Feeling Very Good!

I went to Mass yesterday for the first time in a month.  I've been trying to avoid any kind of crowd since I got pneumonia because any slight common cold could send me back to the hospital.  But, I really wanted to go to mass.  I'm not the type of person who actually remembers what the sermons are, even after the mass just finishes.  Yesterday, it was about the 5 loaves and 2 fishes with 5000 followers to feed.  The message from the priest was "spread the word".

How does that relate to me?  For all who have offered their prayers and thoughts for me, the only words I can spread can be noted in two simple words.  "Prayers work".  One month after being on on the brink, I'm feeling very good! 

* I can walk 20 minutes a day and do 20 minutes of Physical Therapy exercises, whereas a few weeks ago, I couldn't walk.

* I look forward to 6am every day so I can go down, cook my own breakfast (sometimes cooking for Ria).  

* I no longer have "cankles".  For those who have had edema, this is when fluid builds up in your feet and ankles to the point where your calves and your ankles become one, you can't even see your ankles because of the swelling.  I had cankles for 3 weeks.  They're gone now!

* I can drive around with no problem.

I also see how my children have grown in the past month. I smile every time I see their made up beds, watch them unload a dishwasher, watch them take out the garbage, watch them do their chores without (too much) complaining.  I'm so proud that they're making the adjustment here.

I know that all the advanced medication, dialysis and doctors alone who have been looking after me could not have gotten me to this point.  Yes, they helped to facilitate it.  But feeling this good has to be because of the strength that I've received (and am still receiving daily) from my friends and family.  Again, thank you!

This week has been very eventful.  A couple of highlights:

* My nephrologist called me.  He said "your kidneys are healing well.  We'll take you down from dialysis 3x a week down to 2x a week."  Wow!  Kidneys are healing.  Fantastic news.  This is the same nephrologist who told me 1 month ago, "For patients who have had kidneys affected by amyloids, we don't see kidney function come back".  I can't tell you how good this news is.  If you've ever lost your kidneys, you'll know what I mean.

* I passed my written Minnesota driver's test.  I know this might sound funny but in order to get my Minnesota driver's license again, I had to pass a written test.  I have to take a driving test on Monday!

* I was able to eat Panda Express for the first time in 6 years.  Yes, if you've had Panda Express, you know what I mean!

* My old roommate Arun Rao from Thunderbird was in Minneapolis for a day and met up with us for delicious Indian food.

* The kids were able to hang out with the Pohlen kids (close to the same age) for a day.    

I am so thankful, to God and to everyone.  I feel very good!  I'm halfway through my 2nd stage (out of 6) of Chemo and everything is moving in the right direction.  THANK YOU ALL!

At Honey & Mackie's on Sat, Jun 1

Panda Express Lunch on Sat, Jun 1.

Lunch on Friday with TBird roommate Arun Rao

L-R: Luis (12), Theo (9), Olivia (13), Annie (12), Nadya (10), Bianca (7)