June 3, 2018
Well #Lemonadelife family it's been a while since I've journaled. There's been a whirlwind of events and experiences. I've had some very heavy thoughts on my mind but today felt like the day to share it.
I had the Kidney Transplant call on January 1st and surgery on January 2nd after waiting nearly 5 years on Dialysis. I went through 3 months plus of staying away from large public contact at the Drs. orders. It seemed like an eternity. I had some extreme challenges to my body and got to the point in April that I started to resume a normal life without masks and went through countless medicine adjustments, procedures, hospital stays and a blood transfusion.
There was overwhelming support and joy from you all and it held me up strengthed and encouraged my family and I. There were many selfless acts of kindness and support. So much so that I didn't want anything to affect Your Joy and happiness for me.
But since this journey started I was given the mantra, "If life gives you lemons...Live #Lemonadelife. So today I have to walk in that truth and destiny for my Life.
After my last impromptu hospital stay and 3rd kidney biopsy my Drs started to be completely honest with me about the perplexity I had detected in their faces and demeanor during our interactions. I saw my Nephrologist the second week of May and I pressed for action and honesty.
I was informed that my new Kidney was not performing at 100% and that I may possibly have to have another transplant. I was and am not stressed or worried because of all I've been through. My #Lemonadelife up until now has prepared me for immense adversity. The Drs are in the process of writing an appeal to UNOS to petition my wait time back since the Kidney didn't get close to 100% performance. They want to try to get me placed back on the top of the wait list for another Kidney. The Drs also need to find out Why the new kidney did not reach maximum potential.
For the most part I feel better than I did while I was on Dialysis. I deal with some days of extreme fatigue and some other adverse issues. The bottom line reality though is that I may have to have another kidney transplant and my Kidney is functioning at about 20%. Of course I could use a Live donor so if you're interested in donating contact me on Facebook or using my personal contact information. I will keep everyone posted on my status and I may have to fundraise again. Believe it or not I've had to use nearly $13K for medical expenses through this process already even with Medicare and Supplemental insurance.
If you're interested in making donations I still need them and you can donate by using the donate button on this page or by going to www.ilivelemonadelife.com
February 6, 2018
Well it's February 6th 2018. It's been a whirlwind of a year already. I am happy to announce that I got a call at 6:10pm on New Year's Day and I was successfully transplanted on 1/2/2018. What a way to start off the New Year. There is so much new information, Drs appointments, tests and complications but I'm happy to be pushing towards a healthy life again.
For the past few weeks since surgery I've been battling with infections, side effects from medicine and other medical related snafus. I've had a biopsy of my Kidney and so far despite the challenges, things are looking good.
I thank everyone that has supported me throughout this process and those that have donated help, prayer, a kind word, food and money and especially their time. Medication monthly and medical visits are in my future. I can still use help and donations until I get stable. GOD bless you all and I plan to see you soon.
December 21, 2017
Nearly 2 weeks after my parathyroid gland removal surgery and I'm happy to report that as of December 20th I am officially back on the kidney transplant list. I am on call for a transplant and there is nothing standing in my way of getting a call for a transplant.
It's been a challenging road and I wait patiently for the next stages of this #Lemonadelife. I plan to enjoy the Holidays with family and the expectation has been set that I could possibly get a call during the Holidays.
I appreciate everyone's support financially, spiritually, emotionally and physically. Remember "when life gives you lemons
..Live #Lemonadelife."
December 12, 2017
December 12th and I have completed the parathyroidectomy. The surgery was done December 7th. I was in excruciating pain after the surgery with tightness in my neck, difficulty swallowing and the feeling my throat was closing. I didn't get much sleep the first 2 nights because I couldn't find a comfortable place to lay my head and I was waking up in cold sweats. Finally Saturday my neck pain/discomfort subsided enough for me to get sleep but I still had to deal with the cold sweats. I was told I'd be out of the hospital Friday but I was kept until Sunday.
While I was in the hospital I was placed on the Ortho wing and only given 2 to 3 units of insulin when my Endocrinologist prescribed 25 with meals on a sliding scale. It was the most frustrating situation because my Endocrinologist is at St. Luke's where my surgery was performed. They never ordered a Endocrinologist consult for my post surgery care. I feel like this had some bearing on my recovery because my blood sugar ran between 200-300 Friday and Saturday during my recovery.
