Success at the hospital!

Hi friends!  Sorry I didn't post last night.  I told the Facebook audience that as it turns out there IS something that annoys me more than the beagles that live at my house - undependable Internet connectivity... I tried and tried but just couldn't get it to work!

So here we are on Wednesday morning.  My mom and dad went to his appointment bright and early yesterday and were so happy to leave the hospital minus the catheter!  YAY!!  a round of drinks for everyone (water - that is!)  Of course they are watching very closely to make sure everything is working as it should... now the bladder who has been inactive for so long can finally get some work-outs!

The thing that is so worrisome right now is that my dad is still so weak.  He has taken to using a walker in the house.  His strength seems to be less than it was - so they will be calling today to see what needs to be done to turn the tides on his strength gain.

Since we have reached the milestone of the catheter removal, I will be posting on my blog about every other day instead of every day.  I will post again on Friday to let you know how the next appointment goes.

Thanks for tuning in and for the prayers and support!

Prayer requests

• Strength to return to my dad.
• Thank you, thank you, thank you for the catheter removal!
• My dad's creatinine levels were normal (yay...keep going little kidney!)

Blessings on your day!  Stay cool - it's going to be nearly 100 degrees today here in Denver!

Monica

Monday's news 6-27-11

Another beautiful day in sunny Colorado... wow do I just really love the summer!

We had a pretty big weekend.  I ended up overdoing it a bit and woke up feeling sick and beaten down.  I spent the day on the couch reading and resting.  This evening I'm feeling much better but still very tired.  It is hard, I've found, when you feel good - to slow down and take it easy.  Every day I feel better and better, but I still need a crazy amount of rest.  This is something I'm not used to - but will definitely be on the watch for in the future!

My dad is gearing up for his next appointment at the hospital tomorrow bright and early at 7am.  This is the day (again) that we are hoping to have the catheter removal.  We had lunch with my family yesterday and, while I talk to my mom and dad each day - I hadn't seen my dad since Father's Day last Sunday.  He is regaining his strength.  He was able to get into and out of the car by himself and walking seemed easier.  He still has a long way to go to gain good solid strength, but maybe if he doesn't have that catheter - he will at least have to get up and use the bathroom more often!  It's the little things that add up!

Prayer requests

• Good sleep and rest for my mom and dad.
• Successful catheter removal tomorrow.
• Patience and wisdom for both of my parents.
• Rest and recovery for me.

Thanks again for the prayers!

Blessings,

Monica

Saturday's blog 6-25-11 by Monica and Rod

There is not much new to report today except that when I spoke to my dad on the phone today - I got an eerie feeling - it was like talking with him before he got sick.  I think we have all noticed that my dad's head is clearer now that dialysis is not a part of his life, but hearing it on the phone... when I wasn't expecting it - well, it was really nice.

He is getting stronger slowly but surely.  I'm proud of him and also of my mom... this has been a lot to deal with and grasp.  They are handling it well.  God is good to us - he is giving us the strength we need.  Thank you for the prayers!  They are working.

My dad gave me a bit to put into my blog tonight... here is his view of what happened at yesterday's appointment at the hospital.

So, my angel Heidi and I spent the day at Presbyterian, St. Luke's Friday.  Last week they warned us, each time we come to an appointment, bring everything we need to spend the day.  Spend the day we did.  


At about  10:30 a.m. we had talked to everyone and were packing up to leave and go home.  The doctor walked in again and said we had a problem.  My Magnesium level was dangerously low.  I needed to get to the Magnesium Infusion Lab and slow drip three I.V.,s of Magnesium, each taking an hour, in an I.V they had trouble inserting in my arm.  We had no idea there was such a thing as a Magnesium Infusion Lab.  In all my limited medical experience, which I thought was vast, no one had ever mentioned Magnesium levels to me.  


Heidi and I are on a forced educational journey, what a wild ride.  I need to go, my mind is getting cloudy.  I ned a nap.  


