Friday, August 11, 2006

Reflections on a fun week

Hi everyone:

I'm not sure if anyone else has kept count but, as of today, Patty has been on the transplant list for 48 days. If you read back to the earliest days of this blog, you'll see hopeful references to the 4-6 week "typical" wait for a heart. We've already exceeded that wait, and anticipate a much longer one. Patty and I both believe she won't get a heart until well after the 90-day Cytoxan treatment period ends. We're not distressed about this -- it's just that if you're waiting, you may as well make some game of things. So, for the record, Patty's guess is that she will get her new heart on Day 129 (Halloween), while I more optimistically forecast that she will be transplanted on Day 105 (October 7). Patty kidded this morning that perhaps we should start a pool.

While we wait, Patty seems to take it all in stride, which I find to be pretty amazing considering she has felt nauseous for at least part of each of those days. Of late, her appetite seems to be better than in the past, and she makes the most of the time when she's able to function. All in all, I find her to be a pretty remarkable person. Of course, I may have a bit of a bias.

With a great deal of help from family and friends, our kids have enjoyed a pretty nice -- and mostly active -- summer. For the most part, they seem very happy and (thankfully) distracted. From time to time, we see chinks in the armor, but they're holding up pretty well, all things considered.

Below are a few more pictures from the last couple of days, including our trip to Mayan Adventure at Holiday Inn Elmhurst. More soon...

Love,
Brian

Mom & Dad at Colin's "graduation" lunch



Patty, the video bowling champ



Mayan Adventure -- the slides are fast and fun (especially at night)


Colin and Kelly on the double tube



PJ's self-portrait


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