Monday, December 5, 2005

Kidney Chronicles.....Dec. 2005

Dearest friends and family,

Many of you have been wondering about the status of Bob / Irv's anticipated kidney transplant, and we wanted to efficiently but personally update you on the progess of this major undertaking!

Brother-in-law Pat Caples has been undergoing tests as a prospective kidney donor since June '05, and although we were told he was a "match" back in August, additional tests and scans have resulted in UCSF's decision to withdraw him as a donor at this point. We so appreciate all the time and energy ( and samples, not to be named) that he put into this quest! We expect him to thrive after undergoing the most extensive physical exams anyone could ever experience!

We are very lucky now to have a back-up donor ready to take on the challenge: my brother Dave is already on day 3 of harassing the staff at UCSF to get his tests started - even after hearing about all that Pat went through!

Bob/ Irv, meanwhile, is managing to stay off dialysis so far, and although he is very lethargic and not too chatty, is still able to enjoy life in Livermore, especially with the occasional company of the family or friends. We are working on walking daily to improve stamina ( that goes for both of us) and keeping up with all the usual doctor's appointments.

So, no big announcements, but it seemed like time to share his status with everyone important to us. We shall see if a Christmas letter gets done, but at least you know the important stuff!

Our best to you all,
Cherie and Bob / Irv!
RJ/Bob/Irv is a 61-year-old beloved husband, father, uncle, brother, motor racing fanatic, and Livermore resident who received a heart and kidney transplant in February of 2010. Bob's recent years have been defined by his health, which forced him into early retirement. Unfortunately, many of his days were spent in a dialysis center or at various medical appointments, primarily due to his living with diabetes for over 40 years. Numerous were panic visits to various Emergency Rooms all over California for treatment of chest pain. But now no more dialysis and no more late-night dashes to UCSF! The main focus of Bob's family, friends, and doctors has been a prompt transplant, so that he can get back to traveling with his Sweetie, driving fast cars, enjoying great music and laughing with his friends. This blog will function as a way to communicate with all interested parties and to keep everyone informed. And hopefully it can serve a great purpose also, in making people more aware of the importance of organ donation and how each life saved has a positive effect on dozens of related friends and relatives.