Transplant Tribune: Weekend Update

Dear friends and family,

I'm very happy to report that Bob / Irv had successful surgery yesterday on his right leg - one of his right leg veins was put in place to bypass the blocked artery behind his right knee, and the circulation is vastly improved. I was very glad to have Gary and Terre hang out with me in the waiting room as we waited for news from the OR. It was very dicey to do major surgery so soon after his heart attack from last weekend, and we are extremely relieved that he came through just fine. He is a tough guy to go through all this- considering that he gets faint at the idea of a splinter!

He is still in ICU today, and will be back in a regular room on the 10th floor by this evening or tomorrow. We were told he will be kept at UCSF for 5 - 7 days before heading home. I'll let you all know when he has access to his cell phone again.......for a few days, anyway, he will be dealing with recovery from the surgery, and getting medication for the pain, so is not be too social at the moment. I will see him this afternoon, along with Andy and Linsey, and will be glad to update anyone who calls me. My cell is 925-548-9168. Reception is poor in most of the hospital, but I will of course be checking messages outside when I take my fresh air breaks.

Hopefully this successful surgery gets us one step closer to being on the actual transplant list. Doctors are making no guarantees, of course, but we're moving in the right direction.

We know that everyone's support, cheers, prayers and love is making a difference, and so appreciate each and every one of you. His odds would be much worse without this network of support.

Have a great weekend,

Until the next report,

Cherie / Cheryl

Transplant Tribune: The Rocky Road Continues

Hi again - my report from last Saturday evening is already obsolete. That lovely evening at home was fleeting - Bob/Irving had a mild heart attack during the night, and we found ourselves checking into the ER at local Valley Care Hospital early the next morning. They got him stabilized and kept him until Monday. Since we didn't want any treatment that might conflict with UCSF's agenda, they released him Monday evening after his dinner. We were home an entire half hour when a cardiologist from UCSF called us and requested that I bring him directly to them. Luckily Leslie was with us and kept us from really losing it at that point!

So - he's back in their custody still. He got both his heart and his right leg checked out yesterday, and thankfully there is no new damage from that heart attack over the weekend. Now the plan is to find some decent veins in his legs and try bypass surgery on the right leg Friday if at all possible. He had an ultrasound today with the purpose of searching out those veins, and of course we are anxiously waiting for some positive news.

I took today to stay at home to catch up on work, plus try and regain a bit of sanity ( not to mention sleep), but am heading his way shortly to spend the evening with him. Looks like he will be there for a few more days, especially if there is an operation on Friday. He has his cell phone with him, and his direct line to room 1034 is 415-353-8214. He seems to be sleeping well at night, so I figure he's fair game for phone calls during the day, if anyone wants to give him a short call.If he doesn't answer, you'll know he's not in the mood, or out having more tests done.

I will look forward to sending a more positive report next time - your good wishes and crossed fingers are comforting, for sure.

Hoping for a smooth patch of road soon, Cherie / Cheryl