post-transplant UPDATES
03/22 7:30 AM - I awoke this morning to a slight chill in the air, so I turned the furnace on as I walked down the hallway and then I peeked my head outside to get a sense of whether it was really that cold or not. As I opened the door I was greeted by one of my favorite springtime treats - bird song! The air was full of melody. It sounded like a huge orchestra had gathered in my back yard to put a sound score to the rising of the morning sun.
The air was beautifully crisp; not too warm, not too cold - the skyline was highlighted by shades of blue and orange and purple. The newly greening grass seemed to stand at attention in tribute to the song being sung overhead and in awe of the magnificent tapestry woven so perfectly in the sky.
"Let every thing that has breath praise the LORD." (Psalm 150:6); Sing to him; sing praises to him; tell of all his wondrous works!" (1 Chronicles 16:9) ; "Make a joyful noise to the LORD, all the earth; break forth into joyous song and sing praises!" - (Psalm 98:4)
So it was, as I gazed upon the scenery about me I saw creation singing it's praises to God. The sun, the sky, the clouds, the trees, the birds, the grass, the breeze; all offering their individual praises in harmony together to the God who made them and sustains them. If one ever questions the reality of God, you would need look no further than at the creation about you to see His magnificent finger at work in everything your eyes behold. Man, with all his wisdom and technology could never produce such an amazing masterpiece; each note sung, perfectly in tune; each color blending seamlessly together, never clashing. Perfect harmony and unity, fulfilling their God ordained purpose - to praise him; to exalt him; and to be even a spokesman inviting us to the same privileged purpose; to Glorify and Magnify the name of our God and our Lord.
So, what more could I say as I stood beholding this early morning worship service, but to say, Amen, Amen, and Amen. God bless.
03/18 7:45 PM - The result of the biopsy came in today and they were not what was expected. On 1/28, the first level of rejection was recorded at a 1-A. Each biopsy since then has held this level. Yesterday's biopsy showed a level 1-B, which means the rejection issue has increased a stage. While this is not the direction we should be going, it is still a medicine related issue - finding the right level of anti-rejection medication.
We ask for your prayers for this matter to resolve itself. We were reminded recently that despite the fact that Kelli is for all intents and purposed doing extremely well, the reality is she is only 72 days out of transplant - this is still very early. Thank you all for your continued prayers.
03/17 6:45 PM - Kelli's biopsy went well today; as always won't know the results until tomorrow. However, one thing especially important about this biopsy is the results will determine whether or not they begin to reduce some of the medicine she is on - in particular - PREDNISONE!!!! If her results remain the same or have improved from last time, they will begin to taper the prednisone. This is a good thing....a VERY GOOD THING....I will post the result of Kelli's biopsy tomorrow.
We stopped in to visit Victoria today and checkup on her to see how she's doing in these first wee hours of her new heart. They tell us she is doing well. She was sleeping and we could only see her through the glass (how familiar that was). Continue to pray for her that her recovery is swift and any bumps are only minor.
03/15 8:25 AM - I've been at my computer for an hour or so this morning when Kelli opens the door to the basement and yells my name. Suddenly panicked I ran upstairs to see what was going on - heart racing - I haven't received a panicked cry like that for some time now. I reached the top step and flung open the door and Kelli stood in the hall, tears welling up in her eyes and she joyfully exclaimed, "VICTORIA GOT HER HEART!!!!"
Immediately overwhelmed with relief, I was instantly overwhelmed with excitement and joy at the news! Victoria is the young lady who has been living in the hospital awaiting transplant since the time Kelli had been in the hospital back for her transplant.
We are so happy for you Victoria! We pray your recovery is swift and thank God for all His blessings. Your renewed future awaits you and your family.
Thank you everyone for your prayers as you have held Victoria and her family up before God, please continue to do so as she enters this first stage of her new life.
03/05 5:30 AM - Kelli's check up yesterday earned her another clean bill of health. An echocardiogram revealed that there is no more fluid build up in the pericardial sac and the once worrisome leaky valve continues to show the improvements desired. Physical therapy sessions are showing to bring great improvements to physical agility and special treatment given to the area of swelling at the ICD incision has proven to reduce the swelling dramatically. So, the road to recovery continues full steam ahead.
