A Post From Kim

Kim in her own words...

"We are both healing, have hit a plateau (or Frank has) I have more energy than I can remember having in a very long time. Davis called today and reduced another medication, boy do I love love love Tuesdays when my labs come in and they start removing meds from the piles that I take at 9 and 9. That shows me how rapidly there is progress. Have a minor surgery on Monday (January 3, 2010) for a "stint" in the kidney and bladder that was put in during the transplant. It is usually taken out in six weeks, but is being removed on Monday, guess I am doing better than I thought. I am blessed and am ever so thankful for the skill in knowledge of the doctors at Davis. Thank you God for answered prayers. They were right, it is harder on Frank. but he is a real trooper about the whole thing, even after I accidentally hit his incision getting up this morning. Just got to love that guy."

The medical team moved her surgery from the 14th to the 3rd.  Please pray, friends.

Because of His great, great love,
Melissa Culver

All Over The Place

Wow!  It looks like the news on Kim and Frank made it all over the place.  So far I've found it in these places (and a few others).  Click on each image below to be redirected to these sites.

The Kidney Group (on Facebook) ran their story.  Browse the wall to find it.  Click image to be redirected to the site.

In His grip,
Melissa Culver

Progress

Everything is progressing along according to schedule.  Wahoooo!  Praise the LORD.

• Frank's energy, appetite, and mobility are growing steadily.  He's doing GREAT.
• Kim's pill schedule is tapering off fantastically.  Whoo!
• Kim's energy level has been through the roof ever since she received her new kidney.  And yet she's smart enough to take naps every day.
• Kim's appetite is huge.  A good thing, I guess.
• The incision area for both of them is repairing beautifully.

Kim has a small procedure scheduled for Friday, January 14.  It's a standard procedure for kidney recipients.  In order for the new kidney to fuse correctly to the "input line" and the "output line" (artery and urine waste line) a tube had to be surgically implanted.  It's how this surgery goes.  Normal.  It was always the plan for this to be temporary.  Kim will need to go back to UC Davis for a very small surgery so that this stint may be removed.  In light of the last hurdle we just passed, this is peanuts.  However, your prayers for this small surgery would be lovely.

Thank you, friends.

Because of His great love,
Melissa Culver

Thank You, Thank You!

Along the way I made sure to say thank you quite frequently.  But, I wanted to add one specific post to thank all of you.

• Thank you to Wanda for visiting us in Sacramento more than once.
• Debie, thank you for visiting Kim in the hospital.  Such a sweet encouragement.
• Jim and Jan Clark.  Thank you for coming, for staying, for visiting, for spending time with all of us.
• Bill and Fran.  Thank you for spending time with Frank while I was still caring for mom in the hospital.  It gave me such peace of mind.  And he LOVED the visit.
• Thank you to Phil for praying with us at the hospital all day on Monday (December 6).
• Thank you to Phil and Beth for coming to Sacramento to have breakfast with us (December 12).
• Thank you so Rebecca Wilson for helping out with Kim's laundry.
• Thank you to the Sparks Team for making get well posters for Kim and Frank.
• Thank you to the T&T girls for making cookies for Kim and Frank.
• Thank you to the Merced Sun-Star for writing to VERY beautiful articles on Kim and Frank.
• Thank you to Sarah Hobbs for updating the church on Kim and Frank's journey.
• Thank you to Janie Melin for updating the Encouragers Sunday school class as the journey unfolded.
• Thank you to the Hoffmann Family for EVERYTHING you did for the Culvers.
• Thank you to Sandy Nelson for doing some Culver laundry when Jason and the kids returned to Merced (absent Melissa).
• Thank you to the entire First Baptist Church community for praying for, caring for, loving, and serving us in this season.
• Cards, phone calls, and visitors.  Thank you to everyone who has cared in these ways.
• Testimony.  Thank you to all of you who have forwarded this blog to others.  And thank you for sharing with us what a beautiful encouragement this has been to others who are facing this very situation--organ failure.
• Andrea Beene.  Thanks for taking the kids on Saturday so that Jason could get some rest.  The kids had a blast.
• Mandy Schoonhoven.  Thank you for homeschooling my kids for two days (in addition to your five) so that we wouldn't fall behind.
• Thank you to Grammy for loving your grandkids a bunch when Jason needed it most.
• Paula Dawson.  You called me.  Thank you for crying with me and praying for me.
• Deanna Donaghy.  Thank you for calling me.  I think we cried.  It's hard to remember all the details now.  I love you.
• Facebook.  For all of you who followed this journey on Facebook.  Thank you for posting.  Thank you for caring in all the ways that you did.

