I've always heard that time goes faster the older you get and I'm really starting to believe it! December already and getting ready for tax season along with Christmas!

There has been a huge difference in Bill after these last procedures! It took a little to get over the quick trip to Florida, but now he's doing amazingly well. He's been working down at the office cleaning off old computers and everyone has told me how much better he looks. Of course he didn't look to be as sick as he is anyway, but his entire persona seems to have changed. He seems younger looking but it's more than that. I just haven't figured out what it is. Whatever it is, it's also done me some good. I'm sleeping almost through the night again, and I don't remember the last time I did that. Still some nights when I'm awake a lot but more nights than not I'm sleeping about 5 hours at a time.

Bill goes in for a checkup next week with Dr. Burnett. Hope we get a good report. Until then, hope everyone stays warm where it's cold and stays cool where it's warm.

We've had a very hectic week since we got home from Florida. But first, a lovely "Celebration of Life" service was held for Bill's mother. There was laughter and tears as moments were recalled by various family members. We also enjoyed seeing family members we hadn't seen in a long time.

While we were gone our refrigerator went out so we had that to come home to. While I went to work, Ryan, Bill and our friend George, got the old fridge out, about an hour before the trash pickup came, so it is gone. Bill measured the opening and we started searching online for a new one. We discovered that they don't make small ones anymore, which led to having to remove an overhead cabinet completely. All of the side facing and trim work also had to come off! Went to Sears and looked at the ones they had and picked one that would fit in the opening with 1/2 inch to spare.

When it was delivered Saturday, the delivery men were not happy that they had to take the doors off, but old houses come with narrow doors, and again, they don't make small appliances anymore. Finally got it into the kitchen, the doors put back on and it won't slide into the opening! That's when we discovered that the lower cabinets are not square! It still needs to go back about 3 inches, but it will be fine where it is.

Bill was very tired after doing all of that and then we had Harvest Dinner and Praise Service Sunday after church. He's rested most of the last 2 days but seems to be a little perkier today.

We're going to Emily's for Thanksgiving this year. Looking back over the past 2 years, we have so much to be thankful for concerning Bill's health. Just to have him with us still is a blessing. Dr. Burnett told Emily he didn't know why he was still with us. We know that God still has a purpose for him to fulfill.

Well, don't want to get too "sappy" here. Happy Thanksgiving to all who visit here. Stop and take a moment to count your blessings, even the little ones you don't think about. We all seem to remember the big ones, but the little ones such as a good night's sleep or the sunshine are things we sometimes take for granted. They, too, are a gift.

We have made it to Florida. Bill saw Dr. Lan's nurse practitioner yesterday and he said everything looks fine as far as the surgery went. The incision is healing well although he doesn't want him to lift his arm over his head for another 4 weeks. He explained a little more about the new pacemaker. This one is beating his heart for him 99.9% of the time, which is what they want. This is another reason Bill is feeling better. He cleared him to travel but to still rest more and start walking a little.

We stopped south of Atlanta last night. Hit Atlanta at rush hour, in the dark, in the rain. Ronna, if you're reading this you would be proud of me. I drove through it just like I was doing it every day! I went to bed early and right to sleep since I had been awake since 4:15 yesterday morning.

We both woke up about 6:30 this morning, Bill coughing with a fever. I drove most of the way today and he catnapped. He took over right before Tampa. We got to the hotel about 2 and got checked in. Our room is lovely with a balcony. It overlooks the highway, but that's ok. We're to be at Shirley & Don's about 5:30 and then a birthday party for Kim's daughter Amanda this evening, but we may not go to that. We are both tired and the stress will really start for Bill now. And since he will be stressed, it goes without saying that I will be stressed also. He's snoozing now so I know he doesn't feel well since he never sleeps in the daytime unless he doesn't feel well.

The van is gassed and washed, we've been to Walmart, laundry is still in the dryer but the suitcases stand ready to be packed. I think we're just about set to head out in the morning. Hopefully we won't be held up in Memphis long and can get on the road. It's going to be a long 2 days drive with leaving so late, and a stressful week-end.

Keep us in your prayers as we say goodbye to Bill's mother.

We have had a very good week, all things considering. We are both sleeping well and getting right up ready to go about 6:30 (although I slept in until 7:30 this morning). We have all of our plans made for Florida. The memorial service is going to be Saturday so we are leaving Weds. right after Bill's Dr. appointment in Memphis. Hopefully we won't be there long. I'm hoping we get back on the road by noon.

Bill has said several times that he's sorry his sister has to do all of the arrangements herself, but I think he realizes, at least I hope he does, that he cannot be there to help her and it would do no good to anyone if it should cost him a setback. She also wants us to stay about a week, but I told Bill I can't stay that long and he doesn't need to stay that long. I've reminded him that Dr. Burnett told him not to make any long strenuous trips. He probably wouldn't like him making this trip, but he would understand it. Plus, we are still keeping our plans to go at Christmas so they will be able to reminisce then. They (Don & Shirley) will have to understand that I do have a job and we are gearing up for tax season.

Bill commented tonight after church that he has not been getting winded after walking. We've been to Walmart and he walked all over with me. Usually he has to sit and wait on me, but he didn't the last time we were there. He was also walking at a faster pace than I was. That's another sign that the procedure and new pacemaker are working. One thing he does do though is fall asleep while watching tv and he never used to do that. Kind of makes me think of what Pearl was doing when she would have one of her "spells" that would land her in the hospital. I'll just keep an eye on him.

