Tommy’s Kidney Transplant Page

11/11/2025

The greatest gift

Penn Transplant Institute

07/22/2025

Good news! They got everything in one round today. All stitched up and out of there!

Use that sunblock people! A tiny spot can turn into a huge one!

07/22/2025

First round of melanoma excision is done. Now we wait a few hours to see if they got it all or if they have to take more.

The smaller circle is the spot, the larger is the area they removed. The triangles are where they will sew back together if they don't need to take any more.

05/21/2025

Following a transplant, immunosuppressant drugs are prescribed to prevent rejection. While these medications are effective in maintaining the function of the new kidney, there are associated risks. As these drugs suppress or significantly reduce the immune system, patients are more susceptible to other illnesses that their body would normally combat. One of the most common complications is skin cancer.

Post-transplant, it is essential to apply sunblock and avoid sun exposure to minimize the risk of skin cancer. This is evident in my attire, often wearing long sleeves and a hat, even on warm days. It is crucial to acknowledge that skin cancer is typically not a consequence of excessive sun exposure in the recent past, but rather a result of damage incurred many years prior. Recently, I shaved my beard for the first time in approximately three years and discovered a new freckle/mole-like spot on my cheek. I consulted a dermatologist and underwent a biopsy. Although the doctor was fairly certain it was benign, the results confirmed otherwise.

I have been diagnosed with melanoma in situ, classified as stage 0 melanoma, which was detected at an extremely early stage. I am scheduled to undergo Mohs surgery at the University of Pennsylvania on July 22 to remove the affected area.

I am sharing this update not only to inform others about my journey but also to raise awareness. This small, seemingly innocuous brown spot can quickly become a significant issue if neglected. It is essential to prioritize skin health and be vigilant when new marks appear, as it is impossible to determine their nature solely by visual inspection.

05/16/2025

Two's company. Three is a new life.

05/15/2025

This is amazing. I feel the pig kidney will become common before the artificial kidney ever even gets implanted into a human.

Meet Tim Andrews — a true medical pioneer. As of today, Tim has lived 110 days with a genetically modified pig kidney, and happily, he’s thriving.
After years of dialysis and declining health, Tim chose to take a bold step. In January, he underwent a groundbreaking xenotransplant at Massachusetts General Hospital. The results? Life-changing.
Just hours after surgery, the kidney started working — and so did Tim. He’s back to walking his dog, cooking, and dreaming about trips to Europe with his wife. Most of all, he’s reclaiming the life he missed.
"I was just sleeping, sick all the time. Now I can do anything I want,” Tim says.
His courage is helping pave the way for future organ transplant breakthroughs — and offering real hope to thousands waiting for a kidney.
Here’s to more birthdays, more family moments, and a future full of possibility. 💚🤗

05/30/2024

And, while we are at it, don’t take your organs & tissues to heaven! Be an organ/tissue donor when you die!

04/03/2024

Perfusion keeps a donated organ alive outside the body, giving surgeons extra time and increasing the number of transplants possible.