Yvonne’s Challenge

Glory be, as my friend Fahy often says.  In Texas, that translates to yippee oh ki yay.  Or as Jackie says when she’s excited, “I’m doing backflips.”  All that said, for the second day in a row Beth hasn’t needed pain meds when she awakens.  Progress at last! Oh how happy that makes me! She’s still taking extra-strength Tylenol and some pain meds, but the good news is the pain is beginning to subside some.  Even better, she doesn’t have to go back for follow-up at St. Luke’s for three weeks.  As I said to her, I’ll miss our weekly parties at the hospital.  Between Beth and David, and me and the “gang of four” caretaker, we’ve created a little fun in the transplant unit moving between rooms and cutting up a bit.  They seem to enjoy our celebrations together.  While I’m happy she doesn’t have to be there, I’ll miss seeing my “pahd-na.” ( For the uninitiated, that’s partner in Louisiana, Texas and other places in the South.)

On another note, today marks three weeks since Beth and I had surgery.  It’s hard to believe it’s just 21 days,  since on many fronts it seems forever and yet so soon.  I continue to make progress and feel just terrific.  A friend from Compaq days, who too has had a kidney transplant, has been a wonderful source of information over the last year.  We had a great chat this morning to compare notes, and he confirmed that he too felt great after surgery.  The best I can describe is that I’ve felt “foggy” for the last six months from all the toxins.  The moment I awakened — literally — the fog was gone.  I cannot tell you how amazing that alone feels.  The world is clear and fresh, and spring has never been more beautiful.  I’ve also “pinked-up.”  My skin had turned gray, with gray circles under my eyes.  So while that wasn’t evident to most, thanks to plenty of great cosmetic aids, when I came home the circles and yellow eyes were gone.  Oh those little things that are the great results of a successful transplant. 

Kevin says he also celebrates his “new” birthday with a big blow-out.  Oh boy … another reason to celebrate, which I love to do regularly.  So every March 7, I’m going to be doing something ever-so-over-the-top to remember that I really did get a new birthday.  Since Susie’s birthday is March 8, and we’re the same age, I’m thinking I may remove a few years and revert to Beth’s age since I have a “Looney” kidney.  Hmmm … I like that idea!

I’ve referenced the prednisone ‘high’ that provides off-the-charts energy.  Well … let’s just say that my organization skills, aided by Susie’s help, have gotten silly.  This week alone, we’ve completely reorganized the huge French oak armoire with all the china, serving pieces and the like.  (BTW — I love plates, so I won’t tell you how many there are, but suffice to say there are a lot.  Same with linens, crystal and other Southern entertaining stuff.)  The other passions are shoes and handbags.  When Fred first saw my closest, his only words were “oh, I didn’t know I was dating Imelda Marcos.”  Imagine that there are equal numbers of pocketbooks.  So now, those are organized by color with dividers in my closet.   (Who needs five orange handbags?  I do, of course since there are multiple oranges.  Same for green. And those are my two favorite colors if you’ve noticed the blog created by Mike and Ali.)  The plumber has been here to make a couple of repairs, as has the locksmith.  The lights also have been replaced at the front door too.  Now be clear that I haven’t done this alone.  Susie has spearheaded the projects, and I haven’t been able to get on a ladder.  So she’s done a lot with me.  Translation:  I think I’ve worn her out.  In fact, she’s asking to share some prednisone.  Too funny!

So three weeks to go, and I’ll be back at work creating havoc.  My goal is to return on April 21 if I have my way about it.  And mostly I do.  :-)  Remember I believe in possibilities, and I’m creating that one for myself.

Keep your good thoughts focused on Beth.  And then do a little jig for us and howl at the moon tonight.  Maybe drink some wine, a cocktail or any adult beverage.  Or whatever floats your boat to celebrate. 

Susie leaves tomorrow, and Olive arrives.  They’ll be passing each other on the road since they’ll be trading cities.  Then Connee arrives on Monday for a few days. 

Thanks to all of you for every good thought and wish for Beth and me.  As Kevin remarked this morning, he’s blown away by the support and love that continues to abound.  And so am I.  The remarkable cadre of friends is richer than anyone could dare hope.  This small-town chickadee thinks it just doesn’t get any better.  And it doesn’t!

Love,

Yvonne