The BEGINNING.........

Well, gang-  It's started!  Things are going to be moving pretty quickly.

I just hung up the phone with the Transplant Coordinator.  She reports that Dr. Safah said that Dominic is doing "great", she's very pleased with all of his bloodwork, and as soon as she gets the go-ahead from Dr. Culasso (last week's tests), we'll be going full speed ahead.

This is what we've been waiting for, but suddenly, I'm freaked out.  Seriously.  It's a reality, or soon to be one.  *she types whilst breathing deeply*

I told her that I was concerned about the Swine Flu, as Dom will have no immune system.  Told her the timing really sucks.  She assured me that he'll be isolated for weeks in the hospital.  Isolated in the halfway house next to the hospital for a couple of weeks, and will probably have to wear a mask.

She doesn't want us going to events with alot of people or eating at buffets.

I said, "are you kidding?  We're going to isolate ourselves in Metairie.... we plan on being like newlyweds".  That delighted her.  So, we're on our way.

As soon as we hear from Culasso, we'll have them fax her the results.  And so it begins... keep Dom in your thoughts and prayers, guys.  Will update when I hear anything.

It's Friday Already????

Wow.  Time seems to be flying by.  I'm glad that the weekend is upon us.  'twas a busy week.

We went into Slidell on Wednesday.  Spent hours at Northshore Hospital.  They concentrated on Dom's heart this time around.

He got an Echo Cardiogram.... similiar to an ultrasound.  Absolutely fascinating to see the chambers of his heart, his valves, etc.  Modern medicine is so amazing.

Then, onto his Stress Test.  His resting heart rate was 53.  They wanted him to get up to 133.  The doctor had him go up to 127 and said that he was pleased.

Finally, they attached a 24 hour Holter monitor on him, and we got the hell out of there.

Had a quick sandwich at Arby's, stopped by his ma's for a visit, then stopped to see the gang at the L&C on the way home.  Dom didn't get any sleep because of the monitor... has a hard time sleeping on his back.

Yesterday, Thursday, saw us going back to Slidell to return the heart monitor.  Three round-trip drives to Slidell this week @ 100 miles.....  300 miles.  

After the hospital stop, we met Al and Ada at Los Tres Amigos.  Had the top down all day.  Had gotten up to 90 degrees here.  The 2 Sangrias really hit the spot on a hot day.  The food was delicious.  I wouldn't hesitate to return to the joint.  (Went to the one on Gause for the first time).

Headed home and tried to unwind.  No "medical stuff" until Thursday's Tulane Cancer Center appointment.  *she sez hopefully*

Monday was tiring- Northshore Hospital out-patient

Hi gang-

We're kinda wiped-out today..... yesterday was busy, busy, busy.

Awake at 5am.  Out the door at 5:30.  Signed in at the hospital in Slidell at 7am.  Dom had 3 tests scheduled.  They were concentrating on his brain yesterday.  He had a Brain MRI, an EEG, and a Carotid Artery ultrasound.

Finally got out of there around 11am, and headed to Bogalusa for our favorite Chinese Buffet.  (Nanette is embarassing at that joint....a real Miss Piggy.  I later complained to Dom that I "felt so full".  He smiled and replied, "You should")   *grinning*

Afterwards, we went to the L&C for a couple of beers with the daytime gang.  Fun place.  Great folks.

Home around 3pm, tired.  Then, didn't I have a bout of insomnia last night!  Geez.  Thankfully, today is a lazy day.  Then, it all starts up again tomorrow with 3 more outpatient tests.  *sighing*

MYSTERY SOLVED!!!!!!!!!

Wow, you guys!  Remember the beautiful flowers, chocolates and teddy bear from a couple of weeks ago?

It came from our dear friend, Levi Baron, from the island of Dominica.

Levi is a tour-guide who knocked our socks off.  We've been warm friends for a few years now.

Honestly... when the flowers arrived with no card, I had a gut feeling that it was from Levi.  Even asked the local florist who did the arrangement.  (He didn't know).

Just found out via email that it was our dear Levi.

Please, folks... if any of you are cruising/vacationing on Dominica, let me know.  Levi will show you a helluva-good-time!

http://www.bumpiingtours.com/

LEVI-  WE LOVE YOU, MAN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Toured our "New Home".... The Gatehouse Apartments

"Hi gang!   We had a great day today.  Called up the GATEHOUSE APARTMENTS and headed across the lake to look at a couple of 1 BR units.

Loved the complex.  Loved the staff.  Loved the floor plan of the smaller of 2 offered.  Great vibes throughout the time we were there.

Dom and I will be very happy there!  Our gal, Sherri, was a doll.  Told me to give her a call when we're ready, and she'd hold a unit for us for up to a month.  Perfect!

Afterwards, we drove over to Chris' house, only to find that he wasn't at home.  So, headed back to the Northshore for lunch at The Times Bar and Grill in Mandeville.  Good stuff.

Put the top down, and cruised home.

Both of us feel really good about this property in Metairie!