Last trip to Atlanta until February

Met with the Docs and had a "procedure" to remove a temporary stent that is standard for the transplant. Got there at 2:15 and when I finally emerged from the clinic Susan was beginning to wonder what was going on after 2 hours. Everything is fine and I have taken off about 30 pounds of water. Now for the real diet.
Kidney is glad we wont be traveling so much.She hated to see us pack our bags. My next appointment will be in Savannah in January at an Emory clinic there.
We stayed at Mason House and the wonderful staff had done a great job decorating for Christmas. They made a great effort to have it as nice as possible for the families who would have to spend Christmas there.
Probably won't have much more to say in this blog as we are hoping things will continue to go well. Turk is feeling better and back at the grind. Hope to see them at Christmas. He has already given me the Christmas present of a lifetime. I'll never be able to thank him enough.
We hope you all have a wonderful Christmas and the best New Year ever. That's what I'm shooting for !

Scott

Last weekly trip to Atlanta

Hi from Susan and I and we hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving. Ours was the quick trip to Jacksonville and it was good to see Turk and Joanna as well as her parents. We had dinner at the Kisleys and they put together a special feast.
Turk really is starting to look good and although he still has some discomfort, his tests went well and it's just the slow process of healing. What a great person he is to have gone through all of this for somebody else.
After Monday's visit to Atlanta we won't have to go back for two weeks and then after Christmas every month. Every odd month for a while after that we can go to an Emory satellite clinic in Savannah which is only 45 minutes away. That will be a welcome change from the 5 plus hour drive now.
Hope you all are well and having a pleasant Holiday season.
Scott

Off to Atlanta again

We're about to leave to drop off Kidney at the spa. She knows something is up because of the packed bags and probably will refuse to get in the car without coaxing. She hates to have us leave her.
Turk is waiting to get back word on some tests. Still not too comfortable and anxious to get back to work. We're hoping he is 100% very soon. He doesn't deserve to have any discomfort.
I have lost about 20 lbs of the water and need to lose another 10 at least. Feeling much less winded and sleeping better.
One more weekly trip after this week and then every two weeks for a while. They monitor the various levels very carefully and that will probably be for years to come.
Got word last night that we can stay at Mason House again tonight. Happy about that.
Have a wonderful Thanksgiving everybody. It will be a special one for me as few people have as much to be thankful for as I do.

Mondays in Atlanta

Sunday PM we left Kidney at the spa and headed to Atlanta for my 7:20AM appointment Monday morning. We went in Susans car with no GPS but I remembered the way. Thus the 5 plus hour trip was closer to 7. Downtown Atlanta and Decatur are really nice. Stayed over at the Mason house and met some more interesting people. One was a 9 month old baby who had a heart transplant at the age of 19 days !! Another was a guy who was put on the nationwide transplant list with 68,000 people ahead of him. He got called 2 days later with a perfect match--unheard of.
Three or four hours at the clinic with lab tests shots and consultations. All seems to be going well but I do need to shed 20 lbs of water.
Turk is having some difficulty and found a half day at work was pretty painful. It seems so unfair that he should be suffering and I'm not. I'll keep you up on his progress which I hope will be rapid. What a great guy he is.
We'll be driving back to Atlanta the next two Sundays then it will be every other week.
Thanks for your cards and best wishes. We are blessed with a wonderful bunch of friends.
Scott

This week

I have been trying to add a few pictures but without success. So I'll take a stab at filling you in on the first week home. As you know Turk came home with us and is doing well but still has some discomfort. We hope Joanna will be here by dinner time and they'll head back to Jax tomorrrow.
Our first outing was on Wednesday as the result of a call and invitation to attend a breakfast at a local restraunt to welcome Mitt Romney. We took a picture with Mitt and he thought it was "wonderful" that Turk had given me the kidney. I already knew that he is a very impressive guy but I was encouraged that Turk and Susan as well as much of the croud who had'nt yet heard him, were impressed.
Outside travel is interesting due to our customary attire of sweat pants and slippers. In my case at least it is the only thing that will fit. I have lost a little over 10 lbs of the 30 I gained in water during the procedure. All of this is expected but a little tiring hauling it around.
Turk and I took a drive yesterday and checked out the New River Auto Mall where Turk checked out some new wheels for Joanna who is looking for something for her new job which will require plenty of driving.
Went out today for some supplies and were happy to see the Cannons who dropped over with some lovely flowers.
We will driving back to Atlanta on Sunday for an early Monday appointment with the doctor. These weekly visits will last till December, then decrease in frequency. Turk evidently is all done and no follow ups are necessary.
We all love to read your comments and you have all made this experience that much more rewarding. We sincerely thank you.
Scott