I know I'm leaving some other thank you's out.  I'm sorry.  And you didn't do it for a thank you.  So, you probably don't mind that you're not up there.  Thank you.  Thank you.  Thank you.

To everyone who cared: we say 'Thank you.'

Because of His great love,
Melissa Culver

Local News Article

The Merced Sun-Star did a follow-up article on Kim and Frank.  Click on the image below to be redirected to that article.

Joyfully,
Melissa Culver

We're Home!

Just a short post to say, "We're home!"  It feels so good to be home.

And one short bit about post-op clinic.  Kim's Live Donor Transplant Coordinator said, "In the 20 years I have been in medicine I have NEVER seen patients look this great after surgery.  You both are in the top 5%.  Seriously.  Wow!  I am absolutely blown away.  This is amazing!"

Prayer works, beloved.  Prayer works.

In awe of His awesomeness,
Melissa Culver

Breakfast Anyone?

When we left the hospital I was educated in what Kim's pills are called, when she takes each one, and why she needs to take certain ones at certain times.  I was overwhelmed at first, but after doing it a pinch I fell more confident in what is required of me.

These are the meds that Kim needs to take so that her body does not reject the new kidney.  Technically, the kidney is foreign matter and the body wants to attack anything that does not belong to it.  These meds are designed to shut down the body's desire to attack the new kidney.  Kim is now back on INH and doing great with it.  Thank you, LORD!

This is what she takes at 9:00am each day. 
She takes more with lunch and has another cup worth in the evening.

Humbly grateful,
Melissa Culver

Tears, Tears, and More Tears

You'll find three blog posts here:

"...and the tears came"

"Together, We Cried"

"Dad's Turn to Cry"

Get some tea and a tissue.

Joyfully,
Melissa Culver

You Are NOT Going To Believe This

I'll show you pictures first, then I'll tell you the story.

Ok, so I have to start the story off with this: EVERYTHING is TOTALLY fine!  Breathe normally.  Smile.  Laugh out loud for a second.

At 10:00pm last night the fire alarm went off in the hotel.  I heard it in the distance and then I heard the alarms cascade down the hall.  I said to myself, "Yeah, right.  It's nothing.  Just remain calm."  Then sure enough the alarms and the flashing lights went off in my room.  I went next door to my parents' room to make sure that they were getting covered adequately for our trek downstairs.  Yes, downstairs.  We're on the third floor.  I then went back to my room for just a few things: only the essentials.  I thought to myself, "If this is legitimate I'm gonna want my Bible, car keys, wallet, cell phone, and charger.  The rest can burn.  As I looked around my mom's room I thought to myself, "MEDS!  Get Kim's meds!  Grab her medicine/recovery journal!"  We quickly got the only things we needed and exited the hotel quickly.  I escorted them down three flights of stairs and we then went to the car.  We knew we could stay warm there.

Three fire vehicles arrived: two engines and the inspector's truck.  Fire hydrants were opened.  Firemen ran inside the building with axes drawn.  The ladder truck arrived, the supports were deployed, wheel blocks were set in place, the ladder was extended.  A fireman went up the ladder to inspect the roof.

In between belly shaking laughter at the comedy and the timing of it all my mom says, "I have to go to the restroom really bad.  Like REALLY bad."  I'll save you all the details on that one.  Talk to her face-to-face if you want a really good laugh.

