Sadly we are at the half way point of a very short summer (again- not paid). It has been a crazy few weeks and as a teacher, I just now feel like I'm semi relaxed and feeling normal.
Summer started with peritonitus, followed by a semi severe allergic reaction to one of the medicines. Thankfully, just a horrendous, horrible rash that has finally started to completely disappear after two weeks on steroids. I did go in and have my tube looked at to because of massive pain when doing the medicines. Yesterday, my cat who has never even noticed the cords got mad at me for not paying attention to her and bent over and bit straight through my tube. It was a part that can be replaced and after a quick run to the dialysis center and a new prescription for strong (different) antibotics and a near death experience again in my car, all is on the mend. On the bonus side, I won't get maleria for the next week or probably anything else.
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| I don't want to point fingers... but this is the guilty party. |
Summer has consisted mostly of hanging out at home. My daughter plays with neighbor boys and this week we had a play date with new friends. Yay. My biggest news is- it's been 2 years since my cancer diagnosis so the doctor technically classifies me as cleared. She is smart though and will continue to monitor until I get a kidney so I will see her once a year.
We've been home way more than usual, because. well honestly...dialysis is very expensive even with insurance. Though I did hit my own personal max out of pocket faster than I ever have. The kid has been swimming and she did do a week of her first camp ever while I worked one week. She got to do that with her best friend and they didn't get kicked out so I call that a win win. I am trying to do stuff with her while I can, but humidity does not like me. I'm still determined to try though.
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| Eggs in incubator- rocking and rolling |
They like to party at about 5am and of course she doesn't hear them, but as long as they have food and water and some attention they usually are pretty quiet. Messy, but quiet. Oh and they eat alot, which may be while they are growing so fast. While we would love to keep them, we are ill equiped for that. It's keeping her and the neighbors busy though and they are having a fun summer.
Other updates: still on dialysis every night, still praying for a kidney. I have my yearly meeting with St. Luke's in a couple weeks- to make sure i still qualify...I guess.And probably more tests to follow again.
How can you help:
- If you are interested, you can get tested to donate a spare kidney- you only need one. Feel free to go to the St. Luke's page and fill out this form. https://www.saintlukeskc.org/form/saint-lukes-hospital-living-kidney-donor-screener
- Dialysis is unfortunately, very expensive. I wish I were rich, I wish insurance covered it all. Unfortunately, even with insurance, I'm left with a $7000 billl that came all at once. Thankfully with kind donations and my savings, I've been able to pay my med bills the last couple years and up until now. I've paid it down to the last $2000.. However, I'll be honest, I'm struggling still. It's all overwhelming and I hate that I can't do it all on my own. If you feel moved, donations to help cover med bills are always welcome. You can venmo me @thtr4life (code 2978) or my cousin does have a gofund me set up https://www.gofundme.com/f/uaysp-help-save-cassies-life. or you can send it to me via mail.
- pray and send good vibes. Pray for health, the ability to continue living and loving life, and that a kidney donation will come and it will all work out. honestly, the most important as I have loads to do and a child to take care of.
- tell your loved ones, you love them. Don't miss that opportunity and know that you are important and loved too.
