ANA Discussion Forum
AN Community => AN Community => Topic started by: gratus on May 16, 2007, 02:15:33 pm
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Dear Folks,
I would like to express my deepest thanks for the collective courage of the folks on this forum! Words like indomitable, inspirational, exceptional, steadfast, loyal, and awesome come to mind. Your knowledge, fortitude, humor, and humanity all affected me very deeply while I went through the crisis of my AN experience last year, and they continue to provide a vast sense of camaraderie and support as I continue to deal with the AN situation. Thank you all!
Now I am facing another major medical challenge, this one voluntary, and often I think of and draw inspiration from you. On May 30th I am going to donate a kidney to my brother who has been on dialysis for almost two years. We have great doctors at Stanford (of CK fame). I trust them. I believe in what I am doing.
For me, especially during this waiting period before the procedure, it’s those crazy emotions that can be troublesome. They must be dealt with and they sometimes overwhelm; that’s when I particularly think of you. Your bravery, compassion, and humor are making an enormous difference for me. Although still shaken from dealing with the AN stuff, I am determined, despite any fears, to see this surgery through. May I ask you to keep us in your thoughts on May 29th when we check into the hospital and on the 30th when we go for it?
The folks on this forum are a resilient bunch, and I am proud to be amongst you. Thank you, thank you, thank you! You are wonderful!
Best wishes to you all,
Joanne
P.S. Special thanks to Phyllis who is on the Willing-to-Talk list.
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HI Joann,
In my eyes you are a true HERO. You and your brother will be in my thoughts on May 29th. Kudos to you!!!!!
Flier58
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Same here JoAnne. I am thinking of you and your brother already! Bless your surgeons on that day and many, many blessings to you and your brother for a COMPLETE recovery! Bowing to your spirit humbly.
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Joanne!!!! You posted!!!!!!!!!!!!! :o YAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :-*
You know you and your brother are in my thoughts and prayers and you know I'll be cheering you on on May 30th! You are going to do great!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I'm so proud of you... in all regards!
xoxo
Phyl
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Thank you for your kind words and your best wishes. They mean a lot to me! I know they help, and I am very grateful to you.
I feel like I'm going into some sort of "zone". Not very verbal.
Thank you so much.
Sincerely,
Joanne
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Joanne,
Oh, heck... I "zone" all the time... even in front of my bosses :o ;) I have such faith in you and you both are going to do great! you know I'm cheering you on.. .and heck, if you get quiet on us, you know how to find me....
Hang in there! :-*
Phyl
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Joanne, what a gift you are giving--One of my dear friends Capt Genie did that for her sister and never looked back or regretted it for a millisecond. I would do it for my brother, too. Best of luck and prayers to you both.
Capt Deb 8)
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you CHOOSE to do this ! ... we had AN's given to us! without my consent!...
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you CHOOSE to do this ! ... we had AN's given to us! without my consent!...
I never authorized having my AN... dang it! >:(
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Gratus, what a wonderful thing you are doing. I had to have a kidney removed 8 months after I had my AN removed. You'll do just fine and won't miss the one you donated. But what a difference your generosity will make to your brother.
Best to you both.
staypoz
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As a dialysis nurse I say thank you---you will never know what s blessing you are to your brother! ;D
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Dear Folks,
This Wednesday my brother and I undergo the kidney transplant operation. Your encouraging words are in my heart. Your prayers are most gratefully and humbly accepted and reciprocated.
Our mom was on dialysis for 12 years before she passed away more than 20 years ago. I am so glad that my brother and I can make a different choice. Hurray for great doctors! Their work is awesome.
I am heartened to hear about others’ experiences. Thank you!
and I am Most Happy to be a wench of the Good Ship PBW!
Best wishes,
Joanne
AN class of 2006
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wow, Joanne... the 30th is fast approaching and I know you both are going to do great! Will have pirate socks on for you that day as we have to stand beside our life-and-soul-giving wench :-*
HUGGLES!
Phyl
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Wishing you the best...and praying for a speedy recovery for you and your brother.
Gary
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I also want to extend my best wishes to you and your brother and hope that you and he are on the fast track to complete healing ASAP! This truly IS the gift that keeps on giving! ;D
God bless you both,
Sue in Vancouver USA
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Will keep you and your brother in my prayers.
You ARE a hero