WOW- I hadn't realized it had been so long since I posted. It was a great Christmas and although my pain is still making me grumpy, I got plenty of rest and things seem to be improving. I spent the holiday at my mom's and I didn't have my computer, then I lost my cell phone so...I didn't get a chance to call or write to friends and wish them a happy holiday. I'll be catching up and writing an update since many of my emails from friends are requesting an update. The only thing to really report is that I have to go to Boston twice a week during the immediate post-surgery time. All my tests indicate that the kidney is doind well. I still have some swelling over the kidney, you can actually see the outline of it under my skin. Of course I am one to panic but I guess rejection is not a big deal with the kidney- they just give you a boatload of steriods. My labwork indicated that I might be dehydrated, but it could also be something else. My creatinine, a measure of how well the kidney was doing, was creeping up, however, my level this week was awesome .8 on a scale ranging from .5 to 1.4. I don't want to tell you what it used to be (over 6) when I was in need of dialysis. Apparently, if they have questions about your kidney, they do a biopsy. Hmmm... Doesn't look like we'll have to cross that bridge right now. I'll write more later. Happy New Year.

I HAVE BEEN A BAD BLOGGER THIS PAST WEEK. AS you can imagine, it has been a week of major adjustments and since I am home now (yippee!) I am retrying to reclaim my space. This is easier said than done. It takes great effort to get out of and into my bed. I am swollen from all the fluid they pumped into me and my pain meds weren't strong enough. It seems now though that I am on the right track and I am so thrilled. I am reassured that the water weight will come off, I have gone from 146 to 128 in a week, but I can still feel it in my joints and I have trouble climbing stairs and walking any kind of distance. I finding ways to keep myself comfortable and my mom got me snowman flannel sheets for a special homecoming. I will have to go to 2 or 3 medical appointments in the next threee months. They keep a close eye on you top make sure that everything is going properly. When I got back from the hospital, my car had a flat tire. It's not too bad now since I am not driving and tend to be a bit housebound. I thank everyone for their prayers- what power! What a Christmas present! More later...

I would never recommend having 2 surgeries in one week, nevermind 3. I was trying to wrap up my 2005 medical needs, so I consented to having a gyn procedure to fix up those damn abnormal cells I get and then consented/resented getting a fistula put in for dialysis access. I was exhausted and just wanted everything over with. I came out of the fistula procedure and waited for my mother to deliver my first meal of the day- a bagel. But for some reason, it was taking her a really long time. It turns out that when the nurse called the day surgery family waiting center, my mom had been called to the renal dialysis center to talk to one of the doctors- now? I thought- I just wanted to go home, with my bagel. Little did I know what was unfolding.
While I was getting my fistula, on the opposite coast of the US, Ted Fates, my dearest friend Mandy's husband, received a strange blanket email from a colleague stating that one of his friends was on life support and a willing organ candidate looking for a recipient of A+ bloodtype already listed with UNOS. Ted sprung into action, calling Mandy and Mrs Rushforth who set the ball in motion with the details and making the calls, not sure what the email was all about, but not about to let an opportunity slip by. My mom got the call from Jan in the day surgery unit and went upstairs to see if it was possible. The two hospitals conversed and the plan was set in motion. The renal doc looked me over and stated that I was probably in the best shape for surgery now. She would admit me, give me a brief dialysis treatment and work me up while we confirmed independently the typing of the candidates sample. A lot was still up in the air and I wasn't sure if this was the right time...was I ready? I couldn't turn this down, too much of God's plan for me was unfolding. Pretty much everything was a go. We waited for the paperwork to be completed and for the organs to be harvested as we learned more about this kind man's life and the events that brought us to this point. His wife had a blog, on this site, that detailed their tragedy: brettstern.blogspot.com... It was a six hour flight for the kidney from California and Mandy was on her way as well. No way she would miss this one. At 9:17 on Thursday Dec 8th, the first incisions were made. The kidney went right to work, it was big and beautiful and healthy. Everyone was happy with the results. I have ballooned up, per usual from the steriods, which I am told and know from experience, is normal and that as I accept the kidney and adjust, the water will come off. My emotions will stabilize and I will begin again.
I have had many visitors and well wishers and once again I feel that life is one set of miracles after another. Even though my emtions have run the gammet I know that I will choose to honor the legacy that this man has granted upon me. My outlook has brightened. I immediately called dialysis and told them to take me off the schedule- they were shocked. Figures though doesn't it- right after I get the fistula- I get the kidney. No complaints. I miss the puppa dog and my house, but I have been reassured that I will be home tomorrow or the next day (!)
My progress has been wonderful and I got my tubes and junk out today. I just have some staples holding me in place. I took some pictures, but since I am writing from the clink, I'm not sure they will upload. Stay tuned...

God works in mysterious ways my friends. I will blog in full detail tomorrow, but for those who have not heard- I have received a lifesaving kidney and I am feeling wonderful. I am saddened by the donor families tremendous loss, who also has a blog page on this site, ironically. But as my friends and family know, I will honor hsi legacyh to the fullest. Health, happiness, love and laughter...Jill

Not much to write today. I am exhausted from Ct scans in the middle of the night, a horrible dialysis, awful medicine and a very restrictive diet. I haven't deen many doctors really, but apparently they may let me go home tomorrow. Of course, I would still have to come back up Monday and Tuesday for the procedures I have scheduled. I think I will take a nap. The worst day in the hospital is always the first. I would however like to feel better before I go home to that nightmare.