Getting Big!

Miss Cholula is four weeks old

Learning to walk

Gets along with her brothers

Getting cuter every day!

Who could argue with this sweet face?

Weighing in at 1.3 lbs.

"Cholula"

New Arrival

Richard and I  have a new puppy coming into our home the end of March. Little "Cholula" was born on January 22, 2013 and is growing fast! We met her at just two days old, weighing in at just 5 ounces. Hard to imagine that isn't it? She most likely will weigh at least 2 lbs or less when we bring her home. 

We have been talking of a new member to add to our home and now we are ready. It was ever so devastating to lose our little "Miss Ellen" it has taken us some time to recover.  

Miss "Cholula" at two weeks old.

"Cholula" was born just one day before Ellen would have turned six.

I will post new photos as I receive them.

Sad News

                                                                         Our Little Miss Ellen

After a tragic near drowning accident while in the care of Ellen's sitter, Ellen lost her life.

We are so sad and devastated over this and are trying to find a way to get through this. 

Every little thing she did we miss. It will be a long time before we "get it" Richard and I are in shock  and so sad without her. She was such a big part of our lives and went everywhere with us. Unless it was a long trip of course. We even smuggled her into hotels! 

Ellen I know Doggie Heaven is fun with no rules and lots of treats. 

RIP Miss Ellen

1/23/07

9/23/12

Longest Five Days

This has been the longest five days ever!

I can now finally say my brother Dudley will be receiving his Liver Transplant on the morning of September 4th!

Couldn't think of a better gift to give him for his 59th Birthday coming up on September 12th.

I say this after much prayer from so many loved ones, family, friends even people we do not know.

I have not met my brothers team, he speaks highly of them. Knowing how NYPH works I know they are too!

My team is ever so amazing and there for me from start to finish and beyond.From the start it has been months of paperwork and testing that I can finally say we received the YES!

I know he will feel better and it will be a challenge for me to recuperate however this whole entire journey has already been ever so amazing.

The Live Liver Donor Program at NYPH/Columbia is a program I was not aware of. I was so shocked they could do such a transplant. I have known about the kidney transplant, we all have two of those right?

I shall continue this blog along this incredible journey.

Thank you to all that have written, text, called and just have been here for me (us) for all of these months.

With much appreciation and love,

God is Good

Life is Good

Patience

"My Brother My Team"

It has been a long day

How long?

If I asked myself that question just two or three hours ago my answer would have been ever so negative.

It's been a longer day for each and every one of my ever so awesome

Team Members

It's been an even longer day for my brother.

Every day is long for him.

Who am I to complain or feel like I had a tiring day?

I am an impatient person that " Likes her Ducks in a Row"

Today I was not handed the entire line up of my ducks.

There is just one missing,just one.

I know in my heart and with my entire soul my last duck will be in line by Monday.

I am going to sleep in peace tonight.

I will enjoy my family this weekend.

I will be "Waiting" for that phone call patiently.

The Countdown Begins

The Waiting

If you know me you won't be to surprised that I am anxious! You will be surprised that it is a

"good feeling" this time anyway...

As I am in a strange hotel all by myself anxiously awaiting for sleep time so my wake up time will be here fast. :)

Tomorrow August 24th is my pre-op day! A full schedule of tests and meetings with my ever so spectacular "Liver Donor Team"

Each and every person on this team plays an important role for this entire life changing event,coming up in just over a week.

My team consists of

Living Donor Coordinator

Transplant Coordinator

Social Worker

Financial Coordinator

Psychiatrist

Hepatolgist

Surgeon

Independent Dr.

Each member of my team has already made me feel comfortable. I know I am able and have called on them for advice. I know I am in the best care with all of them.

What an awesome program and journey so far,haven't even done the surgery yet!:)

With this I shall say I talked with my brother today. He is working (yep) said he needs to be sure his office is good to go until his return after surgery. He is a strong man, maybe not physically at the moment,that will be back soon!

I am so ready,willing and able to help him get back to work!!

To be continued...

Love and More

For My Brother with Love

With lots of testing for my brother Dudley he was finally placed on the Liver transplant list. This could take years to happen. Once a patient has been approved for the list a "living donor "can then step up and apply to donate a little more than half of their liver to the recipient.
I was not aware that this sort of transplant was available! It didn't take long to call the Liver Donor Team which i did do in late May. I heard back and before I knew it I was scheduled for lots of tests and blood work for myself. All of which needed to be in NYC. I heard back from the team of doctors in less than a week that the committee had determined I was able to donate for my brother.
The surgery was scheduled for early August but did not happen due to complications Dudley was having with his kidneys. His kidney doctors would not release him for the surgery until they did a biopsy of his kidneys. A week of waiting for results ( long week) he was cleared to go ahead with the liver transplant.
Dudley has and continued to be a model patient for the duration of his illness. He really should get patient of the year! :)
On September 4th we are scheduled for surgeries, my brother will have a great chance at living a normal life for years to come!
Surgeries will both be at Columbia University Medical Hospital. 622 W. 168th St NY, NY

Would so appreciate thoughts and prayers for the anxious feelings now that it is so close. The surgeries which are long Dudley's 8 hours, mine will be about 6 hours. Also for fast healing after the surgeries.
Last, but not least please pray for our caregivers as it is not an easy task to take on. :)
My dear friend Mary Jane will be with me for my surgery and after for two weeks. She went with me to all of my evaluation process and tests. A true testament of what a friend is. I am ever so grateful!

Dudley has had his wife Terri by his side the entire time. She has been a saving grace for him spending nights in his hospital room,then care at home waiting for the big day. He has also been blessed to have my niece Mary come out from California to relieve Terri for a bit.

My Richard along with both of my daughters have given me their blessing,not without worry but they completely understand.

I also have so many close,dear friends that have been praying and helping me to stay calm. I love them so much. ( you know who you are)

I will blog along the way of this incredible journey.

Much love,

Pam