Happy Holidays!

As I prepare for the holiday season I reflect back a year ago. I was weeks away from a life transforming decision to donate a kidney. Just over 1 month ago the now healthy recipient, Mariama left the USA. After 2 years here, in the States, it was time for her to reunite with her family and friends in Niger Africa. I miss her but I am certain our paths will cross again one day. Either back here in the USA or I'll take the journey to Africa. Maybe to celebrate our 1 year anniversary? She tells me on our skype chats that I have a large extended family in Niger waiting to meet me. One thing is for certain, we are bonded together as Sisters for the rest of our lives.

The article written just before Mariama left:
http://www.fosters.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=%2F20111012%2FGJNEWS_01%2F710129933%2F-1%2FFOSNEWS

What am I doing now? An update on my health. At the suggestion of my gal pal Oneta, I went to see a world famous and amazing Naturopath named Dr. D'Adamo.  He is the originator of the "food for your blood type diet." He is also astounding at iridology which is the study of your eyes, claiming that patterns, colors, and other characteristics of the iris can be examined to determine information about a patient's health. AMAZING! After being in his care for 1 month, I lost weight and all my follow up blood work came back perfect. Perfect creatinine levels (measure kidney function in the 1 kidney). Perfect blood pressure! Perfect cholesterol levels. Everything is spot on!

As I continue to look for work, many have suggested that I write a book. I have been toying with the idea and have decided to give it a shot. I'm not sure how long it will take to complete but I am excited to tap into my creative writing skills.For those of you who have followed this blog, I'm interested in your thoughts and title suggestions. :-)

I like to extend to you all the love and peace for this holiday season and the New Year.

"The symbol of Christmas is a star, a light in the darkness. See it not outside yourself, but shining in the Heaven within and accept it as the sign that the time of Christ has come." A Course In Miracles

Really, really, it's a miracle!

September 2011

Really, really, it's everyones miracle. At first some thought it is a miracle for Mariama. Then I realised it is a miracle for both of us. Why?  Because we have both been enormously blessed by the experience.
Ultimately, I understoond that the miracle is shared by everyone who has shared this experience with us. You, the reader of this blog, friends, family and everyone who has been touched by the story. Mariama and I are just so thankful and grateful for the love, support, kindness and friendship that everyone involved has shared with us. We are forever changed and touched for the better by this miracle. Really really this is a miracle.

This journey started 12 months ago in September 2010. Mariama and I met again at the same venue 12 months later September 2011. We celebrated  the 10th birthday of her nephew Jaden and also the birth of a life long sisterhood bonded by miracles. We're both doing great! 

 

Jaden's Ladder Gala August 2011

Thank you everyone for this miracle!

Has It Really Been 6 Months?

Yes, its been 6 months since I donated my kidney to my beautiful Mariama! Thanks for the reminder. I feel GREAT! So much so that I rarely think about it! Other than Nick beating me in tennis almost always, the rewards are many.  And I don't care if I'm slower (maybe because I'm getting older) or that he's almost 6"4' with a wing span of jetliner and can get to every impossible ball.... I can still use the excuse that I have 1 kidney. I hope he feels good about that! LOL...lol

What else is new? I've been asked to attend a special fundraiser for a woman named Dee. You can read her story here.

Together For Dee on Facebook

I heard about her from my post office gal Patti. Love the girls at the Greenland Post Office. Patti's friend is in need of a kidney. I wish I had more to spare.

I also saw this advert on early one morning...It took me by surprise. A great reminder for what our kidney's do for us!

What You're Kidney Does 4 You!

Have a GREAT SUMMER!

Headed to The LIFT Conference in North Carolina. Me?...Speaking? YEAH!!!!

