HAPPY BIRTHDAY RACHEL!!!

Today is Rachel's 21st Birthday. My baby girl is 21. Unbelievable. I am so grateful and I thank God every day for her. She is truly such a blessing.

This morning, Illana called and said that I should tell Rachel not to leave to school yet because Illana wants to stop by and give her a birthday kiss. So Illana walks in, gives Rachel a kiss and then tells me that she has a surprise for me. In walks Mom!!! I couldn't believe it. She wasn't scheduled to return from Israel until the 5th of October. I was so happy. It's Rachel's birthday but, for sure, I got the best present. Mom's going to be staying here with us at our house because her apartment's being painted.

We went to Illana and Keith's for the first day of Rosh Hashanah and then we had 21 people here for the second day. I did a lot of cooking and was pretty tired but I was able to relax and enjoy. The weather was perfect and it was an amazingly pleasant day. I think everyone had a really nice time.

I had a pretty bad cold for a couple of days, but I'm much better now. Thank God I'm feeling well and so is Mom -- except for her knee. It's been hurting her and we're going to check it out. I'll keep you posted on that.

My next appointment at the hospital isn't until 10/5. We're getting close to my ONE YEAR ANNIVERSARY!! Unfortunately, that means lots of tests, including another Bone Marrow Biopsy (I think). They told me there'd by lots of tests, I'm just assuming that a BMB is one of them. Once again, I'm not looking forward to that and I'm going to insist on being "put out" for it. I'm not going to worry about it, either way.

Thank you again for following along. Thanks for all of your prayers and good wishes. Wishing all of my Jewish friends a happy, healthy & wondrous new year. Believe in Miracles!

Before Rosh Hashanah

Well, Mom is in Israel. She left last Monday. My cousin is getting married there next Monday. This is the first time I'm going to be missing one of my cousins weddings but I'm not allowed to fly yet. So, I'm sad because I really, REALLY miss my mother and because I'm missing my cousin Ayala's wedding. I'm grateful, though, that she was feeling well enough to go and that the doctor gave her the "green light."

I saw Dr. Schuster yesterday. Thank God my counts were good. He reduced my Prednisone to 5 mg./day and discontinued the Hydralazine. I had been taking the Hydralazine 4x a day, so it really makes a difference in my life. Now I'm only taking pills at breakfast and dinner (and bedtime if I need something to sleep). I'm still taking the Vasotec for my BP. I had called his office last week because my chest felt somewhat congested and I was starting to cough stuff up. To be on the safe side, they put me on antibiotics for 5 days. I finished the course on Monday and I've been feeling better, Thank God.

Oh, AND I fainted again when they drew my blood. I can't believe it. After all I've been through, blood tests make me faint?? It's a little embarassing, but there's nothing I can do about it, however hard I try to stop it from happening. It's very frustrating.

My next appointment is not until October 5 -- almost 3 weeks.

I've started doing yarnwork again. I finished a few projects that were already in progress. I finished a knitted baby blanket, a crocheted afghan and I'm almost done with a knitted sweater. I'd like to get these done before I start something new -- I know, out of character for me. I can only work for a short while before my eyes start to bother me, but I put drops in and then I can work for another short while.

Tomorrow I will start preparing for the holiday. I think that David and I and the kids will be having dinner here alone on Friday night. We'll probably all be at Illana and Keith's on Saturday and then everyone will come here on Sunday. I'm not looking forward to celebrating Rosh Hashanah without my Mom here. It's going to be difficult. She's not planning on coming home until after Yom Kippur but I don't think that I'm going to let her stay away that long. I just miss her so much! I'm going to call her tomorrow and ask her if she'd cut her trip a bit short. I mean, really!!

I think that you're pretty much up to day now. I want to wish you all a very happy and very healthy new year. Take notice of and appreciate the wonder all around you. Believe in Miracles!!

Labor Day Update

Mom saw Dr. Levine on Wednesday. The newer, better MRI didn't really show anything new but confirmed what he already suspected. He believes she had TRANSIENT GLOBAL AMNESIA. They don't really know what causes it but if you Google it, as I did, it does sound like she had a textbook case of it. We pray it was a one-time event and that it won't recur.

She has a CAVERNOUS ANGIOMA which may have been there her entire life...or not. Once again, nobody knows. He thinks that she should have another MRI in a year to see if there are any changes to it, but otherwise to leave it alone.

