Zero Rejection

Tuesday, June 3, found us at Shands Hospital at 6:45 AM for a biopsy of Vernon's heart to check for possible rejection. We hadn't expected one until next February but when the dosage of one of the anti-rejection meds was lowered a month ago, to be safe the doctor wanted to check Vernon's heart. Good news! Zero rejection! So now he won't need another one until June 2009. He is very happy about that because the procedure was painful. Access to his heart was through his neck.

Those of you who have been with us since transplant might remember the faces below or the names David Russow and Chuck King. We were able to have lunch with them and I took this picture of the three transplant amigos. We knew Chuck had a doctor appointment at Shands that day but it was a surprise that David was there, also. David was transplanted Jan. 27, Vernon was Feb. 4 and Chuck was Feb. 7, 2006, so they shared their recovery experience as they had shared the wait.
Here's another view.
Next on the schedule for Vernon medically is an office visit to Dr. Haas on Monday, June 9, for biopsies on three places on his face. After that maybe we'll learn when radiation can start. Though the cancer doctors at M.D. Anderson have told us that he would not be a candidate for chemo because of his anti-rejection medications, we learned from our Shands doctor that it would be possible to receive chemo, if needed. We aren't counting on needing chemo but it is a relief to learn that it is possible.

Here's an update on my mother in Oregon. She decided to try chemo and they are giving her anti-nausea medication before the chemo and today was her third weekly therapy. So far she is remaining free of negative side effects and we are thanking God for that.

About the beautiful flower I posted last time and wanted to know what it was, several have told me it was a dahlia. So now you know, too (or maybe you already knew).

We are planning to watch a movie outside tomorrow night with other people I work with. It will be like a drive-in movie but we will be sitting in lawn chairs or on blankets on the grass instead of in cars. The movie is "Over the Hedge" and snow cones and hot dogs will be served. Should be fun. Maybe I'll take some pictures of the set up before it gets dark and the movie starts.