Kidney Transplant News!

On Monday, September the 13, 2010, my family, family in Christ, friends, and I were witnesses of a great miracle from God: I received a new kidney in a double kidney/pancreas transplant. From the moment I received the kidney, it has been working wonderfuly! Although, the pancreas failed after a day, I know that everything that happens is under God's control and for our own good. Also, I am more than amazed by the love, encouragement, and support you've been showing me. Thank you, sooo much!
Now, a month has transpired and the kidney continues performing very well...for that, I am so grateful.
I have to admit that it has been rather difficult to catch up with my blog, due to the twice-a-week visits to Emory Hospital in Atlanta at early hours of the morning. However, now that they have been reduced to once by-weekly, it will give me the chance to catch up in several areas. I have even gotten the permission from the transplant surgeon to return to work on the 19th of this month. All I have to do is to be extremely careful in avoiding hand-shaking and hugs for now, since my inmune system has been greatly lowered with medications to avoid kidney rejection by my own antibodies. In spite of having to take these medications (which comprises of about 25pills a day), my inmune system will eventually be allowed to build up slightly.
I personally am grateful for everything is going on with me, and by that I mean that I feel much better, my quality of life has increased, and my diet is not as restrictive as it used to be. In addition to that, I might not have to ever deal with dialisis, as long as I take good care of myself.
One more thing: regarding the diabetes issue, there are great chances of having either a pancreas transplant, or a insulin-producing islets transplant as of next year. I cherish your prayers for this upcoming endeavor.
May God bless you exceedingly!
In Christ,
Victor

The real deal!

Hey, everyone! Leslie here, Victor's daughter. If you've been following all the ongoings of my dad's transplant, you know that we've had many interesting adventures. Well, there's another adventure that just came up. A big adventure. An adventure of gargantuan proportions! Exciting news is on the way, but I'll leave that up to Dad! =) In the meantime, I'm going to continue to help raising funds to help cover the costs involved in this transplant. This weekend I'll be in the Cobb Galleria convention center in Atlanta, attending a convention where I'll be selling my artwork to raise the funds.

Please continue to keep my dad in your prayers! What a journey we've all been on, and I'm sure he'll have quite the news coming soon!

A "Practice Run"

My son was knocking on the bedroom door. I woke up kinda groggy due to the side effects of some of my medications. All of the sudden the thought came to me: "I am late for work". But he told me: "Emory is on the phone". So I answered the phone, and the lady on the other side of the line asked me: "Is this Victor Delgado?", to which I answered, "Yes, I am". She, then, asked me if I could show up at Emory for an SKP Transplant. I was still drowsy, so I had to ask again what did she say. She proceeded then to say that it was for a simultaneous kidney/pancreas transplant. Also, she asked me if I could be at the hospital by 5:00 am. After recovering from the shock of the news, I asked for the time and she said it was 2:24 am. My instant response was that if it was possible to arrive at Emory around 5:30, close to 6:00. She mentioned the need to be there as close to 5:00 as possible. When I hung up the phone, my wife, Marta, was already calling my sister-in-law,Nancy, who is a vital member of our team and my official driver to Atlanta. She was already home within 20 minutes.
While those 20 minutes transpired, a comical chaos was taking place at home, trying to pack up the bare necessities needed for the surgery. We managed to leave my house around 2:50 am. Nancy turned the hazard blinkers on, which helped to put us in Atlanta at 4:18 am (it took us about an hour and 28 minutes to get there!).
We arrived at the hospital, I was admitted. and then a thousand questions followed my arrival (specially about my medical history).
Worth mentioning is the fact that since I was going to get prepped for surgery, I was already fasting--since 6:30, the evening before ( if I have known better, I would have pigged-out until midnight!).
Around 3 hours and 16 blood vials later, I was place in what it was going to be my recovery room. It was so exciting, specially when one of the recovery nurses would come from time to time to give us an update on the time of the almost taken place surgery. Different nurses would come in one from Kenya, another one from Pakistan...all to check my vitals (oh, I forgot to mentioned the X-Rays of my chest taken--during the which, I was trying to bribe the nurse into letting me hug the snack machine and get something to eat from it...however, it didn't work).
Amazingly, all throughout this time my wife, my sister-in-law, and I had just a sense of peace during this process that God only can provide.
Around 2:00 pm, the kidney surgeon came to tell us that another surgeon went to Macon to remove the organs of the donor that was on life support. He also mentioned that the earliest the surgery would take place would be 7:00 pm.We were patiently awaiting. But the hunger pangs was nothing easy to bear. Marta and Nancy had a small snack consisting of juice and crackers, while I was savoring a few packs of granulated sugar (my blood sugar became low during the wait).
Finally, around 5:20 pm, the surgeon came in indicating that he had a bit of
bad news: the kidney that he received was in good shape, but the pancreas wasn't. Therefore it was best not to proceed with the surgery. I believe that he was surprised when we reacted with such a sense of peace, even telling him that God is in control. He also said that I was on the top of the list, which at the same time was very exciting.
The fact of knowing that God loves us, he wants to give us the very best when we trust in Him, and knowing that He's in control of everything, made this journey, not only a good practice run, but also an exciting and hopeful one!