All for now. I know we're in for a rough few days, so keep us in your prayers while we travel.

We've had a very sad ending to our homecoming. Bill's mother passed away Sunday afternoon, moments after she spoke to Bill on the phone. She had been hospitalized Saturday and they thought she had a bronchial infection and a urinary tract infection. We think now that the bronchial infection was probably fluid build-up around her heart and the urinary tract infection was due to her kidneys shutting down. She told Bill that they were going to change her pacemaker and she would be home Monday or Tuesday. She then said she was tired so they hung up and his sister called about 30 minutes later and said that she was gone. Although we grieve for her, she was 94 years old and had lived a full and good life.

Bill is handling it pretty well now. It was difficult for him to call the kids and tell them and he wouldn't let me do it for him. But today he is much better with it. She had already planned everything and is to be cremated, so the memorial service is being held later than a funeral would be so that Bill can travel. He spoke with the doctor's office this morning and they've scheduled his post-op visit for as early as they can. He also feels sorry for his sister since she is having to do everything by herself. And intellectually he knows that he can't push himself because that won't do anyone any good and his mother would have hated it if she was the cause of something happening to him. But, emotionally it is different.

Well, that's it for now. There may not be another post for awhile. Just keep checking back periodically. Thanks again for the prayers.

We are home!!! Got released about 3. I've unpacked the van, with help from Joe next door, thumbed through the mail and sat here to let everyone know we're home. Still have a few emails to send out.

Everything has gone well. He has only had to take 1 pain pill and that was yesterday right after he came back to the room. He's checking email and seeing if he can sit at his computer (he wants to play Farcry).

Now I need to take stock and see what food there is in the house and make a run for the grocery store. Then we will settle in and watch the baseball game.

Thanks everyone for your prayers. We know they work!

Bill has been back in the room for about 2 hours now and has had lunch. He's had some pain, but Percocet is working. Dr. Burnett and Dr. Garrett's assistant have both been in and have given the OK to go home tomorrow. We're still waiting for Dr. Lan to come in but I don't expect him until later. Dr. Burnett wants him to start with some mild walking but not to plan any long trips for awhile, although Christmas in Florida is still on. He's going to adjust his meds some to see if that will help with the weakness.

I actually think that Bill has learned from this that he has to pay attention to the changes his body makes and not keep things to himself. Enough people in authority (meaning not his wife)have told him how close he came to dying Monday, because he didn't want to worry me. I don't think he'll do that again.

Dr. Lan just called and said Bill is in recovery. Everything went well and now he thinks he'll be able to go home tomorrow instead of waiting until Monday. He will get with Dr. Burnett and discuss it and let us know later.

The nurse just called and said that the new lead is in place and the dr. was implanting the device. He was able to use the same incision as last time instead of moving it to the other side. They will have to shock him to make sure the device is working properly but he won't feel it. Should take another 30 minutes and then off to recovery.

Jackie, the transplant coordinator, and Dr. Amos, the transplant psychologist, popped in a few minutes ago. They didn't know what time he was supposed to be taken. Jackie agreed that if I had not come home from work when I did Monday that Bill probably would have been dead when I got home. Maybe he won't be as stubborn now since he's had this little scare.

Just got the first call and the surgery will start in about 10 minutes. She said Bill was on the table and HAPPY. They will call again in about an hours.

Good Morning! We had a relatively quiet night and Tony from transportation came and got Bill about 30 minutes ago. This procedure isn't supposed to take as long as the one yesterday, depending on if they have to move it to the other side or not. When I get some news I'll get it posted.

Dr. Lan was just in and was very pleased with Bill's progress. He has a lot more energy even now and is breathing much better. Everything is on track for the pacemaker upgrade tomorrow. He is having a small reaction to the cath dye but he's been taking steroids so maybe it won't be too bad a reaction. We are just going to kick back now and watch the World Series.

Bill is back in the room and looks great! He also said that he feels better and that it is much easier to breathe. Dr. Lan did not explain too much to him about what he did so he has a million questions. They have ordered him some lunch and then he just has to lay still until 3:30.

Praise the Lord! Just talked to Dr. Lan and he said everything went well and Bill is in recovery. Will probably be there for an hour and then brought back to the room. Everything is still on schedule for tomorrow and the upgrade to the pacemaker. He didn't say how big an area they burned or what the prognosis is now, but I'm sure he'll be in later this afternoon or evening to let me know.

I just talked to the nurse again and they have found the area that is causing the problem and has started burning it. She didn't know how long it would take but she said that he was very comfortable. So, prayers are being answered.

Things are going well. The nurse called at 8 and said they were just getting started and that he was fine. I just talked to her again and they are still mapping his heart to find the area and he is still doing well. Once they find the area they can begin the laser treatment.

The wait begins! They came and got Bill about 6:45. Dr. Lan said it will take about 3hours. Pastor Paul from Emily's church came by at 6 for prayer with us and said if I need anything to let him know. He lives here in Memphis and can get here pretty quick if we need him. He's new to the church, very young but very nice.

