Probes, Scans and Tests...

Last week was a busy week for me at the Mayo Clinic. My stomach had been bothering me for a few days so I mentioned it to my nurse practitioner Mary and she and Dr. Reeder decided that I needed to have an endoscope to check on what it was. After the scope it was determined that it was low grade graft vs. host disease (GVHD), on a scale of 1-4 it is only a 1 so it is thankfully really low. We were hoping for just a little GVHD through out this process so this is a good thing as long as it does not progress and become chronic.

I have also been having some difficulty with my breathing even prior to my recent transplant which has been getting worse. Because of this I was sent to do another pulmonary test and CT scan of my lungs. The CT showed no sign of infection, however the pulmonary test did show that my lung function had decreased even more since the recent transplant. I am now taking a two week dose of prednisone oral steroids to help my lungs expand and function a little bit better. I have also been working out on the stationary bike everyday for a half hour to try and expand my lungs and get some cardio back. And this Wednesday I will be meeting with the pulmonary doctors to determine if I need to be put on a steroid inhaler for a short time as well.

I haven't been taking as many photos with my Canon T2i as I had been when I first got my camera, I am still pretty limited as to where I can go so my subject matter is limited as well. In the meantime I am saving up to get an underwater housing from SPL as surf photography is what I am truly passionate about. I emailed the owner Sean and he priced me one at $1650.00 which is a fair deal for the best surf photography housing on the market. I also need to get a Tokina 10-17mm lens to use with the housing which is an additional $550.00 or so online. So, if anyone in Hawaii has some extra work that needs to be done I will hopefully be home in mid to late January and am willing to do any side jobs that I can on the weekends to get this housing. With my lungs and stamina being low I may not be able to yard or housework but if you have anything that isn't too physically strenuous please do not hesitate to let me know!!!

Well I hope that everyone has a wonderful Thanksgiving! I know that I have a lot to be thankful for especially for the donor that was kind enough to give someone that they don't even know another shot at life. I hope that I get to thank you personally one day!