Wednesday, March 25, 2009

Not so great news

I'm waiting for dad and Neysa to come back from doing some more testing thinking about the news Dr. Gupta just gave us. He says the creatinine levels are "stuck" and was wanting to know if dad's levels were ever lower than 2 before we left CO. We didn't know because we didn't bring any of that paperwork. Apparently when the levels are up they can go back down if they were down before. In the last two days they have not moved from 2.6 and they've been steadily going down since we arrived. So Dr. Gupta says there's a possibility that dad could need a kidney transplant in a year or so if the liver transplant does not correct the problem. From what I understand the kidneys are compensated when a person has advanced liver disease. They are basically putting in overtime causing them distress. So, the liver transplant could correct the problem or we could also be in the same boat needing a kidney after all this is over. So, in our prayers we will continue to ask that dad be healed and that his body becomes healthy again especially before the surgery. Dr. Gupta says this does not change the surgery date but he will have a kidney specialist come in and meet with us soon.
I could only imagine how awful dad felt in hearing this news. Dad has been a little more emotional lately and Neysa says it's part of the disease. He didn't cry but said "shit, that's all I need right now". We gave him some encouragement but somehow I don't really feel that was enough. Dad's a fighter and I really don't ever see him giving up, but for a split second how could he not be thinking he might as well give up? I know I would.
So we continue on in our day trying not to dwell on this. We want to think positively and recognize that everything is going to turn out just fine. Dad's looking forward to going for a walk outside today. I hope we can make it happen.

8 comments:

  1. I'm so sorry to hear this news. We will keep the prayers coming. Stay focused on the liver and positive thoughts for your up coming surgeries.

    I see you got your site meter up. That will be fun to watch and see who is visiting your blog and from where. You'll see me checking in from NOLA and your hits will increase because we will tell everyone when they ask why we have you on a stick!

    I hope you get your dad outside today for a walk, that sounds like something he really wants to do.

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  2. I'm sending my positive thoughts and prayers your way. You guys have to stay positive for your dad and get through the surgeries. Love you! Aunt Suzi

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  3. My dear girls, I am tuning in every morning to see your updates and read the comments but have not been able to figure out how to post. So I'm trying again to post so you will know that I am here rooting for you all and sending love, understanding, acceptance and faith your way. God love you for what you are doing, how you are being about the situation, for your giving spirits and strength to bring you through this. Love and hugs to all of you!
    MOM

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  4. Thanks everyone for your positive thoughts. Dad seems to be doing pretty good this evening. It's been a long day full of testing. He went to get an ECG or heart ultrasound (I don't know what they call it) with dye to see how blood is flowing through the heart. He says he looked up and saw peoples eyes and noses were red, then yellow and then blue. He also went to the dentist and an ENT (Ear Nose and Throat) doctor ALL today! He was a busy guy. They said everything checked out okay. They do the dye test to determine how he might recover from surgery. They say things looked good.

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  5. Dad says it was a "fun day of tests, tests, and more tests. The Dr. said they want to know everything about him and the only 2 negative things they found about him was his liver and kidney problems.

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  6. Renee & Neysa,
    You know you have so many people praying for you and your dad. Not only are your friends and family praying for your strength and perfect health for your father, but so many strangers, too. You are on some world-wide prayer lists through our connections. There is power in prayer and know this is true.
    Also know that even though you are half-way around the world, you are right here in my heart. It's funny, you cannot be much further away, yet not any closer either. Keep your heads and your faith up! We love you so much!
    Aunt Cecilia

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  7. I Love You guys! You are all three very brave and I know that the emotional roller coaster you have been on can be so demanding at times. I also know that you are all very strong and will let faith guide your everyday challenges helping you along the way. We are all praying for you each and every day.
    Joyce and I are in New Mexico for a couple of days to get away during spring break with the girls. Have had a good time visiting with my god son and his parents in Santa Fe. We have also had a chance to visit friends in Albuquerque as well as John, Jennifer and family.
    We are planning on heading back as far as Alamosa tomorrow, to visit with Rosie and Polo. Will then head home on Friday just in time for the winter storm that is forcast.
    Please know our love is with each one of you, and we will continue thinking good thoughts. Thanks so much for your updates.
    Though not all has been the best of news, your strength I feel is growing daily and here at home we all know your Dad is in the best hands he could possibly be in.
    We miss all of you, and will continue to hope for a safe and healthy return. all our love, Dave, Joyce, Danni and Alli.

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  8. Well HELLO...It's "Anonymous" Aunt Rita. I made it to NM safely; Aunt Rosie, says to send her love, and let you know that she is praying for you. Also, that she tried to post a msg. for you 2day, but couldn't get it to work! I'll help her 2mrrow, but for now, she's gone to bed.
    I hope that your day has progressed in a positive light, from a walk, from a smile, from a snap of Dr. Gupta's fingers! All these crazy things that come up, believe it or not, have a purpose; "patience" is the first thing that comes to mind, "Faith" - another...When I visited with Rich Suazo yesterday, his son was telling me about how Mike and Rich were goofing around, and 'betting" on "who would croak first!" Although we all know that this was done in good humor, Rich Jr. said, "We're not laughing now." I told Rich that I couldn't speak for him, (Rich), but as for Mike, I said that "I don't think that he -(Mike) realizes the power of his words!" Rich nodded his head and said, "I know." He really DID seem to know what I was saying...So when i see where Mike says, "Shit, that's all I need,"...I think that he might do something to "keep the faith" by being, well, Perhaps a little more "outwardly" faithful...and perhaps say things like, "God, is all I need." And while I know that this would be out of character for my brother, I like to think that for now, because there are Alot of people who are out here - saying prayers, and keeping positive, and sending you light Mike, (which I know you think is, "mumbo-jumbo"- but it's not...)that you might just for now, show some reverence for the powers that be! We love you very much Mike, and want to see you come back to us, You and your childrem intact; with a "knowing" That you didn't just snap your fingers...but that you prayed, and maybe shed a tear, with your daughters, because you are man enough to do that, in the faith that they LOVE you, and would never think any less of you, for having the Courage to do so!
    I, of course cannot know the magnitude of your distress and concerns, but You, could never know the magnitude of mine...! I love you dearly, and always will Mike, but you must not forget to be grateful for all that you have right now, on this day, for this has not JUST "Fallen into place" as you have said... It was orchestrated by many many people who believe in God, and believe in themselves, and who believe in YOU!!! Without God, there would be no reason for anything-including communication. Pray for your daughters Mike, not for yourself...there are plenty of prayers going on for you...pray for Renee's perfect recovery and for both of your girls safety!
    I am trusting that this letter will get read by All three of our Beloved Ones in India, and that it will be accepted with love and understanding. I also trust that you will All Remain Confident, about The Successful Outcome of ALL your Journeys! (I don't think of ANY of you as ones who would be daunted by "food for thought!" I Love You All for your Courage!!! Have a wonderful rest of your day, I hope you got to go outside for a walk! G'nite...R.

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