Trish-
Just checked your latest blog. So glad you are doing well. God has surely walked with you this past year. We are prayerfully holding up a young mother, Kendra. She had a stem cell implant last week. It has been touch and go for her the last year. Stay well, and continue to walk with your God.
Pastor Sharon
From Kelli - November 9 , 2011
Trish,
Wow! This day feels surreal. Can't believe it has been a year. Brings back so many feelings... excitement, disbelief, fear, worry, joy, anxiety, happiness! Until that night, it was just waiting and wondering, never really putting my finger on HOW I would actually feel when they called you. Then on my way to Omaha, I was surprised to have all those feelings and I didn't realize I could feel so conflicted. Am I happy? Yes, of course, she is getting a new liver! Am I sad? Of course, will she be okay during the transplant? Am I worried? Nah, not me, I never worry! HA HA!!!!
I have it written in my planner from last year, "Got the call, 5:17pm". I know you received the call before me, but I'm pretty sure I beat you there! Now, looking back over the past year and EVERYTHING you have been through, it feels great to say that those feelings are definitely excitement and happiness. You have been so strong and had the best attitude, even though I know there have been times when you felt broken! You have proven that you can handle anything life throws your way and I am so proud to be your friend.
Love you!
Kelli
Wow! This day feels surreal. Can't believe it has been a year. Brings back so many feelings... excitement, disbelief, fear, worry, joy, anxiety, happiness! Until that night, it was just waiting and wondering, never really putting my finger on HOW I would actually feel when they called you. Then on my way to Omaha, I was surprised to have all those feelings and I didn't realize I could feel so conflicted. Am I happy? Yes, of course, she is getting a new liver! Am I sad? Of course, will she be okay during the transplant? Am I worried? Nah, not me, I never worry! HA HA!!!!
I have it written in my planner from last year, "Got the call, 5:17pm". I know you received the call before me, but I'm pretty sure I beat you there! Now, looking back over the past year and EVERYTHING you have been through, it feels great to say that those feelings are definitely excitement and happiness. You have been so strong and had the best attitude, even though I know there have been times when you felt broken! You have proven that you can handle anything life throws your way and I am so proud to be your friend.
Love you!
Kelli
A Year of Reflection - November 9, 2011
Good morning to all of you,
As I stare at the date on my computer, I cannot believe a year has come and gone since my transplant. One year ago today, around 5:00 pm I received the call from Jamie the transplant coordinator that Dr. Botha would like to offer me a liver. Today I celebrate life, and mourn for Ruby's family, my donor. I know their hearts are heavy this week, with the loss of a mother, and grandmother. I received a wonderful letter in the mail this morning from Donate Life, Ruby's family has requested to have direct contact with me. I am so thrilled to have the opportunity to communicate directly with them, and possibly have the opportunity to meet them one day. It could not of arrived at a better time. My first letter was on my birthday.
Thank you all once again for your unending support throughout this journey. My good outcome had a lot to do with many wonderful friends and family members, and I am so thankful for each of you. I am doing very well, all of my labs have been normal for months now. My last CT scan of my chest, abdomen, and pelvis will be next week, so I am praying for good results.
Although this year has given me a chance to live, a very wonderful friend of mine lost his battle in July following his stem cell transplant in October of last year. I think of him often, and am so thankful to have known him. It was my privilege to have him touch my life. My thoughts and prayers go out to Celeste and her family today and everyday, especially this holiday season.
One last quick update on the court appeal that is going on with Tracy's murderer. His appeal went to the supreme court last week and was heard by 7 supreme court judges, and we are waiting to hear on that ruling. I pray everyday that we can put this to rest for awhile, and give everyone a much needed break. I have high hopes that it will be denied, however I never dreamed it would go this far, if I am wrong however we will cross that bridge when we come to it.
I wish you all a wonderful holiday season, and I am thankful for all of you!!
Love,
Trisha
As I stare at the date on my computer, I cannot believe a year has come and gone since my transplant. One year ago today, around 5:00 pm I received the call from Jamie the transplant coordinator that Dr. Botha would like to offer me a liver. Today I celebrate life, and mourn for Ruby's family, my donor. I know their hearts are heavy this week, with the loss of a mother, and grandmother. I received a wonderful letter in the mail this morning from Donate Life, Ruby's family has requested to have direct contact with me. I am so thrilled to have the opportunity to communicate directly with them, and possibly have the opportunity to meet them one day. It could not of arrived at a better time. My first letter was on my birthday.
Thank you all once again for your unending support throughout this journey. My good outcome had a lot to do with many wonderful friends and family members, and I am so thankful for each of you. I am doing very well, all of my labs have been normal for months now. My last CT scan of my chest, abdomen, and pelvis will be next week, so I am praying for good results.
Although this year has given me a chance to live, a very wonderful friend of mine lost his battle in July following his stem cell transplant in October of last year. I think of him often, and am so thankful to have known him. It was my privilege to have him touch my life. My thoughts and prayers go out to Celeste and her family today and everyday, especially this holiday season.
One last quick update on the court appeal that is going on with Tracy's murderer. His appeal went to the supreme court last week and was heard by 7 supreme court judges, and we are waiting to hear on that ruling. I pray everyday that we can put this to rest for awhile, and give everyone a much needed break. I have high hopes that it will be denied, however I never dreamed it would go this far, if I am wrong however we will cross that bridge when we come to it.
I wish you all a wonderful holiday season, and I am thankful for all of you!!
Love,
Trisha
Transplant Reunion - A Word From Trish - August 18, 2011
Hello all,
Just a quick update for all of you. You know the saying "no news is
good news", that is true in my case. I have been feeling great and am
back in the swing of things. I am very blessed to be feeling
wonderful, with no real issues to even mention. At the end of July we
attended the transplant reunion, and it was a great experience. It is
amazing to see so many blessed people in one room, it is almost
surreal. Due to our generous donor families, they make that yearly
reunion possible, and I am grateful.
My CT in May had shown a new "area" in my liver, as well as multiple
lung lesions. They mentioned 15 lung lesions, which startled me
somewhat because I thought there were 5 or 6. Dr Sorrell phoned me
after the tumor board met to discuss my results. They did not feel
the new lesion was worrisome, and they chose to wait and do another CT
in August, so the wait was on. I had my follow-up CT last week, and
Dr. Sorrell called me right away with the results. The new area in my
liver was an dilated bile duct and they feel it will reabsorb, as for
the many small lung lesions they are stable. What this means is we
will do another CT in November, which believe it or not will be my 1
year anniversary.
I mentioned to Dr. Sorrell that I heard from my donor family. He said
that he knew I was surprised that my donor was 80 years old, however
her liver was very healthy, and I was "on borrowed time". I needed
the transplant to prevent the risk of the cancer spreading, and if
that happened, a transplant would not be possible. I am so grateful
for Ruby and her families choice to donate life in their hours of grief.
I have to say this update is pretty uneventful, just like I like
them. I hope all of you have enjoyed your summer, and have been
enjoying some cooler weather. I traveled to Texas last week for work,
and was thrilled to have the chance to stay with my wonderful friend
Joni Watkins and her family. It is so very hot and dry there, I hope
they get some moisture and relief from the heat soon. Take care
everyone, Fall will soon be upon us, good horseback riding weather.
God Bless You all,
Trish
Just a quick update for all of you. You know the saying "no news is
good news", that is true in my case. I have been feeling great and am
back in the swing of things. I am very blessed to be feeling
wonderful, with no real issues to even mention. At the end of July we
attended the transplant reunion, and it was a great experience. It is
amazing to see so many blessed people in one room, it is almost
surreal. Due to our generous donor families, they make that yearly
reunion possible, and I am grateful.
