel to be stored for later...just the opposite of my problem!!! He has lost a few pounds since the IV treatment of his fungus and the effect it had on his appetite..so we'd like to see this turn around. We are awaiting an appointment with a diabetic specialist and will hopefully sort this out.
And...we are very happy to announce we are now grandparents to Elijah Kurtis Drader, son of our daughter Katie and her husband Kurtis, born February 18,2009 at 6:10 pm, weighing in at 7lbs 9oz. He is off the charts on the cuteness scale but we are a little biased. He has a full head of dark brown hair, and large eyes, wide open from birth as if to say, "what's all the fuss about?" There was a little floor-pacing on the part of a certain Grandma during the whole birthing process...which was over 24 hrs. from start to finish, but he arrived none the worse for wear, which is more than can be said for that certain grandparent. What an exhausting process!
Katie & Kurtis took their little boy home less than a day after birth, and he's been ruling the roost since. They're both a little on the tired side, but did manage to go to church just 3 days later, so I think they're doing all right. Elijah's arrival gives us one very good reason to make the trek to Edmonton a little more frequently!!! What a tremendous blessing, for which we are so thankful. Uncle Donovan was on hand, camera flashing constantly to take in the first hours of the little guy's life. We managed to get in a few days of cuddling before having to return home for less exciting things like work and school. Thank goodness once again for the technology of Skype, which will hopefully keep us closely connected between in-the-flesh visits! We have another appointment with the transplant docs on March 10, so we hope to make a few days visit and take in some baby cuddling again.
This has certainly been a season of extreme emotions for us. Marveling at baby Elijah's perfect fingers and tiny toes, his round, pink cheeks, the velvet of his newborn skin with its intoxicating scent brings home the knowledge that he is God's masterpeice, as are we all.
The tears flow freely with gratitude that Donovan is alive to meet his little nephew and see the circle of life complete in this next generation. Our double-lung miracle will be revisited each time a milestone occurs in our lives, the welcoming of a new family member, the blowing out of next birthday's candles, greeting each season in its turn...for these things we utter a prayer of thanksgiving and realize the sanctity and preciousness of life, the privilege of an unbroken family tree, gratitude for a new little bud.
Winter is blowing hard once again just outside the front door tonite. Perhaps this is its last frosty breath, one final foray into the -30 range. We welcome early mornings now with a dim glow of daylight instead of the pitch black that makes cold so much colder. Supper is eaten before the sun winks below the horizon in a scarlet blaze...the lengthening daytime gives us all a little more energy, time to plan for a summer we will try to make the most of...bikerides by the river, fishing (for sure!),watching buds blossom in our flowerbeds,and lots of walks through the park with our faithful Scout!
We are dreaming of summer to come on this cold, cold day, but grateful never-the-less for these hours, these days and weeks together, for the miracle of new life, for the miracle of each breath!
Wishing summer in your heart this winter night,
Beth
Thursday, February 26, 2009
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
In and Out!
Donovan's first clinic visit as an out-of-province visiting patient was everything we hoped for and more...
Laurier took him yesterday to Edmonton, and they had a CT scan bright and early at 7:30 a.m., followed by bloodwork and then the docs. Well, Donovan's lungs continue to rock! His FEV1 was 91%!!! Fantastic! He reprots that he did have a higher blow, (93%) but he couldn't repeat it. During the test, the patient sits in a little booth, kind of looks like a gondola booth, and then blows into a device that is hooked to a computer. It takes all kinds of measurements, and they print out the most consistent one. Anyway, his new breathers are doing their job, and we look forward to even higher scores. They can improve up to 3 years after transplant if all goes well, and it will, right?
His CT scan showed improvement as well, not total irradication of the fungus yet, but we'll take improvement. He has to do another month of inhaled treatment for it, but hey, its not IV and its not done in hospital...so that is good news as well.
