Joyce's Kidney Journey
Donation protected
Hi! My name is Lester. A husband to my beautiful wife of 11 yrs and a father of 2 wonderful children - Charmaine 10 yrs old & Christian 7 yrs old. This is my story.
Six yrs ago, my wife Joyce was diagnosed with kidney disease - IGA nephropathy. She was told by her doctor that she would need to go on dialysis as her kidney function decreased to 20%. When Joyce broke the news to me, we were separated. We lived in different cities as we were going thru marital problems. There were a lot of hurt, unjust words & actions mainly caused on my part. For that, I blame myself for her sickness. I felt guilt everyday knowing that the suffering she is about to endure is my fault. It took a while for us to reconcile and give our marriage another chance. We eventually found our way back together. A family once again. A marriage to build a stronghold on. A Blessed vow promised in front of the holy Church. We eventually settled in a small town where she grew up - close to her family.
Its been six years and Joyce was dialysis free. We enjoyed family life and work life. Raising our children and working to make ends meet. Last year, Joyce felt so good that she attempted to go back to school to further her career. This was shortlived as she started feeling different - tired and weak.
Six months ago, I took a day off work to accompany Joyce to her routine check up with the nephrologist. Her doctor kept us optimistic, hopeful that we could begin the process for kidney transplant recipient. Its been an emotional journey since then. Three of her siblings offered to be possible donor match. Unfortunately, neither worked out.
Two months ago, Ive been taking days off work to accompany my wife to her weekly check up. Joyce was more fatigued, more breathless. Her bloodwork worsening. Her blood pressure unstable. Our drive home that day - 'twas quiet. We held hands, reminisced on how blessed we are. How amazing our children are, how there are far worst experiences other people are going through. I asked Joyce if she still believed in God. She squeezed my hand and belted out "ofcourse, yes!" I looked into her eyes, she didnt have any fear. A midst all her health challenges - her faith, trust and hope in God remains strong.
Last month, I took a day off work to accompany Joyce to her appointment. It was for the hemodialysis catheter insertion class. We hugged and whispered to one another "I cant believe its been six years. We have rekindled our love. God gave us six years to rebuild that stronghold back to prepare us..."
Three weeks ago, I took a day off work to accompany my wife to get her hemodialysis line inserted. She was weak, tired, and nauseated. The procedure went well and Joyce endured her first dialysis treatment later that day. We came home that afternoon, exhausted and overwhelmed. Later that evening, Joyce had to be rushed to the ER because her dialysis catheter site was bleeding excessively. Post op complication, we were told.
The following week was productive. I managed my work schedule so I could balance time for our children, work, and accompany Joyce to her dialysis session everyday. Last week, I switched my work schedule so I could take care of her after a second dialysis catheter tube was inserted. It was a peritoneal dialysis tube so that we can eventually manage her dialysis at home. The following morning, Joyce had to be rushed to the ER yet again after having two syncopal episodes at home. She was pale, clammy, lethargic and hypotensive. Upon assessment, the doctor discovered her hemoglobin count of 55 and a CT scan of abdomen that revealed active bleeding in her abdominal cavity. That night, Joyce had to have an emergency open abdominal surgery to find/fix the source of the bleeding. A post op complication, a rare case, an unusual occurence. We were told. After 4 hours in surgery and recovery room, i had to call my work and used up vacation hours due to medical emergency reasons.
That sunday morning was very trying. Joyce had just gone through two procedures with bleeding complications and a major open laparotomy surgical procedure. She was confined in the Intensive Care Unit for several days for close monitoring. Both her sister and myself used up vacation time from work to be with her at bedside, we took turns take shifts. While the rest of our family took care of our kids and balancing our home life.
During the course of her hospital stay, Joyce went thru the post operative care with a lot of challenges and perseverance. She endured the pain and overcame all possible complications to stabilize her health. The road ahead will have its difficult moments. I asked her this evening if she still believed in God? She closed her eyes with a smile.."ofcourse yes!...Im alive"
Before she fell asleep last night, Joyce asked in her hoarse, soft voice "Will you take care of me when we go home?" I held her hand, kissed her forehead and whispered to her ears, "Yes I will", as she drifts away to sleep.
I share my story and request for financial assistance as I go on an extended unpaid work leave of absence to take care of my wife and our children. The funds raised will go towards the medications not covered by my drug plan, the hydro/electricity expenses to run dialysis in home, to cover lost wages while im off work, to help pay for transportation to/from hospital for dialysis, and to be able to put food on the table for my family. Thank you in advance for your kindess and generosity.
Hi! My name is Lester. Im a Registered Nurse specializing in Cardiovascular surgery. Taking care of sick people at their most vulnerable state is what I do for a living. In a few hours, nothing could ever prepare me in taking care of my wife at home. But all i know is that..she is worth living for.
