February 2, (Groundhog Day) and Transplant Day 59

This past week the appointments with doctors have slowed down considerably. On Monday we saw my HemOnc, a doctor who specializes in cancers of the blood system, here at the Seattle Cancer Care Alliance. He was glad the transplant was behind me and I was recovering from everything. When I mentioned to him that there was some question about spots on my lungs, he said this is a common problem with some chemotherapy. This was the first I had heard this from any of the doctors. In my circumstances because I am on immunosuppressants for my transplanted heart, I am particularly vulnerable to infections. A lung infection would be bad news for me. The following day we saw two pulmonary doctors. They also expressed their concern with the issues of my lungs. But they were puzzled that I was not showing any symptoms such as a cough, lack of breath or fever. Thus I will continue to monitor my health and contact them should things change. My last appointment was to deal with nerve damage to my face that causes the right eye lid to not close. Several eye doctors have expressed their concern that I can not get a good blink to keep the eye surface moist. A simple surgical procedure, two sutures in the outer corner of the eye lid was all it took. Today I have some bruising around the eye, but things are better.

I have enjoyed a couple of visitors this week now that my immune system is stronger. The visits have been with healthy people; no colds or sniffles. My sister came through and we got caught up on a lot of good family news. Then a friend of mine from high school came through for a 90 minute visit. He has had serious health issues with his heart and eyes. Today, while slowing down a bit, he leads a full life. He also enjoys art and can produce a painting that has aesthetic appeal (unlike my attempts that still look very juvenile). To those who I went to high school over 40 plus years ago that follow this blog, we probably had something to say about you.

Punxsutawney Phil saw his shadow today, which translates that spring will be late and we can expect winter to be with us a little longer. Good new for the skiers and snow boarders; not such good news for the gardeners and those who are ready to enjoy the outdoors without dressing up in four layers of sweaters and coats. This day I do not think so much about Phil, but Bill Murray and that crazy movie he made in 1993. In his disgust that he keeps returning to February 2 with his news team to cover the events around the Ground Hog, he says, “This is pitiful. A thousand people freezing their butts off waiting to worship a rat. What a hype. Groundhog Day used to mean something in this town. They used to pull the hog out, and they used to eat it.” Happy Ground Hog Day everyone.