24 Hours...

...from now we will be well on our way back to Louisville. We are getting to go home a full month sooner than we expected, and to say we are excited would be an understatement. We've already packed all we can, and all that is left is seeing the doctor today, coming back to our apartment and loading what we can in the car, and saying goodbye to this neighborhood. It's a very nice place, and for the most part we have enjoyed being here, but it's just not home. After today we only have to see the doctor twice a month. I'm feeling well, have had few problems, so as long as I'm doing well there is no compelling reason to stay. We are just grateful to God that things have gone so well. Getting the chance to continue my recovery at home is wonderful. I believe I can rest better there, and really start getting stronger. Thanks for all of your prayers.
Deacon John
Friday of the Eighth Week in Ordinary Time
May 28, 2010
St. Peregrine. Pray for Us
Blessed John XXIII Pray for Us

Homeward Bound????

Last Wednesday the doctor brought up the possibility of our going home by the end of the month, a full month sooner than we thought. He was quite positive, test results were good, the central line could be removed, and if all stayed well we could go home, since he would want to see us only every two weeks. Unfortunately layer that evening the Nurse Practitioner called to say they wanted me to take magnesium by IV for two days, then regular hydration by IV for 7 days, so the central line isn't coming out yet. But, both anti-rejection drugs have been reduced, I am feeling better, although I'm still very tired. We see the doctor again tomorrow, and hopefully get the ok for heading home. I can't wait to see the Louisville skyline come into view.

Deacon John
Ascension of the Lord
May 16, 2010
St. Peregrine, Pray for us
Blessed John XXIII, Pray for us

To Sleep...

I don't think I have ever slept this much in my life. Most nights I am in bed by 10:00 or 10:30, and I have to force myself to get up by 8:30. By 1:00 or 2:00 in the afternoon I am struggling to stay awake. I am tired of being tired. I finally managed today to garner enough energy to read e-mail, and write this. I am amazed at how exhausting this is. I have more energy than before, but it is coming back slowly. Ah well, patience, patience, all in good time. God will teach me patience yet.

Deacon John
The Ascension of the Lord
May 16, 2010
St. Peregrine, Pray for us
Blessed John XXIII, Pray for us

Olive Redux

It's been a few weeks since I posted, mostly because I have simply been very tired, and not feeling well. Some of the anti-rejection drugs have played havoc with my GI system. This left me tired, dehydrated, and wondering why I did this in the first place. But my doctor ordered IV fluids to be given at home, and thanks to that and stepping down on one of the meds I feel much better. Since I needed IV fluids, I was reunited with my girlfriend Olive, or at least a close replica. Who knew they made disposable IV poles? Olive II and I got together for a couple of hours a day for the last week. The fluids helped, the cutting back on Cell-Cept helped, and I have actually been hungry! Hopefully in a few weeks I can venture away from this apartment and explore the area a bit. Olive came to my rescue again, this time as Olive II. Maybe I'll take her home with me. Thanks for your continued prayers, believe me they are felt and appreciated.
Deacon John
Friday of the 5th Week of Easter
May 7, 2010
St. Peregrine, Pray for Us
Blessed John XXIII, Pray for Us