Dear Miguel Transplant Central Followers,
This is the last post on our blog, which is a sign of how well everyone's doing.
Melanie's home and enjoying all 3 of her gals back in the Bay Area. As I've said, she's feeling stronger every day, still tires now and then, but is already anxious to be back at work and living her post-transplant life.
Barry is also stronger every day - He, I and Ruth went for 8 or 9 block walk today, and considering NYC summer heat/humidity, that's pretty damn good (it was quite enough for Ruth and I, too). He's aleady quite focused on all things fall fashion related, doing what he refers to as "virtual work" via Blackberry - You really can't keep a good man down.
Both Barry and Melanie can now be reached by their own email addresses or cell text -I think phone calling should still be at a minimum for now, and of course you're welcome to send a card, etc. If you need addresses, numbers, email me and I'll forward to you: rmsmg@sonic.net.
Ron will arrive NY tomorrow (Thursday) - Both he and Ruth will be back in SF on Wed, 9/2. I'll be in NY till Wed, 8/26, when I'll be joining Sarah & Steve in New Brunswick/Rutgers, returning w/Steve to SF/SR on Sun, 8/30. Ivria will be here for the week after Ruth and Ron leave, so there'll be good overlap of assistance between now and when David & the kids come back post-Labor Day. We really should all be pooling our resources & buying airline stock.
We thank you all for your thoughtfulness, and for letting us know you're out there, making this journey with us - Reading your messages, enjoying your cards, texts & emails has meant a great deal during this process - We are so fortunate to be surrounded by such kind and loving hearts.
Thank you, thank you, thank you,
The Miguel Family, Et. Al.
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
Saturday, August 15, 2009
Home Again, Home Again, Jiggity Jig!!!
Yes, he's home, just a few feet away from where I right this, already making suggestions to this post (everybody's a critic).
Though he's not quite ready for a marathon, he's walking about, eating well, and has more color in his face than he has in many months. He's already making noises about getting back to work (such a slacker, this one), so I'm happy that wiser heads will provail; Tracy Reese herself has told him he's not to drop-by under any circumstances, and bless her for that.
I got to see Melanie for a short while before leaving SF, and she's looking great, happy to be home and able to assist the lovely Yasmine with back-to-school shopping. Our thanks to all of her friends and particularly Ivria for being such a thoughtful daughter (who can actually cook, too). Melanie has a few post-surgical scars on her abdomen now, so I'm afraid that's the end of her swimsuit modeling career, but something had to be sacrificed.
Barry even got a chance to see Zev and Summer before they took off for their camping trip (not sure being on the beach in East Hampton, showering and dining with lovely friends each night, quite qualifies as “camping”…..), and the kids are so happy to have their Daddy Barry at home – It’s always nice to feel missed, and he certainly was.
With the rest of the gang off, it’s just Ruth, I and Barry – Ron’s planning on coming out as soon as he can get away from SF, and I’m staying until Sarah and Steve come out on the 26th for her Rutgers orientation.
That’s all the news for now, and we’re all so happy to have gotten to this point – Strong DNA must run in the Miguel genes, that’s for sure.
Thanks to you all for hanging in there with us, I’ll be in touch with one or two more posts before we wrap up this saga, Renee
Though he's not quite ready for a marathon, he's walking about, eating well, and has more color in his face than he has in many months. He's already making noises about getting back to work (such a slacker, this one), so I'm happy that wiser heads will provail; Tracy Reese herself has told him he's not to drop-by under any circumstances, and bless her for that.
I got to see Melanie for a short while before leaving SF, and she's looking great, happy to be home and able to assist the lovely Yasmine with back-to-school shopping. Our thanks to all of her friends and particularly Ivria for being such a thoughtful daughter (who can actually cook, too). Melanie has a few post-surgical scars on her abdomen now, so I'm afraid that's the end of her swimsuit modeling career, but something had to be sacrificed.