Blog Story

Talked with my daughter Laura this evening and she told me a cute story about the blog. Seems Laura was fretting about not having gotten around to calling me today to one of her coworkers. Her friend said don't worry everything is fine, he is home and doing well. She told Laura she had just read the blog. It's a great big small world isn't it ?
Scott

We're Home !!!

Can you believe it? Here we are back in Hilton Head and what a welcome site the bridge was when we returned. I had an appointment with the surgical staff Monday and although we are all aware that I have to shed about 30 pounds of fluid they were reassuring that it might take a couple of weeks. Plenty of walking and for a change plenty of fluids. All other signs were good and we were given our escape papers. I mentioned that I had not been taking pain meds and would like their permission to drive . She reluctantly said ok. We packed up and left the wonderful Mason House a little after 12. I drove. The whole point of the return trip of course was to arrive at the vets in time to pick up Miss Kidney. She turned inside out a couple of times when released and was especially glad to see Turk. Turk by the way had decided to stay over a few extra days because he is allergic to their cat "Mister" and he is not a big fan of sneezing right now. Joanna will be coming up from Jacksonville on Friday to take him home.
I apologize for not contributing to the blog over the past few days but with very frequent interuptions throughout the night I have been pretty tired. Today however I am beginning to feel pretty good and walking is becoming easier. I have missed 5 dialysis treatments ( that's about 25 hours worth and 5 pretty much lost days ) I can eat everything but grapefruit and drink as much as I want. By drink I mean non booze because although they say a drink or two is ok I have chosen to do everything I possibly can to protect Turk's precious gift, so booze is out.
We have been so fortunate in having been steered towards Emory and the transplant unit there. They are terrific. I will be driving back to Atlanta (5 hours)weekly for the next 6 weeks, then less frequently until eventually I will see the team when they come to Savannah every other month. Taking the meds and seeing the docs is critical so we won't miss either.
Mason House as we have previously mentioned is very special. What a wonderful gift from the Mason family and what a positive effect on so many people. The people who run it are pleasant,helpful and seem dedicated to the guests and their families.
From Turk's and my prospective, Joanna and Susan were beyond belief in their support and care for their recovering husbands. They worried and prayed together and were there every minute to comfort and sustain us both. We're forever in their debt and we hope to be able to reciprocate if ever asked.
And all of you ! What an exceptional group of wonderful friends who have prayed for and supported us over the past 10 or so days. The blog turned out so well as a means of mutual support and for me a least seems like an extended family. Thanks for joining in and we're looking forward to seeing every one of you soon.
Thanks Turk, Joanna and Susan for your uodates. You filled much better than I could have.
And Turk--With everybody tuned in you know how I feel about your decision to give me this precious gift. You not only gave me back a life but as we saw today you have added years to it. I'll try my best to make every day of it worthwhile and worthy of your selfless decision.
" The success of our lives will be written by your deeds"
We are so proud of you Turk and forever in your debt.

Dad

Turk's First Post

We’ve heard from many of you that you’ve been anticipating an update to the blog. We apologize that we have been “slacking” in this regard over the past few days, which have been quite eventful, so without further adieu, here it is…..

I’ve really been looking forward to posting my first blog entry since last week before Dad and I went in for the transplant. I would have done it sooner, but being a bit superstitious I wanted to wait until I thought we were “in the clear” and that my entry wouldn’t build up any relief prematurely, having only to come back to notify of some unforeseen complication or discouraging news later. With tightly crossed fingers, and knocking on my wooden head…I think we’re now at that point.

