THE GREAT ESCAPE!

WE MADE IT! HOME! After the docs. visit, we were out of the rat race of Atlanta and both of us agree none too soon. Counts are looking good, white counts - 9.1 (normal 11), red blood and platelets coming up slowly as expected. So Franklin needs to be careful not to cause bleeding- falls, shaving etc. and also is anemic. The doctor prescribed some meds for a cough, that they think will clear with movement, and reminded him not to be a hero and take meds for pain in buttocks and back. Next visit is not until Tuesday and then Friday if things are going well he will have the hickman cath. removed from his chest. Feelings of relief came over me because the flushing of his lines would soon be over. We arrived home about 4 p.m.,WOW!
Feb.2- I typed the beginning of this post on Saturday (Jan. 27) morning and Franklin had intended to complete the remainder but as you see he has not be able to update and express appreciation to all of you. Here is why. Through the weekend his cough continued to worsen and by Monday a.m., he was on the phone with the doctor. We headed to Emory for a visit with the doctor and then to have a CAT scan and viral nose swab. CAT scan showed pneumonia in both lungs - levaquin was prescribed. Tuesday afternoon brought more bad news, viral swab came back showing a respiratory virus called RSV and being told to report back to Emory as quick as possible. Needless to say, STRESS was the mood of the evening. Once settled in our room, Franklin felt GREAT relief just knowing that he was in a place where serious conditions could be monitored and once I calmed down from the return flight, ME TOO!
He is having 3-2 hour breathing treatments a day for 5 days, continuing Levaquin, is in isolation (and we mean ISOLATION- Franklin has compared it to being radioactive- gloves,masks and robes worn by all who enter the room). His Oxygen rate is reduced so breathing is aided by oxygen but signs positive. Right now the schedule is to go home Monday??? Just a reminder to all that transplant progress is WONDERFUL so even though the adventure had a bump, we are back on the ROAD TO SUCCESS!
I am going to share some thoughts from Franklin - Getting stronger daily and have confidence that I will be back pedaling and hiking before long. Look forward to seeing each of you in the days to come and THANK ALL for your prayers, dedication, and friendship. We intend for this to be our last blog post and hope that all of you have a properous and healthy 2007. Love Franklin and Aimee