This past weekend, Jo and I were able to catch a bit of the Olympics on television. Did you see Michael Phelps win one of his races by 1/100th of a second? Did you see Dara Torres lose her race by 1/100th of a second? Unbelievable!
Just before Torres' race, the announcer mentioned that her coach was not able to be with her. He was in a hospital bed in Bethesda, MD being treated for a life-threatening blood disorder. I couldn't believe my ears. I ran to the computer and typed "Dara Torres Coach" into Google. Sure enough. In late July, he was diagnosed with Aplastic Anemia at the age of 58.
"It's really, really bad," Lohberg said by phone to the Miami Herald late Thursday. "They told me I might last only weeks, or maybe even days. It's bad. I knew something was wrong because I was very tired and out of breath, but I thought it was from my herniated disk and all the stress. Turns out it's a disaster. I have nothing left in my blood, and I have to get to the specialists by 8 a.m. Friday because without treatment, I might not make it to Monday."
Three days later Lohberg was interviewed from the NIH and it sounded like Dr. Young, Dr. Scheinberg, Dr. Childs, Dr. Sloand or Olga had helped him understand that yes it's bad, but the NIH is really, really good at what they do. I was able to find his blog and as of today, he is still at the NIH recovering from his ATG treatment.
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Jo saw Dr. Kelly last week for a quick shoulder checkup. Jo's left shoulder is doing awesome and she says it feels great. Dr. Kelly says the bone graft is healing perfectly and she considers the surgery a 100% success.
Jo's right shoulder is still a bit of a problem. Dr. Kelly says the bones actually look very good, so it may soon be time to get the arthroscopic guy to take another look. I think the real problem is that the left shoulder feels so good that Jo is constantly reminded that the right shoulder is still not quite right.
4 comments:
Glad Jo is doing so well. I read about the coach a few weeks ago & thought about Jo. I sent you some pictures of you guys & Anna from Pikes Peak, but don't have your correct email address. If you'll send it, I'll try again. Mine is bnyjny@hotmail.com. Bonnie from Wichita
Hey Guys - I have lost all my phone numbers so when you get a chance give me a call or send an email so I can get ya'll back in the cell phone. Glad all is going well. We are still crazy but good. Love, hugs & kisses, David, BeLynda & the Trio
Boy, makes you realize how even more special Anna is. If it weren't for her, Jo may not have discovered the disease in time!
Glad to hear all is well.
Take care.
Jo, Tim and Anna,
Just a quick note to say that I am thinking of you. The West family is doing great. Mack is 5, Billy will turn 2 next month, and Sydney will soon be 13.
It's been a long time since I've seen you, but I often think of you.
Love to you all,
Lisa West and Family
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