First, I’d like to offer my sincere thanks to all of you who have been extremely supportive and loving during this time. Some of you sentiments regarding my willingness to donate a kidney to Dad have been nothing short of humbling. I appreciate these thoughts and will truly remember this time for the rest of my life.

Before I go into what the last few days have been like for me, and some of what we’ve been going though since Friday, I’d also like to say a couple of words about the two pretty amazing women that accompanied us here to Atlanta….Foxy and Roxy.

OK, Just kidding, my wife Joanna and my mom, Susan.

Looking over the last 5 days I really think the donation process has been most trying for Joanna and my Mom. Not only did they get to pace the halls while we were sound asleep during surgery, but they now get to wince with any pain we may have and worry over any issues we may be facing. This doesn’t mention the tremendous support they have offered and the occasional bit of tough love employed to make us listen to our doctors when we stray from what we should be doing. I seem to be getting a lot of credit for what I’ve done but I think both my Dad and I can learn a lot from their bravery during this time….which seems to be boundless and which is easily overlooked.

And as for Joanna specifically, if you go back a few days in this blog you’ll see an amazing and beautiful note that she wrote to me. I’ve been thinking about that a lot since I read it. It’s very difficult to respond in a way that will let you know that my feelings are the same, and in a manner which could accurately convey the love I have for you. I’m resolved to just say that it’s one of those things I haven’t quite figured out how to describe, but that I love you with everything that I am. You have been so supportive and strong over the past few days, it just confirms and reminds me how special you are and how truly lucky I am to have found you. You promised me a kidney if I ever needed one and, though they would never allow it, I would promise you the same because you are my life and represent all my hopes and aspirations.

Having said all of this, we started the whole process on Thursday night, when we arrived in Atlanta. Having been told that I couldn’t eat after noon on Thursday (which I did, for the most part..lol) we all went out for a last meal together. We went to Longhorn where I got to drool over everyone else’s meals but I got through it. Ironically, we found out later, I could have eaten and that the anaesthesia tech got his information screwed up….oh well.

So we went back to the Mason House which is basically a very large private home owned by Emory and endowed for the use of transplant patients and their families to get some rest before our 6:00 AM appointment the next morning. Joanna and I didn’t really get more than a couple hours of sleep and were up at around 4:30 to get ready to go, which included a shower with a special disinfecting soap, used before surgery.

Then it was off to Emory hospital where Joanna, Mom and I, much to Dad’s dismay, had a contest to see who could smoke the most cigarettes before going into the hospital. After that we went up to check in. They gave Joanna and Mom pagers that would buzz throughout the hospital in the event there was any news during the surgery and the ladies quickly discovered a bank of monitors that work similarly to airport arrival and departure screens, which would tell them where we were, and our stages of the operation.

After only about 5 minutes my name was called. I could really tell Joanna and Mom were nervous and they were a bit teary but I tired to let them know it would all be fine, gave them big hugs and went with the nurse back into the pre-op area. Back there they had me put all my clothes in a bag, put on one of those extremely flattering dresses and funny little hat and just hung out on the bed checking out all of the activity going on. It was pretty amazing to me how active the prop area was…. even at 6:30 in the AM.

After a short time I was visited by the anaesthesiologist, a surgical fellow…who drew all over my stomach and sides where the icisons were going to be, and eventually my surgeon, Nicole Turgeon, who put her initials on my left side to verify that that would be the side the kidney was coming from. We all joked later, after I was showing Joanna and my Mom the scars, that the initials were tattooed and that it meant I was her property..lol.

Anyway…after that they rolled me around into the OR, where I scooted over onto a somewhat hard surgical table. Just about the time I was marvelling over all the fancy gizmos and lights that they had in there they pulled a fast one on me and knocked me out. No count down from 10 or anything just all of a sudden…zonk. Probably better that way otherwise I would have started to think about the catheter, which to me was much scarier than any scalpel they could dig up.

So then, what seemed like about 5 seconds later I woke up all groggy in post up where I hung out for a bit, got to eat some delicious ice chips and was giving some pretty cool anti pain meds before going on a little moving bed ride up to my new room on the 9th floor.

