Wednesday, August 26

Was awakened by the phone ringing this morning. It was someone from the hospital rattling off dates and times. I hadn't had any coffee yet, wasn't quit sure where I was, gathered myself and asked the lady on the other end to please give me a second to grab a pen. Well, I got off the phone and had scheduled for Rex an appointment every other Monday until the second week in October. The appointment has something to do with IV medicines and will last two and a half hours each time. Found out later from the Ahsleigh, our coordinator, that Rex tested negative for some virus (which 85% of adults test positive for) and because the donor did test positive he would need to receive these meds in orderkeep his body from getting sick which otherwise would happen because of all the immunosuppressant meds he is on.



Pain wise this was a tough day for Rex. He was a real trooper and tried everything he could to get through it. During my visit we reviewed the names and purposes of the many drugs he is taking. We even watched a few videos explaining the meds and many appointments he will have after he is discharged. Ashleigh also went over the various appointments, labs, clinics, etc. Plus, we reviewed the list of medications. There are over 12 different medications he takes and sometimes more than 2 of each and more than once a day. I consider some doses a small meal although, Rex assures me they are not tasty! As a matter of fact, he says some are quite smelly!



Early in the evening Dr. Smith came by and spoke with Rex about the pain and was able to suggest a better way to manage it. Rex was very relieved and has a more positive outlook since their conversation. The last two days were rough and he wasn't able to walk as many laps as before due to the pain. He just called and said he is shooting for 20 laps tomorrow!



He will most likely be discharged from the hospital early next week. Before he can be discharged he has to have a months worth of his medicines, know all the names, dosages and purposes of those medicines, have a blood pressure monitor, glucose monitor, and a really BIG pill box. Wow! Thank goodness Ashleigh ordered all these items for us. She has been a real life line for us both. Early on I wondered why we needed to remain in Tucson for two months. I now know. Almost every day Rex will have one or more appointments at the hospital for either clinic (basic appt with Dr. to check how all is going), labs, biopsies, IV meds, X-rays, rehabilitation, and I am certain I am forgetting something. Seems like a lot, but I am thankful for the watchful eye.



Rex is doing so well that sometimes I forget all that has happened to him and what his body must be going through with all the very strong medicines he's taking. He wants me to thank you all for your cards, prayers and blog comments (I do read them to him!). Until tomorrow, have a blessed evening!



Love and hugs,

Janelle



"My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." 2Corinthians 12:9a