What's the latest...

It has been a while since I have posted anything. These last couple of weeks, however, I've been visiting my allergist as the last, I do hope, evaluation required by emory. As of now, I am on what they call INACTIVE transplant list, pending on the results of the allergist. This might change, though. The hematologist at Emory wants to find out why my eosinophil (white blood cells) count is very high, so this might mean more testing. The normal count is up to 350 per ml, mine is 1200. Anyway, the allergist nurse performed an allergy test on me. We found out I am allergic to almost everything, including allergic to myself. I told her that I am allergic mostly to medical bills, which I am sure most of the patients are too. Spring time is the worst with all the seeds and pollens traveling in the air. So, there it is.
INACTIVE means that I am on the list for transplant; I am even moving up on the list, but if a kidney and a pancreas becomes available, I cannot receive them due to more testings on my inmune system to make sure my body can endure the surgery.
So, please , keep praying for me. This means the world to me. Prayer works!!!
Also, if the Lord puts it into you heart to support me in whichever way you may desire to, I'll be inmensely grateful for it. God bless you!!!

Silent Auction

On June the 8th, the Shallowford plant of the Olan Mills, Inc., celebrated a silent auction. Over 160 items from kind people and companies were auctioned. They were beautifully displayed. There were items such as furniture, frames, jewelry, pictures, beauty items, and certificates to mention a few. The employees had so much fun writing down their offers knowing that they were helping me to get closer to my goal of getting a kidney/pancreas transplant. At the end of the auction, $2,000 were collected, which in my book, it is people's love at its best. God bless each one of you. You are wonderful people! My special thanks to Sue, Janet, Carolyn, Wanda, my wife, and all the people that made this auction possible. Images will be soon posted. Thanks!

Hot Dog Luncheon...

On May 21, 2010 my department at the Olan Mills, Inc. performed a fundraiser for my transplant, selling hot dogs, cole slaw, chips, sodas and pastries. It was a huge success! My co-workers and friends responded in a very giving way by donating more than the value of the meal. Thye amount raised was $1,279.30. My thanks, specially to Sylvia, Peggy, Tom, Jerry, Ken, Paul, and all other friends involved in the fundraiser.

JAMPcon, an unusual fundraiser!

Hey, everyone! Leslie here, Victor's daughter! I'm here to tell you about a most unusual fundraiser I did. Have any of you ever gone to a convention? There are all kinds of conventions! Wedding conventions, animal conventions, boat conventions, baby conventions, Star Trek conventions..... well, I attended a Japanese animation and comics convention! JAMPcon, here in Chattanooga, TN. As unusual as that may sound to you, it's also a creative way to get the word out there! I had my own table at the convention's Artist Alley, where I sold prints, buttons, coloring books, and pillow dolls, wares from last year's convention, and all of my own artwork. I even had copies of my husband's and my novel for sale. It was with this I was able to raise a donation toward my dad's kidney-pancreas transplant. The Lord has blessed us incredibly, and He doesn't seem to be done!

Are you interested in cartoons, comics, and videogames? If you do, be sure to check out Anime Weekend Atlanta in September; I'm headed there next!

Computer Giveaway...

...And the winning number was 592852, Ms. F. Juarez. Congratulations!

Thanks to all of you who participated in this event. The total amount raised was $2,100. To those who are praying for me, and to those who gave, God bless you!

A few more things...