Rod


Prayer requests

• Continued patience and strength gain for my dad.
• Continued patience and wisdom for my mom. 

Thanks again for following the journey with us and for all of the support we get from all of you!


Blessings,


Monica  

finally... Friday!

Today was a day we have been waiting for, as my dad had his next post-op appointment at the hospital.  After last week, his doctors decided he should come every Tuesday and Friday until things settle down a bit.

We were hoping for a catheter removal today but were told we would need to shoot for Tuesday.  Instead, surprisingly, the doctors put my dad on a magnesium I.V. because his magnesium levels were so low.  In fact, they said if there had been a reading taken at home - they would have sent the paramedics... it was that low.  We are a little baffled at what level our magnesium needs to be at, what causes it to go so low and how the heck do we control it?  I was glad the docs gave my dad a prescription for magnesium so that we don't have to try and control that with diet!  He had to be on the I.V. for 3 hours but is home now and resting... it was just another really big day.

Our family will gather again on Sunday evening to celebrate Kelby's 16th birthday.  I'm trying to ignore the utter and complete shock I feel about this (the birthday - not the family gathering!).  My nephew Dax (6 weeks old) came and hung out at our house today. It could've been Kelby... it must've been just yesterday he was only 6 weeks old... not 16 years ago!  WOW.

Prayer Requests

• Patience and calmness for both my mom and my dad as we wait for things to start healing and moving forward.
• Thanks that my dad's new kidney seems to have no idea what is going on elsewhere in the body and it keeps doing its job.
• Thanks that my recovery is going really well.

Thank you friends and family for checking here and for your support and prayers.  We value them all and love you for them!

Blessings,

Monica

Thursday's musing...

Not much to report today.  My dad has his next appointment tomorrow and we are all hoping for a catheter removal which will be followed by much celebration!

My new nephew Dax will be hanging out with us tomorrow.  He is about 6 weeks old and he is THE BOMB!  I told my sister (his mom) that I would teach him how to ride a two-wheeler and how to rub two sticks together to make a fire!  Well... maybe that is a little ambitious for our first play-date... but trust me - I've got plans for that little guy!! :-)

I will let you know about tomorrow's appointment - I'm being optimistic about it though.  Thanks for keeping up with us and for all of the prayers!

Prayer requests:

• Catheter removal at tomorrow's appointment.
• Walking and water consumption for my dad to gain strength.
• Patience and wisdom for my mom in this difficult time!

Thanks guys!

Blessings,

Monica

Wednesday's post is up!

Hi all!  I hope your day was a good one.  All things considered it was a good day at my camp as well.

My dad reported that he is up and working on the walking.  One walk this morning and another planned for this evening after it got a little cooler.  I am proud of him... he is working on becoming stronger.  I think the fact that overall... he feels better is helping so much!

I had lunch today with one of my dearest friends Charlene at the Cherokee on 12th St.  Awesome food and ambiance and awesome company.  If you get a chance to pick where you go out to eat... try the Cherokee... family owned by longtime friends of mine and really - unbeatable!

As promised... my dad did send his bit for this blog.  I think my dad and I are writers by birth - we both love it.  Here it is:

My angel daughter, Monica thought I might like to make an occasional contribution to her blog.  She is doing such a marvelous job on her own, I didn't want to mess it up.  But for years I have written a weekly, blog, by invitation only, which I vowed to cease and desist from until full recovery from the kidney operation.  But in truth, I miss it, so I will add my two cents worth once in a while.  If you think I should keep my nose out of it, drop me an email and tell me.  That does not mean I'll stop, but it might.  My blog tends to become a bit raw on occasion as I give my jaundiced view on news worthy events.  I'll refrain from that malady. 


You might not believe this, but I received a refund check, last week,  from a medical billing company, in the amount of $0.02 cents.   Had to have cost them several dollars to clear their records.  Just so they can't,  I'm keeping the check, uncashed.  It is taped to the desk in my office.  


