This is a note from Lili on Facebook (www.facebook.com):
I'm home
Today at 12:02pm
"It's been a busy couple of weeks. I got home this morning. And I was going to take a nap. But decided to do email. Have lots of emails. Plus, Scott and Marisa are giving me lessons on facebook. Let me first say THANK YOU guys. Everyone who prayed for me and my brother. I'm doing good. My brother is getting there. I can't wait to go to church. I miss it so much. Hope to see you all soon."
----------- Lili --------
Friday, August 22, 2008
Yay! He's better!
Hey Friends! Thanks for your prayer once again! Bob came home last night (Thursday, 8pm) and was a total different person!
I could not believe it, but he almost ate a whole hamburger; lately he would only take 1 or 2 bites before he start pushing his plate away. The diarrhea is completely gone, he's still on Flagyl until he finishes the medicine cycle. God is good.
If you can also believe it, he ate a whole steak sandwich for dinner. I tell you, it's refreshing to see him eat; a good sign that he's not afraid to eat! No more runs!
Bob's also walking faster; 30 rpms faster than a snail! Ü No word yet on when the staples will come out from his incision; maybe next week.
Did I tell you that his creatinine level is down to 1.9 since Wednesday, 8/20? Whoo hoo! Until next time!
I could not believe it, but he almost ate a whole hamburger; lately he would only take 1 or 2 bites before he start pushing his plate away. The diarrhea is completely gone, he's still on Flagyl until he finishes the medicine cycle. God is good.
If you can also believe it, he ate a whole steak sandwich for dinner. I tell you, it's refreshing to see him eat; a good sign that he's not afraid to eat! No more runs!
Bob's also walking faster; 30 rpms faster than a snail! Ü No word yet on when the staples will come out from his incision; maybe next week.
Did I tell you that his creatinine level is down to 1.9 since Wednesday, 8/20? Whoo hoo! Until next time!
Wednesday, August 20, 2008
In the hospital again, Bacterial Colitis
Today was not a good day; Bob’s diarrhea continued and so did the intense cramping. The cramping was so bad that Vicodin was of no help.
I was at work when I got the phone call. Lili told me not to be alarmed, but that they were going to take Bob to the emergency room at UCLA. To be quite honest, I was not worried, but instead got into “task mode.”
I left work, got home, and took him to the hospital. Along for the ride was Lili, my mother-in-law Eva, and Marina. We arrived about 10:00 a.m.
Vitals were taken, medication information noted, and medical history reviewed. The rooms were full so we had to wait in the lobby until a bed opened up.
Finally an emergency room bed opened about a ½ hour later. Same information again was repeated and re-repeated to each and every nurse and doctor that came in to see Bob. They were so busy in ER today that they had set him up for an IV, but never hooked him up to an IV bag until I got back from an early lunch 1.5 hours later! Aargh!
Anyhow, after hours (I mean hours) of waiting, seeing different doctors and nurses, they finally decided to do an EKG. Bob was having chest pains when he would cramp. The EKG was fine. This sound gross, but a stool sample as well as blood was drawn.
His creatinine level came down again! Praise the Lord. It is 1.9 mg/dl as of today; yesterday it was 2.2 mg/dl. The reading from the stool sample indicated that he has Clostridium Difficile Colitis. You can read more about here: http://www.medicinenet.com/clostridium_difficile_colitis/article.htm
Because Bob’s immune system is suppressed and he’s on strong immunosuppressants (to avoid rejection of the new kidney), any bacteria can cause havoc on his body.
As a result of this diagnosis, he was admitted to the hospital. He’ll be there approximately about 2 days or so. He will be taking an antibiotic named Flagyl http://www.medicinenet.com/metronidazole/article.htm.
He’s now been moved to private room in the Gonda Observation Unit, in the newer part of the Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center. That’s the update and I’m sticking to it!
I was at work when I got the phone call. Lili told me not to be alarmed, but that they were going to take Bob to the emergency room at UCLA. To be quite honest, I was not worried, but instead got into “task mode.”
I left work, got home, and took him to the hospital. Along for the ride was Lili, my mother-in-law Eva, and Marina. We arrived about 10:00 a.m.
