Grow Liver Grow!

Yesterday Michelle's kidney's were functioning at about 1/3 of their ability. Today there was improvement, which is terrific! They switched her to a new anti-rejection med, hoping it would be easier on her kidneys, and it seems to be doing the trick. Her liver enzymes are still elevated. The biopsy results showed the possibility of a few issues. One being the liver piece might just be too small to handle the load. This is the least favorable option at this time. The other has to do with rejection. They are going to mega dose her with steroids over the next few days to see if they can combat rejection if this is indeed the case. Michelle is feeling stronger, eating more, sounds brighter, and has better pain control and less nausea. This definitaly counts for something! We will pray that she will overcome whatever is going on smoothly and quickly. Grow liver, grow!

Michelle feels so blessed to have you all, as we are to have her : ). She has a dear friend coming in from the San Fransisco area this week, which I'm sure will be wonderful for her morale!

tracey

Awsome Article!

Miss M makes the news, and does a fantastic job with her interview! Check out the story in the Parksville Qualicum Beach News:

http://www.bclocalnews.com/vancouver_island_central/parksville_qualicumbeachnews/news/Whats_half_a_liver_between_friends.html

On Top Of Her Game

Michelle may have discovered the reason for her rejection symptoms! She realized that the anti-rejection medication they have been giving her the last little while may have been a lower dose than it was supposed to be! How great would it be if all she has to do is bump up the meds for a bit and get back on track! Praying for a great outcome!
tracey

A Few Steps Forward, One Step Back...

Miss M is doing awesome! There may even be some talk about discharge early next week! Fantastic!

Michelle's day started off great. She had a big breakfast, had some reprieve from the pain, and even the team was gushing about her progress. She settled in and had a long nap...and woke up to staff looking over her with concern. Some of her bloodwork showed signs that could potentially mean the start of rejection. She was sent down for an ultrasound and emergency liver biopsy. The first surgeon was too afraid to do the biopsy herself. How unsettling for Michelle. Luckily the next guy who came in was oozing with confidence and got the job done on his first try. Hopefully the results will come quickly, like in the next 24hrs, and show that everything is fine. If this is early rejection, there are still treatment options to save the liver. We will not despair! Michelle will get through this and get back on the path to full recovery! Praying for you chikadee, always in my thoughts.

tracey

A New Approach

Michelle sounded so much brighter tonight, and she reported she is taking a new approach. Michelle is usually very positive, but I guess the last few days have really taken their toll on her. She has decided she needs to be more positive, as this is the best option for her to thrive. Right now she is fighting to eat and drink, but knows she needs to do this. She will survive this!!! Please continue to pray for her pain and nausea relief, that her blood work will stabilize, and that she can hold onto all the positive thoughts that will help get her over this hurdle.

Apparently Miss M is off all IVs and drains, but still struggling with pain. Please pray that she will heal, have relief of her pain, and get back home to her family soon!

tracey

8 Days Post-Op

Many thanks for the flowers and well wishes! Michelle is sorry she cannot contact you all and thank you herself. She is feeling SO SICK. Like feeling REALLY sick. Not all of this was unexpected, but some things are concerning. Some of her blood levels are a bit unfavorable, and they are looking into this tonight.

Everyone has been doing such a great job praying, sending positive thoughts and healing vibes. Thank you! I am so looking forward to when I can post some awesome news again. Soon!

tracey

Flowers

Miss M. might be getting her lung drain out today, a praise!
Michelle is still struggling. The team will hopefully take a new approach to treating her nausea and pain, as thus far they have been unsuccessful.

Michelle clarified the flower situation for me yesterday, but it slipped my mind, sorry! Both girls can have cut flowers. Michelle cannot have flowers/plants in soil. There is a risk of mold spores growing in soil, thus creating a health risk for Michelle in her immunocompromised state. Maybe choose an arrangement that isn't too overpowering either, as both girls are apparently sensitive to smells! The address for VGH is a few posts down. Thanks!

tracey