The Big Decision

Okay, we've decided. The transplant has been scheduled for July 17th.


I have peace about the decision.


But I'm not looking forward to the recovery process for both of us.


Here's what I know so far.


The family will meet with Kristie's surgeon on July 14th where he will explain the procedure. Kristie and I will have our blood drawn to make sure the antigens are still compatible. Kristie will have another EKG and chest x-ray. (Haven't told her that part yet.) All of this will take about 4 hours.


I meet with my surgeon previous to this appt., probably in June sometime. The whole family doesn't have to attend that meeting but I'll have Nigel come with me.


The 17th is on a Thursday, so on Wednesday, I can only have clear liquids. Kristie can have anything she wants to eat, well, that's on her kidney diet anyway.

We're both admitted at 6 a.m. on the 17th. Kristie has to take a shower with a special soap beforehand. Me? I'll just be starving, but I figure its a good way to lose a few pounds. My goal is to lose 10! Yay!

I'll be in the hospital until Sunday or Monday. I'll be in recovery for 2 to 3 weeks.

Kristie will be in the hospital about a week. She'll be in recovery for about 4 to 6 weeks.

Kristie asked me at lunch the other day, "What do you think caused my kidneys to not function properly?" Now, this stunned me. First of all this is a very complex question for Kristie to ask. And for her to even have thought of this to ask me is astonishing! I told her that Dr. O'Neill thought it was part of her genetic disease Leber's Congenital Amaurosis deal. She was okay with that answer.

Then, (same lunch) she pipes up and says: "Well, a part of me wants to have the new kidney, but a part of me doesn't want to have the surgery because it will hurt." Okay, another astonishing moment!!! Kristie just doesn't normally talk like that. I told her I understood that and felt the same way too.

She is just an angel. We are truly blessed to have Kristie on earth. Anyone she comes in contact with becomes a better person.

In fact, I think that will be the title of our book "How to be a Better Person". Did I tell you I'm writing a book about the life lessons that Kristie has taught me? It will be a best seller...trust me. She's taught me a lot!

You can be part of the book too! Write me and let me know how Kristie has touched your life and we'll put it in the book!

By the way, Joyce Meyer WAS FANTASTIC! More than fantastic, she was soooo much better in person that on TV or a CD!! Kristie and I attended her conference at the Tacoma Dome on Thursday evening, Friday morning, and Saturday morning. Saturday was THE BEST! I loaded up on books for the summer and am a happy girl!