The best part of today was being kicked out for a whole entire calendar month! Freedom from all things medical in Edmonton!!! hallelujah! And no offense docs, but we won't miss you a bit!!! The only reason we'll head west in the next while is to make Donny an uncle and me a Grandma!
The snow is softly falling leaving a field of diamonds glinting in the moonlight as I sit here tonight in my cozy kitchen. A candles flickers softly. I can hear the cat padding down the hall, and Stephen is strumming his guitar downstairs, preferring that to his homework assignment, it would seem. I glance at the clock, counting the hours until I'll hear Laurier's car, the crunch of it's tires in our driveway, and my heart will be filled as I see Donovan's lanky figure toting the suitcase that was packed for a longer stay in Edmonton, just in case, crossing the threshold of home.
Spring is coming, bringing with it the promise of new life. We have come through fall and winter's grip is slowly loosening its hold. Each season in its turn brings challenges and happiness.
Truly, "to everything there is a season, and a time for every purpose under heaven."
I wish you all the peace of knowing God through each season in your life, and thank you for seeing us through the harshness of ours, and celebrating Donovan's new life.
Love,
Beth
Laurier took him yesterday to Edmonton, and they had a CT scan bright and early at 7:30 a.m., followed by bloodwork and then the docs. Well, Donovan's lungs continue to rock! His FEV1 was 91%!!! Fantastic! He reprots that he did have a higher blow, (93%) but he couldn't repeat it. During the test, the patient sits in a little booth, kind of looks like a gondola booth, and then blows into a device that is hooked to a computer. It takes all kinds of measurements, and they print out the most consistent one. Anyway, his new breathers are doing their job, and we look forward to even higher scores. They can improve up to 3 years after transplant if all goes well, and it will, right?
His CT scan showed improvement as well, not total irradication of the fungus yet, but we'll take improvement. He has to do another month of inhaled treatment for it, but hey, its not IV and its not done in hospital...so that is good news as well.
The best part of today was being kicked out for a whole entire calendar month! Freedom from all things medical in Edmonton!!! hallelujah! And no offense docs, but we won't miss you a bit!!! The only reason we'll head west in the next while is to make Donny an uncle and me a Grandma!
The snow is softly falling leaving a field of diamonds glinting in the moonlight as I sit here tonight in my cozy kitchen. A candles flickers softly. I can hear the cat padding down the hall, and Stephen is strumming his guitar downstairs, preferring that to his homework assignment, it would seem. I glance at the clock, counting the hours until I'll hear Laurier's car, the crunch of it's tires in our driveway, and my heart will be filled as I see Donovan's lanky figure toting the suitcase that was packed for a longer stay in Edmonton, just in case, crossing the threshold of home.
Spring is coming, bringing with it the promise of new life. We have come through fall and winter's grip is slowly loosening its hold. Each season in its turn brings challenges and happiness.
Truly, "to everything there is a season, and a time for every purpose under heaven."
I wish you all the peace of knowing God through each season in your life, and thank you for seeing us through the harshness of ours, and celebrating Donovan's new life.
Love,
Beth
Monday, February 2, 2009
Home is where you hang your heart...
We are home!!! I can't believe it...even though the evidence (many boxes of meds, suitcases in need of unpacking, dire fatigue and "car lag") are all around. Though we know the journey continues, it seems as though we have climbed a mountain, and at this point are gazing at the breath-taking view from the summit. And that view is what we call home. The place we come to hang our hearts.
We arrived home late last night. Donovan traveled with friends Brendan and Chantal (thank you guys!) and dropped them in S'toon and continued on here. I travelled with friends Connie & Randy (thank-you, thank-you) who graciously allowed me to pack the back of their van to maximum capacity with all of our belongings and Scout! When it comes to packing a vehicle, they have skills! We left melting temps in Edmonton for the icy and frostbitten land of Sask. I must admit, the only thing I miss about Alberta at this point is the balmy weather of the last week or so. Hopefully it blows in here in the next few days...I'm not acclimatized to -30 anymore!