So an hour later, the hydrants were covered, one truck pulled away and we were all let back into the building.  What happened?!  I still don't know.  I may never know.  But, we were glad to be back inside.

It took a few extra minutes before we could get back to our room because my parents were unable to walk up the stairs.  Once a fireman rode the elevator down we were given the "all clear" to head back up.

Frank: calm, collected, and having a great time.

Kim is calling her urgent care coordinator to
see if she could climb the stairs if needed.

Wahoooo!  Seriously.  I now know what it's like to stand outside in my pajamas on a cold night around people I don't know.  That's one for the books.

Laughing so loud you can hear me down the hall,
Melissa Culver

Kim's Out!

Kim was able to exit the hospital yesterday!  Yeah, hooray!  Friday was her last day in the hospital.  Her lab reports have been beautiful.  The medical staff kept saying, "We have never had a kidney respond this well so quickly.  Your numbers are excellent!"

The LORD has been so gracious to both of my parents.  His ways are beautiful.

Thank you for your prayers, beloved.  Thank you, thank you.

Joyfully,
Melissa Culver

Special Visitor

Prior to the grandkids (my four children) leaving Sacramento, Big R was able to visit her Nana in the hospital.  It was a precious and sweet time for the both of them.  Big R was able to see that Nana is doing just fine and Nana was able to see just one of her grandkids. 

Due to germ issues, children are not permitted in certain areas of the hospital.  Kim was able to exit the main doors to her area and sit in a waiting area with Big R.  We couldn't really bring the other grandkids up.

Their faces lit up.  It was so sweet to see them connect.  Big R was so relieved to see that Nana is doing well.

Here, Big R is investigating Nana's hospital bracelet.
Big R got Nana the brown socks before we left Merced. 
She purchased them with her own money; 
she thought that Nana would like them.

Can you see the peace on her face?
Everything is going to be alright.

Kim's last dose of Thymoglobulin.  It had to run by IV for six hours.

Big R brought Nana some chocolate.  Prior to surgery--end stage renal disease--
Kim was unable to each chocolate.  She was looking forward to her first chocolate bar.

Please pray for my kids (ages 8, 6, 5, and 2).  They miss their grandparents terribly.  Their poor hearts are worried--mainly Little R's heart (she's been crying a lot).  And now that I am here and they are there they miss me terribly as well.  Lastly, please pray for Jason as he functions as a single dad of four kids.

Comforted by His great love for me,
Melissa Culver 

Cheese Grater

Before this journey began I pondered the difficulty of my task here.  I knew that my mom was going to be in the hospital at the same time that my dad was going to be back at the hotel.  Two people.  Two different locations.  Just me.  I didn't spend too much thought on the idea, but I knew that the logistics could be complicated.  I trusted God and I did not succumb to worry.

On Friday morning I was taking things down to the car with Jason when my dad fell down.  He was sitting in the office chair when he thought, "Wouldn't it be nice to elevate my feet for a bit?"  So, he put his feet up on the desk unit and promptly crashed to the floor--backwards.  He was smart enough to not fight the journey down.  His abdominal muscles were in no shape to react to anything like this.  On the way down his elbow rode the heating/cooling unit.  The vents acted like a cheese grater on his arm.

When I arrived back at the room--a six minute journey--I noticed the chair on the floor.  By then my dad had collected himself, gotten up, and moved to a different chair.  I knew something had happened when I arrived on scene.  The chair on the floor looked peculiar.  I said, "Let me get that chair for you."  He then told me the story and showed me his wound.  A few minutes of clean up and a gauze patch with medical tape did the trick.  He's not really "as good as new," but he's doing just fine.

Don't gasp with disbelief or ache in your heart, please.  You can laugh at the situation.  It's the best cure for it all.

Shaking my head,
Melissa Culver

Thank You, UCD Medical Center

Words cannot express how grateful we are to ALL of the medical staff at UC Davis Medical Center in Sacramento, CA.  Um, wow!  Wow.  Wow!

