Click on the link to take you to donate for something that will benefit from someone we know at somepoint in our lives! Give the Gift of Life Walk 2012
Sponsor for the Gift of Life Walk 2012
THE FOREVER YOUNG'S - We married in August 1996 to start the Youngs...added our little miracle girl in July 2000.....We three are what make up "THE FOREVER YOUNG'S". We are a family that devotes our time to "FAMILY TIME"......every moment is a cherished one!
Friday, August 24, 2012
Tuesday, August 14, 2012
First Visit To Transplant Hospital
We visited for the first time last week the Transplant Hospital. We were excited, nervous, anxious & overwhelmed. We got to the hospital with just seconds to spare, Toronto traffic is brutal!! Then to find where we were going we needed directions. We made it to the first appointment, the blood clinic, 14 viles of blood later and an ECG then off to visit our Transplant Assesment Co-ordinator (TAC).
When we frist went down we thought that Ken was cleared to be operated on, but that however was not the case, he needs the Transplant Nephrologist to clear him first. We don't see him until October, and we may be in need of more tests for the clearance. In fact, just yesterday we were contacted to get another Echocardiogram completed, and to our amazement is being done this Thursday.
We got up to the transplant floor, which got us quite emotional......it was really beginning!!!!!
At first it wasn't what we expected, we were 3 other families who were going through the same pocess as we were. We couldn't speak about the details of our own cases, just more of a generalization. We went through what is taking place prior to a transplant, what happens during a transplant and what happens after. A lot of details, that were a lot to take in (thank goodness for the 186 page manual) which we've already ready cover to cover.
When we were in the meeting with our TAC, having the other family members there really helped. They had questions that we never thought of and likewise. There were certain things that the receipient will have to undergo, that Ken has already had to undergo and he was able to explain how he had felt going through it. The great feeling about all of it, that we were all on the same page, able to understand eachother as well as help.
The one question we all had was about our donor's. What support they will receive? We all said it's all about the receipient, and she said it is with her since she is working with us, but the assistance the donor gets is as equally involved, which we were all happy to hear.
We were told that the recipient will be in hospital for 10 days, and then will need to return to the hospital 3 times per week for 6 weeks, then they start to reduce the amount of visits to bi-weekly to monthly, etc. Then the receipent will be on rejection drugs for the rest of their lives, which can cause many side effects. A kidney transplant is not a cure it's a different way of life other then dialysis, more freedom.
We were also told that the donor is taken in the morning for the operation, and then will remain in the hospital for 3 days, and go back to see the transplant team of dr's a couple times. They said that the donor receives Laposcopy surgury to have their kidney remove, which is why it takes less healing time.
Overall a week after going to our first visit we feel more at ease. Immediately after the appointment our emotions were so high, we were frightened of the effects of the rejection drugs & the cost of them, but somehow, someway it will all get sorted out one way or another. The key to all of this is to be able to live a normal life, free of dialysis.
All we need is faith, love, encouragement and support and we can get through this.
When we frist went down we thought that Ken was cleared to be operated on, but that however was not the case, he needs the Transplant Nephrologist to clear him first. We don't see him until October, and we may be in need of more tests for the clearance. In fact, just yesterday we were contacted to get another Echocardiogram completed, and to our amazement is being done this Thursday.
We got up to the transplant floor, which got us quite emotional......it was really beginning!!!!!
At first it wasn't what we expected, we were 3 other families who were going through the same pocess as we were. We couldn't speak about the details of our own cases, just more of a generalization. We went through what is taking place prior to a transplant, what happens during a transplant and what happens after. A lot of details, that were a lot to take in (thank goodness for the 186 page manual) which we've already ready cover to cover.
When we were in the meeting with our TAC, having the other family members there really helped. They had questions that we never thought of and likewise. There were certain things that the receipient will have to undergo, that Ken has already had to undergo and he was able to explain how he had felt going through it. The great feeling about all of it, that we were all on the same page, able to understand eachother as well as help.
The one question we all had was about our donor's. What support they will receive? We all said it's all about the receipient, and she said it is with her since she is working with us, but the assistance the donor gets is as equally involved, which we were all happy to hear.
