Home Sweet Home!
So with my return home, I’m picking up the pen again. A standing ovation for the job Emma has done keeping this blog going when I was unable to do so. I’ve heard a dozen times, if not more, “she is a much better writer than you are, and funnier too.” I totally agree, but it’s time for me to give her a well deserved break.
So my last appointment at Duke was Tuesday. We were given the final “all clear” to return home to Pawleys Island. I picked up a U-Haul truck to help schlep our stuff home the following morning. Our plan was to take our time loading up and be on the road by Friday at the latest. Here’s what happened instead: within 15 minutes of pulling the truck in front of the house, three firemen from the station across the street., who had generously taken Mo under their wing the last four months tossing balls with him and coaching him on skateboarding, showed up and said “let us load your truck!” By all means have at it!
They were done by noon on Wednesday! After a few hours of cleaning up, we hit the road heading south. We pulled into Rice Bluff about 7pm. It was so wonderful to be home! There were tears of joy and I had a golf ball size lump in my throat for an hour.
The sunset over the river that evening was spectacular, as if the universe was welcoming us home. Peter, Edie and Sophie Jackson had done an amazing and awe inspiring job putting the spit and polish on the home front and even had a second line parade welcoming us back!
So we begin the next phase of this journey. There will be more trials and tribulations to be sure, but the most difficult and the longest phase of this ordeal is in the rear view mirror. I’ve been off all oxygen for almost two months, and yet my oxygen saturation levels in my blood are excellent. My last pulmonary function test was my best in a decade, and I have shown no signs of reaction. Sam & Dave are doing the job!
So now comes the isolation phase at home. It sucks that South Carolina has done such a poor job of managing the Covid crisis and we are officially designated a “hot spot.” The second largest Harley Davidson rally in the country is happening 35 miles north of here this coming week! Epically stupid in my opinion. My immune system is severely compromised due to the anti-rejection drugs I’m taking and I MUST NOT get exposed to the virus, so I will enjoy the beauty and serenity this place has to offer and stay at home. It is tough not to see friends I would love to see, but we are devising a safe strategy for outdoor, socially distanced visits, a couple of folks a time. We can still take a boat into the marshes and walk on the beach so I have no complaints at all. Its just such a surreal situation for us all!
I have to return to Duke a couple of times in August for a check in and for more testing on my esophagus. In early September, I will need to have one more “procedure” to reduce the chances of stomach acid aspirating into my new lungs. Doing everything I can to keep Sam and Dave happy and singing!
So I owe a tremendous debt of gratitude for all of you that have offered such love, support and encouragement to me over the last four months. I literally could not have made it through this ordeal without it. I may have been the tip of the spear, but I always felt a tremendous amount of positive energy propelling me forward and giving me the courage not to give up and give in. After having gotten to know the Duke Transplant program as well as i have over the last six months, I’m convinced the folks that don’t survive it are lacking that support. if you have to endure this just for yourself, I think it could be too easy to just throw in the towel. It was the deep feeling that I was doing this for my family, friends and folks that were cheering me on, that quitting was never an option. Thank you so much! This was a team effort!
A special shout out to Susie and Mo who were with me everyday and went through some very trying times. I literally couldn’t have possibly done this without you. Emma, Molly and Juliana kept my spirits up and were always there for me every step along the way. Every time I heard one of their voices, I remembered why I was doing this, because I wanted more time with you for many ears to come! Lex and Ann Alexander provided us housing and constant support in Durham. You are exemplary friends! To my brothers from other mothers, you know who you are, and you have my deepest respect and gratitude. Peter, Edie and Sophie Jackson, mi casa, su casa. And to all of you I didn’t mention, thank you. I’m forever grateful and hope to see you again down the road, post Covid!
A final shout out to the entire Transplant Team at Duke Hospital. They have earned the reputation as the best place in the world to get a transplant. I totally agree! The quality of the medical team, the surgeons, and the nursing care are second to none. I owe the next phase of my life to their expertise and dedication. I hope its a long one!