Greetings Everyone!

This week is Thanksgiving. May your home and hearts be filled with love and gratitude!

This past week I reached a milestone in my journey; the three-month-mark since my kidney transplant.  I have so much to be thankful for!  Last week I met with the Transplant Team in Iowa City.  Overall, they are satisfied with my health and healing progress thus far. 

The new kidney from Will continues to perform very well, with no signs/symptoms of rejection.  My body is working hard to get back into sync; white blood count and red blood count components continue to teeter-tooter in the very low ranges.  The team shared that it could take a while to stabilize them. 

Until then, they continue to make medication adjustments. I receive bone marrow stimulant injections to help the body make white blood cells to treat my very low immunity. I also receive iron infusions to bump up and treat my anemia.  Doctors continue to caution me that I must be careful regarding my interaction with others, especially now entering the cold and flu season. They added instances of COVID are on the rise also. Their advice is to continue to avoid crowds and groups of people, at least for the foreseeable future until my immunity improves to an acceptable range.    

I've had a weight restriction of 10 pounds since the end of June when both of my kidneys were removed.  That limit has been increased and I am thrilled.  Now I can pick up and hold my youngest Grandson Nolan, who is 10+ mos. old weighing about 20 lbs. No more excuses for Grandpa to avoid changing Nolie's diapers any longer! 🙂

Doctor's caution that I should gradually increase to handling more weight.  My physical therapist was happy to hear that news as well and took advantage of the opportunity. I certainly "felt" results of the good news after my session with him on Friday!   😂

As we head into Thanksgiving week, I look back on all that's happened this past year with my kidney removal and transplant. I am truly humbled and overwhelmed with gratitude for this 2nd lease on life, granted me through Will's generosity by the Divine Healer.  I am truly blessed to have the healthcare team and their expertise succeed with me so well.

Thank you all for your continued prayers and support for healing for Will and I.  I am humbled and it is much appreciated. Please continue if you would and pray for all those struggling with health issues. May they be filled with hope.

A blessed Thanksgiving to you all. Goodbye for now. Gratitude and Godspeed!!

 - Tom & Mary