Testing, testing...part 2

I've had a great couple of weeks.  Not only am I starting to feel a little more human, but I've had two of the greatest women I know come to visit me and impact my life in ways they may never fully understand.

My Aunt Sarah came on October 7 to cook for my family and clean my house. I don't think my family has ever eaten so well.  She really spoiled them!  My house is gleaming...baseboards cleaned, floor mopped, even my fridge is cleaned out!  I'm so grateful.  As I said to her when I was dropping her off at the airport...some people come to your home and add a sweet spirit that really affects your family.  Sarah's presence did just that.  I'm so grateful not only for a clean house, but for the spirit she left in our home.  I sincerely hope that it lasts for a while.

My sister Michelle came in on October 10 to complete her testing as a potential kidney donor.  She never complained about the pain--even when she was giving blood or having an IV put in for her CT scan.  I forgot to warn her about the "interesting" sensation that the CT contrast gives you--sorry!  (It makes you feel like you've wet your pants.)  It was fun to just hang out, eat at good restaurants, and visit.  I'm really grateful for her selflessness.  She doesn't want anyone to know that she's doing this, because she doesn't like the "oh you're so great" attention, but she's really awesome. 

We find out Tuesday afternoon if we're good to go.  I forgot to mention that I got a call while I was in dialysis on October 7 that I'm completely cleared for transplant.  My HepB status is good, and my insurance has cleared me...so....we're all good to go.  If Michelle is approved, then all we need to do is schedule the surgery.  I can't wait!!

Stormy Weather

Yesterday, as I was on my way to dialysis, I noticed storm clouds in the horizon.  I got a little excited, because I LOVE stormy days. 

Of course, while I was in my cubicle/fishbowl at dialysis I had no idea what was happening outside.  When I got off, I stepped outside into torrential rain and wind.  It was COLD!!  I shuffled to my car, which is about the best I can do right now, and was soaking wet by the time I got there.  I turned on the heater and tried to dry out by the time I got home.  No dice. 

By the way--the ride home was frustrating.  Why do people think they have to drive 30 miles under the speed limit just because it's raining?  GO already! :)

So my dialysis catheter keeps leaking from the insertion site.  (My chest)  It just trickles blood for about 30 seconds and then stops, but it's ruining my clothes.  Yesterday, the dialysis tech cleaned my site and in the process got my shirt sopping wet.  Then, when my catheter leaked, the blood just spread out all over.  It was really gross.  I looked like a newborn who had drooled blood all over their shirt.  Lovely.  As Courtnie said, "Luckily you were just coming home after!"  The doc says it's because it hasn't healed all the way and the only option we have is to get a new catheter.  Um...no.

I just ate breakfast and took my meds and they're starting to kick in.  The room starts to spin a bit and I get a little woozy.  Not a fan of side effects.  I need to make some phone calls today to get things set up.  Still haven't had an MRI or seen the neurologist.  I also need to get my HepB status from my doctor so I can tell the liver specialist at Mayo.  I just want everything lined up so that once Michelle is cleared, we're good to go. 

Happy stormy day, everyone! :)