My CT in May had shown a new "area" in my liver, as well as multiple
lung lesions. They mentioned 15 lung lesions, which startled me
somewhat because I thought there were 5 or 6. Dr Sorrell phoned me
after the tumor board met to discuss my results. They did not feel
the new lesion was worrisome, and they chose to wait and do another CT
in August, so the wait was on. I had my follow-up CT last week, and
Dr. Sorrell called me right away with the results. The new area in my
liver was an dilated bile duct and they feel it will reabsorb, as for
the many small lung lesions they are stable. What this means is we
will do another CT in November, which believe it or not will be my 1
year anniversary.
I mentioned to Dr. Sorrell that I heard from my donor family. He said
that he knew I was surprised that my donor was 80 years old, however
her liver was very healthy, and I was "on borrowed time". I needed
the transplant to prevent the risk of the cancer spreading, and if
that happened, a transplant would not be possible. I am so grateful
for Ruby and her families choice to donate life in their hours of grief.
I have to say this update is pretty uneventful, just like I like
them. I hope all of you have enjoyed your summer, and have been
enjoying some cooler weather. I traveled to Texas last week for work,
and was thrilled to have the chance to stay with my wonderful friend
Joni Watkins and her family. It is so very hot and dry there, I hope
they get some moisture and relief from the heat soon. Take care
everyone, Fall will soon be upon us, good horseback riding weather.
God Bless You all,
Trish
Donor Family Gift - June 3, 2011
Good Morning,
I am so anxious to correspond with all of you this morning. Yesterday I received a wonderful letter from my donor family, and as I sat and read the words with my children the tears of joy were overwhelming. With Memorial Day just behind us, I know the family has so much heaviness in their hearts. It is such a wonderful letter, I want to share it with all of you. I will also have lovely Whitney post it to the blog. As for my health, my CMV counts came back down, and I have been feeling great. I will now only have labs once a month, which is a good thing, because by the look of my calendar I don't have time to have them more often than that. My next follow-up CT will be in August. I hope you all enjoy the letter as much as I did, it was such a blessing to me, and I am so thrilled to have received it. Once you read this letter, you will know why it will be my honor to take very good care of this liver.
Dear Trisha,
Thank you for your kind letter. I received it shortly after the holidays. It was comforting to hear your amazing story and know that you are doing well.
My mother Ruby just celebrated her 80th birthday a few months prior to her brain aneurysm on November 8th. She moved to Iowa to live near us after my 3 year old son was born. My mother lived her life giving to others. If I had to describe her with one word it would be "devoted". She was the oldest of nine kids, and helped raise many of her younger siblings. She dated my father and waited 17 years, through World War ll to marry him. She left her job at a university to stay home with my brother and myself. She also cared for my ailing father for many years until he passed away when I was 21. My father was her first and only love. My mother enjoyed cooking, sewing, reading, playing bingo, and completing any kind of puzzle, especially crosswords. She was a dedicated Grandmother to her only grandchild with which she had a close relationship with. She spent countless hours with him doing any activity to put a smile on his face, which put a smile on hers.
When the doctors told me our mother's liver would be donated to a 40 year old mother of two children, my first words were "Oh, it's someone like me". From that moment, our decision felt right. Knowing my mom was helping you made our loss more bearable. I know my mom will live forever in my heart. I pray that her gift blesses you with a long healthy life and you too can be a devoted grandmother someday.
Our family shared a funny story when we found out, to our surprise, that her 80 year old liver was very healthy and could be donated. We joked that it was because she never drank and refused to take any medication!! She was very strong willed and when it came to taking medication.
My husband and I have been married for 5 years. We met later in life and I will be celebrating my 42nd birthday this year. We have only one 3 year old son, and at our age can only pray for more. I stay home with my son after working over 12 years in the market research industry.
I hope we can meet someday. I'd love to exchange pictures with your family and get an update on your progress.
Best Wishes,
Eleni
It would be a dream come true to meet Ruby's daughter Eleni, and her family.
I have to go ride horses with Gracie today, and her friend Camille. They are practicing for the Junior rodeo this weekend. Today is my birthday, and this letter is the best gift I could receive, I will treasure it forever. God bless you Ruby, and your beautiful generous family for the priceless gift of many birthdays to come. You will forever have a place in my heart, and of course my liver. I was getting to serious, and we must have some humor. Thank you all for your continued support, once again, my cup overflows with hope, I sent the fear packing long ago, and peace took its place.
I need to ask for many prayers for my friend Scott Wells who I have mentioned before. He had a stem cell transplant before I had mine. He has been in the hospital for over 5 weeks and has been really sick. Please keep him in your prayers for healing and strength. He is surrounded with love by an amazing woman, Celeste, and she needs our prayers to. Have a wonderful weekend.
Love to you all,
Trish
I am so anxious to correspond with all of you this morning. Yesterday I received a wonderful letter from my donor family, and as I sat and read the words with my children the tears of joy were overwhelming. With Memorial Day just behind us, I know the family has so much heaviness in their hearts. It is such a wonderful letter, I want to share it with all of you. I will also have lovely Whitney post it to the blog. As for my health, my CMV counts came back down, and I have been feeling great. I will now only have labs once a month, which is a good thing, because by the look of my calendar I don't have time to have them more often than that. My next follow-up CT will be in August. I hope you all enjoy the letter as much as I did, it was such a blessing to me, and I am so thrilled to have received it. Once you read this letter, you will know why it will be my honor to take very good care of this liver.
Dear Trisha,
Thank you for your kind letter. I received it shortly after the holidays. It was comforting to hear your amazing story and know that you are doing well.
My mother Ruby just celebrated her 80th birthday a few months prior to her brain aneurysm on November 8th. She moved to Iowa to live near us after my 3 year old son was born. My mother lived her life giving to others. If I had to describe her with one word it would be "devoted". She was the oldest of nine kids, and helped raise many of her younger siblings. She dated my father and waited 17 years, through World War ll to marry him. She left her job at a university to stay home with my brother and myself. She also cared for my ailing father for many years until he passed away when I was 21. My father was her first and only love. My mother enjoyed cooking, sewing, reading, playing bingo, and completing any kind of puzzle, especially crosswords. She was a dedicated Grandmother to her only grandchild with which she had a close relationship with. She spent countless hours with him doing any activity to put a smile on his face, which put a smile on hers.
When the doctors told me our mother's liver would be donated to a 40 year old mother of two children, my first words were "Oh, it's someone like me". From that moment, our decision felt right. Knowing my mom was helping you made our loss more bearable. I know my mom will live forever in my heart. I pray that her gift blesses you with a long healthy life and you too can be a devoted grandmother someday.
Our family shared a funny story when we found out, to our surprise, that her 80 year old liver was very healthy and could be donated. We joked that it was because she never drank and refused to take any medication!! She was very strong willed and when it came to taking medication.
My husband and I have been married for 5 years. We met later in life and I will be celebrating my 42nd birthday this year. We have only one 3 year old son, and at our age can only pray for more. I stay home with my son after working over 12 years in the market research industry.
I hope we can meet someday. I'd love to exchange pictures with your family and get an update on your progress.
Best Wishes,
Eleni
It would be a dream come true to meet Ruby's daughter Eleni, and her family.