Well, as you know, my catheter is still in place. It takes great restraint for me to report this unpassionately.  Heidi, my other angel, and I were at the Transplant Center Tuesday  morning.  They did not take the catheter out and then have to put it back in like they did Friday.  There is an event I'll shut up about.  I need to quit now, I'm gone.  


Rod


Maybe some of you who have known me for a long time.... perhaps all of my life - well, you might see some family resemblance between my dad and I.  You know the story about the fallen apple and the tree...  :)


Blessings friends and family!


Monica & Rod


Prayer requests:

• Continued healing for the both of us!
• Strength and water consumption for my dad. :)
• Still praying for catheter removal on Friday.   

Tuesday... first day of Summer!!! Yay!

Happy official summer everyone!  Today was a good day.  My dad's appointment at the hospital was short (prayer answered!) and there was both good news and bad news.  The bad news was that he was not ready to get rid of the catheter - so we wait and hope that on Friday, at his next appointment, this will be something that happens.

The good news is that my dad will be able to go places during these next 3 months unlike we had previously thought.  My mom and I both heard them say that he was not to go out in public for three months... no church, no restaurants, no grocery store, bank, etc.  Today his doctors said that this was NOT the case and that my dad just needs to be careful when out in public - staying away from people who are coughing or are visibly sick.  This was a big relief for my mom and dad!

My dad's level of creatinine (I looked up how to spell it... I hope this is right!) is low - which is good and the kidney is still working and doing its job just like we talked about before the surgery!  All in all I feel like we are all moving in the forward direction - maybe at different rates, but that is okay... we have nothing but time to do this right!

I've invited my dad to either be a guest blogger here on my blog, or to add his own thoughts to what I write.  He said he would love to - so be watching for that!

Prayer requests:

• Catheter removal for this Friday.
• Continued strength gain and water consumption for my dad.
• Thanks for the lifting of the 3 month seclusion sentence!
• Continued healing for both of us.

Blessings on your evening!

Monica

Monday's news

I hope all of you had a really nice Father's Day/Sunday yesterday.  I took the day off from my blog so as to prepare for a family dinner/celebration at our home to honor the three dads in our midst.  Happy Father's Day to my dad Rod, my husband Chris and my brother-in-law Denver!  We love you guys!

My sister and her family came over as well as my mom and dad.  My dad is still very weak and moving slowly... but he is moving!  This will only help him gain his strength.  When I talk to him on the phone, his voice sounds stronger, I think after surviving last Friday - his resolve is stronger and I am hopeful that his body is soon to follow.

Tomorrow he goes back to the hospital to try again to prove he is ready to go home without a catheter.  This would be a big hurdle and I think would help to bolster his determination to get stronger.  I'll let you know how it goes.

The transplant coordinator called me today and after the initial pleasantries you exchange at the beginning of a phone call she said, "You are not drinking enough water."  I thought about asking her if she'd planted cameras in my house... but then realized this must be her way to let me know how my blood work from last Thursday turned out.  My kreatin levels are either too low or too high.  64oz. of water a day is what the doctor orders for both my dad and I... it isn't a stretch for me to drink that much water in a day... my dad on the other hand... .

Specific Prayers for today:

• A short visit to the hospital tomorrow for my mom and dad.
• Catheter removal and all body parts working together for the good of the whole.
• Strength to return to my dad and a new found love of water!

 Here is a picture of Kelby (almost 16), Tanner (13), Reina (4), and Dax (5 weeks).  They make the 4 grandchildren.  They are 4 of the reasons this surgery happened.

Here is a picture of my dad and I yesterday on Father's Day.  Even when weak... he still looks better now than he did before the surgery!

Blessings on your week!

Monica

Saturday - a day of rest around here...

Well then... after the happenings of yesterday - I feel like I almost have not much to say! That is a very nice thing to report.

