In the Good Old Summer Time..by deb

Robin & I have a goal to get together each year at least once in the Summer. This spring we did have a chance to have a quick 'coffee' when my husband had a doctor appt in Little Rock. But, this weekend July 31st we have a visit planned! We'll have Friday mid-day till Sunday morning to see just how much we can get into. Although some of our best time is spent just sitting and talking. Transplants alone brought us together, but our friendship has grown into that of two women with so much more in common. Robin's friendship is in a round about way yet another gift my donor gave me, yet another gift to give Thanks to my donor and my donor's family. One or both of us will hopefully be posting about our weekend.

An update on our friend in NE Arkansas who had his transplant around Easter '09, he could possibly be facing a 2nd transplant due to complications. Robin and I did our best to help them prepare for his first transplant, funny how life works. Should either Robin or I ever find ourselves facing a 2nd transplant I suppose we'll be turning to he and his wife for guidance?
However, it would be much better if none of the 3 of us have to go thru a 2nd transplant. My thoughts and Prayers are with our friend and his family. They have really had a lot to endure thus far.

So, everyone who might still be keeping up with this blog, do 'Take Care' & remember what ever life throws at you...

Be~Positive, deb

Thoughts......by deb

Hi.
I'm not really sure why or where I'm going with this post but, felt this most well intended site needed some activity.

Robin & I are still tracking right along with our individual 'life issues', some days are better than others, some well they're down right aggravating.

My husband's health is improving and he's pretty much back to as normal of an activity range as he'd be expected to be.

Robin & I have e-friends in the NE part of Arkansas and the husband finally got his new liver around Easter. Pretty cool Holiday to get a 2nd shot at life! We hear from them thru Caringbridge & he's doing very well after a rough start to his life w/ a new liver. They know who they are, so "HI" & Hope all continues to go well.

When I hear news from them it really takes me back to when I first had my transplant & the new found excitement & appreciation for life that goes with it. Not that as we age with our new livers we are any less appreciative, just that we've learned it's not all rosey sunshine.

Their excitement reminds me to step back from my daily life and recall those first few months post transplant, rediscover the excitement I had for life after my gift of life. Sometimes we get so busy that we forget, if it were not for our 'gift' we'd not be here to be too busy. Still, even with everything going on, not a day passes that my donor isn't thought of. I attended a wedding last night & there I thought of my donor, did he/she ever have a wedding or miss that chance? In ways my donor is a family member that I've lost, but I don't know how to morn for them or what to wish they were here to see & enjoy.

I do so wish I could know more about my donor, it's one of the most frustrating things I've dealt with, the vacant place in my heart that is there with feelings, but not decorated with knowledge of my donor.

SO, I'll close on that, still not knowing where or what I intended to say other than just to say, "Robin & I are fine as life allows". We are hoping to get together this summer for a nice long sit down visit for a couple days. Wish us Luck!

B~positive, deb

A Bit of Honesty

I had a bit of "guilting" by people I know who follow this blog about dropping off the face of the earth but I had some personal "business" to tend to. Now with the benefit of Lexapro (an antidepressant) I am past the tears and trying to find my way "home".

My relationship of 18+ years crumbled. It came as a shock as I thought he was the one and never dreamed that I'd be living in a rental house without furniture other than a chair my daughter loaned me and a bed my mother loaned my daughter. How's that for funny? My youngest grand was very concerned that MeMaw didn't have furniture or even food in her house but she loved the idea that we would "camp" when she visited.

But, I do have all three of my cats and they have adjusted wonderfully. The one I worried about has turned out the most easily adjusted and enjoys lap sitting and attention from your's truly which makes me proud as a peacock.

I am doing treatment for the Hepatitis C...have done shot 3 this week but have had to discontinue the ribavirin as my kidneys are not doing very well at this time. They have decreased my antirejection meds lower than they were before I started rejecting in hopes that my renal function would improve...and it hasn't. Each wednesday when I inject my interferon, I think...OUCH my credit card can't keep handling this $1100 co-pay and then I enjoy my days of shakes, fever and aches. But, it is my POSITIVE in life.

Please keep our Deb in your thoughts as she is having some major life problems with her husband's health right now. I send my love to her as she has a lot on her shoulders.

Thanks for you patience with me and Keep Your Spirits High...robin

Spring & New beginnings........

Spring has finally arrived, with spring typically comes new things, baby animals, trees budding new leaves, flowers erupt from the earth...rain falls instead of snow..and life continues it's circle.

This winter we've seen great trees fall from the load of heavy ice, yet what remains of them buds out in hopes of spring, new beginnings. I see a bit of Robin & I in these strong old trees that refuse to let what comes at them get the better of them.

Much like the passing of the seasons, both Robin & I are facing spring with our lives changing. We take comfort that we have our firendship, our kindred spirits bound both by sharing the journey of a liver transplant & true friendship. It matters not how our individual lives change, our friendship remains one constant we know in our hearts we will always have.

To the followers of this blog, that are missing Robin's blogs..hang in there. I'll post occasionally in a pale attempt to keep this going in hopes that Robin will soon returrn with new found wisdom.

Be~Positive, deb

Missing Robin......by Deb

Upon my initial word from Robin that she had matters to deal with outside of the blog & our girl time, OK she does have a life beyond all of us & granted it's hard to share her, but for a time we will do just that. Still, it was a blow to my system. Since being in touch with her, she does have a lot to deal with. I know this woman & have no doubt she will conqure what life has dealt her & be a wiser stronger lady for it. Don't give up, she'll be back most likely in due time, brighter and bolder than before. Be patient with her, Pray for her & Love her for the wonderful spirit she is. We Love you Robin!

Will not be posting---by robin

Due to circumstances, not necessarily in my control, I will not be blogging. Thank you to those who have followed and responded to posts. Wishing you all the best and as I like to say, Keep your spirits high...robin

Tired and stupid---by robin

Don't know where my head is, perhaps I'm in the midst of a big pity party but I'm tired and frustrated and I'm fed up with being tired, frustrated and fed up.

I am tired of fighting with insurance. I'm tired of being denied drugs to treat my hepatitis that I need in order to prevent the need for a second liver transplant in a few years. I'm tired of this stupid economy and I'm just tired of it all.

I've had the suggestion to hire an attorney and force the insurance company to approve the meds, but I'm thinking that somewhere in my life, this is a Karma payback. So, I'll just sign off today as being tired and feeling stupid.

Keep your spirits high...robin