07/26/2025
Coming Home
My journey is entering a new phase—one filled with change, challenges, and cautious optimism.
It all began on June 13 with an unexpected visit to the Smoky Lake Hospital. From there, I was transferred to the Sturgeon Hospital, and then spent a week at the University of Alberta Hospital. After a brief return home, I was sent back to the U of A for further testing and treatment.
Over the course of these weeks, I underwent a battery of tests—CT scans, MRIs, ultrasounds, and two separate biopsies. The first biopsy led the medical team to place me on a recovery program that included regular dialysis. But the doctors felt they needed a clearer picture of what was going on, so they ordered a second, more extensive biopsy.
Thankfully, the results from that second biopsy brought better news. Certain parts of my kidneys were functioning better than expected, which allowed the doctors to reduce my dialysis treatments to twice a week. Throughout this time, my medication regime was constantly being adjusted.
I also went through a colonoscopy—which, while unpleasant, turned out to be worthwhile in the end.
As of now, I’m on 15 different medications that total 23 pills a day. I’ve lost 15 pounds, and I still need to lose another 15. My feet are still holding onto excess water, but dialysis should continue to help with that.
This Sunday, I’ll undergo one more dialysis session at the hospital—and then, finally, I’ll be coming home.
Once home, I’ll have support from home care for a while until I get into a more manageable routine. The coming month will be filled with follow-up appointments, check-ins, and more details to sort through as I move toward a new normal.
This whole experience has made me deeply appreciative of the incredible team of doctors, nurses, technicians, and specialists who have worked tirelessly to get me to this point.
Life will be different now. I’ve accepted that. But I also know that the alternative wasn’t one I wanted to face.
In the end, the results were better than expected—and I remain hopeful that, with time, things will continue to improve.
To all my friends who reached out, who offered words of support and encouragement—thank you. Your kindness has made a real difference in helping me stay positive and focused on what lies ahead.
I’m coming home—and I’m ready for what’s next.
— Ed