Barry even got a chance to see Zev and Summer before they took off for their camping trip (not sure being on the beach in East Hampton, showering and dining with lovely friends each night, quite qualifies as “camping”…..), and the kids are so happy to have their Daddy Barry at home – It’s always nice to feel missed, and he certainly was.
With the rest of the gang off, it’s just Ruth, I and Barry – Ron’s planning on coming out as soon as he can get away from SF, and I’m staying until Sarah and Steve come out on the 26th for her Rutgers orientation.
That’s all the news for now, and we’re all so happy to have gotten to this point – Strong DNA must run in the Miguel genes, that’s for sure.
Thanks to you all for hanging in there with us, I’ll be in touch with one or two more posts before we wrap up this saga, Renee
Tuesday, August 11, 2009
There's no place like home, there's no place like home....
Wonderful news, Everyone – Barry’s coming home this week!
Good news all around – Melanie’s still uncomfortable and tired at times, but feeling more like her energetic self each day. She’s back in SF tomorrow afternoon; Ivria will pick her up at SFO, Yasmine’s home from Camp Tawonga on the 15th, with a week off before her first semester of high school. Ivria’s doing a fabulous job preparing Melanie’s place for her return, cleaning, stocking the house with groceries, and just generally being the wonderful, thoughtful daughter that she is.
BARRY COMES HOME THIS WEEK!!! I spoke to the man himself just 2 minutes ago, and he sounds a bit tired, but absolutely delighted to soon be on his way out of Sinai and back to his own digs.
He has requested “real food” for lunch today - Avocado and cheese sandwich on a soft roll & Ginger Ale, so Melanie’s out at the deli as I write this. Zev is back from camp, Summer’s on her way back from Joyce’s (David’s wonderful mom) and David’s planning a few days of camping for he and the kids as Barry returns home – A nice last outing of summer before school starts, and an opportunity for Barry to have a few more days of rest before the usual back-to-school whirlwind.
I’ll be in NY by Friday evening (I was already flying out on the 26th w/Steve and Sarah to get her settled at Rutgers) – I have a feeling that Ruth & David will be happy to have an extra pair of hands on deck by then.
Barry has asked that I thank you all for your thoughtful e-messages, cards, texts, phone messages, and offers of assistance from both coasts. The sincerity of his friends, family, and co-workers means a great deal to him, and to all of us – Thank you.
We don’t have an exact release day/time at this moment, but should have one soon; you’ll know as soon as we do.
All’s well on the Eastern Front – I’ll post again soon, Renee
Good news all around – Melanie’s still uncomfortable and tired at times, but feeling more like her energetic self each day. She’s back in SF tomorrow afternoon; Ivria will pick her up at SFO, Yasmine’s home from Camp Tawonga on the 15th, with a week off before her first semester of high school. Ivria’s doing a fabulous job preparing Melanie’s place for her return, cleaning, stocking the house with groceries, and just generally being the wonderful, thoughtful daughter that she is.
BARRY COMES HOME THIS WEEK!!! I spoke to the man himself just 2 minutes ago, and he sounds a bit tired, but absolutely delighted to soon be on his way out of Sinai and back to his own digs.
He has requested “real food” for lunch today - Avocado and cheese sandwich on a soft roll & Ginger Ale, so Melanie’s out at the deli as I write this. Zev is back from camp, Summer’s on her way back from Joyce’s (David’s wonderful mom) and David’s planning a few days of camping for he and the kids as Barry returns home – A nice last outing of summer before school starts, and an opportunity for Barry to have a few more days of rest before the usual back-to-school whirlwind.
I’ll be in NY by Friday evening (I was already flying out on the 26th w/Steve and Sarah to get her settled at Rutgers) – I have a feeling that Ruth & David will be happy to have an extra pair of hands on deck by then.
Barry has asked that I thank you all for your thoughtful e-messages, cards, texts, phone messages, and offers of assistance from both coasts. The sincerity of his friends, family, and co-workers means a great deal to him, and to all of us – Thank you.