We were told that the recipient will be in hospital for 10 days, and then will need to return to the hospital 3 times per week for 6 weeks, then they start to reduce the amount of visits to bi-weekly to monthly, etc. Then the receipent will be on rejection drugs for the rest of their lives, which can cause many side effects. A kidney transplant is not a cure it's a different way of life other then dialysis, more freedom.
We were also told that the donor is taken in the morning for the operation, and then will remain in the hospital for 3 days, and go back to see the transplant team of dr's a couple times. They said that the donor receives Laposcopy surgury to have their kidney remove, which is why it takes less healing time.
Overall a week after going to our first visit we feel more at ease. Immediately after the appointment our emotions were so high, we were frightened of the effects of the rejection drugs & the cost of them, but somehow, someway it will all get sorted out one way or another. The key to all of this is to be able to live a normal life, free of dialysis.
All we need is faith, love, encouragement and support and we can get through this.
Sunday, August 05, 2012
SURPRISED!!!
We came home tonight from a week away in PEI visiting family. We were going to write about what an amazing time we had with those we got to spend time with, but instead we are writing about the surprise we came home to......wait for it.....a message from the Toronto General Hospital, in the message she said that she would follow the call up with a letter, so our next step was to rush to the mailbox. To our surprise there it was.....what does it say you ask? We are set up for our first appointment downtown with the transplant team.....OMG pinch us, is this moving forward? Well this Wednesday we have our first appointment, what could be any better then that? We also have dates that take us into October!!! Coming back from vacation, feeling that feeling, getting back to the grind, when in fact we're feeling more hope then we have in a long time......is something going right for us? Amazing, purely, amazing!
Friday, July 13, 2012
Kidney's and Losing Weight
The Doctor's get concerned when a kidney patient loses weight. So this morning Ken had to tighten up the notch on his belt to the next hole and weighed himself and he has lost 11 lbs and we know that they will be concerned about that on our next visit in September. We have between now and then to get him to gain weight (I know ladies what a shame), but for him it is. The issue is he has been more nauseous then usual (probably the medication). We need to keep his levels stable for the transplant team to be happy with him, and that includes his weight. Between him being nauseous, eating for kidney health that is going to be a difficult job. He can also work out on the bowflex to build muscle (which increasing weight gain), but that also requires energy which he is lacking, especially after working each day.
As of now there has been no movement on the kidney transplant and each passing day his kidney's don't get better, they get worse. Maybe today we will put a call in to downtown to see what is happening on the file as it seems they need a little push.
Here's hoping to weight gain for him (not me), and movement downtown.
As of now there has been no movement on the kidney transplant and each passing day his kidney's don't get better, they get worse. Maybe today we will put a call in to downtown to see what is happening on the file as it seems they need a little push.
Here's hoping to weight gain for him (not me), and movement downtown.
Thursday, July 05, 2012
Give The Gift of Life Walk 2012
http://kidney.akaraisin.com/brampton12/cc4cad94184b4ca8981ecdfeeaa66b2a
We`ll be walking in the `Give the Gift of Life Walk 2012`again this year. If you would like to sponsor me and my team to raise funds for a cause close to your `Kidney`please click the link above and it will bring you to the page where you can sponsor.
We thank each and everyone out there for your encouraging words, thoughts, and sponsorship throughout our fight with kidney disease.
We`ll be walking in the `Give the Gift of Life Walk 2012`again this year. If you would like to sponsor me and my team to raise funds for a cause close to your `Kidney`please click the link above and it will bring you to the page where you can sponsor.
We thank each and everyone out there for your encouraging words, thoughts, and sponsorship throughout our fight with kidney disease.
Tuesday, July 03, 2012
Moment for your Kidney Thought
We are going through a roller coaster of emotions right now.
We have a willing kidney donor which is really heaven sent we're sure! What angel would grant us with that one wish in life? The moment where thought comes in, is how unselfish this person is. Caring for another person as much as they do. It amazes us! Not that either of us are surprised by that gesture, and believe us if the shoe were on the other foot and this siutation presented itself, we too would be of mind to be a donor.
In fact our daughter, who is to young to donate, but would have in a heartbeat (after all it is her Daddy), but a lesson has been taught to her through the kidney education classes as well as knowing that someone has come forward to create a better life for her Daddy and one day when of age she will be able to pay it forward if possible.