Vitals were taken, medication information noted, and medical history reviewed. The rooms were full so we had to wait in the lobby until a bed opened up.
Finally an emergency room bed opened about a ½ hour later. Same information again was repeated and re-repeated to each and every nurse and doctor that came in to see Bob. They were so busy in ER today that they had set him up for an IV, but never hooked him up to an IV bag until I got back from an early lunch 1.5 hours later! Aargh!
Anyhow, after hours (I mean hours) of waiting, seeing different doctors and nurses, they finally decided to do an EKG. Bob was having chest pains when he would cramp. The EKG was fine. This sound gross, but a stool sample as well as blood was drawn.
His creatinine level came down again! Praise the Lord. It is 1.9 mg/dl as of today; yesterday it was 2.2 mg/dl. The reading from the stool sample indicated that he has Clostridium Difficile Colitis. You can read more about here: http://www.medicinenet.com/clostridium_difficile_colitis/article.htm
Because Bob’s immune system is suppressed and he’s on strong immunosuppressants (to avoid rejection of the new kidney), any bacteria can cause havoc on his body.
As a result of this diagnosis, he was admitted to the hospital. He’ll be there approximately about 2 days or so. He will be taking an antibiotic named Flagyl http://www.medicinenet.com/metronidazole/article.htm.
He’s now been moved to private room in the Gonda Observation Unit, in the newer part of the Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center. That’s the update and I’m sticking to it!
We finally got home @ about 8:00 p.m. We are soooooo exhausted! I am somewhat at ease at the fact that he will be well taken care of at UCLA. However, I do miss him at home. I want him to be better, but I know that God has a plan for him and this long road to healing.
Please pray for recovery. His kidney is doing well, the creatinine levels keep coming down (yay!); this bacterial infection is just another hurdle to overcome. I reprimanded Bob that he MUST wear a mask and keep his hands clean anywhere he goes for the next 2 months. You know how husbands are; they think they know it all… Ü I still love him though!
Tuesday, August 19, 2008
P.S.... by the way!
P.s.... one big post script!
I forgot to mention that if you every want the best, I mean the B-E-S-T Chicken Pozole ever, Stella Moreno is the Bomb! She make the best pozole ever. Thanks Moreno Family providing a meal to us... you have blessed us in more ways than one! We love you.
I forgot to mention that if you every want the best, I mean the B-E-S-T Chicken Pozole ever, Stella Moreno is the Bomb! She make the best pozole ever. Thanks Moreno Family providing a meal to us... you have blessed us in more ways than one! We love you.
Thanks to all those peeps that have been praying for Bob. I would ask that you not stop, as he is not doing too well. This morning our nephrologist had to start an IV because he was very dehydrated. My poor husband, he’s had a bad case of diarrhea these last 4 days. In a matter of 5 days he has lost 25 pounds! Not good.
Dr. Pham (nephrologist, http://www.uclahealth.org/body.cfm?id=458&action=detail&ref=18062) decided that most likely the cause of his ailment is one the anti-rejection drugs namedMyfortic. I read more about it on the internet, and it is a P-O-W-E-R-F-U-L drug, it is used to suppress the immune system.
It has been harsh on his body, and with the combination of a diuretic (Lasix), it’s no wonder he’s dehydrated! So, Dr. Pham has temporarily stopped the diuretic, the Myfortic, and one of his blood pressure (Nifedepine) meds until Friday to see if his condition improves. He’s been sleeping so much… Please pray that he gets better.
On our way home I felt really bad for him; he was having major cramps. He hasn’t been eating much of anything because he fears the inevitable will happen again; body bending cramps and several trips to the restroom. The cramps were so bad that we had to get off the freeway on our way home and stop at my sister-in-law’s (another favorite sis/Juanita Gonzalez) house on the way home to use the restroom!
I must give some good new though; his creatinine level is down to 2.2! This is wonderful! This means that the kidney is kicking in even harder! Praise the Lord. We are not out of the woods yet, it’s still a long way to recovery.