Donovan spent today hooking up his computer, and finally moving into the room I re-decorated for him before Christmas, at some points despairing he would ever see it again! He's fillng a couple cabinets with his meds and supplies, figuring out a workable schedule for treatments and the fitness regime he must follow to keep the new lungs in tip-top shape. He already put a few miles on the treadmill, so he's off to a good start. He also surprised Stephen, who was in bed when he got home last night, and up and out the door before Donovan was up this morning, with a trip home from school. Now doesn't that warm the heart?
Not one to waste time, I worked a half day at preschool today, and as usual my cup was filled to the brim with joy courtesy of 20 charming 4 and 5-year old and their wonderful parents, to say nothing of my awesome co-workers. May you all enjoy your jobs as I do mine!
We are home! It feels so good to write those words, and to snuggle into my familiar bed, next to my familiar husband...knowing all is right with our world.
May God Bless all of your homes with harmony, and your hearts with peace!
Love,
Beth
We arrived home late last night. Donovan traveled with friends Brendan and Chantal (thank you guys!) and dropped them in S'toon and continued on here. I travelled with friends Connie & Randy (thank-you, thank-you) who graciously allowed me to pack the back of their van to maximum capacity with all of our belongings and Scout! When it comes to packing a vehicle, they have skills! We left melting temps in Edmonton for the icy and frostbitten land of Sask. I must admit, the only thing I miss about Alberta at this point is the balmy weather of the last week or so. Hopefully it blows in here in the next few days...I'm not acclimatized to -30 anymore!
Donovan spent today hooking up his computer, and finally moving into the room I re-decorated for him before Christmas, at some points despairing he would ever see it again! He's fillng a couple cabinets with his meds and supplies, figuring out a workable schedule for treatments and the fitness regime he must follow to keep the new lungs in tip-top shape. He already put a few miles on the treadmill, so he's off to a good start. He also surprised Stephen, who was in bed when he got home last night, and up and out the door before Donovan was up this morning, with a trip home from school. Now doesn't that warm the heart?
Not one to waste time, I worked a half day at preschool today, and as usual my cup was filled to the brim with joy courtesy of 20 charming 4 and 5-year old and their wonderful parents, to say nothing of my awesome co-workers. May you all enjoy your jobs as I do mine!
We are home! It feels so good to write those words, and to snuggle into my familiar bed, next to my familiar husband...knowing all is right with our world.
May God Bless all of your homes with harmony, and your hearts with peace!
Love,
Beth
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
Homeward Bound (don't jinx it, says Donovan)
HEAR YE HEAR YE!, Loyal Readers and Friends, (picture the town crier with a parchment scroll in hand, calling out in a loud voice to all the townspeople)....
Some very exciting news....Yes, it looks like the next few days will be spent packing up! We were absolutely shocked and delighted at the last clinic visit when Dr. Lien asked so casually...."Well, would you like to go home for a few days?" What!!! Like to ? Love to!!! We were under the impression that this would be home until at least March, but a clearer x-ray does wonders for the doctors' death-like grip on patients, it would seem!
So, going home is a little more complicated than merely gathering boxes and packing up suitcases...we have to ensure we have all meds well stocked, emergency numbers documented, all the t's crossed and I's dotted. Feels a little like that new parent syndrome spoken of when we first sprung Donovan from hospital post-transplant.
The plan is for Laurier to come down on Friday with friends in van to carry back some of the larger items....the dog & kennel, Donovan's 24" Imac, and of course my suitcase...Donovan & hopefully a good friend will drive his Shadow back and I'll go with Laurier & our friends on Sunday.
I anticipate working at preschool the following week and then coming back with Donovan on the 9th for a CT scan and some other tests the next day, and hopefully home again on the 11th. Life will be spent making frequent trips for checkups in Edmonton for the first year post-transplant, hopefully weaning down to 3 or 4 times a year as time goes on and problems prove few and far between. We have to get used to the uncertainty of not knowing if a checkup will mean a few days or weeks in hospital pending results of blood-work, scans, pulmonary function tests etc which are reviewed at each check-up. We will only be told at our clinic visit when they will want to see us next, could be weeks, could be days.
