Day +43 (by Aaron’s mom)
Dear Family and Friends,
Sorry communications have been scarce for several days. My lap top has been out of commission for the past week (Ken is working on it), and Natalie’s new role as home-nurse is very time consuming. Plus Aaron’s new mix of drugs have kept him too drowsy to blog.
Aaron’s blood levels continue to hold. He has not needed blood products since his release. Praise God! The readings tend to be just on the lower edge of normal so everything is moving in the right direction.
Monday’s appointment was very exciting. There were about seven doctors plus nurses all conversing about Aaron. This is his new out-of-hospital team headed by Doctor Paquette, plus his new study team. Aaron has agreed to be part of test group trying a new antiviral drug that’s easier on new stem cells. The study is being led by Doctor Winston (Remember him?) They all wanted to see a new rash on Aaron’s back. A spirited argument ensued. Aaron said it was like a Boydston/Burke dinner. The Shingles contingency won. To our relief, Aaron’s shingles aren’t causing the pain normally associated with that dreaded disease thanks to early detection and a miracle drug. Can anyone tell me why the Zoster virus (dormant Chicken Pox virus) is called Shingles? Is it because the scab falls off like a shingle off the roof?
Natalie has been keeping Aaron’s 40 pills on track, flushing his lines, taking his temperature, and even giving I.V. meds. I’m sooo glad Natalie is detail oriented. I wonder how other families cope with the transplant regiment. We’re all hoping Aaron won’t have to stay the full 100 days here at UCLA. The Tiverton House is very lovely but not Ojai. We continue to thank God for an uneventful transplant as we hear the horror stories of other recent transplants.
May 24th, 2007 at 6:19 pm
I would say that is probably a good guess why it is called shingles. In Italy it is known as St Anthony’s Fire. I pray that whatever the rash is, that it subsides and doesn’t cause Aaron any discomfort. Glad to hear Natalie is taking good care of the “patient” God Bless!
May 25th, 2007 at 9:16 am
Reading the update on Aaron was a wonderful way to begin my memorial day weekend. We will continue to think positive thoughts for all of you. Much love from the valley.
Karen and crew
May 25th, 2007 at 10:57 am
Praying for your comfort strength and healing. Way to go Natalie! You’re awesome. Are they paying you yet? :) More eternal rewards. Hoping to see you all soon.
May 25th, 2007 at 8:32 pm
Day 43 was a thrill to read. That means almost 1/2 way. Despite the rash and shingles, you are doing well under the ever watchful eyes of Natalie. You folks are such a testimony to the goodness of God and of his sustaining power in the midst of such an ordeal. Many people who normally are whining about some trivia in their lives, read of you and realize they have nothing to complain about and they earnestly are praying for you and about their own attitudes.
Your triumphal entry into Ojai is 44 days closer than it was. Oh, what a day that will be.