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

This Is A Nice Way To Check In...

...with Terry's transplant and upcoming chemotherapy. Susan (the oldest), is placing most of the updates at this site, so you will enjoy what you read, as well as be informed about Terry's progress. Susan's partner, Deb, has provided much backup, research and technical help, with links, etc. A DEB SECRET: Deb ACTUALLY reads all of the manuals that come with products! We ask Deb a lot of questions! *s*

NOTE: Originally, we thought our fund had been set up as a non-profit fund. However, as Kate (middle child), who is handling any funds raised, found out from the IRS, you can't have a non-profit fund for just ONE person. Non-profit would have to be for the benfit of a group of people. So we apologize for any misconceptions concerning this fund...which IS a taxable fund! However, Kate and the rest of the kids (kids to me...adults to the world!), have hopes of turning this fund into a true non-profit source, once their Dad no longer has need of it!

Terry, Jr. (the youngest) and his students, friends, co-workers, have already done so much to help us out. His varsity softball team/students, through a surprise T-Shirt sale fundraiser and their efforts of making his Dad's plight known, PLUS, the Downtown HoeDown fundraising weekend (all explained in previous entries), have raised nearly all of the funds accumulated so far!

You see, each of our children have dedicated themselves to taking over the added burden caused by their Dad's transplant! It frees me up to do the chores Terry is not allowed to do. For example, avoiding bacteria and infection is PRIMARY! No gardening, touching dirt, no picking up dog POOP (*sigh*), no cleaning the bird cage, no fooling around in the garage, which is rather dank and dusty, etc. I still work full time (as do they!), so our children have given us an extraordinary gift...of time and task...and love!

Susan, as you can see by the website, has concentrated much time and effort on her Dad, as well as working with Deb on a fundraiser, which I am sure they will advertise when they are ready. Susan lives in Wisconsin, so being distant can make it difficult for her.

Kate has taken on the Blue Cross system. She fields all of our paperwork for reimbursing monies we have spent on all types of co-payments, etc., and she has taken care of her Dad's extensive prescription ordering...which is so major it has taken on a life of its own! She is also working on the cookbook fundraiser!! More to come on that, also. Not to forget, providing Grandpa with Colin, who gives us both hours of entertainment and love!

Terry, Jr. has done the two fundraisers mentioned earlier, and will undoubtedly help Terry, Sr.'s friends organize a golf outing fundraiser. And he has told us we can "work" at one of the Lion's games this year, working a concession as we did for the HoeDown. PLUS, he cuts the grass! (Thank you...thank you!)

There are so many more things to mention! Like Terry's Mom, Lois, checking in on her son, taking him to the hospital, sometimes twice a week so I don't have to miss work (I don't get paid if I'm not there), and running errands for and with him. All of the phone calls and cards Terry has received, and is receiving, are the best medicine of all! It's difficult to thank everyone when you are on a treadmill, but we all...want you all...to know how much your efforts means to our family.

So...Please know that we are beyond grateful for everyone's attentions and intentions.

Thanks...With Love...Lora