Mary, Your updates really move me.  You are a real trooper.  Mike is lucky
to have you.  Dropped him a note in the mail and hope that Mike continues to
improve.  Michael.
Michael in San Antonio
91GL AT 'Gringo'
73 Beetle

On Fri, Oct 30, 2009 at 8:48 AM, David Beierl <dbeierl@attglobal.net> wrote:

> From: "Mary Collum" <collummary@myfairpoint.net>
>> Subject: Collum update
>> Date: Fri, 30 Oct 2009 09:36:24 -0400
>>
>> Yesterday they did the surgical procedure to put a line in his chest
>> for dialysis.  We got the results back from the biopsy and it was
>> confirmed that he has Goodpasture's disease.  He will continue on
>> dialysis, high doses of steroids and the chemo and hopefully that
>> his kidneys will start to functioning again.  If not they are
>> talking about a kidney transplant.  He has been trying to convince
>> me that he can still go to VW camping events and choose ones that
>> are located where he can get dialysis or there is a way of doing it
>> at home while he sleeps.  I am not brave enough yet to do dialysis
>> at home but I am sure that I could learn.  Today I learned how to
>> pump gas!!! I I know some of you think that is hard to believe but
>> it was just something that Michael has always done or my kids. Next
>> thing you know he will have me tinkering with the engine or changing
>> tires....LOL   Not sure when they will let him go home because of
>> his blood sugar being so critically high, was 591 last night and ran
>> like that most of the day yesterday but maybe after he comes back
>> from dialysis it may return to a manageable level.  They gave him a
>> lot of insulin yesterday.  Will keep you posted.  Thanks to everyone
>> for all your prayers and emails to him.  He usually is very tired
>> after dialysis but I am sure he will be in touch with you all soon.  Mary
>>
>