Let’s help Mel!

September 10, 2024

Mom got her transplant surgery on Thursday 09/05! Today she got discharged and is settling in at the rental!! We are forever grateful to everyone who has helped us get here, sent kind words, or kept us in your prayers.

Keep reading for those of you who want to know the whirlwind of her 5-day hospital stay.

Her surgery ended up being a lot later than anticipated due to having to wait for the kidney to arrive from New York. While waiting in preop we heard a cart roll by and a nurse ran in to let us know the kidney just strolled by us, which was such a relief!

The doctor had looked over the kidney and said it was in perfect condition however they found a hair on the tray so the team had to sterilize everything again to ensure no possible infection source. I think we could have lived with the longer wait and not knowing that. We all certainly stopped breathing when he said there was an issue!! The surgery went smoothly and the kidney started working right away!

She was very groggy from all the medications for the next few days and one of her IVs infiltrated and sent medication into her skin instead of her vein. Her arm swelled up and she had an allergic reaction, it thankfully went away the next day. This medication suppressed her immune system so she felt like she was getting a cold. Her immune system needed to be suppressed for a few days to help prevent her body from rejecting the new kidney.

She had to stay a few days longer than anticipated because she couldn't walk much at first because of her pain levels.

Throughout the last few days, I have watched her grow stronger, have less brain fog, and accept the opportunity to be able to have her life back with a new normal of course. She kept saying it's so strange but I feel this kidney was meant for me. Although, it was upsetting not receiving the first kidney transplant we are so grateful she got the chance to wait for her perfect one.

All the staff at Maine Medical Center did an amazing job caring for her and the transplant team is truly incredible. We can not thank them enough!

June 24, 2024

We have some exciting news to share!! Marella will be receiving her kidney transplant the first week of July! She must stay in Portland for about four weeks to be close to the hospital. The rental in Portland is just under $6,000, all the funds raised have made it possible for her and John to be able to afford the rental and we are so incredibly thankful!!