Answer to Prayers

        In October, 2013 I was told that I was going to need a kidney transplant and that it was VERY IMPORTANT to find a donor.  Dr. Falk explained that finding a donor before needing the transplant would ensure not needing long term dialysis.  (In 1988 I was placed on dialysis after experiencing renal failure and  even though it was beneficial in regaining my health, I have not been able to erase the experience from my memory).  I began asking friends and family to pray about my health as well as finding a donor.  Every time I would go for an appointment with Dr. Falk, would ask me about the status of finding a donor.  I literally felt as if he was "in my face" about this. As a matter of fact, one day when I was feeling discouraged about finding a donor and it also happened to be a day my transplant nurse called me. I shared with her about the pressure from Dr. Falk about finding a donor.  She told me that he cares tremendously for his patients and did not want for me to go on dialysis.  I tried to put everything back in perspective and prayed daily that everything would work out in a timely manner.  

       On May 18 of last year, Valerie approached me about being a living donor and  immediately contacted UNC.  Due to other potential donors going through the process, Valerie was told that she was on the list and would be contacted if the others were not a match.  While others were being tested, she was an encouragement for me the entire time.  Well, October 29 Valerie was contacted about being tested and has been going through the process for the past three and a half months. When she called me this morning to tell me she had been approved, I felt as though I was living in a dream.  I was hearing words I had been waiting to hear for many, many months!   Hope to soon know when the surgery will occur. We are in the process of setting up a date.  

   Valerie is the answer to our prayers.  As I write this blog, I can not even put into words the gratitude I have for the selfless gift she is willing to give me.  I have cried a lot this evening being overwhelmed with joy about how blessed I am that God placed Valerie in my life.  I can not think of anyone any finer than Valerie to share this journey and be forever connected. 

    Thanks so everyone for your prayers, love, encouragement and support as Valerie has joined me on this journey. For the past few months I have prayed, "Not Myra's desire, but God's Will for my life." I honestly believe once I began to pray this prayer, God truly began to answer our prayers.  

        

Shock and Surprise Leads to a Thrilling Appointment

       Thanks to so many of you who have supported me with prayers, concerns and well wishes.  It means so much to know that I have the support of some of the greatest individuals. I am thrilled to share the news about the best nephrology appointment for me ever (and I have been going since the summer of 1988).  

         As I have shared before, I go to the lab Monday's prior to the Thursday clinic appointments with Dr. Falk.  I have been following this routine for many, many years.  Since last spring, UNC has employed an online chart in which appointments, lab results, bills, etc. are posted for patients to review.  This morning when I checked email, I had an email from my online chart.  Lab results from Monday were posted and reported my kidney function as 17%.  The number was a decrease from 20% in December, but I did not give it a lot of thought because it was not near the 10% I had been told last winter that I would need in order to have a  transplant.  

      I received some of the most exciting, unexpected news yesterday while seeing Dr. Falk at a clinic appointment.  Wish I could see a video or picture of my face when he told me ... I am ready to have the transplant.  As he was speaking with me, it was as if I was not really processing the words he was saying, because I was not expecting this news.  I am certain he thought I had lost my mind, because I kept asking him questions to clarify what he was telling me. I was told due to symptoms I am experiencing which include extreme fatigue, constant metal taste in mouth, lack of appetite, memory loss as well as some others, he says that it is best to proceed with a transplant.  I left the appointment on an emotional high.  

        My last blog post was about my friend, Valerie going through testing to determine if she is healthy enough to donate a kidney for me.  She has been told that the transplant team will present her case Monday, February 16 to determine if she will be approved as a donor.  Valerie's commitment and desire for my improved health continues to leave me in awe each day.  We have been friends for several years, but the bond we have developed over the past couple of months is immeasurable.  Please continue to pray that she will be approved and therefore we can proceed with the transplant.

          Appointments/tests have been scheduled for all day February 26 including an appointment with the transplant surgeon and March 11 to clear me from any other health issues and diseases.  Presently as it appears, once I have been cleared I will see the kidney transplant doctor and determine when the transplant will occur.

            There are no words to describe how I feel to know that I get to rediscover myself and feel better again.  I CAN NOT WAIT and know that GOD IS FAITHFUL!

         

One Healthy Donor + One Grateful Recipient + One Concerned, Proud Mother + 11 Appointments = 2 Memorable Days at UNC Hospitals

2 Memorable Days at UNC Hospitals: For the past two days, my potential donor Valerie, her mother Wanda and I have been at UNC Hospitals as Valerie was evaluated to determine if she would be healthy kidney donor for me.  For me, it has been two of the most memorable, touching days in my life.  

