Medical Updates

On Monday (7-10-06), Terry found out that his liver enzymes were up. (Terry calls them "enzynes"...another "Terry-ism"...hee hee.) Not into the dangerous area, but "up," meaning not necessarily desirable. Also, his oncologist called to say that he would not begin chemotherapy until the middle of August. We were under the impression that it was beneficial to begin chemo right away, due to finding eight more masses (in addition to the three we knew about before transplant) in his "old" liver, which was examined after the transplant.

Today, Terry had his bloodwork done, and then had a visit with one of the hepatologists. We told him of our concerns about the chemotherapy delay, especially since the liver enzymes were elevated. He agreed, saying the oncologist is usually not anxious to proceed with chemotherapy until the patient is as strong as possible. Since Terry is miles ahead in recovery, the other doctors feel he can begin sooner. They will notify the oncologist of this. We should find out in a day or two when the chemo will begin.

Also, the hepatologist told us that "all of his readings" were elevated, but we should not be alarmed. I asked if that indicated rejection, as we were told this is extremely common while patients recover. They lose or gain weight, become more active, medications change, etc., so rejection can occur. The doctor said, "Yes," this usually indicates some rejection and not to worry. HOWEVER, they will do an ultrasound tomorrow morning at 8:30 a.m. to see...if they can see...what is going on, if anything. Terry will then wait around to see if they want to do a biopsy, which is worrisome, but we were told this is not uncommon as they always want to make certain everything looks okay.

They decided not to decrease his Medrol (a steriod), so he is to stay at 8 mg. of this until told otherwise. He doesn't have to take the oral "antibiotic" anymore as soon as it runs out, which should be next week. So, he will be down to Medrol (steroid), Prograf (anti-rejection), Celexa (for depression), and Bactrim (eliminates bacteria...ex: helping prevent urinary tract infections, as the anti-rejection drugs suppress the immune system). He has pain medication, if needed, which he doesn't take often, and a mild sleeping pill, as needed.

That's about it for now. More when we find out what tomorrow brings. OH! Except he can cut the grass, wearing a mask. He can golf "a few rounds" of golf, with mask, I assume. (Not fond of all those golf-course-chemicals used to green everything up.) Terry then asked, "How about 9 holes of golf?" Smiling and hoping to sub on the golf league he can't play on this year.

The doctor answered: You won't hurt the liver, but you could strain muscles, incision, and so on, which are not in shape, and then end up in some real pain and difficulty. "AND, I would rather have you play 4 holes now, so that you can still be golfing 18 holes...10 years from now!" That's why he's the doctor!

Amen...Lora