I have to go ride horses with Gracie today, and her friend Camille. They are practicing for the Junior rodeo this weekend. Today is my birthday, and this letter is the best gift I could receive, I will treasure it forever. God bless you Ruby, and your beautiful generous family for the priceless gift of many birthdays to come. You will forever have a place in my heart, and of course my liver. I was getting to serious, and we must have some humor. Thank you all for your continued support, once again, my cup overflows with hope, I sent the fear packing long ago, and peace took its place.
I need to ask for many prayers for my friend Scott Wells who I have mentioned before. He had a stem cell transplant before I had mine. He has been in the hospital for over 5 weeks and has been really sick. Please keep him in your prayers for healing and strength. He is surrounded with love by an amazing woman, Celeste, and she needs our prayers to. Have a wonderful weekend.
Love to you all,
Trish
Note from Peg Holen - May 21, 2011
Trish,
Just read your last few postings. Kept checking in March and was concerned when there was nothing posted. When I inquired, locally, I was told you doing fine and 'no news was good news'...was sorry to hear of your April trials.
I must say I am impressed with your team of doctors and their persistence to locate the root cause of this, hopefully, last obstacle to restored health.
I'm sure both you and your husband's medical background have been beneficial in sorting through the information and processing it with intelligent questions in return. All things for a reason.
Am delighted to hear that you have turned a corner and brighter days are coming more frequently and easily.....may it ever be so.
Best wishes for continued healing and restored health,
Peg Holen
Just read your last few postings. Kept checking in March and was concerned when there was nothing posted. When I inquired, locally, I was told you doing fine and 'no news was good news'...was sorry to hear of your April trials.
I must say I am impressed with your team of doctors and their persistence to locate the root cause of this, hopefully, last obstacle to restored health.
I'm sure both you and your husband's medical background have been beneficial in sorting through the information and processing it with intelligent questions in return. All things for a reason.
Am delighted to hear that you have turned a corner and brighter days are coming more frequently and easily.....may it ever be so.
Best wishes for continued healing and restored health,
Peg Holen
On the Mend - April 26, 2011
Good Morning,
What a beautiful morning it is. The sun is shining, and as I look out my window to the north the pastures are greening up. A sure sign that spring is here. The warm weather is just taking its sweet time getting here. I sent Gracie off to 4-H last night, and I think her horse was shivering. We have been blessed with some good rainfall, so if we get a few warm days it will really be green. A week ago as we headed off to Omaha, there was snow on the ground. Welcome to Nebraska.
I am finally feeling human again. No nausea, no headaches, and no fevers for several days now. Each day brings me new strength, and more energy. I had lost so much in the month of April. As I look forward, next month will mark 1 year that I found all of those tumors in my liver, and looking back I am so thankful for that dreadful day. It was one of those many blessings that I have experienced this past year. It is has been a ride that I will never forget. Thank you all once again for the continued support. You have made this journey bearable as you have carried me through many of my challenges with your e-mails, cards, and phone calls. I believe that I am going to put these challenges behind me, and never look back. That is where the hope comes in, it has brought me this far.
Bless you all,
Trish
What a beautiful morning it is. The sun is shining, and as I look out my window to the north the pastures are greening up. A sure sign that spring is here. The warm weather is just taking its sweet time getting here. I sent Gracie off to 4-H last night, and I think her horse was shivering. We have been blessed with some good rainfall, so if we get a few warm days it will really be green. A week ago as we headed off to Omaha, there was snow on the ground. Welcome to Nebraska.
I am finally feeling human again. No nausea, no headaches, and no fevers for several days now. Each day brings me new strength, and more energy. I had lost so much in the month of April. As I look forward, next month will mark 1 year that I found all of those tumors in my liver, and looking back I am so thankful for that dreadful day. It was one of those many blessings that I have experienced this past year. It is has been a ride that I will never forget. Thank you all once again for the continued support. You have made this journey bearable as you have carried me through many of my challenges with your e-mails, cards, and phone calls. I believe that I am going to put these challenges behind me, and never look back. That is where the hope comes in, it has brought me this far.
Bless you all,
Trish
Finally a Diagnosis - April 21, 2011
Good Afternoon,
Well it has been a long week, but well worth it. The transplant team admitted me last Friday really not knowing what was going on. I was so weak and sick, I did not even put up a fight. I had multiple tests including an abdominal ultrasound, 3 blood draws a day, and CT of my head. With my severe headaches and nausea, they became quite concerned that I had meningitis, which can happen at this point post-transplant, so they say. So on Sunday, I had my first and hopefully my last spinal tap. It came back negative. Dr. Shafer, one of the hepatologists on the liver team, and one of my favorites, walked in my room and said, Grote, you're killing me. They were baffled. I never seem to take the easy road. Then on Monday after numerous tests, they found that my quantitative CMV came back positive. This value for Cytomegalovirus should be ZERO, mine however was 450,000!!!!! I contracted this virus from my donor. About 80% of us carry it, but it usually stays dormant and causes no problems. But with my compromised immune system, it reared it's ugly head with a vengeance. They were going to send me home with a central line, and I was going to receive IV Ganciclovir, which is an very strong anti-viral for 3 weeks. However the liver team was concerned with the risk of infection from the central line, and wanted to try the oral medication Valcyte first. The bad part of taking these meds in this high dose is it affects my white count, with is already down to 3.0, and my neutrophils are only 1,000. Needless to say, I am so susceptible infections, that I will be staying home for a few weeks. If the Valcyte brings my numbers down too much, they will then switch me to the IV medication. With that large viral load, it will take some time to bring that number down. She also said that I can still feel poor for another 2 weeks, so that is something to look forward to. I am ready to meet this challenge head on and get back on the road to recovery. I hope I can convince my body of that.
This is bound to be one of my last bumps in the road, I am convinced of that. I am very weak, but it is so nice not to run a 103.5 fever, with a severe headache, so things are looking up. Thanks again for all of the love and concern. I am looking forward to sleeping in my own bed tonight, that is for sure. My mom has been awesome taking care of the kids, like always. I sure miss them when I am gone. I would like to thank the Kizer's and Uncle Al and Nolan for taking the kids here and there when they needed it. I hope to repay the favor some day. We couldn't get through this journey without so many caring people, I am so thankful to be surrounded by so many friends and family.
Bless you all,
Trish
Well it has been a long week, but well worth it. The transplant team admitted me last Friday really not knowing what was going on. I was so weak and sick, I did not even put up a fight. I had multiple tests including an abdominal ultrasound, 3 blood draws a day, and CT of my head. With my severe headaches and nausea, they became quite concerned that I had meningitis, which can happen at this point post-transplant, so they say. So on Sunday, I had my first and hopefully my last spinal tap. It came back negative. Dr. Shafer, one of the hepatologists on the liver team, and one of my favorites, walked in my room and said, Grote, you're killing me. They were baffled. I never seem to take the easy road. Then on Monday after numerous tests, they found that my quantitative CMV came back positive. This value for Cytomegalovirus should be ZERO, mine however was 450,000!!!!! I contracted this virus from my donor. About 80% of us carry it, but it usually stays dormant and causes no problems. But with my compromised immune system, it reared it's ugly head with a vengeance. They were going to send me home with a central line, and I was going to receive IV Ganciclovir, which is an very strong anti-viral for 3 weeks. However the liver team was concerned with the risk of infection from the central line, and wanted to try the oral medication Valcyte first. The bad part of taking these meds in this high dose is it affects my white count, with is already down to 3.0, and my neutrophils are only 1,000. Needless to say, I am so susceptible infections, that I will be staying home for a few weeks. If the Valcyte brings my numbers down too much, they will then switch me to the IV medication. With that large viral load, it will take some time to bring that number down. She also said that I can still feel poor for another 2 weeks, so that is something to look forward to. I am ready to meet this challenge head on and get back on the road to recovery. I hope I can convince my body of that.