She also has a benign tumor on the 8th cranial nerve (Acoustic) also known as a VESTIBULAR SCHWANNOMA. Mom has been wearing hearing aids for a couple of years now, but the doctor said that her hearing loss is probably caused by this tumor and is not age-related. He wants her to see an Acoutical Tumor Specialist. Removing it might improve her hearing significantly. But it may be one of those brain surgeries in which they have to "crack your coconut", as he said. So, unless the tumor grows and she, God forbid starts having other symptoms, we're probably going to wait and see. We WILL make an appointment with the specialist, though.

Thank God, I've been feeling pretty well. I have been having headaches for the last week of so but I'm hoping that they're from the weather or the meds or whatever... I dunno. I'm still on 15mg. prednisone daily. I have an appointment at the hospital on Tuesday (tomorrow). I have a real fear of the Swine Flu now that it's getting cooler and the kids are back in school. I feel like I want to lock myself in my house until the spring. There's a bottle of hand sanitizer near the front door and we're all using it as soon as we enter the house. I'm also washing my hands A LOT. What's meant to be will be.

Thanks for thinking of me and for your prayers and good wishes. Believe in Miracles!!

Friday Afternoon

Mom ended up not seeing the neurologist on Tuesday. I saw Dr. Schuster at 9:00AM and was finished before 10. Mom's appointment was scheduled for 2:45. Instead of trying to "kill 4 hours," she decided that she'd rather see a neurologist at Mt. Sinai that she'd already met with my sister and with whom she's already discussed her case. He's also already seen her films of the CT and the MRI that were done at South Nassau. After seeing the tests, he said that he'd like her to have another MRI because the quality of the first one was very poor. Also, he'd like to compare the two. She called him and got a prescription for the new MRI and she went with Illana yesterday morning and had it done. She has an appointment scheduled with him on Wednesday.

As far as we know, it appears that what she had was Transient Global Amnesia, a form of TIA (Transient Ischemic Accident). If that is indeed the case -- if, in fact there was NO BLEED, as they initially thought -- then she can go back to her usual aspirin/day and drive again and get back to her usual routine. As of now, she's still staying here at my house and really hasn't been driving (I think she did once).
Hopefully, whatever it was is over and gone and will never recur. Thank God she's been feeling well and looks as beautiful as ever.

My visit with the Dr. went well, too. My numbers were good, Thank God.

Thank you for following and for caring and for your prayers and good thoughts. Have a wonderful weekend. Keep believing in miracles!!

Thursday Update

B"H Mom came home from the hospital on Tuesday afternoon and is staying here with me. She's feeling well and looking well, Thank God. Her EEG was unremarkable and we will be taking all of the test results with us when we see the neurologist at New York Hospital on Tuesday. She played Mah Jong yesterday and is having her hair done, "as we speak." Please keep her in your prayers -- Yehudis Chana bas Sara Rivka.

Thanks for checking in. Believe in Miracles!

Monday News

Ok,there are actually things to report. First and foremost, Mom is in the hospital. Saturday morning she had an "episode" which we and the doctors thought was a mild stroke. Normally, on Saturday mornings, she would be waking up in either my or Illana & Keith's house. This past weekend, however we all had dinner at Illana's and because Illana's air conditioning wasn't working, she walked home after dinner and was planning on coming back to Illana's for lunch on Saturday.

Saturday morning my telephone rang and it was Mom's Caller ID. David answered the phone and it was Mom and she was very, very confused. She didn't realize it was Saturday and she didn't remember eating at Illana's and didn't remember going home. It was very frightening. David and I rushed over there and called the ambulance. She was walking and talking normally and had no outward appearance of any problem whatsoever. She just kept asking the same questions over and over and didn't know the year or who the president was.

They took her by ambulance to the ER where she had a CT scan. They said that she had a very small bleed and by Saturday night she had her memory back. The only thing she didn't (and still doesn't) remember was the actual episode on Saturday morning.

Since then, she has had another CT scan, and MRI and an MRA. Today, the doctor said that it appears that there was no bleed at all. What they saw on the CT and initially thought was a bleed is actually a CAVERNOUS ANGIOMA. They said it's something she may have had her whole life and that it was not responsible for her symptoms. Now they're saying that she may have had a seizure. They've ordered an EEG and we're waiting for that now.

Thank God she's feeling well. She looks great. She's out of bed. She said that she feels fine. Still, there's no explanation for what happened and we hope that we'll be able to get some answers soon.

I have an appointment at NY Hospital tomorrow morning and I'm going to ask Dr. Schuster to recommend a Neurologist.

