Greetings friends, family and random visitors for whom this site was created. . .

It is May 8, 2000. Five weeks have now passed. The staples are out. The perm-cath is out. I am bathed. I am relaxed. Sneezing still hurts like crazy . . .

A large lump has formed under my skin where the perm-cath used to be. I visited the surgeon last week and he said it wasn't a problem and it would go away. Well, it hasn't. I have another appointment on Wednesday. If he comes at me with a 15-gauge needle wanting to drain it, I'm outta there. I'll do it myself with a straw. hehehehe.

I graduated to twice-per-week blood tests from the thrice weekly tests I've been on. One less needle stick. My veins are starting to scar and each prick hurts a little more. I'll be on this regimen for six weeks. Then after that, I move to once-per-week tests.

In one week, on May 15, I'll have another minor surgery to have the stent in my ureter removed. I am terrified. I hope this urologist has plenty of Valium on hand. And no, there will be no pictures. Sorry.

A few things have been added to the site over the past week.

My sister, Allison, wrote a report on Alport's Syndrome for her 8th grade health class. I am so proud. She even printed some of the pictures off the site to use as visual aids. Check it out here.

My Uncle Bill, who was one of my prospective donors, wrote an excellent story for my Reactions page. It is enlightening, funny and touching. Thanks, pal.

Last week I was invited to a meeting of local transplant survivors. It was nice to meet people who have had similar experiences as I. I hope to become a regular attendee.

For those who have been asking about my immunosuppressive drugs, I am working on a report and will post it shortly.

That's all for now. Thanks.

John