Please keep me in your prayers as well. I need Him to keep my life balanced, and right now I feel that I’m being pulled in so many directions that I can’t concentrate on one thing. By the time I get home from work, I am mentally exhausted. Please forgive me if I don’t return phone calls or have taken the time to visit; I hope you understand. Boo hoo. Enough about me.
Lili. I think she is homesick. Please pray that the doctor will give her clearance on Thursday (8/21) to go home this Friday. Lili has been a wonderful guest in our home, and I love her so much like a sister. But, I know that she dearly misses her husband Scott, her son Nathan, her daughter Marisa, and of course, Pepsi, her faithful dog. She misses his wonderful doggy breath! Just Kidding!
Now… last but not least; thank you to my dear friend Luz Reyes! This lady is the bomb! I love her dearly; she's been a superb supportive friend. She brought over a butt-kickin’, finger flavor lickin’ chicken soup! Y-U-M-M-Y, with a capital Y. Thank you my friend!
Another special mention goes out to: Frank & Miryam Olmos. Frank is Bob's dad, and Miryam is his wife. They brought over some delectable homemade chicken with cheese, and onion with cheese enchiladas! Miryam even baked us a yellow bundt cake, complete with the drizzled icing. Thank you Lord for providing for our needs when we need it.
Gracias Frank y Miryam, mis suegros en parte de mi esposo!
Dr. Pham (nephrologist, http://www.uclahealth.org/body.cfm?id=458&action=detail&ref=18062) decided that most likely the cause of his ailment is one the anti-rejection drugs namedMyfortic. I read more about it on the internet, and it is a P-O-W-E-R-F-U-L drug, it is used to suppress the immune system.
It has been harsh on his body, and with the combination of a diuretic (Lasix), it’s no wonder he’s dehydrated! So, Dr. Pham has temporarily stopped the diuretic, the Myfortic, and one of his blood pressure (Nifedepine) meds until Friday to see if his condition improves. He’s been sleeping so much… Please pray that he gets better.
On our way home I felt really bad for him; he was having major cramps. He hasn’t been eating much of anything because he fears the inevitable will happen again; body bending cramps and several trips to the restroom. The cramps were so bad that we had to get off the freeway on our way home and stop at my sister-in-law’s (another favorite sis/Juanita Gonzalez) house on the way home to use the restroom!
I must give some good new though; his creatinine level is down to 2.2! This is wonderful! This means that the kidney is kicking in even harder! Praise the Lord. We are not out of the woods yet, it’s still a long way to recovery.
Please keep me in your prayers as well. I need Him to keep my life balanced, and right now I feel that I’m being pulled in so many directions that I can’t concentrate on one thing. By the time I get home from work, I am mentally exhausted. Please forgive me if I don’t return phone calls or have taken the time to visit; I hope you understand. Boo hoo. Enough about me.
Lili. I think she is homesick. Please pray that the doctor will give her clearance on Thursday (8/21) to go home this Friday. Lili has been a wonderful guest in our home, and I love her so much like a sister. But, I know that she dearly misses her husband Scott, her son Nathan, her daughter Marisa, and of course, Pepsi, her faithful dog. She misses his wonderful doggy breath! Just Kidding!
Now… last but not least; thank you to my dear friend Luz Reyes! This lady is the bomb! I love her dearly; she's been a superb supportive friend. She brought over a butt-kickin’, finger flavor lickin’ chicken soup! Y-U-M-M-Y, with a capital Y. Thank you my friend!
Another special mention goes out to: Frank & Miryam Olmos. Frank is Bob's dad, and Miryam is his wife. They brought over some delectable homemade chicken with cheese, and onion with cheese enchiladas! Miryam even baked us a yellow bundt cake, complete with the drizzled icing. Thank you Lord for providing for our needs when we need it.
Gracias Frank y Miryam, mis suegros en parte de mi esposo!
Saturday, August 16, 2008
A Day Out...
Sometimes people think that staying home, watching television, eating, and sleeping without care of the hour is the best thing that can ever happen to happen to us. That’s what we strive for when we get home from a long tedious day at work, dealing with traffic, and/or school, is it not?