My mom and dad went home from last night's visit to the E.R. around 11pm.  When my mom called me to tell me they were coming home, she sounded better than any of the other times I had spoken with her throughout the day.  It seems that there are some very kind folks who work at the Aurora Medical Center, and they treated my mom and dad with love and respect and that went a long way to help some very frayed nerves.  Please always remember the love and respect towards others... you may never know how much it is needed or appreciated!

Naps were had by all involved in yesterday's activities and I was told there was even some snoring... which to me says that rest was being taken.  THAT was my own prayer for my mom and dad.  I saw them both today and both were in good spirits and seemed well rested - as well as can be expected.

We are looking forward to spending Father's Day together tomorrow at my house.  I am looking forward to going to church with my family in the morning.  It is the little normal things that I am treasuring.  My appetite is returning in spurts (which is not really normal) and I've noticed that I am a little bit more emotional than I was before.  I did not consider myself a very emotional person at all... but here lately - I don't know, it is different.

Prayer requests:

• Continued healing for both my dad and myself.
• My dad's parts all working together in harmony.
• All fathers having a very Happy Father's Day tomorrow.

Blessings friends,

Monica

T.G.I.F... really! Setbacks happen... right?!

Happy Friday everyone!

Today ended up being a really long, hard day for my mom and dad during the post-op appointment at the hospital.

My dad went in expecting to get the catheter out.  This was the day we were going to see if everything worked on its own along with the new kidney.  They spent the better part of 7 hours at the hospital and ended up leaving with a catheter which was disappointing for sure.

I won't go into huge detail, but remember - my dad's bladder has been basically unused for several years.  The bladder is a muscle and his is going to need - well, a workout (more than one) to get stronger and work properly.  The kidney is working as it should, but it seems that all of the parts that need to play nicely together... well let's just say that some need a little more convincing.

Then to make a long day even longer... there was a complication in the new catheter and so they had to head to the E.R. to get it worked out.  That is where they are right now.

Luckily, some angels that go to St. John's (one of them was in my class this past year!) brought them over some homemade cards and a homemade dinner and they will probably never know how very much all of that was needed on this night!  Thank you Melanie & family!

Setbacks are a part of life.  I remember my dad, when he was going through the long, tiring process of trying to get approved to be on the recipient list, telling me that he thought the doctors were asking for too much, too many tests to be redone, so many extra tests to be taken... it all seemed like too much.  He even talked about pulling out and not going through with any of it anymore.  Enough!  But... he kept on keeping on, and eventually he got approved!  This process might be just as long - but I believe in my heart that it will be worth it all.

Our God is a good God and He has seen us through to this point... I trust He will not let go of us now.

Specific prayers:

• My dad to get everything worked out at the E.R. tonight (soon). 
• Good sleep and rest for both my mom and dad tonight.
• All God given body parts to wake up and work together for the good of the whole.
• Peace for my mom... this is a lot.

Thank you friends and family for your prayers and support.  We love you.

Blessings,

Monica

Thursday's musing...

Another good day on the transplantation front!

I had my post-op appointment today at the hospital. The coordinator gave me the thumbs up, she is very happy with my progress and even said I was a "poster child" for the donor part of a transplant!  I know - I know... there are different types of "poster children" but I took this one as a positive!  My next move is that I need to have my Keratin levels checked every three months by my own doctor... but I am free from needing to return to the hospital (whoo hoo!!).

I have a tribute blog planned for those who actually work in a hospital based on my observations and experience, but that will have to wait until the current happenings for my dad and I settle down a bit.

My dad will go back tomorrow for his own post-op appointment.  I won't be joining them on this one.  I am anxious to hear him tell me that he is doing well also.

Thanks, as always, for all of the great support and prayers you all are offering up on our behalf... it is definitely working and God has been so good to both of our families!

Specific prayer requests:

• Good information given to my mom and dad tomorrow
• A good report as to how my dad is doing now that he is at home.

Blessings to all of you and yours!

Monica

Wednesday's News - All are home!