We are so thankful for the support from friends, family, all the prayers, generosity, good wishes and just the knowledge that we have not travelled this road alone. It has been a long four and a half months, full of mountain peaks and valleys.... but God has provided all that we need and more. We look forward to a joyous home-coming and lots of making up for lost time.
Can't wait to see you next week in PA!
Love,
Beth
A Note from Donovan....,
Hey all, So this is it! The time has finally arrived. Isn't weird how at a time like this you look back and think "well that wasn't that long ago?" But at the time of waiting each day seems like forever. So the next few packing/waiting days are going to seem like forever and a day, plus the drive! AHHH. It's gonna be the longest drive of my life! Hopefully life at HOME HOME won't be too daunting with all the new meds and routine that has to be done exactly the same time everyday (no more late late nights or late late sleep ins!).
Looking back it seems like when I dreamed of having my transplant , it wouldn't have been nearly this soon or dramatic, I always thought mid late twenties, you know because of the ever looming "average lifespan of 36 1/2" for an average CFer and my CF was much more aggressive than most. But none of us (we CFers) are average as I found out, everyone here had a different story and experience to tell. but nevertheless "it" timed itself very well. I also didn't know how much work it would be after! I always had this picture of going under for surgery waking up a little rehab and off you go, brand new! But as we got to know the "routine" it seems that I am just as busy if not even more with daily 'treatments". But breathing easier makes it worth it, Because now every day is a new opportunity for something great.
Thank you all for your faithful prayer and support
"who has two new lungs and a smile?"
This guy : )
Donovan
Some very exciting news....Yes, it looks like the next few days will be spent packing up! We were absolutely shocked and delighted at the last clinic visit when Dr. Lien asked so casually...."Well, would you like to go home for a few days?" What!!! Like to ? Love to!!! We were under the impression that this would be home until at least March, but a clearer x-ray does wonders for the doctors' death-like grip on patients, it would seem!
So, going home is a little more complicated than merely gathering boxes and packing up suitcases...we have to ensure we have all meds well stocked, emergency numbers documented, all the t's crossed and I's dotted. Feels a little like that new parent syndrome spoken of when we first sprung Donovan from hospital post-transplant.
The plan is for Laurier to come down on Friday with friends in van to carry back some of the larger items....the dog & kennel, Donovan's 24" Imac, and of course my suitcase...Donovan & hopefully a good friend will drive his Shadow back and I'll go with Laurier & our friends on Sunday.
I anticipate working at preschool the following week and then coming back with Donovan on the 9th for a CT scan and some other tests the next day, and hopefully home again on the 11th. Life will be spent making frequent trips for checkups in Edmonton for the first year post-transplant, hopefully weaning down to 3 or 4 times a year as time goes on and problems prove few and far between. We have to get used to the uncertainty of not knowing if a checkup will mean a few days or weeks in hospital pending results of blood-work, scans, pulmonary function tests etc which are reviewed at each check-up. We will only be told at our clinic visit when they will want to see us next, could be weeks, could be days.
We are so thankful for the support from friends, family, all the prayers, generosity, good wishes and just the knowledge that we have not travelled this road alone. It has been a long four and a half months, full of mountain peaks and valleys.... but God has provided all that we need and more. We look forward to a joyous home-coming and lots of making up for lost time.
Can't wait to see you next week in PA!
Love,
Beth
A Note from Donovan....,
Hey all, So this is it! The time has finally arrived. Isn't weird how at a time like this you look back and think "well that wasn't that long ago?" But at the time of waiting each day seems like forever. So the next few packing/waiting days are going to seem like forever and a day, plus the drive! AHHH. It's gonna be the longest drive of my life! Hopefully life at HOME HOME won't be too daunting with all the new meds and routine that has to be done exactly the same time everyday (no more late late nights or late late sleep ins!).
