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From early November until the beginning of the year, each year, I'm reminded about how grateful and blessed I am to have been given this second chance at life. My donor, Tiffany Mashore, had her 20th birthday during the first week in November of 2004 then was married before Thanksgiving. The following February, she was giving me her heart.
I often think of her family during these 6 weeks or so...how lonely it must be for her young husband, how difficult it must be for her family to share holidays without her being around. I've never been able to visit with her family...I thought I would be able to but I've just never had the courage. Tiffany's grandmother calls my mother every now and then, and she seems to understand why I can't make that connection. There are days I still feel guilty over my inability to make that call, but I've been told by transplant coordinators that it will happen at my own pace.
I've also been thinking about those transplant survivors in this area who have passed away this year...we lost another one last week. We survivors know that we've been given a second chance, and we try to live our life in a way to honor the gift we've been given. Our situation can change with one germ, one cancer cell, one organ failure. Each day that we are here we should be grateful...I know I am.
Saturday, December 11, 2010
Sunday, November 14, 2010
Ok till February
After seven more vials of blood, I'm happy to state that all my readings were in great shape and all docs seem to be very happy. My latest challenge, the blood sugar issue, seemed to be fine. It has dropped a full point since March and all bloodwork seemed to indicate that I'm taking just enough meds and kidney and pancreas functions are fine.
Been given clear sailing until February when I have all my annual tests. Happy for that because it was total confusion as to getting the blood work completed. I usually go to Cami and have the draw, but she was out on this particular day. Her substitute was running behind with all the surgery draws and sent me up to the main lab...who then could not find the orders for the blood draw from the transplant clinic. What usually takes 30-45 minutes max (I get there @ 6:15 am to avoid all these issues) wound up taking almost two hours. Wasn't a happy camper.
But, in the long run, I'm alive and still kicking. Our transplant group lost another member this week. She'd been struggling with issues for a while now. Our numbers are dwindling, especially since SFH no longer does transplants.
On a positive note, I'm seeing more and more promotions for transplants...whether it is because I'm more cognizant or if others are taking up the cause. I've seen NASCAR promotions, PGA segments, and ESPN will do a segment over the Thanksgiving holiday about a college player who in death helped others. Glad to see that happening.
Locally, the tragic death of a couple of teenage girls resulted in a "rebirth" for numerous others. I only know this because of a distant connection with one of the families. But, I'm hoping that the same thing will happen to the friends of this young lady as did when I was waiting for my transplant...people will start to think about how easy it is to sign up for organ donation and follow up by doing so. Lots of lives can continue to be saved if that simple act is done and the family is aware of the request. If you haven't signed up to be a donor, please consider doing so!
Been given clear sailing until February when I have all my annual tests. Happy for that because it was total confusion as to getting the blood work completed. I usually go to Cami and have the draw, but she was out on this particular day. Her substitute was running behind with all the surgery draws and sent me up to the main lab...who then could not find the orders for the blood draw from the transplant clinic. What usually takes 30-45 minutes max (I get there @ 6:15 am to avoid all these issues) wound up taking almost two hours. Wasn't a happy camper.
But, in the long run, I'm alive and still kicking. Our transplant group lost another member this week. She'd been struggling with issues for a while now. Our numbers are dwindling, especially since SFH no longer does transplants.
On a positive note, I'm seeing more and more promotions for transplants...whether it is because I'm more cognizant or if others are taking up the cause. I've seen NASCAR promotions, PGA segments, and ESPN will do a segment over the Thanksgiving holiday about a college player who in death helped others. Glad to see that happening.
Locally, the tragic death of a couple of teenage girls resulted in a "rebirth" for numerous others. I only know this because of a distant connection with one of the families. But, I'm hoping that the same thing will happen to the friends of this young lady as did when I was waiting for my transplant...people will start to think about how easy it is to sign up for organ donation and follow up by doing so. Lots of lives can continue to be saved if that simple act is done and the family is aware of the request. If you haven't signed up to be a donor, please consider doing so!
Saturday, September 18, 2010
Until We Meet Again, Dick
Upon my first visit to the transplant clinic to undergo tests for acceptance into the program, I met a kindly older gentleman by the name of Dick Thomason. Dick had undergone a heart transplant several years earlier and had taken it upon himself to spread the word of organ donation. His lovely wife, herself not in the best of health, worked side by side with him until her death about 2 years ago.
Dick and my parents made a strong connection. He and my father would discuss the ins and outs of gardening, in particular how to grow tomatoes, as I underwent the numerous biopsies and other tests both before and after my transplant. Dick was the keeper of extra medication...if you had some that you no longer needed, you gave it to Dick. If you needed something that your insurance couldn't cover for a while, you called Dick.
He tirelessly worked for LifeShare. He never pressured anyone to help him in his endeavors but would readily accept help if offered. He came to every clinic date to make sure everyone was doing ok. And he always lived life to the fullest. He got involved in classic planes and cars. When his wife passed away, he connected with an old classmate who was his first girlfriend, and they began to "see" each other.
Today, Dick lost his battle with one of the many complications that can happen to transplant patients. There will never be a way to thank him for all he has done for each of us personally or for LifeShare in Oklahoma in general. But, Heaven has been blessed by a very special angel this evening.....and Dick and his beloved wife are back together. All is right in the Heavens.
Until we meet again, Dick......
Dick and my parents made a strong connection. He and my father would discuss the ins and outs of gardening, in particular how to grow tomatoes, as I underwent the numerous biopsies and other tests both before and after my transplant. Dick was the keeper of extra medication...if you had some that you no longer needed, you gave it to Dick. If you needed something that your insurance couldn't cover for a while, you called Dick.
He tirelessly worked for LifeShare. He never pressured anyone to help him in his endeavors but would readily accept help if offered. He came to every clinic date to make sure everyone was doing ok. And he always lived life to the fullest. He got involved in classic planes and cars. When his wife passed away, he connected with an old classmate who was his first girlfriend, and they began to "see" each other.
Today, Dick lost his battle with one of the many complications that can happen to transplant patients. There will never be a way to thank him for all he has done for each of us personally or for LifeShare in Oklahoma in general. But, Heaven has been blessed by a very special angel this evening.....and Dick and his beloved wife are back together. All is right in the Heavens.
Until we meet again, Dick......
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