Holding Our Breath

The countdown is on now as we are fast approaching T-Day (Transplant Day).  The doctor's are crossing their T's & dotting the I's as they go through their list of checks to ensure that Ray is healthy enough to withstand what they are about to put him through. Today we met with the Infectious Disease physician who gives the final okay on whether or not he's ready. It was an interesting meeting & we learned several interesting things.

Most things checked out ok (kidney, lungs, EKG tests, nutritional status, etc,) But the lung tests showed many nodules present & we were told that he has "Nodual Pneumonia". Never heard of that. The mega blood they took last week was analyzed & showed that he had experienced various things throughout his life that he was unaware of. Was amazing to us what it could show. For instance, apparently at some point in his life he had mononucleosis although he was totally unaware of it. The doctor said that's possible if it was never diagnosed at the time. They could also tell he had chicken pox at one time. And they asked if he'd ever been around many animals because they detected something in his blood that is currently dormant relating to something that is picked up from animals. Goodness yes - he was a dairy farmer for many years & as a child also around turkeys, chickens, pigs, etc. on the farm. It detected several things that are dormant right now but because of his lack of immunity, they could resurface & be a problem. Therefore today he was started on three different anti-biotics as more of a preventative measure.  One to fight off bacteria infections, one for virus infections & one for anti-fungus infections.

The Echo-cardiogram did show that his left heart valve is not functioning as well as it could be but because it's just slightly less than what they'd like to see, they aren't too concerned over it. I asked if the lung thing doesn't get any better, will that delay or hinder the transplant date. The answer was "No". As long as he continues to remain relatively healthy, it's still a go. Because we are in the home stretch now, they want to take every precaution, thus the antibiotics & close monitoring.

It was interesting to learn that after the transplant & his blood counts rebound, down the road he will need to be re-vaccinated all over again, just like a newborn baby. They consider the day of stem cell transplant as a re-birth. Guess Ray will be celebrating two birthdays from here on out!

And so tomorrow we meet with two more doctors to discuss what lies ahead & learn more things we need to be doing now. Next week we must attend a class to learn even more. Makes me wonder just how much more is expected of us. I'm probably already doing a lot of what they'll mention. At least I hope so! I've already done quite a bit in getting our home ready. Washed walls & blinds, laundered all the drapes & curtains, washed all the bedding, etc. Just need to shampoo the carpets yet & wash down a few more walls. Just a couple more days & I should have it all under control & completed.

And I've hopefully purchased enough clothing for his use in the hospital. We were told that he will be expected to get dressed each day & take walks so they recommended certain types of clothing that he didn't have on hand here. Enough to change into clean clothes each day. And of course he needed some nice PJ's so he doesn't have to wear yucky hospital gowns.

Between all this, I am trying to fit in a few check-up type appointments for myself while I can. (Dentist, dermatologist, etc.) So even on the days we don't have to go to the hospital (which are rare) we have other places we need to go & things to do. Hoping next week will be more relaxing. Plus we are looking forward to a visit from our daughter & 3 more grandchildren!

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