We had a much better night last night. We weren't bothered as much since he doesn't have any IVs right now. We were even sleeping when the pastor got here which really surprised us since they said they were going to get Bill at 6.

As soon as they call and say they have started the procedure I'm going to head to the cafeteria for some breakfast. I got some coffee from the nutrition room but the only food I have in here is jelly beans and I don't think that would be a good breakfast!

As soon as I know anything I'll get this updated.

Wouldn't you know it, as soon as I left this morning Dr. Lan came in! But he told Bill to have me come over to the office this afternoon and he would explain what he was going to do, so I finally know what the procedure is called that is going to be done and what it entails.

It is called an ablation and it starts out like a heart cath. Probes with electrodes will be fed into the heart through the femoral artery and the electrical activity will be collected. When the area is found that is causing the irregular heartbeat it will be removed with the laser. Dr. Lan said it's like going fishing, but wanting to catch a specific fish. It will take about 3 hours and then there will be a 6 hour resting period where Bill has to stay pretty much still. The pacemaker replacement is still on for Friday morning and then he will be monitored for the week-end to see if everything has worked.

While I was home this morning he had all of his IVs removed and was able to shower. After I got back with his electric razor (which he absolutely hates) he shaved while I went to Dr. Lan's office. Cardiac Rehab also came in and they took a little walk down the hall. Emily's new pastor who lives in Memphis came by and said he will be here in the morning before the procedure. I don't think that Charlie will be able to be here because of his other job, but that's understandable.

The rest of the evening we are going to sit back and watch the World Series, although it may be an early night since we didn't get much sleep last night. Until tomorrow, goodnight.

Oh what a night! Our nurse told us that the care in this section is not as intense as the care in ICU. She came in about 8 and said that we would not be disturbed most of the night. Well, let me tell you...vitals were taken at 12 when we suddenly got a new nurse, 1 of the IVs started beeping at 1, vitals at 2, labs at 3, vitals at 4, another IV ran out at 5, vitals at 6 and 7! If this is less intense it must have really been terrible in the other unit.

I'm going home today to pick up a few things and get my flu shot. Since this was just a recovery day with nothing really going on we figured it would be a good time to do it.

We haven't see the drs. today, but it's cath lab day for Dr. Burnett. I don't know about Dr. Lan. I would like to find out more about the laser procedure, for my own reasons. Maybe someone will be in before long.

So, this is it for this morning. I'll let you know more when I know more. Have a great day!

Thanks for updating this Phillis. I was finally able to get the internet connection to work and get on myself. It is amazing how wonderful your friends are! I've read so many posts on Facebook from so many people that it's unbelieveable.

We are now out of ICU and in a step-down room. For those of you who want to call and talk to Bill since I forgot his cellphone the number is 901-226-2405. His nurse today is one of the nurses that he had the last time he was here and she remembered him.

I haven't talked to the doctors yet. They came in before visiting hours this morning. I don't know if they will be back this evening or not.

Phillis did a good job with the last post so I don't really have anything else to add to it right now. Thank you my friend! When I have some more news I'll get it posted.

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 27, 2009

Here is the latest news concerning Bill's journey. Yesterday he was airlifted to Memphis (I think this the 4th time, maybe he has earned his wings or at least a front seat). Beth called me this morning said Bill had a good night, her night was choppy to say the least. She slept a little and read a lot. Bill is going to be moved from ICU to a room sometime today. His pacemaker Dr. is going to preform a laser procedure Thursday, he thinks there is a possibly he may be able to repair some of the damage to his heart, and then Friday they will replace his pacemaker, so it will probably be Monday before they can come home.
I suppose you have guessed that I am not Beth, I am Phillis her partner in crime. She us unable to log on at the hospital so I am updating this for her.
Bless his heart, Bill is not a good patient. Heaven help if he actually tells someone he feels bad or has pain. From what I gather he was feeling bad Monday, shortness of breath and coughing possibly from fluid build up, and he would not go to the ER. Beth called his Doctors office and they said to get him to ER ASAP. Finally he went and once he got there is BP dropped and he needed to be shocked one time. He was sedated for that. Good thing is he never lost consciousness. Beth told me she was really impressed with Blytheville Hospital and with Dr. Fergus (he is a surgeon at the hospital)
Beth told me his Doctors nurse lit into him this morning. He could have had is pacemaker read by Memphis but he did not want to. I am glad she did. He needed his butt chewed. Beth told him if she hadn't called home yesterday when she did, she would have come home to a dead man. Well enough said. I will post this for better or worse LOL. Beth may not ask me to update her blog after she reads this LOL.

Bill's not having a good day today. He has even less energy than usual and says he's having trouble breathing. His color is not good either and he's coughing some. I'm thinking this means he has some fluid build-up. I've got a call in to Dr. Burnett's office, but haven't heard anything back yet. I've come home from work and I'm trying to get him to go to the ER but he won't do it.

He seemed OK yesterday and last night so this is pretty sudden. Maybe that's what the alarm sounding yesterday was telling us. Of course, they didn't tell us what we should do it the alarm went off.

So for now we wait to hear from the doctor.

We both survived my trip to Nashville, but we both ended up sick. Bill was sick the day I left (although he didn't tell me he felt bad until that evening) and by Sunday evening I was sick. I missed the entire first day of meetings. But I wasn't the only one who got it. I still don't feel well and we were so busy the rest of the week that I'm still really tired.

