Hello!
Well good news and bad news...I'll start with the bad b/c I always like to end with good. I had my 11th cardiac biopsy a few weeks ago and there was some accelerated rejection. It really is not that bad but the rejection level did jump 2 levels from 0 to 1b. This just means I will not be able to go down on my meds as we have been trying to do, but no hospitalization or anything else special is required. I did have to go up on my prograf as well because the level was low earlier this week on my weekly blood work. This is not fun b/c this is the one that causes the tremors and "pins and needles" in my hands and feet. It is funny, but I can tell if my level is high or low just from the symptoms, without getting labwork. The only other bad news is the continued intermittent nausea! But now on to good news...
The ad I shot for Cleveland clinic will be running in the Continental airline magazines in the June and July issues, so don't forget to pick one up if you fly Continental! I also found out that an article I wrote last year will be published in an upcoming journal issue of Echocardiography (thanks Dr. Fyfe). I also started volunteering with the organ procurement agency locally. I helped pass out certificates to honor families who's loved ones donated their organs. Wow, it was really touching and such a wonderful chance for me to give back; it was really a big ceremony and was on the front page of the newspaper here. I was able to publicly thank all the donor families in the article since I don't know my own. Another fabulous thing I was able to do was travel to Maui for one of my best friend's birthday (thank you to her parents for making this possible!) It was one of the most beautiful places I've been to not only because of the obvious scenery, but also the easy-going attitude of the people. This week I will get to see my family and some friends for a family vacation and then off to Cleveland again for another biopsy. I hope everyone is well and enjoying summer fully!
Until next time, love, jenn