The moment of stress, is to know it's all out of our control. All the Dr's appointments, tests, & meetings in the world for us we can organize, be on top of. However for a donor we cannot be involved, why you ask? We can not apply pressure to the donor, which is totally understandable. The one things that is frustrating is that the hospital team doesn't go about it all the right way. No education to the donor to let the donor know that they have to be the one to contact the hospital to arrange the next steps (appointments, tests, etc). The transplant team wants to know that the donor is really in it and truly wants to donate. Who tells the donor this? In all the phamplets we have read it doesn't say that the donor does all the contacting to the transplant team, but somewhere between mind reading and talking to our own Kidney Specialist this is where the lessons have been learnt for us.
We are writing about the stress of it all, and hoping to help educate others in this situation, because knowledge is everything!
Praying for all those out there with similar situations as ours and hoping that this blog assists others in their endeavor with kidney diasease or organ transplant in general.
Keeping the Faith!
We have a willing kidney donor which is really heaven sent we're sure! What angel would grant us with that one wish in life? The moment where thought comes in, is how unselfish this person is. Caring for another person as much as they do. It amazes us! Not that either of us are surprised by that gesture, and believe us if the shoe were on the other foot and this siutation presented itself, we too would be of mind to be a donor.
In fact our daughter, who is to young to donate, but would have in a heartbeat (after all it is her Daddy), but a lesson has been taught to her through the kidney education classes as well as knowing that someone has come forward to create a better life for her Daddy and one day when of age she will be able to pay it forward if possible.
The moment of stress, is to know it's all out of our control. All the Dr's appointments, tests, & meetings in the world for us we can organize, be on top of. However for a donor we cannot be involved, why you ask? We can not apply pressure to the donor, which is totally understandable. The one things that is frustrating is that the hospital team doesn't go about it all the right way. No education to the donor to let the donor know that they have to be the one to contact the hospital to arrange the next steps (appointments, tests, etc). The transplant team wants to know that the donor is really in it and truly wants to donate. Who tells the donor this? In all the phamplets we have read it doesn't say that the donor does all the contacting to the transplant team, but somewhere between mind reading and talking to our own Kidney Specialist this is where the lessons have been learnt for us.
We are writing about the stress of it all, and hoping to help educate others in this situation, because knowledge is everything!
Praying for all those out there with similar situations as ours and hoping that this blog assists others in their endeavor with kidney diasease or organ transplant in general.
Keeping the Faith!
Monday, June 18, 2012
Kidney Update
Went to the Kidney Clinic today. Levels are stable. For those of you who understand Creatine levels 652 is the number, from 644 in March.....keeping blood pressure under control, watching the diet of pottassium and phosphorus, things are stable while we wait for a transplant. Waiting being the hardest part of the process, it's all in time with the medical fields time, and being the inpatient person that I am it is hard. You would think that the patient with kidney disease (my husband) would be more inpatient, but he goes on normally in his everyday life. Not worrying, not stressing, which is probably part of the reason his levels are stable at the moment. I stress and worry enough for the both of us.
Keeping you up to date! :)
Keeping you up to date! :)
Saturday, June 16, 2012
Flash Mob June 16 2012
Here is the flash mob we did today, what an experience shutting down an intersection. Honking horns (cheering us on of coarse)! Special thanks to our leader Skye Bowen who taught us all we know. Want to be part of these flash mobs, or better yet join a Fuzion class go to http://www.fuzionworkout.com/
Wednesday, May 23, 2012
CANADA AM "Be A Donor" Special Features First One-On-One Post-Op TV Interview with Organ Donor Champion Hélène Campbell, May 25 on CTV | CNS
Need to set your PVR for this and follow @CTVCanadaAM on twitter and use the hash tag #beadonor
to understand what a transplant receipent, donor, donor's family and receipients family goes through! I'll be PVRing it as well as following the twitter feed, will you?
CANADA AM "Be A Donor" Special Features First One-On-One Post-Op TV Interview with Organ Donor Champion Hélène Campbell, May 25 on CTV | CNS
to understand what a transplant receipent, donor, donor's family and receipients family goes through! I'll be PVRing it as well as following the twitter feed, will you?
