News from Auburn: Fri Oct 10, 2008


In this issue:
Health update
The news

Health Update
Last week I went to UAB for heart and lung function tests to determine if I was a candidate for a bone marrow transplant.  Wednesday I learned that I passed the heart test, but not the lung test (pulmonary function test).  The PFT was failed for three reasons:
- I'm still down a lung due to a partially paralyzed diaphragm
- I had a respiratory virus
- I had radiation pneumonitis and was taking steroids for treatment.
As a result, my lung capacity decreased quite a lot, as did my ability to clear CO2 from my bloodstream.  My lung capacity is now up to about 2 liters, but that's still less than half of a normal person.

The plan now is
- I wean myself off of steroids on an accelerated schedule so that I can retake the PFT on Nov4.
- I will avoid large groups of people (University, church) so that I do not risk getting another virus.
- I will pray a lot to get lung function back.

If I pass the PFT and CT scans on Nov 4, then I will start stem cell collection and preliminary chemo during the first 3 weeks of November.  (The plan is for me to be home during the week of Thanksgiving.)

If that sounds a bit nervous, there's a good reason for that: we are.  A bit.  I need to study my Matthew 8 lesson again.

Better news, though: I've started walking over the last few days - a lap or two around the living room or on my driveway.  Today I went to get my blood work done without a wheelchair.  The registration desk lady was overjoyed to see me on my feet, even though I could only "mosey" at best, hardly fast enough to call a walk. It was tiring (I slept the rest of the day), but I need to build up endurance for the upcoming tests.

The news
Adam held a laser pointer about a foot from his face and steered the beam between his eyes.  Viva said (almost shouted): "You haven't even been in the fraternity a whole year and you're already a complete moron!!"

Go Viva!

Replies to last week's alternative BMT testing procedures:

1. Raise one eyebrow while making the hand gesture associated with the Vulcan Salute ("Live long and prosper")
2. Burp "Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious" (use of carbonated beverages acceptable)
3. Rub your belly while patting your head.
4. Flex your pectoral muscles in time to the tune of the Dueling Banjos
5. Tie a cherry stem into a knot using only your tongue and teeth.

From an Auburn nursing professor:
 I would note however the most cutting edge research indicates only #4 [flexing pe] has any predictive validity regarding physiologic response to BMT. Please advise your new consultant that based on a systematic review of randomized controlled trials in the last 5 years, humming "God Bless America" while drinking a glass of water achieved the highest recommendation as the most sensitive diagnostic tool available at this time. I would be happy to join this consultative team to evaluate the results.

High school friend Eric writes: "Burp "Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious" (use of carbonated beverages 
acceptable) .....  that's not easy to do when you are in good health...  8-)"

I forwarded the procedure to one of the coordinators at the UAB bone marrow transplant clinic.  She said they'd put them in practice right away.  :-)

Posted: Fri - October 10, 2008 at 09:18 PM           | |

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