"Kidney Donation: Day 4"

Well, today is the 4th day after the operation. It's also the first day that I've felt really good. I'm still having pain (obviously), but I got out and went shopping in two stores today. I felt like I really needed to get out. I got a burst of energy today.
I'm starting to realize that it's important to rest a lot the first couple of days after surgery, but then you really need to get moving. It's been hard for me to walk a lot b/c we're in a hotel room. I just sit around watching tv or web surfing or working.
Now that I realize I can get out and do stuff, I think I'll get better. This will hopefully help with the soreness. I've only had to take one pain pill today, which is really good. I'll probably only take one more at bedtime. Yippee! I'm finally turning the corner.
Please keep Masud in your prayers.

"A Wonderful Surprise"

Today has been a great day! It started off with a little pain and a lot of sleepiness. However, I got a great surprise today.

Masud and his wife, Sharmin, and their son, Maheeb (4) showed up at my hotel room to surprise me. Masud had just been discharged from the hospital. It's only been 3 days since the transplant. It's absolutely amazing that he's doing so well. I don't think he was kicked out of the hospital. I think he was really ready to leave.

This entire experience has been one miracle after another. I'm amazed every single day. Masud was originally supposed to be on at least 20 medications to prevent rejection after the surgery. He left the hospital today with only 2 anti-rejection medications. They doctors said that they were simply amazed by what a perfect match we were. They told us that we were a better match than most siblings. That's why they think he's healing so fast.

While they were visiting me, Sharmin grabbed my hands and said, "Melissa, you have no idea what you've done. Saying thank you is just not enough. I don't know what else I can do. You have truly saved his life and changed our lives forever."

I tried to tell her that it was ok, but I kept tearing up. I never did this for any kind of thanks or attention. I simply wanted to give those children their father back. God answered all of our prayers and is now answering with an astounding "YES"!

I will keep everyone updated. Until then, please continue to pray for Masud that he will not reject the kidney.

With love,
Melissa

"Kidney Donation Update"

Hey everyone. I just wanted to let everyone know that I've been discharged from the hospital and am back at my hotel room. I'm staying at the Hampton Inn & Suites in Scottsdale, AZ. It's only been about 34 hours since the surgery. I was up out of the bed 30 minutes after coming out of the recovery room. Those of you that know me know that I'm pretty stubborn. I'm having some pain, but it's a small price to pay. Honestly, I'm doing great!
Masud Khondoker (the kidney recipient) is also doing great! The doctors said that when they removed my left kidney, it was one of the largest, healthiest ones they'd ever seen. As soon as they put the kidney in Masud, he started producing large amounts of urine. By the time he got to his room, he already looked 100% better than before surgery. His skin had gotten very dark and blotchy b/c of the toxins in his blood. Now his skin is back to normal. Almost all of his kidney tests are completely normal.
I've also passed all of my tests. The only restrictions I have are to not play any contact sports ever (no problem with that) and don't take Ibuprofen if possible. I can live with that. Of course, I can't lift anything for a couple of months.
Anyway, I just wanted to let everyone know that I'm ok, he's ok, and I'm already "back to work" from my hotel room. Thank you for all your prayers!
Melissa Swanson

So far, so good

Surgery Day:
Everything's fine. When Masud received the kidney, it started producing urine immediately. He may get to go home in three days. Melissa will be home on Aug. 13.

So far, so good.

Update posted by Stephanie Bemrose, coworker.

"The Day is Finally Here!"

I arrived in Phoenix, AZ yesterday evening. I was met at the airport by Masud (recipient), Sharmin (wife & mother), and their two boys, Farib and Maheeb. This time, I wasn't alone. My aunt, Carolyn Drake (aka LaLa) came to be with me for the surgery. So, she got to meet Masud and his family at the airport. Everyone instantly clicked. Lala fell in love with all of them immediately! Now she feels like she's here for not only me, but also for Masud and Sharmin.

For those of you that didn't get to see the KTBS news feature about this, click on this link:
http://www.ktbs.com/player/player.cfm?video_id=10922&current_zone=3&video_zone=3

I tried to explain to everyone how wonderful this family was. If you met them, you would immediately understand why I want to help them. They are just a precious family; very humble.
They have gone out of their way to make sure that LaLa and I are comfortable during our stay here. We have the best hotel room. It's the Hampton Inn & Suites in Scottsdale, AZ. We're staying in a suite. We just happen to get the biggest one in the hotel. The front desk guy said that he was going to take good care of me and "hook me up"! He did. It's like an apartment. There is a full kitchen, a separate living room and a separate bedroom. There are also flat screen tv's. I wish I could fit one of them in my suitcase, LOL.

Well, this is my last post before I have the surgery. I will try to get news to everyone as soon as possible as to how the surgery went. Please say a prayer for Masud and I.

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