It has finally happened! Lisa got her kidney!
We are in San Diego as she had the transplant at UCSD. We will be here for 6 weeks. Yes, six long weeks of labs and clinic appointments and all sorts of mind-bending health regimens. The medication routine is daunting, to say the least. But, while we feel completely at sea this week, my hope is that we manage to get to a point where the routine becomes just that, routine. In 6 weeks, if all goes well, she will be reduced to once a month appointments and will be able to return home to Long Beach. At that point I will be able to return home to Portland.
We are so grateful to the 30 year old IV drug user who signed an organ donor card. It doesn't matter that they had Hepatitis C, because that is now curable. But, the gift of an organ is a profound thing. It will literally change Lisa's life. She has been on dialysis for six years and in ever-worsening health. Last year was touch and go for her survival. This gift of a kidney will allow her to live again, rather than just survive and hang on. I definitely tear up thinking about the immensity of the gift.
We are staying in a hotel a few miles from the hospital. She was discharged yesterday and is still in considerable pain. Fingers crossed that she heals quickly! (Fingers also crossed that we don't drive each other crazy in the meantime!)
My friend Katy is keeping Pierre for the duration. What a huge mitzvah that is! She doesn't currently have a pet and misses having a cat around the house. Happily, Pierre likes her and tolerates her grandchildren. It's working out well so far. Thank you so much Katy!
My neighbor is watching the house, bringing in the mail, watering the plants, and that sort of thing. What would I do without good friends and neighbors? These personal connections are essential!
I've got to post this and get going. There are medical things to take care of... yuck!
Cheers, women!
