Transplant Consult No. 1

1/11/2022

Well. Today, the consult was scheduled. My referral was sent to the Transplant Center almost a month ago, and they just called this morning to schedule my consult with the team. It will be a half-day long endeaver.

I don't know why I got so overwhelmed. I have known since mid-December that the call was coming, but there I sat, at my teaching table in our homeschool room. As soon as I took the call, my kids instinctively put down their schoolwork and exited the room to give me a quiet place to take the call. We went through the details, and then as I hung up with the lady from the hospital, the tears came. I texted my family and closest friends to let them know, and to arrange a baby-sitter. That's the part thats the most difficult when living 6 hours away from our family. I can't just call and say "hey, can you pop over and watch the kiddos on such-and-such day?" Though I know my friends and church family have offered countless times, and are more than happy to help, I don't want to become a burden either, so there I sat in the midst of all my thoughts with tears streaming down my cheeks. "Lord, please grant me a miracle," I prayed.

One of my mentors has often said the most expensive party you can have for yourself is a pity party. It's okay to be disappointed or sad, but not to stay there forever. I allowed myself to "feel" those overwhelmed feelings for a little bit and got it out of my system. Then, it was time to suck it up buttercup and get back to living the life I've been blessed with today.

1/15/2022

Today was incredible! A sweet friend of mine planned a morning out, and it was JUST what I needed! We, along with another friend went to shop at my favorite little housewares boutique. Then we grabbed desserts and coffees (well I got something called a sanpellegrino, a sparkling juice, that was lovely). We spent 2 or 3 hours out and it was absolutely wonderful! My life has been consumed with "kidney" daily... what foods can I eat? Can I drink that? Nope, too high in phosphates, etc. So, to have a few hours of complete distraction where we laughed the whole time and enjoyed the fellowship was EXACTLY what I needed.

1/18/2022

This week has been a fairly good week. I have felt such a peace and stillness in my spirit. I can feel the prayers that have been prayed over me. In the last week, several folks have sent me bible verses or told me about dreams the Lord has given them in regards to me, and that has been encouraging. Several sent me the same verse - I'm listening Lord!

Today, I tried to eat a cheeseburger - one of my favorite foods. I can only have red meats sparingly because it's hard for the kidneys to filter out. The smell immediately made me queasy, but I had taken a zofran, so I thought I'd be able to at least enjoy it. Nope. Took one bite, and immediately started gagging. Ugh. This is the ugly part of renal failure for me. There I sat tonight at my kitchen island frustrated. I just want to eat and be "normal" again. James gave me a hug, then I gave him my burger to eat while I picked at the fries. (He didn't get anything for himself at the restaurant - maybe he instinctively knew I wouldn't be able to eat it.) Praying tomorrow is a better day .

1/24/2022

It is still in the house. Everyone is asleep and I am preparing for tomorrow. I thought I would be a bundle of nerves, but there's been such a calm and peace over me. It is the Lord's peace. The one that surpasses our understanding. So many of our friends, family, and church folks have been praying for us and I can feel it.

My kids are staying with a sweet friend tomorrow, and I know they'll have a blast. She's like the fun aunt that spoils them with love and activities. They've been talking about staying with her for days. Knowing how excited they are eases my mind so much.

Tonight, I will rest in His grace and trust whatever He has in His plan for tomorrow.

1/25/2022

Today was the day. It was the initial consult with the transplant team. I met my transplant coordinator and really liked her. Then I attended a 3 hour class about the process of getting on the transplant list, what happens during a transplant, post-op care, and information for finding donors. We found out that an operation will cost $200k (before insurance coverage). There was SO MUCH information.

There was, however, something that stood out to me. We have been praying for complete healing. One of the first things the coordinator said was that they've had people who came in with Stage 4 & 5 renal failure that got on the transplant list, then ended up healing and never needing a transplant. That has been our prayer from day one, so to hear that today was SO encouraging!

I did not need blood work today (praise the LORD!). So after we left, I was able to have a quick lunch date with J before picking the kids up! They had a blast with our friend, as I suspected they would, and they loved ever moment of their time with her. What a treasure to have a sweet friend that loves our family so well!

So for now, we continue on in the process, while trusting and praying for God's ultimate healing. Nothing really changes as of today. The next step in the process will be meeting with the social worker & financial advisor in a few weeks.

I continue to drink lots of water, love on the people around me, and live like normal! I am thankful for another day the Lord has given me. If you have been praying for me, thank you! I am so grateful! We continue praying for complete & ultimate healing, and trusting whatever God's will is for my life.

Kimberly