Sorry it has taken me a while to put more info on the blog.

Steve is doing some preliminary things to get ready for a transplant. He is getting some the the childhood vaccinations again DPT, chickenpox, etc... They are taking precautions if there any to make sure he is healthy as possible until the time comes to transplant.

There last recommendation is to get his fistula started in his arm for the dialysis. It takes at least 8 weeks to mature before it can be used. They want him to get the other kidney take out also.

KU called yesterday after their meeting Wednesday night. Steve has been put on the list but is on hold status. This means he can still build up time but won't be activated or called for a kidney until 1 to 2 years. The want him to get his fistula access started now and sometime in the fall if all goes well take the other kidney out. They faxed all the reports and letters to me yesterday and the report reads from his ultrasound that he has 3 cysts on his kidney. I was able to see 2 of them when he had the ultrasound done in February. They believe that it would be best to take the kidney out so the cancer doesn't start in this kidney.

We will talk with Dr. Brown next week and start with the surgery for the fistula (normally out patient).

By the way his status on the transplant list is for a cadaver kidney. Now about a donor kidney. They wanted to know if there are friends, cousins, siblings, etc... that are willing to be tested. The nurse did tell us that they will have to give him a kidney that is comparable to a person of his size. Most likely if it is a donor the kidney will be taken out laprascopic. So if any of you want to be sized up let us know.

We will let you know more after we see doctor Brown next week.

Please pray for those who are working on Steve's case. Doctors, nurses, the coordinator, etc... they have been great. Also those who have had dialysis and transplants in the past as we look to these people for guidance.

Lots of Love
The Schmitz's