Everything is set for the pacemaker change on Thursday. We're going down Weds. night to stay. He doesn't have to be there until between 7 and 7:30, but we still don't want to have to drive down that morning. And it's overnight in the hospital at least 1 night so we won't be home until sometime Friday at the earliest.

I heard the alarm go off during church this morning. That means that it isn't firing correctly. It's the first time that I've heard it and recognized it for what it was. I think I've heard it during the night but I didn't think about it, just wondered what the noise was that woke me up. Bill can't hear the alarm as it's in the area of his hearing loss. It's a very high pitched whine. So, I guess it's a good thing that he's getting a new one.

I'm trying something this week that is kinda scary, for me anyway. I'm going out of town for 5 days, without Bill. It's a little unsettling to be apart for that long, but as the transplant coordinator said, "Go live your lives". So, I'm going to the H & R Block Convention in Nashville.

My friend Phillis wanted to know what would happen if "the call" should come while I'm gone. I told her they would send a plane for Bill if necessary and before I could say anything else Tommy (my boss) said "Well, I guess we go to Memphis". I told him we just need to go as far as the airport and then Jalena said that their brother-in-law knows the owner of the Tennessee Titans football team. I jokingly said that since all of the bigwigs from Block would be in Nashville, I could just use the corporate jet and Jalena thought that might be a good possibility.

I'm not too concerned about getting to Memphis if need be. My concern is that something would happen to Bill here at home, especially in light of this new problem with his heart rhythm. But, I just have to go on faith that everything will be alright. So, as of Sunday morning, I'm off to the big city until Thursday!

Sorry it's taken me so long to get the latest news posted. It's been a verrrrry long day. We had to be at the hospital at 5:30 this morning, and got home at 5:30 this evening.

The right heart cath went very well. The pulmonary pressure was elevated some, but it responded well to the medication and Dr. Burnett saw no reason that it would keep Bill from having the transplant.

The electrophysiology study did not go as well. This study was necessary because of the bad ventricular rhythms. Dr. Lan was hopeful that medication alone, or a shock would cause the heart to start a normal rhythm, but he discovered it was not going to be that simple. He has suggested, with Dr. Burnett agreeing, that Bill's ICD (pacemaker/diffibulator) be replaced with a bi-ventricular pacemaker. This type of pacemaker has 3 leads, 1 to the top of the heart and one on each side of the bottom. It will in effect beat for the bottom of the heart. For now, until the placement can be done, he has set this pacemaker to pace the heart instead of pacing if needed, to keep the device from firing and shocking him. He said that the positive side of this new one will be less fatigue and a little more energy.

They are going to do the implant on Oct. 29. This will mean an overnight stay in the hospital. From what I have read, and if I understood what I read, during this time Bill will move from status 1b on the transplant list to 1a and stay at that status for 30 days. This could be a blessing in disguise since it could mean that a heart will be available sooner.

That's where we are now. But, the first order of business will be a good night's sleep in our own lumpy bed with our own pillows. Bill asked me earlier this evening what my agenda was for tomorrow and I told him to sleep until I woke up, or until the phone rang. I think that I'm just tired enough tonight that I may sleep most of the night without waking up every hour or so!

So, for tonight....good night.

Time moves so quickly when you don't want it to. It's been a crazy week since we saw Dr. Lan. The reason he wanted to see Bill is because the device monitor picked up an odd rhythm. It looks like he's going into v-tach about every hour. This is where the bottom of his heart starts beating too fast. This can lead to the v-fib where his heart just quivers which causes the heart attack. Anyway, Dr. Lan wants to try to create the problem in the lab to make sure the pacemaker is picking up on it properly. I actually think that is the strange sound he's been making in the night. I think the device is shocking him, but since he's asleep he's not aware of it. He doesn't even feel when his heart starts racing.

Anyway, after the heart cath Monday, they going to do that procedure. He's also scheduled to see Dr. Garrett's nurse practitioner and have his labs done. Dr. Lan has said that it will be a very long day, especially for me! I'm planning on packing a few more items of clothing, just in case we end up staying an extra day or two.

Bill has also been sick since we went to Memphis. He has the virus that has been running through the schools. He's feeling better now and sleeping better since I made him start taking some Benadryl to stop his sinus drainage. I had almost decided not to go to my Little Rock meeting, but he started to get better. I don't know what will happen if I have to cancel going to Nashville. We'll cross that bridge when we get there I guess.

Where has the time gone? It seems like I just posted on here, but it's been 20 days since my last post. But, since not much has happened, nothing has really been missed.

Bill had a good report from Dr. Burnett on the 8th. Didn't feel the need to make any changes to his meds. He scheduled his next cath for Oct. 5th. The transplant team has also scheduled Dr. Garrett's nurse practitioner to visist while he's in the "resting" stage of the cath and his labs are going to be drawn then, so we're getting all of the October stuff done on the same day. This is good since we have to be at the hospital at 5:30 in the morning!

We did have a little glitch yesterday. Dr. Lan's office called and wants Bill to come in today. This is the doctor what did the pacemaker implant. He had released Bill in either November or January, I can't remember which now. Anyway, we aksed if there was a problem and the girls calling didn't know, so we are going down there this afternoon.

