Hello friends,
It has been a little while since I have emailed you.  I think the last health news I shared, my function was stabilized. My heart is very heavy as I just came from the specialist, a follow up from Feb. 26.  Things have unfortunately gotten worse.

I had to start taking the shots as my hemoglobin count was too low.  Basically, I am missing a hormone that produces red blood cells.  The shot is the hormone to be able to produce these cells.  Well, my iron is extremely low and without iron, I cannot produce the red blood cells.  I will have to have an iron fusion– an IV hooked up and iron pumped into me.  This will take place in the next couple of weeks.

I have lost another 15% function and now am surviving at 15% function in both kidneys.  I will be educated on dialysis and transplant next week and this will be the path that I am heading towards these next few months.  As the doctor said and I quote: “it’s just bad luck that things have gotten worse.”  I am her second youngest patient that is going through this.  Getting through all of this, I will be “back to my normal self.”  I cannot wait to get there!

I ask that you be patient with me in terms of committing to anything- whether it’s getting together for lunch or hanging out, or whatever.  I am taking things not only one day at a time; it seems like a half day.

I also ask that I not be flooded with phone calls– currently, my phone is not working for one. Secondly,  I have had a sore throat most of the week and have stayed off the phone.  Third, I am still processing things and don’t feel like talking right now.

Thank you for all of the prayers– it means so much to me to have so many people praying!  I promise to keep you all informed of my progress.

Carmen