Staff Writer
A local woman who received a kidney transplant in Portland last week, courtesy of her only child, is doing “great,” she said Tuesday. Micheline Patane of Caribou was the recipient of a kidney donated by her son, Frank Patane Jr., during a procedure at Maine Medical Center. Although she is experiencing some expected discomfort, during a telephone interview she said feels fine.
“Everything’s working,” she said with a chuckle.
Her son, a certified nursing assistant at the Presque Isle Nursing Home, is doing fine as well, she said. A young man in his 20s, however, Mrs. Patane said that he was anxious to come home.
The mother and son were released from the hospital on Saturday and are staying at Gary’s House, a facility similar to a Ronald McDonald house, in Portland. Mrs. Patane described their stay there as “absolutely awesome.”
Mrs. Patane, an employee at the Defense Finance and Accounting Service at Limestone, said that the staff at Maine medical Center were “greatest ever.”
Frank Patane Sr., plans to take his family home for Christmas on Friday. However, they have to return next week for further follow-up appointments.
Mrs. Patane suffers from a kidney disorder that she had had since birth. Her son, Frank Jr., was found to be a perfect match after his mother’s condition worsened after a heart attack in January.
“It’s great to just feel good again,” she said. “I’m so glad it’s over.”