I have noticed a couple of time now in the night Bill makes a loud gasp and I wonder now if it is something to do with the device firing or the defective lead malfunctioning. The sound is loud enough to wake me, but he doesn't stir. When I mentioned this to him yesterday (and he had done it Sunday night) he had no idea about it. I guess we'll fine out this afternoon if it has something to do with why Dr. Lan wants to see him.

We're still looking through the hundreds of trials, with not much success. Some of them want you to be as healthy as anyone else, others don't want you if you're on the transplant list, and others want you only if you are so sick nothing else can be done. It's just a very time consuming process.

Today is our 19th wedding anniversary! it seems like it was just yesterday, but at the same time it seems like we've together forever. I guess that means it was meant to be.

Bill has gotten his dream car. We got a 2002 Thunderbird, white, hard-top convertible. The best part is....only 8550 miles on it! That's right I have not left off a number. It was one of the first ones ordered and it was the first one purchased here in town. The only reason the guy sold it is because he wants a new Camaro! The grandkids can't wait to ride in it, one at a time of course since it's only a 2-seater!

The time has come to start searching through the lists of research projects! We've taken enough time off. We got Bill's records from Texas and now I'm going through them and making some notes on diagnosis, LVEF, tests results...things like that. I don't understand half of the stuff, but I need something to compare to the inclusion/exclusion criteria of the studies to know if it is worthwhile to pursue a particular study.

I'll try to do better writing here, also. If there aren't any new posts, it just means that there's no new news and I don't think you want to read about what we had for dinner or what the weather is.

Since the big let-down from Houston, we've taken some time off to regroup and refuel. Spent a very relaxing week at Pickwick Landing State Park in Tennessee on Pickwick Lake and the Tennessee River. I've concluded that I need to live by the water, not to swim or boat or fish, but to just sit and watch the water. Mornings on the balcony with my coffee were very peaceful, until the swimming pool opened!

We've started searching for another research program. There are so many to read through and decipher all of the medical terms! Bill contacted Houston to see if they would send a copy of all the tests to him that were done. Don't know if they will or not.

That's where we stand now. We're not giving up unless God leads us in another direction. That may have been the plan all along, we're just to blind to see it right now!

It's now official. After a week of ups and downs, we've heard from Houston. As of Monday it was tentative to be there on August 1 to start the process. As of yesterday morning, it was definite...we were to be in Houston on Monday. Nichole called this morning and said that the project manager had removed him from the study because of his allergy to the cath dye. For those of you who don't know, he breaks out in hives and itches from head to toe. The study doctor had even called in the presciption for Prednisone that will prevent the reaction (we picked it up yesterday). She also said that no exceptions were made but they could not take the chance on the adverse reaction. Bill said right after he got off the phone with her the hospital called and wanted to pre-register him for the procedure. He just told them to check with Nichole and he wouldn't be coming. He did let Nichole know that this was not really good practice. Every time it was at the last minute when things were changed or we knew anything.

But, even though this has been disheartening, we are not giving up. We're going to start searching again for other studies. He was just surfing the net when he found this one, so we'll look for some others. We are going to take off this week-end and get away from everything and just kinda regroup for a few days. Don't know where we're going or for how long but someone, probably Emily will know how to find us and most of you have our cell numbers anyway.

So, until there is some news, hope everyone has a good week-end.

The last 2 days, today included in this, have not been really good. Bill has been very tired and has no energy at all. He thinks that his blood pressure is really low again, and it could be that. He has had no color in his face, or he's very flushed. Of course, he's feeling the pressure of not hearing from Houston except to tell us there are problems. It seems that he has not patience with anything and every comment he makes is negative, whether it is something under his control or not. An example is our trip to Jonesboro yesterday. I was driving and he didn't like the exit I took from the parking lot, then the traffic didn't move fast enough when the light changed. He finally admitted that he didn't feel well shortly after that, although he perked up a little when we got home. Last night the weather radio went off and granted we both jump since it is in the bedroom. Yet, he didn't even find out what the alert was for, storm or tornado, but turned it off and then unplugged it! Kind of defeats the purpose of having the thing! Today he was almost manic and very jolly, even cooking breakfast. Yet at church he said he was very tired and it was all he could do to make himself get out of bed this morning!

I know that it is mostly the meds that are causing the fatigue and 1 has been cut back. But I have noticed a change in his memory with the lower dose. I also think that he has deteriorated some as far as his heart goes. If he just wasn't so hard-headed about saying when he doesn't feel well!

Well, that's my venting for the day. Maybe tomorrow will be better and we will hear from Houston soon.

It seems there is a minor glitch in the process. The information from Memphis was not the right information. Nichole was all upset saying if she had known...Anyway, I contacted Dr. Burnett's nurse Susan and she got it straightened out, we think. It turns out that the heart cath in March was only a right cath and not a left/right cath as we thought. So there is only a written report, not a CD image of the process.

We have also found out that the cutoff date for enrollment is August 4. We should definitely know something by then. Only another 10 days to wait, if that long! So, we're still in the same place we were before as far as making plans go.

I'll let you know when something happens!

Folks have been wondering why I haven't posted anything lately and the answer is...we don't know anything yet. We do know that the tests from Memphis were sent to Houston on Friday but as of yesterday Nichole had not received them. Maybe today. I think that they probably have reviewed the tests they did and will be able to make a decision as soon as they see the last cath, but that is just my thinking. However, since we do know the tests were sent, we should hear something in the next few days.

