Our Big Day ???

Hi everyone,

Steff & I are here in a "pre-surgery " holding area. We came to clinic this morning as usual. I went to get Steff a smoothie and when I returned She calmly stated that Dr Kareem popped in, stated " don't leave, we may have some organs for you!" Nine hours later , here we are waiting to see if the organs are viable. PLEASE PRAY FOR US! Hopefully this is our big day. I am a nutcase. We will keep you posted as events unfold. My beautiful wife is doing awesome. She is fantastic.

Steve.

photos from dawson family visit

Rob walking baby Bodhi. He loves his daddy.

Ruby, daddy & mommy

View of Carnegie Mellon from the 36th floor of

the Cathedral Of Learning University of Pittsburgh

The whole family

Grammy & her beautiful children

We are freezing in Pittsburgh

Sunday
December 12, 2010
9:00 pm east coast time


Okay, it has been a long time since my last blog. I have had a tough 2 weeks, except having the kids here for 3 days, that was wonderful. Unfortunately, I wish I had been feeling better but I sure enjoyed having them.

The weather here is strange. In N. California we get dumped on with snow. Here there are only these little icecycles that kinda dance their way to the ground. Just enough to making going out miserable. We are still waiting for that "snow blizzard" to hit us. It was forcast to start Wednesday, then Friday, now today and it is cold; 24 degrees and not a snow flake in sight.

Ruby and I put puzzles together, made Christmas tree ornaments, painted and even played a game called Chutes & Ladders. Remember when you were a kid and played that and CandyLand? She kept saying, "I am going to win! I am going to win!" and by golly she did, fair & square. Rob & I just looked at each other and shook our heads. She is so full of spunk and you never know what is going to flow from her mouth. Bodhie is so beautiful! He is good, only cried when he was hungry. (which is most of the time.) We took him to the Frick Mansion, The Cathedral of Learning and out to dinner, sleeping the whole time.

The good news is, after a visit to the retina specialist, I have no cataracts, just very dark eyes from being out in the sun all the time. Protect your eyes from the sun, it does damage your eyes.
Not so good news... I apparently am suffering from adrenal insufficiency. Adrenal glands are those glands that sit on top of your kidneys. They control such things as your cortisol, urine output and help the kidneys out. As a result I have decreased kidney function and a huge belly full of fluid. I am so miserably uncomfortable and the IV makes me walk like a little ole drunk guy. That is only one of many side effects. Then, to top that off, my blood chemistry is so out of whack that they are holding my Spa treatments.(not a massage spa but 3 IVs that are supposed to help by getting rid of the fluid. It is frustrating but I am trying to be patient. (Giggle, not an intended pun.) The truly frustrating thing is that typing is a struggle.

This will have to be a short blog... I wish I was able to write more about our weekend with the kids. Photos will follow, if I can manage it.

Please give prayer for Janice, she has genetic cardiac issues, Steve's dad, Mel, my dad's cousin, Beth, who is suffering from colon cancer and all the folks here that have it tough. Thanks to Dianne & Lon for the Christmas package, Jan, Claudia & Aunt Betty for the loving care they give our precious pets. Thanks for all the wonderful emails that encourage us, bring news from home, and wonderful pictures. Thanks to Nancy & Frank, Jane for all her texts and support. Thanks to Rob & Heather for lifting up our spirits and making the journey to see us.

Gotta get to bed & up to get to clinic by 7am for the 5Th day. (Just 3 more days to go.)

my favorite scripture for the week...

Be merciful to me , O God, be merciful to me.
My soul trusts in you;
And in the shadow of Your wings
I will find my refuge.
Until these calamities have passed by.
Psalm 57:1-2

Be blessed with the Christmas Spirit,
Steph & Steve

Missing everyone soooo muc

Still waiting, waiting, & waiting. Working on 6 months.


Me and my dried up skin.


rob & heather

Transporter Ruby & Bodhi Ducky

Tuesday, November 30, 2010

UPMC 7West Clinic

Hey all,

Wow, what a wild week last week was. I somehow gathered some bad bacteria in my intestine, no other explanation needed. It landed me in the hospital for aprox 24 hours. Then the antibiotic caused my INR (blood clotting factor) to jump to an unheard of 6.7. Steve says there is silver lining in every cloud... it caused my meld score (determines my standing on the list for a liver) to jump to 38. Top number before becoming a Status One in the nation is 40. So how about that.