I saw Dr. Schuster last week and thank God my numbers were really good -- WBC 6.8, HGB 11.2, PLT 135. They gave me my Benadryl but about halfway through the Pentamidine I fainted again. Dr. Schuster said "No more Pentamidine." I'm sure we'll discuss it further tomorrow.

I'm still taking the Prednisone. In fact, he increased my dose back up to 20mg/day on Friday because I was feeling nauseous and headachy again. Actually, I'm still feeling a little nauseous and headachy, but it's on and off...just not constant. My eyes are pretty much the same as they've been.

I think that's it for now (it's enough!). Thanks for checking in. We all appreciate your thoughts and prayers. Mom's name is Yehudis Chana bas Sara Rivka. Believe in Miracles!

Thursday

I went back to the hospital on Tuesday for a visit with Dr. Schuster. Because of the previous week's "fiasco" he wanted to see me in one week, instead of the usual two. Thank God, all went well. My counts were better -- WBC 3.6, HGB 10.4, PLT 129. There was none of that silly fainting nonsense.

I have my regular appointment scheduled for next Tuesday when I will get my Benadryl/Pentamidine. Dr. Schuster reduced the dosage on the Prednisone from 20mg. to 15mg. daily. I'm still feeling tired, even though my HGB is in double digits. He said it's from the GvH.

My eyes are still driving me a little crazy and I have an appointment with the eye doctor this afternoon.

Thankfully, there's not much more to report. I can't believe I've passed the 8-month mark! I feel truly blessed and I know that I'm well on my way to a full recovery and to feeling well again. Thank you for sticking with me through it all and for your good wishes, thoughts and prayers. Believe in Miracles!!

Tuesday Morning Update

Yesterday's hospital visit was interesting. For about a week and a half, I haven't been feeling very well. I've been nauseaus, headachey and have had less energy than I had before. So on Friday I called the doc's office and moved my appointment up from Wednesday to Monday (yesterday). My first stop was the Treatment Center where they draw blood for the CBC. When the nurse put the needle in, I fainted. After all I've been through, after gazillions of needles...I don't understand it. When I came to, he took my blood and I went to see my doctor.

Dr. Schuster didn't seem overly concerned about my having passed out. And he said that the nausea and other symptoms are a "classic GVH flare-up." Since I discontinuted the Tacrolimus two weeks ago, this is not unexpected. Unfortunately, he put me back on 20mg/day of Prednisone. He believes that it should be short term. I took my first one this morning. He also told me to discontinue another of my meds, the Actigall. Slowly, slowly the list of my meds is getting shorter.

My CBC results were mixed -- WBC 3.2, HGB 8.3, PLT 120. Dr. Schuster said I should come in next week instead of the usual two weeks because I'd probably need blood. I haven't needed a transfusion since the day of my last hospital discharge in April so this has been quite a long stretch!

After seeing the doctor, back to the Treatment Center I go for my Benadryl/Pentamidine. They gave me the Benadryl IV and then, about 10 minutes into the Pentamidine I fainted again. My BP dropped to 90/50. They paged Dr. Schuster and he told them to give me fluids, finish the Pentamidine and then to give me a unit of blood. So it turned out to be a whole day affair. We (Mom & I) were there from 11 to 6.

So far, so good. It's Tuesday morning and I haven't fainted again so hopefully it was from the anemia. Dr. Schuster said I should keep my appointment for next Tuesday anyway. I'll update my blog after that visit.

Thank you for checking in and for all your thoughts and prayers. Believe in miracles!!

Tuesday's appointment

I had my appointment at the hospital today. Thank God (B"H) my counts were very good. WBC 4.5, HGB 10.0, PLT 118. These are very good numbers, especially my HGB which is finally going up on its own, without transfusions. I also had my 50 mg. of Benadryl and the Pentamidine and spent most of this day napping.

As of today, I am no longer taking Prograf (the immuno-suppresant) and we've also discontinued the Entocort (protects the lower GI tract). More major milestones.

My eyes are still bothering me but there may be some small improvement. I've decided to try the steroid eyedrops again and, although I don't really feel much of a difference, more than one person has mentioned that my eyes are looking better. So, I'm gong to continue using them for a while and see how it goes.

I've been feeling very well, thank God. I've been doing a lot of bicycle riding and walking and spending very little time sitting around, watching TV, napping, etc. (except for today).

Thank you for checking in and for your continued prayers and good wishes. Believe in Miracles!

