Duke Visit Update

Results of today's MRI have not been released so we do not know if Joy has another fracture or not. She is still betting that she has another one based upon pain level.

The Transplant Team physician feels they have exhausted all means to treat her stomach issues with medicines and surgery remains the best option. They deferred Joy to the stomach surgeon and we met with him yesterday. He really "pushed some buttons" and was able to schedule the stomach reconstruction surgery for this coming Monday afternoon. It will require several days of hospitalization and offers a 50/50 chance of successfully correcting the nausea / vomiting issues. Several transplant patients have required this surgery for similar issues so the situation is not unique to Joy. The exact reasons why these patients have motility issues are not clear but the theory is that it is from trauma to the muscles especially in the esophagus and stomach.

Their are seven transplant patients (or caregivers) at our hotel and some of the stories are pretty unfortunate. One women had severe circulation issues and has had a foot amputated and several toes from the other and she just learned that see is facing more amputation. Another man is still in the hospital six months after transplant fighting severe infections. Another 35 year old did pretty good and going home after only three months here. Then we just learned one of our other friends has Stage 3 rejection and returning here for treatment. A very, very tough surgery but each of them are glad to be alive.

And, I was successful in obtaining tickets (free for the women's) to a sold out Duke men's and women's basketball game this weekend so that will fill both afternoons.

So a lot of action from Durham and hopefully we are making progress. We will still have to return in early December for several clinic appointments.

Remember to vote. Early and often.

Stay tuned.