Update 10/27/17 - Bill's Physical Tests for the Kidney Transplant List

Photo Credit: QuoteHumor.com

Bill has started the kidney transplant list journey. He has to go through a series of physical tests like an ultrasound for his gallbladder and liver to make sure everything is okay, dental check up, heart test, etc. The rest of his body needs to be healthy in order to do transplant surgery. If there are physical issues, they will need to be addressed before surgery. So far, no problems.

As for Bill's arm fistula surgery that happened on Oct 6th, his arm is healing well. No infections or complications.  We see the surgeon in December for a follow up appointment. Hopefully, he will give the green light to start home dialysis. It takes about 3 months for the fistula to work properly. We meet with the kidney doctor on Nov 10th for a check up. The kidney doctor will let us know the next steps for home dialysis.

So, this part of the journey has been waiting, tests or check ups. Sometimes waiting is a good break to catch our breath. But, for the impatient me, I'm ready for Bill to finish his tests and get on the transplant list so he can find a donor. I know that the transplant will give him his quality of life back. I'm grateful to God for all that He has done in terms of providing financial resources from the medical insurance, the excellent support from all of the different medical specialists and medical teams, and the love and support from friends and family. We are truly grateful. Yet, I know the journey is about perseverance.

There are good days and bad days. Instant gratification is easier to swallow than perseverance. Yet, Bill and I learning how to enjoy and appreciate the good days. You tend to focus more on the present day-to-day because you can't jump 3 steps ahead.  The circumstance doesn't let you. Life is precious and short. It is saying we all know in our heads. But, it has truly penetrated our hearts. There is a deeper appreciation for life.

As we learn more about kidney failure and how it doesn't discriminate, I appreciate the courage of Selena Gomez as she tells her story of having lupus and the need for a kidney transplant. Being a Hollywood celebrity, she doesn't have to tell her truth. But for those of us going through the same journey, we celebrate her story. And, like hers and other successful transplant stories, it gives Bill and me hope.