Update...post 7. Warning: Emotional and a little graphic.

First, just a little bit about what has been happening.

Nothing has really changed over the last month or so. My blood wasn't getting as clean as they wanted it to, so I had to go a little longer on the dialysis  machine. No big deal. It's just something for my body to get used to. It has adjusted. I feel much better these days and can do most things easily   but if it's too strenuous I might have a hard time. That's OK. I just take it easy. Yesterday, I had to have a fistula revision because the first fistula did not mature enough. The vascular surgeon said my veins were too small.  So instead of using my own tissue, we had to go the artificial way. Now I have an AV graft. I'm not happy about that, but what can you do? It's already in place and just has to heal from the surgery and is ready to use. It's already large and the size that the fistula should have grown to be.  Grafts don't last as long as fistulas and there's a higher risk of infection, but it is better than the catheter in my neck.

I had a photography fundraiser over the last several weeks which was a HUGE success! Thank you to everyone who shared my advertising, pictures, had pictures made, and donated!!!   There will definitely be more of these in the future. It's definitely a better way to raise money for what I need rather than just asking for it with nothing in return.  I have applied for disability and it is supposed to be an automatic approval with kidney failure but there's a waiting period and paperwork got delayed. As soon as that goes in effect we will be in a better position.

Now, I would like to thank some special people in my life.

First, my parents.   These are some very special people. They would do anything for me and my family and I know they love us so much. They are there for anything I need, including paying a whole house payment for me when we were really struggling recently.   My mom went to training class with me for almost a month to learn how to hook me up to my machine and unhook me. Then she helped me train Victor when we got home so she didn't have to come to my house every day. I know she didn't mind coming, but she had to go back to work too.  I could not ask for better parents. Mama and Daddy, I love you both so so much. Thank you for everything that you do for me!!

Second, my brother and sister.   I love them and they love me and I know we would do anything for each other. They love me so much, that both of them have offered to be tested to be a donor for me. What more could a sister ask for?  Not much. They want to literally save my life. Mic drop here.

Third, Heather and Chuck.  When I first had kidney failure, we were in the middle of trying to sell our house. It's sold right before I went in the hospital. Victor and my family moved out while I was in the hospital for a week.  They let us stay with them for two months while I recovered and we looked for another house. I know it was a huge burden on them and their 4 kids and I want to thank them publicly. They have done so much more than that also. Heather is always there when I need help getting Lacie where she needs to be sometimes. Best friends like us are hard to come by I think. We love each other like sisters. We even look alike! Ha ha.

Next, my kids. I have the best kids in the whole world. Jake has been a huge help around the house. Cleaning and cooking and learning to do things. He even learned to be my nurse like Victor and my mom so we could be more flexible doing dialysis. It's been great!  I hate that the kids have to watch me go through all of this because it takes a toll on them too. But they are handling it very well.  I don't let them see these posts because I don't want them knowing everything. But just know that I've told them how much I love and appreciate them.

Last but certainly not least, my very special husband Victor. I don't think anyone could love me more than he does. He is my superman.  Without going into detail, just know that we are a special couple who seem to love each other more and more every day if that's even possible. I am told almost daily how lucky I am to have a man like him and I know this is true.  Thank you God so much for placing him with me almost 24 years ago.   God knew then that I would need someone as special as him even if I didn't. Victor, I love you so much❤️❤️❤️

Thank you to everyone else who have helped me, offered to help me, prayed for me, had pictures taken with me, and donated to me.  I love you all!!!!