September 25, 2017
Update from 9/12/2017 - We did receive some good news yesterday - the most recent bronchoscopy biopsy revealed no rejection or any signs of rejection, and we are so Thankful to the Good Lord above and to the doctors & medical staff. It did reveal a very minor infection they said could be cleared up with some amoxicillin antibiotic pills. Still trying to be a good patient by continuing to work consistently to improve my muscle strength and improve my lung capacity through treadmill, stationary bike, increased breathing exercises, and all the daily medications and anti rejection drugs. Doctor instructed to me to start trying to push myself more, work the lungs more, and to begin focusing on toning and start firming my upper body muscles too. It truly seems, to me, like the lungs are functioning well; and from viewing and comparing the pictures taken during all the previous bronchoscopies, the color of the connecting tissues looked better than it ever has and I seem to actually be able to feel them more than ever before too, which (to me) may indicate they are adapting to my body - but then again, I saw what looked to me like improved tissue color and know only what they tell me. At today's clinic check up, was told it was my best pulmonary function test yet, my blood work looked good, x-rays appeared good, and I will just have to add the amoxicillin to my daily pill regime. I have my first annual major clinic coming in October which is the anniversary month for my transplant which we are told will entail more extensive and comprehensive testing on my entire bodily functions. So until then, staying the course plotted out by my doctors and continuing to do the very best we can with deductibles, copays, and asking for Your continued Prayers and support. We THANK YOU ALL SO VERY KINDLY for all the Prayers and support You have extended which has been a Blessing to us and made our bottom line much better indeed, than it would have been. Please consider a donation to my HelpHOPELive campaign if feasible for You to do so. I mentioned earlier we are Thankful to the Good Lord & medical professionals, but we are very, very much just as THANKFUL to All of You too. You have provided Inspiration and Hope for us. May You, Your Family, and All Friends be Blessed - always!
Diann and I Love You All................
June 23, 2017
May 8,2017 - Here is another update regarding my progress: I am still trying to be the best patient I can be and the healing is very gradual but does seem to be going in a good direction still for the most part. One of the medicines, valcyte, that prevents CMV (cytomegalovirus) and other viral infections has caused my white cell blood count to fall to very low levels several times; has been somewhat of an issue, then they take me off of it and my count returns to what is considered the normal range and then they put me back on it and it plummets again; have been off of it the last two weeks and my white cell count is normal at the present time. Still working to regain my strength and Praying I can get back all the muscle strength I lost while still dealing with this polymyositis situation. Still happy my breathing seems so much better than before. We are doing the best we can keeping up with the deductibles and copays. Diann and I definitely Thank God for Your continued Prayers and support that has truly helped us and Inspired us in so many ways. We Love You All and we continue to ask for Your consideration regarding my Help Hope Live campaign.
God Bless You All - always.
March 15, 2017
March 11, 2017 - The bronchoscopy procedure to freeze and remove the polyps was successful as we were shown from the before and after scope pictures. I was a little more relaxed and more on the sleepy side than I expected to be after the procedure. From here they will be having the polyps sent off for a biopsy type analysis and we will know more about those results in the days to come. Although I was not feeling any discomfort before yesterday's bronchoscopy and I do not seem to be feeling any discomfort since the bronchoscopy procedure was completed, all we can do is await their findings and update You again when we know more. For now, it seems like everything is as it should be and all systems are a go. Thank You All again for Your Prayers and Support. Love and Prayers to You All.
Have a very Enjoyable Weekend.
March 9, 2017
update # 3 - March 9, 2017: Here is an update regarding my healing and overall feeling. I have been getting a little stronger and am breathing better than I have in many years. My chest is still somewhat sensitive but seems to be healing alright, hurting less, and firming up more & more as the days go by. During my last examination and check up, an x-ray & bronchoscopy revealed a couple of polyps on the anastamosis area, which is where my tissues and the new lung's tissues are connected inside my body, and I am scheduled to have them removed during another bronchoscopy this Friday, 3/10/2017. I am not in any pain from the polyps and the transplant Dr.s have mentioned to us removing them is a routine procedure during some lung transplants. They will freeze them and remove them during the bronchoscopy, while I am under anesthesia. We are all Praying for a successful procedure. We also still find ourselves in need of Your Prayers and support as we continue to go forward on this journey - Please consider a donation if possible. We are so much more than THANKFUL for All the Prayers and Generosity that has been bestowed on us. We very much Thank God for every day and we are very Thankful for You & Pray for You All too. I would like to inquire if Anyone reading this might be aware of any fairly simple and effective fund raiser(s) that do not require a great deal of time or effort to set into motion, as I know I will be in need until this coming October when they say I can start being weaned off of some of these anti-rejection medications, that is if my recovery continues to go like it is, and my health continues to improve. If so, please "message" me here on facebook. In the mean time, I shall strive to be the best patient I can be and keep You posted the best I can. We Love You and
God Bless You All.
January 25, 2017
January 19, 2017: The "sternal plating" surgical procedure performed on 1 / 13 / 2017 was successful and we are indeed so very Thankful to our Heavenly Father above for this Blessing. I am still a bit on the weak side and in some pain - to be expected - my chest does feel much more normal, though very sore. Breathing is still much better than before the transplant. They put me back together with that clear looking adhesive instead of staples (much less painful). Looks like there is clear silicone holding the incision together now. Was told 6-8 weeks of healing before I can start working out my upper extremities. The pain meds do not work that great but are helping some, which makes sleeping difficult at best - was given morphine in the hospital and it did not deter this rather deeply rooted pain either. Like the first surgery, this will get better in a few more weeks. The plan is: continue taking the daily anti-rejections meds, continue my walking & breathing exercises, go to all the weekly check ups, follow all the doctors instructions, and to be a good patient. Highest kudos to my Wife Diann, who has gone over & above the call of duty, to my Sisters & Brothers, to my Family, to my Wife's Family, to All who have helped get the word out, and more kudos and a very Special "THANK YOU" to All of You for All the Love, Well Wishes, and Support Y'all have shown us. You have kept us Inspired in the most Beautiful ways, which has helped keep us going. We ask for Your continued support. You are All in our Prayers, God Bless You All, and we Love You All.
May God Bless Our Beautiful Country..................
January 9, 2017
January 9, 2017:
Here is an update about my present situation: I have not been feeling bad at all - I have been breathing good overall - my strength has been improving, it is most definitely kind of unusual (almost surreal even) imagining another's lungs are now a major part of my being and are keeping me going. Been taking what seems like a ton of meds every day, twice daily vital signs, four insulin shots a day as the antibiotics I am on elevates my blood sugar to levels diabetics are accustomed to dealing with, and weekly check ups and very close monitoring at University Hospital in San Antonio. Although I am feeling so much better, I am not quite out of the woods just yet as a weakness has been discovered in my chest - appears my upper midsection is a bit on the flimsy side, and the area where my ribs come together did not bond back together exactly as planned, and this means they are going to have to open me back up and put a plate in my chest to make it appropriately solid. This surgery will add fortification to my frame and will be performed on me next Friday. It is called a "sternal plating" surgical procedure. Not as risky as the transplant itself was we have been told, but we are once again Hoping and Praying for the best possible outcome. We THANK YOU ALL for all the Prayers and support You have extended. Please continue to keep us in Your Prayers and may God Bless You All - always. We Hope Your Christmas and New Years was good and here is wishing You All an Enjoyable and prosperous 2017.
We Love You All..................
