After a Month at Home

After almost a month at home, I wanted to update you on my recovery and life in general. Like all of you I hope, I’m trying to wisely manage the risk of Covid. I stay mostly at home and only take necessary trips out or when I feel the risk is minimal. Fortunately, I live in a very isolated spot and can be outside without risk, so I’m able to keep up with my walking and exercise. The boat has also been a real source of pleasure as well.

My recovery is going very well. Sam & Dave (my new lungs) are just amazing! My breathing has not been this good in 15 years! I’m no longer avoiding stairs, and every time I check the oxygen level in my blood I’m just amazed! It’s typically 97% or above which is perfect and this time last year it was in the high 70’s of low 80’s at best!

Susie and I went back to Duke for a checkup last week and my measurable results continue to improve. The only issues I’m dealing with are side effects from the medications. The doctors are working to titrate me down and switching a few things around with the goal of having my “cocktail” right after my year anniversary from my surgery (April 22, 2020). I’ve still got aways to go, but am making great progress.

The most valuable aspect of the trip back to Duke was to gain some needed perspective. There were about ten of us that entered the program roughly at the same time. This trip ran into I ran into a few of them. Their stories are much different than mine. Many are still living there and dealing with issues far greater than an upset stomach and a cough. I am so incredibly fortunate! I am home, have not had any rejection, my lungs are working well and only have one more small procedure coming up to correct an issue with my esophagus. I think many of my fellow April transplants would trade places with me in a heartbeat. Nothing like a little perspective!

What Im really looking forward to more than anything is a much needed visit from Emma, Molly and Juliana the last few weeks in September. I have not seen them since this photo was taken last Thanksgiving Day.

Its been way too long! They have been part of this journey from the outset, yet were never able to visit me because of Covid. Their plan is for Emma to drive from her home Long Beach, CA to Austin, where Molly and Juliana reside in early September. Once there, after Molly defends her PhD dissertation, they will all have Covid tests. They will isolate until the results come back. Assuming the tests are negative, they will jump in a car and drive straight thru the 18 hours to Pawleys Island and will stay a few weeks! I am beyond excited! Look at Juliana in the picture above and now in the one below taken recently and you can see I’ve missed a lot. She has grown so much!

So it will be so healing for me to see them. I get teary eyed just thinking about it.

So that’s my update for now. Obviously posting less these days. Don’t be concerned, no news is good news. Just slowly making progress and getting stronger everyday. Thank you again for all of your love and support. I literally could not have done as well as I have without it. Don’t hesitate to reach out. Text me or email me and we can set up a time to chat.

Hope you are staying safe and are healthy!

Five Month Anniversary

Home Sweet Home!