Good Genes

Hi everyone,

I decided to give my mom a well-deserved break and write a guest blog entry this week. As we near the one-year anniversary of my dad's kidney transplant surgery 9/10, I wanted to share a few thoughts as I have watched my parent's journey from afar over the last few months:

I recently had my DNA analyzed. I work in the personalized medicine industry and thought it was important to experience firsthand what I believe is the future of medicine, the ultimate game changer in patient care. From a simple saliva sample, I was able to find out who I am or at least what I am made of. I discovered my increased risks for certain diseases, found out what conditions my future children may inherit, and learned how I may respond to certain medications. I am even finding out about my ancestral origins, putting the Roig portuguese claim to the test once and for all. It has certainly been an eye-opening journey, but why am I telling you this on the Kidney for Ken blog? The short answer is because there is more to me than what was discovered in my genes. I believe that "more" comes from a few key mantras that my parents instilled in me. And over the past several months in my dad's journey, at times both turbulent and celebratory, I have watched in awe as my parents have continued to live out those mantras:

1.) It is better to give than to receive

Lucky little boy on the left

I must say this first one sounds ironic considering that my dad received the ultimate gift last September from a man I am so lucky to call my brother-in-law. So let me explain. Considering the many setbacks my dad has experienced in his first year of recovery, it would have been easy for my parents to shut it down and block everyone and everything  else out until he was truly healthy. Everyone would have understood, no questions asked.  But instead I have watched them do the opposite. They give of themselves constantly, whether it be to their children and grandchildren or neighbors and friends. This blog itself is a vehicle my parents want to use to give back and raise awareness of chronic kidney disease and living donor programs. They won't ever stop giving, they won't ever think they give enough, and I can't help but feel pride because of that. 

2.) Find the humor in every situation

I live in California and my least favorite phone call is the one from my mom telling me that my dad is being admitted into the hospital for one thing or another. Unfortunately, I have received quite a few of those calls this year. But just when I start feeling down thinking of my parents sitting in a hospital room on a Saturday waiting for test results or the doctor to stop by, I get a text from my mom saying she has the funniest story to tell me. Typically starting with "you won't believe what your father just did," I listen in amazement as they have managed to find humor in a hospital room on a random Saturday. Laughter is the best medicine, my parents have mastered that one. 

3.) Believe in something greater

As most of you know, a consistent theme of every blog entry from my mom has been one of faith. But I want to examine that on a higher level. This third mantra is not about a specific religion, deity, or set of doctrines. It is simply about believing in something greater than yourself,  understanding there is a master plan for you, and finding solace in that belief when you need it most. Practically every week this year my parents have lived the following scenario: My dad gives blood early in the week and then they anxiously await a phone call with the results later in the week, not knowing if the news on the other line is going to be good, bad, or at times this year bad enough to warrant an immediate hospital admittance. Every single week they live this; and every single week their faith gets them through it. Trust me, it takes work, it doesn't always come easy, but when it does they find an inner peace that truly comforts them and gives them the strength to keep moving forward. Above everything else, I am most grateful for this. 

Thanks for letting me share these thoughts with you. As always, your support and kindness mean everything to our family. My mom has some exciting guest bloggers lined up for the coming weeks so please keep following!

Until the next time,

Greg

Life Back to Normal...Or At Least Trying To Be!

For those of you who have followed the blog the last couple weeks, this is part 3 of our recent journey. Enjoy!

After returning from a wonderful trip in Greenville meeting our grandson Gus, Ken and I were happy to bring some form of normalcy to our lives again.  We started walking together in the early mornings, saying our prayers, and giving thanks for the blessings in our lives.  We were home a few days when the doctors decided to setup another infusion of that "powerful medicine" one more time for Ken.  We were not happy but hoped this time the positive results would be longer lasting.

For those of you who know Ken, he is very conscientious and meticulous in his daily routines.  The medicine regime he is on is mind boggling.  He keeps all of this organized and can rattle off names of medicines, strength, and dosages.  The doctors add and stop medicines quite often.  This impresses me all the time because at certain points during this transplant journey he was taking around 14 pills in the morning and 14 in the evening.  The doctors change the dosage of Ken's Coumadin (blood thinning) medicine fairly often to keep him within theraputic levels to prevent blood clots from forming.  One morning we were walking at our fast pace and Ken stopped suddenly.  Of course I asked right away if he was feeling alright.  He told me he did not remember taking his Coumadin the night before.  I immediately told him he had to be mistaken because he was so good about taking his meds.  When he came inside he checked his pill box and found out he had not put the Coumadin pills in for the week.  He missed his Coumadin for the past four nights.  A sense of panic hit us both.  We were so upset and very concerned.  After his experience with blood clots in his leg and lungs, we did not want that to happen again.  Ken contacted the pharmacist in the kidney transplant clinic.  This happened on Thursday so the doctor increased his Coumadin dose for the next five days until his scheduled bloodwork on the following Tuesday.  He said four days without the medicine should not cause any problems.  We both were so relieved.  Saturday morning arrived and we were going on our walk.  He told me he did not feel too good so he was going to skip it.  I went and when I got back he was sitting in the tv room.  I could tell by the look on his face something was wrong.  He had a pain in his thigh and he was afraid it was another blood clot.  Off to the emergency room we went and after blood work and another ultrasound of his leg and kidney a blood clot was found.  Thankfully it was superficial but his INR (therapeutic level of Coumadin in his blood ) was too low so they admitted him. Ken only had to stay one night and was discharged on Sunday with injections to be given at home.

Gus is one happy baby!

The next infusion was scheduled on Tuesday and Ken was concerned about it.  He wondered if he should reschedule it but the doctors assured him it would be fine.  Since the medicine is a chemo drug we went to the infusion center at Ochsner.  It was scary having this medicine put in him again.  He was very nervous too.  We were surrounded by amazing patients who were getting infusions on a weekly basis to fight so many different cancers.  This was one of those moments when we started thinking about those patients and forgot about what was happening to Ken.  God works in such amazing ways. A peaceful feeling came over us.  The infusion went fine and we went home.  Ken went to work the next day and life began to get back to normal. We enjoyed time with our granddaughters - slumber parties, playing school and playing piano.  We cherished getting daily pictures and videos from Kelly, Alex and Gus.  This is what life is all about!!!!!

Piano recital at LaLa and Pa's house

We are now back to our weekly routine of blood work every other Tuesday.  Then we wait for the "dreaded" call with results never knowing what to expect.  Ken just got his latest results back this past week and his levels are headed in the right direction, which is great news.  He feels fine but he knows things can change in an instant.  We both read "Jesus Calling" each day.  Today's words seem so appropriate for us and I bet for so many of you reading this blog too. Jesus says, "I will guide you carefully along today's journey.  Don't worry about what is around the next bend.  Just concentrate on enjoying My Presence and staying in step with Me."  Ken and I continue to pray for all of you. We thank you so much for all your prayers for him!

Until the next time may the Lord carry us on our journey,
Pat

Beautiful rainbow (taken by Stef)  God is good!

Girls playing "school" at LaLa and Pa's slumber party