Amazing.  Fantastic.  Spectacular.  Wonderful.  Extraordinary.  Night and Day.  Around the clock.  Great, great people doing great, great work.  Thank you soooooooo much for tirelessly serving and caring for the needs of your patients.  You truly are a gift from God and we thank you for all that you do.

Humbly grateful,
Frank and Kim Walterscheid &
Melissa Culver

All Twenty-Six

I have excellent, excellent news!  We received word that all twenty-six of the participants in this chain made it through surgery just fine and all twenty-six are doing well.  Here's a partial list of all of the hospitals involved:

     1. North Carolina
     2. Sacramento, CA
     3. San Diego, CA
     4. Los Angeles, CA
     5. Stanford, CA
     6. New York
     7. Washington

A HUGE, HUGE, HUGE, HUGE thank you to the kidney transplant coordination team for putting ALL of these extraordinary details together.  I cannot fathom the amount of paperwork, phone calls, emails, t crossing and i dotting that needed to go into something as huge at this.  We are SOOO grateful for everything that have done for us.  Thank you, thank you, thank you. 

Absolutely amazed at His awesome work!
Melissa Culver

Well-Wishing

Kim has been told the following:

• Your first three months of recovery are the most critical.  Your immune system has been thwarted so that it will not reject your new kidney.
• Avoid large crowds; if you go to a crowded area make sure that you wear a mask.
• Wash hands frequently.  Tell any guests who visit you to do the same.
• Don't hug or shake hands with people.  These are considered "direct contact" and could spread germs easily.
• If your body is alarming that you are not feeling well--it could be too late.  At that point your body could have a major issue.
  
• Don't touch fresh soil.  New potting soil typically has mold spores present.  Contact with new soil could be VERY harmful to you.
  

So, if you plan to visit Kim and Frank once they return to Merced please note the following:

• Visitors may be limited.  Visitors must be free of ANY illness no matter how small.
• In light of needing to avoid large crowds, please note that Kim will not be at church for several months.
• NO potted plants of ANY kind as well-wishing gifts.

Trusting in His providential care,
Melissa Culver

Tomorrow? Really?

Kim is slated to exit the hospital tomorrow--pending everything continues as it is right now.  Um, really?  I shed tears.  I couldn't believe it.  I find myself speechless at the thought all over again.  Wow!

Honestly, the hotel will provide her with a more comfortable bed and sleep that is not interrupted.

The doctor is scheduled to see us (Kim and me) at 3:00.  He (or she) will be discussing her medications with us.  I'm ready to take notes and ask questions.  8-)

Frank is still mending fantastically!

Psalm 139:13-18

 ¹³ You made all the delicate, inner parts of my body
      and knit me together in my mother’s womb.
 ¹⁴ Thank you for making me so wonderfully complex!
      Your workmanship is marvelous—how well I know it.
 ¹⁵ You watched me as I was being formed in utter seclusion,
      as I was woven together in the dark of the womb.
 ¹⁶ You saw me before I was born.
      Every day of my life was recorded in your book.
   Every moment was laid out
      before a single day had passed.

 ¹⁷ How precious are your thoughts about me, O God.
      They cannot be numbered!
 ¹⁸ I can’t even count them;
      they outnumber the grains of sand!
   And when I wake up,
      you are still with me!

In awe of the awesomeness of His grand design,
Melissa Culver

Tired, Tired, Tired

Kim is very sleepy today.  The last few weeks have finally caught up with her.  The surgery and the medications that she is on contribute to the severe fatigue.  It looks like she may get a fantastic nap today.  That first 24 hours was a busy time period.  Her nurses had to check her vitals and run labs nearly every hour.  Now that the first 24 hours are done she doesn't have to be interrupted as much.  She is getting a GREAT nap right now (post was originally started at 3:00p).  Pray that she doesn't need to cough.  That alone keeps waking her up.  She then needs to grab a pillow, brace herself, and bear through it.  Please pray that she gets some GREAT sleep today and tonight.  Her body really needs that to mend well.

