Really?

It's been like 8 weeks since Geoff last had blood work. Kind of amazing. He told me the other day he was going to call and schedule it. He also told me that he knows when things just aren't "right". I use to never believe him when he said this, but now I kind of do.

Life is pretty good.

It's all good

Everyone is feelin' fine.

Blood test

Geoff had another set of labs drawn this week, he was feeling a little rundown.

A slight twinge of fear came through me. No need to worry though because the liver panel came back looking better than ever. The kidneys were slightly elevated...who knows about that one.

The Dunkles are looking forward to a FUN Summer....

Re-defining Normal

I've mentioned before how I've met wonderful people through this blog. Wives of PSCers, patients, pre-transplant, and post-transplant. One friend in particular is Jaime. Her family has been through it all. The list goes on. Lately she was been struggling with 'what is normal'? When people are going through a rough time (including Jaime) their whole perception on what is normal is greatly skewed.

Looking back, I can remember times last year when all I wanted to do was feel sorry for myself. Clearly, it was obvious to others too, because I would get phone calls, visits, and e-mails from people mentioning the "tone" of my blog posts. I'm not an idiot, I always knew that there were people with bigger issues than mine, sicker patients than Geoff, and worse stories, but at the time it didn't matter.

Everyone should be able to have an "I-need-to-be-selfish" moment. In all honesty, I probably had too many.

This is for you Jaime....you're more than entitled to these moments, even if your "moments" last a few days.

Thinking of you in Dallas.

No transplant for you

Seattle called Geoff today (well, not really Seattle, but you get the point) and said there was no need for him to come in for tests because after reviewing his most recent records they feel that a transplant is no longer recommended. Enter Twlight Zone music here....

They simply said "call us when you actually need a transplant". Um, okay.

Is Dallas just keeping us on the list just to show some sort of credibility or will he really need another transplant some day?

I feel like a drink is in order...for me.

Keep doing what you're doing

Geoff met with the hepatologist this morning and the doc was completely blown away at how great Geoff looked.

He commented on how good his eyes looked, stomach felt, etc. Geoff asked the doc about still being on the list and if it was really necessary. The doc explained that he still has a MELD score of 13. While that's not sick-sick, it's not normal either. So, Geoff will always remain on the list and until he gets sicker (oh, please no) he will remain at a 13.

Again, they encouraged him to continue the journey with Seattle. They feel like there is no harm in getting all of our ducks in a row knowing that everything can change in an instant. May as well be prepared.

Honestly, just hearing it from the doctors again "you look great" is such a terrific feeling. In some ways it's almost better than the whole childbirth thing. I mean that in the nicest way possible. I really do love my kids, but knowing that Geoff gets to be around to see them is even better.

Appt. time & Seattle is calling

Geoff has a couple of appts. on Thursday:

• Blood work
• Hepatologist

Geoff is scheduled at the end of the month to go to Seattle to be "evaluated", but with the 'good' news we figured Seattle would say "WTF no point in coming here". We were wrong. It looks as if they still want to evaluate him. They will confirm that sometime within the next week. I guess there's nothing wrong with a second opinion.