Over the next 2 days it was all about learning how to move around, keep from tripping on my IV device, getting lots of Percocet, and progressing from liquid food to solid food. A note on this aspect…after not eating anything solid for a couple days the blandest looking turkey sandwich, with like 2 slices of processed junk meat was the most delicious gourmet meal I may have ever had. I know totally understand why they eat rats and stuff on Survivor.

On Staurday at some point I was getting around pretty good so Joanna and I snuck down to the ICU to see Dad, who looked pretty miserable at the time. We stayed a short time, let him rest and then progressed to wander to all sorts of places we shouldn’t have been, had a couple smokes, and got back up to my room. Surprisingly, they didn’t seem to mind so we kept taking liberty with my 9th floor quarantine, making it down to the cafeteria, patio, and ICU a few more times where Dad seemed to be getting better with each visit.

On Sunday I was visited again by all my doctors who told me I was progressing very well and told me I could go home. I must confess that there was a relatively short interlude of intestinal disfortitude related to the anaesthesia and gasses that they used to expand the body cavity during surgery. After the services of a very special nurse, administering a very special medicine, I must say I was “right as rain” and ready to go.

About that time we learned that Dad was doing better and would be moved up to my floor, which was especially good news as the day after the surgery there was some talk of my kidney being slow to wake up and do its job. It really bummed me out at the time but seemed to have reversed itself well, as he was dong much better, looked much better, and was very eager to get out of the ICU. At the time of this writing, after a nice visit with Dad today, and after being told by several people that the kidney I gave him was a pretty one (which I also think might indicate a lack of a social life for the person making the comment), we learned that his creatinine levels were down to 1.4 which is extremely good. We really are so excited and thankful for this.

So I basically got out on Sunday and have been hanging out here at the Mason house, going over to visit Dad and getting my appetite back. We hit the bookstore, got some cool Emory duds and have been relaxing and taking lots of naps for the most part since discharge. I’m a little sore but the medication they gave me helps a lot and I’ve learned what sort of movements and positions to avoid. Looks like Dad’s only hurdle now is that he’s retaining a lot of water because his bladder hasn’t woken up and gotten with the program but I guess that’s understandable as it didn’t have to do much for the 2 years he was on dialysis. As of tonight it looks like that has started to get better too…as a lot of the “intake” is now becoming “output” and volume seems to be increasing.

We think he’ll be out tomorrow, or possibly the day after if they want to hold him a bit longer but he’s stronger, more mobile, and as my colleagues at Winn Dixie would say “Getting Better All the Time”.

The Mason House

Before the Surgery

Friday around 6: 30 am - Turk is being taken from the waiting room into the pre-op. Exchanging hugs and kisses...with gentle and loving smile he is anxiously walking away. Mom and I....not so much.... tears; how overwhelming this was!

7:27 am - The waiting room board announces Turk is in the operating room (very nifty- informs when patient is taken to the operating room and then to the recovery room).

9:30 am - Turk is still in the operating room and Dad is asked to come into the pre-op facility. Mom and I go with him to keep him company. Moments later we say our goodbyes and the nurse asks Dad if he needs any help with walking. Dad responds: "no I can walk by myself". He walked swiftly and with anticipation. Mom says that she has not seen Dad walk this fast in a long time; we giggled.... Dad is finally going to get his long anticipated kidney. Boy, this is going to be a long day....

10:30 am - The OR Nurse calls the waiting room. Mom is downstairs (we are taking turns to smoke) and I pick up the phone. "We have the kidney", she says, "both guys are doing fabulously". Relieved I ask when Turk will be taken to the recovery room, the board still shows he is in the OR. The nurse explains that it will be about 30 minutes before they stitch Turk up...the kidney needs to be delivered next door to the recipient - Dad. I share the news with Mom....we are relieved that everything is going well.

11:15 am - Turk is out of the OR getting settled in the recovery room, but Mom and I cannot see him for another two hours...we are waiting anxiously.