We don’t have an exact release day/time at this moment, but should have one soon; you’ll know as soon as we do.
All’s well on the Eastern Front – I’ll post again soon, Renee
Saturday, August 8, 2009
Hi, Everyone,
Things going very well - Melanie continuing to recover, not ready for triathlon, but doing very well.
Barry also doing well - The transplant team is very pleased with his recovery to this point, is still diligently adjusting his post-transplant meds depending on daily lab results, and proceeding with care.
He's stronger every day and becoming antsy to be back in his own home, and I don't blame him, but important he take good care.
That's all to report for today - Naomi is back in the Bay Area, Melanie's home Wednesday, I fly out Friday, and that's what's up.
More tomorrow, Renee
P.S. If you're having trouble posting on this site, email me and I'll respond as I can, RM: rmsmg@sonic.net
Things going very well - Melanie continuing to recover, not ready for triathlon, but doing very well.
Barry also doing well - The transplant team is very pleased with his recovery to this point, is still diligently adjusting his post-transplant meds depending on daily lab results, and proceeding with care.
He's stronger every day and becoming antsy to be back in his own home, and I don't blame him, but important he take good care.
That's all to report for today - Naomi is back in the Bay Area, Melanie's home Wednesday, I fly out Friday, and that's what's up.
More tomorrow, Renee
P.S. If you're having trouble posting on this site, email me and I'll respond as I can, RM: rmsmg@sonic.net
Friday, August 7, 2009
Hi, Everyone - So sorry for the delay; just a bit busy around here.
This update will be brief, but I’ll post a somewhat more detailed message later this afternoon or tomorrow morning.
All news is good – Melanie’s not 100% yet, but is feeling better & stronger every day. She’s been running short errands with Naomi, getting a little fresh air, and is scheduled to come home next Wed, 8/12 in the afternoon.
Barry is also doing better every day. There was a bit of a glitch for a few days while the transplant team careful modulated his post-surgical meds, etc, but he’s feeling much better today, and all labs show clear improvement. As impatient as we all are for him to be up and running, the doctors are being appropriately circumspect in their care, and we appreciate their cautious, thorough methods and sensitivity.
We know he’s feeling better, because he’s begun to complain about too many Miguel gals in his room at once – Something about us “talking too much”. I have no idea what he’s referring to, but if you’d like to discuss it further, feel free to call me, Ruth, Melanie, Naomi, or all of us (conference call, anyone?) and we'll all chat about it for awhile.
More soon, thanks for hanging in there with us, Renee
This update will be brief, but I’ll post a somewhat more detailed message later this afternoon or tomorrow morning.
All news is good – Melanie’s not 100% yet, but is feeling better & stronger every day. She’s been running short errands with Naomi, getting a little fresh air, and is scheduled to come home next Wed, 8/12 in the afternoon.
Barry is also doing better every day. There was a bit of a glitch for a few days while the transplant team careful modulated his post-surgical meds, etc, but he’s feeling much better today, and all labs show clear improvement. As impatient as we all are for him to be up and running, the doctors are being appropriately circumspect in their care, and we appreciate their cautious, thorough methods and sensitivity.
We know he’s feeling better, because he’s begun to complain about too many Miguel gals in his room at once – Something about us “talking too much”. I have no idea what he’s referring to, but if you’d like to discuss it further, feel free to call me, Ruth, Melanie, Naomi, or all of us (conference call, anyone?) and we'll all chat about it for awhile.
More soon, thanks for hanging in there with us, Renee
Sunday, August 2, 2009
Hi, Everyone - Sorry no postings for awhile, but here’s an update:
Melanie is doing fairly well, but now that the honeymoon-period of successfully surviving a kidney removal is past, the challenge of fully recovering from major surgery has set in, with all of its ups and downs.