Oral medication and kidney transplant diary.  The diary was provided
by the hospital so that Kim is able to record ALL of the many, many details
that are involved in the recovery process: fluid intake, food, medications, etc.

At this point, Kim is taking approximately 15 different medications.
Honestly, none of them are pain management medications. 
Rejoice with me: she is NOT reacting negatively to ANY of them.

She is looking great and feeling great.

Trusting in the faithfulness of our God,
Their favorite daughter

Frank Is Being Discharged

Frank is being discharged from the hospital right now.  He's going to spend some time with Kim before they wheel him down.  I'll take him to the hotel so that he can rest.  Pray that the grandkids don't tackle him to the ground with excitement.  His wound area is still VERY sore and will take several weeks to fully heal.

UPDATE:
Frank is now resting peacefully at the hotel.  He is glad to be out of the hospital.  He said, "Wow, this bed feels like a piece of heaven.  And it's so quiet in here."  He'll get some much-needed rest at the hotel.

Rejoice with me,
Melissa Culver

White Blood Cell Count

I never shared with you yesterday that Kim's white blood cell count was extremely high.  Normal WBC count is 4,800 - 10,800.  Yesterday Kim's post-surgery WBC count was 46,800.  Um, yes--high.  The infectious disease team came in a few times to talk with her.  Overnight her numbers were cut in half.  Thank you, LORD!  Yes, her numbers dropped to 20,000.

So, what happened?  One of the infectious disease doctors came by to say that the combined factors of stress, steroids (that they gave her), and the presence of trauma (surgery) created an environment for a significantly elevated WBC count.

Again, we're rejoicing that her WBC count numbers are dropping.  Great, great news!

Giving Him the glory,
Melissa Culver

Kim's Donor

The transplant coordinator came by just a bit ago to tell us that Kim's donor is recovering well.  Praise the LORD!  Yet another beautiful answer to prayer.  Because of HIPPA laws we are very limited to information on other patients.  But, donor/recipient pairs are able to correspond if they both agree.  Kim's donor is interested in connecting with her.  And Kim is interested in connecting with her.  So, we are excited to see what the LORD will bring with that in His sweet time.

Prayerfully remembering the other donor/recipient pairs,
Melissa Culver

Marked Improvements Today

Frank is laughing in this picture--a bad thing
for a person with a very sore tummy.

Post-surgery output on the left.  Output several hours later on the right.

Great, great news all day long.  Where do I start?

KIM

• Kim's output is amazing.  She's filtering blood fantastically!
• Temperature is good.  It's been up and down, but it's really good.
• Solid foods for dinner.
• Out of bed a few times today.  She's gonna take a few laps after dinner.
• No nausea.  No vomiting.
• Taking all of her meds with no problems.
• Blood pressure is great.

FRANK

• Frank has been out of bed several times today.
• Solid foods for awhile now.
• Has been out of bed periodically since 3:15am.
• Took several laps around the medical floor.
• Urine output is fantastic.
• Catheter has been out now for several hours.
• Is not in need of any IV fluids.

Not too many pictures to post.  Enjoy these.  (Chris and Kim)

 

Rejoicing in His awesome work,
Melissa Culver

Wahooooo! It's Working!

Beloved, I just went and saw Kim.  She's not up in her room yet, but I wanted to see how she was doing.  I didn't think they'd let me back into the recovery area, and they did.  I was able to stroke her forehead and talk to her.  She is still coming out of the anesthesia and is quite foggy.  She said just a few things.  She said, "Get some rest.  Where's Chris?  Our God is soooo good."  She said a few other things, but those are the ones that stood out.  I told her about Frank's progress before she could ask, so that's why she didn't ask about him.

Her blood pressure is great.  Her oxygen levels are good.  She has voided nearly 1 liter of fluid (pee that is).  This is fantastic news!  It means the kidney is working.  Yes!  Yes!  Yes!  THE KIDNEY IS WORKING!

