going to Phils.

[cris]

March 19, we will be home with my husband to the Phils . I am happy to be with the family especially our Nanay (fil. for mom) yet i have a heavy heart knowing I will see how Nanay has faded away on dialysis. My sister is scheduled to get operated on her thyroid recurrence this March 18, so we have to be home as there is no one who can look after the family while my eldest sister recuperates. Please pray for her safe operation as the doctor says it may be cancerous. I pray to God, it won't be, we already have more than in our hands to handle. My sister had a swollen jaw three weeks ago aggravated by the pressures of taking care of Nanay and daily office work. She has to get off work everytime Nanay goes to dialysis plus she has to oversee my two daughters (8 & 11 yrs) who are under Nanay's care since birth. Both of our daughters are born in Saipan, of where me and my husband have been contract workers for the last 15 and 23 years. Yet, we have chosen to raise up our kids with Nanay, to instill the filipino values, but more on for them having a good life in the Phils, sending them to good schools, rather than if they are here with us. My husband works as a skilled construction worker with a $3.75/hr., tho i get a good pay with some degrees. Everything goes to the family in the phils. My sster's husband had a stroke 3 yrs. ago and i send their only daughter in nursing school. My sister only earns enough in the phils. And now, i find myself and my sister quite tight in the budget because of the dialysis. It is a sucker for money! We don't have insurances, and pays for everything, but i really never cares for the money, as long as Nanay is pain free.
I am thinking of going to the transplant thing, but I have some thoughts. Nanay is 78 yrs. old, tho her Nephs said she can still handle the rigors of transplant. Nanay has an enlarge heart, osteoporosis, her high blood pressure was gone when she went into dialysis. Her mind is still at it's best. She is still the wisdom and heart of the family. She is the main reason why I opted on having my kids with her. My kids adding on to her life, with their zest, vitality and love for Nanay. They are the same reason of Nanay's yearn for life.
If ever, we are a match, i will be happy to give my kidney, to have Nanay longer with us. What about if the transplant is not successful? What will happen to Nanay? all the pain, money spent? am I losing faith in here or just being selfish? I am the bread winner of the family, what will happen to my kids if my remaining kidney fails soon? My husband has previous kids and he obviously won't be able to provide for my daughters, the good life they have known.
After transplant, will Nanay be spared of the pain? the medications? will it be the same financial worries? what about the donor? I know there is nothing certain in life but death and taxes.
Please, I need your wisdom and prayers.
love,
cris

[glitter]

Sounds like you love her a lot- the Phillipines is a beautiful place- I lived there as a child.

Why would your remaining kidney fail? if you donate one, do you have any reason to think your remaining one might fail? a person lives a totally normal life with only one...

[okarol]

There are risks for living donors but they are minimal. But they do exist, something could happen, just as in any elective surgery.
As far as your health with one kidney, if you are thoroughly evaluated and selected as a donor, it is because you are healthy and have very good kidney function. People live their whole lives with one kidney.
All of these questions are good ones and it's important that you get the answers from the transplant hospital. The coordinator should be able to help you.
It's difficult to imagine paying for a transplant out of pocket. Is there no public funding available at all? What about a long term loan? The immunosuppressants are very expensive and must be taken for the life of the transplant. I hope you find some answers.
Good luck to you and your mom!