Looking back it seems like when I dreamed of having my transplant , it wouldn't have been nearly this soon or dramatic, I always thought mid late twenties, you know because of the ever looming "average lifespan of 36 1/2" for an average CFer and my CF was much more aggressive than most. But none of us (we CFers) are average as I found out, everyone here had a different story and experience to tell. but nevertheless "it" timed itself very well. I also didn't know how much work it would be after! I always had this picture of going under for surgery waking up a little rehab and off you go, brand new! But as we got to know the "routine" it seems that I am just as busy if not even more with daily 'treatments". But breathing easier makes it worth it, Because now every day is a new opportunity for something great.
Thank you all for your faithful prayer and support
"who has two new lungs and a smile?"
This guy : )
Donovan
Monday, January 26, 2009
Eighty-eight per cent!!!
That was Donovan's pulmonary function results today, his highest yet, and very blog-worthy! Perhaps his lungs are celebrating, along with the rest of us, that he is now out of hospital, after a whopping 42 days as an in-patient to treat his fungal infection. We got the walking papers on Friday afternoon. What a huge relief! We still need to go in to the hospital each weekday morning for bloodwork, x-rays, doc visits, physio etc.. so this means early mornings, but it's still waaaaay better than being an inpatient.
We won't know if the fungus is irradicated until the next CT in a week, but we are hopeful. Donovan continues to do anti-fungal treatment by inhalation and oral meds and the effects of the IV treatment are slowly dissipating. So, we hung out here this weekend, walked the dog, watched a movie, and for the first time since before transplant, Donovan was able to attend church on Sunday morning. What a huge blessing! We also visited Al's aquarium supply store to scout out fish for the tank here....much better shopping than what we have at home. It was great to have such an ordinary weekend....don't think I thought about hospital once!
Turns out the treatment of a lung fungus is rather costly. We learned upon picking up drugs at pharmacy that the province of Sask (cheapskates that they are), is choking on the $1000/5-day cost of only one of Donovan's drugs. The inhaled ampho is also waaaay up there cost-wise. It's a good thing Donovan is worth every cent (most days, ha ha) ..... add all this to the cost of his regular CF drugs, the cost of surgery and hospitalization, and I'm sure he is worth millions! It may be a hassle to have some of these drugs covered by our province when he is finally discharged there, so we need prayer for this
Well, with 6-ish wake up this morning, I'm in need of a nap....take care all!
love,
Beth
We won't know if the fungus is irradicated until the next CT in a week, but we are hopeful. Donovan continues to do anti-fungal treatment by inhalation and oral meds and the effects of the IV treatment are slowly dissipating. So, we hung out here this weekend, walked the dog, watched a movie, and for the first time since before transplant, Donovan was able to attend church on Sunday morning. What a huge blessing! We also visited Al's aquarium supply store to scout out fish for the tank here....much better shopping than what we have at home. It was great to have such an ordinary weekend....don't think I thought about hospital once!
Turns out the treatment of a lung fungus is rather costly. We learned upon picking up drugs at pharmacy that the province of Sask (cheapskates that they are), is choking on the $1000/5-day cost of only one of Donovan's drugs. The inhaled ampho is also waaaay up there cost-wise. It's a good thing Donovan is worth every cent (most days, ha ha) ..... add all this to the cost of his regular CF drugs, the cost of surgery and hospitalization, and I'm sure he is worth millions! It may be a hassle to have some of these drugs covered by our province when he is finally discharged there, so we need prayer for this
Well, with 6-ish wake up this morning, I'm in need of a nap....take care all!
love,
Beth
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
Puppy Love!
Hello all.
