Day +70

8/04/2022

Ian’s recovery has continued to go well and he has made great strides in the last few weeks. His clinic visits have been reduced to just Mondays and Thursdays. In each three-hour visit, they take labs, run a magnesium IV, review meds and discuss symptoms. Recently, his lab work has shown only minor irregularities that are typical for his circumstance. He is on seven standard medications to prevent illness, infection and GVHD. He is also now taking oral steroids to fight the full-body rash that has been coming and going for over a month. I am happy to report that all other symptoms have subsided! His energy level and appetite are slowly improving as he gains weight and strength, following a 30-pound weight-loss!

Now that Ian is feeling better, he’s battling boredom. He doesn’t go outside during the day because: 1) the heat sucks his energy and 2) sun exposure triggers Graft-Versus-Host disease (more on that another day). Given that, we usually take a walk around our lake or complex at night – he can now walk two miles at good clip! Indoor excursions are also generally off-limits, because he has to avoid public germs. This restriction includes restaurants, whether inside or outside, as long as he’s on immunosuppressants. Life in the apartment bubble is getting old as we countdown the days to discharge. Barring unforeseen events, we expect to be home before the end of August!

Over the last month, Brooks and Stone have enjoyed the company of my Mom, Ian’s sister Karrin (from LA) and their elder cousin Molly (from Utah) – each who played house in Greenville for a week. Now they are at my Dad’s house in Virginia Beach and will soon be shuttled (through Durham) back to my Mom’s farm for the final week of summer. If anyone feels sorry for our kids… DON’T! All summer, they have been showered with ice-cream and adventures. The outpouring of love from so many relatives has kept them happy as clams!

Speaking of relatives, please keep Ian’s dad in your prayers too. The boys were supposed to fly to Seattle last month to camp with Ian’s folks, but Bruce experienced a silent heart attack during their cross-country return trip. He is now resting up at home as he anxiously awaits a series of surgeries. In true Bruce-fashion, he is still in good spirits!