It's a cool rainy morning. I just wish I had a covered porch to sit on with my coffee and watch it rain. Today it seems to be very peaceful, just rain.

Until the next post, have a great day!

We are done with doctors until September! That is unless Nichole calls and tells us that Bill has been enrolled in the study. She did call today to see if we have let the transplant team know that they needed the last heart cath and she said that everything else looks really good.

Spent about a minute or so with Dr. Garrett. Everything was ok with him and he said he'll see us in 3 months. So, no appointments until Sept.1, again on the 8th and then Garrett in October and another heart cath done then. He will have to have one every 6 months. Only lab work in August and that can be done in Blytheville.

Hopefully now we can rest from all of our travels before we pack up and go somewhere else. We still need to make a trip to Illinois and Bill has talked about going to Branson. He's never been and wants to see it. Of course, all of that will depend on hearing from Houston. I'll keep everyone posted. You will know just as soon as we know.

We are finally home! Got in about 2 this afternoon. Bill is feeling much better today than yesterday. He ate real food last night, although he had too much and had to take some more medicine. But he ate a light breakfast today and let me drive home. It's a good thing we both like to drive. I think, too, he also knows now that it something would happen in Houston, I can get us home with no problem!

We're planning on taking it easy tonight. I have to work tomorrow and he's got some business to take care of before we head to Memphis Tuesday to see Dr. Garrett. And then we should hear something from Nichole about the test results this week.

This was a learning experience for us. We now know what supplies we need to take, and what we don't need to take, that can be purchased after we get there. When the description says basic cooking utensils and dishes it means just that, 1 skillet, 1 pan, 3 plates, 2 glasses, 2 forks, 1 sharp knife, 3 spoons, 4 cups, 3 bowls and a can opener that broke the only time I tried to use it. No dishwashing liquid, but a 1 time packet of dishwasher detergent. Of course there weren't enough dishes to justify using a full size dishwasher! But like I said, it was a learning experience. If we are to go back we'll be better prepared.

There probably won't be a post tomorrow, but I'll let you know about the visit to Dr. Garrett.

Thanks for all the comments and good wishes. They helped keep me going all week.

We are packing it in and headin' to the house. Stopping again in Texarkana and coming the rest of the way on Sunday. Hopefully it will be another uneventful trip. Bill still isn't at 100% so I may do most of the driving...who knows!

I'll check in with everyone later.

After sleeping for most of 24 hours, Bill is much better today. He had to have some of the labwork redone today and found out that the tech who took his blood Tues is out sick! Kinda makes you wonder who infected who!

The MUGA test has been done and we are free to leave any time we want. Since we are both tired we decided to wait until tomorrow morning to leave. We're going to stop in Texarkana again and be in sometime Sunday.

We won't have any results from the tests until sometime next week. Hopefully he has passed everything and will be put into the study. And if he's included, then we have to hope that he will get the stem cells. It's not a double blind study but he won't know if he gets the cells or not, only the doctor will know.

As of now we're going to pack things up, get a good dinner and get to bed early. Hopefully we'll sleep better than the last 2 nights and be rested to travel tomorrow. I'm just sorry we didn't get to do any sightseeing this time. Oh well, there will be other times.

He's a little better this evening. He has slept most of the day and has only managed to eat a little broth and a couple of crackers. I ventured out to the Kroger and got some more Tylenol and Imodium. He's so cold that he had to put on a jacket to sit and eat and could barely hold the spoon. We've turned the air off in the room and so far it hasn't gotten too stuffy. We're both beginning to think it's a bug of some kind and not a reaction to the drugs.

He's gotten back into bed now and piled the covers on. Doesn't even want the TV on. Just wants to sleep.

I still have to clean the kitchen up since he's decided not to eat anymore, and he can't eat anything after midnight if they are going to do the test tomorrow, so I'd better get going. This place is so small it can't stay cluttered for too long.

Well, we did not have a good night. Bill has apparently had a reaction to the drug they used for the stress test. He started with diarhea about 8:30 last night and started vomiting around 5:30 this morning. He's still in bed, and sleeping, which for him is not normal. He said he has a terrible headache so I ventured out to a little corner grocery store we found last night to get some Tylenol and soup. He's taken the Tylenol and kept it down and finally took his morning meds while I was gone and kept them down so maybe it's finally out of his system.

We discovered last night that things close early here. We decided against room service and went to Luby's Cafeteria only to discover it closes at 8! And after driving around the only other place we could find was a McDonald's. Since we had McDs. for lunch we didn't want to go there again. That's when we found the little grocery store.

I've spent a lot of time online today finding places. There's a Kroger not too far and a Target not too far in the opposite direction from Kroger. Mayber later today I'll check them out. It will depend on how Bill feels. I don't want to leave him alone for long.

Hopefully later today I'll be able to post that he is better. I don't think they would do the test tomorrow if he is sick. They are using a different isotope tomorrow, but if he's already weak, who knows how he would react.