Well we have a new member to our little family here in Edmonton. No, Katie did not have her baby early, our new addition is Donovan's dog Scout, his beloved Springer Spaniel. Verla, the gal at whose place we have set up residence, has graciously agreed he can stay for the time being...seeing as we're here for a while. And he was welcomed with open arms as Laurier and Stephen brought him this past weekend....oh, and we were happy to see Laurier and Stephen as well, (with open arms! )
So, it was off to explore the dog parks in Edmonton, and with wonderful, warm temps we made it to two different places, and met all sorts of four-legged furballs....wow, folks here all have purebreds, it would seem. The place looked like some sort of dog show, from Chihuahuas to Great Danes, the dogs were out in full force, and our sociable Scout was in doggy heaven.
We also had a great visit from Laurier's niece Julie and her boyfriend Jason this weekend, and it was great to see them. Sunday we celebrated Katie's birthday (which was on Monday) and then said goodbye to Laurier and Stephen on Monday as they headed back to work and school in PA.. So, a busy few days, but a great change of pace.
Now for the health report. I've discovered that "In the next few days" is a favorite quote of the docs. It is used to cover a variety of situations like "when can I go home" to "when am I getting off IV" to "when is the next scan" etc. it doesn't really mean anything in terms of actual measurable time, but it gives them something to say, and alas, it gives us false hope...but now we've got the code cracked, so we don't hold our breath. Hmmmm.
Actually there has been some progress made...Donovan's "ampho-terrible" IV drug, spoken of earlier was discontinued on Sat., and he now has inhalations with the same med. The thinking is that he will be able to be an outpatient with this med, but they have to find a way to fund it, being an out-of-province patient....which is tricky, apparently. So he's still in the hospital, coming out most days for the later afternoon and evening. He feels fine, is no longer napping during the day as he was around xmas time, still needs to eat more, but is not dropping pounds as he was earlier.
And here's some great news! Donovan is now running on the treadmill...yes, running! Building up endurance, a little more each day....so Thank You God! It is more than I ever hoped for to see him run again! It has been years since he had the lung power to run.
Today was a special treat as I got to see my grandbaby on ultrasound. All the bones of the spine, ribs, cute little toes...s/he is adorable, that's for sure. Just wait till I get to see him/her in the flesh!!! And more good news, the little one is no longer breech! Yay! About 3 more weeks till baby day....I hope to be around, but have Donovan all better....let's continue to pray to that end.
Well, "Nana" needs her sleep, so goodnight and God Bless!
love,
Beth
Well we have a new member to our little family here in Edmonton. No, Katie did not have her baby early, our new addition is Donovan's dog Scout, his beloved Springer Spaniel. Verla, the gal at whose place we have set up residence, has graciously agreed he can stay for the time being...seeing as we're here for a while. And he was welcomed with open arms as Laurier and Stephen brought him this past weekend....oh, and we were happy to see Laurier and Stephen as well, (with open arms! )
So, it was off to explore the dog parks in Edmonton, and with wonderful, warm temps we made it to two different places, and met all sorts of four-legged furballs....wow, folks here all have purebreds, it would seem. The place looked like some sort of dog show, from Chihuahuas to Great Danes, the dogs were out in full force, and our sociable Scout was in doggy heaven.
We also had a great visit from Laurier's niece Julie and her boyfriend Jason this weekend, and it was great to see them. Sunday we celebrated Katie's birthday (which was on Monday) and then said goodbye to Laurier and Stephen on Monday as they headed back to work and school in PA.. So, a busy few days, but a great change of pace.
Now for the health report. I've discovered that "In the next few days" is a favorite quote of the docs. It is used to cover a variety of situations like "when can I go home" to "when am I getting off IV" to "when is the next scan" etc. it doesn't really mean anything in terms of actual measurable time, but it gives them something to say, and alas, it gives us false hope...but now we've got the code cracked, so we don't hold our breath. Hmmmm.
Actually there has been some progress made...Donovan's "ampho-terrible" IV drug, spoken of earlier was discontinued on Sat., and he now has inhalations with the same med. The thinking is that he will be able to be an outpatient with this med, but they have to find a way to fund it, being an out-of-province patient....which is tricky, apparently. So he's still in the hospital, coming out most days for the later afternoon and evening. He feels fine, is no longer napping during the day as he was around xmas time, still needs to eat more, but is not dropping pounds as he was earlier.
