Michael had his 3 month check-up this past Wednesday in Chicago with Dr. Leventhal. It was a quick one day trip and I was so happy to see him with energy when I picked him up at the airport that night. His morning started early, I dropped him off at Tampa International Airport around 5:45 am, and his appointment with Dr. Leventhal was at 10:30 am. Michael had a bumpy plane ride all the way to Chicago and when someone who flies as much as Michael says a flight was bumpy, it means nail biting to the rest of us! After landing he took a taxi to Dr. Leventhal's office which is located right next to Northwestern Memorial Hospital. When Michael arrived for his appointment he was quickly taken back for vitals and then taken to a examination room. Michael discussed several things with Dr. Leventhal but mostly his concern over his heart rate. After reviewing Michael's labs, Dr. Leventhal belives that the fast heart rate is more than likely due to having a low hemoglobin count. Michael's hemoglobin is at 10 (normal is 14-18 for a male), Dr. Leventhal prescribed iron supplements and eating iron rich foods. Dr. Leventhal dropped Michael's Myfortic from 8 pills a day to 6 pills a day and the plan is to have him completely off Myfortic by month six. Michael's other blood work looks great, the kidney is working magnificently and the incision scar is healing up great! I totally believe Dr. Leventhal could pass for a plastic surgeon with the beautiful job he did on Michael's incision. Michael's next appointment with Dr. Leventhal will be in 3 months, during that appointment they will be doing a kidney needle biopsy (ouch), this is being done to make sure the kidney is working properly. Michael's blood work schedule will now be 1 time per week, he was going twice a week. All is going well, as it should and we are so thankful and grateful. Tomorrow night Michael will be back on stage! He will be flying to Maine for his Monday show and then Indiana for a mid-week show. Michael normally zips from state to state from one day to the next but he will be taking it easy and making this two day engagement into five days of travel with rest days in-between his shows. I pray extra hard that he will be able to withstand being on stage and entertaining and interacting with his audience for a full 90 minutes. I never realized how much energy an actor/entertainer really uses while on stage, they have to be "on" at all times and captivate their audience, catch their attention and hold on to it, mold it and take it places its never been. Michael "shines" when he is on stage, I can't help but look at him and smile and laugh. He is truly an entertainer who loves bringing happiness, laughter and a good time to his audience. So I ask of you tonight, if you happen to think of Michael tomorrow, say a prayer and send good thoughts his way.
Michael stopped for a little breakfast before seeing the doc.
Building where Dr. Leventhal's office is located on the 19th floor.
Just as you exit the elevators, you can see into Dr. Leventhal's reception area.
Examination Room.
94 Days Post Transplant. You are not alone in this PKD journey, and neither are we.
God's Blessings, Lilly
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