This is bound to be one of my last bumps in the road, I am convinced of that. I am very weak, but it is so nice not to run a 103.5 fever, with a severe headache, so things are looking up. Thanks again for all of the love and concern. I am looking forward to sleeping in my own bed tonight, that is for sure. My mom has been awesome taking care of the kids, like always. I sure miss them when I am gone. I would like to thank the Kizer's and Uncle Al and Nolan for taking the kids here and there when they needed it. I hope to repay the favor some day. We couldn't get through this journey without so many caring people, I am so thankful to be surrounded by so many friends and family.
Bless you all,
Trish
Back to Omaha - April 14, 2011
Hello Again,
I wanted to drop a quick note and let you all know we are heading back to UNMC early in the morning. They offered to put me in the hospital today if I wanted to head down, but I chose to get the kids settled and head down tomorrow. I will have a liver ultrasound, more labs, an appointment with infectious disease and an appointment in the transplant center. I have had a little cough, nothing hardly noticeable, and now it has really gotten worse. So maybe that is it, the jury is still out. We really just want to try and get some answers so I can start to heal. Larry may just drop me at the door and ask me to call him when I am better. He has been very patient and kind, but I know it wears on everyone and I hate to be any type of burden. I will update you as I know something, and I am praying for answers and the wonderful healing. I have been so very fortunate through this whole journey, and I continue to be thankful for all of my blessings. This day too shall pass.
Love to you all,
Trish
I wanted to drop a quick note and let you all know we are heading back to UNMC early in the morning. They offered to put me in the hospital today if I wanted to head down, but I chose to get the kids settled and head down tomorrow. I will have a liver ultrasound, more labs, an appointment with infectious disease and an appointment in the transplant center. I have had a little cough, nothing hardly noticeable, and now it has really gotten worse. So maybe that is it, the jury is still out. We really just want to try and get some answers so I can start to heal. Larry may just drop me at the door and ask me to call him when I am better. He has been very patient and kind, but I know it wears on everyone and I hate to be any type of burden. I will update you as I know something, and I am praying for answers and the wonderful healing. I have been so very fortunate through this whole journey, and I continue to be thankful for all of my blessings. This day too shall pass.
Love to you all,
Trish
The forever flu.... April 14, 2011
Hello Everyone,
I thought I would drop a quick note to you all and update you on what has been going on. Just when you think it is smooth sailing ahead, sometimes we hit some rough waters. That is where I am right now. Back in March I had the stomach flu and severe headaches for 2 days, which was awful, but I just thought it was a bad case of the stomach flu. Until it came back a couple of weeks later, and has now lasted for 10 days straight. I have had nausea, vomiting, severe headaches, abdominal pain and now the past 4 days I have had high fevers. They have been running tests, CT scans, ultrasounds, MRI, blood cultures, urine cultures and so on and so forth. My liver numbers have never looked better, which is great. But they are at a loss. I had some free fluid in my pelvis, and they were concerned that I may have appendicitis, but the CT scan did not show any evidence of that. I do continue to have a biliary fluid collection in my liver, and that is the next thing they are going to look at closer. The transplant team are going to have the interventional radiologist compare my recent CT with my previous one in February and see if there are any changes. If so they may consider draining it. They are unable to find a cause for all of my symptoms, and I am tired of reliving every day over and over.
They have made some adjustments to my Prograf, which is my anti-rejection med. They normally keep those levels at 5-6, and my level ran anywhere from 10-12. They were keeping my level higher because of my bad rejection I had in December. They thought this might be causing me to be sick. Larry told them it is like I am being poisoned. I asked him if he had anything to tell me. He said we spent too much time and money to get a liver transplant, that he wouldn't poison me now. So they decreased my Prograf to 2 mg a day, and added a new med to go with it. I no longer take prednisone either, so that is great.
This is the first time in over a week I have been able to do much typing, so maybe I am going to see the light at the end of the tunnel. Although I usually feel the best in the morning, and then all hell breaks loose by late morning.
I will keep you all posted. I was not going to send an email, but Gracie had posted on her facebook account that I was sick, so I had enough calls and emails I thought I would explain in one note. On a separate note, we went to Omaha last Sunday for a Donor Family Reception that I was asked to speak at. I had no idea how I was ever going to be able to stand up on that stage and get through it, I was so very weak. But the good Lord blessed me once again, and helped me through it. There were 550 donor family members there. It was a very emotional day, but I was so honored to have the opportunity to express my overwhelming gratitude. I am still hopeful that someday I will meet my donor family. I hope this finds all of you well. I look forward to one good day, it will be a start, I will take what I can get.
Bless you all,
Trish
I thought I would drop a quick note to you all and update you on what has been going on. Just when you think it is smooth sailing ahead, sometimes we hit some rough waters. That is where I am right now. Back in March I had the stomach flu and severe headaches for 2 days, which was awful, but I just thought it was a bad case of the stomach flu. Until it came back a couple of weeks later, and has now lasted for 10 days straight. I have had nausea, vomiting, severe headaches, abdominal pain and now the past 4 days I have had high fevers. They have been running tests, CT scans, ultrasounds, MRI, blood cultures, urine cultures and so on and so forth. My liver numbers have never looked better, which is great. But they are at a loss. I had some free fluid in my pelvis, and they were concerned that I may have appendicitis, but the CT scan did not show any evidence of that. I do continue to have a biliary fluid collection in my liver, and that is the next thing they are going to look at closer. The transplant team are going to have the interventional radiologist compare my recent CT with my previous one in February and see if there are any changes. If so they may consider draining it. They are unable to find a cause for all of my symptoms, and I am tired of reliving every day over and over.
They have made some adjustments to my Prograf, which is my anti-rejection med. They normally keep those levels at 5-6, and my level ran anywhere from 10-12. They were keeping my level higher because of my bad rejection I had in December. They thought this might be causing me to be sick. Larry told them it is like I am being poisoned. I asked him if he had anything to tell me. He said we spent too much time and money to get a liver transplant, that he wouldn't poison me now. So they decreased my Prograf to 2 mg a day, and added a new med to go with it. I no longer take prednisone either, so that is great.
This is the first time in over a week I have been able to do much typing, so maybe I am going to see the light at the end of the tunnel. Although I usually feel the best in the morning, and then all hell breaks loose by late morning.
I will keep you all posted. I was not going to send an email, but Gracie had posted on her facebook account that I was sick, so I had enough calls and emails I thought I would explain in one note. On a separate note, we went to Omaha last Sunday for a Donor Family Reception that I was asked to speak at. I had no idea how I was ever going to be able to stand up on that stage and get through it, I was so very weak. But the good Lord blessed me once again, and helped me through it. There were 550 donor family members there. It was a very emotional day, but I was so honored to have the opportunity to express my overwhelming gratitude. I am still hopeful that someday I will meet my donor family. I hope this finds all of you well. I look forward to one good day, it will be a start, I will take what I can get.
Bless you all,
Trish
CT Scan - Update: February 19, 2011
Hello All,
I am finally sending out a quick update following my CT scan. A couple of days following my CT I decided to pick up the ultrasound probe and look at my liver myself. I have to admit I was a little reserved in doing so, since the last time I did this I found my cancer. The first thing I see is a complex cystic structure, in the right lobe of my liver. I just thought it was a resolving hematoma or collection of blood from my liver biopsies. After several days had passed I called UNMC for the CT results. They saw the cystic structure as well, however it is was not a hematoma, it was connected to a bile duct in my liver. The internal medicine doctor did not know what to tell me, and it took a couple of days to get ahold of my surgeon, Dr. Botha, and he knew exactly where it was and was not concerned. Thank goodness. I was concerned there for awhile that I was looking at another procedure, and I was not looking forward to that.