It's been almost 11 weeks since my kidney donation to Mariama. You know how much I love the number 11. It's funny that 11th weeks post surgery, I have been asked to speak at a conference in North Carolina at the L.I.F.T (Lady's in Fellowship Together) Spring Retreat in Ridgecrest NC. April 1-3.

http://ridgecrestconferencecenter.org/
http://www.liftwomensministry.org/
https://www.facebook.com/pages/LIFT-Womens-Ministry/336366744665?ref=ts&sk=wall#!/pages/LIFT-Womens-Ministry/336366744665?sk=info

What an honor to be asked to speak at the annual L.I.F.T conference on the topic " Excuse Me....These Wings are Made for Flying!"  I'm so grateful to speak on how being a student of "The Course" and by  following the guidance of the Holy Spirit I've been allowd  to be a demonstration of truth and eternal love. There are no better wings than that!

How EXCITING!

♥Happy ♥ Happy ♥ Joy ♥ Joy ♥

WOOOHOOOO! Mariama's creatinine levels are back down to 1! PERFECT! Her breathing is better and she sounds WONDERFUL! Glad to have you back Mariama!

FUN KIDNEY FACT: 100%-50%= 150%

If a person has 2 healthy kidney's each kidney works 50%.
When 1 kidney is removed the remaining kidney increases its function to 75% (or more)
The removed kidney then placed in another body also increases its function to 75% (or more)

75% +75%= 150%
(75%  kidney function from 1 kidney is more than enough to sustain a normal, healthy and happy life).

 ♥WOOOHOOOOO ♥

"Don't Make Me Come Down There!"~ God

I paid Mariama a visit on Thursday. She had a biopsy and an ultrasound to try to pinpoint the focus of her discomfort. I was pleased to hear that she is not rejecting kidney! It's functioning perfectly. I noticed she felt discouraged not knowing the cause of her pain. She is experiencing pain in her chest which causes shallow breathing. She was working on deep breathing exercises to help. Her muscles are tight so I told her I'd bring Nick next time to give her the best massage of her life. LOL

Her eating and drinking are minimal. It's very important for her to stay hydrated and nourish her body. Above all she needs to hang on to the hope that she is getting better everyday and that this too shall pass. Changing your thoughts can change your life!

By the end of our visit I noticed her mood improve. She laughed and smiled more. We watched One Life To Life, General Hospital and The Oprah Show together. Then we went for a walk around the hospital wing. Staying in bed with a little movement can cause more of the same. It is important for her improved health to get up and move.

A Social Worker came in to speak with her about her recovery and how she was feeling and there was talk of her going home soon. I'll speak to her later today for an update and she if she will be going home.

All positive thoughts of love and supported are gratefully received. Thank you!

Cheers~

Biopsy

I spoke with Mariama about an hour ago. She was feeling quite groggy when I called to check in. She told me that she had just gotten out of a "biopsy." My brain started to scramble. " I had a biopsy on the kidney." She told me and was feeling "high" from the morphine and wasn't completely clear. It took me by surprise. Imagine my surprise. I felt bad and a little guilty. Is the kidney that I donated, poisoning her?

I read online its not uncommon that a kidney recipient can experience complications. This includes symptoms of rejection.  A drastic rise in creatinine is one of the symptoms that Dr.'s look for. In simplest terms levels of creatinine are determined by how well your kidney filters blood. After the transplant my kidney went from .85 to 1. Which is normal. Mariama's went from 4 down to 1. Which is fantastic! However it slowly increased to about 4. Generally, any high level of creatinine that persists or increases warrants a biopsy. The rise could be a sign of possible rejection. Another way to look at it is Mariama's body is adjusting to a "foreign" organ in her body. It's only been 5 weeks and it can take upto a year or more for her body to fully accept the kidney. Mariama is taking and will continue to take anti-rejection drugs for the rest of her life.

I remind myself that Mariama is in the perfect place to work through her symptons and she is well taken care of. It's not much fun being in a hospital bed but considering the magnanimous undertaking of a kidney transplant I thank God that she is getting the care that she needs and deserves.

We all appreciate your positive thoughts and prayers for Mariama's full recovery!