Tuesday Afternoon Update

I know I haven't posted in a while. Thank God (B"H) I'm doing well and there's really not much to report. My eyes are still pretty bad but we're working on it. I saw Dr. Schuster yesterday. My HGB, which was 8.7 two weeks ago, is now 9.7 on it's own, going up without a transfusion. That's amazing! The eye doctor suggested trying new drops. I'm giving it a try but I'm not too hopeful. Dr. Schuster said that maybe photopheresis will help. I'd love to NOT have to resort to that but we'll just have to wait and see.

I'm down to 1/4 the amount of Prograf (Tacrolimus) that I had been on. He also reduced the amount of Norvasc by 1/2, so hopefully the swelling it causes will diminish.

Tomorrow is David and my 25th wedding anniversary. We're going to spend a few days away together. I don't expect to post again here for a couple of weeks, maybe ... after my next appointment. At least, I hope not. I'd love to continue uneventfully and boringly.

Thanks to those of you still checking in. And for your continued prayers and good wishes. Believe in Miracles! They're happening all around us all, every minute of every day!

Monday Morning Update

Sorry I haven't posted in a while. Everything's going well, thank God. I'm going for a CBC today locally to see how my hemoglobin is doing. . . to see whether I can hold out until my appointment next Monday or if I'll have to go in this week for a transfusion. This is the longest I've gone without one. I kinda thought that the whole tranfusion thing was over. Wishful thinking, I guess.

I haven't heard any bone marrow biopsy pathology results. Nor have I heard anything from the dermatologist about the skin biopsies. I'm scheduled to go back to the dermatologist tomorrow for the suture removal but I don't think I'm going to make a special trip just for that. If I have to go in for a transfusion, then obviously I'll do both. But if I don't need to go in for blood, I'm going to a) call the dermatologist and see if the suture removal can wait until next Monday or b) have a friend remove the sutures here at home. Either way's ok with me.

I don't have too much to report. Just wanted to leave a quick update so my bestest friends/fans don't get too angry with me! Thank you again for being there.

Tuesday Morning

I saw the doctor yesterday. My count were ok. My hemaglobin is a little low (8.7) and so he wants me to have a CBC locally next week to see if I may need some blood before my next regular appointment in 2 weeks. My platelet count is 99 and my WBCs are good. We don't have the bone marrow biopsy report yet, but what we do know is that my marrow is 100% Avram's!

I've had a purple splotchy rash on my chest and on one shoulder. I showed it to him two weeks ago and he didn't think much of it. I showed it to him again yesterday and I guess the fact that it's increasing made an impression. He sent me for a dermatologic consult. The dermatologist did a biopsy. Hopefully, it's nothing but I should have results by next week. I also have to go see the dermatologist again on Tuesday for suture removal. (Never a dull moment).

At my last visit two weeks ago, we reduced the evening dose of the Prograf (Tacrolimus) by half. As of today, I reduced the morning dose by half, as well. I'm a little worried about the possibility of GVHD flare-ups. I'll just continue to keep my eyes open for any changes.

Rachel and I had a really nice time last week. We each had a massage and a facial and then we watched the NBA Finals at Michael Jordan's 23 SportsCafe at Mohegan Sun. Rachel really enjoyed that. It was a good time.

Overall, I've been feeling well, thank God. I've been trying to stay active, trying to ride my bicycle daily. Yesterday didn't happen because I was in my Benadryl haze, having received Pentamidine again. As soon as I'm completely off the Prograf, we can start taking me off all the other stuff. I can't even imagine not taking a handful of pills numerous times a day. It seems like my way of life. I wouldn't mind getting used to a different way, though.

Thank you for checking in. I hope everything is going well in your world. Where would I be without your support? Thank you so much for your prayers. Believe in Miracles!

Wednesday

Yesterday's bone marrow biopsy went well, Thank God. I was sedated for the procedure so I didn't feel a thing. I was very sore yesterday afternoon and evening but I'm feeling much better today. I didn't get the results yet but I'm assuming (hoping) that they'll have them by Monday's appointment.

Rachel and I are going to go away this afternoon for two nights at a spa in Connecticut. I'm really looking forward to spending this time with her, not to mention the spa treatments! I cherish experiences like these. I'll have to find something special to do with Jacob next time. Any suggestions?

My eyes are still bothering me but Dr. Schuster seems pretty sure that they're improving. Also, my feet and ankles are swelling very easily these days. Bita (PA) told me that it's most likely a side effect from the Norvasc that I'm taking for hypertension. The hypertension is a side effect of the Tacrolimus (Prograf) which we just started reducing. Hopefully, the reduction of the Prograf will get rid of the hypertension, thereby eliminating the need for the Norvasc, thereby eliminating the foot/ankle swelling. You following??

