Merry Christmas Everyone

Luke 2: 1-20

1And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be taxed.

2(And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.)

3And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city.

4And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:)

5To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child.

6And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered.

7And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.

8And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.

9And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.

10And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.

11For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.

12And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.

13And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,

14Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.

15And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us.

16And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger.

17And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child.

18And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds.

19But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart.

20And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them.

Merry Christmas everyone. It has been a few days since I posted, so I thought I would give out a quick update. Last week I mentioned that I had the nurse turn my dialysis machine up from 400 ml/min to 450 ml/min. That means that the machine can now clean about 12.5% more blood during each treatment. Since the doctor was not there this week, I spoke to the Nurse Practitioner that was doing rounds at the clinic. I had her write in my orders that my machine should run at 450 ml/min (whenever possible). My fistula has been working properly, and that is always nice. I have enjoyed having the machine run faster and getting more blood cleaned during my four hours. Hopefully, my arm will continue to cooperate and I will continue to receive better treatments.

No new news about Kala, yet, for those of you still wondering. Her tests are scheduled for January 2 and January 18. After that, we should hear from the transplant committee and be able to set up a surgery date. Then, I will switch from dialysis to "post-transplant" doctor's appointments, all the time, at least for a couple of months. Hopefully, you will be able to enjoy my "I had to give another urine sample today" posts as much as you have enjoyed the dialysis postings!

That's about it for today. I have been getting quite a few e-mails from my readers (all over the world!). It is nice to hear from you every time you write. And, if I have not replied to you, that is not because I am ignoring you. It is because I have not gotten to you yet in the e-mail queue. And, you can always post comments on the blog (which everyone can read). I will try to reply to you (if you leave an e-mail address).

Thanks for coming by today! Enjoy your Christmas with your family.