Weekly Trips Begin

Ron's weekly ECP treatments are underway. Actually, this is the third week--with a 10 day hospitalization thrown in. Last week's treatment was done during his hospital stay for pneumonia. We are realizing more how dangerous that bump in the road was, but it is behind us now. We are still hopeful that the diabetes that developed or was aggravated by the high steroid dosage (to treat the pneumonia) will moderate or discontinue. Today his steroids were reduced by 10mg per day, and he has a prescription for a long-lasting insulin injection pen. That shot will be given in the evening, and he should require less insulin during the day. We are still in the learning curve regarding this process. Yesterday we learned what a Milky Way and a couple gummy worms can do to your glucose. Joking aside, I am now wondering if high glucose is the reason that he has told me that his vision is more blurry at times. He also seemed a little foggy last evening when it was high, and he drank 4 glasses of water at dinner.

Can you believe that February is half over?? My sweetheart was going to take me out for dinner tonight, but he is sleeping soundly after today's appointments that lasted from 8:30-2:30. He resumed the pentamadine inhalation treatment. There had been a shortage of the drug for this for months! He took a liquid that looks like thick bright yellow paint as an alternative. So glad that is over! Ron's appointments next week include his 18 month anniversary tests. As we greet and visit with staff and other patients wherever we go in the hospitals, today I had the thought that U of M is similar to a hometown---a medical hometown. We have developed friendships with so many staff members that we have repeat visits with. Ron met with Tim, his PA, today during clinic visit. Ron's recovery is going well.
Love and thanks for those positive thoughts that you send our way,
Ron & Jan