I am sitting in clinic getting my Tuesday Spa. Overall I feel good, but everyone is panicking about my blood results so they are going to keep me here for about another hour. Oh well, it gives plenty of time to blog. Besides the chairs are comfortable.

Enough medical gibberish... We have enjoyed the beautiful brisk weather but according to the weather soothsayers it is supposed to end this weekend with snow. When it snows here it is mostly constant little snow flurries where at home it just dumps. They say that once it starts it doesn't quit. I don't think they gather a lot of snow but their cold is definitely COLD. We have loaded up on electric blankets and throws(also electric) besides our apartment seems to stay warm. We now have enough clothes so going out is not a problem.

What have we been doing? Well, besides just hanging out, working out, cooking & eating, not a whole lot. We went to Phyllis & Skip Grahms' home and had a wonderful lunch (she cooked lo sodium just for me.) Poor Steve, it has been so long since we socialized that he talked poor Skips ears off. I have never heard him talk so much. They lived about an hour out of Pittsburgh in the country and built their home; it is gorgeous. Unfortunately they are no longer able to maintain the property so sadly they are having to sell. The husband, Skip, was blind for about 10 years but was able to make stained glass windows that are incredible. It is not easy to do with your sight so to accomplish this without sight is amazing. Today he sees, but they don't know for how long. He is in our prayers. It was wonderful to get out of the city and into the country.

The day before Thanksgiving was pretty tough for me. I miss everyone so much and my pops traditional Thanksgiving dinner. But then it turned out just fine, our church had a dinner and we went to that. The company was wonderful and the pastor made a point of coming over and talked with us for about an half hour. The best part was I found someone who has had horses and was just as passionate about riding as I am. It was refreshing. He did a lot of trail riding and some barrel racing. I was in heaven for about an hour.

Today we hope to go get a Christmas tree. We already have ornaments from Nancy and Frank. The kids are coming this week so I want it to be Christmas like. We are hoping to go to Santa's Parade but then it is supposed to snow so we might have to find something else to help us get in the Christmas spirit. I am worried that I will not get in the spirit without my family & friends, so I am fairly adamant about decorations & decorating. I am looking for a special nativity scene; you can't celebrate Christmas without Baby Jesus in our midst.

Thank you all for your healing prayers and emails special thanks to Steve's mom, Ellie for the delicious mandarins; more thanks to Claudia for being persistent on having Jack and Annie vaccinated and wormed. You are awesome. Thanks to my sister, Jane who sends me inspiring texts. Thanks to Jeanne and Fred for the photos of their adventure. Extra Thanks to Nancy & Frank for the Christmas decorations and making us feel at home in the church. Another very special thanks to Lonn and Dianne we will be forever appreciative for the help. And finally love and thanks to my mom for being my mom.

Praises & thanks to our Lord for keeping us close.

Until next time... Agape

Steve & Steph

Sunday, November 21, 2010


Hey all! So sorry that once again I am so derelict about keeping up my blog. I have no real excuse except I get lazy at night and can't find the time during the day.

We have really grown to like Pittsburgh. It has so much to offer and things to do. We can not find enough time to do everything so we try to see something once a week. I want to write a blog on nothing but Pittsburgh and all the things we have seen and hope to see. Maybe next blog.

I am still feeling pretty good, with only moments of not so good. But that passes and then I am fine. I still have to go to clinic on Tuesday & Thursday and this week a full day at the doctor's office. It wears me out but that is to be expected. God is so merciful to us and is helping us in so many ways. I do not think we could do this without our faith.

I went to the eye doctor to see about a new prescription for my eyes. My sight has progressively gotten worse for the past six months. So we went and found out some not so good news... I have cataracts! I couldn't believe it, but apparently with all the meds I take they promote cataracts. The problem is that while I can get them fixed, it may take a while to have Kaiser to give their authorization. Steve has already fought with them. This out of the transplant contract and we are having trouble trying to explain to them we are NOT on vacation. Then to add to the pressure, if I don't have it done before the transplant the cataracts will increase 5 time faster due to the meds I have to take after surgery and on top of that, there is an increase of infection and probably will not be able to have the surgery until at least a year after surgery. By then I will be virtually be blind. We are very worried about this, but then it is in God's hands. Just pray for a quick authorization and even faster surgery. I can not believe I will not be able to read or write or sew. I know something will come through for us.

We have found a new church closer to home, it is called Calvary Baptist Church. It is small and very very friendly and caring. We really like the Pastor and the whole church has taken us in just like we have always been there. We may be going there for Thanksgiving dinner.

