Kidney Transplant Three-Month Milestone
Of course, I have some tiredness. I am at three months, a milestone. If you don’t know, I had to stay away from groups and people for the first three months. I wear masks if I go out and ensure I stay away from germs. Because I am taking anti-rejection medication, it causes my immune system to be lowered, so I accept my kidney. I take a handful of pills in the morning and evening, but the good news is they are being titrated down (I have to take less and less).
My blood work is looking fantastic (knock on wood)! In the beginning, I had to go to the Dr. Once a week and take blood two times a week. I am now down to a doctor’s appointment every two weeks and a blood draw once a week. I can now take short trips; I have been unable to do that for over a year. Freedom is starting to open up for me.
My Friend Mary Shurtleff
On a sad note, one of my best friends has passed away. We have known each other for over 25 years. We went on many adventures – we were business partners, and I did her website for years. We formed a group called Pearls of the Soul and wrote a recently published book, Engaging My Magic Within. I designed the cover and symbols as well as added my story. I put it together, and we did get it published. She had published other books and had so much knowledge (www.maryshurtleff.com). We had been working on an app. This last year was tough because I ended up on dialysis, and she was fighting cancer, and we believed she was winning.
I couldn’t see her after my transplant – she decided to go on a cruise with her family. One of the last times we talked, she was so excited I was doing well. Mary said I am feeling great, too. Maybe we will win this together. I want to stop by after the cruise to see you! She came home from her cruise in March, but I haven’t heard from her yet. I felt something was very wrong. I texted her, but there was no answer. I called her, but the mailbox was full. I texted her and knew something was wrong. I asked her to Please get in touch with me. Texted me back and said,
Mary answered: My tests went south. They have given me only a few months. I am in hibernation, taking a break from life literally. It is shocking! How are you? She said, “I love you more than you know.”
And, of course, I texted her my love and told her the Dr. is not always correct, etc. But a week later, I received a text that Mary had passed.
Talk about a kick in the gut. I remember so many times when I would stay with her. I had my own room and bathroom. It was like a resort. It took me away from all my problems and sadness when my husband died. I could go on forever, but I don’t want to bore you. I miss her more and more each day.
She had built a Labyrinth we would walk through – it was so peaceful. Because of her incredible knowledge of Feng Shui, her house felt peaceful and calm. Mary certainly achieved many of her dreams in life, and the labyrinth she and Brad built was one of them. They had an open gate policy, and anyone who wanted to walk the labyrinth was able to walk it. It was adjacent to their house, but they were/are trusting and loving people.