We have "gooder" news tonight! The RNA came in and the MUGA test is scheduled for Friday morning! Now we don't have to come back for it next week. And, the person who was in line in front of Bill has "tested out" which means he is not qualified for the study. Soooo, if all of Bill's tests are good, he's in. Our nurse told us that it will take a full 7 days to get all of the test results so we know we won't come back next week, but it could be the week after.

It was a very long day again today. We didn't have to be there until noon, but the tests were delayed, of course. Bill could not eat this morning according to Nicole, the nurse, but the guys in the lab said he could have had breakfast this morning! As soon as they were done they sent him to get some food. The Big Mac was gone in about 10 minutes! We didn't leave the hospital until 6:30 and we're too tired to go get something to eat. Bill has his holter monitor and he feels like a pin cushion from the IVs. So, I'm going to order online from room service. It's not here in the hotel but an online service. We'll have to see how it goes.

It's going to be strange to have a free day tomorrow. Don't know what we'll do, if anything. Swimming is out because of the monitor and I don't know if we'll venture out. The traffic here is wild! But, who knows. After a good night's sleep we may be ready for anything.

Hope all of you have had a good day!

What a full day, and they weren'te able to do one of the tests! We got to the hospital at 9:45 and left at 3:30. So far everything looks good. Our nurse told us that there is only 1 slot left in this particular study and there was 1 person in front of Bill. If he "tests out" then Bill would be in, providing everything is ok with all of his tests. If the other person makes it, the next one would start in 28 days and Bill would be first in line for it. The bad part of that means that all of these tests would have to be repeated to make sure nothing had changed in the meantime.

The test that we're waiting on is supposed to ready next week. So it looks like we will probably be coming home on Thursday, going to see Dr. Garrett in Memphis on Tuesday and then heading back here so they can do the test on Thursday and back home by the week-end. Like I said before, we need frequent driver miles!

For those of you who have left comments or asked questions, I have just now figured out how to see the comments, and to reply. Of course the reply goes into the same post as the comment and question, so I will try to include the answers in the next post. Some of you won't be interested in the info, but right now that will be the easiest for me until I figure out more about using this.

Harris, you asked how this will affect the transplant. He can still have the transplant. He can also drop out of the study at any time. So, if they call with a heart he will leave the study. The only risk is kinda like a false negative test. A test they do for, I think, RPA can show readings that may lead the transplant team to think that a heart is not compatible. But, your dad has weighed the facts and wants to proceed with the research. The nurse said that only 2 have had elevated numbers.

Linda, you wanted to know where the site came from. I went to Blogger.com to start and after I set up the account and named the blog, they set the blogspot.com of the account. You don't have to publish the blogs you set up. I also have one that is my own private journal, even though I keep a handwritten journal. Sometimes I think of things when I'm at work and don't have my journal so this lets me get the thoughts down.

We still haven't found a grocery store to get some supplies and there aren't too many restaurants in the area that we can see.

Thanks for the comments. I'll post again tomorrow.

We've made it to Houston. Bill thought I got us lost when we got off the freeway, but I was right! If he had just kept going we would have gone straight to the hotel with no problem. Our little studio is set up nicely except for the kitchen. The cabinets are all waaay up high. I did not bring my stepstool, so Bill will have to do some kitchen duty to get the dishes down, especiall if he wants me to cook!

We still have to find a grocery store to get some supplies. There's a shuttle in the morning that will get us to the hospital. St. Luke's is across from the MD Anderson Cancer Center and we can see it from the hotel. The entire medical center area is HUGE.

There are lots and lots of cranes in the area. Whether this is new construction, or still repairs from Hurricane Ike is unknown. I was impressed with what I saw coming in. Of course the route we took is different from where we were before, but there was no left over destruction. There also weren't a lot of bare areas from tree loss. I told Bill I would like to go back to the area we were in to see the Chase Building. We saw it before the storm when it was sandbagged, we saw it after with all of the windows blown out and I would like to see it now to see if the area has recovered.

So far, so good. We are halfway to Houston, give or take a few miles in Texarkana. Weather was good, cloudy but no rain until a few sprinkles right before we got here. Traffic wasn't too bad either, especially with it being the end of a holiday week-end. Tomorrow should be about the same, but we'll have to time it to miss rush hour in Houston since the Heart Institute is downtown.

Bags are packed, van is ready to be loaded. The great adventure is about to begin. It looks like the weather is going to try to cooperate. We're staying in Texarkana tonight and going on to Houston tomorrow so we won't be so tired when we get there. Maybe the holiday traffic won't be too bad. Have a great Sunday everyone!

As usual there's been a slight change of plans. The testing in Houston was supposed to take 2 days, Tuesday and Wednesday. The nurse called late yesterday afternoon and told Bill that they are out of the RNA (some kind of radioactive test solution) that is needed for the mapping of his heart. They wanted to re-schedule the entire 2 days for the following week, but he has an appointment with Dr. Garrett the transplant doctor that week. So, since they may have the solution on Thursday or Friday, we are going to stay for a couple of extra days and be home either Saturday or Sunday, depending on what day they can do that procedure. Otherwise, if it hasn't come in by then he will have to go back to have just that test done. Best case scenario if that is what happens is for the team to have all of the other tests evaluated by then and after the MUGA test, could start the next step which is the actual stem cell implantation.

Did I explain that he has a 15 in 20 chance of getting the actual stem cells? I don't think I did and I don't want to give the impression that getting the stem cells is certain. There are also different "doses" of the stem cells, 25 million, 50 million and 75 million.

