>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