One Healthy Donor: Let me begin by saying that Valerie is incredible.  She has been so calm and appeared un-alarmed as each doctor went over the risks that go along with having a transplant.  Even though statistically the risks are low, she will be having elective surgery and there are risks anytime someone has surgery. She asked relevant questions but never once said she was worried about ANYTHING.  As the doctors described how she would have less kidney function after surgery, she readily listened and never demonstrated doubt about wanting to donate. I have been so impressed with how calm and at "peace" she appears about the process.  

One Concerned, Proud Mother: Valerie's mother, Wanda went with us as well. Valerie is her only child, and she is concerned as hopefully any mother would be about their child donating a kidney (especially to someone who is not a family member).  It was great getting to know Wanda and develop a friendship with her as well. She was given the opportunity to asks the doctors questions and discuss any concerns she had as well. I am glad she went and that she feels a lot better about the process since listening to the doctors and spending time with me. She did a phenomenal job with raising Valerie to be such a wonderful daughter, wife, mother and friend.

11 Appointments:  Valerie had 11 appointments in two days!  We literally walked all over UNC, from appointments at the Cancer Hospital, Women's Hospital , Main Hospital and ACC Clinic. Where ever there was an open machine is where she had an appointment.  Thankfully, she has only one more appointment in two weeks. Valerie has been poked with needles (large and small), countless vials of blood drawn, scans and x-rays galore, completed numerous checklist, answered countless personal questions  and went with lack of food or coffee until mid day. Her only complaint was from lack of coffee.  I was absolutely amazed. At this point it appears that she is very healthy, but all tests results will be reviewed in early February and we should know results by the time I see Dr. Falk on February 12.  

One Grateful Recipient:  I can not honestly do justice and put in words how grateful I am to Valerie for what she has done for me thus far and plans to do as far as being a donor.  She called me a "cry baby" because I cried when she left the room and after the surgeon had finished talking with us.  This process is truly overwhelming and Valerie is the answer to my prayers for a future healthy life. Looking forward to what the future hold and hope to report in the next month she is an approved donor.

Support and Encouragement Beyond Words

     Thanks to so many of you who have prayed for me and supported me as I go through this process. I have the best family and friends ever. Your support and encouragement is immeasurable.

     It has been just over three months since I last added a blog entry.  Last week, I went to UNC for kidney tests and my doctor's appointment. For many years, I have gone on the Monday before the doctor's appointment that Thursday for lab tests so that we know the results when I see Dr. Falk. Well, somehow, the lab lost the blood samples and had no record of it ever existing.  Needless to say I was very frustrated and disappointed, but the only option was to do the tests again. Thankfully UNC has an online chart and I received the results on Saturday. My kidney function remains stable at 20%.   With my kidney function remaining stable at this time, I am very fortunate to not need dialysis yet or need transplant surgery immediately without someone approved as a donor.  I continue to not feel well or have much energy, but thankful that my condition is not worse.

      Last week, while being examined by the doctor, I mentioned that my blood pressure readings had been very high. I have been on blood pressure medication since experiencing renal failure in 1988. The doctor decided to switch one of the medications I take for a new prescription.  Unfortunately, my blood pressure has remained very high which adds to me not feeling well and my lack of energy.  After contacting the doctor yesterday, he doubled the new medication and told me to go on bed rest. I am taking off three days this week with faith that the increase in medication and rest will help.  The support of my co-workers this week is beyond words, and I thank them so much.

     In January, a friend and I will go to UNC for testing to confirm she is a healthy transplant donor. Last month, compatibility blood tests were completed and the results confirmed that she is a compatible donor.  This was such exciting news, and she is as thrilled as I am.  My goal is to have a donor in place before needing dialysis and a transplant.  Please pray for my friend and I as she goes through this process. The emotions of this process can be very overwhelming.  

   I had a wonderful opportunity this weekend at church to meet Aaron Wilburn, a Christian comedian. Aaron had a kidney transplant in 2010. It was awesome to relate with someone who knows exactly how I feel. While talking with him, it was like having a conversation with myself. His encouragement for the future meant a lot and as I patiently wait, I know better days are ahead.

     I greatly appreciate all the amazing things you have done for me in 2014.  Wishing everyone a Merry Christmas and Blessed 2015.  

     

     

      

High= More of This and More of That

      It has been quite a while since I have posted a update. There is no way to thank everyone who has prayed for me and expressed kind words of support.  It means more than you will ever know.