In all honesty, the journey of getting a kindney/pancreas transplant has been, so far, a challenging one. After many medical evaluations and labs, the process continues. However, I am so encouraged by the amazing family and friends that are so eagerly working to help me achieve my goal. I want to take the opportunity to thank Perla Trevizo from the Chattanooga Times Free Press, who took the time to write my story and put it in the newspaper. After reading the article, people has responded so positively by making donations to help cover the cost of the surgery.
At the present time, I have completed all of my medical evaluations required to go into the transplant list. I am so excited about the prospect of having a working kidney and a pancreas, which means that I will not need to go through dialysis and my diabetes will be cured!

Thanks again!

Through the generosity of our co-workers from last week's soup and chili lunch fundraiser on April 16, we were able to receive $415.00 in donations toward his transplant. We are so grateful for the outpour of care, love and generosity that everyone has demonstrated. It makes the race much more light and the goal much closer. May the Lord continue to bless all who in one way or another participated. Thank you.

The Soup of the Day!!!

God always uses very special people to be instruments of his infinite love, grace, and mercy toward us. At this time, He placed in the hearts of a group of special friends the desire to be a blessing: my wife's co-workers. They brought to work a variety of delicious soups and salads with all the trimmings, resulting in an enjoyable lunch, as well as a fruitful one.
I want to take the opportunity to say that I am honored and grateful to have such a kind group of friends. May the Lord return their act of love in many and wonderful ways.
Thanks to Wanda, Jessie, Tracey, Teresa, and all the people at the Olan Mills' Customer Service Department, as well as other departments involved in this project.

Again I say, thank you!!!!

Church unites to help man get kidney transplant - timesfreepress.com

Church unites to help man get kidney transplant - timesfreepress.com

Thank You!!!

Yes...thank each one of you for your prayers and your support. God bless you!!!!

"To IRON or not to IRON": that was the question...

A few days ago, I received a letter from my kidney doctor telling me that the iron level in my blood was low, creating the necessity to get an Iron IV. So, I made an appointment. I talked to my manager at work to take the time off to do such a procedure. Also, I wrote him an e-mail saying that after the Iron IV, I would have to stay away from big magnets...I was afraid I was going to stick to them!
Anyway, today I went to get the IV. Upon entering the room, I asked the nurse if after the procedure I was going to be able to run, hop, and climb up walls just like Spiderman. To my surprise, she gave me a form to sign in which I would acknowledge that the possible side effects could include nausea, vomiting, headaches, ...and on went the list. I reluctantly signed it, and looking at the well-composed, to-the-matter nurse, I said: "my, my...I come in here feeling fairly fine, and I will leave feeling sick...wouldn't this scare the other patients off?!!" She gave me a polite smile and continued doing her thing.
After getting the IV, I was feeling fine, so I went home.
The moral of this story is...actually, there's no moral to this story. But, I thought it would be a kindda funny anecdote to share with all of you.
Perhaps, in a few days I will be able to run, hop, and play Spiderman with this 51 year-old body for at least... a few minutes!!!!
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"HIERRO o no HIERRO": esa fue la pregunta...

Hace unos dias atras, recibi una carta de parte de mi doctor de los riñones diciendome que el nivel de hierro en la sangre estaba bajo, resultando en la necesidad de recibir hierro de forma intravenosa. Por lo tanto, procedi a hacer la cita. Pedi permiso a mi gerente de trabajo y le envie tambien un correo electronico diciendo que despues del procedimiento, me seria necesario mantenerme lejos de los magnetos grandes, ¡ya que me quedaria pegado a ellos!
De todas formas, hoy fui a mi cita para recibir mi IV de hierro. Al entrar al cuarto donde se llevaria a cabo el procedimiento, le pregunte a la enfermera si despues de recibir la intravenosa de hierro tendria la energia suficiente para correr, saltar y hacer lo mismo que el sorprendente Hombre Araña podia hacer (trepar paredes). Para mi sorpresa, ella me dio una hoja para firmar, la cual indicaba los posibles efectos secundarios que la intravenosa podia causar, tales como: nausea, vomito, dolor de cabeza, ...y la lista continuaba.
Un tanto dudoso, firme la hoja y mirando a la muy compuesta y dedicada enfermera, le dije: "Esto es interesante...yo entro sintiendome un tanto bien, y salgo de aqui sintiendome enfermo...¿no cree usted que esto asustaria a los otros pacientes?" Ella, sonriendo amablemente, continuo con su tarea.
Despues de la IV de hierro, me encontraba lo suficientemente bien, y me dirigi a casa.
La moraleja de esta historia es...actualmente, no hay moraleja. Solo pense que esta seria una historia un tanto jocosa para compartir con ustedes.
Quiza, dentro de unos dias mi cuerpo de 51 años podra correr, saltar y ser el sorprendente Hombre Araña...¡aunque sea por solo unos minutos!

