Jeff;s Journey: Not Done Yet

08/19/2025

A long, but fun, weekend with family and friends. Lots of work in between. Celebrated our youngest daughter turning 21. That went fast. It’s been an amazing few months having my life back. I thank God everyday for my family, friends, the fantastic team of doctors and staff at ECMC’s transplant clinic. Here’s to what’s next. Not done yet…

08/15/2025

Time for an update. After my weekend at ECMC, my kidney is functioning as it should be. All my blood test levels are in the range the doctors want them. I have a few medication changes going forward. Thank you Jesus!! Now on to what’s next. I’ve been focused on recovery from surgery the past few months. It feels like it’s time turn my attention to loosing the last sixty pounds I want to loose. I will simply do what I was doing before and focus on the next five pounds. It worked for the first 230ish pounds. Time frame wise, I’m looking to be finished up with my weight loss goals by spring time. That seems like a reasonable amount of time. It’s also important to take a moment and reflect on what I’ve accomplished so far. I suppose it’s easy to loose perspective at times. I realize I’ve come a long way, but like Robert Frost said “I have miles to go before I sleep”. Wherever you are take time to enjoy your journey. If you’re in a troubled place, just fight to take one small step forward and keep falling forward. I wish everyone who takes a moment to read this all the best. Not done yet…

08/09/2025

So I’m a little bored tonight, so how about room tour. Bear with me I don’t usually make videos. You’re about to see why

08/08/2025

It’s been a while since I posted. Since my transplant things have been going very well and I have been making the most of my new found freedom. Like all journeys and all things in life, in comes with ups and downs. Sometimes you get knocked down out of nowhere. Early this week, the doctors were not thrilled with some of my blood work, they scheduled me for a kidney biopsy. The results were not great, and showed signs of possible rejection. The solution spend a few days at ECMC getting some IV anti rejection medication. I will be released by the end of the weekend. Treatment is going well, they will most likely be adjusting my medications to avoid this going forward. I am in the Jim Kelly room, which is pretty cool. Just another hurdle. Not done yet…

05/28/2025

05/20/2025

Since my kidney transplant, I have to monitor my weight, blood pressure and body temperature everyday. I have to keep a record of all of it. I decided to get these Bluetooth devices that connect to my health app to make it easier to record. Plus now no one has to attempt to read my writing.🤣🤣

04/23/2025

Well, another few hurdles crossed. I’m heading back to work next week. I’m excited to be getting back to normal. I’m also looking forward to the future. Not done yet…

03/27/2025

Wow, what a ride the last few weeks have been. There are so many people to thank. First and foremost my donor and his family for the greatest gift ever. My wife and daughters for their unwavering support. My family and friends for their help, assistance, well wishes and prayers. The amazing doctors, nurses and all the staff at ECMC and the kidney transplant clinic. The staff at Davita Orchard Park who handled my dialysis for the months leading up to transplant. The best thing I did was put all of this in God’s hands and let Him lead the way. I’m forever grateful to be post transplant and to have some of my life back. In the words of Robert Frost “I have promises to keep and miles to go before I sleep”. Not done yet…

03/09/2025

I know it’s been awhile since I posted. I am about to conquer a big hurdle on my way back to healthy. As I write this I am at the Erie County Medical Center (ECMC). I got a call this evening that they had a kidney donor for me, and I am awaiting transplant. Thanks to God for a donor and thanks to that donor. I’m a little nervous. The doctors, nurses and medical staff here are amazing. I know I’m in good hands. Not done yet…

02/12/2025

Yesterday we said goodbye to my great aunt Jean. She was my grandma’s younger sister. My grandma was the first of 13 children, my aunt was the tenth of 13. She was a lovely, faithful wonderful lady. She seemed to always be smiling. The service was very nice, with each of her children and grandchildren sharing their memories of her. Now she’s gone home to her Heavenly Father. What an incredible legacy she left behind. Not unlike her parents and the rest of her sisters and brothers who went before her. She will be missed by so many.

01/01/2025

New Year's Eve is upon us. Many people are happy to leave 2024 behind and hoping for a better 2025. Some are celebrating what a great 2024 they had. If your the latter group, congratulations. If you are in the first group, just remember if you want change, you have to make change. I spent many years wishing for my life to change, and it didn't. Then I decided to change me, and my life followed suit. I've had some incredible changes over the past few years, I'm still not where I want to be. I did not come this far to only come this far. So my New Years resolution is to keep going toward my goals. I wish you all a safe, healthy and prosperous 2025. Not done yet...

12/24/2024

Christmas is, unapologetically, my favorite holiday!! I love the lights, the smells, the memories, the opportunities to create new memories and celebrating the birth of Jesus. I have so many memories of my family being together. Just the dessert course at my grandparent’s house was amazing. Being there with my dad, my brother and sisters, aunts, uncles, cousins. There were always so many pies, dad’s fruit cake and Aunt Jane”s Christmas cookies. Certainly the holiday has changed over the years, as it’s meant to be. You loose people, you add new people. I love that my daughters are all home. That we have our traditional dad/daughter lunch on the 23rd. I hope it’s something we can always do. I wish you all a very Merry Christmas! I hope you get to spend time with your loved ones. How ever things change in the future I’m not done yet…