Update #1 - 25 Jan, 0030 - Palmdale Regional Medical Center

All is well, although I write this update from the side of Karen’s bed in the Palmdale Regional Medical Center’s Emergency Room.  Long story short…last week Karen complained of heart palpitations and a headache.  On Friday she had a CT scan and a “lumbar puncture” to test for blood in the cerebral spinal fluid.  Both were negative, but unfortunately she developed a “spinal headache”, associated with the lumbar puncture.  This same scenario happened while in Texas quite a few years back.  The treatment was to get a couple bags of IV fluid, then a bit of rest. 

She just emptied an IV bag, and the ER doc is signing her release paperwork.  A day or two of rest and plenty of fluids, and she should be good as new.  Or at least as good as someone in end-stage renal failure who is soon to have a kidney transplant.

Speaking of which!!!!!  On our way down to the ER (40 minute drive) Karen received a call from her transplant coordinator (Suzanne).  The date they decided on for the transplant is 15 February 2011!  Three weeks away.  Holy crap.

Special thanks today to Tammy Thomas, who picked Lena up from school after Karen and I left for the ER.  Also to Jen and Moneyshot Beich who not only fed our children at their home this evening, but to Moneyshot as he broke into our home at midnight (with a ski mask) to ensure Lena would sleep with her big brother so she wouldn’t wake up scared (since mommy and daddy aren’t home).  I thought it wonderful to find out that Austin was still up reading, as he didn’t want to fall asleep in case Lena woke up.  What a good brother.  As far as our parenting goes, we could probably do a bit better.  Oh yeah, and get a freakin’ home phone.

-Bob