Sue Charen

Sicko Film Review

"Outstanding"

Finally the DVD came out and Sue and others have gotten a chance to see the film. If anyone locally wants to borrow the DVD let me know.

Thanksgiving Wrap Up

What a difference! Last year Thanksgiving was a much tougher time for Sue who was unable to eat much of anything, much less a big Thanksgiving dinner. This year we were at our home and Sue's parents traveled up for the weekend and we all had a big traditional Thanksgiving dinner with all the trimmings. And all weekend it was leftovers, laying around except for a Sunday dinner out at a restaurant (uncrowded at an unbusy hour to avoid cold and flus).

Sue has been a bit low energy with the decrease of steroids and taking afternoon naps and a little achy. And she has not been feeling that her eyes are too dry, though this Friday she will be examined by an ophthalmologist. But generally she has been feeling well. And yesterday was the first day of returning to taking Gleevec since the bone marrow transplant. Although the trips to the hospital are down to biweekly now, Sue will have plenty of more tests and poking and prodding over the next year.

Dry Eyes

Sue has started to have dry eyes. The GVHD team has been checking for this common GVHD symptom since the beginning. Sue had had very moist eyes. Depending on the severity there are many ways to treat this. Sue will be going to the Wilmer Eye Institute (part of Johns Hopkins) to have a more thorough examination.
Other than this Sue continues to do well. The steroids have been reduced again so Sue's energy level will probably decrease. There is a good chance that Sue will be able to skip the Friday after Thanksgiving appointment. That would be especially good since Sue's parents will be visiting us for Thanksgiving. And unlike last year when Sue wasn't eating, I am sure she will be able to fully participate in the feast.

Reduced Energy

Sue has been doing fairly well. We have had visitors, Sue has been doing some work, we have been slowly making the apartment more comfortable. The doctors have been pleased with her condition. There is even a chance that Sue may be able to have less frequent hospital visits--going from once a week to once every two weeks. Also, Sue is getting near the end of the steroid treatment and that has meant a reduced appetite and less energy as well as some minor aches.

People have been asking us about flu shots. Just a reminder, it is good to get a flu shot. We are moving into cold and flu season and we are trying to avoid coming down with either as they can mean hospitalization for Sue.