Love to All

Getting back to normal....a new normal!

Has it really been 5 weeks? Yes, it's been 5 weeks post surgery and I'm 80% back to myself.  I'm working though a bit of fatigue and I'm moving a little slower (not sure if its from surgery or age..lol) but I'll be 100% in no time. It's amazing how your body recovers from organ removal surgery. Nothing less than MIRACULOUS!

Mariama is still in the hospital after being re~admitted for dyhydration. I spoke with my sweetheart Mariama yesterday for Valentine's Day. She has had some other issues outside the kidney transplant. At the moment the Dr.'s are trying to diagnose a tightening in her chest. So she has been going through several lung examinations. She is in the right place and we look forward to her complete healing!

It's been quiet a journey. It's pretty quiet around the house. The 4 Freeman's (Nick's kids) have left. (I could write another blog about that experience). I've decided to re~enter the job market and that in itself is a full time job. Wish me luck ;-)

The past few months have been an tremendous experience. A wild ride. Thanks for sharing this time with me. I will continue to post updates on Mariama's progress.

Cheers!

3 Weeks Post Surgery. Then and Now

6am headed to pre-op. All smiles

6am on Tuesday Jan. 11 Mariama and I checked in and headed to pre-op. I was feeling great! I felt pure joy that the day had finally arrived.

It took a few hours to prep. I must have spelled my name and gave my birthdate to about 10 people who made sure I was the Thea donating her left kidney.


Nick, Joe, Eliza wait with me

  I loved the anesthesiologist. She was cool and when they started coming at me with big needles to administer blood thinners, Amy was there with "Momma's Little Helper!" After 2 minutes of liquid valium....I was completely relaxed. At 8:30am I was wheeled into the operating room. A bit more prep and with a few deep breaths it was sleepy time!





One last kiss before "go time."

I woke in post op at about 11:30am. Feeling groggy but good. Glad that it every thing went great. There were no complications and I was on my way to recovery. Mariama was still in surgery when I woke but after an hour or so the nurse told me she had just gotten out of surgery and everything went very well. The kidney was working for her instantly. I was so pleased!

Over the next several days I felt pain from the incision and nausea and dizziness from the medication. Extreme thirst, lack of appetite and constipation.  I was told I was going to experience extreme fatique and I did. That was caused by my body's adjustment from two kidney's to one. So I slept alot which, if anyone knows me, is one of my favortie things to do. Nick stayed by my side the enitre time.



Thea and Oneta

                                               
I checked out of the hospital on Friday but was offered a generous stay at the Boston Westin by Oneta and Jon Bobbett. The Westin's Heavenly Bed is HEAVENLY. Room Service was DEVINE! There were still Nick and my blended 8 kids to manage when I got home and Oneta also made sure that when I got home, my house was clean and orderly so that I would have nothing to worry about.

My girl friend Diana came by with groceries which was so very helpful. Melinda stopped by with various breads and Nick is a constant provider always at my beck and call. I am very grateful to all of you.

One week post op I had my check up and everything went well. I was right on track. The only challenge I experienced is a job I had been waiting for over 1 year wanted to interview me 2 days after I got home. The timing was interesting. I was still nauseous, dizzing and in pain. The position was very demanding and I needed to be at my best. I went on the interview and decided not to tell them what I had just been through. I wasn't at the top of my game at that time. I didn't get the job! Maybe there will be another opportunity at another time.

It's now 3 weeks later (Feb 2) and I feel better and better every day. I'm no longer on pain medication and I'm not feeling as tired. I can laugh, sneeze, cough and clear my throat without pain shooting through my body. Mariama just called me from the hospital. She was admitted last night (Feb 1). She is very tired and dehydrated as the medications are causing vomiting and extreme diarrhea. The doc's will hydrate her and get her back on track and on her feet as soon as possible. 

