Kevin's Blog

Just returned from UCLA, Kevin’s lab report was improved from Friday and the biopsy was canceled. What a relief for us all but especially Kevin. He did not want to do that again. Here are the photos I promised in my last post if you are interested. Kevin going back to bed, I might too.

Had a great time on our trip. I think the highlight was the rafting on the Truckee River, which I rate as Class V rapids. I will post a few photos of us on this harrowing trip but do not suggest this for you readers unless you have considerable experience or go with professional guide. There were many other daredevils on the river with us and I don’t know how some of the dogs stayed calm or families kept from spilling their coolers. The kids that passed us in inner tubes seemed oblivious to the dangers we faced. We also drove around Lake Tahoe one day, did a little hiking, and ate quite often. Our drive home was uneventful. I asked Carrie if I could comment on her driving and she said only if it was complimentary. I didn’t want to take any chances so said nothing.

Back to UCLA last Friday for a checkup and see how Kevin is doing following his infection. The good news was that his infection had been treated, however his numbers reflecting kidney function were not very good. His doctor said we could do one of two things. One, we could go down for another biopsy that afternoon. Kevin chose option two before even hearing what it was.

Well, option two was adjusting his medication and repeating the tests on Monday. It is Monday and I am writing this from the waiting room while we wait to see the doctor and get his results. They have set time aside for a biopsy today if necessary. Praying that is not the case and I will let you know later. Thanks for checking the blog in spite of my infrequent writing. We appreciate your thoughts and prayers as we navigate this bumpy road.

Oops, I am using Kevin’s computer and the photos aren’t here. I’ll post them when I get home.

Celebrating Six Months

We arrived early Thursday evening, after a long and mostly pleasant drive. I say mostly as there was a short period of tension while Carrie was driving to give me a break. I offered what I thought was some “constructive” criticism of her driving which she did not receive well. She must have been tired, as she usually enjoys my pointing these things out.  As usual, within minutes of unloading the car, Carrie had all our clothes put away and my toiletries lined up in the bathroom. I don’t know how I spent all those years staying in hotels without ever unpacking my suitcase.

Yesterday was a slow day as we were all tired and adjusting to the altitude. I think the fatigue contributed to little misunderstanding we had just before dinner. Carrie had most of the dinner prepared before she and Kevin left to pick up the chicken. She had Kevin call to let me know they would be here in ten minutes and for me to take care of the peas. No problem, I checked the bag which said 6 minutes in the microwave so I decided to wait for them to arrive before cooking. Bad decision, Carrie wanted to eat immediately and was not at all pleased that she would have to wait 6 minutes. I told her that if it was such an emergency, she should have eaten a chicken leg in the car. Not much of a sense of humor when she’s hungry. We did enjoy a nice dinner together, which doesn’t happen that often with Kevin’s schedule.

Today will be busier as Kevin had done his research and made a list of activities that he thinks he would enjoy. Upon review, I couldn’t help but notice that that there seems to be an emphasis on places he would like to eat and no mention of any activity that might involve actual exercise. If we do anything besides eat, I’ll post a few photos. Beautiful place and great weather.

View from the Deck

Since my last post, Kevin has had his second infection with another trip to the emergency room. He has a unique ability to only develop urgent problems on weekends or holidays, never on weekdays during normal hours. We spent a long morning at UCLA yesterday and have come up with a plan to manage this infection and try to prevent future ones. Once he has fully recovered, he will undergo tests to try to find the underlying cause. The good news yesterday, his doctor cleared him to leave town for a week. We are leaving this morning for Northstar, at Lake Tahoe. Thank you Art and Diane.

I need to go now and load the car. It is about an 8 hour drive, but we always allow for hourly food stops for Carrie so am planning for a 13 hour trip. I’ll try to post a few photos if we do anything interesting. Thanks to all our friends from The Rock for the great get well card.  Kevin was touched, me too.

Let me try to catch you up on Kevin’s medical news. His kidney tests once again showed slight improvement on Monday so the decision was made to repeat them again today (Thursday) and decide whether to treat him for rejection. This afternoon, UCLA had the results and again showed improvement with his creatinine down to 1.3.  It has been a busy month for Kevin and he feels like a pin cushion, but we are moving in the right direction and hope to get back to a normal routine soon.

As Kevin improves, the focus around here seems to be returning to me. I had my third spinal injection this afternoon to relieve back pain. Carrie brought me home, and as much as I don’t like a lot of attention and pampering, I thought that in light of my caring for them after the transplant, it might feel good to be on the receiving end for a short time. Well, I guess that seeing me in this condition was just too much for them. Kevin just left for a Dodger game and Carrie went to eat sushi with a friend. I guess we all handle worry differently. Carrie did leave me a schedule of when to put an ice pack on my back. I guess she didn’t think I could figure out “once every hour” on my own.

Please don’t worry about bringing me a meal on such short notice. I’m sure someone will come home eventually.   Thanks again for sharing this journey with us.