Since then, they have decreased my anti-rejection medication to only 4 mg per day, and my prednisone is down to 10 mg per day. The decrease in medication is always great news.
I am feeling 100%, without any side affects at all. I am back in the swing of my job, and really enjoying the change in routine, other than labs and Dr. appointments.
We had some sad, sad news this past week. Larry's cousin Jamie was murdered by her boyfriend, who also took his own life. Her aunt and uncle are the kind people that we lived with once I got released from the hospital, Jim and Shirley Simmonds. This really hits home with me, and my heart goes out to them. The pain and heartache that comes with such a tragedy is so overwhelming.
We found out this week that Tim's (the man who took my sister's life) last appeal was denied, so that is behind us one more time. We know there will be more down the road, but it is over for now.
I continue to be blessed by all of you and your support, and I am so thankful.
All my love,
Trisha
I am finally sending out a quick update following my CT scan. A couple of days following my CT I decided to pick up the ultrasound probe and look at my liver myself. I have to admit I was a little reserved in doing so, since the last time I did this I found my cancer. The first thing I see is a complex cystic structure, in the right lobe of my liver. I just thought it was a resolving hematoma or collection of blood from my liver biopsies. After several days had passed I called UNMC for the CT results. They saw the cystic structure as well, however it is was not a hematoma, it was connected to a bile duct in my liver. The internal medicine doctor did not know what to tell me, and it took a couple of days to get ahold of my surgeon, Dr. Botha, and he knew exactly where it was and was not concerned. Thank goodness. I was concerned there for awhile that I was looking at another procedure, and I was not looking forward to that.
Since then, they have decreased my anti-rejection medication to only 4 mg per day, and my prednisone is down to 10 mg per day. The decrease in medication is always great news.
I am feeling 100%, without any side affects at all. I am back in the swing of my job, and really enjoying the change in routine, other than labs and Dr. appointments.
We had some sad, sad news this past week. Larry's cousin Jamie was murdered by her boyfriend, who also took his own life. Her aunt and uncle are the kind people that we lived with once I got released from the hospital, Jim and Shirley Simmonds. This really hits home with me, and my heart goes out to them. The pain and heartache that comes with such a tragedy is so overwhelming.
We found out this week that Tim's (the man who took my sister's life) last appeal was denied, so that is behind us one more time. We know there will be more down the road, but it is over for now.
I continue to be blessed by all of you and your support, and I am so thankful.
All my love,
Trisha
No News is Good News, February 2, 2010
Hello everyone,
I am just sending warm wishes from sunny Florida to all of you. Even my friends in Texas are frozen. I have been on the road since Monday doing installs in Knoxville, TN and Sarasota, FL. It sure feels good to work again, and the 80 degree temperature sure doesn't hurt either. I saw Dr. Sorrell last week, and although he wants to see my liver functions return to normal, they are not going up, and that is good. They are close to normal. They did reduce my prednisone, which is a blessing. I am flying back into Omaha tonight, and will have labs in the morning at UNMC. In the next couple weeks I will have my 3 month follow-up CT scan of my chest, abdomen and pelvis. I will have them every 3 months for a year, to make sure the cancer does not return. In my mind that is not an option, and I try not to worry about it. I feel great. Without the scar and handful of pills I take daily, I would not know I had a liver transplant. For those of you that are wondering, I have not heard back from the donor family. I will continue to write, and maybe someday I will.
I would like to ask all of you to add Forrest Stone Allen to your prayers. I work with his father who is an equine vet in Virginia. I have had the pleasure of working with his mother Rae as well. She is the dolphin specialist I installed for at Dolphin Quest in Hawaii last February. Their son Forrest was in a snowboarding accident a few weeks back and suffered a brain injury, as well as 2 broken vertebrae in his back. They will be moving him to a rehab center in Atlanta tomorrow. I pray for his recovery everyday. He is blessed with a wonderful support system, and I know how important that is for a successful recovery. When we have hope, we can conquer the fear. You all give me hope, and I want to pass it on to Forrest.
Follow his blog at www.forreststoneallen.blogspot.com if you are interested. He has many challenges ahead, but from what I read about him he will rise to the occasion and face them head on.
Bless you all,
Trisha
I am just sending warm wishes from sunny Florida to all of you. Even my friends in Texas are frozen. I have been on the road since Monday doing installs in Knoxville, TN and Sarasota, FL. It sure feels good to work again, and the 80 degree temperature sure doesn't hurt either. I saw Dr. Sorrell last week, and although he wants to see my liver functions return to normal, they are not going up, and that is good. They are close to normal. They did reduce my prednisone, which is a blessing. I am flying back into Omaha tonight, and will have labs in the morning at UNMC. In the next couple weeks I will have my 3 month follow-up CT scan of my chest, abdomen and pelvis. I will have them every 3 months for a year, to make sure the cancer does not return. In my mind that is not an option, and I try not to worry about it. I feel great. Without the scar and handful of pills I take daily, I would not know I had a liver transplant. For those of you that are wondering, I have not heard back from the donor family. I will continue to write, and maybe someday I will.
I would like to ask all of you to add Forrest Stone Allen to your prayers. I work with his father who is an equine vet in Virginia. I have had the pleasure of working with his mother Rae as well. She is the dolphin specialist I installed for at Dolphin Quest in Hawaii last February. Their son Forrest was in a snowboarding accident a few weeks back and suffered a brain injury, as well as 2 broken vertebrae in his back. They will be moving him to a rehab center in Atlanta tomorrow. I pray for his recovery everyday. He is blessed with a wonderful support system, and I know how important that is for a successful recovery. When we have hope, we can conquer the fear. You all give me hope, and I want to pass it on to Forrest.
Follow his blog at www.forreststoneallen.blogspot.com if you are interested. He has many challenges ahead, but from what I read about him he will rise to the occasion and face them head on.
Bless you all,
Trisha
Just Keep Swimming - January 15, 2011
Hello All,
Just a quick note to confirm my release from the hospital today. I will be going home on a higher dose of steroids, 40 mg a day. They hope to start weening me down again as early as this next week. Dr. Botha, my surgeon was on rounds today. I just love him. He is very pleased with everything he is seeing as far as my liver numbers go. He actually said having the one bout with rejection can be a good thing. Even though I was treated for it 2 different times, they consider it 1 episode. It gets worrisome when you reject 3 times, then the chances of liver damage are high, and being compatible with the new liver decreases. He did confirm that the serum sickness is rare with liver transplants, about 1 case a year. I guess I helped them meet that statistic early in the year. I asked the resident and surgeon about any restrictions that I have, and they said there aren't any. I am cleared to resume any activity I was doing prior to my transplant. That is good news to me. None of this was caused by not resting enough, or doing too much too soon. I am just experiencing some of the complications that come with a liver transplant, and then the side affects of treatment given for those complications. Like Dr. Sorrell said, I have to remember how well I did with the transplant, and that complications can occur. I realize this, I was just hoping there wouldn't be any. Just like a good friend (who was recently diagnosed with breast cancer) quoted from the movie "Finding Nemo", when Dori the fish said, "just keep swimming" and that is what we have to do. I continue to be so thankful for all of the blessings, and the gift of life I have received, that never changes no matter how bad my day is. You are all among my many blessings, and give me the strength to swim against the current.
