Jeff’s getting back into the flow of daily life in Austin and being with Ethan as he navigates his college decision. It’s honestly been challenging to find the balance between taking care of his health and the unending “to- do list” for work and home responsibilities. I suppose we can all relate to that! 

We just completed a successful trip to Houston where Jeff had a bronchoscopy procedure with the addition of a temporary stent inserted in his airway. The stent trains the airway to remain more open for good airflow as it heals. As this section of the airway from the donor heals, it has had a tendency to close and constrict the airflow. The stent  immediately helped and he’s feeling so much better - and isn’t winded! 

As some of you know, he also had a fever last weekend. Fevers are dangerous for transplant patients as they can indicate infection or rejection. Thankfully he recovered quickly and avoided the ER. 

This week, the Houston doctors checked his bloodwork and it was a bit off target, with his white blood count and his levels of anti-rejection meds being too high.  The doctors adjusted his medication and temporarily suspended some of the anti rejection meds.

The next procedure he has scheduled is a Mohs surgery to remove cancerous cells on his ear. In the past, he’s had other pre-cancerous spots removed. The meds he’s taking now increase chances of cancer and he’ll be vigilant with his dermatology appointments. 

All in all - he’s doing well - gaining weight and feeling stronger. Having new lungs is wonderful AND it’s a long recovery process. There are new things to monitor now on an ongoing basis, and we’ll be visiting the medical center in Houston for the rest of our lives. 

On that note - thank you to all of our friends and family who donated Marriott points for us to stay in Houston - we are putting those to good use! 

Thanks to everyone for keeping us in your thoughts  as we continue to navigate the next phases of healing.