CANADA AM "Be A Donor" Special Features First One-On-One Post-Op TV Interview with Organ Donor Champion Hélène Campbell, May 25 on CTV | CNS
Tuesday, May 15, 2012
Life Experiences & Opinions
I sometimes wonder why people think they are always right, have the right answer, think they know it all, do you? I by no way have all the answers, and in fact the one thing I do know is that NOBODY I know does. You may have certain life experiences that make you feel like you know better, but who says your way is better? One can only try it their own way and if it works out for them, then more the power to ya!
We all have different life experiences. Some people have lost close loved ones, some have not. Some have had close encounters themselves with death, some have not. Some of very little family, others have a lot. Some have life altering illness, and some have not. Some have had many jobs, and some have not. All these different life experiences give you opinions on how things should be, not that they are right opinions for everyone, just for indivually YOU.
Imagine being told that you've been through far less then the next person, and that because what they've been through, that they know more.....how would you react to that? Well let me tell you how I'll react to it............my life is different then yours, you do your thing and I'll do mine, and hopefully everything works out for all of us!
There are tons of books out there on how to better yourself, your life, your attitude etc, however the best book is your own. Live life your own way, the best way you know how. Remember to Encourage, Support and be Respectful to one another's beliefs, after all it's what you Believe that matters!
We all have different life experiences. Some people have lost close loved ones, some have not. Some have had close encounters themselves with death, some have not. Some of very little family, others have a lot. Some have life altering illness, and some have not. Some have had many jobs, and some have not. All these different life experiences give you opinions on how things should be, not that they are right opinions for everyone, just for indivually YOU.
Imagine being told that you've been through far less then the next person, and that because what they've been through, that they know more.....how would you react to that? Well let me tell you how I'll react to it............my life is different then yours, you do your thing and I'll do mine, and hopefully everything works out for all of us!
There are tons of books out there on how to better yourself, your life, your attitude etc, however the best book is your own. Live life your own way, the best way you know how. Remember to Encourage, Support and be Respectful to one another's beliefs, after all it's what you Believe that matters!
Wednesday, May 09, 2012
Goodbye Nana
Today we said Good-bye to my Nana. Below is what my Aunt Cate read, which really felt like it was written for my Nana.
I have sent up my gladness on wings, to be lost in the blue of the sky.
I have run and leaped with the rain, I have taken the wind to my breast.
My cheek like a drowsy child to the face of the earth I have pressed.
Because I have loved life, I shall have no sorrow to die.
I have kissed young Love on the lips, I have heard his song to the end,
I have struck my hand like a seal in the loyal hand of a friend.
I have known the peace of heaven, the comfort of work done well.
I have longed for death in the darkness and risen alive out of hell.
Because I have loved life, I shall have no sorrow to die.
I give a share of my soul to the world, when and where my course is run.
I know that another shall finish the task I must leave undone.
I know that no flower, nor flint was in vain on the path I trod.
As one looks on a face through a window, through life I have looked on God,
Because I have loved life, I shall have no sorrow to die.
A Song Of Living
A Song Of Living - Amelia Josephine Barr
Because I have loved life, I shall have no sorrow to die.I have sent up my gladness on wings, to be lost in the blue of the sky.
I have run and leaped with the rain, I have taken the wind to my breast.
My cheek like a drowsy child to the face of the earth I have pressed.
Because I have loved life, I shall have no sorrow to die.
I have kissed young Love on the lips, I have heard his song to the end,
I have struck my hand like a seal in the loyal hand of a friend.
I have known the peace of heaven, the comfort of work done well.
I have longed for death in the darkness and risen alive out of hell.
Because I have loved life, I shall have no sorrow to die.
I give a share of my soul to the world, when and where my course is run.
I know that another shall finish the task I must leave undone.
I know that no flower, nor flint was in vain on the path I trod.
As one looks on a face through a window, through life I have looked on God,
Because I have loved life, I shall have no sorrow to die.
Wednesday, May 02, 2012
Remembering My Nana...Rest In Peace
A slideshow of my Nana throughout her life. She passed away on April 19, 2012 leaving a lot of memories behind. She also left many family members who loved her dearly. Such a special lady who I was fortunate enough to spend so much time with. On May 9, 2012 she will be laid to rest in peace. xo
Tuesday, April 24, 2012
Thinking of Life
Sometimes I just sit and think about how much has gone on in my life. Some of it not so great and some of it so great! Sometimes that not so great feels like more then the great stuff, but I really know it's not. I realize I need to rise above all of these awful things and hold onto all the goodness my life brings. We has human beings think things should be all roses, but if we try to look at all the positive things that come out of the negative we'd all feel better.
