Friday, August 29, 2008

Another Goodbye

Today I am leaving for Utah to attend Sam & Michelle's reception there.  Kevin's mother is driving down to stay with him while I'm away.  I leave at 1pm and will return Sunday morning.  It will be another fast Utah trip.  I'm excited to see Jeremy & Alexandria's new apartment as well as Sam & Michelle's.  Saying goodbye to Kevin this time is not as hard as the last, though I do wish he were coming with me.  He misses our children so much.  I can tell this has not been easy for him to miss the wedding in San Diego and now the reception in Utah.

The Prednisone and Cyclosporine are taking a toll on his body.  He can't sleep well so he is always tired.  His body wants to sleep but his brain won't let him.  He never feels like he slept well.  He takes one or two naps during the day to try and catch up.  The night time is the worst. Next Tuesday he starts to taper down on the Prednisone.  Each week it will drop and then daily until they deem him clear to stop altogether.  He's getting use to the mask and we keep bottles of Purell everywhere.  

I have come to have great respect for caretakers; the ones who devote their time and energy to their loved ones.  Especially those who care for individuals with chronic illnesses or disabilities that require years of attention.   They are the real heroes.   

Know that Kevin is well, exhausted, but well.  

Barbie

1 comment:

Anonymous said...

Hi Kevin and Barbie, I loved your message "A Hug, A Shared Heart". It was beautiful! It is so true how Dr. Weisshaar is with her patients and family/friends. The first time I met her, she hugged me and my husband. The second time I brought my Mom and closest friends, Gary and Debbie. She hugged them too! She is a wonderful person and we are lucky to have her as our doctor. I really enjoyed our conversation the other day. You always find a way to help me understand (in plain talk) what this is all about from the heart transplant to the disease we share. It was very comforting. I'm hoping next week will be my turn to go into the hospital and wait for a shared heart. I pray each day that this will come. Please try to get rest. I know how you feel. I haven't slept much either. Wish Barbie a safe trip and God bless you both and your family. Enjoy your visit with your Mom too!
Debbie Douglas