      Today I went to see Dr. Falk, my nephrologist at UNC.  My kidney function is currently 20%.   The major concern at today's visit was my blood pressure.  Since last November, I have been taking blood pressure medicine three times a day, but yet it has been fairly high.  About a month ago, I began experiencing a "heavy" feeling in the top of my head.  I checked my blood pressure at that time, and it was EXTREMELY high.  Each day since then, I have experienced the same sensation. Showing Dr. Falk a log of readings was very helpful, because he was able to see what I have been experiencing.  I will continue to take blood pressure medication three times a day, but the dosage of Lasix has been doubled as well as another blood pressure medication dosage increased.. Being on 160 mg. of Lasix during the day actually scares me.  I am  afraid I may need to put a port-a-potty in the corner of my classroom! He also told me the symptom of dry mouth will increase quite a bit.  I literally drink all day long now because of dry mouth.  If there is not an improvement in the next two weeks, I have to let him know. Please pray medication changes are successful in controlling my blood pressure.  

      He talked with me about the importance of finding a donor so  I don't have to go on dialysis and wait 5 years for a deceased donor when the time comes for a transplant.  Very shocking information he shared was that many patients on the transplant list have at least seven potential donors tested before finding a match.  I am thankful to have a potential donor who should be tested in the next few weeks. If by chance you are considering becoming a donor, please call and talk with Amy Woodard, Living Donor Coordinator at 919-966-3079. Thank you. 

     

Excessive = Not Enough

      I am truly enjoying summer break.  It has been great to rest and attempt to organize some of the chaos in my home that I have neglected.  Still have a lot more to do, but I believe in the philosophy of something is better than nothing. 

      Last week I went for an appointment at the Nephrology Clinic with Dr. Falk.  I have been seeing him multiple times a year since 1988 and it was one of the most frustrating appointments I have ever experienced.  To make a long story short, someone ordered the lab reports for Dr. Falk and did not order the correct tests.  The results of the tests correctly ordered were very extreme  and Dr. Falk was convinced the results were incorrect.  I basically left the appointment not knowing anything and frustrated.  Dr. Falk ordered more tests and I now have results. 

      Thankfully this week I received a phone call explaining test results.  Due to the damage in my kidneys, my urine spills protein.  This has been occurring since I had renal failure in 1988. The amount of protein has increased quite a bit, and is the highest it has been in the last 25 years.  Because the urine is "spilling" so much protein, the albumin and protein in my blood is low.  It was explained to me that the protein in my blood is so low that it would appear that I am someone who is malnourished.   (You can certainly look at me and tell I am far from malnourished)!  Low protein in my blood is due to excessive protein in the urine.  At this time, I just need to make sure I am eating healthy and taking good care of myself.

      Despite excessive protein = not enough protein, my kidney function is stable.   I will see Dr. Falk again September 11.  I appreciate the support of wonderful friends and family for your love, concern and prayers for me.  The journey for a kidney transplant has been interesting to say the least and Dr. Falk says it will occur, just delayed as long as my kidney function is stable.  I know God's timing is always perfect.

Rest, Tests and Blessings

     Summer is my favorite season and even though it is hot outside, I love this time of year.  School dismissed just over 2 weeks ago and I am extremely thankful for some time to rest and reduce the amount of stress in my life. 

     Next Monday, I prepare for kidney function tests. Tuesday I will have the tests completed, see Dr. Falk on the afternoon of July 10 and receive test results at the appointment.  When I saw him May 1, my kidney function was stable from February at 22%.  22% was a major increase from 15% in December.  As I have mentioned before, I have difficulty with remaining tired, dry mouth and a consistent metal taste in my mouth.  It would not hurt my feelings one bit next week if Dr. Falk told me I needed a transplant the next day.  Actually now that I say that, I don't really  mean the next day. In all seriousness, I know God has perfect timing for when the transplant will occur.  

      Angela Oldham is the top person on the potential donor list and should be tested in August.  I will have to begin dialysis if I don't have a donor at the time I need a transplant.  If a donor is in place, long term dialysis will not be necessary.  Please pray that Angela or others who are potential donors will be a match for a transplant. 

      I received wonderful news today in the mail from HelpHOPELive.  HelpHOPELive is the non-profit organization which holds the funds we have raised for transplant expenses.  $1,000 has been deposited into my account from the organization.  This is the SECOND $1,000 grant  I have received from HelpHOPELive!  The grant is issued for each $10,000 we raise. We have raised just over $28,000 from fundraising events and gifts from individuals. At the current time, we do not have any fundraising events scheduled, but greatly appreciate everyone who has contributed in numerous ways thus far.  You may view my page keying in  www.HelpHOPELive.org, click on find a patient, key in my first and last name and then click on kidney for type of transplant. You should then be on my page.  Please take time to read the appeal letter from Ronnie. 
    Much thanks to so many who have prayed for me as I go through this journey.  I tremendously appreciate the support of many friends, family members and strangers.  May God continue to Bless Each of You!