A short story...

I want to share with my friends a brief story on how the need for a kidney and pancreas emerged. At the age of 14, I was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes. Since that time, I have been taking insulin shots and following a diet for the management of my diabetes. 36 years later, my family doctor told me it was necessary to go to a kidney specialist, because my kidney function was diminishing to a critical point. Lab results indicated that the function of both kidneys have come down to a 16%. The kidney specialist recommended a kidney/ pancreas transplant, a procedure I was not familiar with at the time. Since then, I have had the opportunity to visit a well known hospital in the United States, Emory (Atlanta, Ga.). Next to the expertise of a group of bright transplant surgeons, I have a wonderful team that supports me, and work tirelessly to help in the complicated process of pre-transplant, post-transplant, as well as raising funds to help in the cost of the transplants: my beautiful family, my brothers and sisters in Christ, and my good friends. In addition the National Foundation for Transplants (NFT) has accepted me as a member and is presently working together with my family to assist in the raising of funds for the expenses of the transplant (thank you, NFT!). Also, I could not keep silent before the unsurpassing love, mercy, and providence of my God and my Lord Jesus Christ. I am in debt to Him for who I am, and for every gift He blesses me with, which I do not deserve. To all of you, many thanks and may God bless you exceedingly!

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Una breve historia...

Quiero compartir con mis amigos una breve historia acerca de la razón para mi necesidad de transplante de riñón y páncreas. A la edad de 14 años, fui diagnosticado con diabetes tipo 1. Desde ese entonces he tenido que utilizar insulina y llevar una dieta para el control de mi diabetes. 36 años mas tarde, mi doctor de familia me dijo que era necesario asistir a un especialista de riñones, pues la función de mis riñones estaba disminuyendo a un punto crítico. Los resultados de laboratorios indicaron que ambos riñones estaban funcionando a solo un 16% de su capacidad total. El especialista me sugirió un transplante de riñón y páncreas, el cual era un procedimiento que yo desconocía. Desde ese entonces, he tenido la oportunidad de estar asistiendo a uno de los hospitales muy reconocidos en los Estados Unidos, Emory (Atlanta, Ga.). Junto a la atención de brillantes cirujanos de transplante, se encuentra un maravillosos equipo de trabajo que me apoya, asiste y trabaja arduamente para facilitar el complicado proceso de pre-transplante, post-transplante y recaudo de fondos para costear los mismos: mi preciosa familia, mis hermanos en Cristo y mis buenos amigos. En adición, la Fundación Nacional para Transplantes (NFT - National Foundation for Transplants) me ha aceptado como miembro y esta trabajando junto a mi familia en el proceso de recaudar fondos para ayudarme con el costo del transplante (¡gracias, NFT!). Además, no podría yo quedar silencioso ante el grande amor, misericordia y providencia de mi Dios y de mi Señor, Jesucristo. A El le soy deudor por quien soy y por todo lo que El me regala sin ser yo merecedor de ello.A todos ustedes: ¡muchas gracias y que Dios les bendiga en sobreabundancia!

Consultations at Emory

Hello, everyone! This week, we attended the third of my consultations at Emory Hospital in Atlanta, GA. We received great news, as my specialists informed me that I was the perfect candidate for a kidney and pancreas transplant. Soon, I will be added to the transplant list! In the meantime, I need to begin raising funds to help cover the transplant costs. Keep a lookout for new posts and more information on upcoming fund raising events! You will also be able to access my information on the NFT (National Foundation for Transplants) website. Thanks everyone! God bless!

¡Saludos a todos! Esta semana pasada asistimos a una de mis consultas en el Hospital Emory en Atlanta, Georgia. Allí recibimos muy buenas noticias de mis cirujanos, indicándome que yo soy un candidato perfecto para un transplante de riñón y páncreas. Esto indica que seré añadido a una lista de espera, pero con alta prioridad. Mientras tanto, me es necesario recaudar fondos para ayudar a cubrir los gastos del transplante. Pronto añadiré nuevos comentarios e información acerca de futuras actividades para recaudar fondos. También, ustedes pueden tener acceso a my pagina de la red haciendo un “clic” en el logo de la NFT (Fundación Nacional para Transplantes). ¡Gracias a cada uno y que Dios les bendiga!