Debi Pryde 

April 15, 2007

There's not a lot to report this month regarding Tom's illness—things are going along pretty much the same. He's experiencing a steady but slow decline. Moving around much tires him quickly and the constant cough takes its toll as well. His next PFT is the end of this month, so we'll see where his numbers are then. A week ago I fell off a step ladder while trying to put a china plate on a shelf and not wanting to fall on the plate and break it I twisted and fell in such a way that I broke my leg instead. I'll be in a cast and on crutches for another 7 weeks so between Tom's infirmity and mine, we make a pretty pitiful pair! It's given us a great excuse to go out to eat more, so it's not been all bad. Vacuuming on crutches is a wee bit difficult, so Tom bought me one of those nifty little Roomba robot vacuums. It actually does a nice job on the hardwood floors and keeps us entertained at the same time!
March 10, 2007

Tom and I visited Tom's pulmonary specialist yesterday to review his pulmonary function tests and heart evaluation tests taken in January and discuss preparations for an eventual transplant. We were happy to hear that his heart is functioning well and there are no problems that would make him ineligible for a transplant because of heart disease, etc. There are a number of "gates" he still has to clear before he will be turned over to the transplant team, but he is on his way.

The disease continues to progress and Tom is noticeably more fatigued and short of breath when he moves. He can rest without oxygen, but needs it if he walks or moves much. His responsibilities on Sundays have become very difficult for him, so he will attempt to lead choir practice tomorrow with oxygen and see if that helps. His doctor is ordering the small little e tanks which are more portable than the bigger tanks. (He says all the little boys will envy him because he'll look like rocket man!) Because his needs are still low, the small tanks should suffice for a little while. We have the concentrator at home and tubing long enough to reach any room in the house, so he's set up pretty well when he's here.

We were happy to hear that Tom's doctor sees no reason why we shouldn't continue our plans to go on a cruise this summer so we're working on all the details to get that planned. The airlines and cruise ship will accommodate people who need oxygen and we have learned we can rent a scooter for him to use as well. There's a lot of "red tape" but he's definitely eligible to go. We have no idea what his needs will actually be in four months, but are hoping the disease will continue at a slow pace and make it possible for him to get around with minimal inconvenience.

The doctor did warn that this disease is unpredictable and may or may not proceed at a steady rate as it is now doing. We understand this all to well, as Tom's aunt had a downturn in her case and only lived 2 months before passing away with acute complications. Both Tom's mother and sister experienced the slow and steady decline with occasional sharp dips along the way. So while we are hopeful, we know Tom's life and future are in the hands of our gracious Lord, and He alone knows the day and hour of our entrance into Heaven. In the meantime, we want to get on with the business of loving and serving Him and thankfully enjoying each day He gives.

This week we have all our children and all eight of our grandchildren visiting so the house is a very busy, happy place. The cousins are excited to see one another again and the adults are enjoying lots of animated discussions and delightful fellowship. We can't thank the Lord enough for the dear children and grandchildren He has given to us and we "have no greater joy than to hear that our children walk in truth."

According to my earnest expectation and my hope, that in nothing I shall be ashamed, but that with all boldness, as always, so now also Christ shall be magnified in my body, whether it be by life, or by death. Phillipians 1:20