We were at KU again today to meet with several people on the transplant team. We saw the following people:
Transplant coordinator, Rebbeca (she's great)
Organ transplant financial coordinator, Lois (wonderful person)
Social Worker Case Manager, Elizabeth (student)
Dietitian, Trisha (do all dietitians come in stick form)
Assistant Professor Department of Surgery (not even going to try his name)
Professor of Medicine of Nephrology, Dr. D (a first look I liked this man)
They forgot to send a Psychiatrist.

Today was not the best of days for Steve but definately not the worst. He just didn't get the news he was hoping for. After reviewing his case the doctors today think that his other kidney is suspcious. They are not saying that it has cancer but with the ultrasound that was done they have seen too many kidneys have the cancer reoccurr in the other one. Dr. D's motto is "when in doubt get it out." This is hard for Steve to take because he is planning on going the 2 years and not going on dialysis. Dr. D said with your creatinine at 5 his doesn't believe the other kidney will last 2 years. He is more concerned about the cancer showing up in the other kidney.

The next piece of bad news was Dr. D doesn't think Steve can do the parateneal dialysis because of having the radical nephoroctemy he had, his surgery will leave scar tissue and the solution would either leak out or not do its job. They are suggesting hemo dialysis. They graft an artery into a vein in the arm, this takes about 6 to 8 weeks to become mature, he would have to have a buddy to do this at home. I would be trained on how to stick a very large needle into his arm. Just not as convinent as the other. We will do what ever it is we have to do. They did remind us that the midwest is the best place to be for transplant. If you were living on either coast it would be at least 5 years to receive a kidney. I did let Dr. D know that we would not be moving, the beach is over rated.

Now I want to tell you a little bit about Dr. Diederich. The comment I made up above was that I liked him from the moment I saw him. Don't get the wrong idea. It wasn't that he was my age, good looking, etc... He reminded me of my grandfather when I was a child or he could be my elderly father if I was 55. Yes the man has to be in his 70's. They call him the Grandfather of all grandfathers at KU and he is known all over the world. His personality is sooooo.... well down to earth. He was born into a farming family not well to do and wanted to know all about Steve's farming operation, number one what kind of a tractor he has, crops he raises, cattle, when he found out Steve farmed. We spent a good 30 minutes talking farming. The man was 6 ft. tall, fairly thin, white hair and probably disregards all rules of the hospital. We took to him and he took to us very well. This is the man I want to be giving us advise on what to do. He has seen it all, been around long enough he can tell you several scenarios. He is not senial at all, he is sharp as a tack. Everyone at KU in the Renal area says he is the best. He has trained 3/4 of the doctors in Kansas City and I believe Steve's Nephrologist in St. Joe worked under him in the 70's and 80's.

So not the best of days. We just have to keep reminding ourselves that there is hope and 2 years from now this journey can lead to great things. You have to take the journey in order to reach the destination.

Heavy on the prayers, please.
With all our love, Steve, Christy & girls.