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Hoping for good news 
He went into surgery about 8pm. It’s 11 now and mom hasn’t called with an update, but they said it would be about 3 hours. So it seems it’s going as expected so far. Work isn’t too busy, so I should get out on time and maybe talk to mom before she heads to the hotel.
Are you able to drop by with an update? It would be appreciated 
Oh, yes! He’s doing great. Was in hospital Sat-Tues, then moved to the longer-term “clean” housing where he will be for 3-4 weeks with my mom as his “caretaker.” It’s an interim housing setup with 70 rooms and communal kitchens and living rooms. No TV’s in the bedrooms, they don’t want anyone laying in bed watching TV all day. He’s up and about, encouraged to walk around the building and can go out for meals and grocery shopping and stuff, as long as he’s careful about wearing a mask and washing his hands.
He’s getting blood drawn and checkups nearly every day, and there’s a big adjustment with medications, which are constantly re-evaluated during this month. But, the kidney is producing well, perfusing well, and his biggest discomfort right now is the recovery from the abdominal surgery and the big incision. He’s pretty sore, but really not complaining!
Since I already had plane tickets for the 11th to 13th, I’m going up there on Tuesday to visit. Visitors are allowed on the first floor, have to leave shoes and coats and other outerwear in the coat room (gotta remember to pack slipper socks), and cannot go up to the bedroom/living quarters areas. First floor has different receiving/entertainment rooms, though, which are designed for socializing between residents and any visitors they may have.
So far, so good, yay! Thanks for asking!
Great news! So glad to hear it
What wonderful news! Have a great visit.
Agreed; Mayo is an amazing place. Let him know how lucky he is to get care there.
Fingers crossed here as well.
I visited Mom and Dad this week from Tue-Thur. He’s healing very well, though his doc ordered a liter of fluid on both Tue and Thur, and added magnesium and potassium supplements for him to take.
Dad’s a bigger dude and is used to feeling warmish most of the time. Since surgery, he’s constantly cold and can’t get comfortable. This is apparently normal, but it’s tough on him. On Thursday before I checked out from my hotel, they came to visit and see my room (a one-room suite). Dad ended up taking a couple hour nap in the nice squishy-yet-firm bed with the sherpa comforter and the heat turned up. The front desk let me check out late - everybody near Mayo is very accommodating to patients and their family!
He’s also not really comfortable walking much yet - was still using a wheelchair while I was visiting, days 10-12 post-op. Seems like he should be walking more, and the nurse he’s been seeing daily gave him a pedometer on Wednesday with orders to walk 2,000 steps a day. So it’s not just me thinking he’s babying it a little.
He’s getting mini checkups and blood drawn pretty much every day, and meds adjusted along with that. He’s got a big book he has to keep everything written down in, and had two different education classes while I was there.
The time I spent visiting was largely accompanying my folks to various appointments, learning the pedway system around the humongous Mayo campus, running small errands to give Mom a little break, and finding food for myself and them. Dad’s not eating much, but OK - he’s been on a weight loss track for about 6 months and is down 40 pounds, plus since he’s not moving a lot and body working on healing, he’s not as hungry as he used to be. Doctor is satisfied with how he’s doing and eating and adjusting so far. He may (might!) get home before Thanksgiving.
I’m pooped. I’m just doing a half day at work today, it’s like I’m jet-lagged since I had to time shift my schedule to 6 hours earlier than I’m used to. I was getting up at 5am for three days when I’m used to getting up at 11 or noon. Really disorienting to get up for the day when it’s still dark out! Anyway, I’m glad I went, as are my folks, but I think the visiting was also draining for Dad and hopefully they’ll settle into a quieter schedule that will keep him more comfortable and heal better in the next week or so.
Anyone still following, thanks for keeping tabs!
Good to hear. You are amazing, and kudos to you. I’m channeling your mom 
Glad he’s doing well! That’s great news.