1:00 pm - Mom and I are on the way to see Turk and we learn that Dad was taken to the recovery room. Turk is cracking jokes...we visit for few minutes, Turk is doing great. On the way out from the recovery room we ask a nurse on update on Dad. His new kidney is working but Dad is having problems with blood pressure and heart rate. He is given medication. No concrete news, we are asked to wait in the waiting room. Mom and I are very worried.

About two hours later, mom insists on seeing Dad. She is taken to the recovery room, I stay behind. Dad is stabilized but now his new kidney stops working. Doctors are going to have a meeting and a decision will be made as to what will be done next. The word is that an ultrasound may be ordered to check for blood clots. Emotions intensify and all of the sudden it is very hard for both of us....we hang on ...and wait...and wait....and wait....

Another hour passes, Mom has had it! She insists on seeing Dad again. (Don't mess with Mom!) We both go to see him. Poor Dad. I see him in pain and we still do not know what is next. Doctor explains that the pain is normal and he has been given pain medication. They are trying to keep him as comfortable as they can. Still no ultrasound results.

About 45 minutes later we learn that the ultrasound showed no blood clots. Relieved, Mom and I are waiting for more information. The doctor comes out into the waiting room and sits right across from us. He explains that everything looks normal and that the kidney is a little bit lazy. He explains that this happens in 20% of transplants. He further elaborates.... the kidney is bonding with its new environment. We are joking-the kidney is bonding with Dad. The doctor spent 15 minutes answering all of our questions and concerns...we feel much better as all was very reassuring and positive under the circumstances. Doctor decides that Dad will be spending the night in ICU. He will be monitored.

Mom and I go to see Turk. He already knows that Dad's kidney is not working. He is very disappointed but we explain that this happens. Mom and I say "good night" to Turk.

Mom and I go home; The Mason House (approx. 2 miles from the hospital). It's hard to fall asleep but we are exhausted.

12:30 am - Barely after we fell to sleep Mom receives a phone call from Dad. (Dad convinced the nurse in ICU to give him her cell phone so he can call his wife). Dad announces that the kidney started working. Mom calls me and shares the news. We are exited! "It's about time Turks kidney started to get along with Dad!" We got some good sleep.

Saturday

8 am - Mom calls ICU Nurses Station to check if Dad is still doing well. The kidney is working. We call Turk to let him know that Dad is doing well and the kidney is functioning. Turk says that the doctors already told him the news. The docs said that Dad is grouchy so he must be doing better. We laugh...


We visit Dad in ICU about 11 am. He is doing much better. Dad is watching FOX News. He looks bored but feels better. We are glad to see him.

We visit Turk and he is moving around. We spend some time together and Mom goes to the 5th floor (ICU) to visit Dad. Turk and I are taking a stroll (he has to move around per doctor orders). He says: "Let's go downstairs to see Dad, no one will notice we left". I'm apprehensive. I call Mom to let her know we are on the way down. She loves the idea; Turk will see his father for the first time after the surgery. Our favorite two guys are reunited! This feels good. We are happy and thankful that things are okay.

Tomorrow Mom and I will visit Dad and Turk early. If everything goes well Turk may be coming home and Dad will be transferred from ICU to the 9th floor where he will be more comfortable.

- We will keep you posted....

Thank you for all the prayers!

Love,

Joanna and Susan

ICU - Turk Visits Dad

Turk & Joanna Sneaking Out to Get Some Fresh Air

We're here in Atlanta

Turk and Joanna will be here shortly and we're all set up with two nice rooms in the Mason House. They even gave us a TV in the room on an experimental basis as it is the policy to have the guests mingle and share their experiences in the common area. I must say I think it is a good idea. Also we quickly discovered that it is sweater time. Seems like a fall day and quite cool this evening. After an early light dinner it will be an early to bed because we have to be at the hospital at 6 AM. Susan will have some word on how everything went by noon tomorrow. Thanks again for all your kind thoughts and prayers. Your support is priceless.

Scott

Last Treatment !!

