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Dear family and friends, I truly apologize for the long absence. Gary did not receive good news after his last doctor’s appointment in mid-December. Gary had wanted to keep the information quiet until after the holidays so as not to upset his mother. (She can literally worry her self sick.) The other reason was we did not know what any of the information “meant.” Gary’s first appointment to finally get some answers is this coming Monday, January 7.
Gary had gone into Chicago in December to have the usual insurance-required battery of tests to receive prior approval for their coverage of the second transplant. His MRI came back showing a new bone lesion on his spine, the same spot where he is experiencing severe pain. This lesion is a recent development. The MRI also showed a “shadow” at the base of brain, possibly an aneurysm. The doctor had gone on a long vacation overseas, so it was impossible to get any more information than what I just stated. A few days after Christmas we received the date and details of the next doctors’ appointment. We were certainly surprised to learn that Gary also has to see a heart specialist! Evidently, his EKG results were not good either.
To sum it all up, Gary may have a brain aneurysm, the bone lesion is interfering with the spinal nerves and he may have a heart problem. We do not know how any of this will affect his second transplant since that was supposed to take place as soon as possible this month.
Monday, January 7, will be a tough day. Please pray that none of these health issues will interfere with the second transplant, or the insurance company’s willingness to pay. We are starting 2008 with all our bills up to date. The insurance company has paid in full all of there end of the bills. Thanks to all of you, wonderful people who have financially helped us and prayed for us our other day-to-day bill responsibilities are paid too. It is wonderful not dealing with the pressure of bills at this time.
Another great blessing to report: Our daughter Sarah and her husband, Randy, announced Christmas day that they are expecting their first child (our first grandchild). Doctors had told Sarah that she had a very slim chance of ever conceiving, so it is a miracle baby. We are rejoicing!
-Patty