The pain medication originally prescribed was making her nauseous, no appetite, not enough relief, etc, so they’ve switched her meds to something more effective. Today she’s feeling a bit better, able to eat a little, walk a little more, and is getting out for short periods of time for fresh air. She has a check-up appointment on Monday, and we’ll know more after that regarding how long she’ll stay in NY before coming back to SF.
Barry wasn’t feeling so well by last night (Sat), so they’ve checked him back into Mt. Sinai where they’re making sure his vital signs, labs, input & output of fluids, medications, etc, stay in healthy, normal levels. He has his own room, own excellent nurse, and with Ruth, David, Naomi & Gary there, enough attention to go around.
That’s the up to date news, more as I know it, Renee
Melanie is doing fairly well, but now that the honeymoon-period of successfully surviving a kidney removal is past, the challenge of fully recovering from major surgery has set in, with all of its ups and downs.
The pain medication originally prescribed was making her nauseous, no appetite, not enough relief, etc, so they’ve switched her meds to something more effective. Today she’s feeling a bit better, able to eat a little, walk a little more, and is getting out for short periods of time for fresh air. She has a check-up appointment on Monday, and we’ll know more after that regarding how long she’ll stay in NY before coming back to SF.
Barry wasn’t feeling so well by last night (Sat), so they’ve checked him back into Mt. Sinai where they’re making sure his vital signs, labs, input & output of fluids, medications, etc, stay in healthy, normal levels. He has his own room, own excellent nurse, and with Ruth, David, Naomi & Gary there, enough attention to go around.
That’s the up to date news, more as I know it, Renee
Friday, July 31, 2009
Siblings in the City
Hi, Everyone,
The docs okayed Barry’s release this morning, so he’ll be joining Melanie back at the apartment by early evening today; another hurdle behind us. I know he’s looking forward to being in his own bed, watching his own TV, and won’t miss being woken up several times a night by the efficient Mt Sinai staff.
Melanie is better now, but had a rough morning, feeling sore, nauseous, and just generally very uncomfortable. She sounded better by noon or so, saying that she’d probably done a bit too much yesterday, and was definitely going to take it easier today. Good idea, Ms. M - Never miss the opportunity to do as little as possible when an iron-clad excuse is at hand – Bad TV and pampering are definitely on the weekend menu.
I know some of you have had trouble posting messages to this site, so if you’d like to get a message through, feel free use my email address, and I’ll forward it on from there: rmsmg@sonic.net
It was just about 6 mos ago that we became aware that Barry would be on dialysis until a new kidney could be found - And now here we are, successful transplant behind us. I don’t care how many times a year they perform these surgeries, it still seems like a miracle to me that a person’s entire future can be changed in the space of a few hours; unbelievable but true.
You all deserve a few deep, cleansing breaths – Consider yourselves hugged across the internet and have a good weekend.
With love and appreciation, Renee & Co.
The docs okayed Barry’s release this morning, so he’ll be joining Melanie back at the apartment by early evening today; another hurdle behind us. I know he’s looking forward to being in his own bed, watching his own TV, and won’t miss being woken up several times a night by the efficient Mt Sinai staff.
Melanie is better now, but had a rough morning, feeling sore, nauseous, and just generally very uncomfortable. She sounded better by noon or so, saying that she’d probably done a bit too much yesterday, and was definitely going to take it easier today. Good idea, Ms. M - Never miss the opportunity to do as little as possible when an iron-clad excuse is at hand – Bad TV and pampering are definitely on the weekend menu.
I know some of you have had trouble posting messages to this site, so if you’d like to get a message through, feel free use my email address, and I’ll forward it on from there: rmsmg@sonic.net
It was just about 6 mos ago that we became aware that Barry would be on dialysis until a new kidney could be found - And now here we are, successful transplant behind us. I don’t care how many times a year they perform these surgeries, it still seems like a miracle to me that a person’s entire future can be changed in the space of a few hours; unbelievable but true.
You all deserve a few deep, cleansing breaths – Consider yourselves hugged across the internet and have a good weekend.
With love and appreciation, Renee & Co.
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