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Hello, everyone. I haven't posted for a while. I have just gone

through some emotional stuff lately, and I had to process how I felt

about doing well when it seemed that some on this list struggle so much

as well as some that I know from New England Med. So, I think I am

more " in balance " and am back, but only for a short bit this time.

I guess I decided it is ok to post some good news. I just passed my six

month post transplant anniversary (12/9/00). My doc, Young-Mee Lee at

NEMC, indicated that I was doing great at last Tuesday's checkup. She

handed me my lab reports and told me to frame them--all liver enzymes

are normal.

I am now off of those daily doses of augmentin I was on for over two

years. Whew! That was a major relief. And I really take only a few

meds--much fewer than I thought. I'm on prednisone--7.5 mg; prograf,

imuran, prevacid, and evista (I have osteoporosis as a result of the

psc). I also take supplements: multi vitamin, mag oxide, folic acid,

calcium. That is it. Not a bad regimen at all.

On 12/15 I fly to Indianapolis. I will see Handi on 12/16. She

continues to do great. She said she wants to see her liver container!

Because of her I got to celebrate my 55th birthday this past November.

Mainly, I am learning what it is like to be free of this disease. It is

just amazing. There are a few glitches. I continue to be " wobbly, " and

recently sprained my foot from a fall. Dr. Lee suggested I return to

the neurologist to check out possible causes.. And I still have

soreness in the sternum area, probaby from the retractor used during

that 16 1/2 hour surgery. Plus, I am losing my hair. I'm not bald, but

it is thin enough that I have to keep it cut short. Remember Demi

in G.I. Jane? Well, Demi I am not!!! I may just have to knit myself up

a few hats before this is over. I have been told that the hair grows

back in. But, even with the glitches, I am back at the health club and

back in the pool. Before the sprained ankle I was close to swimming 1/2

mile. When the ankle heals, I know I'll make the mile. I'm also back at

work full time.

I want to wish all of you a fantastic holiday season. Enjoy life!! You

all mean so much to me because you were there when I was really at my

lowest, and you sustained me through the transplant. Miracles really do

happen, and I am so grateful to be the recipient of such an outpouring

of love.

I hope to post more in the new year when I return from Indiana.

With love and gratitude,

in NH

dx: 1985; tx: 6/9/00, living donor, New England Med Ctr, Boston, MA