Another detail on the surgery postponement -

From blood work today we found out that Mom's creatinine count (the critical measure of kidney function) was unchanged from last month, meaning that the heart catheterization didn't affect her kidney function.  This was a concern of having the procedure. 

While we're all disappointed the surgery has been postponed, the good news is that she's in good shape to wait another month for the transplant. 

As for right now, I think we're all going to go eat some gelato.

Sad news - surgery is postponed...

There was a problem with Yoyos blood work. They had to draw several vials of blood this morning and in the process, a woman in the lab collapsed. Paramedics came and it was chaos. And so it's possible there was a mix-up, a possible false positive for hepatitis-c.

As surgery is only done on Wednesdays, they are postponing the surgery for either August 14 or August 21. Yoyo has to go in tomorrow for a second round of blood work.

We know that God has a plan for everything and so we're trusting in Him to know what's best for Yaya and for Yoyo. Please continue praying for them!

On their way!

Yaya, Yoyo, Silvia and Pely are on their way to Charleston. All day Tuesday will be training, some testing (EKG, bloodwork, etc), and pre-registration.

They'll report to the hospital on Wednesday morning at 6:30 for surgery at 7:30! We appreciate all the prayers from everyone!

No phone!

Yaya discovered today that her phone is completely dead so if you haven't been able to reach her, that's why. She's feeling fine and waiting to be discharged from the hospital. They'll be stopping at the Verizon store on their way home to see if they can find out what's wrong. Only Yaya, right?! :)

Heart Cath a success!

Everything went well this morning! It was a lot of sitting around waiting but Yaya's heart is working well with no major problems! That means the transplant is definitely happening on July 31st! Thanks to everyone for their prayers!

Mass for Yaya and Yoyo

Just an FYI for our South Carolina friends -

Father Cooper at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton in Simpsonville, SC will be celebrating mass for mom and dad on Wed., July 31st.  Thanks so much to Fr. Cooper and the SEAS family for your support!

Letter from Yaya!

Hi Joannie & William,

I woke up this morning, and Yoyo took me to a memorable resort (Greenville Memorial)!  The first thing I did was change into a beautiful blue gown, and I was immediately offered a drink.  When I said "Not now, thanks", they insisted and I found out that all the drinks are administered intravenously, so I don't even need to hold the glass!  

About 45 minutes later they brought my first meal, served just like the fancy restaurants (that is a little food on a big white plate).  It consisted of a main course of chicken fricassee (hold the sauce, please) with seasonal vegetables (carrots that is), and of course bread and fresh butter (fresh to me!).  

The ambiance is cool with dimmed lights, very inviting for relaxing, but it's kind of like the rich & famous, I am interrupted every few minutes with a fan (the nurses love me) wanting me to give them something (an autograph or some bodily fluids).  The master of ceremonies (aka the doctor) came and assured me I'd bring down the house and would depart on Wednesday with a standing ovation, so that I can be on schedule for my next venue (in Charleston).  I got a lot of phone calls from family & friends wishing me well.  

I love it here because I have a new audience for all my stories about my wonderful grandbabies.  Everyone is so nice, they pretend to be interested!  I just finished my dinner, and I'm going to enjoy a quiet evening with the king (my Yoyo).  Miss you guys; try not to worry; I'll be praying for you!

Love you,

Mama

Heart Catheterization

Yaya is checking in to the hospital on Tuesday for a heart catheterization on Wednesday. This is the last step before transplant!

The doctor will be injecting her heart with dye to see how efficiently her heart is working. This is to be sure her heart can handle the transplant surgery. It has to be done as closely as possibly to the surgery date because the dye is not good for her poor kidney.

If all goes well (as the cardiologist expects), she'll head home Wednesday evening and the transplant will happen on July 31st. If it doesn't go well, she'll need to postpone the surgery and likely start dialysis.

MANANA MARTES , JULIO 23, 2013 SE INTERNA MARTA EN EL HOSPITAL PAFRA HACERLE UNA CATERIZACION DEL CORAZON. ESTE SERA EL ULTIMO PASO ANTES DEL TRASPLANTE. EL DOCTOR LE INJECTARA EL CORAZON CON UN TINTE PARA DETERMINAR QUE TAN EFICIENTEMENTE ESTA FUNCIONANDOSU CORAZON . ESTO ES PARA ESTAR SEGURO QUE SU CORAZON RESISTIRA EL TRASPLANTE. ESTO LO TIENEN QUE HACER LO MAS CERCANO POSIBLE AL DIA DE LA CIRUJIA UES EL TINTE NO ES BUENO PARA SU POBRE RIñON.......SO TOFDO SALE BIEN Y COMO LO ESPERA EL CARDIOLOGO, SDE PUEDE REGRESAR A SU CASA EL MIERCOLES EN LA NOCHE Y EL TRASPLANTE SERA EL 31 DE JULIO. SI NO VA BIEN, TENDRAN QUE APAZAR LA CIRUJIA Y POSIBLEMENTE EMPEZR DIALISIS. 

It's become obvious we're going to need a blog to keep everyone informed! Check back for more information about Yaya, Yoyo, and the kidney that binds them together!