God Bless You All,
Trish
Just a quick note to confirm my release from the hospital today. I will be going home on a higher dose of steroids, 40 mg a day. They hope to start weening me down again as early as this next week. Dr. Botha, my surgeon was on rounds today. I just love him. He is very pleased with everything he is seeing as far as my liver numbers go. He actually said having the one bout with rejection can be a good thing. Even though I was treated for it 2 different times, they consider it 1 episode. It gets worrisome when you reject 3 times, then the chances of liver damage are high, and being compatible with the new liver decreases. He did confirm that the serum sickness is rare with liver transplants, about 1 case a year. I guess I helped them meet that statistic early in the year. I asked the resident and surgeon about any restrictions that I have, and they said there aren't any. I am cleared to resume any activity I was doing prior to my transplant. That is good news to me. None of this was caused by not resting enough, or doing too much too soon. I am just experiencing some of the complications that come with a liver transplant, and then the side affects of treatment given for those complications. Like Dr. Sorrell said, I have to remember how well I did with the transplant, and that complications can occur. I realize this, I was just hoping there wouldn't be any. Just like a good friend (who was recently diagnosed with breast cancer) quoted from the movie "Finding Nemo", when Dori the fish said, "just keep swimming" and that is what we have to do. I continue to be so thankful for all of the blessings, and the gift of life I have received, that never changes no matter how bad my day is. You are all among my many blessings, and give me the strength to swim against the current.
God Bless You All,
Trish
Much Better Morning - January 15, 2011
Good Morning,
I woke up this morning and I can raise my arms without assistance from the other, and make a fist, YAHOO!!!!! Yesterday, I had to use my left arm to help raise my right just for a blood pressure. I saw much improvement last night, but I was a afraid after being in bed all night I would wake up with stiff and painful joints once again. It must be this wonderful pillow top, top of the line mattress that the hospital has. It cured me.....NOT. I guess I have to give credit to the wonderful steroids I am taking. To all of my friends out there with Rheumatoid Arthritis, and there are several, I am so sorry. I have felt your pain, and my heart goes out to you. I am fortunate mine should go away, I wish I could do something to take yours away. Now I know how it feels when Scott's jaw cramps up when he tries to chew. Although it usually doesn't affect his speech, the BS still seems to run out easily. I guess I am feeling better :)
I hope to be on my way home today. My kids both have basketball games tomorrow and I hate to miss them. They are still waiting on a couple of blood tests that they ran for some rare virus. Once that is back and is negative, there should be no reason for them to keep me. I will be out of isolation for sure.
Enjoy your weekend. Thank you for all of the prayers, they are wonderful. If you could add to your prayer list, one of my teachers from my high school, Sharen Wroblewski, who has been so very supportive through this journey of mine, is sending her son Cory, who is an Army pilot back to Iraq today. This will be his second trip. Cory's wife Hope, who is also an Army pilot, will be deployed to Iraq at the beginning of February. Their service is so important to me and our country, and I appreciate them very much. We just want them home safe. I will keep you all posted, thank you for all of the support. You inspire me.
Love,
Trish
I woke up this morning and I can raise my arms without assistance from the other, and make a fist, YAHOO!!!!! Yesterday, I had to use my left arm to help raise my right just for a blood pressure. I saw much improvement last night, but I was a afraid after being in bed all night I would wake up with stiff and painful joints once again. It must be this wonderful pillow top, top of the line mattress that the hospital has. It cured me.....NOT. I guess I have to give credit to the wonderful steroids I am taking. To all of my friends out there with Rheumatoid Arthritis, and there are several, I am so sorry. I have felt your pain, and my heart goes out to you. I am fortunate mine should go away, I wish I could do something to take yours away. Now I know how it feels when Scott's jaw cramps up when he tries to chew. Although it usually doesn't affect his speech, the BS still seems to run out easily. I guess I am feeling better :)
I hope to be on my way home today. My kids both have basketball games tomorrow and I hate to miss them. They are still waiting on a couple of blood tests that they ran for some rare virus. Once that is back and is negative, there should be no reason for them to keep me. I will be out of isolation for sure.
Enjoy your weekend. Thank you for all of the prayers, they are wonderful. If you could add to your prayer list, one of my teachers from my high school, Sharen Wroblewski, who has been so very supportive through this journey of mine, is sending her son Cory, who is an Army pilot back to Iraq today. This will be his second trip. Cory's wife Hope, who is also an Army pilot, will be deployed to Iraq at the beginning of February. Their service is so important to me and our country, and I appreciate them very much. We just want them home safe. I will keep you all posted, thank you for all of the support. You inspire me.
Love,
Trish
What Doesn't Kill You Will Make You Stonger - Jan 14, 2011
Good Evening,
I have thought about that subject line several times in this past 24 hours, and I remind myself that this day too shall pass. On Wednesday I had noticed a slight sore throat and some stiffness in between my shoulder blades and neck later in the day. But I pushed that off on pitching hay to the horses and cattle earlier in the day. By the time I got home Wednesday evening after driving about 45 mins, I was unable to close my hands when I let go of the steering wheel. It was all so bizarre. I got out of the car and it seemed that all of my joints were painful.........what the hell !!!!! Those were my exact words. I phoned the transplant coordinator on call, and she had was not familiar with these symptoms, and wanted me to go to the ER. We had just gotten the kids to bed, and it was so cold, I chose to go to bed and hit the clinic first thing in the morning. After lots of blood work, a chest x-ray, strep, and influenza tests, everything was negative. I was also having a lot of nausea to top it off. Getting up and walking was a chore. The transplant team wanted me down in Omaha right away to be admitted, they thought for sure it was something called SERUM SICKNESS, but until other viruses were ruled out I would have to be in isolation. The serum sickness is a rare side affect of the Thymo treatments I had. The serum sickness usually comes on weeks after the treatment. If it is uncommon, you can bet I will get it. The treatment is once again some steroid treatment. Nothing like I had for the rejection, they are giving me 40 mg a day. I am feeling a lot better tonight. My hands are still bothering me some, my jaw seems to be much better. It was even hard to chew food, don't worry I could still talk.
The good news is, once I am better it should not reoccur, unless I need future Thymo treatments. There is more good news, my liver functions are looking great. My good attitude slipped a little yesterday, and I will be the first to admit it. I melted down, but I am trying to find the positives and focus on those. I should go home tomorrow, they are still waiting on a few more blood tests to come back first. Once everything else is ruled out, and the steroids seem to help, that is how they know it is serum sickness. One of these days I am just going to send out an e-mail to say hello, and that my life is so boring and uneventful with nothing to report. I hope all of you are doing well. We got a little break from the frigid cold weather, and that is always a relief. Thank you all for your support and prayers, it all means so much.
Love,
Trish
I have thought about that subject line several times in this past 24 hours, and I remind myself that this day too shall pass. On Wednesday I had noticed a slight sore throat and some stiffness in between my shoulder blades and neck later in the day. But I pushed that off on pitching hay to the horses and cattle earlier in the day. By the time I got home Wednesday evening after driving about 45 mins, I was unable to close my hands when I let go of the steering wheel. It was all so bizarre. I got out of the car and it seemed that all of my joints were painful.........what the hell !!!!! Those were my exact words. I phoned the transplant coordinator on call, and she had was not familiar with these symptoms, and wanted me to go to the ER. We had just gotten the kids to bed, and it was so cold, I chose to go to bed and hit the clinic first thing in the morning. After lots of blood work, a chest x-ray, strep, and influenza tests, everything was negative. I was also having a lot of nausea to top it off. Getting up and walking was a chore. The transplant team wanted me down in Omaha right away to be admitted, they thought for sure it was something called SERUM SICKNESS, but until other viruses were ruled out I would have to be in isolation. The serum sickness is a rare side affect of the Thymo treatments I had. The serum sickness usually comes on weeks after the treatment. If it is uncommon, you can bet I will get it. The treatment is once again some steroid treatment. Nothing like I had for the rejection, they are giving me 40 mg a day. I am feeling a lot better tonight. My hands are still bothering me some, my jaw seems to be much better. It was even hard to chew food, don't worry I could still talk.
