6/17/15 Biopsy

This visit was not exciting like the last one. We flew in and rested for the night after getting dinner from the hotel restaurant. The next day we went over and labs and tests done. We went up to the cath lab and I went in around 9 am. It was sweet and simple. I got to see "Iron Man" that's what I like to call Doctor Hanna. He reminds me of Robert Downey Jr to me. No problems getting in my vein this time so that was awesome. We then went down and seen the nurse. Ms. Alex seemed happy with my recovery. She just told me to keep up with working out and eating well. I am not happy I have not lost much weight from the prednisone but I am happy to say I have not gained any extra. You have to count the small blessings. That night she called me and said I got another 1R on my biopsy. There was a slight problem though. My white blood cells were low again so they stopped my Cellcept and also lowered my Prograf. I guess my Prograf levels were too high as well. I was upset though because
I have to maintain the same amount of prednisone at least until the white blood cells come back up. Hopefully, they will come up on their own because those shots I had to take before were very painful. I try to think positive though, I am still healthy and alive. Plus I have gotten my low white blood cell count before so I can do it again.

On a side note I have been working for over a month now. I love the job and my manager. Plus we just got another employee and she seems nice as well. I work my butt off but it keeps me busy and I enjoy it most of the time. I am lacking on being a great friend, daughter, family member period, and wife. Between Dewon's busy schedule and now mine we have limited time together. I know that all the hard work will pay off soon though. Right now I am in a great place in my life. I pray that things can only continue to go up from here and I continue to stay healthy. I thank all of you for reading and for all the support and prayers. God bless!

5/5/2015 Biopsy

For this visit I was extremely nervous. See, I was planning to meet my donors family. I had spent days before looking for the right cards, a stethoscope and just praying the visit would go well. I was terrified I would say the wrong thing and make someone upset with me. Plus I was bracing myself because I was not sure how I would feel and I didn't want to cry. After all it was them who had lost their loved one. On top of that the hotel we normally stay at lost our reservation so we had to find a new one that was not close to the clinic at all. We made it to Cleveland though and the hotel was nice.

The next day we got up and got dressed. Called a cab and headed to the clinic. All the tests were the same and by now I know everyone's name and I get in and out quickly. I went upstairs and waited for them to call me for the biopsy. When I went in all I was thinking about was when they are done I will be headed to meet my donor's mom. That quickly changed when they had a little problem finding my vein and keeping it open. Apparently, it likes to collapse now. They did though and it was over and done with before I could think too much more about anything. We then caught another cab and headed back to the hotel.

Greg's Family and I

Once at the hotel we decided I had better eat something and try to calm my nerves. I text the donor's mom to let her know we were back at the hotel and waiting. I ate half of a sandwich and waited. The family finally made it there and I waited by the elevator. Dewon kept telling me to calm down. I guess I was pacing a bit. When the doors open and I seen my donor's mom I instantly felt at ease. I know it sounds weird but I did. We all sat down together after introductions and his mom gave me pictures and books to look at. Her son, Greg, was so young and handsome I might add. I go to hear stories from her and his siblings, who I all met. It was honestly one of the most amazing experiences. It was like we were family. After we all chatted a bit his family took turns listening to my heart. I grabbed Greg's mom's hand when I seen her eyes start to fill with tears. It was just an instant instinct. I was happy that for that moment I could give them a little bit of the person they were missing. I think about Greg all the time. I wondered about the person he was and who was important to him. His family was gracious enough to shine light on this amazing person who gave so much to so many people at the clinic that day. Then I asked how he had passed away. I seen tears start to form in everyone's eyes and I though well I am asshole. His mom told me though. He had committed suicide. I was heart broken for her. I wanted to comfort everyone but had no idea how. It seemed unfair at that moment that I had this new life and was able to live when they had all lost someone they loved and cared for. I admired them though for the courage to tell me and for how strong they were. I don't know that I would do if I had lost someone in my family. It all ended with tons of pictures and hugs. It was an awesome day for me and I hope for them as well.

Dewon, Greg's Mom and I

The next day I got the call from Cleveland. Good biopsy results again. My biopsy was a status 1R, which meant I could move down on my prednisone again. 7.5 mg...YAY! 
So the same day I got home I went in to an interview after I showered and got all dressed up. I interviewed at a bridal shop. I didn't really think I would get it since I had no bridal experience but decided to try any way. I wanted to work again and get out of the house now that I was doing so well. I was surprised when I was offered the job on the spot. The manager was so nice and the shop was so pretty. I remember thinking wow, I am so lucky. What a week it had been.