Could this really be true ? After a little over 2 years, finally done with dialysis! It was a sad goodbye to those wonderful nurses and techs and as always they were so happy to have someone leave for a transplant. They all signed a card with very kind and supportive words and I had a tear in my on the way out the door.
We have gotten confirmation that we will be able to stay at Mason House. Hope to be there by about 5 tomorrow.
Scott

my first message

counting down..tomorrow is scotts last (god willing) dialysis treatment..he is sooooo happy..everyone has been wonderful and we appreciate all your good wishes and especially your prayers...turk and joanna are gearing up for atlanta...everyone's spirits are pretty high..

Tomorrow is a milestone

Hi everybody
Tomorrow is a day I have been looking forward to for two years. After tomorrows dialysis session I will have completed 316 treatments and certainly look forward to getting back a life thanks to Turk. I wish I could express the gratitude I feel for the wonderful people who have cared for me during the last two years at Hilton Head Dialysis. They are all exceptional, caring and patient professionals who deserve tremendously more credit than they ever receive. I really will miss seeing them but of course will not miss the procedures. I wish them all well and for the sake of their patients, hope they will continue to dedicate themselves to this specialty within the medical profession. Day to day they are keeping a group of people alive and doing it with a positive and uplifting spirit that often makes the treatment bearable. If I forget to revisit on occasion with an occasional coffee cake from Ronnies, shame on me.

Scott

Some of you have asked about posting comments. At the end of each paragraph of the blog page you will notice "comments" and a little envelope. The envelope is to send emails and the word "comments" if you click on it will bring up a box inviting your message. If you scroll above that message box you'll see the previous comments pertinent to that section of the blog. As an example try to find the paragraph ( I believe it is about the third one or so where it says "4 comments". Click on that then scroll up when the box appears. Joanna's comment is amazing. What a great person to have written that about her new husband. Please email me if you have any problems.
Scott

Miss Kidney

I am going to try to introduce you to Kidney, our 7 year old cockapoo. Susan asked me in 2000 what I wanted for my birthday and I told her "a new kidney". Since she wanted a puppy guess what I got. When she asked what I was going to name my new dog guess what name I picked.
That has been her name ever since. I'll try to atach a picture.

Although only a day old, we have received some very encouraging emails and will continue to thank all of you who will be with us during this awsome process. Turk and I realize that we are in for some discomfort but Susan is most nervous because she is one of those people who actually feel other peoples pain. Have a nice weekend and bear with me as I get this blog site organized.
Scott

Hello from Hilton Head

About a month ago on September 21st Susan and I both thoroughly enjoyed the wedding of our youngest, Turk Foster, to his lovely bride Joanna Kisley. It was a wonderful gathering of friends and family and we will always remember it as a very special time. Several family members have similar feelings and have suggested a family reunion which seems to be receiving everybody's approval. I'll use this site to keep you all up.

On Saturday after the wedding I slipped on the stairs to the parking lot on my way to dialysis and hit pretty hard. By the time dialysis was finished I was imobile and we went to the emergency room. They told me I may have some small chips in my left elbow and a severely bruised left hip. Although I drove back to HHI on Sunday it became soon evident I couldn't walk so back to the hospital where I stayed for five days. It has been slow but two days ago I stopped using the cane and am getting around a little better each day.

All of this leads up to this coming week. On Thursday we will be driving to Atlanta to the Emory University Hospital complex where we will meet Turk and Joanna. On Friday morning we will check in at 6 AM for an 8 AM procedure where Turk will donate a kidney to me.

There really is no way for me to describe how I feel about his good spirited willingness to do this and the sacrifice he is willing to make for his father's sake. It is a very special thing and no amount of thanks to Turk and Joanna will ever be adequate. May God bless them both.

While in Atlanta we will be staying at the Mason House which has been given for the families and patients who are in the transplant program. This is of course a place of many stories and over the next few weeks I'll probably have a few to tell you. Some are sad, some are heartwarming but all of them should make most of us thankful for what relative good health we do have and that does include me.

I will be asking Susan, Turk and Joanna to post whatever they wish in the days ahead and I hope you will be inspired as I have been by Turk's selfless actions. I recall the quote I mentioned when toasting Turk and Joanna at their wedding. "The success of our lives will be written by your deeds" It's not what you talk about, it's what you do. What he is doing is magnificent.

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