The good news is, once I am better it should not reoccur, unless I need future Thymo treatments. There is more good news, my liver functions are looking great. My good attitude slipped a little yesterday, and I will be the first to admit it. I melted down, but I am trying to find the positives and focus on those. I should go home tomorrow, they are still waiting on a few more blood tests to come back first. Once everything else is ruled out, and the steroids seem to help, that is how they know it is serum sickness. One of these days I am just going to send out an e-mail to say hello, and that my life is so boring and uneventful with nothing to report. I hope all of you are doing well. We got a little break from the frigid cold weather, and that is always a relief. Thank you all for your support and prayers, it all means so much.
Love,
Trish
Going Home - January 6, 2011
Hello again,
I got some good news today at clinic. My liver function tests continue to improve, therefore I have been released to go home. I will need to have my labs drawn 3 times a week in Kearney, for at least 2 weeks to make sure everything stays where it needs to be. My prograf level (anti-rejection med) was a little high so they did decrease my dose. We will pray for good numbers, and I will see Dr. Sorrell on the 25th of the month. I am working tomorrow, then mom and Peyton will head down to pick me up. I am excited to see the kids, and I want to get home before it snows. Sounds like it is supposed to start on Saturday, and possible heavy and blowing snow on Sunday. Bring it on, as long as I am home. Thank you all for the prayers, and messages. Your support continues to amaze me. Have a wonderful weekend.
All My Best,
Trish
I got some good news today at clinic. My liver function tests continue to improve, therefore I have been released to go home. I will need to have my labs drawn 3 times a week in Kearney, for at least 2 weeks to make sure everything stays where it needs to be. My prograf level (anti-rejection med) was a little high so they did decrease my dose. We will pray for good numbers, and I will see Dr. Sorrell on the 25th of the month. I am working tomorrow, then mom and Peyton will head down to pick me up. I am excited to see the kids, and I want to get home before it snows. Sounds like it is supposed to start on Saturday, and possible heavy and blowing snow on Sunday. Bring it on, as long as I am home. Thank you all for the prayers, and messages. Your support continues to amaze me. Have a wonderful weekend.
All My Best,
Trish
Living Life in Limbo - January 5, 2011
Good Morning,
I wanted to drop a quick message to all of you. My labs continue to improve, so yesterday they chose to pull my central line due to risk of infection. Hopefully my labs will continue to come down, if not, you guessed it, they will put in another central line and start another course of treatments. But I have hope that they will return to normal. I just had labs today, and tomorrow I will have labs once again and clinic in the afternoon. If everything looks good, I think I will be released to go home, and have labs 3 times a week in Kearney. I am praying for this, I miss the kids so much. I know they are in good hands with grandma, and that is a huge blessing. Larry had a sales meeting in Houston today, so I sent him along his way. There is no reason for both of us to sit here waiting. It will do him good to work a little, and have a break. Although he has not complained, I see him getting a little restless.
Our niece Libby and her husband Justin had us over for dinner on Monday night, and we had a wonderful meal and a good visit. Tiffany, Libby's sister was also there. They also went to dinner with us last night, along with my friend Pat, Jim and Shirley. I am so fortunate to be surrounded by so many caring people. I am doing some work today and trying to keep myself busy and sane. I feel so good, I cannot even tell I had a liver transplant 7 weeks ago, so it is hard for me to be patient some days. Jim and Shirley have a dog named Radar, and he and I have become good friends. You guessed it, I had to attach his picture. We have been walking in the afternoons and checking out the neighborhood. He is some dog I tell you, full of personality. I hope all of you are having a great start to a New Year, and a wonderful week.
Trish
I wanted to drop a quick message to all of you. My labs continue to improve, so yesterday they chose to pull my central line due to risk of infection. Hopefully my labs will continue to come down, if not, you guessed it, they will put in another central line and start another course of treatments. But I have hope that they will return to normal. I just had labs today, and tomorrow I will have labs once again and clinic in the afternoon. If everything looks good, I think I will be released to go home, and have labs 3 times a week in Kearney. I am praying for this, I miss the kids so much. I know they are in good hands with grandma, and that is a huge blessing. Larry had a sales meeting in Houston today, so I sent him along his way. There is no reason for both of us to sit here waiting. It will do him good to work a little, and have a break. Although he has not complained, I see him getting a little restless.
Our niece Libby and her husband Justin had us over for dinner on Monday night, and we had a wonderful meal and a good visit. Tiffany, Libby's sister was also there. They also went to dinner with us last night, along with my friend Pat, Jim and Shirley. I am so fortunate to be surrounded by so many caring people. I am doing some work today and trying to keep myself busy and sane. I feel so good, I cannot even tell I had a liver transplant 7 weeks ago, so it is hard for me to be patient some days. Jim and Shirley have a dog named Radar, and he and I have become good friends. You guessed it, I had to attach his picture. We have been walking in the afternoons and checking out the neighborhood. He is some dog I tell you, full of personality. I hope all of you are having a great start to a New Year, and a wonderful week.
Trish
To Trish from Michelle and Crew at Dolphin Quest - Jan 2011
Feel the strength and healing spirit as we pass it from our family to you and yours.
Love Dolphin Quest.
Michelle Campbell, MS
Director of Marine Animals
mcampbell@dolphinquest.com
Love Dolphin Quest.
Michelle Campbell, MS
Director of Marine Animals
mcampbell@dolphinquest.com
Last Thymo Treatment - January 3, 2011
Good Morning,
I am on my last Thymoglobulin treatment, with good music onboard to help the time pass by. I continue to tolerate them for the most part. Yesterday I woke up with a rash so they gave me more IV Benadryl when I came in for labs. They were not concerned, however they extended my infusion time to from 4 to 6 hours today. I forgot to mention that they used a GE Logic E ultrasound unit to guide the needle for my last liver biopsy. This is the same ultrasound unit I install for the Equine Vets. I offered to find the spot for them, in hopes of getting a discount. I feel really good today, and hope to be released to go home tomorrow following my labs. If so they will remove my central line tomorrow as well. The Thymo is bringing my liver numbers down nicely. They are reaching normal limits. The real trick seems to be keeping them there on oral medication alone.
The kids returned home yesterday so they can head back to school tomorrow. It is so quiet without them. They probably don't feel like they had much of a vacation, spending most of it away from home in a hospital. They never seem to complain, and just continue to roll with the flow. I am very proud of them. We went to Lisa Bartenhagen's for dinner on saturday night. Lisa and I graduated from UNMC together, and she is the clinical director of the Radiation Therapy program here at UNMC. It was a nice visit. Lisa and her husband Mike have a beautiful home in Gretna, with 3 wonderful children. Gracie has spent some nights there since my transplant in November. Tonight we are going to our niece Libby's home in Papillion for dinner. We are being taken care of very well.
I wish you all a Happy New Year. I am hoping for a healthy New Year, without liver rejection. I continue to count my many blessings, and pray for a boring and uneventful 2011.