Well sometimes we get what we ask for, and it always isn’t fun. In Bob and Lili’s case, it is a temporary bitter sweet situation. They are both so grateful that (including me) the ordeal of the transplant is over, however, there is still a long way to full recovery. This duo has been home since Friday (Lili, 8/8/08) and Monday (Bob, 8/11/08) taking advantage of all these coveted pastime activities of uninterrupted rest.
The fun has stop sometime, right? Well these two slow moving, expert napping; resting professionals are now stir crazy! Can you believe it; they got a case of cabin fever! After careful thought and planning, it was decided that we would all go see “Pita” (little Danny Gonzalez, nephew, 10 years old) play football. Pita plays for The Saints for the city of Santa Fe Springs, in Southern California. The team strategized and strived so hard to win, but with no avail, they got creamed (supposedly there is no official score taking at this age, but you know how that goes among spectators). What happened is that the most experienced and older kids from last year have moved a team higher for older kids; leaving the younger and less experienced ones behind.
It was a good game. The day was beautiful, hot day, and cool breezes. Bob got to exercise by trekking across the field (at a tortoise pace), got some sun, and exercised his diaphragm and vocal cords by cheering, coaching on the sideline and yelling for Pita to knock the other kids down! Lili was more demure, she was like a vacationer enjoying the scenery and watching her brother enjoy the game.
Well sometimes we get what we ask for, and it always isn’t fun. In Bob and Lili’s case, it is a temporary bitter sweet situation. They are both so grateful that (including me) the ordeal of the transplant is over, however, there is still a long way to full recovery. This duo has been home since Friday (Lili, 8/8/08) and Monday (Bob, 8/11/08) taking advantage of all these coveted pastime activities of uninterrupted rest.
The fun has stop sometime, right? Well these two slow moving, expert napping; resting professionals are now stir crazy! Can you believe it; they got a case of cabin fever! After careful thought and planning, it was decided that we would all go see “Pita” (little Danny Gonzalez, nephew, 10 years old) play football. Pita plays for The Saints for the city of Santa Fe Springs, in Southern California. The team strategized and strived so hard to win, but with no avail, they got creamed (supposedly there is no official score taking at this age, but you know how that goes among spectators). What happened is that the most experienced and older kids from last year have moved a team higher for older kids; leaving the younger and less experienced ones behind.
It was a good game. The day was beautiful, hot day, and cool breezes. Bob got to exercise by trekking across the field (at a tortoise pace), got some sun, and exercised his diaphragm and vocal cords by cheering, coaching on the sideline and yelling for Pita to knock the other kids down! Lili was more demure, she was like a vacationer enjoying the scenery and watching her brother enjoy the game.
By the time the game ended, it was time to each lunch. On our way to go see a movie, we picked up Marina at the Schneebergers’ house. At that time, Bob really needed to use the restroom (hence the diuretics) and could not wait to get to the cinemas. I suggested stopping at Chick-Fil-A since it was closer in the parking lot than the theatre (I did really want to eat there and figured we’d kill to birds with one stone). Bob got off, I parked the car.
We went inside, and man did we get the best customer service ever! Also, there was a chance to give a small testimony of God’s work in our lives, too! When I started ordering, a thought came to mind, “Could I use the coupons from my Entertainment Coupon (www.entertainment.com) book even though they don’t pertain to this certain location (Imperial Hwy, La Habra, CA)?” The cashier inquired with his manager and verified “positively, yes!” Woo hoo, I was so excited. With my coupons, I got 2 orders of buy one, get one free meals for the four of us. Linda Garrett (the manager) was awesome, real genuine in her work ethic to give exceptional customer service.
After we finished our meals, we thanked her for great customer service. As we did this, she noticed my pendant on my necklace. I was wearing a silver with blue opal Star of David pendant. She cautiously asked me if I was Jewish (it’s interesting; I get this reaction all the time. After all, when was the last time you saw a Mexican-American woman who looks Hawaiian wearing a Star of David necklace?). I told her that I was not, but that I had been to Israel last year with a friend. When I told her this, she was intrigued as to what my experience was like, what was my impression of the people there, the scenery, and so on. As quickly as I gave her my answers, she would ask me more. At one point, I told her about the Old City and the Wailing Wall, that’s when Bob chimed in “Tell her all about it!”
