Thursday, May 27, 2010

Settled into Our "Other" Home Now.....


We were just talking the other day about how quickly we get comfortable with life at UCSF. Each time RJ checks in, he settles in faster. We thought when he went home after his 19-day visit in March that we would not be back right away, but here we are again for the second stay since then. And even though he is on the 9th floor (specializing in kidneys and livers) instead of the 10th (specializing in hearts and lungs), the routines, amenities and floor plans are nearly identical so we feel quite at home.

He has his area of the room all set up,with slippers, book, magazine and toiletries nearby, has talked with the nurse to make sure he can get his French toast tomorrow morning, has requested soap and towels for the evening clean-up, and has plugged his cell phone charger into the nearest outlet. I of course have the laptop fired up, verified that the room has great cell reception (yay) and dragged in an extra chair for visitors. The only complaint so far today is that it's not a single room. However, the other bed is empty so far, so that may not be an issue. And it is a beautiful back corner room with huge windows, so we are surrounded by beautiful trees and (currently) bright blue skies.

Of course the plans continue to change. Instead of getting that kidney biopsy right away (the reason we showed up today, right?) it is now scheduled for early tomorrow morning. We were assured the results would be available right away and that delaying the procedure will not delay finding out results and the subsequent treatment plan, if one is needed. One thing that is definitely hopeful: the elusive Urology docs were tracked down and they are granting a trial separation from Mr. Foley, beginning tonight at midnight, strangely enough. However, the past 10 days have been far more miserable for RJ than he has let on, so he will welcome this event regardless of the timing. Hopefully it becomes a permanent separation. Enough already with the discomfort, never mind dealing with repeated equipment malfunctions that resulted my doing more laundry, way more frequently, than I like. And that's all I'll say about that.

Stay tuned for Friday's news. We reeeaaaaallllly want for him to get out of here by Saturday. This weekend's Indy 500, F1 race and NASCAR events can always be recorded for later viewing. The big deal is that close friends are having a huge birthday bash Sunday evening that we've been looking forward to attending for several months, and missing it would be devastating. So we are totally focused on good news, asap!

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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.