Rejoice with me, beloved.  The LORD of lords, the King of kings, the Author of the universe has done great things here!  Praise His majestic and wonderful Name!  He is worthy.

Tuesday's posts may slow down.  I will certainly need a nap.  I'm working on 5 hours of sleep--from last night.  So, my body will want to catch up on sleep tomorrow for sure.

Visitors.  I've had a few questions about visitors.  I'm hesitant to say, "Sure!" because I don't want my parents to get overwhelmed.  Kim's next phase of recovery is busy.  She will be interrupted every hour for 24 hours.  They will run vitals on her and make her walk laps.  She will get almost no sleep in that period of time.  I would prefer that they not get overwhelmed with the idea of answering questions, smiling, and thanking people for their love.  So, that's my vague, not-so-clear answer in a nutshell.

UPDATE: Kim got into her room at 1:30am.  It took the medical team about 30 minutes to get her fully situated in her room.  Chords, cables, wires, and tubes needed to be adjusted, switched, removed, and evaluated.  She's still very foggy.  It will take her some time to fully come out of the anesthesia.  She's still voiding well.  All other measurements are doing well.  We are absolutely delighted at her progress.

Wahoooooo!
Melissa Culver

Last Update for Today

Frank is in his recovery room and doing fantastically!  He is alert and awake.  He "feels like someone punched me in the stomach."  Fluids are great.  Disposition is excellent.  He's tired and will get some rest this evening.  Tomorrow he'll have his first liquid only meal and then he'll take some laps around the transplant floor.  Again, he's doing great.  Thank you for your prayers.

Kim actually didn't get anesthetized like I thought at 2:30.  And a good thing at that.  She called dad's floor at 4:00 and was able to find out that he was in recovery and doing great.  She began to cry and was overjoyed at the excellent work God is doing.  We praised the LORD together and told each other "We love you" and then she was officially off to get her new kidney.  I'm not sure why there was a delay, but I trust God's sovereignty and provision.  His ways are excellent.

I plan to rest this evening.  I'll then make sure to give you an update on Kim's condition tomorrow.  I don't anticipate for her to get back to her room until 1:00 - 3:00 in the morning.

Because of His love,
Melissa Culver

The Kidney is in the Building

Yes, the kidney is here!  Kim was wheeled back into the OR 45 minutes ago.  They are working on her anesthesia right now.  The operation should start shortly.  She may exit the operating room about 9:00pm.  She'll then be in post-op recovery for 2+ hours.  Realistically, I may not see my mom until 12:00 or 1:00am.

Here's the cafeteria of medicines Kim will be on post surgery.  (Click image to view larger.)

 The beautiful ride to "Kim's kidney."

I have not seen my dad yet.  Insert Plan B here.  I need to remain flexible and know that hospital time is not my time.

When I see dad I'll let you know.

Your faithful, servant-hearted, selfless prayers bring me to tears, dear friends.  We love you more than words can ever say.  Keep praying, beloved.  The road is uphill, and God has authored this work for His glory.  He is able, more than able to accomplish more than we can ever ask or imagine.

With joy-filled tears (and cheap hospital tissue),

Melissa Culver

Kimberley's Surgery

Labs were drawn.  IV is in.  Gowns are on--she has pants to go with her ensemble.

Our local team is checking on the current location of "Kim's kidney."  I hope to post soon that "the kidney is in the building."  LOL.

Surgery.  Her surgery time is very much contingent on when her kidney arrives.  Dr. Shaw thinks that surgery may not happen until 2:00 or 3:00.  We are waiting patiently.

Hopeful,
Melissa Culver

Divine Appointment

Are you ever richly blessed by divine appointments?  Today, we were.  As we were walking about the 8th floor (transplant floor) we encountered a delightful couple.  They were both 70+ years old.  He had just received a cadaver kidney.  He looked great!  Oh, he looked great.  My mom was able to talk to him face-to-face and see that recovery looks better than she anticipated.