We also have an invite to some friends we met in clinic. We went to their home on Friday for lunch and had a lovely meal and great companionship. They live in the country about an hour out in a beautiful home in a beautiful area. Steve talked their ears off, I think it has been too long since he has talked to someone in a social setting. At first I was embarrassed but then he was enjoying himself so much I just blew it off. Poor guy all he talks to is the hospital, work & his mother. Oh! and Rob.

Speaking of Rob... he and Heather and the kids are coming on the 2ND of December and staying for about 4 days. I can not wait. We will actually be able hold and kiss little Bodhi for the first time. I wish they could stay longer but Rob wants to come back when I go into surgery and besides that is probably all I could handle right now. We will be able to go and stay with them a while after the surgery and recovery.

I will send photos of Thanksgiving and of the kids. But I need to go to bed, tomorrow is an early day and a busy one. I will not promise a blog in the next few days, but I have so much more to write about I am going to try.

Many Thanks to Claudia & Ted for taking such awesome care of Annie & Jack, Aunt Betty for her time with mom & Buddy, Jane, John and the kids for babysitting Buddy. I know he loves to be with you guys. Thanks to all our emails, phone calls and prayers, please know how it gives such encouragement. Many thanks for taking the time to read my blog.

Have a Great Thanksgiving and many blessings to all. In Jesus' name and love,
Steve & Steph

Great Days

Wednesday
November 10,2010
UPMC Clinic


Hey all,

Someone complained that my last blog was boring... so I have had to rethink my blog direction.

First off, I am still doing well, despite a bad case of laziness and addiction to my Kindle. If it wasn't for Steve I would just spend my precious time laying around reading. He is our social director and appointment keeper.

Yesterday we went to the Heinz(after the famous Heinz ketchup king) Museum of Art and were able to see an exhibition brought here from the Vatican in Rome. Some of the pieces had never been out of the Vatican. The display depicts the history of the catholic religion as related to the Vatican. They talked a lot about Peter & Paul, which is the subject of many pieces of art. The other interesting item was that the style of art & architecture was taken from many cultures. The art also follows the periods of the history of Europe, the history of each Pope, and the many changes over the centuries.

Unfortunately, they did not allow cameras, they would not do justice to the great art anyway. They showed Michelangelo's sculpture of Jesus lying in Mary's lap after His execution. The sculpture was so intricate and lifelike,the stone was incredibly soft looking that you wanted to reach out and stroke it. They had a piece of the Sistine Chapel displayed on the ceiling just like it is in the Vatican. It was the piece where Jesus is leaning towards God. It is very famous and there are posters, puzzles & such using this peace.

There is so much more that I could write about but it would never due justice to the marvelous display.

Where the Vatican Splendor was spectacular, the circus was a great disappointment. It only had half of the parade that it usually has, the clowns were less than entertaining, they only had one ring, the physical feats were mediocre, they did not have horseback vaulting, (the horses just went around in circle) flying trapeze, jugglers, or gymnasts. Over all it was about one-third the circus that I saw in Sac 5 years ago. Despite my disappointment, Steve enjoyed it (but then he's never been before.) I have photos so my next blog following this one will be photos.

We are beginning to become familiar with Pittsburgh and are enjoying it more & more. The city is actually very beautiful with its beautiful gardens & parks, the incredible architecture, and all of the museums. Next adventure will be a walking tour around downtown emphasizing the historical buildings and churches.

Well, other than the field trips, we try to eat at home, work out 3 days a week, walk along the river, clinic twice a week, and church. The hours in the day just fly by.

I have many folks to say "Thank You" and may Jesus always be in your heart. Dianne & Lonn for your incredible ( much needed) generosity and beautiful cards amaze and bless us. (I will be calling you very soon.) Jan B., who is taking loving care of our Lady for your generosity and especially for Lady. Thank you mom for your phone calls & taking care of Buddy. I know he loves you and would be lost without you. Many thanks to Kim R for calling each week with barn & horse updates and occasionally a good venting session. Thanks to my son & daughter-in-law for the daily phone calls, and the daily photos & updates on Ruby & Bodhi. Thank you to all who are so diligent in your prayers. I feel the Lord is with us and helping us to be calm and accepting of the situation. Please continue with your prayers as they are the reason we are doing so well.

Thank you so much for taking the time to be interested enough to read my blog. (Hopefully, this isn't too boring.)

Watch for photo blog.