Although I have lost a lot in my life, my Mom, Dad, Grandparents, I still need to realize the gifts that these people gave me. They gave me Amazing memories! I've shared some great things with them and although they are gone now, they are memories we speak about all the time in our house. From what they didn't like to eat and what they did, expressions they used, and the things that would make us laugh so much you'd almost wet yourself! These are the times that need reflection.
Ever thought about once your gone? I have, and I don't want people to be sad, miserable, depressed. I want people to remember me as the honest, loving, caring and funny person I know that I give to many people's lives, and I want all the people I know and love to be happy and live life to the fullest with no regrets! And I'm thinking most want that to, and I believe that's what all the people I've lost wanted for me.
So go out there make memories, enjoy each other, the housework will wait until tomorrow, or the day after that, or the day after that! Remember to live, laugh, love! xo
Although I have lost a lot in my life, my Mom, Dad, Grandparents, I still need to realize the gifts that these people gave me. They gave me Amazing memories! I've shared some great things with them and although they are gone now, they are memories we speak about all the time in our house. From what they didn't like to eat and what they did, expressions they used, and the things that would make us laugh so much you'd almost wet yourself! These are the times that need reflection.
Ever thought about once your gone? I have, and I don't want people to be sad, miserable, depressed. I want people to remember me as the honest, loving, caring and funny person I know that I give to many people's lives, and I want all the people I know and love to be happy and live life to the fullest with no regrets! And I'm thinking most want that to, and I believe that's what all the people I've lost wanted for me.
So go out there make memories, enjoy each other, the housework will wait until tomorrow, or the day after that, or the day after that! Remember to live, laugh, love! xo
Thursday, April 19, 2012
March 5, 1920 - April 19, 2012
What is important about 1920? This lady in the picture was born,who knew that she would end up being my Nana? Well I'm certainly glad that she was! She was a special lady to me. We had a lot of laughs through the years of growing up. I was lucky to have her in my life for such a long time, and that she was always there in it with her full mind. My parents were amazing people, always had my Nana fly over here, or we did many family trips to visit her over seas, the Ocean is huge, but never kept the relationship I had with her very far apart.
Tonight I came home to find out that she passed away today. She's been waiting for her husband (who passed 39 years ago) to come take her with him, she'd be waiting forever she'd say. She lost my Aunt Sue (her daughter-in-law) 19 years ago, and lost my Mom (her other daughter-in-law) 9 years ago, and lost my Dad (her son) 9 year sago as well. This woman was amazing! Fought through all the sad times, and yet still came out the other side with a brave face and smile. She always would say, when is he coming for me, which was my Grandad, I would always tell her they aren't ready yet to get the party started, Once the party is ready, he'll come. And he did today, April 19 , 2012. She had always said that she hoped she would just fall asleep and that would be it, and that's what happened!
Although I know she was 92, my heart breaks, another piece of me is gone. I've had a lot of loss in my life, and as I'm always told, "you only get thrown at you what you can handle", well I'd say this is enough.
What I'll miss the most are my Saturday morning cups of tea with her. Every Saturday morning I would make a cup of tea and give her a call in England, I looked forward to my Saturday's with her, we would laugh, cry, tell stories, it was special to me and I know it was to her as well.
Since my Dad passed away I've made her the centre of my family, she was the tie to my parents, a huge part of my life. I'll miss her laugh, her cheeky ways, her telling me off, her stories, her!
Last time I saw her in November 2011, she told me not to cry when she did go, just like every other time I left her, but the tears will not stop as I write this, sorry Nana!
She was admitted to hospital at the beginning of February this year with an infection, and she did get better, was put in a respite care for rehabilitation, and in the past couple of weeks she admitted she could not go back to living on her own and choose to go into a home. On Monday of this week my Uncle and Aunt moved her into a home in which she stayed 3 nights, then fell asleep to go to her party!
Hope the party was worth waiting for Nana, you will be greatly missed! I love you! xo We love you! xox0
BramptonGuardian Article: Brampton home to Ontario’s first kidney wellness centre
BramptonGuardian Article: Brampton home to Ontario’s first kidney wellness centre
Great to see progress for Kidney Wellness in Ontario. Brampton has the highest growth rates in dialysis patients in Ontario. Power of Postive Thinking and Prayer!
