Today’s post is from our kidney donor herself, Melanie Miguel. Though it isn’t the usual policy of this publication to work with guest writers, an exception has been made in consideration of her imminent surgery (not a good time to tick her off). And now her report:
--------------------------------------------------------------------------

We’re now in the final countdown to transplant! Barry and I met with our team of surgeons and anesthesiologists this morning and all looks great. The silver lining to all of this has been finding out that not only am I in great physical shape, but the team considers me “thin”; always great to hear.

Our surgeries will be first thing in the morning Tuesday, July 28th. They’ll begin with me, then Barry in an adjoining room. When he's prepped & ready, my left kidney will be "harvested" and I will be sewn, stapled and closed while they get Barry all connected. Don't expect to hear anything that day before 6pm Eastern Time. They'll try to get me out of the hospital in a day and a half to reduce my latex exposure. They estimate Barry will be in the hospital between 3-7 days.

I'm spending my days with Mom running errands, going to doctor appointments and meetings. Barry's still working everyday while Zev’s away at camp and Summer is with David’s mom and her new husband, enjoying a country daycamp. David has been wonderful about our extended stay in their apartment and utter lack of privacy; he’s the best brother-in-law and we’re so lucky to have him!

Thank You’s to: Auntie Nee (Renee) for her organizational and shopping skills, to Michael for overseeing Yasmine's whereabouts and taking care of Layla the dog, with Judy's help. To Rachel, Sarah & Rodney for being fun and responsible cousins, to Ivria for doing whatever's needed including helping Naomi & Gary pack & move, to Dad for managing his end without Mom, for what will be at least 6 wks by the end of this, and to Naomi, who is coming out to NY for a week to nurse us back to health

And to all of our loyal “Followers” – It’s wonderful to know you’re out there thinking of us, so keep those messages coming.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Thank you, Melanie, for that late edition update – We’ll be back with another entry by our in-house staff reporter later this week, so stay tuned.