Challenges and simple pleasures

[Stacy Without An E]

Karol, you remind me of an amazing Mom I know who helped their child through every single travesty associated with kidney failure.

My own.

Only now as an adult do I realize everything she did for me to make sure I was as well as possible (including giving me a kidney)

The one side effect of all these experiences is that we're very close.

The best to both you and Jenna.  Take care.

[BASSMAN]

I wish the best for Jenna!  You are an amazing woman!  Your family is blessed!  I pray that Jenna receives another transplant.  She is so young to have to deal with all this. She must be amazing too!

God Bless You and Your Family!!

[cariad]

"Get out there and live life!" is good advice for us all.

I so hope that Jenna continues to feel well and takes the opportunity to enjoy herself. And I hope that her next hero finds her before she ever needs dialysis. What strong women you both are. It is awe-inspiring.

[okarol]

We go see the transplant team in La Jolla on June 9th. They called to set up an appointment so I am taking that as a good sign.

[harley08]

please keep us posted on what is happening with Jenna.. I pray for her daily.

[monrein]

Hoping that the appointment is an encouraging one Karol.  Hugs to you both.   

[okarol]

Jenna's PRA is 97% - not unexpected after a rejection episode, but I had hoped all the IVIG might have altered it a bit.

The creatinine is still steady at 3.53 (actually down a little) and there's no telling how long she'll stay there.

I am now calling it "The Brave Little Kidney!"

I am swamped catching up on the census, work may end soon, they've got a big push to try and finish. Will write more when I can.

[monrein]

97%  ugh....but good on the creatinine for holding steady at least.

[RichardMEL]

let's stay positive and hope it stays stable there for a long time. Of course that's not a great figure, but if it stays there and keeps Jenna off dialysis that's all you need. Fingers crossed for some stability from the "little battler" as it migh be called down here! 

[cariad]

97% is a blow to be sure, but like Richard said, The Brave Little Kidney seems to be holding its own, perhaps even slowly regaining some ground. We're all hoping that this trend continues for a very long time.

Best wishes to you and Jenna.

[okarol]

I thought I'd update here, just to keep a record (and it helps me look forward by looking back.)
Since being treated for rejection Jenna's creatinine has been steady at 3.1, nearly 2 years. They've reduced her immunos substantially, because her trough levels are fine, not as much filtering I suppose, and they don't want her to become toxic.
She still get labs once a month. Her BP inched up a bit so they added meds for that.
She has recently been re-listed on the national organ waitlist (eligible because her GFR is below 20.)
She seems healthy and is active, so for now we are grateful and calm.

[willowtreewren]

we are grateful and calm.

Okarol, that phrase gave me goosebumps for some reason. It seemed to speak to me from a well of strength and courage that seems amost super human.

Thank you.

Aleta

[MooseMom]

Well this is creepy...I had just been thinking about Jenna, and here pops up an update!  There's nothing wrong with "grateful and calm"; how wonderful!