We have returned to Gilead Lake from Germantown, Maryland, where Andrew, Lisa, and Abby will live for about another month. Then they are moving to Landstuhl, Germany where Andy will work at Landstuhl Medical Center Hospital where he and Cale were born.
We were able to attend Andrew's graduation which was held at Constitution Hall in Washington, D.C. He has completed his Master of Arts degree as a Perioperative Nurse Specialist. Such a proud day as he crossed the stage and received his degree which included a hooding ceremony. He had also received two awards from the university in an earlier ceremony, and those were mentioned. In addition to Lisa, Abby, Pa, and I attending the graduation, Niccole and Cole had traveled to Andy's from Fredericksburg, Virginia. Cole has a cast on his shin and foot due to a hairline fracture of his heel growth plate, so he was learning how to navigate on crutches. it was a great weekend and trip. We stayed at a Hampton one night each way since I must do all of the driving. After less than 24 hours at home, we have two days in Ann Arbor for Ron's treatments.
Ron's bloodwork was very similar to two weeks ago which is good. He weighed 177 pounds which is now up 35 pounds from his lowest weight during recovery. He weighed a few pounds over 200 when he had his transplant. This is a really good weight for him, and his blood pressure is good too. We have continued to taper his insulin medication as his glucose levels are on the road to normal levels. It has now been a year since we moved back home after living 9.5 months in Ann Arbor. During this year, Ron had 3 return hospitalizations, and we have had an additional 20+ weeks of return overnight appointments...amazing what can seem a normal routine. Now we are in a holding pattern of two day appointments every other week. This will probably continue at least 4 more months, but Ron is continuing to make good progress since his light therapy ECP treatments started in January.
Have a wonderful Memorial Day weekend as you remember and honor all veterans.
Love,
Ron & Jan
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Sounds like things are looking up, Jan. I am so happy you and Ron were able to be at Andy's graduation. Family times are the best. Take care and know that you both are in my prayers. Sherry F.
ReplyDeleteJan and Ron Th picture of Andy was so neat! I know how much you all being there meant! I know it was an important goal!!! Another reached in many! Also I know how hard that Nursing Masters is -so grats to Andy and family! Glad all the medical issues are leveling out. Will continue with thoughts and prayers for continued improvement! Neat that Andy is going where Cale and him were born-full circle-life is interesting as you all know. Joyce
ReplyDeleteWhat special neighbors both of you were during our 19 years in Bowling Green..and what wonderful friends you continue to be!
ReplyDeleteWe are now home from Ann Arbor after a two day stay for scheduled appointments. Ron continues to make progress. The ECP light therapy treatments seem to have really helped him turn the corner. We are so grateful to the team of professionals at U of M Hospital who have become our new friends in our retirement. That includes doctors, nurses, Bone Marrow Transplant staff, vallet personnel, lab nurses, custodians, and more!
Wonder if Andy & family will live in old WW11 quarters like we did? Ron will have to progress so you can go over & see your old stomping grounds. Great news about Ron's continued progress. Love & hugs to you both, Ann & Bob
ReplyDeleteRon and Jan,
ReplyDeleteNothing like a road trip to get the old blood pumping. What a wonderful event for the entire family to celebrate. Congrats to Andy...Sure enough I see a trip to Germany in the future..I hear the beer is good there. Wonder if they have DQ? Keep up the forward progress and good times. We're having some fun here for sure. I'm working on my nursing degree too.
All the best...Ginny