My Ice Schedule From Carrie

Yesterday, for the third time this week, we left for UCLA at 5am. Tired, but looking forward to hearing some good news from the biopsy report. Normal routine of lab, breakfast, and hours of waiting to see the doctor. Worth the wait to finally have some answers. Well, the doctor came in with to say that his creatinine was 1.4, another slight improvement from the last few tests. He went on to explain that the biopsy results showed what he termed “borderline rejection”, meaning that they just can’t be sure. Another biopsy might provide the answer but they prefer not to put him through that again. Kevin agreed. As his lab results are gradually improving, the decision was made to return to the lab on Monday. If he is returning to normal, we come home. If not, they will treat him for rejection which consists of a three day course of steroids. Not the clear answer I was hoping for but at least we are trending in the right direction.

Some have asked how we are holding up these past few weeks. Carrie is fine and Kevin just takes it all in stride. I wish I could say the same for me.  I am having trouble sleeping at night but do a little better in the waiting room or while driving on the freeway. Forgot my card when I went to the gym on Thursday. Guy at the desk said I had to have ID with me while I work out. When I asked him why, the little twerp said they had to be able to identify me in case I had a heart attack or something. Carrie thought that was amusing for some reason.

Hoping for good news next week, I’ll let you know. Have a great weekend.

Well, Kevin’s labs had not improved yesterday morning and by 11am he was preparing for a biopsy of his kidney. As they explained the procedure and showed Kevin the device they use, I said a silent prayer. “Lord, please make sure they don’t allow me to stay in the room.”  Kevin”s main concern seemed to be taking photos of the biopsy “gun” with his Iphone to send to his friends.

The procedure went well and he had to stay in bed in the recovery room all afternoon to make sure there was no bleeding. The doctor came by at 5:30 to let us know that they saw some damage to the kidney but they felt that it was not rejection. We hope that will be confirmed when we get the final results today. We will be at UCLA tomorrow to discuss the cause and possible treatment but we are hoping that this is something caused by his recent infection and will resolve in time. I will try to post tomorrow when we have more information. Thanks for all the prayers and support.

I am getting some heat for not keeping people up to date on how Kevin is doing. Well, excuse me, but I thought my life might be a little more interesting, but apparently not.

We spent half the day at UCLA last Friday to find that his infection is under control but his creatinine had risen to 1.6, after our getting used to 1.1. Kevin’s doctors made an adjustment in his immunosuppressant medication and wanted us back today in hopes of improvement. Another long morning today to find that it had only improved to 1.5. Well, at least it didn’t go up. We will be returning on Wednesday to repeat the tests, and if no improvement, perform a biopsy that day. Needless to say, we are praying for improved numbers in a few days.

On a more positive note, my back epidurals have been helpful and I may someday be able to wear lace up shoes again. Carrie is fine other than a rib injury which she claims occurred when she was hanging head first in our trash can. She told me she was separating recylcables but I think she was looking for something to eat. That’s  it for now and I look forward to posting some better news soon.

Kevin using his Ipad at UCLA

Hope you all had a fun filled and safe weekend. We spent ours in the UCLA emergency room and the observation unit. Bottom line, I think Kevin was feeling a little neglected with all the attention I was getting because of my spinal epidural procedures, broken bone in my foot, and physical therapy for my shoulder. I think Carrie’s colonoscopy was the last straw and Kevin knew he had to come up with something dramatic to get the attention back on him. I’m not sure yet how he did it, but he found a way to get an infection in his bladder and his brand new kidney.

We were off to UCLA Saturday afternoon and by evening we were settled in the ER with a temperature of 102+ and not feeling too well. My biggest concern at that point was what I was going to do with 8 pounds ground sirloin and hot dogs that I had just purchased for the 4th and would I miss being honored at church for my military service.

Anyway, he got started with fluids and IV antibiotics while we waited for results of blood cultures. He was transferred to the observation unit about 2am and not feeling much better. A different antibiotic was started Sunday morning and Kevin seemed to turn the corner within a few hours. This morning (Monday) his fever is gone and his kidney function is returning to normal. He will be coming home today and return for more tests and evaluation later this week. Thank all of you who had heard of his situation and prayed for him and to those of you so willing to step in and take over his responsibilities over the busy weekend at church.

Today is our day to celebrate. For those of you who have been so generous with meals in the past, don’t worry. We will being eating hot dogs and burgers the rest of the week.

I hope all you fathers enjoyed your day as much as I did. Actually, it was a good Father’s Week but Jason had to return to Italy and could not take me to brunch. Thank goodness Vince came through and picked up the check as usual. What a great gift just having your kids healthy. I’m blessed.

As we return to a normal routine, I am happy to get back to triathlon training. Even though I am cutting back to 3 or 4 a year, it still takes training to perform at the level I am accustomed too. I still manage to have enough time to continue instructing tennis at my club and giving free flying lessons to kids from the inner city. Most evenings are spent speaking at various fund raising events for charities or visiting nursing homes to play music. I could go on but must get to the beach for my morning boot camp workout before serving lunch at the homeless shelter.

Guest of Honor

Oh, I almost forgot, Carrie and Kevin are doing well. He received his new Iphone yesterday and seems pretty pleased. Hope this post makes sense. Maybe I shouldn’t write until the meds wear off from my back procedure. Sometimes they play tricks with my mind.

Father's Day Brunch

Great Visit from Italy