NWR: Mom gets a kidney today! *WITH UPDATE!*

**UPDATE**

First, I want to say thank you to everyone for your amazing outpouring of love! I actually checked the board from my blackberry in the waiting room this morning, and it was a comfort to hear all your kind words and thoughts. It was a very tough morning for me and my aunts and our whole family who were there. We were so excited but also so nervous.

Both procedures went incredibly well -- better than anyone expected!!! My aunt's surgery was done in very quick time, which was great for her recovery, and my mom was done about 2 hours later. When they each were coming out of the anesthesia, they let us into the recovery area 2 at a time. Seeing them both awake, and seeing my mom showing positive signs (NO REJECTION!) was amazing. Since my aunt is a live donor, the kidney was actually working right away, which was incredible.

They both stayed in the recovery room for about 8 hours after the surgery which was a little long for my aunt, but her blood pressure was high. My mom actually got out of the recovery room shortly after my aunt did! They both were moved to the same hospital floor late this evening, and looked great when I left!

I'm completely exhausted, but thrilled. My mom actually said to me that I was beaming, and seemed as happy today as I was on my wedding day.

The doc made it clear that we're not 'home free' as far as rejection possibilities go, so we're keeping that in mind. But it is such a relief that so far, everything is going well!

I'll be back at the hospital tomorrow, and I'll let you know more then. Thanks again, everyone!

(Original Post):

I'm heading to North Shore Hospital right now to form the cheering section for my mom & my aunt's transplant, which starts in about an hour. I'm so excited for her! After 3 years on dialysis, this is going to change her life (and save it!). My aunt is the most generous person in the world.

Just wanted to share! As you can imagine, I'm also a little nervous, but I'm trying to put that on the back-burner. I spent about an hour on the phone with my mom yesterday and she is so ready!

Thanks everyone for all your support during the wedding planning! I can't believe this day is finally here. It's so huge!!!

Ok, enough yapping... time to go! TTYL!