Other than that, my hair is growing a little. I'm still kinda fuzzy on top but it's definitely coming in. I'm feeling stronger and stronger every day. I'm so lucky to be surrounded by such loving and caring friends and family. Thank you all for being there and for your continued prayers.

MondayMorning

Last Thursday, Illana and I took an overnight trip to a spa in Connecticut. It was my first real "outing" since my transplant and since having the catheter removed. It was a wonderfully relaxing time! We wanted Mom to come with us but Mom had cataract surgery on Wednesday morning and really didn't feel up to it. Thank God, she's doing real well!

I had a swedish massage, a hair/scalp treatment, and a facial (non-invasive, of course). I stayed out of the hot tub, swimming pool, steam room, etc. But I did duck into the sauna for about 5 minutes. It was the first time in such a long time that I really relaxed. Now, all I want to do is go away again. I've just spent the last hour researching other places to go. I'm learning what I need to do for myself and I notice that I've had a lot more energy since returning home. Before going away, I'd usually spend my day either in bed watching TV or in my big easy chair watching TV. I wouldn't move around too much. Since coming home on Friday, the only time I've gone into bed is to go to sleep at night and I haven't spent any time at all in my big chair. AND, I rode my bike again! So, maybe I'm really on my way.

I've been noticing increasing purple splotches on my chest and abdomen. I'll show them to the doc tomorrow when I go for my bone marrow biopsy (yikes!). David has arranged to take the day off and go with me. As of now, I don't know what time it's scheduled for. I'm waiting to hear from Dr. Schuster's office.

So overall, Thank God I'm feeling pretty good. My eyes are still a mess but I seem to be getting stronger and more energetic. My blood counts seem to be holding. I pray for the improvements to continue. Thank you all for your prayers and good wishes. Thanks to my Angels who continue to work behind the scenes. Believe in miracles!

Tuesday Morning

I had an appointment yesterday that, thank God went very well. Dr. Schuster said that I've "turned a corner." My numbers are doing well -- WBC 5.5, HGB 10.2, PLT 110 -- so no transfusions necessary. I had a pulmonary function test yesterday as well as the Benadryl/Pentamidine. Needless to say, I spent the rest of the day sleeping. I think I was supposed to go for a chest x-ray too, but I forgot about it! I need to go back sometime this week for an echo cardiogram anyway, so I guess I can get the chest x-ray then.

I'm scheduled for a bone marrow biopsy on June 9. This will be the first time I'm having it done under anesthesia so, even though I'm still dreading it, I'm dreading it less than usual.

My eyes are still bothering me. The doctor said that he sees some improvement but I don't really think so. I've already tried two different strengths of eyedrops to no avail. I'm hoping that they'll improve with time.

Other than that, I rode my bicycle for the first time of Sunday -- just around the neighborhood, but it was great! It felt really, really good. I'm might try to do it again today if I can get myself together.

I'm so grateful to all of you who keep on checking in to catch up. I am blessed with the greatest family, the best friends and the most loyal "lurkers". And I can't, for one minute, forget my Dad and Grammy who are always, ALWAYS looking out for me. Thank you all. Believe in Miracles!!

Thursday Morning

It's been a bit of a tired week for me. I had a house full of guests (which I LOVE) last Friday night and all day Saturday. It was really, really nice, but still tiring. Then we had a houseful for a BBQ on Sunday night -- again really, really nice, but exhausting. THEN on Memorial Day, we went out to the Tanger Outlets in Riverhead. Now that's incredibly exhausting. So the next few days I just stayed local and did whatever I could.

Tonight starts the holiday of Shavuot. Jacob is going to be in Connecticut with Yasmin. Rachel will be here with one or two friends. Mom will be here and of course, David and I. Hopefully, Rami and Lior, friends from Israel who have been staying with Illana will join us. Illana, Keith and the girls left yesterday for Boca Raton to spend the holiday with Keith's sister's family. (I miss them already).

I will be seeing the doctor on Monday. I'm scheduled for Pentamidine, a pulmonary function test and an echo cardiogram. It'll be a long day for me. I'm not sure yet who's going to be taking me, I guess that's one topic for discussion this weekend.