Wow!  Today was a big, long day for all involved... but my dad is finally HOME!!  Yay!  Thanks to all who have been praying for that - prayers were answered and he and my mom are so very happy to be home tonight!

I went with my mom this morning around 9 to the hospital.  Mostly, I went to lend some moral support and another set of ears to hear any directives that were given.  I am glad I went as it was almost 6 hours of directives and information!  My mom is a SAINT!!  She is brave and strong and someone I aspire to be like.  I love her and I know my dad is so appreciative of all she does to keep him going... we all are!!

Thanks Mom!!

I return tomorrow to show off how well I am doing after surgery.  My dad has the same type of appointment on Friday.  Thanks for all the support and prayers as well as meals, cards, gifts, etc.!  The outpouring of love from everyone is overwhelming and humbling!  My parents and my family have the MOST AWESOME extended family through work, church, etc!  Thanks again to all.

Specific Prayers:

• Continued healing for my dad and me.
• An easy transition into the new regimen of meds and diet for my dad.
• Good post-op appointments for both of us this week.

Blessings to you all on this fine Wednesday evening!

Monica

Tuesday's post - wow... you guys are good!

Today was a good day all the way around!  I must say - I don't know what your exact prayers were after reading my blog from yesterday... but my neck pain is all but GONE!  All that is left is a bit of aching from muscles I used differently to compensate for the pain!  Thank you from the bottom of my heart and the side of my neck! :)

My dad also had a good day.  The doctors were upbeat and seemed excited about the results of his biopsy from yesterday.  The kidney looks good and is still producing urine - which is its job.  His Keratin levels are lower than they were yesterday, but still a bit too high to go home today.  They are really hoping and saying that he will be on his way home tomorrow... I'll be excited when it really happens!  Our family is hopeful though - as is my dad!

Specific prayers for tonight:

• Thanks for a gas bubble going away!
• That Rod makes it home tomorrow - if the time is truly right.
• Continued healing for the both of us.
• Learning and patience for my mom and dad as they adjust to new meds and a new life without dialysis... (yay!)

Blessings to all of you!

Monica

Monday, Monday.

Sorry this post is so late... it seems that our home Internet connection wanted a lot of one on one time and refused to work until it got what it wanted!

So today was another day of recovery for both my dad and me.  I have to remember that every day is a day that we heal and get stronger.

I did find out that the tremendous neck pain that I have is a pain caused from residual gas left over from the surgery.  The surgeons had to pump gas into my belly to make it so they can see what they are doing.  Gas was always something I knew I would deal with in recovery, but gas pain - in my neck... really?  That sounds like something that could only happen to me!  Unfortunately, it is common for many people who have laproscopic surgery.  I was advised to drink lots of water and do as much walking as I can.  Both yesterday and today I walked a half mile on the treadmill.  I think this part will just be a waiting game.

My dad and his doctors are working to fine tune his medications.  There are many meds to deal with - not just the anti-rejection meds but also medications that he was already on for heart and diabetes issues.  The docs decided to do a needle biopsy on my dad's kidney today to check and see if he is getting the correct level of medications.  Meanwhile, his kidney is working well and producing urine... it seems unfazed by all of the attention.  We will have the results of the biopsy tomorrow afternoon.

I forgot to give you specific prayers in my last post, but was confident that you would be able to glean it out of what I shared with you.

Specific prayers for today are:

• My dad's biopsy results are what they should be.
• My dad will be able to go home soon.
• The neck pain I have will go away (I just can't bring myself to ask you to pray that I pass the gas!! :-)
• Healing for both of us continues on as scheduled.
• My dad's kidney continues to be happy in its new home.

Thanks all! 

Blessings,

Monica

Sunday's News

What a great couple of days it has been since I've returned home from the hospital.  We had many visits from good friends and even my niece Charlotte from Albuquerque!  She just happened to be in town this weekend... it was just what the doctor ordered!

I took my first trip out of the house today to visit my dad who is still on the 10th floor at PSL.  His spirits were good today and he had just returned from a walk around the floor - which they really push you to strive for at the hospital.

