quick update

So, a more clear definitive plan was ironed out yesterday. The results of the regular OR bronch biopsies again were inconclusive, just showing some sort of inflammatory response. Having high plasma levels. So, since everything else has been ruled out, they need to get a sample from the airways much lower down where a scope can not reach. This is also the area that looks worst on xrays, ct scans, etc. I didn't mention this last post, but it was discussed last week as well.

It is more of a surgical procedure, where they remove a very small piece of the lung tissue so they can completely analyze it. They do it though, through the chest wall. It is called a Thoracic Wedge Biopsy, I think. Not to dangerous or risky, however Dr Haithcock, did point out sometimes after trasnsplant the lung wall has scarring and such and it can be a bit tricky requiring a larger cut. It takes a few days to recover as they do put in a chest tube.

This test will allow them to rule-out every possible thing, and hopefully give a definitive picture on what is happening. If it is a form of rejection, what kind? And this will help guide the treatment plan. A bit invasive, that is why they don't do it often. However, they decided that until then to try another round of the high dose steroids IV. Like I did about 6 weeks ago. Perhaps it might work. I did the first dose today, do one tomorrow, and one friday. If I get a miraculous bounce from this they will hold on the surgical procedure, but it is tentatively scheduled for Monday.

I will be able to get out of here tomorrow for the weekend and spend time with Rebecca and the Boys! We did not see eachother yet, since her trip to Italy, as I left the night she came home.

So, this is what is going on. So, who noticed the new pic at the top?? Taken same trip, just decided to switch it up a bit. That was almost a year ago, before transplant! Crazy to think about.

-Mitch