Thank you, LORD, for this timely divine appointment.  Thank you for reassuring Kim that recovery looks better than she originally thought.

Thankful,
Melissa Culver

Frank's Surgery

Frank is now in post-op recovery.  Surgery went well.  Dr. Shaw said, "Everything went well and you should see him soon."

I can't wait to see him!  I'll be sure to let you know more details when I get them.

Tearfully rejoicing,
Melissa Culver

Kim Is Officially in the Hospital

Beloved, we are here!  Kim is ready.  Bring it on.

Nana's fan club.

Ready to get the show on the road.

  

In the palm of His hand,

Melissa Culver

Pictures From Yesterday

Here are a few pictures from yesterday.

Frank's fan club.

Frank and Kim.

Frank's EKG.

Frank and Melissa (me).

Frank had to have an x-ray of his chest last night.

We waited in the hall for 45 minutes for Frank to have his x-ray.  Three trauma patients were put in the queue before him.

Kim was able to see her room.  This is where she'll spend the next 5-7 days.

Smiles,
Melissa Culver

Happy Kidney Day!

Let the heavens rejoice, let the earth be glad; let them say among the nations, “The LORD reigns!” (1 Chronicles 16:31)

Here we are at 4:07am.  Frank is being transported to the OR for surgery.

In awe of His master plan,
Melissa Culver

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Smiles,
Melissa Culver

Updates

The hotel should have free WiFi and the hospital should offer free WiFi to patients and patient-advocates as well.  So, it's my plan to keep this updated as much as possible.

Your phone calls, prayers, cards, hugs, and support are appreciated beyond words.  We can't begin to thank all of you for your sweet, sweet love for our family.

If you don't get a personal reply to an email or a quick reply to a phone call, please be patient with me.  And please don't be heartbroken if you don't get a personal reply to something.  You truly do mean so much to all of us.

In awe of His master plan,
Melissa Culver

Last Dialysis Session

Kim's last dialysis session is over.  Frank and Kim only encountered two small hiccups along the way.  Kim's blood pressure was up significantly at one point (203/97).  And when Frank went to finalize dialysis the system wouldn't obey his command to send Kim's blood back into her body.  All of his attempts to get the system to respond failed.  This had never happened to them in all their dialysis sessions.  Luckily, their was an easy fix for this. Frank was able to manually apply pressure to the saline bag and this pressure forced the blood through the tubes back into her arm--the manual said to do this.  Thank you, LORD!

It sure was a pure and beautiful reminder that God is in charge of our Plan B.  And to start off this journey I don't think I needed a reminder any clearer than this.  God is in charge of our Plan A.  He's in charge of our Plan B.  And, at times, we notice that He's very much in charge of our Plan C, D, and E as well.  As we embark upon this beautiful journey I know that God is in charge of EVERY detail not just one ones that go my way.

In the palm of His hand,
Melissa Culver

Merced Sun-Star Article

Thank you to Yesenia Amaro for writing such a beautiful article on Frank and Kim.  Great, great job.

Click on image below to be redirected to that article.  Do note that you need to click on "next page" when you reach the bottom of the first page.  You'll then be directed to the second page of the article.

Please note that one paragraph--near the end of the article--needs a minor correction.  That paragraph talks about the length of life a kidney recipient should expect with a cadaver kidney or a live-donor kidney.  The kidney may last 15 years (on average -- 30 years at the most), but the patient can actually receive another kidney and live longer than the kidney.  Just a minor piece of clarification there.  But, again, a great, great article.  Thank you, Yesenia.

Joyfully submitting to the providential care of His grand design,
Melissa Culver

One More Dialysis Session Left

Wahooo!  Praise the LORD!  We're down to just one more dialysis session left.  What a journey this has been.  Two years and nine months long.  And it's finally over.

Here are some pictures from today's dialysis session.

 

Enjoy,
Melissa Culver