His recovery began to slow down a couple of days ago and yesterday his kidney took a time out.  It quit.  We all held out breath... and prayed.  All along this process we were told that every body is different.  Sometimes recipients have to go to dialysis the first week after they leave the hospital to sort of "jump-start" the kidney into doing it's job in its new home.  I think the collective "we" (the family) were really the only ones worried about this... the doctors calmly adjusted my dad's meds (because every body is different and responds differently) and today the kidney returned to nearly normal function.  May I say... "WHEW"!

The doctors will tell my dad tomorrow when he can go home, but I'm thinking that he probably won't be going home tomorrow like we had hoped.

My own recovery here at home is steady.  I have developed a terrible pain in my neck (like, I think it might be a pinched nerve...?) and that hurts me more than the surgery sites.  It brings tears to my eyes at times.  I've decided that this is not what they gave me pain meds for though and I'm trying to control it with Tylenol (which certainly, is not nearly as good as the pain meds!) The surgery sites on my belly are healing and for that I am grateful!

They were right about my energy level.  We went to Anthony's Pizza for lunch today at my request (which told me that my appetite is returning - yay!) and then a quick trip to Target and I was done - almost all out of energy before we left Target!  It was nice to get out of the house... don't worry - I won't be pushing it or overdoing it any time soon!

So there you have it.  Everything I know up to this point... except I didn't mention all the wonderful people who have brought over meals, cards and such - Thank you - Thank you - Thank you!!  You will never know how much my family and I appreciate the outpouring of love and concern we are getting both for us and for my parents!

See you in the next blog...  Blessings!

Monica

TGIF! Friday's News

I am so grateful and happy to be able to tell you that I am composing today's blog from the comfort of my own couch!  God is good and He saw to it that I would be able to go home from the hospital today.  I was ready!

My dad will be staying until Monday as they still have a few functions they are working on to get back to normal - one of which is a lower and steady heartbeat.  Last night it was just a little too high for them to say he could come home today.  He, of course, is disappointed but will do what is necessary to assure that once he gets home he will not have to return because it was too early.

My dad and I are both so very appreciative of all the friends and family who have stopped by the hospital to visit or have called, or sent cards.  It does a lot to lift spirits!  I will be a more frequent visitor of friends in the hospital now that I have been on that receiving end.

Specific prayers:  Thanks and praise that Monica was able to go home today and continued healing!  Continued healing and a release for Rod from the hospital.  Thanks that God put some good people into place to help my mom and dad work out the new medications and restrictions for life after the hospital.

Blessings friends!

Monica

Thursdays Post

I can hardly believe it is already Thursday!  This was the day I was supposed to go home, but I just got word that I will be here until tomorrow.  It is a little disappointing for me and my family.  I think it is mostly due to the fact that they had a donor come in last night and everyone who needs to sign off on me going home is in surgery.  I'm thinking that this is most likely a cadaver donor - there is not much control on when those type of donations come in.

My dad had a good night and his systems are kicking into gear this afternoon.  I know he will feel so much better now that they are starting up again.  My own systems started up last night lending me a pretty good night's sleep.  I've been up and around here walking laps around the floor and napping in between visits from lots of friends and family who are stopping by.  We so appreciate the visits!  My dad has stated several times that he is ready to go home.  I think as soon as the doctors and nurses agree - he will be granted a pardon from this place... but not before!

We are hopeful that a release from the hospital for both of us will be tomorrow.

Specific prayers:
As my mom and dad learn about life after transplant, diet changes and medications - we are praying that they do not feel overwhelmed by all of this new information and that they can and will work together to make everything function in the proper way.

A release to go home when the time is right.

Blessings everyone!

Monica

Wednesday's Post

So today is a new day!  My dad and I are progressing nicely according to the hospital staff.  I was disconnected from my IV and pain pump which allowed me to take a shower and wear my own clothes... it's the little things that make us happy!  I also started eating again - soft stuff, but that's okay - it makes me feel more normal.  So far, a cup of coffee has been my favorite thing to have back!