I've been feeling a little more "with it" since having the chest catheter removed, thank God. Whether or not it's psychological doesn't make a difference to me, I'll take it however I can get it. It's just that everything is easier without it -- showering, dressing, moving around...etc. and it's one less thing to worry about. I'm so grateful for whatever improvements I can report.

I'm grateful to you, too for checking up on me and for your continued support, good wishes and prayers for my recovery. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Have a beautiful Shavuos and Shabbos and a terrific weekend.

Friday Afternoon

I had a pretty good week, Thank God. I was out and about, shopping with Illana on Tuesday and Wednesday. But yesterday I was feeling pretty washed out and today, too. Also, my eyes are really bothering me a lot. They felt better last week than they do this week. I have no idea what it is that affects them...for better or worse. The site from the catheter is healing nicely.

I've been cooking all morning but I'm going to try to rest up this weekend. Maybe I just overdid it with Illana earlier in the week. Gonna take care of me, now.

Have a beautiful weekend and a good shabbos.

Monday's Appointment

WOW! I am pleased to report that I had a very good visit today. My counts were the best EVER, Thank God. Last week my hemaglobin was 9.6. I didn't expect to need a transfusion today but I did expect it to be somewhat lower. Instead, for the first time, it went up on its own...without getting blood. My platelets were 133! That's just a notch away from normal -- again without getting platelets! I am so very grateful.

Another exciting news item, this morning was my last dose of the Prednisone. For the last few days, I noticed a reduction in the puffiness in my face and neck and an improvement in my eyes. Whether these improvements are from the removal of the catheter or from the reduction in Prednisone and the introduction of stronger eye drops is anyone's guess. It doesn't matter to me, as long as it continues in that direction. I am truly blessed.

I called the doctor on Friday because I was nervous about going into the weekend with such a bad cold. Joanne prescribed Levaquin and after 4 days, my cold is much improved. I still have a little bit of a cough left and a tiny bit of nasal congestion but I'm feeling so much better.

I know that my Dad and my Grandma are working overtime for me and I think, for the first time since my transplant, I'm starting to see the light at the end of the tunnel. Thank you so much for your continued love, support and prayers. Keep on believing in those miracles!

Friday

I'm really suffering through this miserable cold. I should be cooking right now but I just haven't got what it takes. I just want to laze around and drink tea with honey. I'm taking Mucinex DM but I don't notice much of a difference. I still have this unproductive cough. Hopefully this won't last too much longer.

Mom is out West in Utah, vacationing with friends. She really needed this and I'm so excited for her. It's got to be difficult for her emotionally. For years, she and Dad vacationed with this couple and this will be the first time she's going it without him. She's a trooper, though and I'm sure she'll have a great time.

I wish you all a beautiful weekend and a Good Shabbos. Thank you for checking on me. Believe in Miracles!

Wednesday Afternoon

Well, it's out! Thank God, yesterday's catheter removal went very well. In fact, it went better than very well. David and I got there at 9 for the blood test and possible platelet transfusion. But my platelets were over 90!! I didn't need any transfusion at all. I had a lot of extra time and amazingly, the Department of Interventional Radiology took me right in. It seems that they had no other patients scheduled because they were in the process of interviewing new doctors. So they took me in, numbed the site with local anesthesia, took out the line and sent me on my way. The whole thing took about 15-20 minutes. I was finished before 11. I should mention that I did pass out during the procedure, but that's pretty typical of me. I got dizzy and my ears started ringing and the room started spinning but I never lost consciousness and they just laid me back a bit and I was ok.

When I got home, the little coughing that I had been doing for a day or so intensified and I was coughing my head off. Also, because we stopped at the supermarket on the way home and I probably did more moving/bending/lifting than I was supposed to, the wound started to bleed again. And by the time the anesthesia wore off, I was feeling pretty sore. Overall, once I got home I really wasn't feeling too well. I called the doctor to make sure I could take cough medicine and got the ok. I also took something for the pain. I was pretty drowsy last nite.

I called the doctor's office again this morning to ask a question about pain relievers and was told that the doctor wanted me to come in because I really didn't sound so good. I got Rachel to drive me in this morning. I had blood work again and then saw the doctor. I'm still coughing alot and I have a sore throat but Thank God my lungs sounded ok. He said it's a upper respiratory virus and I should continue treating it symptomatically. So I have a cold but thankfully no more catheter!

It's a real milestone for me. It's a big step toward getting back to normal and I'm very happy about it. Thanks for thinking of me and for your prayers and good wishes. Can't doubt those miracles for a second! They're all around us. I hope you're all well. Enjoy the beautiful weather!