The day before halloween

I apologize for not posting. I have been trying to attend some of Donovan's Halloween festivities and then resting as much as possible.

I never dreamed I would be able to attend Donovan's Halloween Parade. But with my mom as acting chauffeur, I was able to get there and watch the event. Donovan was dressed as a pirate and announced that he was going to be like Daddy, dress up and wave to the crowd. He led his class out and waved and smiled. The first lap around the parking lot, he didn't even notice me or his Grandmother. I am so happy I was able to attend this event. I feel like I have missed so much the last 4 years, but I am so excited to not miss things in the future.

As for my kidney update, my temperature, and blood pressure have been stable since Monday and I had a blood test today. I didn't hear anything back, which means everything is stable. I talked to Sarah yesterday. She sounded much better. Still not walking any hills, but her spirits were up. I take this to mean her pain was down which makes me really happy.

I expected my weight to fluctuate due to the steroids to keep me from rejecting the kidney. Last time they dumped steroids into me, I put on 35 pounds in 2 weeks. I had mentally prepared myself for that. But, my main surgeon is not a fan of long term steroids and filled me full of prednisone for 5 days, then pulled me off completely. I am on Cellcept and Prograff to keep me from rejecting the kidney. I take 12 pills of those 2 medications alone each day. But, I have lost 20 pounds since my surgery. I was pleasantly surprised. I hope that continues. Between the dialysis solution and steroids, I had almost given up trying to get back to my normal weight. This gives me hope that in the next year, I will be back to a decent size. A size in which I can wear my "cute" clothes and suits again.

Its late, and I am tired. I am excited to try to do a little Halloween celebrating tomorrow with Donovan (I even carved a pumpkin). This surgery has been hard..the hardest I have ever gone through, but I prepared for the worst. I am excited I am not missing all of Halloween. This is the first year Donovan is old enough to anticipate Halloween. I am glad I am "conscious" enough to enjoy it.

Off to bed.
Love to all.
Catherine