God is with us all,
Steph & Steve

A New Way to Blog?

Tues
October 26, 2010

I am going to try a different approach to blogging. I am going to write about each day, that is days with something to write about. Maybe this way I can keep up with my blogging. Sometimes it has been so long that it becomes a little over whelming to try and blog a week & a half in one blog. So here goes...

We went to see Ian Anderson formerly of Jethro Tull. His group was incredible and very accomplished musicians. The first hour was spent playing Celtic folk songs & instrumentals. The second half, he played songs from his Jethro Tull period. He has an incredible lead guitarist who is classically trained. He is also an accomplished flamenco guitarist and performed an incredible flamenco piece. As for Ian, he is quite the showman. You would never guess that he has been in the music industry for 40 years. Most older rock guys have a raspy old voice, but he sounds just like he did 40 years ago. It was a fabulous show in an incredible theater. (Sorry no photos were allowed.) If you ever have the opportunity to attend one of his concerts, be sure and go.



Wednesday
October 27, 2010

Went to see Dr. Kareem today. He was so pleased with my status. The only thing he wants me to do is go to the clinic twice a week for spa treatments to help control my ascites (bowling ball belly.) He even let me choose the days I want to go. I told him I wanted Tues & Thurs so I could work out on Mon, Weds, & Friday. He was shocked. He said "You actually want to go workout!" Then he explained that they are trying to get their patients to exercise all the time and they just refuse. I think he was very impressed. One big brownie point for me.


While we were waiting to go see the doctor, we met a guy and his mom from Tennessee. He is a visceral transplant and has been waiting for 2 years at UPMC. Well, Steve & I got up and went to go to lunch and when we got back they had received "the call!" and was going in for his transplant. It was very exciting and he is in our prayers.


We received permission from Dr. Kareem to go to Lorain, Ohio. That is where my father grew up. He still has aunts (very elderly) there and they are very excited to see us. They are having a memorial mass for my dad Friday, then going out to spread some of his ashes on his parents graves. We are looking forward to the road trip.


So until next blog session, God bless all and put John in your prayers for a successful transplant & easy recovery.


Saturday
October 30

We did not make it to Ohio. My dad's Aunt Dolly was going out of time after the mass. She was very excited about us coming but wanted us to stay with her so we could visit. We are going to try to go next week. I will write about that later.


Thursday we went and worked out after a 30 min walk on the river trail. The work out went well; I felt really strong and pushed myself to the max. I felt pretty good afterwards, just a little shaky. We drove over to the Pretzel Factory and bought a cinnamon-sugar pretzel. They are great and absolutely no salt. When we got home I took a long and deep nap, I was wiped out. That will teach me that I still have limits. The rest of the day I spent on the couch watching total garbage all day.

Friday we went to Macys and bought Steve's birthday present and guess what... I used my own money. I demanded an allowance each month. Since Steve is ALWAYS with me when I shop; I hear "Do you really need that?" "That is an unathorized purchase." "Wait until next pay period." It is not like I am a shopaholic, but when I see something I need or really want, I don't need a bunch of chatter about it. So, now I have my own money to spend as I want. It isn't much but it does add up quickly. Steve has rarely denied me anything I want, but I don't need the rehetoric that goes along with it.

For Steve's birthday we bought tickets to the Barnum & Bailey Circus. He has never been, can you imagine that? My dad used to take us about every 3 to 4 years. I have loved circus' since I was little and used to read every book I could get my hands on. When we lived in Tampa, Florida the winter camp was located in Sarasota. They also had a museum that was dedicated to Barnum & Baily. The last time I went was at the Arco Arena with my mom & dad, sister, Jane & Laura. It was fabulous.

I will write all about it next week.

Saturday morning we went and worked out. I took it very easy and ony did 2 sets of 15 reps. I felt much better afterwards.

We went to the movies and saw "Wall Street: Money Never Sleeps." It was long and boring, don't waste your money. Steve liked the end but I found it unbelievable.

Tomorrow we are going to church at the little church we have been going to. They have just wrapped us in their family and pray for us. Last week they had a guest pastor. He is retired and from the "old school." He was wonderful and had everyone stand in front of the podium and said a prayer over each one. (There were not very many folks, so it didn't take very long) I really felt the presence of the Lord in his sermon & prayer.

Well, that is all for now. Things are going well for us and we feel truly blessed by your prayers, good thoughts & wishes. Please pray for John and the sucess of his transplant.

God be with you & your needs,
Steve & Steph