My dad's new kidney is doing well and doing its job in overtime... apparently when you take a kidney out of its normal environment it becomes a bit hyperactive and overworks itself.  That was happening yesterday, today it seems to have settled in a bit.

My dad had one other little mishap early this morning.  Apparently he decided he wanted to get out of bed by himself with no help, and his heart became agitated and went into A-Fibs which is a rapid heartbeat that doesn't settle down.  They did get it under control with meds and he is back on oxygen now but the danger has passed.   He is also resistant to taking the pain medication (why?  I have NO idea!)  He's been told by more than one person that he doesn't need to be a hero - take the meds!  Personally, they make me very happy and comfortable!

I just met with the surgeon who did my part of the transplant.  He feels things are going well.  He wants all of the body functions to start up again before I go home.  This means I am in the hospital until at least tomorrow.  My dad had a different doctor and we haven't heard yet their prediction for when he gets to go home.  I hope he starts following the rules or he might be here for a long time!

Specific prayers for today include: the digestive systems for both of us to wake up and start working normally, less pain (or at least controlled pain) and that Rod will behave and follow the rules. :-)

Thanks as always for all of the prayers and well wishes!

Monica

Day two Tuesday

Thank you to Chris who did such a nice job updating my blog yesterday.  He is my hero in many ways! :)

I am sitting in my dad's room visiting with him for the first time since before the surgery.  My day started out a little rough, but I had some awesome visitors who lifted my spirits and just within the last hour my body is starting to cooperate and feel better.

My dad has good color and is feeling well.  He is trying to decide what to order for dinner - which is a good sign.  He's talking about all of this food and has convinced me that I may even order a sandwich.

Specific prayers this time are that we both continue to be infection-free and that all bodily functions return to normal.

Thank you so much to all who are keeping us covered in prayer.  God has been good to both of us through this whole process and I know the blessings will continue.

Blessings on your evening,

Monica

Surgery update

Hi guys.  This is Chris, Monica's husband,  with an update.  The surgery went well.  Monica's was done by 9:00am and her dad's was over by about 10;30.  The donated kidney started working on Rod's operating table so that is great news!  I left the hospital about an hour ago and Rod was still in recovery.   I was able to spend a couple of hours with Monica but she wasn't very good company, she couldn't stay awake.  The docs say tomorrow will be kinda rough for her but after that she should recover pretty quickly with a full recovery in 3-4 weeks.  Thanks to everyone for their thoughts and prayers, they truly do help.

Love to all,
Chris

The countdown begins...

Many thanks for such a positive response to this blog! 

We are getting closer!  There is a nervous energy that follows me around - it's probably just me. :)  My dad and I are to report to Presbyterian/St. Lukes Hospital at 5:30 am on Monday morning.  Our surgeries will begin around 7am.  We should both be done with the surgeries and out of recovery by about noon - barring nothing out of the ordinary happens.

This past Tuesday we had an extensive (long) meeting at the hospital.  My mom, dad, Chris and I were all there.  Seperately, my dad and I were able to meet and talk with our surgeons.  I really liked mine and he did much to put Chris' and my mind at ease.  He assured us that this is nothing new to him!  My dad felt comfortable with he surgeon as well.  We pretty much got the low down on everything that was going to happen... I won't bore you with the details.

I did find out one interesting thing.  Apparently, a donor is tested for 6 different criteria, which are called antigens, during the testing process.  I think this included things like the correct blood type, we had to have similar DNA, they mixed our blood together to make sure there wasn't an oil & water situation, etc.  Our coordinator told me on Tuesday that I was a 5 out of 6 match!  That is a pretty good match!

Thanks to the many of you who are keeping us in your prayers!  We need them and we feel loved by all of you.  I will try to get a post out to you on Monday afternoon - even if Chris has to post it for me. :-)

Blessings on your weekend!!