Six yrs ago, my wife Joyce was diagnosed with kidney disease - IGA nephropathy. She was told by her doctor that she would need to go on dialysis as her kidney function decreased to 20%. When Joyce broke the news to me, we were separated. We lived in different cities as we were going thru marital problems. There were a lot of hurt, unjust words & actions mainly caused on my part. For that, I blame myself for her sickness. I felt guilt everyday knowing that the suffering she is about to endure is my fault. It took a while for us to reconcile and give our marriage another chance. We eventually found our way back together. A family once again. A marriage to build a stronghold on. A Blessed vow promised in front of the holy Church. We eventually settled in a small town where she grew up - close to her family.
Its been six years and Joyce was dialysis free. We enjoyed family life and work life. Raising our children and working to make ends meet. Last year, Joyce felt so good that she attempted to go back to school to further her career. This was shortlived as she started feeling different - tired and weak.
Six months ago, I took a day off work to accompany Joyce to her routine check up with the nephrologist. Her doctor kept us optimistic, hopeful that we could begin the process for kidney transplant recipient. Its been an emotional journey since then. Three of her siblings offered to be possible donor match. Unfortunately, neither worked out.
Two months ago, Ive been taking days off work to accompany my wife to her weekly check up. Joyce was more fatigued, more breathless. Her bloodwork worsening. Her blood pressure unstable. Our drive home that day - 'twas quiet. We held hands, reminisced on how blessed we are. How amazing our children are, how there are far worst experiences other people are going through. I asked Joyce if she still believed in God. She squeezed my hand and belted out "ofcourse, yes!" I looked into her eyes, she didnt have any fear. A midst all her health challenges - her faith, trust and hope in God remains strong.
Last month, I took a day off work to accompany Joyce to her appointment. It was for the hemodialysis catheter insertion class. We hugged and whispered to one another "I cant believe its been six years. We have rekindled our love. God gave us six years to rebuild that stronghold back to prepare us..."
Three weeks ago, I took a day off work to accompany my wife to get her hemodialysis line inserted. She was weak, tired, and nauseated. The procedure went well and Joyce endured her first dialysis treatment later that day. We came home that afternoon, exhausted and overwhelmed. Later that evening, Joyce had to be rushed to the ER because her dialysis catheter site was bleeding excessively. Post op complication, we were told.
The following week was productive. I managed my work schedule so I could balance time for our children, work, and accompany Joyce to her dialysis session everyday. Last week, I switched my work schedule so I could take care of her after a second dialysis catheter tube was inserted. It was a peritoneal dialysis tube so that we can eventually manage her dialysis at home. The following morning, Joyce had to be rushed to the ER yet again after having two syncopal episodes at home. She was pale, clammy, lethargic and hypotensive. Upon assessment, the doctor discovered her hemoglobin count of 55 and a CT scan of abdomen that revealed active bleeding in her abdominal cavity. That night, Joyce had to have an emergency open abdominal surgery to find/fix the source of the bleeding. A post op complication, a rare case, an unusual occurence. We were told. After 4 hours in surgery and recovery room, i had to call my work and used up vacation hours due to medical emergency reasons.
That sunday morning was very trying. Joyce had just gone through two procedures with bleeding complications and a major open laparotomy surgical procedure. She was confined in the Intensive Care Unit for several days for close monitoring. Both her sister and myself used up vacation time from work to be with her at bedside, we took turns take shifts. While the rest of our family took care of our kids and balancing our home life.
During the course of her hospital stay, Joyce went thru the post operative care with a lot of challenges and perseverance. She endured the pain and overcame all possible complications to stabilize her health. The road ahead will have its difficult moments. I asked her this evening if she still believed in God? She closed her eyes with a smile.."ofcourse yes!...Im alive"
Before she fell asleep last night, Joyce asked in her hoarse, soft voice "Will you take care of me when we go home?" I held her hand, kissed her forehead and whispered to her ears, "Yes I will", as she drifts away to sleep.
I share my story and request for financial assistance as I go on an extended unpaid work leave of absence to take care of my wife and our children. The funds raised will go towards the medications not covered by my drug plan, the hydro/electricity expenses to run dialysis in home, to cover lost wages while im off work, to help pay for transportation to/from hospital for dialysis, and to be able to put food on the table for my family. Thank you in advance for your kindess and generosity.
Hi! My name is Lester. Im a Registered Nurse specializing in Cardiovascular surgery. Taking care of sick people at their most vulnerable state is what I do for a living. In a few hours, nothing could ever prepare me in taking care of my wife at home. But all i know is that..she is worth living for.
Organizer
Lester Samoy
Organizer
Cambridge, ON