Tuesday, October 16, 2007

Kidney Chronicles: Special Edition!

Greetings friends and family,

Good news on the transplant front! A big step forward at last: Dave and Bob's blood and tissue compatability test results came back yesterday, and they are still a good match, so we get to move forward on the kidney transplant plans from the donation aspect. The team of surgeons on the kidney transplant team are still not in total agreement that they want to risk the kidney transplant because of Bob's cardiac issues, but his UCSF cardiologist, Dr. Rame, is convinced that it's the best overall plan, and is already working with them to make that happen. Of course Dave and Janice have a trip to Machu Picchu ( Peru) planned for December, and we agree that Dave should make that very adventurous trip with both of his kidneys!

And another major accomplishment has been made: Bob did a great job on Sunday walking Leslie down the aisle for her wedding to Chris Chaw, as well as making a wonderful fatherly toast, dancing, and socializing all weekend. Today we return to our more normal lives, where he can catch up on his sleep and resume the rounds of medical appointments, dialysis, and cardiac rehab. We are so lucky that he felt well enough to really enjoy this most special week in our lives! I hope you are able to enjoy the attached photo - courtesy of the Chaw family!

Thanks as always for all your love and support. That's a huge part of Bob's successes so far, and will continue to be.

Love,

Cherie / Cheryl
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.