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!