All for now, have a great day everyone!

Happy July! You know, you kinda expect your family to be interested this stuff. But when your friends let you know, by signing up to follow the blog, or even emailing and letting you know they've checked it out, it makes you feel so blessed!

I'm probably not going to have a new post until Sunday since nothing is changing until then, unless of course the study is cancelled again! But, feel free to come back and read what's here again, or just see if something is new.

Here we go! Bill was notified today that he's to be in Houston on July 7 & 8 to begin the testing for the stem cell research program. So now I'm going to send this link out to people. I don't know yet how often it will get updated, hopefully at least once a day. Some of that will depend on internet accessibility.

Where does the time go? Bill had his check-up last week. Dr. Burnett thinks the culprit for the fatigue is the Aricept. We've got a call in to Dr. Salguerio about lowering the dosage. Other than that, everything was fine.

Ball season has finally ended, this week. Brianna's team came in second for the season and the tournament. I think everyone is glad that it's over. It has been so hot that the girls didn't need to be out on the field. For the past 2 weeks it has been in the mid-to upper-90s. We've had heat advisories and heat warnings almost everyday. First it was the rain and now the heat.

We don't have to go back to any drs. until the middle of July, and so far, except for labs that can be done here and mailed, we don't have any appointments in August! Maybe we can schedule a little trip for the two of us somewhere before I start getting ready for tax school. It would be really nice to get away, and not go see relatives, although we need to go see my mother. But August in Illinois might not be too bad. Have to think about that.

We've had a good week. Since ball season has apparently ended (still should have a make-up game and a tournament) we haven't been quite as busy in th evenings. And with school now out, Brianna isn't here as much. She's not a lot of trouble since she's 10, but when you aren't used to having kids around it can get tiring.

Bill doesn't seem to be as tired since things have slowed, which makes sense. We were able to be lazier in the mornings I didn't have to work. Bill did get up early one morning, something he hasn't done for a long time.

He sees Dr. Burnett Tuesday and has more lab work and another hepatitis B shot. Jackie also told him that he has an appointment with Dr. Garrett on July 14. Garrett is the director of the transplant program. He's only seen him once to see if he was a candidate for transplant.

As for me, I've been having trouble with my back for the last couple of days. The dr. says there is nothing wrong, but there has to be a problem when it hurts to sit, stand, lay, walk, raise my legs if I'm sitting, and the 2 little toes on my left foot ache most of the time. But, there's nothing wrong! The chiropractor down from the office has said I probably have a bulging disc and to keep ice on it and move as much as possible. So I'm trying that and it does help some. But, when you spend a lot of time in waiting rooms, it can get hard to move around a lot.

So, that's our life for now, good days and bad....for both of us!

Bill has been very tired for the past few days, and is even admitting it. That is a major accomplishment for him. I'm always the one to tell him to slow down, sleep in, whatever. Most of the time he just looks at me like I'm crazy.

Sometimes it's very sad to watch. Two of the grandkids are here this afternoon and one of them keeps asking "Pa" to take her for a walk. She just doesn't understand that a simple walk around the block is too much for him most of the time anymore. And when he's really tired, it's impossible.

He goes to the doctor in about 10 days, so maybe he can give us some suggestions, or adjust his meds some. We'll also see the girls (and Kevin) at the transplant center. Everyone there is super nice and take all the time that's needed to answer our questions.

When we were first told that Bill needed a heart transplant, I was not bothered by the fact that a heart transplant is the only transplant that I know of where someone has to die. But, that fact has not bothered me. I don't mean it in a selfish way, like whatever it takes to save my husband's life is ok. I also haven't blocked the thought out intentionally. It may sound cold, but it seems like we're waiting for a part to come in, like for the car, and when it does, we take out the old part and put in the new part and he's fixed.

What I've also noticed recently, is when I see a news report of a horrible vehicle crash, or hear of another shooting in Memphis, I'm wondering if this will be the time we get the call that a heart is available, or if the family involved will donate any organs, or if someone else is lucky this time and gets whatever organ they need.

When our coordinator Jackie told us to live as normal a life as possible, it seemed like nothing would be normal again. I have felt that way since the last heart attack in 2007 that changed our lifes forever. How can we live a normal life when we are waiting for the phone to ring every minute? But, I've found that we can. Some days I never think about the transplant. Other days it is always on my mind. I have a special ringtone on my cell for the main number of the transplant center. I'll probably freak if it ever rings! We've made as many arrangements as we can, so that when the call does come, we're as prepared as we can be.

So, those are my thoughts for today. If anyone is reading this, I will ask that you pray for us. I also thank you for taking the time to read it. Please share any thoughts you may have.

Okay, this is something I've been kicking around for a few months. When Bill was accepted into the stem cell research program, and then put on the heart transplant list, my mind went into gear about how to keep all of our friends and family updated on the pertinent happenings.

When the first trip to Houston was cancelled at the last minute, it would have been so much easier to have had this set up to let people know that we weren't going anywhere. But, since he's heard from them now and we may have a tentative date, I decided that now was the time to get with it and start this thing.

I don't know what I'm doing, or what a "blog" is supposed to look like, but this one will be more of an online journal, at least for now. That may all change later.