My first reaction was “does she really want to hear it?” I guess Bob must have read my body language and hesitation, and kept insisting that I tell her. So anyway, I told that in July of last year, I got the opportunity to pray at the Wall and inserted my little note, with the prayer to God to heal my husband. I told her that I know that the Wailing Wall is in no way magic, but it was so powerful to be there nonetheless, and pray with my whole heart and soul for this miracle. How quickly I forget, I told her that I hadn’t remembered this event until 2-3 days before the operation. Now here we are, standing before her, our first lunch out in public since the transplant! Bob and I introduced her to Lili who was waiting by the door with Marina.
Linda was so touched by the story that she stopped the next employee walking by her to share our story with him. Of course the young man (employee) was trying to have the same reaction, but couldn’t; though he was very respectful of what was told to him. All he could say was “congratulations.” Linda, still caught up in the emotion and wonderment of this, decided that she had to do something to celebrate, she could not let us go without recognition. She decided to give us all free desserts on the house, and a la mode to boot! Wow!
We were so thankful to her for her unexpected gift. It turns out that she was half Mexican and half Jewish. The Mexican side of her family is Christian and the other half Jewish! She was excited and touched by God’s work in Bob and Lili’s life. We finally left, but not without her giving us lots of hugs individually.
When was the last time you walked into a restaurant and hugged by a manager you just met? God is good; and it was good to share!
Tomorrow we will attempt to go to church. Bob will have to wear a mask whether he likes it or not! Ü
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
p.s. One more thing, a special thank you goes out to Ric, Lisa, and Tiffany Fox for bringing us a spectacular dinner last night. We partook of rotisserie chicken, mashed potatoes, steamed sweet corn on the cob, soft rolls with creamy butter; and to polish it off, yummy cupcake ice cream!
Friday, August 15, 2008
Tired....
So tired. We went to UCLA this morning (5:30am) for Bob to have some blood drawn and check his creatinine levels, phosphorus, and all the other good stuff. Sorry people, they forgot to give us the read out; it was not the normal routine, and we forgot to request it, too. =(
Anyhow, at 8:20am he got a dosage of Zenapax (anti-rejection drug) intravenously. You can read more about it here: http://www.webmd.com/drugs/drug-5383-Zenapax+IV.aspx?drugid=5383&drugname=Zenapax+IV From my understanding, this should be the last IV dosage. For the rest of his life, he'll be on anti-rejection pills.
After the treatment, I asked Bob if he felt well, and confirmed that all was okay! Well good for him. The swelling (water retention) on his ankles is something the doctor is workin' on. They upped his dosage of Blood pressure meds; could be high because of the swelling.
Good news, since his transplant, he no longer has that copper penny taste in his mouth anymore! He says his taste buds are back! Isn't that wonderful? Miraculous!
Our next visit is Tuesday, August 19th... @ 5:30am! F-U-N. I will try to get rest, I know that Bob has and still is...! I will keep you updated.
p.s. Thanks to all who called and encouraged Lili on her birthday yesterday. I'm sure she misses home and her family. Thanks for all your prayers, too.
Bob is taking phone calls... feel free to call!
Anyhow, at 8:20am he got a dosage of Zenapax (anti-rejection drug) intravenously. You can read more about it here: http://www.webmd.com/drugs/drug-5383-Zenapax+IV.aspx?drugid=5383&drugname=Zenapax+IV From my understanding, this should be the last IV dosage. For the rest of his life, he'll be on anti-rejection pills.
After the treatment, I asked Bob if he felt well, and confirmed that all was okay! Well good for him. The swelling (water retention) on his ankles is something the doctor is workin' on. They upped his dosage of Blood pressure meds; could be high because of the swelling.
Good news, since his transplant, he no longer has that copper penny taste in his mouth anymore! He says his taste buds are back! Isn't that wonderful? Miraculous!
Our next visit is Tuesday, August 19th... @ 5:30am! F-U-N. I will try to get rest, I know that Bob has and still is...! I will keep you updated.
p.s. Thanks to all who called and encouraged Lili on her birthday yesterday. I'm sure she misses home and her family. Thanks for all your prayers, too.
Bob is taking phone calls... feel free to call!
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