I am out of the hospital. I was released Sunday afternoon. After I got home I went to Dialysis Monday morning and afterwards I called my transplant coordinator to see what my numbers and results were. My parathyroid levels went from about 1260 down to 78 immediately after surgery and then down to the mid forties. My coordinator was supposed to review my case with the surgeon on Monday and let me know and of day if I would be cleared for Kidney Transplant listing. As of now I haven't heard anything and I haven't been contacted....
November 25, 2017
The parathyroid gland removal surgery I had scheduled in November was rescheduled to December 7th. Unfortunately at the time my potassium levels were too high and I sat in the hospital for 2 days without being treated for high potassium. My high PTH level is preventing me from being listed on the kidney transplant list so this is becoming a necessary surgery
To end out the year my plan is to have the surgery and recover from it then I'll plan to drop a few more pounds to prepare for a Kidney Transplant in 2018. There's several ways to support my endeavors. You can send a donation to www.helphopelive.org/campaign/9591
Or you can purchase an apparel item at www.ilivelemonadelife.com
All of the proceeds from your purchase will be added to my medical expenses by going directly to my Help HopeLive account.
Remember: "When life gives you lemons... Live #Lemonadelife."
Thank you in advance
August 23, 2017
So...looks like parathyroid surgery is in my near future. At least a 2 day stay in the hospital because I'll have to Dialyze the next day. Should be on a Thursday. Then there's nothing standing in the way of transplant. Just going with the flow now chasing this Kidney Transplant not knowing if the end result will truly be worth all the pain and sacrifice. The things you do when you know your next breath isn't promised...
August 7, 2017
It's been a journey full of adversity. As it stands since my last update the donor I had back in May was diagnosed with an anuyerism on her kidney during the 3rd round of testing for our kidney match. The last update I had was that I was on the wait list but on hold. Completely disappointing but "when life gives you lemons...you Live #Lemonadelife." So far that's been par for the course.
At this point my parathyroid levels are high putting me at risk for kidney stones to develop after my kidney transplant. So right now I'm in a hold status. Next step possibilities are have a partial or full removal of my parathyroid glands. Currently my Dr. in my opinion is dragging his feet in addressing this issue. It's been a point of frustration for the last few weeks. In the meantime I plan to research any natural methods of reducing my parathyroid levels. I also would like to lose another 10lbs just for my own personal satisfaction.
I plan on turning up the pressure but I'm always torn with rushing the natural course of things. My point of frustration is that I'm tired of living in the quality of life I've been living. I'm extremely fatigued most of the time. My pain threshold seems to be decreasing and I'm constantly in pain and discomfort from a number of situations related to my kidney health.
So far I have not been able to locate a quality Screen Printing company with the same level of quality and products and my in-stock apparel items are getting low. All of my inventory is children's t-shirts and women's t-shirts and tank tops. I am in discussions about the future of #Lemonadelife apparel and how it can help others after my kidney transplant. Hopefully I'll be able to figure out a way to help others with sponsorships that support kidney health and not corporate greed and companies with conflicting interests. I will try to keep you all updated regularly.
"When life gives you lemons...Live #Lemonadelife."