Trish
I am on my last Thymoglobulin treatment, with good music onboard to help the time pass by. I continue to tolerate them for the most part. Yesterday I woke up with a rash so they gave me more IV Benadryl when I came in for labs. They were not concerned, however they extended my infusion time to from 4 to 6 hours today. I forgot to mention that they used a GE Logic E ultrasound unit to guide the needle for my last liver biopsy. This is the same ultrasound unit I install for the Equine Vets. I offered to find the spot for them, in hopes of getting a discount. I feel really good today, and hope to be released to go home tomorrow following my labs. If so they will remove my central line tomorrow as well. The Thymo is bringing my liver numbers down nicely. They are reaching normal limits. The real trick seems to be keeping them there on oral medication alone.
The kids returned home yesterday so they can head back to school tomorrow. It is so quiet without them. They probably don't feel like they had much of a vacation, spending most of it away from home in a hospital. They never seem to complain, and just continue to roll with the flow. I am very proud of them. We went to Lisa Bartenhagen's for dinner on saturday night. Lisa and I graduated from UNMC together, and she is the clinical director of the Radiation Therapy program here at UNMC. It was a nice visit. Lisa and her husband Mike have a beautiful home in Gretna, with 3 wonderful children. Gracie has spent some nights there since my transplant in November. Tonight we are going to our niece Libby's home in Papillion for dinner. We are being taken care of very well.
I wish you all a Happy New Year. I am hoping for a healthy New Year, without liver rejection. I continue to count my many blessings, and pray for a boring and uneventful 2011.
Trish
Energizer Bunny - December 31, 2010
Good Afternoon,
I am about 15 minutes from completing my second Thymo (ATG) treatment. Once again my body has tolerated it very well, and I have had no adverse reactions. My liver function numbers have improved once again. My AST went from 127 to 81, ALT 223 to 179, Bilirubin 3.3 to 1.9, WBC 17.5-7.5 which is a normal value. They seem very pleased with these improvements. It has been a long day for the kids in a small room, but they did survive, as did mom. Thank goodness for computers and a netflix account. Tomorrow we will come back to the UNMC treatment center for central line care and more labs. My next treatment will be saturday, and they will diffuse it in 4 hours instead of 6. We were fortunate to have Larry's cousin Gary bring us all a wonderful lunch, and stay for a great visit. We are staying with the Simmonds family in Pappilion while we are here, and the hospitality is first class. I wish you all a good day and a Happy New Year. I hope to pass on good news from here on out, I have the faith. Bring on 2011, farewell to 2010, it has been some journey.
Love,
Trish
I am about 15 minutes from completing my second Thymo (ATG) treatment. Once again my body has tolerated it very well, and I have had no adverse reactions. My liver function numbers have improved once again. My AST went from 127 to 81, ALT 223 to 179, Bilirubin 3.3 to 1.9, WBC 17.5-7.5 which is a normal value. They seem very pleased with these improvements. It has been a long day for the kids in a small room, but they did survive, as did mom. Thank goodness for computers and a netflix account. Tomorrow we will come back to the UNMC treatment center for central line care and more labs. My next treatment will be saturday, and they will diffuse it in 4 hours instead of 6. We were fortunate to have Larry's cousin Gary bring us all a wonderful lunch, and stay for a great visit. We are staying with the Simmonds family in Pappilion while we are here, and the hospitality is first class. I wish you all a good day and a Happy New Year. I hope to pass on good news from here on out, I have the faith. Bring on 2011, farewell to 2010, it has been some journey.
Love,
Trish
Power of Prayer - December 29, 2010
Greetings to all,
The power of prayer is a wonderful thing. I had my first Thymoglobulin treatment last night which infused over a 12 hour span, and it went wonderfully. The worst part was the blood pressure cuff inflating every 15 mins for 12 hours, which makes sleeping a challenge. I had no side affects from the long list that they gave me before administering it, which was a huge blessing. I have to admit I was a little scared, and I don't think I scare easy. The Thymo meds can come from the thymus glands of rabbits or horses, even though my heart is partial to the horse, my bag hanging on my IV pole stated rabbit right on the bag. Hey if it works, I can love rabbits too. I even had carrots for lunch.
After my liver biopsy yesterday I had them cap my IV thinking that if I was readmitted they wouldn't have to start another IV. It was a good thought, but the treatment is quite potent and if they infuse it through the vein in my arm it can damage the vein, as well as my arm. So before my treatments could begin they had to insert a central line into my subclavian vein, located near my clavicle. It will remain there until my treatments are over. My next treatment will be tomorrow, then maybe saturday and monday. The good news is they are releasing me from the hospital and I will come in as an outpatient for labs and the Thymo treatment at the Lied Transplant Center. They will be infusing the treatment over a shorter time tomorrow, and that can make a difference on how I react to the meds. But I am confident that I will do fine. My liver functions looked much better today after only the one dose, so that is very encouraging. I am learning the meaning of patience, but I think I may be a slow learner. I am working on my installs coming up, and trying to be organized so when the time comes I can get back to work. Or make it easier on the one who will fill in for me. It is really tough to sit here and have them convince me I am sick, I feel really good.
Thank you all for those wonderful prayers and support that are such a huge blessing in my life. You all give me so much hope, which allows me to overcome that dreaded fear that creeps up every now and again. I am just trying to convince this liver that we can get along. During my biopsy yesterday, Dr. Shaffer let Larry and the kids stay in and watch. Peyton chose to stay back a ways when he saw how long the needle was, and give me a thumbs up. But you will not be surprised to learn, Gracie stood right behind the doctor holding the band-aid. They both lift me up everyday.
All My Love,
Trish
The power of prayer is a wonderful thing. I had my first Thymoglobulin treatment last night which infused over a 12 hour span, and it went wonderfully. The worst part was the blood pressure cuff inflating every 15 mins for 12 hours, which makes sleeping a challenge. I had no side affects from the long list that they gave me before administering it, which was a huge blessing. I have to admit I was a little scared, and I don't think I scare easy. The Thymo meds can come from the thymus glands of rabbits or horses, even though my heart is partial to the horse, my bag hanging on my IV pole stated rabbit right on the bag. Hey if it works, I can love rabbits too. I even had carrots for lunch.
After my liver biopsy yesterday I had them cap my IV thinking that if I was readmitted they wouldn't have to start another IV. It was a good thought, but the treatment is quite potent and if they infuse it through the vein in my arm it can damage the vein, as well as my arm. So before my treatments could begin they had to insert a central line into my subclavian vein, located near my clavicle. It will remain there until my treatments are over. My next treatment will be tomorrow, then maybe saturday and monday. The good news is they are releasing me from the hospital and I will come in as an outpatient for labs and the Thymo treatment at the Lied Transplant Center. They will be infusing the treatment over a shorter time tomorrow, and that can make a difference on how I react to the meds. But I am confident that I will do fine. My liver functions looked much better today after only the one dose, so that is very encouraging. I am learning the meaning of patience, but I think I may be a slow learner. I am working on my installs coming up, and trying to be organized so when the time comes I can get back to work. Or make it easier on the one who will fill in for me. It is really tough to sit here and have them convince me I am sick, I feel really good.
Thank you all for those wonderful prayers and support that are such a huge blessing in my life. You all give me so much hope, which allows me to overcome that dreaded fear that creeps up every now and again. I am just trying to convince this liver that we can get along. During my biopsy yesterday, Dr. Shaffer let Larry and the kids stay in and watch. Peyton chose to stay back a ways when he saw how long the needle was, and give me a thumbs up. But you will not be surprised to learn, Gracie stood right behind the doctor holding the band-aid. They both lift me up everyday.
All My Love,
Trish
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