2 Year Update!

It's officially been 2 years since the donation (as of August 5, 2010). Everything is going great! Masud is doing wonderful and has had no problems.

"Reflection"

Well, it's almost been 2 years since the kidney donation. Things are great! So far, Masud has not had any problems and his kidney function is normal. I keep in touch with he and his family on a monthly basis. All of them are doing wonderful and are always thanking me for the gift that I gave their family. It really makes me feel good knowing that I've, at very least, given him two more years with his beautiful family. Each day that he's alive is another day that his wife and 2 boys get to spend with him.

Life is such a precious gift that we take for granted. Until you've been in the situation that Masud and his family have been in or have a loved one that has been through it, you can't truly appreciate how truly precious it is. Even I don't comprehend what they went through.

Ever since my nephew passed away, at the age of 8, I have lived life with this philosophy...."Never get upset about what money can replace. Even if you don't have the money to replace it, it wasn't that important to begin with." I can't tell you how many times this has saved me a lot of heartache. I live each and every single day keeping this in mind. I have to stop myself, if I'm getting upset about something like money, etc., and remember this philosophy.

I just wish everyone could truly appreciate life and live by this.

1 Year Post-Donation

Wow! It's been a year since I donated my kidney. It's hard to believe. I honestly can say that I'm healthier today than I was one year ago. A lot of that is b/c of my change of attitude and perspective towards life. Part of it is b/c I'm taking better care of myself and part of it has to be that God is watching over me; at least I'd like to think so.

Other than 5 scars on my abdomen and side, there is no trace of a missing organ. There is no negative change in my life, only positive. There is no regret. Only hope for all of those that are still waiting.

I'm am very happy to report that Masud (the recipient of my kidney) is doing EXTREMELY well! I talk or email at least once every month/every few weeks. They have sent me some pictures of the past year. I thought I'd share them with everyone:

This is a picture taken this summer '09 in
Masud's pool with his boys

This was taken this summer of Maheeb,

Masud's son. What a cutie!

Here's another picture of Masud and his son,

Maheeb, by his pool this summer.

Maheeb being silly!

I'm guessing this was taken in the Fall of '08,

right after his surgery, when they visited

Bangladesh (home).

Masud and Maheeb

This is Masud's older son, Farib, in their pool.

Masud all dressed up. He looks great! It makes

me so happy!

This is a picture of Masud's baby boy, Maheeb,

after graduating from Preschool! Good job Maheeb!

"11 months post-op"

Wow! I can't believe it's been almost an entire year since I donated my kidney to Masud. I almost want to cry looking back on the wonderful, amazing year that I've had. I have been blessed in so many ways!
I'm happy to report that Masud is doing wonderful with my/his new kidney! Both of our Creatinine levels are about 1.2. That's within normal range. So, as he starts his new life, I pray every day that he gets another one to spend with those precious little boys of his and his wife, Sharmin, who I've grown to love like a sister.
I just wish there was some way I could afford to visit them in Phoenix again soon!

If you have any questions, email me at melswanson502@yahoo.com

Update: 4.5 months post-op

Well, it's been about 4.5 months since I donated my kidney. I wanted to update those of you that read this regularly. I haven't written in a while, and I apologize. Things have been a little hectic.
About 3 full months after the surgery, I finally started feeling like myself again. The only thing I've noticed is that I've gained some weight. I think it's b/c I was really tired for a while and didn't do much.
Now, I have my energy completely back. I feel great! I haven't gone for my 3 month check-up yet to check my Creatinine and blood pressure. I really need to do that. I will after the holidays. The last time I had my Creatinine checked, it was still pretty high. it's supposed to come down after 3 months though.
I also wanted to mention that if anyone is interested in talking to me about the donation process and/or how to find someone to donate to please email me at melswanson502@yahoo.com. That's my new email address. I'll be glad to walk you through the entire process. I still, to this day, get emails from new people asking how the whole thing will play out.

"Update on 11-month-old needing liver"

I wanted to update everyone on the last post. I let everyone know that there was a family looking for a liver for their 11-month old boy.

I have wonderful news!

The night of this post, early in the morning, he received a cadaver liver.

The last I talked to the family, he was doing well.

Thank you to everyone that contacted me regarding this. I'm sure I'll be contacted about more in the future.

Melissa

"Should I Donate?"

Hey everyone! I wanted to update everyone on what's going on in my life. I've gotten a lot of emails from readers asking how I'm doing and what's going on. I really appreciate people caring enough to check on me. Keep sending me emails. My email address is melswanson@gannett.com. There really hasn't been a whole lot of change since the last post. I'm doing very well. I can't complain. Othere than being tired, I'm not having any major complications.

I've had several people contact me b/c they're thinking of being a live donor. If anyone is interested in learning more about the donation process and how it works, feel free to email me. I will be glad to help you out in any way I can. My goal is to bring as much attention to living organ donation as possible.

I got the most heartbreaking email yesterday. A lady wrote me asking if I would consider donating part of my liver to her 11-month old son that's dying of liver failure. Unfortunately, liver failure is very progressive with no real treatment. So, he doesn't have much time. It is possible to donate part of your liver and your liver will regenerate itself. They put part of your liver in the recipient, and it also grows to a full liver. Anyway, it broke my heart to have to tell her that I was not able to donate part of mine at this time. I can't even consider something like that for another year. I wouldn't pass the tests since I just donated part of my kidney. Otherwise, I would definitely do it.

The little boys blood type is A+. So, if you're type A or type 0, you may be able to donate. If absolutely anyone that reads this is interested in learning more about donation or donating to this child, PLEASE contact me. I am working on getting some pictures and more information about the family. All I know right now is that they will probably be sent to Children's Hospital in Dallas if he gets a transplant.

I told the family that I would help them find a donor. So, I'm going to post updated information as I get it. PLEASE email me at any time with questions.

Melissa