May 5, 2017
Well #Lemonadelife family the time is growing near. I have been blessed with a live kidney donor. We've been cross matched and there are two more tests that need to be done. So I'm expecting a kidney transplant before the Summer is over. My good friend and KU Jayhawks Alonzo Jamison and Colleen Rodgers-Jamison are responsible for the donation. Alonzo recently received a successful kidney transplant in January and Colleen wanted to pay it forward to me since she wasn't a match for her husband Alonzo. I truly appreciate them both and I'm excited that it will all be in the Jayhawk family. Stay tuned for updates and news. Thanks to everyone for your donations and #Lemonadelife apparel purchases. As you can see we raised some substantial funds but the medical bills keep coming so donate if you can it truly helps. I'll try to get word out on my surgery date so everyone can wear their shirts in support. "When life gives you lemons...Live #Lemonadelife
December 10, 2016
Providing an update to the #Lemonadelife family. It's been an exciting and rough year for me but "such is life." I was hospitalized with complication in both October and November on the 30th of each month. Thankfully I am doing well and hopefully trending down in weight. I was informed that I was taken off of the Kidney Transplant wait list due to my weight going back up although they say there is no weight requirement. I am working on tweeking my diet a little more and getting more exercise in when I can. This year Dialysis has left me pretty fatigued all of the time so I'm having a struggle with working out the way I was before. However I remain confident that I will find a way to get to my goal. Remember to check on all of your loved ones during the holiday season. Many people are battling with depression and other things that can take them out. Give as much spiritual, human and emotional support as you can and don't forget to donate to a worthy cause whether it's money, toys, coats, food or the most valuable..."Your TIME." I LIVE #Lemonadelife
August 8, 2016
August 6th 2016 #LemonadeLife Charity Event was the most memorable and epic event of myself. People showed themselves to be great human beings and true friends and family. The event was a huge success and there were some absolutely unique Silent Auction items that garnered great donations. The August #LemonadeLife Apparel store is up for shirt orders and we will be launching fall items shortly. Stay tuned to this site for fundraising progress and you can order more #LemonadeLife Apparel @ www.ilivelemonadelife.com
April 19, 2016
Order your #LemonadeLife Apparel Now through April 30th 2016. We have many options and colors. www.ilivelemonadelife.com
April 8, 2016
For those of you following me @ HelpHopeLive I was hospitalized once again early Wednesday morning about 2a.m. I was unable too breathe without raspiness or gasping for air. I was admitted too Providence Medical Center and received visits from my immediate family, my good friend Carla Powell & 2 of her sons, & Tramaine Smith who have financially donated too my fundraising efforts. I appreciate the cards from New Day Apostolic Church & Carla Powell's family along with the many phone calls and texts from other friends, family and supporters.
I'm happy too announce that I will be released today April 7th 2016.
A very special Thanks goes too Michelle Knobel and Rebecca Carr for all the work and support they provided while I was hospitalized.
Thanks
#LemonadeLife
February 26, 2016
Good morning. For those of you that have been following me, praying for me and supporting me as of 4:00 pm February 8th 2016 my paperwork was submitted to place me on the list for kidney transplant. Confirmation phone call came in this morning at 8:30 a.m.THANK YOU ALL FOR YOUR SUPPORT!!! I've been told that a call can come in at anytime so I'm officially "on call "for a Kidney Transplant. #LemonadeLife
December 1, 2015
It's been awhile since I provided an update regarding my good friend Yusef and since today is "GivingTuesday", I thought it appropriate.
Yusef recently had a few set backs. He was in the hospital for a few days with high potassium levels and high blood pressure but was released. He now faces a few more challenges with the removal of his gall bladder.
Good News, Yusef finally went to his listing appointment. When his weight drops to 288 he will be added to the list for a kidney transplant. This process usually takes about 2 1/2 years. So in the meantime, he will continue to work on improving his health and staying strong.
Today's the day, if you want to contribute to his fight. There are no credit card fees and remember, your donation is tax deductible for 2015.
For those that have donated already, THANK YOU!
May the holiday season bring, joy, health, and happiness to you all!
November 4, 2015
Yusef has been hospitalized this week, first into ICU but has been moved to a regular room. He's being tested to find out what exactly the issues are and will most likely be held until Friday. If you care to support him financially, please feel free to donate directly. Thank you.
Please continue to keep him and his family in your thoughts and prayers.
October 22, 2015
Yusef is working harder than ever to get to the goal of his transplant!
He had is outpatient surgery this week for his angioplasty procedure. This takes place every 4-5 months.
In addition, he's completed his second to last test before he finds out if he can be placed on the wait list for his Kidney Transplant!
Lastly he found out he's "A Positive" blood type for anyone that might be interested in the organ donation aspect.
The medical bills continue to come so if you can donate, even $5 will go a long way, please just hit the "Donate Now" button!
Cheers to Good Health! Be blessed.
October 12, 2015
Yusef is doing his part to get ready for his transplant! Here's his latest update:
St. Luke's called and I have a couple more tests to complete hopefully by month's end. In the meantime I am attempting to drop as many pounds as healthy as I can during this time. Hopefully by December I will know if I've been successfully placed on the Kidney Transplant list. Keep me in your thoughts and prayers.
Please and Thank you!
