We finally have a date for the transplant!  It is scheduled for September 19th.  I have to go for PreOp on the 14th, then be back on the 18th to get ready for the big day.  It’s been a long time getting to this point and as always, I am so grateful for everyone’s support and prayers during this long journey.  Especially that of Greg.  He’s been there and seen me at my best and lifted me up at my worst.  He’s encouraged me when I needed it and helped change so many bad attitudes or bad days into better ones.  He’s been my rock.  

Tonight I had the great pleasure of attending a dinner prepared by the family of my donor, Mark.  We’ve known his family for years, so it was like a meeting of friends, but now it is  more like a gathering of family members.  It was such a lovely evening with great conversation and excellent food!

My current condition is great!  Since starting dialysis in April, I have  gained 10 pounds, am more energetic,  and can eat more normally with fewer restrictions, although there are some. Things are definitely looking up!  So I will continue to humbly ask for your prayers leading up to, during and after the surgery.  I hope to recover quickly-although I will need to remain in Dallas for four to six weeks due to frequent clinic visits until they are assured I’m stable enough from the transplant and stable from having my anti rejection meds adjusted considerably.  Please also pray for Mark in that his donation surgery will be successful and recovery will be quick.  This guy is a very special person to do this for me and it is overwhelming for me to think that he would do something like this for someone, much less, me.  It takes a person who is unselfish, and thinks of others, and there are not enough who step up to donate an organ.  In that regard, please sign up to be a donor!  Yes, it’s a sacrifice on your part, but what is a little bit of missed work, or asking family members to help with your brief recovery, as opposed to having someone remain in need and on dialysis, or heart machine, or breathing machine for the rest of their lives?  It’s a small sacrifice.  And the recipient’s insurance covers the donor’s procedure.  So there’s really no reason not to donate.  So please, do the right thing!  Thank you!