Hello dear friends and family,
It's been about 2 months since our last report - as always, I expect to have more news in another day or so, but of course that does not happen! Bob continues to do fairly well on dialysis, although there have been some ups and downs with his blood pressure, fluid levels and blood sugars that keep us entertained. The kidney transplant team at UCSF is still hesitant to move forward to a final OK, despite assurances from the heart transplant group that he will benefit tremendously from a new kidney. We were told this week that he is certainly at moderate risk for the surgery - better than high risk - but that a transplant sooner would be much more successful than later, since his heart is about as good as it can be at this point. All the additional tests that have been done have had acceptable results, so Dr. Rame' of the heart transplant team plans another visit to the kidney transplant committee to again make the case for Bob's acceptance for surgery. In the meantime, my brother "donor Dave" has a few more tests to repeat from last year, and will do those after he returns from Peru at the end of this month.
In spite of all this drama, we are starting to dare to hope that this coming year will bring good news and a new start. And we did get one medical project accomplished: both his eyes have had successful cataract surgery, and in about 3 more weeks he'll get new glasses and be able to drive again! The better vision has already improved his spirits. Life will be nearly perfect when racing resumes and he can enjoy every detail on the tv screen!
Keep the good thoughts and wishes coming - we appreciate all your support more than you can imagine. Happy Holidays to all -
Cherie and Bob ( aka Irving aka RJ)