My birthday is coming on Feb 7th. We're thinking about having a Super Bowl Birthday bash on Sunday Feb 6th. What a celebration of life and love that will be. Not exactly sure who I will cheer for. I just want to watch a good game. Well, maybe the Steelers :-)

Love To ALL!



The Home Stretch.....Let's Do This!

On January 6th we had our final prep and Pre Admission for surgery.  More of the same blood tests, chest xray's, EKG's, Blood Pressure and talks with The Surgeon and Transplant Coordinator who recapped the process for the surgery. I joked with Surgeon Scott about the importance of him  having a good nights sleep and NO PARTYING!. He told me that he didn't have any plans yet, but he'd let me know if that changed. Nancy, the Transplant Coordinator is still amazed at how quick and smooth our process went. She told me several stories on compatibility testing which has continued for over 3 years. Another where she has tested over 60 potential donors and still can not find a match for the patient. With over 100,000 people waiting for a lifesaving organ transplant 80% are waiting for a kidney. 16 people die each day waiting. FYI you can also be a Fairy God Donor! Astonishing!

Tomorrow is the big day and I want to say THANK YOU to those who have made this process much easier. Nick Freeman, my best friend and partner, has been by my side at every appointment and listened to every gory detail. Nick held my hand thru the poking and prodding of the blood tests and scans. He listened to the beeps of the 24 blood pressure monitor and calculated the cc's/"sitting" for the 24 hour urine sample! He is consistent! He coordinates and organizes and is a strong force thru this entire process. KISS KISS!

My amazing kids, who ask a lot of questions and have NEVER doubted my decision to donate. They trust their Mom and know if I'm doing it, it must be a pretty cool thing to do! Sometimes when they see me they ask if I've already donated. As if I could walk in, walk out and recover in a few hours. Adorable!

My friends, who in the beginning may not have thought I could/should  donate but have supported my decision. Specifically Rebecca, Melinda, Diane and Danielle. My Facebook Friends whose posts continue to inspire and support me.



The Winning Snowboard!



Kat and Mike who allowed my family to stay at their condo the weekend before surgery as an opportunity to rest, relax and have fun. It exceeded our expectations. We had a BLASTY BLAST! We won so many prizes at Wildcat Mountain's ski contest to include the Vitamin Water Snowboard. How did I win? By playing a hot potato game called "Pass The Chicken!" What a treat! SO MUCH FUN!!!!



Ed, Mariama and The Bobbetts's...WOW! I can't think of a better family to donate to. They have loved and supported us. I know they think we are giving them a gift but the actual gift has been given to me. Giving and receiving are the same.

OK FOLKS! Surgery is scheduled for January 11 (tomorrow). We have to report in at 6:00am with surgery starting at 7:30am at Beth Israel Deaconness Medical Center in Boston Ma. The surgery takes about 3 hours. I should be out of surgery about 11:30am and awake  recovering about 1pm.

Send us your best wishes for a successful surgery and speedy recovery! Cheers!

New Beginings

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ೋ ❤❤❤~~ HAPPY NEW YEAR ~~❤❤❤ ೋ
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It's been a busy BUSY month with the Australian Invasion. We've been all over New England basking in the delights of the season. Skiing, snowboarding in the mountains and shopping in NYC.  But in 9 short days we will end the wait for Mariama.

January 11, 2011 at 7:30am Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center Mariama and I will make it official. We will become donor and recipient of a kidney transplant. Sisters forever!  On Thursday January 6th we have our pre-admissions tests; which include final crossmatching blood work, physical exams and meetings with the surgeons and the star of the show The Anesthesiologist. (Gotta love the guys with the medication). 

But before then there is some snowboarding that needs to be done. So we'll see you on the slopes!

NOTE: We wrapped up 2010 and rang in the New Year with a Jammie Jam party at Oneta and Jon Bobbett's house. The most fun I've had in a long, long time!!! Jon and Oneta shared with us, the best of everything. They truly are an amazing couple! That ended my alcohol consumption until further notice and my first and last cigar. Thanks Jon!