Day 79

Happy birthday to Steven - he turned 17 today, and had a great birthday!

It was another quiet day in Houston. Kristen had an appointment this morning with the pulmonary doctors. She was suppose to do a six minute walk test prior to seeing the doctor but her heart rate was too high (130) for them to do the walk so she just had an exam and consult. Her heart is rate is something that gives us fits at times. We're not sure exactly why, but it's been that way for over a year and it causes the medical teams her concern at times if they aren't familiar with her. The visit went well, they prescribed her a steroid inhaler in an effort to get more of her lung function back. Pre-transplant she was 100% efficient, and post transplant when they discharged her after the bout with the flu she was 61%. They will keep her on this for a month or so and then recheck her for improvement.

We then sent up to the stem cell folks to see them about Kristen's stomach pains. They suggested it would be OK, and didn't see to concerned about it. Perhaps a pepcid before eating, and a sofren if there is too much discomfort. They also suggested for her to be sure to get plenty of fruits and vegetables along with low fat meats (e.g. no cheeseburgers). We'll make some changes and see if that helps.

Her schedule looks like Tuesday for the bone marrow biopsy, and then a follow-up on Thursday with Dr. Popat, and hopefully after that they will cut her loose. Given that, Jill and I will swap out again on Sunday and she'll have to pack up the apartment and make the trip back.

I'll request for continued prayers for Kristen's healing, and safe travels this weekend.

God Bless!

Devin.