And here's some great news! Donovan is now running on the treadmill...yes, running! Building up endurance, a little more each day....so Thank You God! It is more than I ever hoped for to see him run again! It has been years since he had the lung power to run.
Today was a special treat as I got to see my grandbaby on ultrasound. All the bones of the spine, ribs, cute little toes...s/he is adorable, that's for sure. Just wait till I get to see him/her in the flesh!!! And more good news, the little one is no longer breech! Yay! About 3 more weeks till baby day....I hope to be around, but have Donovan all better....let's continue to pray to that end.
Well, "Nana" needs her sleep, so goodnight and God Bless!
love,
Beth
Monday, January 12, 2009
We're really "pumped" today about Donovan's latest CT scan, which shows shrinking fungal nodules. Some have disappeared completely, and others are on there way to being gone! Donovan has now had over 5 weeks of treatment, you can see how this is a long process, but we getting there and trusting God that his lungs will soon be clean & pristine once again.
The doctor showed us the actual CT pictures, and I was horrified to see the early photos, which showed round, white balls with what is known as a "crushed glass" halo around each nodule. Some were over a centimeter around. They were scattered deeply in both lungs. What a terrible threat to his precious new lungs! And since he had plenty of lung tissue, they gave him no trouble at all as far symptoms and lung function. He could breathe just fine. To think we could have gone home and not known what he was growing is truly frightening! Today's scan is much better. Some of the nodules, the smaller ones are gone completely, and others have shrunk to half the size. The doctors are impressed...and so are we!
Yesterday Donovan's renal function was "down" again, so he had to tank up with a litre of IV fluid, and needed just half of that today. We must pray his kidneys will withstand at least another few weeks of the toxic fungal treatment so we can rid his lungs of the stuff for good.
Had another great visit with cousin Dave yesterday and his dog Dutch....pet therapy is good for the soul! And lunch with old friends Wayne & Pauline today. Great to see you, and what a great lunch...real food from Earl's, yum, yum! Nice to see Donovan dig into a plate with interest! Visits are always a bonus when one day just runs into the next, marked only by IV bag changes and the roster of nurses...so thanks a lot for coming to see us when you can.
Well today the white stuff is piling up on the sidewalk, and having lost a game of crib to Verla, it's my turn to shovel! (Don't laugh Laurie E. I'll be thinking of you with each shovel-full, and I'll still love winter!).
take care everyone!
Love,
Beth
The doctor showed us the actual CT pictures, and I was horrified to see the early photos, which showed round, white balls with what is known as a "crushed glass" halo around each nodule. Some were over a centimeter around. They were scattered deeply in both lungs. What a terrible threat to his precious new lungs! And since he had plenty of lung tissue, they gave him no trouble at all as far symptoms and lung function. He could breathe just fine. To think we could have gone home and not known what he was growing is truly frightening! Today's scan is much better. Some of the nodules, the smaller ones are gone completely, and others have shrunk to half the size. The doctors are impressed...and so are we!
Yesterday Donovan's renal function was "down" again, so he had to tank up with a litre of IV fluid, and needed just half of that today. We must pray his kidneys will withstand at least another few weeks of the toxic fungal treatment so we can rid his lungs of the stuff for good.
Had another great visit with cousin Dave yesterday and his dog Dutch....pet therapy is good for the soul! And lunch with old friends Wayne & Pauline today. Great to see you, and what a great lunch...real food from Earl's, yum, yum! Nice to see Donovan dig into a plate with interest! Visits are always a bonus when one day just runs into the next, marked only by IV bag changes and the roster of nurses...so thanks a lot for coming to see us when you can.
Well today the white stuff is piling up on the sidewalk, and having lost a game of crib to Verla, it's my turn to shovel! (Don't laugh Laurie E. I'll be thinking of you with each shovel-full, and I'll still love winter!).
take care everyone!
Love,
Beth
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