Great to see progress for Kidney Wellness in Ontario. Brampton has the highest growth rates in dialysis patients in Ontario. Power of Postive Thinking and Prayer!
Wednesday, April 18, 2012
A New Challenge For Me
Tonight I did my first ever run/walk with my daughter. 1.74 miles, in 23 minutes.....I'm not looking to make it a race, I'm looking to get out there and exercise more.....you know heart health, feel good health! Even better I can do this with my daughter.
My daughter is a lover of track & field and cross country running, although I was at a slower pace then her, she was a wonderful encourager. Her track & field meet will be the end of May beginning of June so this will help her, especially since she normally makes the long distance running.
Although I had to walk on and off I think I did rather well for me! I had a heart problem growing up and was unable to run without passing out, and I had to watch everything I did that put a strain on my heart. The Dr cleared me to be able to excercise freely 11 years ago, and it took me 10 years to get myself out there and start to exercise. Over the past 15 months I've been going to Fuzion, which I really enjoy. So I'll be still going to Fuzion twice per week, but now I will try and add running a few times per week as well.
Thank you to my friend Bev who got me out to Fuzion that one night, thanks to Skye for being an enthusiastic instructor at Fuzion to make me want to continue going, thanks to all the new people I've met there that make it that much easier to go, thank you to my wonderful daughter who is my number one fan, and most of all thank you to my husband who enables me to do all that I can do!
My daughter is a lover of track & field and cross country running, although I was at a slower pace then her, she was a wonderful encourager. Her track & field meet will be the end of May beginning of June so this will help her, especially since she normally makes the long distance running.
Although I had to walk on and off I think I did rather well for me! I had a heart problem growing up and was unable to run without passing out, and I had to watch everything I did that put a strain on my heart. The Dr cleared me to be able to excercise freely 11 years ago, and it took me 10 years to get myself out there and start to exercise. Over the past 15 months I've been going to Fuzion, which I really enjoy. So I'll be still going to Fuzion twice per week, but now I will try and add running a few times per week as well.
Thank you to my friend Bev who got me out to Fuzion that one night, thanks to Skye for being an enthusiastic instructor at Fuzion to make me want to continue going, thanks to all the new people I've met there that make it that much easier to go, thank you to my wonderful daughter who is my number one fan, and most of all thank you to my husband who enables me to do all that I can do!
Tuesday, April 17, 2012
Sickness
I have not been myself for a week now, I have been sick. But not my usual, chest, sinus or ear infection, it's a weird feeling. Today I started feeling dizzy (vertigo), sweats, body aches......weird! I have missed Fuzion so much (3 classes so far), which brings me down. I'm hoping that Thursday finds me feeling better and I'm able to start back at it. Nothing beats a great workout to make my mind feel better, and not to mention seeing all the people I've met there over the past year!
Tuesday, April 10, 2012
Mother-In-Law
My Mother-In-Law was taken to hospital on Saturday by ambulance, the Dr's are saying it was a very bad infection. Yesterday evening she had a heart attack. She lives so far away it is difficult for us, especially for my husband. She is 86 years young, and really had no ailments her entire life. She has had many children, and is married to a wonderful man. Praying that she will heal and get back home to her soulmate! xo
Sunday, April 01, 2012
Fuzion Event - David Suzuki Football Team
A Fuzion event to raise money for the David Suzuki Football Team is scheduled for April 14, 2012 at Royal Orchard Middle School in Brampton. It will run from 5 pm - 7 pm. The minimum donation is $10 per adult, $5.00 per student.
Have you ever been to Fuzion? It's a lot of fun! It's excercise, but yes it's fun! Have you ever thought you could say excercise and fun in the same moment? Well come out and try Fuzion, you may just get hooked on it like I did!
Join Skye Bowen with her enthusiastic way to help the kids use their talents towards their football team!
Have you ever been to Fuzion? It's a lot of fun! It's excercise, but yes it's fun! Have you ever thought you could say excercise and fun in the same moment? Well come out and try Fuzion, you may just get hooked on it like I did!
Join Skye Bowen with her enthusiastic way to help the kids use their talents towards their football team!
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