So..... the ENT doctor is where I last left off. I should know by now that I should never take ANY doctor's appointment for granted or think that I know what is going to happen at our visits. If I ever assume I know what is going on- things usually end up happening quite differently than expected. This was the case with the ENT! He did agree that Matthew had sinusitis and that Matthew needed tubes in his ears. However, he also told me that Matthew's adenoid needed to be removed because it is the size of a golf ball. He also told me that Matthew's tonsils are huge and need to be removed. He's not treating the sinus infection because he believes that the golf ball adenoid is holding bacterial infection in his sinuses that cannot be cured until the adenoid is removed. But here's the clencher: he asked me if I had ever heard of PTLD which I remember vaguely being told about when we met with social workers and transplant coordinaters prior to Matthew's transplant going over volumes of paperwork and signing page after page indicating that we acknowledged the risks involved with transplant. PTLD is post transplant lymphoproliferative disorder. Basically, when you are on high dose steroids there's always a risk that you are shuting off your body's ability to fight off good cancer fighting agents as well. The ENT told us that with transplant kids he often times sees lymphoma present initially in enlarged adenoids and tonsils. Really?? Come on- give me a break! I think that cancer scares will be an ongoing pre-diagnosis for every doctor Matthew sees because of his history. I'm not going to believe anything from now on until I see the pathology report!! I was reassured last week at my appointment with cardiology that Dr. Everitt does not think Matthew has lymphoma. I sure hope she's right!!!

So, Matthew's surgery is this Friday the 18th and he'll stay at the hospital over night. The doctors are a little bit concerned about bleeding because he's been on Aspirin basically his whole life. But, we've stopped the Aspirin and things should be just fine. Once again I'm pleading for everybody's prayers. Many miracles on Matthew's behalf have taken place before and I know they can occur once again. Matthew is a fighter. He is an unbelievable child who has taught me so many things in his lifetime. We appreciate your ongoing love and support. It's been 9 months since Matthew's transplant but really 3 years of many ups and downs. We truly have the most amazing support system. We could never handle the things thrown before us without all of you! Much love to all of you on Valentine's Day!!!